10/17/2025 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Dispatch

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Moratorium extended

The Ocean City Council agreed Tuesday to allow its year-long pause on issuing new short-term rental licenses in MH and R1 zones to continue for another year. Members also agreed to look for some way to appease traditional neighborhood supporters and allow vacation rentals. — PAGE 12

Biking lane?

Though it’s early, State Highway and Ocean City officials have discussed making the current bus lane for bikes only, relocating buses to the right lane on Coastal — PAGE 20

Storm brings flooding, sand erosion, but little wreckage

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 17, 2025) Ocean City suffered no significant damage from the nor’easter that hit the mid-Atlantic region Sunday, according to City Manager Terry McGean.

While flooding and a brief power outage affected several areas in town throughout the day Sunday, the city reported the effects of the nor’easter were less severe than what was initially projected in the days leading up to the storm’s arrival.

On Monday, in the hours following the storm, McGean reported some beach erosion – the severity of which would be determined after tides recede – and sand accumulation at the inlet parking lot. He said the public works department began clearing sand Monday morning in preparation for Sunfest, which will take place at the Inlet lot Oct. 23-26.

“We do not appear to have suffered any major damage,” he said.

The National Weather Service issued several warnings and advisories late last week in anticipation of the approaching storm. The agency forecasted moderate to major coastal flooding, wind gusts between 55-60 mph, and high rainfall totals along the coast.

The Town of Ocean City also began issuing warnings of its own last Friday, informing residents and visitors of the potential for high winds, king tides and dangerous surf conditions.

The intensity of those warnings increased Saturday afternoon, when Mayor Rick Meehan and Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald released a video message, in which they likened the storm’s effects to those of Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

“We want our residents, visitors, and business owners to take this storm seriously and begin preparing now,” Meehan said in a news release.

In addition to its weather warnings, the city also announced it had activated its Joint Information Center, which coordinates communication and information sharing, and had

opened the Ocean City convention center as a temporary storm shelter.

By Sunday afternoon, however, the National Weather Service had reported some improvements in weather conditions. Still, the city continued to warn residents of potential flooding.

“We continue to monitor the storm’s progression and will provide updates as necessary,” Meehan said in a news release Sunday afternoon.

“While wind conditions have improved slightly, we are expecting moderate flooding during the high tide cycles. Residents and visitors, specifically in the downtown and bayside areas, could experience increased flooding during the bayside high tide cycle after 3 p.m.”

Flooding in the downtown area resulted in temporary road closures and disruptions to the Ocean City Beach Bus service Sunday afternoon. However, with weather conditions improving, the city announced it would close its storm shelter at the convention center by 6 p.m. McGean said a total of six individuals, all homeless, had

Sand cleared by staff after storm

Continued from Page 3

utilized the shelter throughout the storm.

When reached for comment Monday, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said the city had “dodged another one.” He highlighted the bayside street flooding, which he said was typical for a nor’easter, as well as the sand accumulation, which crews were in the process of cleaning up.

“We have every intention to start our Sunfest build this week and welcome festival goers next week,” he said.

While the storm moved up the coast late Sunday, the National Weather Service issued a new round of coastal flood advisories and warnings in preparation for high tides on Monday afternoon.

Parking revenue increases for OC

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 17, 2025) Parking revenue for Ocean City continues to exceed projections, according to data released this week.

On Tuesday, Transportation Manager Rob Shearman presented members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee with an update on the city’s parking division. Through the month of September, revenues were up 17% year over year.

“That’s a function of sustained demand with the few rate adjustments that we do,” he told members this week.

According to data from the city’s parking division, revenues through the month of September totaled just over $6.5 million, with a majority of the money – $5.18 million – coming from

payments collected through the ParkMobile app. The remaining $1.38 million was collected through the parking kiosks located at the inlet parking lot.

“No significant surprises here that the parking kiosk revenue kind of flattened out after August because the only place we have them is at the inlet lot, and the inlet lot was closed for most of the month of September …,” Shearman added. “But we continue to see a very strong performance from ParkMobile revenue. The customers seem to have shifted over to that mode of payment fairly seamlessly for the most part.”

Shearman said revenues for the current fiscal year are on par with budget projections, and that there were no major concerns. Mayor Rick Meehan added that fine revenues had also increased for the first three months of fiscal year 2026.

“Obviously, our goal is not growth in fines but growth in compliant payments,” Shearman said. “But our enforcement team has been out on the streets very effectively this year and our enforcement numbers have been ahead all year.”

Meehan said the city did not receive as many parking complaints as it had originally anticipated. Officials also noted the positive effect the transition to ParkMobile has had on the city and its residents and visitors.

