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New EDUs for WOC by 2027? County pursuing grant to expand Mystic Harbour

PHOTO COURTESY JANET HOUGH

WOLF MOON The color ring around the Jan. 25 full moon was the result of light reflecting off the moon and then being broken apart by ice crystals in the clouds, the same way sunlight and raindrops create rainbows. The full moon in January is known as the Wolf Moon for reasons that remain unclear.

Worcester County goes after a $6.5 million grant to help pay for a major expansion of the Mystic Harbour district plant. If successful, that would solve Diakonia’s service needs ... three years from now. — PAGE 7

Livable wage law

YOUR COMMUNITY

Restaurants feeling heat

Pending retirement:

Possibility of tipped wage legislation passing worries resort restaurants Legislature’s livable wage measure would push base pay for waitstaff up to $15 an hour and eliminate the tip credit for employers. That, local restaurateurs

say, could lead to higher menu prices, slower service and possibly service charges. Associate Editor Bethany Hooper takes a look. — PAGE 4

Calvin B. Taylor Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Raymond M. Thompson will retire at the end of this year. — 52

Habitat relocating: The Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County’s ReStore is relocating to Ocean Pines’ Manklin Station. — 35

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Between the Lines By Steve Green During the recent book ban discussions at the Worcester County Board of Education meeting as well as across the state and country, it seemed inevitable there may be some legislation introduced on the topic. A review of newly introduced legislation in the Maryland General Assembly this week shows at least one bill being weighed on the topic in favor of not restricting access to books of a perceived sensitive nature in school libraries. Del. Dana Jones of Anne Arundel County said this week she worked with Senate Majority Leader Nancy King and House Speaker Adrienne Jones on the legislation marketed as the “Freedom to Read Act,” officially filed as House Bill 785 and Senate Bill 738. It appears the legislation has been worked on privately for months prior to introduction, including input from teachers across the state. The 19-page legislation essentially seeks to empower the State Library Board to appoint a State Librarian and “exercise general direction and control of library development in this State.” The legislation reads, “It is the goal of the state that each library is operated in a manner that recognizes the following standards: (1) library materials, services, and resources exist and should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all persons the library serves; (2) a library should not exclude material from its catalogue because of the origin, background, or views of a person who created the material; and (3) a library should not prohibit or remove material from its catalogue because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” The legislation had its first reading in the Ways and Means Committee on Jan. 31. Oftentimes, first-year legislative efforts are unsuccessful, such as last year’s push for the mechanism to increase the room tax rate for lower shore counties and the previous attempt to get a special event zone passed for the former H20i event, but this appears to have a good shot as it has Democratic leadership support from both the House and Senate. §§§ For many of us, it’s a shock to know many people in Worcester County do not have access to internet in their homes. It’s not just the rural areas of the county either, but often houses within just a couple miles of municipalities that struggle daily with high-speed connections. For those folks, streaming shows or even checking emails on computers are basically impossible. It was big news to learn this week a majority of the 6,400 homes without high-speed access in the county three years ago will soon be served with broadband, thanks to county and private partnerships. The full story in this week’s issue has more information. The need for high-speed internet has long been a goal of county officials with several commissioners over the last 20 years, including long-time Commissioner Virgil Shockley, frequently advocating for their districts. Current Commissioners Jim Bunting, Ted Elder and Diana Purnell have broached the subject often in recent years. Purnell said this week, “Worcester County is coming into modern times.” Commission President Chip Bertino added, “I don’t want it to be lost when we started this project, this government expected we’d be spending in excess of $50 million to do this and we committed that we would do this because we felt it was so important. Because of your efforts and efforts of these contractors and our partners in this as well as our staff… we got it down to $96,000 and we’re almost done. That is absolutely fantastic.” §§§ The fall special events calendar in Ocean City has been overhauled in recent years. The first Oceans Calling Festival last September resulted in some events being moved, most notably Sunfest being pushed to later in October. Though change is tough, Sunfest being an October event has been accepted. After seeing the magnitude of the inaugural Oceans Calling Festival last year, it was obvious a late October Sunfest was a practical and logistical necessity. This week, the Ocean City Mayor and Council reviewed a term sheet for the first-ever Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl for Oct. 18-20. The event will join a solid stretch of activities for September and October. After Labor Day weekend will come Wine on the Beach, Sept. 6-7; OC Bike Fest, Sept. 11-15; no huge events the next weekend; C3 Presents’ Oceans Calling Music Festival, Sept. 2729; a second music fest will potentially be sponsored by C3 Presents and has been said unofficially to have a country focus, Oct. 4-6; Cruisin weekend, Oct. 10-13; smaller events, Oct. 18-19; Sunfest, Oct. 24-27; and the second RV and lifestyle show, Oct. 31-Nov. 3. It’s a busy stretch of events. During this week’s discussion of the new monster truck event, the council voted to pursue a partnership with the promoter to fill an open weekend on the October calendar. It’s predicted about 3,500 people will attend each of the three days. Though the event was discussed broadly late last year, some specifics were released this week. The event will be hosted on a portion of the inlet parking lot with a pit area, arena and grandstands north of the Wicomico Street Pier. Participants are expected to come from professional race teams, and the promoter is responsible for racecourse layout and overall operations.

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Tip credit measure has restaurants feeling high heat Operators say they could be forced to raise prices to cover increase, while service might also suffer Bethany Hooper Associate Editor ndustry leaders are following a bill that will affect not only tipped workers in the local hospitality sector, but their employers as well. In January, Maryland legislators introduced a bill that will, among other things, increase the minimum wage for tipped workers to $15 and eliminate the state’s tip credit model. While proponents believe the legislation will improve working conditions in the service sector, those in opposition argue it could lead to higher menu prices, layoffs and reduced working hours, among other things. “Elimination of the tipped credit would have a devastating effect on our industry,” said Susan Jones, executive director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association. “It would lead to terrible service, as there is no incentive to be nice or extra helpful, and there would be more fast-casual service restaurants pop up with laptop ordering and only a food-runner.” Last year, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed into law the Fair Wage

Act of 2023, increasing the minimum hourly wage to $15. However, the legislation excludes tipped employees, who currently hold an hourly minimum wage of $3.63. To that end, at the start of this year’s session of

t h e Maryland General Assembly, lawmakers introduced the One Fair Wage Act of 2024, a bill to increase the minimum hourly wage of tipped workers to $15. In addition to the wage increase, the legislation also proposes an elimination of Maryland’s tip credit provision, which applies an employee’s gratuities into the minimum wage requirement. The bill has the backing of several lawmakers, as well as service workers, labor unions, justice organizations and small business owners. One Fair Wage, a national organization to end subminimum wages in the United States, reports the current minimum wage for tipped employees

affects m o r e t h a n 100,000 Maryland workers, particularly women and people of color. “With the pandemic, tens of thousands of these workers are refusing to work for subminimum wages, and hundreds of Maryland restaurants are raising wages to recruit staff, but many Maryland restaurateurs are finding that these workers will not return without policy guaranteeing a full minimum wage with tips on top,” a statement from the One Fair Wage website reads. “With industry-wide wage increases, there is national momentum for change.” The organization noted that other states and Washington, D.C., have

raised the minimum wage for tipped workers, creating an even greater staffing crisis for Maryland restaurants. “Advancing policy to support these restaurant workers and owners by ending the subminimum wage for tipped workers would positively impact an overall restaurant industry of over 185,000 workers in Maryland,” the statement reads. At the local level, however, industry leaders and business owners are sharing concerns over the One Fair Wage Act. For her part, Jones said it would have an adverse impact on Ocean City’s hospitality sector. “At no point is a tipped employee making less than the $15/hr. minimum wage,” she said. “The law already states that the employer must make up the difference if tips from their shift do not bring the employee to the minimum wage threshold. Nationally, tipped positions generate much more than minimum wage, and locally, for some it is even higher than the national average.” Amy Thompson, executive director of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, agreed. She noted the hourly range of a tipped employee in the Ocean City area is between $17 and $50. “The existing tip credit model in Ocean City has allowed single parents to earn a living wage and has enabled women and minority bartenders, servers, and other tipped workers to have incomes three times higher than our county average,” she said. “Enacting this bill would set these families back.” Chad Olenchick, part owner and operator of Cabanas Beach Bar & Grille, said he and his business partners are in favor of saving the tip credit. He said the increase in the minimum wage for tipped workers would lead to higher menu pricing and added services charges. “Tipping is at the discretion of the consumer, period,” he said. “Taking the humanistic approach, the restaurant industry is unique. It offers up many part time positions where single parent homes or struggling families can work minimal hours and See RESTAURANT Page 8

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OVER $46.6 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2023 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203

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301 14TH STREET #302 OCEAN CITY • $695,000 Stunning 3-bedroom 3.5 bath luxury condo in Laguna Vista hits the market! As you walk in the front door, you will immediately fall in love with the large open floor plan and coastal decor. The gourmet kitchen features an abundance of cabinets, beautiful tile backsplash, granite countertops and center island with stainless steel appliances. Off the kitchen is a beautiful dining area where you will enjoy meals with family and friends. The dining room flows nicely into the large family area for relaxing and entertaining, and there is a gas fireplace for winter nights. The family room has a glass slider to a covered deck with southern exposure. The famous White Marlin tournament is right next-door, and you have a great view from your balcony. The primary bedroom ensuite is spacious and faces the water as well. There's also a slider off the primary bedroom to the balcony. The other two bedrooms are private as well. There's also a separate entrance to those two bedrooms off the foyer so one of them could serve as a second primary bedroom. The HVAC was just replaced. This condo is well taken care of, and the amenities in the condo building include an indoor heated pool and an open yearround exercise room. The condo is just three blocks to the beach and boardwalk. This well-maintained condo is being sold fully furnished and shows pride of ownership. Come take a look today before it's sold. MDWO2018458

733 BRADLEY ROAD • OCEAN CITY • $3,200,000 Luxury 5BR/6BA/2HBA Bayfront home with pool hits the market! This luxury home has 145 feet of water frontage with direct bay views and offers southern exposure. As you walk in the front door of this lovely home you will immediately fall in love with the attention to details and upgrades throughout. An elegant foyer with marble flooring greets you as you enter with your eyes drawn to the beautiful Bayfront views and the swimming pool in the courtyard. On the first level you will find a kitchen designed for access in and out to the pool area with plenty of seating and room for entertaining family and friends. Also on the first floor, you will find a Bay front office or playroom for the kids. This home is complete with a home elevator so either take the spiraling stairs to the second level or take the elevator up to the second level.You will be mesmerized by the amazing Bayfront views and endless sunsets this home offers. There are 6 decks off the home for privacy. On the second level you will find a professional chef’s kitchen complete with large center island, high end appliances and plenty of cabinet space adjoining a beautiful, spacious dining room overlooking the bay. The family room is also complete with a gas fireplace for chilly winter nights, making this the perfect home for year-round living or a vacation home. Also, on this floor, you will find a second office, home theater room, or game room. On the third level you will enjoy waking up to the endless water views from your primary bedroom. The primary bath has custom finishes throughout with extensive tile work. The primary bedroom also has a fireplace for romantic evenings and relaxing. Also on this floor are three additional bedrooms, which are spacious and separated nicely from the primary bedroom. This home is over 6000 ft.² and is one of the few Bayfront homes available on the market. So, if you’re looking for a home at the beach, also offering all the thrill of the day with attention to detail look no further. Come take a look at 733 Bradley Rd. today before it’s sold! MDWO2014714

NORTH OC CONDO with DEEDED BOAT SLIP

WATERFRONT HOME AT REFUGE DERRICKSON CREEK OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 12:30-2:30PM

204 N HERON DR #2048C OCEAN CITY • $425,000

36939 CREEKHAVEN DR • SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 • $835,000

This beautiful 2BR/2BA condo with deeded boat slip #23 is in Seascape in the fabulous community of Heron Harbour. This larger corner model is rarely available for sale. It has two primary bedrooms each with its own full bath. This condo comes furnished ready for your immediate enjoyment. When you walk in you will fall in love with the floor plan with a townhouse feel. There is an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and white kitchen cabinets. The dining room is directly off the kitchen that flows into a spacious living area. The family room has vaulted ceilings and is a great place for family time and entertaining with friends. This condo has an oversized primary bedroom. The second bedroom is on the next level and has a full bath and oversized closet. There is a full deck off the family room, perfect to enjoy an outdoor meal. There is also an outdoor storage closet off the deck. You will love the deeded boat slip that conveys with the property. Offered with a oneyear AHS warranty. Heron Harbour is amenity rich with two outdoor pools, an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, fitness center, social room, sauna, locker room, two Har-Tru tennis courts, sidewalks, and piers. Enjoy your boat, fishing, crabbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding all directly out your back door. You are very close to shopping, restaurants, and the beach. Come take a look before it's SOLD! MDWO2018196

Stunning 4BR/4.5 bath home in the Refuge at Derickson Creek hits the market! This meticulously maintained home backs up to the pond, has peek of the Bay and is located approximately three miles from Fenwick Island beach. As you walk through the front door you will immediately see the attention to detail. There is an upgraded kitchen with breakfast bar, Quartz countertops, beautiful tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinet space. The kitchen opens into the dining area. Friends and family will enjoy meals there together and will make memories that last a lifetime. The spacious family room, with a beautiful gas fireplace, is off the dining area and is a perfect gathering place for entertaining family and friends. There’s a wonderful, enclosed sunroom with a glass slider to the paver patio deck and beautiful back yard. There’s also a flex room on the first floor that could be used as an office. The primary bedroom suite is located on the first floor and is oversized and has a beautiful full en suite bath. You will enjoy the water views from your primary bedroom. The laundry room is also on the first floor. You will love the first-floor hardwood floors, tile, woodworking, upgraded lighting and upgraded carpet throughout. The hardwood floors continue to the second level. There is a spacious second family room on this level and there are three additional bedrooms all with en suite baths. This is the perfect home for everyone to enjoy. There is a two-car garage, covered front porch, and outside shower. Every room in this house has a view of the pond and a peek of the Bay. The Refuge is an amenity rich community with a large inviting outdoor pool w/separate wading pool for kids, a clubhouse with an exercise/workout room, tennis courts, basketball court, volleyball court and playground. In the Refuge you get to enjoy the scenic views and native wildfowl of Derickson Creek and the Delaware Inland bays. Come take a look today before it's SOLD! DESU2052970

OCEAN 2 BR/2BA CONDO OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 10AM-NOON

MID-TOWN 3BR/3.5 BA RIVENDELL CONDOMINIUM with WATER VIEWS! OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 12:30-2:30PM

1 66TH ST UNIT 101 • OCEAN CITY • $499,900

121 81ST ST UNIT 706 • OCEAN CITY • $815,000

Stunning 2BR/2BA condo one back from the beach hits the market! This condo is located on 66th street in an ocean block building. The sellers have made many recent upgrades, installing luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, new microwave, new refrigerator, new stove, new dishwasher, new exterior HVAC unit, toilets and kitchen faucet within the last three years. The decks also were tiled in 2019 and the glass sliders leading to the deck were also replaced within the last five years. This would make a great second home or investment property and is being sold fully furnished and ready for your immediate enjoyment. This is one of the best values at the beach - fully furnished and only one back from the ocean. As you walk through the front door, you will see an inviting living room for entertaining family and friends. There is a dining area off the kitchen with glass sliders leading to a huge covered deck with recently tiled floor. You can hear the waves break from the deck. This is a first floor unit but it's an elevated building so the height off the street is equivalent to a second floor unit. This condo has two large bedrooms and two full baths so there's plenty of room for family and friends. The condo is in walking distance to many restaurants, stores, shops and a supermarket, so once you're here you don’t have to move your car, but the condo is conveniently located to the route 90 bridge, making coming and going a joy. Come take a look today before this amazing property is sold. This condo association is well managed by Mann Properties. MLS MDWO2016172

RESIDENTIAL LOT

WATERSIDE DRIVE BERLIN • $475,000 Are you looking to build your dream home? Look no further than this beautiful residential lot in the community of South Point Farms. This beautiful building lot is in a prime location on the corner with beautiful bay views. The lot is approximately 2.76 acres and it’s located off 611 in Berlin Maryland. At the entrance of South Point Farms is a public boat ramp and public pier with water access for boating fishing, crabbing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. If you are looking for a peaceful, tranquil location with unbelievable Bay views this is the prime spot. There are multiple world-class golf courses close by and Assateague National and State Park as well for days on the beach. No builder tie in required. Come take a look today and enjoy the good life on South Point Farms! MDWO2014122

Stunning three-bedroom 3.5 bath condo at the Rivendell hits the market! This beautiful condo is being sold furnished and it's ready for your immediate enjoyment. You’ll be mesmerized by the waterfront views. You can actually watch both the sunrise and the sunset without ever leaving this condo. The kitchen is sure to delight the chef in your family with its granite countertops, custom cabinets and plenty of workspace. Off the kitchen is the family room and dining area where you will enjoy family meals and make memories that last a lifetime. The family room is great for entertaining and has a gas fireplace for chilly times in fall and winter. There’s also a wet bar for relaxing and having cocktails with friends. You can see the Ocean and Bay from the primary bedroom suite and the primary bath is luxurious with a tile Jacuzzi tub, shower and double vanities. The other two bedrooms are spacious as well and each have their own en suite bathroom. There is also a half bath off the family room. There’s a separate laundry room with washer and dryer and plenty of storage. Privacy is ensured with good separation between the primary bedroom and the other two bedrooms. There are large balconies where you can enjoy your morning coffee and a cold drink in the evening. The Rivendell has an indoor pool, outdoor pool and a fitness center, and the Hobbit restaurant is located in the building as well. This condo is located in Midtown on 81st St. and there is a traffic light at the intersection so crossing the street is very easy. There are plenty of stores, restaurants and shops in the area. There is a parking garage and secure access to the building. Come take a look today and make this beautiful property yours. This is a non-rental building so you will make friends and know your neighbors. MLS MDWO2017698

COMMERCIAL

34862 WEST LINE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $3,900,000 Commercial Site in Prime Location hits the Market! 2.36 acres on the corner of RT 54 and W. Line Rd in Selbyville DE. This location is directly across from Yellowfins Restaurant and shopping center on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528

COMMERCIAL

32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD SELBYVILLE, DE • $7,900,000 Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 10.09 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? LET'S CONNECT TO BEGIN THE PROCESS TODAY! The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal veriﬁcation. Real estate 2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents afﬁliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

County seeks $6.5M grant for sewer in Mystic Harbour Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 2, 2-24) Worcester County is seeking a $6.5 million grant to expand a wastewater treatment plant in West Ocean City. Though county officials are planning to ask the Town of Ocean City for sewer capacity, in the meantime staff have submitted a grant application for $6.5 million to expand the Mystic Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant. There’s currently a list of property owners in the service area waiting to develop, unable to do so because there is no sewer capacity. County staff say they’re trying to improve the situation but there are complex issues involved. “The challenge is striking a balance between addressing the issues quickly and addressing them in such a way as to minimize the impact to rate payers,” said Dallas Baker, the county’s director of public works. In January, the Worcester County Commissioners voted not to approve Diakonia’s plan to acquire sewer capacity from the Town of Ocean City. The nonprofit, which has provided emergency housing, food assistance and other resources to those in need in the Ocean City area since the 1970s, has to have the

capacity in order to expand services with a new facility on Route 611. The commissioners did agree to have county staff start discussions with Ocean City officials regarding the possibility of the town granting the county sewer capacity, since there is none available in the Mystic Harbour service area. According to Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs, there are currently five properties, including Diakonia, waiting for capacity. Local attorney Hugh Cropper represents some of those property owners. He said they’re understandably frustrated by the situation. “They’re in limbo,” he said. One of the properties that hasn’t been able to get EDUs is on Route 611 next to the Shrimp Boat. There, a developer wants to build a brewery. “He has site plan approval,” Cropper said. “What a great repurposing and revitalization of what used to be an industrial property.” While Cropper maintains the county could make some changes to free up some EDUs at Mystic Harbour, Mitchell said any EDUs remaining at the plant have been committed. He said staff advises deSee APPLICATION Page 9

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Restaurant association opposes legislation Continued from Page 4 make ends meet. I cannot speak for all restaurant/bar owners but if you don’t feel a sense of pride when your tipped employees do well you’ve lost connection.” While he acknowledged the elimination of the tip credit could benefit some restaurant models, The Hobbit Restaurant owner Garvey Heiderman said it would hurt most businesses. He argued the legislation, if passed, would impact not only employees’ wages, but the customer experience. “You have to make up for it somewhere, and that cost gets passed on to the customer,” he said. “Given inflation, people don’t want to see menu prices go up anymore.” Heiderman said decisions on employee wages should rest with the

businesses. “It should be the restaurant’s decision,” he said. “Legislators shouldn’t be meddling in our business and making decisions for us. They already do enough of that.” The concerns of local industry leaders and business owners have also been shared by the Restaurant Association of Maryland, which issued a letter to the General Assembly on the proposed elimination of the tip credit. The advocacy group argued a restaurant worker’s earnings would decrease without the tip credit. “The Restaurant Association of Maryland strongly opposes legislation that would eliminate or reduce the tip credit because of the negative consequences it would have on tipped employee earnings, restaurant operators, and customers,” the letter

reads. “State and local policymakers in Maryland have consistently preserved the tip credit. Over the years, the General Assembly has considered legislation that would have phased out the tip credit statewide, but it failed to pass because of strong opposition from tipped employees and restaurant operators. Servers and bartenders have repeatedly urged lawmakers to reject such proposals because they earn significantly more money under the current tipping system.” In a statement last week, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said she had heard from several business owners and restaurant employees in the Ocean City area prior to the start of this year’s General Assembly session. She said she was working with industry representatives in opposing the

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legislation. “As a consistent and vocal opponent on repeated legislative efforts to change current tipped wages for employees, I constantly hear from local restaurant operators, servers, bartenders, and other restaurant employees on their strong and repeated opposition to this legislation,” she said. “At the end of December before the start of session, I made the rounds to several restaurants recognizing their milestone anniversaries – 60 years for Happy Jack Pancake House; 50 years for the Bonfire; and 40 years for Fish Tales. At these stops, both employees and employers brought up their continued and strong opposition to this legislation, and some are more than willing to come to Annapolis to testify in strong opposition as many local restaurant operators and employees have done in the past. “I will continue to work with Susan Jones and her Ocean City Hotel/Motel/Restaurant Association on coordinating efforts to defeat this legislation again this session. I grew up in the restaurant business in Ocean City as a server, and my tips were essential to helping pay my college tuition, and I am hearing from many current employees who want to keep the current tip wages in place and want this legislation defeated.” A General Assembly hearing on the proposed One Fair Wage Act of 2024 will be held Feb. 14.

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Calendar ..............................31 Classifieds ..........................42 Crossword ............................30 Dining Guide ........................27 Editoral/Letters....................62 Entertainment ......................28 Horoscope ............................26 Obituaries ............................66 Police/Crime........................49 Public Notices ......................45 Sports ..................................68 NEWS INQUIRIES: editor@oceancitytoday.net SALES INQUIRIES: sales@oceancitytoday.net CLASSIFIEDS: classifieds@oceancitytoday.net 410-723-6397 Published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City Md 21842

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Application issued last week to MDE for project funding Continued from Page 7 velopers when they come in with projects that there’s not currently any available capacity at the Mystic Harbour plant. He said there wasn’t a surplus of land remaining to be developed in that area anyway. “The corridor has limited development potential,” he said. In an effort to begin addressing the lack of capacity in Mystic Harbour, last week, the county submitted an application to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for a $6.5 million grant for design and construction funds to expand the plant’s effluent disposal capacity. MDE is expected to announce grant awards in late summer. If the county does get the grant, it will still be years before EDUs are available. Baker said design would likely take a year because of all the surveying required, while permitting would take another six months and construction could take up to a year. “So mid-2027 is a rough estimate,” Baker said. He pointed out the project was not to expand the plant’s ability to treat wastewater but rather to expand its ability to dispose of treated wastewater, as that is the limiting factor at Mystic Harbour. “The plant’s primary method of disposing of treated effluent has always been injection wells,” Baker said. “The wells dispose of treated water by injecting it into the ground in the space between the top of the groundwater table and the bottom of the ground surface. That space varies depending on the season and the amount of rainfall received.” The injection wells have proven to be problematic, however, and the county in recent years has moved toward spray irrigation. “After upgrading Mystic Harbour, in 2006, the county expanded the effluent disposal capacity by adding spray irrigation at the Eagles Landing Golf Course,” Baker said. “Even with that addition, the plant has always been able to treat more than it can dispose of. The project we’re discussing will increase the disposal capacity further.” Essentially, staff are hoping that if the county gets the MDE grant, it would be able to design and install more than 3 miles of piping to pump treated effluent from Mystic Harbour to an existing storage lagoon at the Riddle Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant. Baker said the plant has a currently underused 33-million-gallon lagoon that holds effluent before it is sprayed on the Glen Riddle golf courses. www.oceancitytoday.com

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY/DISPATCH

Ocean City Council members and Mayor Rick Meehan discuss recommendations to raise water and wastewater rates to support operations and capital improvements during a work session Tuesday.

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Ocean City eyes utility rate increases following study By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 2, 2024) Proposed increases to Ocean City’s water and wastewater rates will advance following a presentation this week. On Tuesday, NewGen Strategies and Solutions Partner Eric Callocchia presented the Mayor and Council with the results of a five-year water and wastewater rate study. He said the report featured recommended rate increases that would support operations and capital improvements over the coming years. “We need to operate these systems 24 hours a day,” he said. “How do we do that? By balancing the costs and the burden to your customers.” Callocchia said his company completed a study of Ocean City’s water and wastewater systems in 2019 and had forecasted operating expenses and capital costs over a five-year period. He noted, however, that the current study showed increases in both. “So our recommendations last

time were reasonable based on the information we had then,” he said. “Our recommendations now are reasonable based on the information we have now.” Callocchia told officials this week his firm was recommending water rate increases of 7% in fiscal year 2025, 5% in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, and 3% in fiscal years 2028 and 2029. Under wastewater, NewGen recommended rate increases of 5% in fiscal year 2025 and 3% for the years that follow. “We’re forecasting that these rate increases will result in a sustainable five-year forecast of revenues to support the expense forecast that we developed in the first step in the study,” he said. Callocchia said under the proposed rate increases, customers can expect to see higher water and wastewater bills. He said the average quarterly bill would increase from $227 to $277 by the end of fiscal year 2029. See WATER Page 12

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

advances Water, wastewater rates to go up Council special event fee Continued from Page 10 “It’s on average $10 per year,” he said. “It’s slightly frontloaded. You can see the first year would be a $15 per quarter increase, $5 a month. And by the end of our forecast, it’s about $8 per quarter.” Callocchia said the rate study data relied on the town’s operating and maintenance budgets, capital plans, current debt amortization schedules and customer usage, as well as future improvements and minimum recommended reserves. “We want to make sure we’re not just breaking even, we are putting away some money in our fund balance year to year to protect against rate shock and needing to increase rates,” he said. “So our recommendation is based on two things, 60 days of operating expenses in the bank at

all times and 2% of the book value of your assets. Essentially as your asset value grows, we want to make sure we have more in capital reserves to fund the replacement and rehabilitation of those assets.” Callocchia said under the current water and wastewater rates, with expenses increasing, fund balances would be depleted by fiscal year 2029. He said the new rates would keep water and wastewater fund balances above the recommended minimum requirement. “Again, this is assuming you adopt those rate increases,” he said. Councilman John Gehrig noted that under the recommended wastewater rates, the projected fund balance would continue to decline, even though it remains above the mini-

mum requirement. He questioned why the firm hadn’t suggested a larger wastewater rate increase. Callocchia said a larger increase would have a greater impact on customers. He noted, however, that the recommended increases would keep the fund balance above minimum requirements. “So in a perspective of both utilities and given the fund balance over that sort of minimum recommendation, we sort of plan to have that increase not quite cash flow positive, but enough to sustain this fund balance over that minimum, over the five years,” he explained. After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to move forward with a resolution on the proposed water and wastewater rate increases.

structure change By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 2, 2024) Resort officials are one step closer to implementing a new special event fee structure. On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to approve revisions to the town’s private events policy and to move forward with a new fee structure that was introduced last fall. Special Events Director Frank Miller told officials this week the revisions, which focus on permit requests and town-owned equipment and labor usage for private events, were the first to be made since 2014. “As you may recall, back in September the council had approved our fee structure, our application fee, space use fees, cost recovery, and so forth,” he said. “What we’re bringing in front of you today is the policy and procedure definitions and documentation that will replace what we had initially put into place back in 2014. So this is the first major revamp we’ve done since that time.” In a work session last fall, the council voted to move forward with a revised special event fee structure and to bring back those changes in the form of a resolution. As part of that process, staff this week presented officials with revised policies and procedures that reflect the new fees and approval processes and update equipment and labor usage fees as it relates to private events. Miller told the council Tuesday changes to the manual include the introduction of a tier-based special event model, new late fees and new submission deadlines, among other things. “Our procedural section has changed,” he said. “This is the first time we’re actually including real costs.” Miller said the revised manual also changes how the labor costs are tracked. “For tiers three and four, the cost of labor will be billed for specialized staffing needs based on event requirements and as dictated by event site scope of work,” he said. “So we’re defining now what costs get applied and what doesn’t.” Miller noted that if an event producer requests a shuttle service, or if multiple fire marshals are required on site, it would be billed based on hours. “Things that wouldn’t be covered are things like unplanned, unscheduled storm cleanup, the police adding staff for issues on streets during See CHANGES Page 14

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

Changes to go into effect in mid-February Continued from Page 12 events,” he explained. “So if we have things going on in the general streets during the event that’s not billable. And it’s also been defined that those types of costs that are not billable no longer will be tracked using the specific event project code.” For his part, Councilman John Gehrig said he didn’t want to see the town charge itself for labor. Officials said the revised manual addressed his concerns. “This tries to clean up and make clear to the departments what you

should and should not be charging or tracking through the event code,” City Manager Terry McGean said. “These were not in the policy in the past.” Gehrig also questioned the new submission deadline that was incorporated into the policy and asked if staff was willing to make exceptions for certain events. Miller said staff would be open to providing some leeway in the revised manual. “We’re going to look at every opportunity,” Miller replied. “And if the opportunity comes to us and it’s very

turnkey and can be done in a short period of time, it’s going to be an exception to the rule. But we will look at every opportunity, and if it’s an opportunity for the town we’re going to entertain it.” McGean said he had no problems providing some leniency in terms of the application deadline. He did, however, insist that the town implement penalties for promoters that don’t meet certain benchmarks outlined in their agreements. “If there’s anything I feel really strongly about in terms of deadlines,

that’s it,” he said. Following further discussion, Miller told council members the town had plans to introduce its new private event application in mid-February. He said the new fee structure would take effect once the revised policies and procedures manual was approved. “This is the final step,” he said. The council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to approve the revised manual and move forward with a resolution to adopt the new fee structure.

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OC Today/Dispatch

Council officially approves monster truck event for Oct. By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 2, 2024) Resort officials this week voted to approve a monster truck event slated for next fall. On Tuesday, Special Events Director Frank Miller presented the Mayor and Council with the term sheet for the first annual Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl to take place on the downtown beach Oct. 18-20. While the council recently voted to pursue a partnership with the promoter – The Metal Shop – to produce the fall event, Miller told officials this week the relationship between the town and Monsters of Metal had been modified. “This was in two parts,” Miller explained. “One was to help reduce liability and risk on the town and also to help make things a little bit easier in how we manage the relationship, especially the financial aspect of the relationship.” In December, representatives with The Metal Shop, a Delmar-based business, came before the council with a proposal to hold a monster truck event that would fill a vacant weekend on the fall special events calendar. Utilizing a portion of the Inlet parking lot, as well as the down-

town beach located just north of the pier, the Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl would feature a pit area and arena, grandstands and more. At that time, the council agreed to move forward with a partnership with The Metal Shop and to have staff draft a term sheet outlining the responsibilities of each party. In an update Tuesday, Miller said the term sheet presented included an agreement to bring the Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl to Ocean City the next three years. “We are looking to allow this to be a three-year effort,” he explained. “This agreement that we would be putting together would be for three years including dates in 2025 and 2026.” Miller told the council the term sheet also included a schedule of events as well as a list of the town’s responsibilities, including coordination of emergency and life safety operations and consultation on the event budget. “We’ll also be participating in the production of the non-race team event elements that’ll take place in the pit area as well as the race arena,” he explained. “On the production See TERM Page 18

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC cautious about Ørsted project withdrawal Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Feb. 2, 2024) An offshore wind company has withdrawn its agreement with the Maryland Public Service Commission as it looks to reposition its Skipjack project. Last Thursday, Ørsted announced it will reposition Skipjack Wind, a 966megawatt project it’s developing off the Delmarva coastline. After reviewing the Maryland Public Service Commission orders approving its two-phased project, the company reports the payment amounts for offshore wind renewable energy credits (ORECs) are no longer commercially viable because of market conditions – including inflation, high interest rates and supply chain issues. “Today’s announcement affirms our commitment to developing value creating projects and represents an oppor-

tunity to reposition Skipjack Wind, located in a strategically valuable federal lease area and with a state that is highly supportive of offshore wind, for future offtake opportunities,” said David Hardy, group executive vice president and CEO Americas at Ørsted. “As we explore the best path forward for Skipjack Wind, we anticipate several opportunities and will evaluate each as it becomes available.” Officials in Ocean City said they will continue to monitor offshore wind activity and any developments that result from Ørsted’s announcement. In a statement Monday, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said that while Ørsted has announced it is withdrawing its agreement, he had concerns it could lead to requests for additional funding. “The Town of Ocean City recognizes that Ørsted is pulling out of their agree-

ment with Maryland Public Service Commission for what they say is a ‘repositioning of the project,’” he said. “What this means is that the costs they can pass on to Maryland Rate Payers no longer supports the cost of their project and they will be seeking additional funding from Maryland rate payers and tax payers. Exactly what that cost is and at what point does the cost outweigh the questionable benefits of these projects, even possibly compared with other alternatives, is something that is yet to be determined by the State Legislature.” He continued, “The bottom line is that they will be seeking additional funding for their for profit venture. I think that it is only reasonable to expect that US Wind will fall in line with the exact same request. Again they will be asking for more money from Maryland

Tax payers to fund community benefit packages for Delaware resorts and electricity that will be supplied to Delaware residents at a cost to Maryland rate payers.” For his part, City Manager Terry McGean said he hopes the Ørsted announcement will lead to further reevaluation of offshore wind development in Maryland. He said there were unknowns regarding offshore wind projects and their impacts on marine life, fishing, navigation, property values, and the like. “The city will be carefully watching how the Maryland Public Service Commission reacts to the Ørsted withdrawal,” he said. “I am concerned that US Wind will attempt to obtain the Ørsted Offshore Renewable Energy Credits and use them to fund the final expansion of their project or that Ørsted and US Wind will return to the General Assembly and request even larger ratepayer subsidies. “The right thing for Maryland to do now is put an immediate halt to all current and future Maryland subsidies for these projects until all their potential negative impacts can be thoroughly investigated.” While Ørsted has pulled out of its agreement with the Maryland Public Service Commission, the company will continue with the development and permitting process for the combined project, including its submission of an updated Construction and Operations Plan (COP), according to Ørsted. In a statement last week, Hardy thanked Gov. Wes Moore and the commission for its support. “We are grateful to Governor Moore, the Maryland Public Service Commission and the State of Maryland for their steadfast partnership and support as we have worked diligently to develop Skipjack Wind under challenging economic circumstances,” he said. “We fully support the state’s leadership as they pursue their ambitious offshore wind goal. We also thank the State of Delaware for its collaborative approach to supporting Skipjack Wind’s development.” Last April, Moore signed the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act into law, which quadrupled Maryland’s offshore wind generation goals from about two gigawatts to eight-and-a-half gigawatts by 2031. While the latest news presents a setback in the state’s clean energy goals, Ørsted reports it will continue to invest in several project. “In addition, Ørsted maintains valuable uncontracted seabed along the East Coast that is strategically positioned to create value and continue growing the U.S. industry,” a statement from Ørsted reads. “In the Northeast, approximately 10 GW of offshore wind energy is expected to be awarded this year, and the Mid-Atlantic has additional solicitations expected in the next 1 – 2 years.”

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Term sheet details responsibilities Continued from Page 15 side, we are still maintaining the opportunity to produce and sell on site the program guide that would be at the event. So that is still an opportunity for the town to make some funds on top of the ticket share that exists.” Miller said the promoter would be responsible for infrastructure procurement, racecourse layout, an event operations plan, and more. “As you go down a little bit further onto the producer responsibilities, we do have a shared effort in attempting to secure volunteers and general staff related to the event area,” he added. “So if there’s something that we can assist with, with conversations with nonprofits or whatever it may be, we’re happy to step in to help coordinate, which is something we did with the air show very early on in its inception.” In terms of fees, Miller said the town would provide a $50,000 tourism grant for team bookings and $60,000 for event expenses in the first year. He said the town would also receive a per-ticket payment from the producer. “When the event is completed, the producer will be reimbursed for all the event expenses,” he told the council. “This is following the payout of the ticket share revenue to the town. Once those are covered and they’re made

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whole, then the producer and the town share 50/50 on any residual net profit leftover at that point to pay off the $60,000 that we had provided up front. So depending on how much they make, there’s an opportunity here for them to continue to have a net profit go to them and us to cover our cost. That continues on, if there’s still money left over, to cover the $50,000 grant funding. So we end up getting made whole over the long term.” Council President Matt James questioned the number of available tickets. Miller said it has yet to be determined. “We changed the budget figures in our last conversation with them to look at estimating a lower number,” he replied. “Even with that lower number, we’re still able to recoup our money if that comes to fruition. We’re expecting it to be higher and that was estimated, I believe, at 3,500 people attending per day.” Councilman John Gehrig said the event promoter had presented an event that would bring in the best monster truck teams. He questioned if that was still the case. The Metal Shop’s Jaclyn Disharoon Cooper said every effort was being made to secure top talent. She said the producer considered several factors – including availability and

stunt skills – when selecting drivers and teams. “We try to work with a lot of family teams because we are a family business,” she said. Mayor Rick Meehan questioned revenue estimates for the coming year’s event. Miller said gross revenues are estimated at $517,000. “That’s beyond just ticket sales,” he said. “That also includes sponsorships.” Disharoon Cooper said sponsorships were something she was focused on, as it would help cover event expenses. She said she wanted the town to see a return on its investment. “Our intention in bringing this event isn’t just to benefit us as a company, but we also want to benefit the town,” she said. “So everything that we’re going to be doing, we will have the town’s best interest in mind because this is our hometown too. I mean, we’re right outside of it in Delmar. I used to live here. Everything that we do, we’re going to be trying to push revenue your way as well.” After further discussion on truck teams and staffing, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to approve the Monsters of Metal Beach Brawl event as presented.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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Sen. pushing public safety bills in Annapolis Violent Firearms, Maryland Firearm Detection Platform acts priority of Sen. Carozza By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The third week of the 2024 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis saw lawmakers grapple with public safety, economic competitiveness, the budget, and, on a local level, Ocean City funding. The first bills from the Senate bipartisan public safety package, sponsored by Senators Mary Beth Carozza (R-38C), Ron Watson (D-23), and Chris West (R-42), were heard before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee last week. The Violent Firearms Offender Act of 2024 is a priority for Carozza. If passed, it would provide that an individual illegally in possession of a firearm is guilty of a misdemeanor and risks five years in prison. In the case of a second offense, the individual is guilty of a felony and is subject to up to ten years imprisonment. The legislation will also require the Commissioner of Corrections to provide inmates with a re-entry kit and assistance obtaining Medicaid benefits upon release. According to the senator, the act passed the Senate in pre-

vious sessions but has failed in the House. The bill’s supporters are hopeful it will be pushed through the General Assembly this year. The Carozza-cosponsored Maryland Firearm Detection Platform Act was heard before the Senate Education, Energy, and Environment Committee on Jan. 24. The legislation would require the Maryland Center for School Safety, the Maryland Department of Education, the University System of Maryland and other public universities evaluate the capabilities, federal certification, cost, maintenance requirements, and performances of firearm detection platforms in schools. The bill will also allocate money from the Safe Schools Fund to aid local school systems in obtaining the preventive measures. “Our children’s safety has to be our priority, and they deserve to learn in an environment free of the fear of a mass shooting,” Carozza said. “These firearm detection systems would be another tool to protect our students.” The Moore-Miller Administration also unveiled safety bills in a Jan. 24 news release. Among them is The Victim Compensation Reform Act, which intends to modernize support for survivors of criminal acts. To achieve this, the legislation would expedite the process of receiving compensatory funds for immediate needs

like funeral costs and relocation expenses. The Growing Apprenticeships and the Public Safety Workforce (GAPS) Act is also a governor-supported bill. GAPS aims to strengthen the state’s police force by improving the apprenticeship model to make it a sustainable option to enter law enforcement. It would also increase support for officers, as their work is often physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38) has prioritized local issues, including adjusted regulations for recreational vehicle shows in Worcester County. Only Maryland-based RV dealers are allowed to display their products despite the area’s proximity to Virginia and Delaware sellers. The closest instate site is Stevenson, which is more

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than two hours away. The amended legislation would prohibit dealers from accepting deposits. Interested buyers would still have to purchase the RV from the official location. However, the delegate hopes that modified laws will provide Marylanders, particularly on the shore, additional options in RV procuring. Local lawmakers also concentrated on Ocean City funding. Last week, Carozza, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic testified in support of Senate Bill 95, which would enable Eastern Shore code counties – Worcester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Caroline - to set the hotel room tax to a maximum of 6 %. Currently, Worcester County’s rate See OFFICIALS Page 23

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©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire HomesServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Officials testify for room tax bill Continued from Page 21 is 5%. Carozza said the 1% rise is estimated to increase municipal revenue by $5.4 million annually. The extra money will go toward Ocean City’s public safety budget, the tourism fund, 29 new full-time firefighters and paramedics, nine full-time police officers, and lifeguard and transportation employee wage increases. “Not only is this bill important for Ocean City’s public safety, but for Maryland’s only coastal town to remain competitive,” the senator said. “Myrtle Beach, Virginia Beach, and the Outer Banks all have higher tourism budgets than Ocean City.” Gov. Wes Moore (D) also hopes to bolster Maryland’s economic competitiveness and proposed similar bills in his news release. The Transparent Government Act, for instance, will require licensing and permitting agencies to publicly share timelines to ensure entrepreneurs can adequately plan business growth. Funding remained a topic of interest last week, and Hartman attended a briefing regarding revenue estimates. It was discovered that the ongoing spending in Fiscal Year 2025 exceeds the money coming in by $495

million. To adjust, financial support for junior colleges was reduced. “Community college aids with career readiness and workforce development,” Hartman said. “I am going to fight to get their funding reinstated. We need to allow them to continue their good work.” This week, hearings on bills to increase punishments for criminal driving offenses were also heard. Senate Bill 68, Sherry’s and Christian’s Law, supported by Carozza, would necessitate an individual charged with negligent driving that resulted in a fatal crash to appear in court. Currently, these offenders face a misdemeanor and a maximum charge of $1,000 and do not have to face a judge. Senate Bill 87 would define lifethreatening injuries and death from car accidents as a violent crime and require a person to serve a minimum of 50%, rather than 25%, of their sentence before they are eligible for parole. Members of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee heard testimony on both pieces of legislation earlier this week, on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, respectively.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

FILE PHOTO/OC TODAY/DISPATCH

Sheri Smith from Alpacas of York out of York, Pennsylvania, spins alpaca fleece into yarn during the 2022 Wool and Fiber Expo at the Ocean City convention center. The 2024 installment of the annual event is set for this weekend.