“The transition, the signage, everything we did hopefully is moving us in the right direction,” Meehan said.

Shearman on Tuesday also presented committee members with an update on bus advertising, managed by Gateway Outdoor Advertising. He noted that the advertising agency continues to meet its revenue targets.

“They’re still tracking ahead,” he said. “Now the gap has closed a little bit but they are still projected to meet the town’s share by the end of this year.”

In 2022, the Town of Ocean City hired Gateway to oversee advertising on the town’s bus and tram fleets and introduce a new digital ad component on the back of the Boardwalk trams. A contract entered that year specified a 66-34 revenue split, with Ocean City receiving 66% of the share and Gateway receiving 34%.

It also set a guaranteed minimum annual town share of $200,000, though it was not specified what portion of that revenue came from bus advertising and what portion came from tram advertising. Now that tram service has been suspended, Gateway has focused its advertising on the town’s bus fleet.

Through the month of August, Gateway had collected $150,575 in bus advertising revenue. While revenue was ahead 11%, it had dropped from 49% the month prior.

“Their sales were looking pretty strong, so it may just be that not all of their clients have settled up with them yet,” Shearman said. “We take the share based on what they had actually collected, not necessarily what they billed.”

Officials not interested in golf carts in town bus lane

Low-speed transporters do have some lawful roadways around town, officials say

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 17, 2025) City officials made it clear this week they do not want to see any low-speed vehicles in the bus lane on Coastal Highway.

Last month, north Ocean City resident Andrew Sanderson came before the City Council with a request to have officials vet the possibility of allowing low-speed vehicles – or what he referred to as golf carts – in the bus lane on Coastal Highway. To do so, he said, would require a change in state law, as they are not permitted on state roads.

This week, the subject was revisited during a meeting of the Ocean City Transportation Committee. Transportation staff asked that the Mayor and City Council find alternative paths for such vehicles.

“Basically our comments are that the town is already exploring methods for reducing congestion in that lane rather than increasing it,” Transportation Manager Rob Shearman said. “We fortunately have only had one life-altering accident in that lane since my tenure here. But there’s concern for safety in that lane with buses in close proximity and other riders that are there.”

a road-legal low-speed vehicle – could get around using side streets. For example, he noted direct paths from the inlet to 33rd Street, and from 118th to 146th streets.

“I think it’s a compromise,” he said. “They do have some maneuverability up in the areas they live, just not all the way through town.”

Officials added that low-speed vehicles, by law, can go on some major thoroughfares, including Baltimore Avenue between 15th and 33rd Streets, which is classified as a city roadway. They can also traverse on state roadways, including south Baltimore Avenue and South Philadelphia Avenue, where posted speed limits are 30 mph.

Councilman Larry Yates asked if such vehicles could operate on Coastal Highway when a special event zone is in effect. During special event zones, speed limits are dropped to 30 mph.

‘Basically our comments are that the town is already exploring methods for reducing congestion in that lane rather than increasing it.’

Rob Shearman

“It would be legal then,” Sgt. Nathan Kutz said. “Somebody has called the front desk and asked if they could ride during a special event zone.” Commission members then pitched the idea of changing the special event zone and creating a carve-out to ban low-speed vehicles when special event zones are in effect. However, officials said they would need to show the state legislature a problem exists.

With an unfavorable recommendation from transportation staff, the topic was then brought before the Ocean City Police Commission during a meeting the following day. Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Lt. Allen Hawk noted that while golf carts – which lack the distinction of being a motorized or low-speed vehicle –are not allowed on any roadway, lowspeed vehicles – defined as a titled and tagged vehicles with speed capacity between 20-25 mph – can operate on city streets and on roadways where the posted speed limit is 30 mph or less.

“Golf carts are not low-speed vehicles,” he said. “They are two different things.”

“I think to change state law, they are going to ask us to tell them what the problem is, and we don’t have a problem,” Mayor Rick Meehan said, “or we can’t see another area that had a problem. If there was another jurisdiction that had a problem, that would be different.”

After a lengthy discussion, the commission agreed to take no action and instead monitor the situation over the next year.

Officials noted that if problems arise with low-speed vehicles operating in special event zones, they could first adjust the speed limit to 31 mph and then – if necessary – change state law to create a carve-out for lowspeed vehicles. Yates, however, argued the city should take some action now and amend the special event zone.

With golf carts effectively banned from roadways, Hawk said the only vehicle in question is the low-speed vehicle. He said the OCPD did not want to add any more vehicles to an already busy roadway.

“We are totally opposed to moving any more vehicles into the bus lane,” Chief Ray Austin said.

Austin said that while low-speed vehicles are not allowed on Coastal Highway, Sanderson – or anyone with

“I can assure you it’s going to be an issue,” he said. “If it’s not right now, it’s going to be.”

Meehan agreed, but said monitoring should be the first step.

“Councilman Yates is right, this is the way of the future. You are going to see more and more of these types of vehicles,” he said. “But until we do, I don’t think we have the case to go to the state.”

Council extends short-term rental moratorium

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 17, 2025) We’re not done yet.

That’s the message the City Council majority shared this week before extending a moratorium on the issuance of shortterm rental licenses in the R-1 residential and MH mobile districts another year.

Four of the supporting members of the council on Tuesday argued more time was needed to discuss length of stay restrictions after a previous ordinance was voted down in a referendum this summer.

“We’re not there yet to end the moratorium …,” Councilman Jake Mitrecic said. “I don’t think the work is done.”

In January, the Ocean City Council agreed to temporarily pause the issuance of new short-term rental licenses in the R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts.

The goal of the moratorium, officials said, was to collect data and evaluate the effectiveness of new ordinances that address occupancy, parking and local agent management.

As part of the moratorium, passed as emergency legislation, the City Council is also required to place the subject of a moratorium on a work session agenda by no later than Oct. 28 of this year and to determine if such a moratorium should be extended.

With city data showing the small number of disorderly behavior calls,

noise complaints and ordinance violations at short-term rentals over the last year, dozens of property owners came before officials this week seeking an end to the moratorium.

“When it was first discussed earlier this year, the clear intent was to pause briefly to allow the town time to put new ordinances in place and then evaluate the real impact on short-term rentals,” said resident Leslie Smith. “That evaluation period is now passed, and the data speaks for itself. Police reports and code enforcement records confirm there has not been any measurable increase in these issues related to short-term rentals. In other words, there is no factual basis to justify continuing this moratorium.”

Terry Miller, the Ocean City resident who led the petition earlier this year against a short-term rental ban in R-1 and MH neighborhoods, agreed. She noted that city data showed four noise complaints and 13 disorderly calls against residential short-term rentals in the last year.

“If there is a problem home, it should be dealt with, but you should not be taking the property rights of 3,800 homeowners …,” she said. “We need to find a way to come together.”

However, two Mallard Island residents came before council members this week to ask that they extend the mora-

torium. They pointed to a problem rental property on Teal Drive, as well as the property rights they had as R-1 residents.

“Although the referendum barely passed, the issues surrounding the enforcement and problems created by these rental businesses in our R-1 community did not go away …,” said resident Susan Wenzlaff, who shared stories of trespassing and partying. “Now is the time to correct these mistakes. It’s been too long.”

As part of their presentation this week, staff from the city’s division of rental housing – a collaborative effort among the city’s planning and community development department, the office of the fire marshal, and the department of finance – presented the findings of their 2025 rental inspections.

Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said as of Oct. 1, 8,759 of the city’s 8,979 rentals were classified as short-term. He noted that 331 were located in the R-1 and MH districts.

Working with the city’s police department, Bendler also provided city officials with data on police calls to rentals in R-1 and MH properties. He also reviewed the results of the city’s rental inspection program, which revealed violations that spanned from missing smoke alarms to illegally converted bedrooms.

“Some are in R-1, and some are in other sections,” he explained, noting the violations weren’t just limited to R-1 and

MH communities.

Fire Marshal Joe Sexauer said 246 rental properties were targeted for inspections this year, and 188 have either been completed or scheduled. He said the most complex violations involved a lack of suitable fire exits, illegal attic conversions, or modifications to the building’s layout.

“Those are few and far between but speaks to the importance of what we are finding with this program,” he said.

After listening to public comments and staff presentations, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca motioned for the moratorium to be permanently extended in just R-1 neighborhoods.

Council President Matt James, however, argued the moratorium should be eliminated, as the short-term rental ban was overturned by a narrow margin in this summer’s referendum. He added that placing a moratorium on R-1 rentals created “two different classes of homeowner” in R-1 districts – those with grandfathered short-term rental licenses and those with no license at all.

“If the behavior and activity of the rental shouldn’t be allowed, then it shouldn't be allowed for anybody,” he said.

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig said he wanted the existing moratorium, which encompassed both R-1 and MH districts, to continue through its current expiration date, Jan.

See OC Page 22

County adopts legislation on solar farm decommissioning

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) Posting a hefty decommissioning bond ahead of solar farm approval is now the law in Worcester County, where officials made the change as emergency legislation.

Emergency Bill No. 25-04 adds decommissioning bonds to the review process for major solar farm projects and legally establishes abandoned solar projects as a public nuisance. Solar developers of projects greater than 2 megawatts must post a bond at 125% of the project cost. They’ll also have to provide detailed decommissioning and restoration plans.