Wool, Fiber Expo slated to return to OC this weekend

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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) The Delmarva Wool and Fiber Expo is coming back to Ocean City this weekend for its 13th annual event where new and returning vendors will display their cozy creations. The exposition will take place this weekend, Feb. 2-4, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street in Ocean City. Merchants will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday. Professionals and sellers intend to promote all types of fibers, including wool, fabric, yarn, wood and reed, and educate industry patrons about their crafts and materials. Attendees can shop for scarves, socks, woodwork, and other handmade goods, and sign up for classes and demonstrations taught by the artists. Leslye Solomon is offering a threehour knitting course all three days of the event for $59.95 a person. Interested participants are urged to bring size 8 or 9 knitting needles, Aran weight, lightcolored, non-singly ply, twisted wool,

and a blue or black gel pen. Solomon is also offering a sweatermaking class on Friday and a beginners’ knitting class on Sunday, both from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For fiber enthusiasts looking to get into the Valentine’s Day spirit, the expo will host a two-hour holiday slow-stitch demonstration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday and Saturday. A second Saturday class from 2-4 p.m. is also available. The cost is $40. Attendees can sign up for more courses on quilting, needle felting, cross stitch, crochet, soap making, and cosmetic- bag construction online at woolandfiber.com. Patrons looking for a diverse and unique shopping experience can expect a plethora of vendors, including Aisling Yarns from Orangeville, Pennsylvania, Everything That Glitters from Dagsboro, Delaware, Fuzzle Accessories from Berlin, and Koala Woodworking from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Contact information for the sellers who will be at the event can be accessed online. The price of admission to the expo is $5.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

HOROSCOPE

Learning about libations with quiz Questions about cocktail origins designed to trick most educated players By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) To all of those who enjoy adult beverages or those who serve tasty, lip-smacking aperitifs for a living, read on. Time to put your thinking cap on, and test your knowledge of one of the world’s oldest pastimes. You must be 21 years of age or older to partake of the cocktail origin quiz sponsored by the Diageo Bar Academy. What cocktail has been long associated with the Kentucky Derby? Choices are whiskey sour, Mint Julep, Manhattan, or Old Fashioned. You did not think I was going to give the answers right away, did you? If you are not of Italian descent, this next question might be a tough

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

one. In what Italian city is the Negroni said to have been invented? Florence, Bologna, Venice, and Rome are your options. What name was the Singapore Sling once known as? I can honestly say I do not have a clue, but that being said, following are your multiple choices: The Arm Sling, The Malayasia Sling, The Pineapple Sling, and The Gin Sling. What cocktail does NOT traditionally use vermouth in its recipe? The key word is “NOT.” I think I got this one, what about you? Negroni, Martini, Manhattan, and White Russian are the possible answers. In what city did the Mule originate? I have never heard of and needless to say have no idea about this one, but that being said Manhattan, Clevland, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco are your selections. Which of the following was designated to be the quintessential British cocktail? This is getting tough; I do not think I am as knowledgeable as I thought I was. Oh well, take your pick: Bramble, Espresso Martin, Gimlet, or

Vesper. What cocktail is said to have originated in Portugal and was made in response to the Spanish Flu? All right history buffs, here is your chance to shine: Mojito, Caipirinha, Poncha, or Libertad. What two nations claim the Pisco Sour as their national drink? When I was in grade school, my teacher said, “Always guess, never leave an answer blank.” That is what I will be doing here. Brazil and Columbia, Argentina and Paraguay, Chili and Peru, and Bolivia and Uruguay. What do you think? Where was the recipe of the Pina colada created? I have a shot at this one: Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Barbados, and Grenada? I am giving you a hint, I was wrong. O.K. the time has come to check your answers, drumroll please! The answers follow and are in order to the questions: Mint Julep, Florence, Gin Sling, White Russian, New York, Bramble, Caipirinha, Chili and Peru, and Puerto Rico. See TOP Page 27

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Something will occur this week that surprises you, Aries. You may even wonder if it is a trick being played on you. It is no trick, so buckle down for an adventure.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You have pushed your mind and body quite far over the last several days, Taurus. Now you have to slow down or pay the consequences. Do not add anything else to your list.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you may believe you have discovered a good thing and it could be right. But don’t wait too long to act since this good thing has an expiration date. The clock is ticking.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you might not be able to control what is happening this week, but you can control how you react to different situations. Keep your distance if an altercation arises.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Something you discover about a friend this week could leave you reeling, Leo. The signs have been there for awhile and you really should have seen it coming.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, if you are on the move this week, there is a chance that you will experience some interesting people along the way. At least one person might be a good networking contact.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 More than anything right now, this week you need to relax and unwind, Libra. Take things at a slow pace, and spend more time at home with family then at work.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Try not to take any financial risks right now, Scorpio. If you are planning to invest, then you may want to get all of the facts before gambling too much in the stock market.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

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This week you will be back to your best, Sagittarius. Things will work out, so use your positive attitude to the benefit of yourself and others.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, even though you are conservative by nature, this week you are ready to take a chance of some sort. Enjoy the journey even if the efforts do not bring you enormous success.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, a kind word from you may be all that is needed to bring a smile to someone’s face. Do not underestimate the power of a kind and simple gesture.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

FILL

You don’t usually lack confidence, Pisces. But you may not want to push ahead with a project for fear of failure. You should be more adventurous and not worry too much.

OC Today/Dispatch

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Top tips for crafting good drinks So, how did you do? If you did not do as well as you had hoped, don’t worry, I am right there with you. Crafting drinks is fun, and is a true expression of your personal style. Following are a few tips that can be the difference between good and superlative cocktails. First and foremost, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh citrus makes such a huge difference. If one does not believe this, do the test at home and see for yourself. Certain cocktail ingredients require refrigeration to stay fresh. In other words, syrups, and fortified wines like sherry, port, and vermouth should not be left out at room temperature.

While we are on the subject of syrups, pros agree that syrups are one item that you should always make at home if you can, it’s less expensive and tastier. Just like baking, the order in which you should add ingredients matters. Start with the least expensive ingredient, this way if you make a mistake, you are not wasting a pricy additive. Use premium liquors. It cannot be overstated how important premium liquors are for quality drinks. When mixing cocktails with sparkling ingredients, make sure to add them at the last second. Nothing worse than drinking a flat tasting drink. Believe it or not but ice is a key in-

Dining Guide ■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$ ■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted —————————————

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street ■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City, 410-289-7192, captainstableoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast: closed Monday through Wednesday; Thursday through Saturday, 7:30-11 a.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to noon. Open daily for Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m. ■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out. Ordering online www.coinspuboc.com. ■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR 17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m. ■ PAPI’S TACO JOINT 15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City 443-664-6811, Papistaco-

joint.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Authentic Mexican restaurant open 7 days a week. Weekdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. With a family atmosphere you can enjoy building your own street tacos with a sheet table side with their home-made authentic salsa. Serving food such as little cravings, choice of salsas, salads, bowls, soups, main dishes and desserts. Also, brunch, gluten free and vegan menus. Happy Hour Monday through Friday, 3-5 p.m. with beer, wines, cocktails and specialty signature drinks. Dine in or order online for your carryout.

MIDTOWN 29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-289-2525, 32palm.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year! Don’t miss out on Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m. ■ LONGBOARD’S CAFÉ 6701 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, 443664-5693, longboardcafe.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations. ■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 3301 Atlantic Ave. in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com $$ | Full bar Winner of the Maryland People's choice

gredient that distinguishes professionally-made cocktails from athome cocktails. The type, shape, and quality of ice needs to be considered. Where the water came from and how it melts into the drink significantly impact the flavor and visual appeal. In addition, do not add ice before adding the liquid ingredients. Ice should always be added to the mixing vessel last. This way, you control the dilution when shaking, which ultimately prevents watereddown cocktails. Cocktail recipes often call for a speSee INGREDIENTS Page 28

award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:3011:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m. ■ SEACRETS 49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar CLOSED JAN. 21 AND REOPENING FEB. 1. Open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m. through midnight with island atmosphere. Jamaican jerk chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, paninis, pizza and fresh seafood.

UPTOWN

91st to 146th streets ■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-6410011, www.carouselhotel.com Enjoy one of the restaurants at the Carousel. Fine Ocean Front dining with a beautiful view. The Reef 118 is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday serving dinner. The Bamboo Lounge is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday and 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. ■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 13801 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, located on the 8th floor of the Fenwick Inn, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com $$-$$$ | Full bar Enjoy a wonderful dinner overlooking the ocean and the bay. Serving off season weekly specials. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to midnight. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight. Happy Hour, 3-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday brunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the website for a full menu.

OCEAN PINES ■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE 100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with

a full bar menu. Open everyday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB 1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, www.OPYachtclub.com $$-$$$ | Full bar The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more. Open Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. menu.

WEST OCEAN CITY ■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m. ■ OC CHOPSTICKS Asian Bistr 12741 Ocean Gateway, Suite 890, West Ocean City (Outlets Ocean City) 410-801-1111, www.occhopsticks.com $$ | Beer | Premium Sake Authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai food. Dine-in and carry out. Lunch specials, dinner and lite fare. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. ■ PIZZA TUGOS 9935 Stephen Decatur Hwy., West Ocean City 410-524-2922, pizzatugos.com $$ | Full bar | Celebrating 40 years in Ocean City. Offering pizza, wings, burgers, subs, salads, pasta and more! Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 2 a.m. ■ SELLO’S ITALIAN OVEN & BAR 9802 Golf Course Road, 410-390-3543, sellosoc.com $$-$$$$ | Full bar Located in the heart of West Ocean City. You may think you stepped off a city street and not just off the beach or boat. You will find a wide array of choices from a wood-fired oven individual pizza to our 8 oz. center-cut filet mignon. Join us at Sello’s, your new “happy place,” where “va tutto bene” … it’s all good … Open Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. until and Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. until.

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Ministry seeking donations to criminal justice scholarship (Feb. 2, 2024) Oasis Ministries is accepting donations for the Garry Lee Mumford Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund. Since 2020, graduating seniors in Worcester County high schools majoring in criminal justice or law enforcement have been awarded scholarships in honor of longtime public servant Garry Lee Mumford. According to a news release, Mumford, who served Worcester County in various capacities until his death in

2017, loved his community and had a passion for youth and upholding law and order with integrity. Oasis Ministries, which runs the nonprofit scholarship fund, is soliciting donations from the community to help continue offering scholarships to local students. Donation checks are to be made payable to Garry Lee Mumford Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund and mailed to Barbara Butler, 731 Shiloh St., Salisbury, MD 21804.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Ingredients key to merriment Continued from Page 27 cific glass, such as a coupe, martini, or highball glass. But if you do not have that glass in your collection, there is no reason to go and buy one. Get creative and do not be bound by the rules of conformity. Chilling glasses ahead of time helps prevent drinks from becoming watery and remain refreshingly cool to the very last sip. When hosting a group, keep the recipe simple, and make it ahead of time.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

In closing, it is important to serve drinks that are tasty, fit your budget, and will get the attention of your guests. For example, a Bloody Mary enhanced with fried shrimp, bacon, olives, cucumbers, celery, and the glass rimmed in Old Bay will certainly be memorable and add to the merriment of your festivities. Cheers! Secret Ingredient – Alcohol “Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable.” — G.K. Chesterton

Best Beats On The Beach Who’s Where When BOURBON STREET ON THE BEACH 443-664-2896 12601 Coastal Hwy. Wednesday, Feb. 7: Reform School Thursday, Feb. 8 Bryan Clark CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Feb. 2

DJ WAX Greene Turtle West: Sunday, Feb. 4

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sundays & Wednesdays

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Feb. 3: Opposite Directions CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, Feb. 2: Jason Lee Wednesday, Feb. 7: Steve Kuhn CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Feb. 2: No More Whisky Saturday, Feb. 3: Rogue Citizens FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Friday, Feb. 2: DJ Greg & DJ RobCee Saturday, Feb. 3: DJ Greg & DJ Stinson GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC Friday, Feb. 2: DJ Love Saturday, Feb. 3: No More Whiskey Sunday, Feb. 4: 25th Anniversary DJ Wax

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Feb. 2

JASON LEE Crabcake Bayside: Friday, Feb. 2

BRYAN CLARK Bourbon St. On The Beach: Thursday, Feb. 8

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Thursdays, & Fridays

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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OC Today/Dispatch

Who’s Where When

ROGUE CITIZENS Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Feb. 3

NO MORE WHISKEY Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, Feb. 2 Greene Turtle West: Saturday, Feb. 3

REFORM SCHOOL Bourbon St. On The Beach: Wednesday, Feb. 7

THE FREDDIE LONG BAND Seacrets: Saturday, Feb. 3

TUNNELS END Purple Moose: Saturday, Feb. 3

THE DUNEHOUNDS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Feb. 3

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Friday, Feb. 2

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Coins Pub: Saturday, Feb. 3 Harborside: Sunday, Feb. 4

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Friday, Feb. 2: DJ Billy T Saturday, Feb. 3: Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler Sunday, Feb. 4: Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Feb. 3: The Dunehounds Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By TBA Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By DeoGee PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Saturday, Feb. 3: Tunnels End SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Feb. 2: Full Circle Duo Saturday, Feb. 3: The Freddie Long Band & Dear Zoe Thursday, Feb. 8: Blake Haley

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OC Today/Dispatch

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Land Trust issues call to save quail native to Eastern Shore Nesting birds suffering from loss of habitats on farms (Jan. 26, 2024) Officials with the Lower Shore Trust are sending out a call to Eastern Shore landowners to help save a native quail. According to a news release from the trust, the northern bobwhite quail, or Colinus virginianus, is suffering. The small, ground nesting bird needs help if the species will make a comeback. As farms have become “cleaner,” potential breeding and nesting territories for many species of songbirds and wildlife have been swept away. The release said the trust is working with landowners and farmers and accelerating efforts to increase habitats and educate people about the value of successional vegetable layers in the landscape, including native warm season grasses, legumes, shrubby brush cover, and bare open areas for brood rearing. Rotational disturbance and fallow sections of farm fields were once prominent in the rural landscape, providing the type of cover necessary for the species to thrive. As the farming practices were abandoned, quail habitat decreased along with the

birds. Trust officials want to add a minimum of 40 acres of new habitat this year. The organization has funds to cover the cost of the installation and to provide one-time bonus incentives to landowners who enroll in USDA programs. If multiple farms dedicate a small portion (5-10 acres) of their marginal crop fields for conversion into pollinator and warm season grasslands, then the release said the overall picture becomes brighter for the potential rejuvenation of several threatened species. Research has shown that “connecting farms” is key to population expansion — designating corridors which link and supplement zones with larger quail habitat populations. Trust officials want to give quail sufficient contiguous acreage to feed and breed. Spring is ideal for establishing meadows, and funding for the initiative is available now. To learn more about the incentives and land management adjustments that can help the northern bobwhite quail, contact the Lower Shore Land Trust by emailing Beth Sheppard bsheppard@lowershorelandtrust.org or calling 443-234-5587.

A northern bobwhite quail, native to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is pictured. PHOTO COURTESY LOWER SHORE LAND TRUST

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Answers on page 32

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

PAGE 31

OC Today/Dispatch

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

Fri., Feb. 2 DELMARVA WOOL & FIBER EXPO

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ocean City’s Festival of Fibers. Quilting, spinning, knitting, weaving, dying and more. Classes available on the website: www.woolandfiber.com. Admission cost is $5. 443-435-2926, schilds2@verizon.net

WORCESTER COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM FUNDRAISER

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Worcester County 4-H Program will be at the Annual Wool and Fiber Expo collecting donations. Bring any yarn or craft supplies that you would like to donate to the “destash” bin. 443235-2926

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

BLACK AMERICAN INVENTORS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 4 p.m. Learn about the inventions of Black Americans including the gas mask, light bulb filament, the Super-Soaker water gun and many others. For ages 6-12 years. 410957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION

Center for the Arts - Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and see the new exhibits by a variety of local artists. Free event. All are welcome. artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433, megan@artleagueofoceancity.org

Sat., Feb. 3 IT’S NOT A BURDEN: ‘THE HUMOR AND HEARTACHE OF RAISING ELDERLY PARENTS’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. The documentary’provides an intimate look, presented with humor and heart, at the relationships between aging parents and the adult children who care for them.” 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Ocean Pines Sports Core Pool, 11144 Cathell Road, 5-8 p.m. Featuring music, games and food. Cost is $2 for nonswimmers, $4 for swim members, $6 for residents and $8 for nonresidents. 410641-5255

FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET DELMARVA WOOL & FIBER EXPO

WORCESTER COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM FUNDRAISER

HEART HEALTH FAIR

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9 a.m.noon. Free carotid artery screenings, cholesterol screening (12-hour fast required), blood pressure screenings, healthy diet information with a registered dietitian and heart healthy education. 410-641-9268

FREE TAX PREPARATION

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation assistance service. AARP membership is not required. Appointment required: 443-373-2667.

SATURDAY WRITERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their writing projects. Structure includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop-ins welcome. 410-641-0650

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FRIED CHICKEN BUFFET Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 36540 Mount Pleasant Road, Willards, 11 a.m. Vegetables, beverage and dessert included with dine-in. Carryout platters available. Cost is $15 for adults, $7.50 for children and free to those 5 years and younger. 410-835-8340

SATURDAY PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Pop into the children’s area to play with toys and meet other families. For ages birth-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Sun., Feb. 4 DELMARVA WOOL & FIBER EXPO

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean City’s Festival of Fibers. Quilting, spinning, knitting, weaving, dying and more. Classes available on the website: www.woolandfiber.com. Admission cost is $5. 443-435-2926, schilds2@verizon.net

WORCESTER COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM FUNDRAISER

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Worcester County 4-H Program will be at the Annual Wool and Fiber Expo collecting donations. Bring any yarn or craft supplies that you would like to donate to the “destash” bin. 443235-2926

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 8-11 a.m. Menu includes eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausage gravy and biscuits, pancakes, fruit, orange juice, coffee and tea. Cost is$12 for adults and free to those 3 years and younger. officealpost166@gmail.com

quired. Appointment required: 443-3732667.

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. Focus will be on “Hell Screen” by Ryünosuke Akutagawa. Reading from Book 5 of the Great Conversations Anthology. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

THE MANY HUES OF POWER

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5:30 p.m. Local poet and artist Assize “The Rebirth” will share abstract paintings, photos and writing that express the misunderstood and underrepresented facets of black power. 410-632-3495

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Feb. 6 FREE TAX PREPARATION

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation assistance service. AARP membership is not required. Appointment required: 443-373-2667.

STORY TIME: VALENTINE’S DAY THE FOUR PHANTOMS LIVE IN CONCERT

Ocean City Performing Arts Center Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. An extravagant celebration of the iconic music of Broadway and more. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ ticket/p/53478269/the-four-phantomsocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

Mon., Feb. 5

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, games and crafts. For ages 25 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ‘STORIES BY ROSEMARY WELLS’

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and finger plays. For ages 2-5 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

FREE TAX PREPARATION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation assistance service. AARP membership is not re-

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet?

Continued on Page 32

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

GOLDEN HOUR The sunset hour never disappoints at Northside Park in Ocean City, even if Mother Nature requires bundling up. PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS PARYPA

CALENDAR Continued from Page 31

OC KNITTING CLUB

calling 410-632-1100, Ext. 1126.

Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

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

THE FUNNY THING ABOUT CAREGIVERS

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

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

BABY TIME Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 2 years and younger. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. The Beach to Bay Heritage Area will talk about this historic Black Hotel and the famous entertainers who stayed there. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

MARYLAND BASIC BOATING SAFETY COURSE Held virtually on Feb. 6, 7 and 8, 6-9 p.m. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register: Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807, CGAUXOC@gmail.com.

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

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join us for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5-6 p.m. The group provides discussion and education on the topic of diabetes. Darlene Jameson, 410-208-9761, djameson@atlanticgeneral.org

BLACK HISTORY MONTH MOVIE

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

Wed., Feb. 7

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

MARYLAND CRAB CAKE DINNER

Takes place the first and second Wednesday of each month. For non-surgical patients. Contact The Atlantic General Bariatric Center for information, 410-641-9568.

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Third Wednesday meetings are offsite and will be updated monthly on the website and Facebook. Guests are welcome. www.kiwanisofopoc.org

Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-6 p.m. Cost is $14 for a single-crab cake platter, $24 for a double-crab cake platter and $10 for a single crab cake sandwich. Platters include green beans, baked potato and Cole slaw. Bake sale table.

GRACE PARKER BREAKFAST

ZUMBA WEDNESDAYS

ZUMBA

First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Ave., 7-11 a.m. Menu includes eggs to order, pancakes (regular and buckwheat), bacon, sausage, grits, hash brown potatoes, biscuits, coffee and tea. Donations are $12.

Wednesdays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 10 a.m. Dance background not required. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30-5:30 p.m. Join licensed, certified Zumba instructor Joyce Landsman for an hour of movement. These classes uplift and improve mood. Registration required: 410641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Thurs., Feb. 8

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle to trade, that’s ok too. All puzzles must be complete in their original box. 410641-0650

VALENTINE’S DAY CARDS

ROMANTIC COMEDY TRIVIA

SWING DANCE WEEKEND

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Get ready for some laughs and challenging trivia. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Workshops on Friday and Saturday. Dance parties held ThursdaySaturday (Thursday is free) and live music from The Funsters on Saturday. 410-524-1000, https://carouselhotel.com/swing-danceweekend/

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Drop in and make a homemade card to give to a friend or family member. Fun for all ages. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. The true story of Jesse Owens’ record-breaking trip to the 1936 Olympics. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

BEACH SINGLE 55 PLUS MEET AND GREET Thursdays - Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island, DE, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577, BeachSingles.org.

Crossword answers from page 30

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

PLAY TIME

DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP OCEAN CITY’S HENRY HOTEL

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Comedian and health care professional Lon Kieffer will talk about the caregiver experience through comedy and conversation. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org

Join in the hear an Ocean Pines staff favorite. For ages 2-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org

GRANDPARENT’S CLASS Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. This interactive class, led by a registered nurse, reviews current guidance, including Infant Safe Sleep, Car Safety Basics and Infant Nutrition. Pre-register by

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

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Worcester social services seeking new foster parents

and Gifts FREE Box of Chocolates

Dept. officials answering questions from community (Jan. 26, 2024) The Worcester County Department of Social Services’ Advisory Board is on a mission to recruit people to serve as foster parents, and appealing to the public by answer questions that may be on the minds of possible candidates. Who can be a foster parent? Foster households come in all shapes and sizes. Applicants may be single or married and may live in an apartment or house. They must complete a training program and a background check, their home environments must be safe, and they must be flexible. Most importantly, they must love children and be prepared to offer the emotional support and stability they need to grow into strong, healthy adults. What are the benefits of being a foster parent? That would be the opportunity to provide a child or teen with a safe and secure home. Who needs a foster parent? This county has a consistent need for new foster homes, especially for youth that are 14 years of age or older. Many of the children and youth in foster care live outside this county, making it harder for them to attend the same schools and keep in touch with friends and family. This adds to the trauma young people experience when they come into foster care. The Department of Social Services also needs foster families who can provide a brief respite for other foster families. What are the biggest challenges for foster parenting? Foster parents agree that saying goodbye when family reunification happens is sometimes difficult. Parenting, whether it is a parent’s biologic child, a stepchild, or a foster child, can be filled with issues. However, without exception, the foster parents stated it is rich with rewards. In some cases when a child or sibling group cannot safely return home, foster families are able to proceed with legal adoption of their foster child or children. What kind of support is available? The Department of Social Services provides ongoing assistance and support to foster parents. Its objective is for placements to be rewarding for both foster children and the foster family.The county also has an active foster parent support group. For more information about becoming a foster parent contact the Worcester County Department of Social Services at 410-677-6849.

www.oceancitytoday.com

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OC Today/Dispatch

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OC Today/Dispatch

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Habitat’s ReStore reopening in Ocean Pines on March 1 Nonprofit donation facility moving from Berlin to new location in Manklin Station (Feb. 2, 2024) The Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County’s ReStore is relocating to a new and more accessible location in Ocean Pines’ Manklin Station. According to a news release, the move marks a significant step for the organization as it grows and expands. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore provides affordable housing solutions for families in need by offering donated new and gently used home improvement items, furniture, appliances, and building materials at a fraction of the retail price. The money raised supports habitat for humanity operations. The release said the new location in Manklin Station at 11307 Manklin Creek Road near the south gate of Ocean Pines provides greater visibility and convenience for shoppers, donors and volunteers. The space will be 2,000 square feet bigger, and officials expect the move to enhance the overall shopping experience and fa-

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cilitate increased community engagement with the ReStore. The location will begin operations on March 1, which coincides with the ReStore’s grand opening, which will feature discounts, light refreshments, and a ribbon cutting. Shoppers can expect a diverse selection of quality home goods, furniture, appliances, and more, all at affordable prices. The store will operate 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. It will be closed Sunday and Monday. The current ReStore at 9026 Worcester Highway in Berlin will close on Feb. 17. The final day for any donation drop-offs to the location will be Feb. 10. Donations will be accepted at the new Manklin Station location beginning Feb. 27. Donations to the ReStore must be approved and scheduled by emailing pictures to donations@habitatworcester.org to ensure that the potential donation aligns with ReStore requirements. For more information about the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and the grand opening event, visit habitatworcester.org.

www.oceancitytoday.com

Things I Like... By Steve Green The first sunny day after a few dismal ones Not seeing an agonizing Ravens game in person Looking back at my kids’ baby pictures Gracious post-game interviews after a loss The mixed feelings that come with change Chit chat with strangers Old lacrosse sticks compared to today’s styles A real smile from a special needs kid When my iWatch tells me to exercise Eating junk food during football games What sleeping in today means compared to when I was a teen

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OC Today/Dispatch

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Schuman local Marine of the Year

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(Feb. 2, 2024) The local First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League has named veteran Rick Schuman the 2023 Marine of the Year. According to a news release, First State Detachment Commandant Al Soto said Schuman was chosen for exemplary service as the detachment’s web sergeant, citing his many initiatives to modernize and improve use of online and computer tools in conducting day-to-day business. Schuman, of Newark, Delaware, joined the Marines in June of 1973. He was assigned to the Brigade Marine Air Group 24 until June 1977, stationed at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Air Station in Hawaii as a bench electronics technician specializing in aircraft systems. He also

played snare drum with the First Marine Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps. After leaving the Marines, Schuman worked for over four decades in information technology as a Lotus Notes developer and administrator, eventually bringing the experience to the First State Detachment where he significantly upgraded the detachment’s computer programming. The Marine Corps League is the only congressionally chartered United States Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the United States. Membership is open to individuals who have served honorably in the Marine Corps. Associate membership is open to anyone who does not meet the requirements for regular membership but who possesses the principles and purposes of the Marine Corps League.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY/DISPATCH

Marine Corps veteran Rick Schuman, the 2023 Marine of the Year for the local First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

PAGE 37

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION Al “Hondo” Handy poses with a Certificate of Appreciation from Katrina Purnell, the program chairperson for the Tri-County MLK Coalition, at the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet Celebration at the Wicomico Civic Center. Handy, who was one of the first Black students to attend Stephen Decatur High, has created a local legacy that includes overcoming major challenges, inspiring youth, and excelling at work, sports and academics. Handy played on SDHS’ 1970 championship basketball team, worked for the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department for more than 40 years, published a book and earned countless awards and accolades for his accomplishments.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

KIDS HEART CHALLENGE Ocean City Elementary School students pose with physical education teachers Mark Engle and Tracey Drocella, and Kim Moore, the school engagement director for the American Heart Association, at the school’s annual Kids Heart Challenge Kick-Off Assembly on Jan. 4. The students’ goal this year is to raise $33,000.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

ANDRUS AWARD

MLK DINNER

Carla Duls, Maryland Retired School Personnel Association president, presents the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service to Allen Brown, a Wicomico Retired School Personnel Association member. The AARP Andrus Award is the organization’s most prestigious volunteer tribute recognizing outstanding individuals age 50-plus who are sharing their experience, talents and skills to enrich the lives of others.

From left, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan; Mary Spellman Handley, the Eastern Shore regional public engagement officer for Comptroller Brooke Lierman; Worcester County NAACP President Ivory P Smith Sr.; and NAACP Executive Board members Roxie Dennis and Christine Clark pose for a photo at the the regional Martin Luther King Jr. dinner held recently at Wicomico Youth and Civic Center. Meehan and Spellman were guests of Smith at the event.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

ART WITH FRIENDS Sharyn O’Hare recently invited her friends to join her for an art class at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. O’Hare won the class in a benefit auction for the Art League of Ocean City’s Diamond Jubilee gala. Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, taught the group the collage technique. Private art classes for groups are available at the arts center.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY/DISPATCH

Six Eastern Shore photographers are pictured with their cameras during a ten-day stint in February 2022 at Yellowstone National Park. Photos from the project, called “Six Views of Yellowstone in Winter,” are on display throughout the month of February in Studio E at the art league’s center for the arts.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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OC Today/Dispatch

New shows, displays at art league First Friday reception Monthly event to set from 5-7 p.m., tonight at OC arts center on bayside 94th St. (Feb. 2, 2024) Members of the Art League of Ocean City are hosting a free art opening and reception tonight at the organization’s First Friday event. Set for 5-7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street, the event will feature several new shows and displays. David Scott Smith, of Salisbury, the art league’s Orem and Harriet Robinson Fellow for Contemporary Art and Community Engagement, will show his ceramics in the Thaler Gallery throughout the month. Primarily a sculptor and mold-maker, Smith’s exhibit explores how translucent porcelain and light depict form and surface and re-contextualize familiar objects, like snake skin or crab claws. An all-media group show called “Perspective” will be on display in the Sisson Galleria in February where artists used one-, two- or three-point bird’s-eye or worm’s-eye perspectives to create illusions of depth. Brooke Rogers, an art professor at Salisbury University, is the show’s judge and will award cash prizes. Studio E at will exhibit “Six Views of Yellowstone in Winter,” works by six Eastern Shore photographers, captured when the group spent ten days at America’s first national park in February 2022. The photographers are Janet Kerr of Trappe, William McDonnell of Cambridge, Mark Nelson of Easton, Joseph Soares of Trappe, Randy Welch of Easton, and Wayne Zussman of Grasonville.

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Kennie Jones, of Salisbury, will show his photographs — a visual journey into African-American barbershops on Maryland’s Eastern Shore — in the Spotlight Gallery to celebrate and coincide with Black History Month. The artisan for February is Alison Schweiger who started making baskets from pine needles after she moved to Ocean Pines six years ago from Baltimore. The Staircase Gallery will open a new show by painter Itzel Aguilar of Georgetown, Delaware. Hand woven yarn from Mexico, industrial and organic material, and a bright acrylic palette are some of the elements she has created to transform her emotions onto canvas. The art league’s satellite galleries will continue showing new art shows through February. Ruth Ann Kaufman will show her artwork in the lobby of the Princess Royale Hotel on 91st Street. Madeline Patsel is the artist-in-residence at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street. Arts center exhibits run through Feb. 24. Satellite gallery exhibits continue through March 30. The Ocean City Center for the Arts is open daily until 4 p.m. at 502 94th St. and admission is always free. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-5249433.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY/DISPATCH

David Scott Smith, of Salisbury, the art league’s Orem and Harriet Robinson Fellow for Contemporary Art and Community Engagement, works on ceramic pieces that will be on display in the Thaler Gallery at the center for the arts throughout the month of February.

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OC Today/Dispatch

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Craft club names Brindley crafter of month for Feb. (Feb. 2, 2024) The Pine’eer Craft Club recently announced club member Linda Brindley as the February Crafter of the month. Brindley has served as the recording secretary for the club since 2011 and has been a member for 20 years. Brindley’s craft is counted crossstitch. She creates pillows, scenes, bookmarks, and towels for the artisan gift shop. Although Brindley is not currently an Ocean Pines resident, she has either vacationed or lived in the area since 1989. She and her husband Bill live in Millsboro now but were residents of Ocean Pines when she learned about the craft club. “I joined the craft club to make friends and try new crafts,” Brindley

said in a news release. “I’ve been crafting since I was 6 years old when my Grandmom taught me to crochet and embroider. My Mom later taught me knitting, Swedish weaving, plastic canvass and sewing. Family and crafting are interwoven for me.” Brindley is a member of several other clubs in the area, including Sussex County Sip and Stitch, as well as the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society, which hosts a national counted cross-stitch competition annually, at which Brindley has received first and second place awards over the years. Brindley said in the release that finding materials is more difficult these days, at least at reasonable prices. “I search hard to find items on the

Linda Brindley, the Pine’eer Craft Club Crafter of the Month for February, poses with one of her counted crossstitch creations. SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OCEAN CITY TODAY

internet since so many craft stores have closed,” she said. “Plus, my friends and family around the country keep my watch list of materials. And sometimes we get donations at the club I can use.” Brindley also runs a business called Needles & Strings. “I finish a counted cross-stitch item or kit you may not want or can’t finish yourself,” she said of the business. To see Brindley’s counted crossstitch items, stop in the Artisan Gift Shop across White Horse Park from

the Ocean Pines Community Center. The shop is open Saturdays and Sundays and features all handcrafted treasures, including seasonal items and home décor favorites. The Pine’eer Craft Club always welcomes new members. Crafters who would like to join the club can email opcraftclub@aol.com for more information. Members do not need to be Ocean Pines residents to join. Since the club’s inception 50 years ago, members have donated nearly $180,000 back to the Ocean Pines community.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

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OC Today/Dispatch

February 2, 2024 Call 410-723-6397 by Monday 5 p.m.

Classifieds appear in OC Today/Dispatch & Bayside Gazette each week and online at oceancitytoday.com & baysideoc.com

MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work

HELP WANTED AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES Auto Parts / Marine Parts with huge Retail department, is now hiring for: Parts Associates (will train). Locations in: Ocean Pines, Clarksville & Long Neck. Great Pay & Benefits. Call: 302-344-9769.

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:

HELP WANTED

RENTALS

SERVICES

Full Time Outboard Marine Mechanic/Tech Needed at established marine business in W. Ocean City, MD. Excellent starting salary. Contact Harbor Marine at 410-213-2296.

5,000 Square Foot Shop/ Warehouse for rent. Just outside of Berlin. Call for details 443-366-5935.

Caregiver - Caregiver in your home. Honest, dependable, trustworthy and compassionate care. Excellent references. Call Debbie 302-339-7162.

Pool General Maintenance. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others 410-289-4902 ask for Suzanne. Smal Engine Mechanic Year-round. Competitive Wages. 443-754-1047

https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Hiring Cooks, Audio/Video Techs, Maintenance Staff, Painters, Carpenter, Plumber, Housekeeper, Liquor Store Attendant, Boat Mates, Receivers, Event Space Housekeeper Apply in person or online at seacrets.com

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

RENTALS RENTALS

Seeking To Rent. Long term, year-round, unfurnished, 2BR/ 2BA, ground floor. Ocean City/Ocean Pines area. Great references. 410-726-0169

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Efficiency/1 Bath Condo with full kitchen available for either summer season for $10,000 or 8 month lease for $1250 per month. Accommodates 2. 32nd Street, Bayside. Resort Rentals, 410-524-0295 Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555. Fully Furnished Townhouse, 4BR, 2BA, Living Room, Dining Room. Water, Electric and Cable not included. $2100/month. Yearly lease. One month security deposit and one month rent upfront. Located at 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21011. 410-456-0272

OFF SEASON RENTALS Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581

ROOMMATES ROOMMATES Year-Round Room For Rent Ocean Pines $800/month and $200 security. Fully furnished. All utilities included. 443880-2317

OCEAN PINES Year-round Fully furnished Room for rent in a beautiful home, to share, in Ocean Pines. Full house privileges, all utilities included. Only $800 month No smoking. No pets. Call 443-880-2486

SEEKING ROOM SEEKING ROOM Seeking Room to Rent: 60 yr. old seeking room to rent on annual basis. Ocean Pines or Berlin area. Have own funiture for room. 443-513-1421

COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL 1 Office/Retail Space available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200 Industrial Warehouse. Space: 1500 sq. ft. Masonry construction, 18’ high ceiling, large garage door, bathroom. Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200. Commercial Warehouses 600 and 800 sq. ft. spaces West Ocean City and Bishopville, MD Yearly Leases Only

Call 646-812-1212

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

MISC./OTHER Right from the bottom, Your love lifted the pieces The well deep and cold! Even teeny ones Lost and forgotten.

SERVICES

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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OC Today/Dispatch

DIRECTORY AUTO

BLINDS / SHADES

CONSTRUCTION

ELECTRICIAN

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PAGE 44

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

DIRECTORY LANDSCAPING

LAWN CARE

MEN’S HAIR SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

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PAINTING • CUSTOM PAINTING • DRYWALL REPAIRS • WALLPAPER REMOVED • DECK & HOUSE STAINING Painting & Powerwashing • ALWAYS PROMPT SERVICE Interior & Exterior

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Mike Moesle 410-629-1573, Fax: 410-629-1946

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mmoesle@shoresidingmd.com www.shoresidingmd.com

TAX RESOLUTION / CREDIT SERVICES

AMA Consulting & Business Svcs, Inc We Solve Your Problems

Mae Phillips (434) 382-8920 11806 Sheppards Crossing Road Whaleyville, MD 21874 amaconsultingandbusiness@gmail.com www.amaconsultingbusiness.com

*Licensed in MD, DE &VA

UROLOGY SPECIALIST

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 37 LIBERTY ST. OCEAN PINES A/R/T/A BERLIN, MD 21811 Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated November 26, 2008, recorded in Liber 5176, Folio 564 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $420,000.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on FEBRUARY 20, 2024 AT 4:05 PM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind. Terms of Sale: A deposit of $26,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit

OC Today/Dispatch - Public Notices of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 355517-1) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees

OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________ COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC 1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 www.cgd-law.com/sales

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES'

SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY 12386 BACK CREEK ROAD BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 By authority contained in a Deed of Trust dated May 22, 2006 and recorded in Liber 4712, Folio 695, , among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $156,394.64, and an interest rate of 4.500%, default having occurred thereunder, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on February 5, 2024 AT 11:00AM ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The prop-

erty is improved by a dwelling. Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” subject to any conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $14,000.00 by certified funds only (no cash accepted) required at time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within 10 days of ratification of sale by the Court, with interest at the note rate from date of sale to settlement. If settlement is delayed for ANY reason, there shall be no abatement of interest or taxes. All private utility, water and sewer facilities charges, front foot benefit payments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale are payable by purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, to be adjusted as of date of sale. Transfer and recordation taxes, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If purchaser fails to go to settlement within ten days of ratification, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Trustee may declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and expense of defaulting purchaser, who agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a motion to resell the property has been filed, purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such motion, and agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail to the address provided at time of sale. If the Trustee cannot convey insurable title, or the loan servicer determines that the sale should not have occurred, the sale shall be null and void, and purchaser's sole remedy shall be the return of deposit without interest. Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com CGD File #: 459034 OCD-1/18/3t _________________________________ Venable LLP 750 E. Pratt Street, Suite 900 Baltimore, Maryland 21202

MORTGAGEE’S SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON MINI-STORAGE WAREHOUSE AND RETAIL STORE 12102/12104 OCEAN GATEWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Purchase Money Mortgage from RLD Rental Properties, Ltd., a Maryland corporation dated September 29, 2020, recorded in Book 7814, page 358 in the original principal amount of $750,000 among the Land Records of Worcester County (Case No. C-23-

PAGE 45 CV-23-000274), default as defined in said Mortgage having occurred, and at the request of the party secured thereby, the undersigned Attorneys for the Mortgagee by Deed of Appointment of Attorney to Exercise Power of Sale dated October 20, 2023 (Attorneys for the Mortgagee) will sell at public auction at the steps of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, One W. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on: FEBRUARY 13, 2024 AT 4:05 PM All that fee simple lot of ground and improvements thereon situated in the County of Worcester; State of Maryland, as more particularly described in the Deed dated September 29, 2020, recorded among the Land Records in Book 7814, Page 354 to secure the loan made by T.T.G., LLC, a Maryland limited liability company. ALL that lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, fronting one hundred ten (110) feet, more or less, on the south side of Berlin - Ocean Gateway, now known as U.S. Route 50, containing 2.77 acres of land, more or less. SUBJECT, HOWEVER, to the following exceptions: 1. All matters and facts set forth on a Plat entitled, "Location Drawing Lands of Harry V. Ashe, Jr. & Cynthia A. Ashe", recorded in the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Plat Book 205, Folio 67. 2. Right of Way Deed dated July 25, 1949, from Elsie B. Harris, et ux., to the State Roads Commission of Maryland acting on the behalf of The State of Maryland recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber CWN No. 29, Folio 271. Tax ID: 10-010365 Terms of Sale: A certified check or cashier's check for $50,000 will be required of the purchaser(s) at time and place of sale. The balance of the purchase price is to be paid in cash within ten (10) days following final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Time is of the essence for the purchaser(s) performance. If the purchaser(s) fails to go to settlement the deposit shall be forfeited to the Attorneys for the Mortgagee and all expenses of this sale (including attorney fees and full commission on the gross sales price of the sale) shall be charged against and paid from the forfeited deposit. In the event of resale, the defaulting purchaser(s) shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property regardless of any improvements made to the real property. Interest will be charged at the rate of 5% per annum or interest at the rate equal to the rate at which interest is then accruing on the mortgage on the unpaid purchase money from date of sale to the date funds are received by the Attorneys for the Mortgagee. The Attorneys for the Mortgagee reserve the right to reject any and all bids. Taxes, water, sewer, ground rent, condominium fees, and/or homeowners association dues, if applicable, to be adjusted to the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the

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OC Today/Dispatch - Public Notices

purchaser. All other public charges and assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, are to be adjusted for the current year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. The property will be sold in "AS IS" condition, and without any representations or warranties, either express or implied, with respect to the nature, value, use, description or condition of the property, equipment, fixtures or improvements. The property is also being sold subject to all existing housing, building and zoning code violations, critical area and wetland violations, environmental problems, conditions or hazards, which may exist on or with respect to the property and such state of facts that an accurate survey or physical inspection of the property might disclose. Purchaser(s) shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. If there are tenants in possession of all or part of the property, the Attorneys for the Mortgagee shall not be responsible for any tenant security deposit. The property is being sold subject to easements, agreements, restrictions or covenants of record affecting same, if any, which are not extinguished as a matter of law by the foreclosure. If the Attorneys for the Mortgagee are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser(s) sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit to the purchaser(s). Upon refund of the deposit this sale shall be null and void and of no effect and the purchaser(s) shall have no further claim against the Attorneys for the Mortgagee. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, agricultural transfer taxes and settlement costs to be paid by the purchaser(s). In the event settlement is delayed for any reason and the property is purchased by someone other than Note holder, there shall be no abatement of interest caused by the delay. The purchaser(s) at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property from the date of sale. The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for information purposes only. The Auctioneer and the Attorneys for the Mortgagee herein appointed do not make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of this information. The acreage is approximate. Matthew T. Murnane Darek S. Bushnaq Attorneys for the Mortgagee

OCD-1/25/3t _________________________________

LEGALS 410-723-6397 legals@ oceancitytoday.net

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of VANESSA JONES Estate No. 20020 Notice is given that COREY JONES whose address is 2203 IVERSON ST., TEMPLE HILLS, MD 20748-7008 was on JANUARY 08, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of VANESSA JONES who died on SEPTEMBER 07, 2023 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of JULY, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/18/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106 ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland. Thursday, February 8, 2024 At 2:00 p.m. PW 23-105 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum

channelward extension of 33’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 423 14TH ST UNIT 302 (Slip 59) Parcel # 3486 -302S -2B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: Whitehead Enterprises 1, LLC APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. PW 23-107 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift with associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 35’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 419 14TH ST UNIT 68 (Slip 69) Parcel # 3486 -68 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: Mario Aguilar, TR APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. PW 24-004 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with one associated piling maximum channelward extension of 15’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 11611 SEAWARD RD UNIT B Parcel # 3892A-71B in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: Kevin Dobenecker APPLICANT: Just Rite Marine, Inc. PW 24-005 A request has been submitted to install 40’ of replacement vinyl bulkhead maximum 18” channelward; to replace existing parallel pier, perpendicular pier and to install two (2) boatlifts. All construction 36’ maximum channelward extension. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 713 HARBOUR DR Parcel # 8020A-1538B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: Karen Barger APPLICANT: Lane Engineering, LLC c/o Sarah Freund PW 24-006 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift on existing pilings, maximum channelward extension of 40’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 304 DOLPHIN ST Parcel # 3275 -119 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: Eric & Dana Siegel APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. PW 24-007 A request has been submitted to install one boat lift on existing pilings, maximum channelward extension 19’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 509 PENGUIN DR BLDG C 203 – Slip 102 C2 Parcel # 4469 -203 -C in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: Jeffrey & Colleen Abell APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. PW 24-008 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with associated pilings a maximum channelward extension of 16’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 11614 SHIPWRECK RD Parcel # 3919A-59 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: Christopher Fontana APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. PW 24-009 A request has been submitted to install one boatlift with associated poles a maximum of 18’ channelward not to extend past existing pier. The site of the proposed

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 construction is described as being located at 2818 PLOVER DR UNIT 7 Parcel # 4717 -7 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. OWNER: Jane & Darrell Ginter APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc. OCD-1/25/2t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an appeal of Section 110-94(3)a has been filed to request a special yard exception for an addition to be constructed over an existing garage. The site of the appeal is described as Lot 10, Block 9, of the Caine Woods Section 5 Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of 141st Street and is locally known as 720 141st Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: KEITH HOLLANDER (BZA 2677 # 24-0940002) Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall. Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-1/25/2t _________________________________

TOWN OF BERLIN

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP # 2024-02 Harrison Avenue Water Utility Improvements Due Date: Monday, 02/26/2024 Time: 3:00 PM EST The Town of Berlin is seeking Proposals for the installation of approximately 300 LF of 8” watermain using trenchless installation methods (directional bore), the abandonment of an existing watermain with

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 flowable fill, the installation of a 1” residential water service lateral, the installation of 20 LF of 6” watermain, the installation of a 2” commercial water service, and the replacement and relocation of an existing fire hydrant assembly. A portion of the work is adjacent to Broad Street (MD 374), a MD-SHA maintained roadway, and any work performed in the ROW will need to meet their requirements for utilities, restoration, and traffic control. Qualified contractors are encouraged to visit the Town of Berlin website at berlinmd.gov/government/requestfor-proposals/ or contact Director of Water Resources Jamey Latchum at 4 1 0 - 6 4 1 - 3 8 4 5 / jlatchum@berlinmd.gov for the official RFP. EEO. OCD-2/1/2t _________________________________ IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: VIRGIE LOUISE SMALL ESTATE NO. 19448

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all Persons Interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Juanita L. Bossler, 118 Clam Shell Road, Ocean City, MD 21842 for judicial probate of the will dated October 24, 2006 and for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Room 102, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 on February 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Court Room 4 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863 Phone: (410) 632-1529 Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: February 1, 2024 OCD-2/1/2t _________________________________ TIMOTHY J. OURSLER ESQ. 706 GIDDINGS AVE., STE. 305 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-1425

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20046 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARTA LEWIS BEMAN Notice is given that Michael Gordan Beman Jr., 1866 Woodbine St., Apt. 3L, Ridgewood, NY 11385-3747, was on January 18, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marta Lewis Beman who died on December 09, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or

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OC Today/Dispatch - Public Notices by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of July, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Michael Gordan Beman Jr. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: February 1, 2024 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________ CHRIS S. MASON ESQ. 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20055 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD GREGORY BASSETT Notice is given that Catherine M. Bassett, 35082 Wright Way, Millsboro, DE 19966-3854, was on January 24, 2024 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Ronald Gregory Bassett who died on December 10, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the

NOTICE

The Mayor and City Council, a public community transit service provider in Ocean City, Maryland, is offering the opportunity for a public hearing to provide citizens a forum to present views on the following proposals: FY 2025 Annual Transportation Plan (ATP). The ATP contains requests for operating funds from the following programs: Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, which provides funds for general public transit service in rural areas; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program, which provides funds for federally required para transit services for persons with disabilities. In addition, capital funds will be requested for the following items: ITEM Two (2) Heavy Duty 60’ Articulating Buses Transit Vehicle Preventative Maintenance Transition Plan for Zero-Emission Vehicles TOTAL

TOTAL $1,700,000 $916,000 $149,000 $2,765,000

A Public Hearing will be held upon request. Requests for a Public Hearing must be in writing and will be received until 4 p.m. Monday, March 4. Requests for a Public Hearing and/or other written comments should be sent to the following address and clearly marked “Public Hearing Comments”: Ocean City Transportation 224 65th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Written comments can also be emailed to: Rob Shearman Jr. at rshearman@oceancitymd.gov If requested, a Public Hearing will be held: Monday, March 18, 2024 6:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers 301 North Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842 If special assistance is required at the Public Hearing contact Ocean City Transportation, Administrative Coordinator, at 410-723-2174 prior to 4 p.m. Monday, March 4, 2024. OCD-2/1/5t ____________________________________________________________________ undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Catherine M. Bassett Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: February 1, 2024

OCD-2/1/1t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of KENNETH RICHARD STEVENS JR Estate No. 20054 Notice is given that BARBARA ANN STEVENS whose address is 11500 COASTAL HWY UNIT 1420 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-7070 was on JANUARY 23, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of KENNETH RICHARD STEVENS JR who died on DECEMBER 06, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons

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OC Today/Dispatch - Public Notices

having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/1/1t _________________________________ PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of MARIE L. BOUNDS, Estate No. 20031. Notice is given that PRESTON W. BOUNDS, III, 2642 BIRD HILL RD., GIRDLETREE, MD 21829-2744, and JANET BOUNDS MORGAN CARTER, 103 S. BAY ST, SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1303, were on JANUARY 11, 2024, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARIE L. BOUNDS, who died on DECEMBER 15, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of JULY, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided

by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________ REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of MICHELE J SHAFER, Estate No. 19978. Notice is given that SAMUEL W SHAFER SR, whose address is 13508 SINEPUXENT AVE, OCEAN CITY, MD 218424549, was on JANUARY 16, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MICHELE J SHAFER, who died on SEPTEMBER 10, 2023, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of JULY, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________ D KATHLEEN RUS D. KATHLEEN RUS, ATTORNEY 1532 LIBERTY RD, STE 109 ELDERSBURG, MD 21784-6580

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN RAY YOUNG, Estate No. 20017. Notice is given that KAYNE THOMAS YOUNG, whose address is 620 S WAYNE ST, MILLEDGEVILLE, GA 31061-3906,

was on JANUARY 16, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN RAY YOUNG, who died on DECEMBER 13, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of JULY, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________ REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE F. CARROLL, Estate No. 19462. Notice is given that RICHARD A. STANLEY, whose address is 3008 ARUNDEL HL SW, SHALLOTTE, NC 28470-0013 and TENLEY A. CARROLL SELI, whose address is 2205 ALBION RD, MIDLOTHIAN, VA 23113-4154 were on JANUARY 16, 2024, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of GEORGE F. CARROLL, who died on SEPTEMBER 19, 2017, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of JULY, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________ JACOB DEAVEN, ESQ. PARKER, SIMON & KOKOLIS, LLC 110 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SUITE 500 ROCKVILLE, MD 20850

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19967 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FREDERICK EDGAR WILLIAMS Notice is given that Thomas J. Kokolis Esq., 110 N. Washington St., Ste. 500, Rockville, MD 20850-2230, was on January 29, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frederick Edgar Williams who died on August 18, 2022, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of July, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Thomas J. Kokolis Esq. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County

FEBRUARY 2, 2024 One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: February 02, 2024 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________

NOTICE

The Farmers Bank of Willards Meeting of Stockholders will be held on April 25th, 2024 at 10:00am at the Willards Lions Hall on Hearn Street in Willards, Md. OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________

PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Town of Snow Hill will hold a Second Public Hearing for the purpose of receiving public input and advising citizens on the progress of the ongoing CDBG grant no. MD-22-CD-26, for the Lining and Repair of the Market Street sewer. The hearing will be held as part of the monthly Mayor and Town Council meeting. 7:00pm, Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Old Fire Hall, 212 W. Green St., Snow Hill, MD, 21863. Questions or comments can also be submitted in writing within two weeks of this public hearing. Please contact Grants Administrator Paul Bessette for information, comments or questions. 410-6322080 pbessette@snowhillmd.com OCD-2/1/1t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of CHRISTINE I. BOLGER Estate No. 20053 Notice is given that LEIGH CANNELLA whose address is 49 ABBYSHIRE RD, BERLIN, MD 21811-1832 was on JANUARY 24, 2024 appointed personal representative(s) of the estate of CHRISTINE I. BOLGER who died on DECEMBER 25, 2023 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this

PAGE 49

OC Today/Dispatch - Public Notices published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/1/1t _________________________________

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20057 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARLENE JOYCE FORD Notice is given that Linda F. Wamsley, 1705 Masefield Dr., Salisbury, MD 21801-3265 and Pamela Ford, 36 Knottingham Lane, Berlin, MD 21811, was on January 24, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marlene Joyce. Ford who died on September 20, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of July, 2024. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Linda F. Wamsley Pamela Ford Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: February 01, 2024 OCD-2/1/3t _________________________________

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PAGE 50

OC Today/Dispatch

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Appellate hearing in Knupp case officially set March 1 Oral arguments will be held on charges against Tyler Mailloux dismissed in Aug. By Bethany Hooper Staff Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) The Appellate Court of Maryland will convene March 1 to hear oral arguments regarding the dismissal of charges against Tyler Mailloux. On Friday, March 1, the appellate court will hear oral arguments from both the prosecution and defense in the case involving Mailloux, a local man charged earlier this year in the hit-and-run death of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp. Last April, 17 traffic charges – including failure to immediately stop at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury and failure to immediately stop a vehicle at the scene of an accident involving death – were filed against Mailloux, 23, of Berlin, in the death of Knupp, who was struck and killed by a motorist in a black Mercedes while crossing Grays Corner Road on July 11, 2022. Knupp was returning to a vehicle driven by his older sister and died

from injuries sustained in the collision. Mailloux allegedly fled the scene and did not return, according to charges filed. During a motions hearing on Aug. 18, Judge Brett Wilson granted a motion to dismiss the case against Mailloux in Worcester County Circuit Court over lack of jurisdiction, although he noted that charges could be refiled in district court. Immediately following the ruling, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a notice to appeal. Since that time, both the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Public Defender, Mailloux’s legal counsel, have filed briefs with the Appellate Court of Maryland. While the state argues that relevant statutes gave both the district and circuit courts concurrent jurisdiction over all charges filed in the case, the appellee opined that the “plain language” of the statute indicates charges in the case should have been filed in district court. Both parties have asked that oral arguments be heard. The court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on at 9.m., March, at the Court of Appeals building in Annapolis. The session will be livestreamed.

FILE PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

A memorial set up on Grays Corner Road pays tribute to 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, who died in a hit-and-run incident in July 2022.

POLICE/COURTS

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

PAGE 51

OC Today/Dispatch

BUSINESS BRIEFS

OC Chamber awards

Women’s business

Members of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce have named recipients of the organization’s 2024 awards. The honorees will be recognized at the chamber’s annual dinner, set for 6 p.m., March 1, at the Ocean City convention center. Tickets can be purchased at chamber.oceancity.org/events/det ai l s/2 0 2 4-o c -c ham b e r -a n n u a l awards- celebration-39851. The award winner are as follows: Lifetime Achievement — Jim Motsko, White Marlin Open Business Person of the Year — Sophia Christian, Nori Sushi Bar & Grill, Sophia’s Italian Restaurant, Okiaya Fishing Gear Volunteer of the Year — Billy Apostolou, Direct Mortgage Loans Citizen of the Year - Anne Marie Conestabile, United Work and Travel First Responder of the Year — Butch Arbin, Ocean City Beach Patrol Nonprofit of the Year — Art League of Ocean City Young Professional of the Year — Ricky Pollitt, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore

The Maryland Capital Enterprises’ Women’s Business Center’s Aspire to Succeed & Lead Women’s Business Conference is set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 15, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (Midway Room), at 500 Glen Ave. in Salisbury. The event will provide a platform for businesswomen to connect, learn and grow by hosting speakers, networking opportunities, and strategies for success. Registration Fee is $65. Speakers are: Jordan Twilley, the executive sales director for Mary Kay; Nicole Odom-Hardnett, the 2023 MCE Palmer Gillis Entrepreneur of the Year; and Lori A. Carter, experienced community planner and economic developer. The event also features local vendors, a cupcake raffle with a chance to win a piece of jewelry courtesy of Kuhn’s Jewelers, and complimentary breakfast, lunch and snacks. Register by Feb. 16 for a chance to win a gift basket donated by Hebron Savings Bank. For more information, to register, or to inquire about sponsorship and vendor opportunities, visit the conference

Looking for a eck Ch new home? out the

website at marylandcapital.org/annual-mce-womens-business-conference/ or contact Lisa Twilley, the director of MCE Women’s Business Center, at 410-546-1900 ext.108 or ltwilley@mar ylandcapital.org .

Reverse trade show Contractors, entrepreneurs, and commercial entities interested in doing business with local government agencies are invited to participate in a reverse trade show at Wor-Wic Community College next month. Set from 1-4 p.m., March 6, at the Guerrieri Technology Center lobby of the Wor-Wic campus in Salisbury, the show will feature representatives from Salisbury University, Wor-Wic, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Wicomico County Public Schools, City of Salisbury, Worcester County Government, Wicomico County Government, and the Town of Ocean City. Attendees will have the chance to meet and interact with the representatives with no fees or registration required. Worcester County’s procurement office, along with procurement representatives from other local government agencies, are hosting the event.

IDE U G E T A T S E L A E R L COASTA

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2-BR home overlooks Walkers Pond. Most furnishings are included & it’s ready to be your beach get-away. Low HOA fees. Access to community's amenities: 3 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, 9-hole miniature golf course, shuffleboard, wildlife sanctuary pond/park area, 8-acre pond with walking/jogging path around it, bayfront boardwalk with 3 piers for fishing & crabbing or enjoying the sunset. Convenient to shopping, restaurants & Ocean City's beautiful Northside Park. Bring your beach cruisers & start enjoying the beach life! Make an appointment to see this gem today- It won't last long. Enjoy the beautiful water view of this coastal get-away. Offered at $354,250

13901 Coastal Hwy., Suite 8, Ocean City, MD

For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700 www.larryholdrenrealestate.net • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com

OCEAN CITY WATERFRONT This custom-built 3BR/2BA home is located in the Montego Bay community in North Ocean City. Situated on a 500' wide canal this home features approx. 1700 sq. ft. of living space, an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, a sunroom overlooking the water, granite countertops, a 40' dock, a 36' pier, a boat lift, 2 jet ski lifts and much more. Offered at $775,000 furnished. For more information, please contact MIKE GRIMES 410.251.6821/410-250-3020 or at montegomike@verizon.net.

619 GULF STREAM DRIVE

13901 Coastal Hwy., #8, Ocean City, MD

For More Information Call 800-252-2223 • 410-250-2700 www.larryholdrenrealestate.net • email: ocmdhre@gmail.com

BRAND NEW & 2 BLOCKS TO THE BEACH! BRAND NEW and 2 BLOCKS to the BEACH!! Located in the highly sought after community of Montego Bay in quiet North OC, this custom built 2 story home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with views of the canal out back from several different rooms. Interior features include a 2-story family room with cathedral ceilings, granite counters, white shaker-style cabinets, stainless steel appliances, full size washer & dryer, ceramic showers/baths, brushed nickel hardware, luxury vinyl plank flooring on first floor, and wall to wall carpet on 2nd level which includes a great room that could easily be used as a 4th bedroom. Great location within walking distance to shopping, dining, bus stop, the beach, Ocean City's 58 acre Northside Park (home of the 4th of July fireworks), and all community amenities which include 2 inground swimming pools, 1 kiddie pool, 2 tennis courts, pickle ball courts, shuffleboard court, 9-hole minigolf course, 8-acre wildlife sanctuary/park area, a 5-acre pond with a blacktop walking/jogging trail, and a bayfront boardwalk with 3 fishing/crabbing piers...all for a low HOA fee of $396.00 a year!! Don't miss this one, call now to schedule your private showing.

$799,900

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

13015 ATLANTIC BLVD • OCEAN CITY

$749,900

Call Bill Rothstein 800-745-5988 • 443-280-2530 montegobayrealty@aol.com

12905 Coastal Hwy • Ocean City, MD www.montegobayrealty.com

PAGE 52

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

Taylor Bank pres. retiring, exec. VP to step in (Feb. 2, 2024) After nearly three decades of service, Calvin B. Taylor Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Raymond M. Thompson will retire at the end of this year. According to a news release, Thompson will officially step down from his position at the end of 27 years with the bank on Dec. 31. Thompson served 22 years as president and 18 as CEO. The release said members of the board of directors have chosen M. Dean Lewis, the bank’s current executive vice president and chief finance officer, to succeed Thompson on Jan. 1.

“We thank President Thompson for his 27 years of outstanding service to the stockholders, employees and customers of Taylor Bank, and we congratulate Mr. Lewis on becoming the 8th President and Chief Executive Officer of Ray Thompson Taylor Bank in its 134 year history,” Board of Directors Chair Thomas K. Coates said in the release. “We look forward to a successful leadership transition during 2024.”

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Lewis came to Taylor Bank with 10 years of accounting experience, the majority of which was spent with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in Baltimore, where he served as tax director. His background includes experience in accountM. Dean Lewis ing, tax compliance and planning, financial statement audits, banking, SEC reporting, and internal controls. After joining Taylor Bank, Lewis was appointed the chief financial officer of the bank and treasurer of the company,

Calvin B. Taylor Bankshares, Inc., in May 2013. He was elected to the board of directors in May 2014 and promoted to vice president in 2015, senior vice president in 2021, and executive vice president last year. Lewis is a Berlin native and graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1998. He attended the University of Maryland, where he received a bachelor of science degree in accounting in May 2002. He earned a masters degree in taxation from American University in August 2008 and returned to the Eastern Shore in October 2010. He currently lives in Berlin with his wife and three children.

Dec. sports betting revenues set all-time record for state (Feb. 2, 2024) Last December was the best month to date for Maryland’s sports wagering market, which generated more than $6.482 million in contributions to the state from a handle of nearly $600 million. Each sportsbook contributes 15% of its taxable win to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports public education programs. According to a news release, the contributions from the state’s 13 retail, which includes Ocean Downs Casino off Route 611, and 12 mobile sportsbooks topped the $5.8 million total generated during October. The December handle surpassed the previous mark of more than $550.7 million in November. The release said mobile handle accounted for 96.7% of the total in December at more then $541.6. Mobile wagering delivered $6.166 million in contributions to the state during December, while retail sportsbooks contributed $316,369. After a referendum in 2020, Maryland officially launched retail sports betting at brick and mortar casinos across the state in December 2022. Sports wagering data is tracked and

reported based on the state’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30. During the first six months of Fiscal Year 2024 (July 2023 through December 2023), sports wagering contributed nearly $24.6 million to the state. The 12 months of calendar year 2023 produced more than $46.16 million in contributions to the state from sports wagering. “The numbers we’re seeing over the last six to 12 months reflect the maturation of the market,” Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin said in the release. “Initial projections were that sports wagering would generate $25 million to $30 million annually for the state as the market was ramping up. We’ve now had more than a year of mobile wagering, and we expect the annual contribution to settle in at more than $40 million.” A detailed summary of each sportsbook’s December results, including handle, hold percentage, prizes paid, promotional play, taxable win, and contribution to the state, along with a summary of statewide handle and hold by sport is available for download at mdgaming.com.

February 1 - 8 DA AY/TIME

ADDRESS

BR/BA

STYLE

PRICE

AGENCY/AGEENT

Fri-Mon, 11am-4pm

H ron Her o Harbourr,, 120th St., Bayside

1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+

Condos, Towns & SF

Nanette Pavier/Holiday y Real Estate

Sat & Sun, Noon-4pm

Harbor Court, 12801 Memory Lane

3-6BR/3.5-6.5BA

Single Family

Frrom $849,900

Kathleen M. Clark/Mono ogram Realty

Saturrday 10am-Noon

3 14th Strreet #302, Ocean City 301

3BR/3.5BA

Condo

$695,000

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker B Realty

Saturrday 12:30-2:30pm

121 81st St. #706, Ocean City

3BR/3.5BA

Condo

$815,000

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker B Realty

Sunday 10am-Noon

1 66th Unit 101, Ocean City

2BR/2BA

Condo

$499,900

Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker B Realty

Sunday 12:30-2:30pm

36 6939 Crreekhaven Drive, Selbyville

4BR/4.5BA

Single Family

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Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker B Realty

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305 11th St. #301, Ocean City

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Team Bouse/ReMax Adva antage Realty

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

PAGE 53

OC Today/Dispatch

Companies making strides with broadband By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 2, 2024) The majority of Worcester County is expected to have access to high-speed internet by the end of the year. Thanks to the efforts of Talkie Communications, Choptank Fiber, Simple Fiber and Maryland Broadband, more and more Worcester

County residents have access to broadband. “This has been a huge undertaking,” said Director of Information Technology Brian Jones. “We’ve come a long way … In 2021 we started out with over 6,400 homes that had no internet. When everything is done that they’re working on today, we’ll end up in the neighborhood of 5,000

people that’ll be complete.” Jones provided the Worcester County Commissioners with an update on broadband efforts at a recent meeting. He said the expanded access to high-speed internet had been made possible through the county’s partnership with Talkie, Choptank, Maryland Broadband and Simple Fiber.

While Maryland Broadband has helped with the overall infrastructure, Talkie is currently working to install fiber in Pocomoke and Whaleyville. Choptank is working to install fiber in the Germantown and Berlin area. Jones said Simple Fiber had installed innerduct and fiber in Pocomoke and would be expanding See GRANTS Page 54

REAL ESTATE REPORT

Trends of real estate context index survey By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) The National Association of Realtors conducts a Realtors Confidence Index Survey that gathers information from Realtors about local market conditions based on their client interactions. The December survey had 1,855 respondents and the market outlook from the RCI for buyers and sellers continued to gain positive steam: • A total of 33% of respondents expect a year-over-year increase in buyer traffic in the next three months, up from 16% one month ago and up from 12 percent one year ago.

• A total of 25% of respondents expect a year-over-year increase in seller traffic in the next three months, up from 12% last month and from 9% one year ago. With supply still limited relative to demand, 16% of homes sold above list price, down from 19% last month and flat from 16% a year ago: • A total of 56% of respondents reported that properties sold in less than one month. Down from 62% a month ago and flat from 57% in December 2022.

• Homes listed received an average of 2.4 offers, down slightly from 2.6 offers last month and up slightly from 2.2 offers in December 2022. Contracts typically closed in 30 days, the same as the figures for last month and one year ago during this time. But some faced delays or termination: • A total of 5% of contracts were terminated in the last three months, about the same as one month and flat from one year ago. • A total of 6% of contracts had delayed settlement due to appraisal issues, down slightly from 7% last month

and flat from one year ago. Contract activity remains competitive: • A total of 29% of buyers had allcash sales, up from 27% last month and up slightly from 28% in the last year. • A total of 24% of buyers waived the inspection contingency, up from 18 percent one month ago and flat from one year ago. • A total of 15% of buyers waived their appraisal contingencies, down from 19% one month and 18% one year ago. — Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record with Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.

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PAGE 54

OC Today/Dispatch

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OCVFC VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

OCVFC’s Parker Shandrowsky following in family footsteps TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY/DISPATCH

Emergency vehicles are seen parked on Jan. 25 at RICCA Chemical Company on Broad Street in Pocomoke City. Crews responded to a hazmat situation at the plant in the afternoon and spent several hours controlling the incident.

Pocomoke chemical incident sends three to area hospital (Feb. 2, 2024) Three people were taken to TidalHealth for treatment on Jan. 25 after exposure to a toxic substance at a chemical facility in Pocomoke City. According to a news release from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, emergency responders were called out just after noon, Jan. 25, to RICCA Chemical Company at 1841 Broad Street in Pocomoke for report of a chemical emergency. The Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company and the Pocomoke City EMS Departments were dispatched first, followed by the Worcester County Special Hazards Team. Upon arrival, the release said Pocomoke City firefighters confirmed there was one priority patient, an employee of the chemical company, who had been exposed to iodine monochloride. They also learned there were two other people exposed, another employee, and a first responder who came in contact with the first patient during treatment.

The release said iodine monochloride “to some extent reacts with water to produce an acidic gas.” All of the people exposed at the scene reported respiratory irritation and were decontaminated at the scene before they were taken to TidalHealth hospital in Salisbury for further evaluation and treatment. Hazmat team members entered the facility in fully encapsulated chemical resistant suits to document and render the scene safe before cleanup operations could commence, according to the release. The situation was brought under control and turned back over to RICCA Chemical Company staff at 3:45 p.m. Members of the Stockton, Snow Hill, Girdletree, Oak Hall and Greenbackville fire and EMS companies also responded to the scene, along with hazardous materials technicians from the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office and Worcester County Department of Emergency Services.

Grants help connectivity efforts Continued from Page 53 services to Snow Hill and Berlin. “They’re not working in the rural areas but they are in the town side of things,” Jones said. He said the county had accomplished a lot in the past two years. Despite the fact that estimates on bringing broadband to the entire county have risen from $50 million to more than $76 million, he said because they’d acquired so many grants, Worcester County had spent just $96,000. “To me that’s unheard of,” he said. Commissioners Ted Elder and Jim Bunting, who both have spent years advocating for better internet access in Worcester, praised the progress. Commissioner Diana Purnell said she appreciated the expanded access as a resident and business owner. “Worcester County is coming into modern times,” she said. Commissioner Chip Bertino agreed. “I don’t want it to be lost when we started this project, this government

expected we’d be spending in excess of $50 million to do this and we committed that we would do this because we felt it was so important. Because of your efforts and efforts of these contractors and our partners in this as well as our staff… we got it down to $96,000 and we’re almost done. That is absolutely fantastic.” Jones said he was hopeful new grants would become available in the spring of 2024 that could help the county’s partners reach the remaining 1,400 or so homes that won’t be connected through current installation projects. As of this week, Jones said Simple Fiber was actively seeking customers to sign up for service in Pocomoke. Talkie Communications crews have started construction on Greenbackville Road and Rabbit Knaw Road. They have also started pulling fiber in Whaleyville, which means that work there should be done in 3045 days. The same is true of Jones Road in Pocomoke.

Uncle member of company, many other business reps involved throughout years By Steve Price Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) This week we are pleased to recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Active Member Parker Shandrowsky. Parker spent a great deal of his youth on 12th Street in Ocean City with his aunt and uncle. His uncle, local businessman John Romeo, was a member of the OCVFC and Parker often got to “tag along” with him as he responded to fire calls in the community. Parker was impressed that members of the OCVFC who worked in town, owned businesses, and were actively involved in city government would immediately “drop what they were doing” to respond to fires. He recalls meeting “Fish” Powell, Stevie

Parker Shandrowsky

Cropper, David Hartley, Walt Ward, Jim Mathias, John Guntow, Sam Villani and many more. Each one of them not only shared their knowlSee SHANDROWSKY Page 56

Sheriff’s office programming dept. radios for encryption By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 2, 2024) While the transition hasn’t happened yet, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is still moving to encrypted radio communications. Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said the county’s emergency services team was in the process of programming his department’s radios to include encryption. “The process just takes time to implement,” Crisafulli said. Like a growing number of law enforcement agencies nationwide, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office announced last fall that it would be moving to encrypted radio communications. Crisafulli said the change, which has been criticized by those who monitor emergency radio channels, was meant to keep his officers safe. “I understand that this is not a popular decision, however; it is a necessity for the preventative safety of our law enforcement officers,” Crisafulli said when he announced the change in October. “As you know, this is a very demanding and stressful job, especially in today’s world with instant informational access at everyone’s reach. This includes those that may have nefarious intentions towards our brave men and women.” While he initially planned for the transition to take place in January, the radios are still being pro-

grammed. “This effort involves the collaboration of multiple local, county, and state agencies and there is significant coordination effort happening to ensure that this is well executed,” said James Hamilton, the county’s deputy director of emergency services. Hamilton said staff were aiming to have the transition complete in the next month or so but that Worcester County would work with other jurisdictions to ensure interoperability. Those who have been in the habit of monitoring radio channels, such as the popular Facebook page Eastern Shore Undercover, remain concerned about what they see as less transparency. “It’s unfortunate,” said Earl Campbell, the former law enforcement officer who started the Eastern Shore Undercover page. “Many people appreciate knowing what is happening in the community and with the encryption, it just hides everything. The citizens should have the right to vote on this type of change.” Crisafulli, however, has maintained that encrypted communications are considered a national best practice among law enforcement agencies. He has also stressed that communications will be available after-the-fact through a Maryland Public Information Act request. Fire and ambulance calls will not be encrypted.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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Continued from Page 54 edge of the fire service but also their experiences as members of the community. His uncle, John, credits Deputy Fire Marshal and OCVFC Captain F. Michael “Mike” Sacca with sparking his interest in the volunteer fire company. Unfortunately, Mike died from cancer at the age of 38 before Parker had the opportunity to know him but Parker recognizes Mike’s influence on the OCVFC. Parker joined the OCVFC on July 31, 2007. During his 15 years of active service, he has served as lieutenant on Engine 704, vice president of the organization and currently serves as a platoon captain. He recalls a house fire in Berlin as the most significant event of his career in the fire service. Parker, along with Deputy Fire Marshal Josh Bunting and Deputy Fire Chief “Moe” Cropper worked together to rescue a victim trapped in the home. The victim was badly burned and in respiratory arrest as she was removed from the residence.

Months later, the patient greeted her rescuers as they were recognized for their heroic efforts by the Worcester County Commissioners. Captain Shandrowsky cites two programs when asked to name his greatest accomplishments in the fire service. He has received several “Phoenix Certificates” for his efforts to save the lives of those in cardiac arrest – as in “the Phoenix rises from the ashes.” He also cites his involvement with Sussex County’s groundbreaking implementation of a whole blood administration program in the resuscitation of trauma patients. Parker said, “My participation in all of these programs is partly due to the experiences and influences afforded me by my service with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.” Parker offers the following encouragement to our cadets and other young men and women with an interest in joining the fire service: “At one time, those of us with a true interest started into this – not as the means to

an end, not because we thought we were going to get something out of it, but simply because we thought it was ‘cool.’ Nobody likes being cold, wet, and tired – but it’s those experiences, the memories of what happened, the people you were there with, and the knowledge received during each of those events (for your personal ‘bag of tricks’ you’ll need to solve a similar problem in the future) that keep that feeling alive. You may be there to witness the beginning of a new life and if you stick with it long enough, you will surely be there to witness the end of one. You will see the successful defense of – and — the tragic loss of hard-earned property. Each one of those experiences is an absolute privilege. Don’t forget to treat them as such.” We thank Captain Shandrowsky for his commitment to the safety and well-being of our neighbors and visitors to our community. For membership information, or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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OC Today/Dispatch

West Ocean City pole barn destroyed in fire on Tuesday (Feb. 2, 2024) The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a commercial structure fire early Tuesday morning in West Ocean City. According to a news release from the fire marshal’s office, just after 5 a.m., members of the Ocean City Fire Department were called to a structure fire at 9724 Stephen Decatur Hwy. Upon arrival, crews observed flames and smoke coming from a pole barn at the rear of the property. The building housed a recreational vehicle. The release said firefighters

Lower Shore Land Trust stewardship training on Feb. 10 (Feb. 2, 2024) The Lower Shore Land Trust is offering free stewardship training to people interested in learning more about the land steward program and stewarding conservation lands. The introductory session will take place at 9 a.m., Feb. 10, at the Lower Shore Land Trust office on 100 River St. in Snow Hill, followed by field trainings on March 1 and 2. Attendees will learn about the conservation priorities the land trust conserves and protects, and longterm stewardship of the properties. They will learn basic understanding of the lower shore resource-based economies, habitat and natural heritage. Participants will also learn about the Lower Shore Land Trust, including how to be a volunteer land steward, and what to expect when volunteering out in the field. The Lower Shore Land Trust has conserved more than 24,000 acres of working farms, wildlife habitat and scenic landscapes. Members rely on volunteers to help with stewardship of conservation properties, and assist with other activities, such as fundraisers, tabling at events, and administrative support. Anyone who his interested in learning more about the Lower Shore Land Trust and how to get involved, can register for stewardship training on Feb. 10. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is required at lowershorelandtrust.org by clicking on the registration button. For more information, contact Stewardship Coordinator Frank Deuter by phone at 443-234-5587 or email at fdeuter@lowershorelandtrust.org.

quickly put out the flames and remained on location for about two hours performing overhaul operations. The barn and recreational vehicle inside were reportedly a complete loss, but no other surrounding businesses or structures reported any damage. Deputies from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and conducted a thorough examination. The release said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the fire marshal’s office at 410-632-5666, or the Maryland Arson Hotline at 800492-7529. Callers can remain anonymous.

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State police ramping up DUI enforcement efforts Saturday More troopers to be out across county this weekend targeting impaired drivers (Feb. 2, 2024) The Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack is intensifying efforts to combat driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs through an upcoming targeted enforcement initiative. The campaign, set to commence at 10 p.m., this Saturday, Feb. 3, and extend until 1 a.m. Sunday, is part of the barrack’s unwavering commitment to road safety and the elimination of impaired driving collisions. A news release said more troopers will be deployed on the roads in Worcester County, specifically focusing on DUI and impaired driving enforcement. The types of enforcement actions are in response to statistics from Zero Deaths Maryland, which reported a continued increase in total crashes involving alcohol or drugs since 2018. In 2022, there were 135 fatal crashes involving impaired drivers on Mary-

land’s roads. The numbers underscore the critical need for focused efforts to deter and apprehend impaired drivers, the release said. “The safety of our community is our top priority,” Lt. Earl Starner, the commander of the Berlin Barrack, said in the release. “With this initiative, we aim to significantly reduce DUI incidents, thereby ensuring safer travel for everyone on our roads.” The release said the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack is dedicated to a mission of removing impaired drivers from the road. The enhanced enforcement effort is a part of a broader strategy to promote responsible driving and prevent tragedies associated with impaired driving. State police troopers encourage the community to support the initiative by making responsible choices and reminding others to do the same. For more information about the initiative, contact First Sgt. Sean Thistle by email at sean.thistle@maryland.gov, or by phone at 410-641-3101.

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Coastal Hospice addresses July ‘23 data security issue By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (Feb. 2, 2024) Coastal Hospice is notifying affected individuals following a 2023 data security incident. Late last month, Coastal Hospice began notifying affected individuals regarding a network disruption that occurred in July 2023. “This disruption did not impact our ability to provide care to our patients and families,” said Alejandra Lazcano, director of communications at Coastal Hospice. “Our IT team, along with security experts, acted quickly and our information was able to be secured. Coastal Hospice is not aware of the misuse of any potentially affected information. Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, we recommend our community to remain vigilant and review account statements and credit reports closely.” According to an announcement on the Coastal Hospice website, a network disruption July 24, resulted in an immediate investigation. That investigation, which was conducted by cybersecurity experts, revealed that certain files may have been acquired without authorization. In late November, certain individuals’ person and/or protected health information was “identified as being contained within the potentially affected data.” Coastal Hospice issued letters Jan. 22 to people potentially impacted. “Coastal Hospice has enhanced its network security and has reported the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in an effort to hold the perpetrators accountable,” the Coastal Hospice notice reads. Information that may have been involved in the incident includes social security number, date of birth, medical diagnosis information, health insurance policy number, physician information, medical condition and patient account number. Those with questions about the incident are invited to reach out to a call center established to address concerns. Representatives are available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 1-888-541-0492. The nonprofit also advises anyone who may be impacted to review their debit and credit card statements regularly for any unusual activity. Individuals can also consider putting a fraud alert on their credit report. The alert informs creditors of possible fraudulent activity within the reports and requests that the creditor contact the individual prior to establishing any accounts in the individual’s name. Coastal Hospice takes the privacy and security of all data and systems very seriously and safeguarding and maintaining the confidentiality of our patient and employee information remains our utmost priority.

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OC Today/Dispatch

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

new weekly segment in this space could simply be transcriptions of conversations with my son Beckett, 15. In the moment, they can be irritating. After a few minutes and the benefit of hindsight, these simple chats are viewed with humor. For instance, here’s how a chat went last Saturday night over the course of about 45 minutes before an indoor soccer game at Northside Park. Yes, a portion of Saturday nights are being spent at the rec center. Me at 5 p.m.: Okay we are leaving at 5:45 for your game at 6:30, right? Beckett: Sure Me at 5:30 p.m.: (From downstairs) you getting ready? Me at 5:40: What’s happening? (No answer because he’s in the shower) Me: Why are you showering before an indoor soccer game? And why are you sitting in the shower? Beckett: Why are you stalking me? And because (female names deleted) are coming to watch the game. Me: Oh, that’s a good reason. Well, we should have left five minutes ago. Beckett: I know I will be ready. Me: When? Five minutes later he comes down without his jersey and shin guards and the same color socks that are clearly not a pair. Another example had to do with when is the appropriate time for a teenager to go to bed when he doesn’t have school tomorrow. Me (at 11 p.m.): It’s pretty late. Beckett: For someone your age maybe? Me: That’s entirely too chippy. Beckett: What’s chippy mean? Me: Unnecessarily rude. Beckett: I didn’t mean it that way. Me: It’s fine, you don’t have school tomorrow. Beckett: Yeah it’s whatever. Me: Yeah it’s whatever. Beckett: Good night, I love you. Me: I love you, too, don’t stay up too

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hen life gets heavy on the personal and professional front, there is something settling for me about being around my special needs son. It’s the same feeling I get when coaching kids with disabilities. Special needs kids, like our son Carson, 14, have a way of simplifying the complexities of life for me. It’s an interesting feeling, one he has always brought to my life to a degree but especially so as our challenges with him have smoothed out over the last year. Carson has a rare and complex chromosome disorder that presents most simply as nonverbal autism. Autism is just a part of his diagnosis but it’s a label most folks have some familiarity with so we have migrated to using it regularly. Raising Carson has been a roller coaster ride, one that’s much easier to navigate today than it was at one time. I remember long stretches when the roller coaster ride felt like we were blindfolded. Each special needs child is different, and it’s called the spectrum for a reason. Each has strengths and weaknesses and they evolve over time as the kids mature and learn about themselves. We have matured and evolved right along with our kid, as our experiences and outreach to other parents and sources have made us better at raising him. We know what works and what doesn’t. We also know how to manage our expectations and that has not always been the case. These realizations have all changed over time.

No doubt, there have been horrific experiences that one never forgets but always forgives. Our kid has a heart of gold but there are far more neurological things at play for him than just normal hormones that come with puberty. Our worst incidents in the past came before we figured out what medicines and approaches worked for him. The most disturbing situations were due to the wrong types of medicines bringing out horrible behavior. Pam, Beckett and I have each been impacted by these experiences with our Carson. We all just want the best for him, but we have been victims in different ways over the years. Life with him has been the most rewarding, confusing, stressful and unpredictable ride of my life, but the goods far outweigh the bad. There has been a lot of learning while celebrating the wins and learning from what seems like losses at the time. It’s fascinating to me the impact this complex boy of ours has on me every day. Being around him seems to bring me peace, especially when life seems chaotic. There’s a true irony at play. Every school morning starts the same way and for me he is the priority. It’s all about following the schedule we have found that works and getting him to school in the right mindset. The process is so detailed I even park in the same spot every morning when we get our Dunkin’ for the same drink and breakfast. It works so we roll with it. At night, we follow a similar schedule each day. I love joking around with him over dinner, especially liking to tell him various funny things about my day. His sense of humor and simple approach to life keeps me grounded. He knows what he likes. He knows what he doesn’t like. It’s a good way to live. He keeps it simple. I admire that about him and am grateful for the impact it has on me. (The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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late. Beckett: I’m facetiming here soon. Me: With who? Beckett: Oh everyone. Me: Oh, well tell everyone hello then, but don’t stay up too late. Beckett: You got it. For a kid who abhors long conversations – he calls them lectures – these short little chats seem to be the norm these days.

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Renowned Stephen Decatur Wrester and Coach Alphonso Henry, right, accepts an award for induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Maryland Chapter during a ceremony in the gym last Saturday.

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By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) If you ever get a chance to see what happens when coach and wrestler Alphonso Henry enters a regional wrestling gym, it’s something to see. The noise level tends to hush down a little when they realize their rock star has joined them. As he walks in, a crowd swarms around him. He shakes hands with acquaintances and hugs reserved for long-time friends. This was evidenced last Wednesday afternoon at his home and favorite gymnasium — the Stephen Decatur Seahawk High School gym, where his wrestling career began in 1971. Henry was there to accept an award for being elected to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Maryland Chapter and for all he does for the sport. After the award was presented, group grip-and-grin photos were taken. When the announcer called out for the final picture, he said, “Any wrestler in attendance that has been lucky enough to be coached by Alphonso please join him on the mat for a picture.” Half the gym, there for a meet with Washington High school, filed out of the bleachers and onto the mat. Quite a testimony to Henry’s influence and service to the sport of wrestling in our region. At Stephen Decatur High School, Henry was a team captain his junior and senior years. During his time at Stephen Decatur High School, Henry

was a district tournament and regional qualifier for three years in a row. After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 1975, Henry went on to study at the RETS Institute of Baltimore. Henry began his wrestling career working as a volunteer coach with Salisbury State Wrestling Club. That summer he started a program for high school and college wrestlers for the off season assisted by Mardela High School Head Coach Dion Johnson. That spring Henry opened his own club, the Wicomico Athletic Club, that focused on freestyle wrestling in high school, college and open divisions. His interest in freestyle wrestling brought him back to the mat where he competed in open freestyle. During that time, March of 2003, he placed as second in the Salisbury State Invitational. Over the last four decades he’s been a volunteer assistant, coach, and head coach at Stephen Decatur High School with his friend and teammate, Ron Foreman. He also spent three years as assistant head coach at Wicomico High School and he spent 20 years at James M. Bennett High School, where he works today. For his lifetime of service to wrestling, he was elected in 2017 into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Currently, Henry is coaching and developing freestyle techniques. And the 67-year-old says he may return to See LONGTIME Page 65

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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OC Today/Dispatch

Loving your vehicle hhas never beeen easier! Former Stephen Decatur High basketball standout Andre Foreman poses with his wife, Frances, and his newly retired jersey at a ceremony held Jan. 29 at the school.

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SDHS retires jersey of former b-ball champ Andre Foreman By Susan Taylor-Walls Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) Ever wondered how a jersey number gets retired? It takes a community to build a champion, as seen at the retirement of Stephen Decatur High School basketball jersey number 24. Andre Foreman not only had the athletic accomplishments but also the character, devotion to the sport, grace, caring and respect of others that made him a community hero. Foreman was honored last Saturday for his accomplishments at Stephen Decatur and beyond. “Today is all about Andre Foreman,” Stephen Decatur head basketball coach BJ Johnson said. The Stephen Decatur gym was filled to capacity with standing room only. You could feel the pride of Flower Street, family, members of the 1987 Boys Basketball team, prior coaches and his current St. Anthony’s girls’ team as they watched the honor of their hero. In 1987, a skinny young man named Andre graduated from Stephen Decatur High School, where

in his senior year he was MVP and first team All-Bayside. Salisbury University grabbed him up, where he was starting MVP all four years. He broke 17 records on his way to the Salisbury University Hall of Fame and the Small College Basketball National Hall of Fame in 2020. Those records included 52 points in a single game, All American two years running, NCAA Division III all time high scorer with 2,940 points and National Player of the year in 1992. Foreman played professional level basketball for 18 years in Australia (All-Star team MVP), Hong Kong (coMVP), Sweden and Finland. He had 6,357 points, 2,620 rebounds, 717 assist and 500 blocked shots. That’s how you get your number retired. An overwhelmed Foreman gave the credit to his team, family and community. He ended his speech by asking, “would you all stand and give yourselves a round of applause?” The whole crowd stood and gave tribute to a humble man as his St Andrews Girls’ Varsity team engulfed him.

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Opinions

Feb. 2, 2024

Page 62

Excuse our mess, work in progress Welcome to the newish OC Today/Dispatch, which debuts this week as sort of an amalgam of all the familiar features and styles of the two newspapers that preceded it. This is the result of last week’s merger of long-time rivals, The Dispatch and Ocean City Today, and the combined staffs’ first time working together on anything, much less something as complicated as a newspaper. With time being of the essence in work like this, a relaxed getting-to-know-you-phase between staff members was out of the question, as was an introductory course on unfamiliar software and computer network navigation. This week, getting the stories, selling the ads and producing the pages was a matter of “do what you do and we’ll figure it out as we go along.” Every member of this staff did exactly that ... magnificently, from accounting to headline writing and from page production to ad proofing. Although self-congratulatory newspaper editorials are seriously bad form, this one needs to be done to let readers and advertisers know that the members of this staff are self-motivated to do their best for them. No exhortations or rah-rah speeches were required. Still, so much remains to be done that it will take months to accomplish a complete unification of all the elements the separate papers are bringing to this party. Until then, some confusion is likely. For instance, both papers had Facebook pages. We’ll be using The Dispatch Facebook page from now on. Our web page, meanwhile, will be OC Today’s site with its standard address, even though that name no longer applies. That’s because the domain name itself can’t be changed until we figure out how to do that without losing all the Google search engine recognition both papers have developed over the years. And then there’s the email problem: the addresses of all staff members will have to remain as is until we can resolve that domain name issue. Finally, this week’s paper is only a baby step in the months-long job of the total redesign that’s in store for the new publication. In some ways, what we’re about to undertake is like the Town of Ocean City’s seemingly eternal work on its St. Louis Avenue improvement project: we believe you will like the results, so please bear with us while we’re under construction.

Stubbornly local, equally independent We cover the coast like no other

Reprint from Feb. 3, 2023

Local Voices Local generosity makes campaign Editor, Generosity throughout Ocean City contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at drop-off locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected 10 million shoebox gifts in 2023. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2023, the ministry is now sending over 11.3 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, dis-

ease and disaster. Through shoeboxes — packed with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items — Ocean City area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. Across Maryland, shoebox

packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming year-round volunteers. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling 410-772-7360. Although local drop-off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until Nov. 18 – 25, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline. Continued on Page 63

OC Today/Dispatch

NEWS EDITOR STEWART DOBSON....................................................(sdobson@oceancitytoday.com) EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN ........................................(sgreen@mdcoastdispatch.com) ASSOCIATE EDITOR CHARLENE SHARPE ..............................(csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com) ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER ................................(bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com) DIGITAL EDITOR MALLORY PANUSKA AMES ............................ (malloryp@oceancitytoday.net) STAFF WRITER TARA FISCHER ..........................................................(tara@oceancitytoday.net) GENERAL NEWS SUBMISSIONS AND INQUIRIES: editor@oceancitytoday.net SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER MARY COOPER ........................................(mcooper@oceancitytoday.net) ACCOUNT MANAGER TERRI FRENCH ..........................................(terrif@mdcoastdispatch.com) ACCOUNT MANAGER RENE KELLEY ..................................................(rene@oceancitytoday.net) CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS TAYLOR SLOAN ....................................(classifieds@oceancitytoday.net) GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES: sales@oceancitytoday.net

PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR COLE GIBSON ....................................................(cole@mdcoastdispatch.com) SENIOR PAGE DESIGNER SUSAN PARKS ........................................(susan@oceancitytoday.net) SENIOR AD DESIGNER KELLY BROWN ..............................................(kelly@oceancitytoday.net) ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHER CHRISTINE BROWN..................................................(cbrown@oceancitytoday.net) ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS ............................................(gini@oceancitytoday.net) web: oceancitytoday.com Facebook: facebook/mdcoastdispatch.com OC Today/Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2024.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

PUBLIC EYE

LOCAL VOICES

By Stewart Dobson Attention car salespeople: For the past two or three years, I have been contemplating leaving my trusty 2008 Ford F150 behind in exchange for something newer. Not that there’s anything wrong with my truck, but I’ll have quite a bit of latitude as I look for something more current. Besides, running around with a 16-year-old anything is never good for a man of my age. Of course, it’s just my nature that when I’m up for doing something, whether it’s all-you-can-eat crabs, merging newspapers or buying a car, I’m not merely highly enthused, I’m like a line in a Lyle Lovett song: I’m hot to go, I’m ready. What this means, of course, is that I will not be buying a car. No, when the time comes, I will sit on my hands, keep my mouth shut and watch my wife buy me a car. I have explained to her there’s nothing I can do about my tendency to suffer from facial twitches when she looks the salesperson in the eye and says, “Okay, let’s cut the bull---. What’s the walking-out-the-door price here?” “Walking out the door price?” “Yeah,” she says, “the price you give me to keep me from walking out the door.” You think I’m kidding? I am not. The last time I was allowed to participate in a car-buying session was about 25 years ago, when the salesman quoted a price for a new Ford Explorer. Not only did I say something like, “Wow! We can afford that!” it’s been said — repeatedly — that I might have muttered, “Wow! We can afford more than that!” “You’re an idiot,” she said as we drove away in a new car at better than the walking-out-the-door price. “From now on, if you want to accompany me on a car-buying expedition, your job is to sit still and say nothing. Otherwise, I’ll be getting you a coloring book. Capiche?” So, attention salespeople: I might be hot to go, but you won’t be dealing with me. I’ll be the quiet guy with the coloring book in the corner, trying to stay inside the lines in all regards.

Continued from Page 62 These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten. Dolores Brown Samaritan’s Purse

Stay informed with our digital newsletter Interested in getting more information more quickly than our weekly OC Today/Dispatch delivers? Our five-days-a-week digital newsletter might be just what you need. We are developing an in-your-morningemail product (with updates for breaking news) and invite you to give it a try when it debuts in the spring. If you sign up now, you’ll get a free three-month trial subscription to what will become available by paid subscription only for a nominal charge. How nominal? $2 a month or $12 a year to cover our production costs. Sign up now and get three months free by emailing malloryp@oceancitytoday.net. She’ll also keep you posted on our progress.

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County should give public pre-decision information Editor, I am one of those people who enjoys watching our elected officials in action. Unscripted and speaking from the heart is local politics at its best. So, for me it was a surreal moment during the Jan. 16 County Commissioners’ meeting when the commissioners began discussing the merits of encouraging more public input on issues affecting our lives and pocketbooks. There I sat on one of the churchlike pews as Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic uncharacteristically urged his colleagues to get the public more involved in the governing process. Then, totally unexpected, President Chip Bertino countered, saying his decades-long experience covering meetings as a reporter makes him question whether time would be wasted with little benefit by opening the floor to the public. Whew! Such thoughts from a former newsman! I am amazed and grateful that a

newspaper stood up and provoked this discussion in Worcester County, and that Ted Elder joined the other commissioners who supported getting more public input. The devil is in the details. But both Commissioner Mitrecic and President Bertino made some good points. Establishing an “open microphone” could create an uncontrollable public forum where the special interest groups could preach or rant about topics unrelated to the meeting agenda or even to Worcester County’s policies or operations. One can imagine Ocean City sending busloads of soccer moms or homeless beach residents to Snow Hill to argue for a sports complex or sewers for Diakonia. With the budget, growth, taxes, and the decades-old territorial disagreements with Ocean City looming on the horizon, the County Commissioners need more public input to show they review and debate what is good for all the people. Too often it appears the staff develops recommendations that impose costs on everyone but benefit only a few. I think a good place for the commissioners to start is by exercising more self-discipline. Far too often the agenda, staff briefing materials, and recommendations for discussion during the County Commissioners’ open meet-

ings are not made available until the day of the meeting. This approach to informing does not work for working people who can’t take the day off with little notice to attend a meeting. Unless emergency action is required, nothing should be scheduled for a presentation to or a decision by the commissioners without adequate public notice and the opportunity for meaningful public review of the details supporting a staff recommendation. Fourteen days’ notice is a requirement that should be followed. I also think the cameras should be turned on for planning commission and board of zoning appeals meetings. The planning commission is where recommendations are developed, the board of zoning appeals is where rules are waived. The public should be able to view the discussions live and have an opportunity to speak. Whether any public comments should be allowed other than those related to the agenda topics is a sticky issue, but what is wrong about letting the people communicate directly and publicly with those who ran for office and were elected to serve? Most of us do not get to have a private sit down with one or all of the county commissioners. Yes, making it easier for more public involvement means sharing more Continued on Page 64

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FEBRUARY 2, 2024

LOCAL VOICES Continued from Page 63 information about the decisions being made by our elected officials and county managers. That would be a good thing. It is a step toward demonstrating our elected commissioners are interested in whether we are for or against a vote that under current procedures often appears to have been decided without us. Stephen Katsanos South Point

Think about exchanging cash for priceless sunrise Editor, Millions of dollars were proposed to the City of Rehoboth, and Henlopen Acres. Officials from these towns were at a meeting discussing that possible payout from US Wind. I had to factcheck the information.

The company US Wind, based in Baltimore, is proposing a package of possible benefits to those two communities. US Wind, not owned by the United States, is the company planning over 100 offshore wind turbines that will be located in the Atlantic Ocean. The benefits would be $100,000 over 20 years for each town. Of course, there is a catch to all of this. Seems that the towns would need to agree not to obstruct or delay development of the projects if the towns decided to agree to the offer by US Wind. If I were offered cash for doing something someone proposed and had agreed to be silent with the results I agreed to, even before I knew what that someone would do in the future, does not sound like a great plan for any amount of money. The leaders of the City of Re-

hoboth and Henlopen Acres have a difficult decision to make. Enjoy all the money that will flow to only their communities for 20 years and they will be free to decide where that money goes. Hopefully, they will think about their legacy. They exchanged cash for the sunrise. Our sunrise in our forever horizon has a value to every single person, and it is priceless. Anita Welsch Bishopville

County’s public schools need full funding Editor, I am writing as a concerned member of our community to advocate for full funding for K-12 Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS). Education is a cornerstone of our society and plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our children and the well-being of our community. Investing in K-12 public schools is an investment in the future success of our community. By providing ample resources, we can attract and retain talented teachers, maintain manageable class sizes, and offer a wellrounded curriculum that includes not only core subjects but also extracurricular activities, arts, and sports. These advantages prepare them for the challenges and opportunities they

will face in the future. Unfortunately, last year’s approved budget was underfunded resulting in cutbacks for WCPS. If once again you do not fully fund the board of education’s request, cuts will continue and our schools are likely not to remain the top in the state. We are now at the bottom of the state for entry level salaries for teachers and teachers leaving the county for others that pay more. This has rarely happened before now. In addition, these cuts disproportionately affect students in low-income communities, exacerbating educational inequalities. To bridge this gap, we must prioritize full funding for our schools to ensure that all students, regardless of zip code, have equal access to a high-quality education. Well-educated individuals are more likely to become active, engaged citizens who contribute positively to our community. A strong public education system is essential for fostering innovation, economic growth, and social cohesion. I urge the county commissioners to prioritize education as you decide on this year’s funding levels. Let us come together as a community to invest in the future of our children and the prosperity of our society. Joan Roache Strong Schools Worcester County, team leader

WORLD WAR II

German submarine U-223 sinks Dorchester troopship By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) Tomorrow will mark the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the American troopship, Dorchester, by the German submarine, U-223. The Dorchester, captained by Hans J. Danielsen, together with Lutz and Biscaya, was part of an eastbound convoy escorted by Coast Guard Cutters Tampa, Escanaba, and Comanche. The Dorchester was designed, built and operated as coastal cruise ship, operating between Boston and Miami. It weighed 5649 tons and was 368 feet long and had space for 314 passengers and 90 crewmen. As was the case with many ships and boats, the Dorchester was “drafted” by the U.S. government with the advent of war. It was delivered to the government in Baltimore on Jan. 24, 1942, and was to be converted to government use and operated by Atlantic, Gulf & West Indies Steamship Lines, or AGWILINES. It was taken, by AGWILINES to New York, where it was converted to

an Army troopship, to be used to transport soldiers to Europe. Additional lifeboats and life rafts, four 20 mm guns, and two .50 caliber machine guns were added. The small convoy left New York on Jan. 23, 1943, bound for the Army Command Base at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland. Aboard the Dorchester were 904 men. Among that number were four chaplains who had met at the Army Chaplains School at Harvard University: Rabbi Dr. Alexander David Goode, Rev. George Lansing Fox, Pastor Clark Vandersall Poling, and Father John Patrick Washington. At 12:55 p.m., on Feb. 3, 1943, off Newfoundland in the frigid North Atlantic, the Dorchester was struck by a torpedo from the U-223. Immediately, the ship’s electrical system was knocked out and darkness and panic set in. The chaplains set about to calm the men and organize an orderly evacuation, although a severe list made use of lifeboats on that side impossible. The chaplains helped the wounded Continued on Page 66

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OC Today/Dispatch

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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OCEAN CITY TODAY

Atlantic General Hospital celebrated the grand opening of the Gudelsky Family Medical Center, the new outpatient hub for the Berlin and Ocean City area. Pictured is the Jan 25 ribbon cutting ceremony at the facility, which is off Route 589.

AGH cuts ribbon on new healthcare facility By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Healthcare just got even more accessible in Worcester County, as Atlantic General Hospital and Health System unveiled a much needed and brand-new facility to serve the Ocean Pines community at lower costs. AGH celebrated the grand opening of the Gudelsky Family Medical Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 25. The new site is off Racetrack Road in Ocean Pines. The nearly 50,000-square-foot building will act as a center for diabetes management, endocrinology, primary care, pediatrics, gastroenterology, and offer walk-in lab and X-ray services. “The center creates a point of access for residents of Ocean Pines and beyond, providing a one-stop shop for adult and adolescent patients needing care,” AGH CEO and President Donald Owrey said. The healthcare facility has an additional AGHRx RediScripts Pharmacy planned for a spring opening. According to Owrey, the hospital location is recognized year after year as a premiere regional pharmacy, and the AGH board and providers are excited to expand the excellent service to the Ocean Pines community. The idea for the center was con-

ceived before the pandemic. Despite the impact COVID-19 continues to have on national, regional, and local healthcare, the commitment to the project never wavered, the president said. The medical center has already attracted new providers, including a pediatrician and a gastroenterology doctor. Officials are hopeful the facility will entice even more medical professionals to help bolster healthcare in Worcester County. “The Gudelsky’s donation, which made the center possible, is the largest single private donation to the Atlantic General Hospital that we have ever received,” Board of Trustees Chair Charlotte Cathell said. The family contributed $4 million. John Jack Burbage was another donor recognized at the ceremony. “Ocean City has grown so much over the last few years, and we’ve been very fortunate to be part of this closeknit community,” Rolfe Gudelsky said, who attended the event with his wife, Iona, and their two children. “They take care of each other. This medical center will enable AGH to continue to grow and meet the community's needs. My family and I are excited to be involved and proud of the project. We are looking forward to its future.”

Longtime coach and wrestler considering return to sport Continued from Page 60 the mat again this year. The last time he was in competition on the mat was at the age of 57 against

much younger competitors, college age wrestlers. Freestyle wrestling is harder on the body with a lot of high throws and subsequent landings.

Also at the ceremony were local elected officials, AGH medical staff, additional donors, chambers of commerce, and community members. According to the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Chair Steve

Green, construction for the site began in Sept. 2021. “Donations to Atlantic General Hospital stay right here. They stay in our community,” he said. “We are truly improving healthcare, which we should all be very proud of.”

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OC Today/Dispatch

WORLD WAR II

OBITUARIES

Continued from Page 64 into the lifeboats and handed out life jackets, until there weren’t anymore. Then they removed their own and gave them to the survivors. In reality, survival in the frigid North Atlantic, even with a life preserver was problematic. As the ship sank, witnesses recall seeing the four chaplains, arms linked, praying. The witnesses heard the prayers recited in Hebrew, Latin and English. Of the 904 men, only 230 were rescued. Because of the cold, many of the limbs of many men were so stiff they were unable to lift their arms to grasp the cargo nets on the sides of the rescuing ships. The Escanaba sent rescuers clad in wet suits into the water to secure a line to the victims so they could be hauled onto the ship. In that way, Escanaba saved 133 men, while Comanche saved 97. Although the four chaplains were nominated for the Medal of Honor, they were denied because the Army said that their deaths were not the result of combat! They were all awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. In an effort to rectify this error, Congress, on July 14, 1960, created the Chaplain’s Medal for Heroism, which was presented to the next of kin of each of the chaplains by Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker, at Fort Myer, Virginia, on Jan. 18, 1961. The Post Office issued a commemorative 3-cent stamp honoring The Four Chaplains in 1948. The Four Chaplains Rabbi Goode was born in Brooklyn, in 1911, but was raised in Washington, D.C., where his father was a rabbi. After graduation from Eastern High School, he graduated from the University of Cincinnati. In 1935, he married Teresa Flax, niece of Al Jolson, with whom he had one daughter, Rosalie. Rabbi Goode received a PhD from the Johns Hopkins University in 1940. An elementary school in York, Pennsylvania, where he had served as a rabbi before entering the army, is named for him. Rev. Fox was born in Lewiston, Pennsylvania, in 1900. During World War I, he served in the U.S. Army, as a medical orderly, receiving the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the Croix de Guerre. After the war he attended Moody Bible Institute, in Chicago, and Illinois Wesleyan University, from which he was graduated in 1931. He became an ordained Methodist minister in 1934. He left a wife and two children. Father Washington was born in Newark, New Jersey, on July 8, 1908, to Irish immigrants. He was one of seven children. He was educated at Seton Hall, and was ordained in 1935. The Chaplain Washington Bridge, on

CHARLES F. EDER Ocean Pines Charles F. Eder, 79, known locally as “Captain Chuck” of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2024, at Coastal Hospice of Ocean Pines. Capt. Chuck was born on Oct. 17, 1944, to Charles John Eder and Myrna (Machen) Eder in Baltimore. After serving three Charles F. Eder years in the US Army, Capt. Chuck was an assembler at General Motors in Baltimore for 30 years. After he retired, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a licensed Charter Boat Captain in Ocean City. He loved being on the water and made many dear friends in those special years. He loved the wildlife, sea life, and beautiful scenery living near the ocean. He brought the neighborhood together by hosting his legendary Friday night Hot Dog Happy Hours, he will be so missed! He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Myrna Eder; and brothers William (KIA Vietnam), David, and Jeffrey. Tragically, he was also preceded in death by their son, Michael F. Eder, on Feb. 5, 2021. Capt. Chuck is survived by his wife, Martha Sue (Franklin) Eder, whom he married on Dec. 23, 1961; his daughter-in-law Kim Sims Eder; two step-granddaughters, Elizabeth Sims and Patricia Sims; two greatgrandchildren, Grant and Owen; and his furry companion “Mikey.” Loved ones are planning a celebration of life. Check easternshorecremation.com obituaries for updates.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY/DISPATCH

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Hebron, MD.

the New Jersey Turnpike, is named for Father Washington. Outside of St. Stephen’s Church, in Kearny, New Jersey, there is located the Four Chaplains Memorial, which shows the four chaplains, arms locked, praying on the stern of the Dorchester. Behind them is an angel carrying four lifejackets. St. Stephen’s Church was Father Washington’s last assignment before he entered the Army. Pastor Poling was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in Auburndale, Massachusetts. Both his father and his grandfather were men of the cloth, as were two of his uncles. His father had served as an Army chaplain in World War I. He was graduated from Rutgers University in 1933 and Yale Divinity School in 1936. He left a wife, Elizabeth Jung, son Clark Jr., and an unborn daughter, Susan Elizabeth. The Four Chaplains have been remembered in many ways around the country. For instance, at the time of the tragedy, Pastor Poling’s father was the minister at Grace Baptist Church of Philadelphia. He successfully advocated for creation of The Chapel of the Four Chaplains in the church’s basement. It was dedicated, on Feb. 3, 1951, by President Harry S. Truman. However, the congregation moved to the suburbs, in 1972, and sold the building to Temple University. The Chapel of the Four Chaplains is now located at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. There are many other examples, such as chapels, stained glass windows, bridges, memorials, foundations, a swimming pool. Locally, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hebron has memorials inside and outside the church. Next Week: The Admin Box Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

www.oceancitytoday.com

KENDRICK ATWOOD ROBERTSON Ocean Pines Kendrick Atwood Robertson, 82, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He died from complications of congestive heart failure. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Bonnie Rankin K. Robertson Robertson; his daughters, Robin Jenks Vanderlip and her husband Mark Hartong, and Kendra Ann Mildon; his son Scott Kendrick Robertson; his stepsons, Brian Firth and his wife Renata Peris Belmont, and Dr. Daniel Firth and his wife Dr. Kamilia Nozile-Firth. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Ken had nine grandchildren —Talon Jenks, Morgan Mildon Mason, Kameron Seyler-Robertson, Melody Mildon, Madison Vanderlip, Kaden Seyler-Robertson, Hailey Humble, Jude Firth, and Joseph Firth; and great-granddaughter MalContinued on Page 67

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

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OBITUARIES Continued from Page 66 ory Mason. Ken was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Clinton Kendrick Robertson and Julia Elizabeth Robertson. He is survived by his brother and best friend Ronald A. Robertson and his wife Elizabeth Robertson. His loving brother Clinton Kendrick Robertson Jr. and his wife Clair preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Wharton School of Business where he studied accounting and finance. While attending the University of Pennsylvania, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He moved his family to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1981 to work for Perdue Farms and later retired from Townsend Poultry. Ken opened a seafood distribution company selling crabs and other seafood throughout the East Coast. Ken is well-known for his love of fishing in their backyard Dream Lake. Many days, he could be found happily fishing in a canoe. He loved the catch-and-release contests that ensued with family members and friends. Ken was a valued member of the community, serving as president of the Ocean City Lions Club. Ken received the Governor’s Citation for saving the teenage son of friends from drowning in the lake behind their house. This was an achievement that he was especially gratified and proud of. Ken was an avid soccer and baseball coach. He always showed a sense of excitement for everything he did, and toward everyone, whether challenging the neighborhood kids to a street hockey game or bocci on the beach. Ken was full of enthusiasm as he would be cheering on the sidelines for his kids when not coaching or participating. He loved to be on the water - canoeing on his lake, or boating on the bay brought him great joy. He liked going to Assateague Island and the beach for a little body surfing, reading his newspaper, seeing the ponies and the occasional camping trips were fun for family and friends. Duck and deer hunting trips were always good times with family and friends. Ken enjoyed Halloween: as a quickhumored man, he had an assortment of jokes, masks, and gags. Ken and Bonnie loved to travel, having gone to Paris one New Year’s

OBITUARY NOTICES Obituary Notices cost $50 per week for Print and Online Publications. E-mail: editor@oceancitytoday.net Mail: 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Fax: 410-723-6511

weekend and taking an around-theworld trip to Japan, Thailand, Egypt, and Amsterdam. They have such fond memories of their many cruises with brother Ron and Elizabeth, as well as family trips to Florida, Martha’s Vineyard, the Poconos, and Cape Cod. Celebrating the Fourth of July with family in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, was always an exciting annual family vacation for the Robertsons and Firths. Ken was a true family man and friend and he showed this love and devotion to everyone: this is a tribute to his legacy. Everyone who met Ken felt lucky to know him. He was a man with a big heart and great smile, who will be fondly remembered for his many entertaining stories. He will be immensely missed by all. At noon, Saturday, Feb. 10, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Savior Catholic Church at 1705 Philadelphia Ave. in Ocean City. Visitation with the family will be an hour before the church service at 11 a.m. The Burbage Funeral Home is handling all arrangements at burbagefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ocean City Lions Club, P.O Box 71, Ocean City. Md. 21843 or St. Mary Star of the Sea/ Holy Savior, 1705 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, Md. 21811. The interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park, 10845 Ocean

Gateway, Berlin, Md. 21811. MACON CHANDLER CARRICK Macon Chandler Carrick, 66, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin after a battle with cancer. Macon, who was born Feb. 9, 1957, was the daughter of Helen and the late O. Sheldon Chandler Jr. She grew up in Macon Carrick Berlin, exhibiting a love of horses at a young age. What began as occasional rides on her grandfather’s horse, quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit. She went on to ride and train many horses, winning local and national awards. Macon’s passion lives on in her daughter and granddaughter. Macon was also known for her artistic ability. After graduating from Worcester Preparatory School in 1975, she went on to pursue a fine arts degree at St. Mary’s College in Southern Maryland. She was sought after for her beautiful calligraphy for countless weddings and parties as well as murals and signs for local businesses. She particularly loved architecture and was frequently commissioned for pen and ink drawings of local homes and historic places such as the Calvin B. Taylor Museum

and Merry Sherwood Plantation. Macon also enjoyed playing pool and for years was a member of a billiards league at Mulligan’s in Ocean City. Though she spent recent years in New Jersey, working in various capacities for Canon, she made frequent trips back to Berlin, enjoying the small town of her youth and spending time with family and friends. Macon is survived by her mother Helen (Hoevenair) Chandler Hannaway; son Jason Carrick; and her daughter Cathryn (Carrick) Nellans; as well as son-in-law Ryan Nellans; and grandchildren James and Evelyn Nellans. She is also survived by her sister Dana Smith (George); her brothers O. Sheldon Chandler III (Anita) and Newt Chandler (Sharon); and several nieces and nephews. In keeping with Macon’s wishes, rather than a funeral, her friends and family are invited to gather at a celebration of her life and showcase of her artwork from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb.10, at Merry Sherwood Plantation, 8909 Worcester Highway, Berlin, MD 21811. In lieu of flowers, donations for the Macon Katherine Chandler Art Scholarship, which is being established by Macon’s friends, can be sent to the Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City, MD 21842.

$1,595.

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SDHS girls fall 50 to 39 in match-up with St. Andrew’s Team rallied in second half but effort turned out to not be enough to cover deficit By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) St. Andrew’s High School, of Middletown, Delaware, varsity girls’ basketball team visited Berlin last Saturday as part of a game at Stephen Decatur High School. While they were there, they slammed their host 50 to 39. Stephen Decatur’s team got off to a slow start from the tip-off to the third period of play where the Seahawks out shot St. Andrews 11 to 9. Stephen Decatur’s girls went down early surrendering the first 8 minutes of play 16-7 to St. Andrews. The second quarter was worse with the Seahawks going further down 17-7, forcing them to settle for a halftime difference of 33-14. Don’t know what wisdom was shared at intermission, but a different Seahawks team returned to the court.

They lit the court on fire but there was just too much ground to make up. “It wasn’t a loss, but a win,” Seahawks head coach Brittany Tracy said. “The team performed well. They were super duper in how they played together.” They were faster, hit more baskets, and had more energy in the second half. Allison Swift led the Seahawks shooting with 24 total points. She sank eight baskets, including a trio of 3-pointers. Following her was Jozlyn Tyre, who earned 11 points for the Seahawks. Tyre put in two baskets and seven free throws. April Bondurant added 3 points for the Seahawks. Paityn Tyre added a point with a line shot. The Stephen Decatur High School basketball teams also gave a special shout out to Snow Hill alum and Eastern Shore native Teresa Waters for becoming “the winningest girls basketball coach” in Maryland with 611 wins.

Indoor track teams compete during Bayside League Meet SDHS boys and girls having trouble recruiting, distance runners doing most work By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) Last Wednesday, Stephen Decatur High School’s varsity girls and boys and 15 Indoor track teams from around the region competed in Bayside League Meet #5, the season finale. It’s no secret that, like many other high schools around the county, Stephen Decatur High is having a difficult time recruiting athletes for Indoor track. “Our distance kids are doing great,” said Seahawks’ head coach Brenda Hummel said. “We don’t have any field events so it’s very difficult to compete as a team when we don’t have any field events other than shotput. So, our distance runners are carrying the team. We had some of our cross-country runners come out, we won at Bayside. So that core of distance runners is carrying the team.”

Hummel added that sophomore Collin Pennington is showing he’s one of the best mid distance runners for the boys team, while freshman Avery Weber is the top scorer for the girls. At Wednesday’s meet, held at the Worcester County rec center, Stephen Decatur runners did well with a little help from their cross country teammates. In their best outing, the Stephen Decatur team finished second place to North Caroline in the day’s first event, the girls 4 x 800-meter relay. Runners were sophomore Ellie Cheynet, junior Amber Marshall, freshman Avery Weber and junior Evie Eggers. North Caroline covered the distance in 10:44, Decatur did it in 11:03. The girls 3200-meter run was another bright spot for Stephen Decatur’s juniors with Marshall coming in second, Eggers in sixth, and Alessandra Fernandez in eighth. Pennington rocketed around the track in the boys 1600-meter run,

PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Allison Swift shoots one of three 3-pointers she scored during SDHS’ game against St. Andrew’s.

PHOTO COUTRESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Stephen Decatur’s Patrick Haiwes running in a relay at Bayside League Meet #5 last week at the Worcester County rec center.

placing fourth. Also placing in the top 20 for Stephen Decatur were sophomore Trey Rill in 14th, and senior Graham Field in 19th. In the boys 800-meter run,

Stephen Decatur’s’ Quinn Martin took third, Pennington finished fourth, and Ethan Quick placed 28th. Three Seahawks entered the girls See SEAHAWKS Page 69

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Stephen Decatur’s Brody Kendall lifts his opponent in an attempt to take him down last Wednesday during the Seahawks’ match against Wicomico High School. PHOTO COUTRESY SUSAN TAYLORWALLS

Decatur wrestlers stay hot on senior night last Wed. By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) Stephen Decatur High School’s gym was packed last Wednesday night with wrestling fans eager to see some great matchups and celebrate Wrestling Senior Night. The halls were abuzz with parents passing out blue and white ribbon corsages spelling out “Wrestling Mom” in gold letters to seniors’ mothers. Before the match began, senior wrestlers were escorted by family members to the center mat, and formed a line that covered it for photos. When the pomp and circumstance was over, serious wrestling started. Stephen Decatur won 67-12 against Wicomico High School in front of a packed Seahawks’ nest. Wrestling in the 190-pound class, Kole Kohut was the Seahawk’s high scorer with 13 points. Kohut had two takedowns in each of the three periods and one escape in the second period.

Parker Intrieri, 175 pounds, and Elijah Collick, 126 pounds, contributed 12 points each to Stephen Decatur’s cause. Alex Riehl, 150 pounds, contributed 10 match points with a 5.45 ride time, the longest of the night. Gavin Solito had three takedowns in the first period, adding six. Reid Caimi had two takedowns for four. Also contributing were Peyton Travers, Nate McDaniel and Luke Jefferson with 3 match points each. Tavenon Outlaw, Deion Finney and Gavin Martin gave 2 points each. Rowan Okerblom had one escape in the third period for one point. “We prepare for events like this by going into a room, shutting the door and wrestle,” Seahawks’ head coach Josh August said. He said the team did well and looked forward to the next matches, which panned out well for them, as they beat James M. Bennett 57-15 last Friday, and Parkside 47-23 on Monday.

Seahawks strong in relay events Continued from Page 68 500-meter run. Junior Emeline Weber finished 19th, freshman Caroline Brown finished 10th, and senior Tiara McDonald finished sixth. Stephen Decatur had three boys in the 500-meter run. Junior Seahawk Alex Ward finished ninth in the finals and Ethan Cowder finished 10th. Freshman Daniel Gallo finished 22nd. The Seahawks also had a strong relay presence with three fifth-place finishes. Jordan Carrigan, Tiara McDonald, Kyleigh Powell and Sauna Vick competed in the girls 4 x 200meter relay; Cowder, Alex Ward,

Xander Wakefield and Martin competed in the boys 4 x 400-meter relay; and Amber Marshall, Ellie Cheynet, McDonald and Fernandez competed in the girls 4 x 400-meter relay. Jamien Purnell, Waylon Hobgood, Cowder and Ward finished sixth in the 4 x 200-meter relay. “Our kids get along fine. They work out together,” Hummel said. “A lot of them are coming here to stay in shape for their next season. We’re not very competitive this season. It’s hard to be competitive when you don’t have kids come out. Outdoor begins March 1, and we have regionals coming up soon.”

PHOTO COUTRESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Decatur’s Davin Chandler dribbles past an opponent. He made seven baskets during the Seahawks’ game last Saturday against Snow Hill High.

Decatur avenges early loss to Eagles with 16-point win By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer (Feb. 2, 2024) Tensions between Basketball rivals Stephen Decatur High School and Snow Hill High School were high all last week leading up to their game on Saturday as a result of a heated battle just days before when a fight broke out among parents. Late arriving fans found a sold-out show at the SDHS gym. One person allowed in for equal one out. A police presence met them at the gym’s front door to enforce the rule. The waiting line almost wrapped the building. Inside, Brycen Coleman, secondhighest Seahawk shooter who was 16 for the night, watched eagerly as the ref tossed up the initial ball. Coleman jumped high and nudged the ball into his teammates’ hands. It was on. Stephen Decatur offenses stuffed 31 points down the Lions’ throats in the first period, they were on fire. After the break, the Seahawks struck again in the third quarter with 25 points and tamed the Lions for a final score of 71-55.

Seahawk Careen Bolden deposited 19 game points with five baskets, three of which were three-pointers and made six of eight foul shots. Davin Chandler came in with seven buckets for a total game score of 14. Trybe Wise scored nine points with one triple, two baskets and two free throws. Also scoring were Brogan Eastlack with five points, and Zakhari Baker, Jonathan Purnell, Caleb Loring and Frankie Buxbaum with 2 points each. “I wasn’t worried about Snow Hill,” boasted Stephen Decatur Boys Basketball head coach BJ Johnson. “We lost to Snow Hill last time 64-62 and won this time 71-55. The atmosphere, large crowd and winning the game tonight was all we could ask for….the kids deserve all the credit.” As a result of the incident at Snow Hill following the first game against Snow Hill, Decatur administrators and police cleared the crowed gym in an orderly fashion by dividing the crowd into four groups by bleacher sections and had each group leave through different doors.

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