Jennifer Keener, the county’s director of development review and permitting, brought the bill before the Worcester County Commissioners at the board’s Oct. 7 meeting to be considered as emergency legislation. It was the second time the commissioners took the bill up for an emergency vote. The first time they heard the bill, in mid-August, it resulted in the vote being tabled because two commissioners, Jim Bunting and Caryn Abbott, were absent.

When the vote came up again Oct. 7, Bunting abstained, saying he hadn’t been present to hear Keener’s original pitch. The commissioners ended up passing the bill in a 6-0 vote. In Worcester County, any bill requires six of seven commissioner votes to be enacted immediately as emergency legislation while an ordinary law takes effect 45 days after passage.

The issue came up over the summer. After the commissioners were briefed on a proposed 40-acre, 5-

megawatt solar farm off Queponco Road – that’s enough electricity to power 1,500 homes – they didn’t like that planning for a solar farm’s eventual decommissioning came at the end of the approval process, not the beginning.

Commissioners also said they didn’t want to be surprised should a solar farm suddenly cease operations, leaving behind acres of junked metal, glass, and electronics. Developers now must post bonds with both the state and the county. Initial bond estimates would be prepared by an independent engineer and re-evaluated every five years. The county’s bond does not include the cost of salvage, which the state requires.

Solar farm owners must now notify the county not only when a facility is about to go dark, but also when it’s been out of service for six months. A one-year deadline for decommissioning is now mandatory. Projects that end up abandoned would be deemed a nuisance under county law.

Keener said the latest draft of the bill had been slightly amended: before, it defined the principal purpose of ground-mounted solar systems as providing electricity to the grid. That’s been struck.

“Forget about how the power is generated, where it’s going. It’s the size that’s being generated on site, just to keep it clean and simple,” she told the commissioners.

Another tweak to the bill says developers must explain in detail what they’ll do to restore the site to pre-development conditions, including a soil assessment, when a solar farm is decommissioned. Ultimately, all solar farm applications go before the state’s Public Service Commission for approval. State law says counties can offer feedback but cannot adopt zoning laws or other regulations that would get in the way of any solar farm development. Bill

Fall in Love!

Scooter collisions increased 53% over last summer

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 17, 2025) Officials with the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) say efforts to address unlawful scooter operations will continue into next year.

Ocean City Police Chief Ray Austin told members of the Ocean City Police Commission Wednesday his department would continue to enforce traffic laws when it comes to illegal electric scooter operations. He noted that an uptick in scooter collisions, for which scooters were mainly at fault, continues to be cause for concern.

“We’ve seen the most scooter collisions on Mondays and the second most on Saturdays,” he said. “For enforcement purposes, that’s when we’re going to increase our enforcement.”

In recent months, city officials have shared their concerns about the proliferation in electric scooter use on the city’s major roadways and some of the illegal activity witnessed by community members. They noted instances of scooter users running red lights and stop lights, riding in the wrong direction, and operating scooters without a headlight.

Revisiting the issue this week, Austin said the OCPD recorded 11 scooter collisions in 2023, 32 scooter collisions in 2024 (a nearly 191% from the year prior) and 49 scooter collisions through September 2025 (a 53% increase). He said that marked a nearly 191% increase from 2023 to 2024, and a 53% increase from 2024 to September 2025.

He also noted that scooter users were at fault in a majority of those collisions. The user was at fault in eight of the 11 collisions that occurred in 2023, in 25 of the 32 collisions that occurred in 2024, and in 39 of the 49 collisions that occurred through September of this year.

“We do have some unknowns in there,” he said.

To that end, the OCPD has sought, and secured, nearly $26,000 in grant funding through the Maryland Highway Safety Office to conduct pedestrian enforcement, which includes bikes and scooters. Sgt. Nathan Kutz said that enforcement detail is now active on Coastal Highway.

“For this year, we had 482 contacts with this grant and 172 citations issued, encompassing the pedestrians, and scooters and bicycles,” Lt. Allen Hawk added.

In addition to its enforcement measures, Kutz said the department is also launching an outreach campaign, which would be targeted to foreign students who use such scooters as a means of transportation. He

Educational approach for scooters

said an educational video and brochures would be distributed ahead of the 2026 season.

“I think taking a full system approach, you're going into next year, maybe in a better spot than you were in 2025,” he said.

When asked if the city could ban scooters, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said it would be possible on city streets. However, she said that could pose a legal challenge.

“We looked into this a little bit, and what we have to be careful about is there is a fundamental right to be able to travel,” she said. “And you can’t traverse the town without using our streets.”

Stansbury said the city could approach the state legislature, requesting a carve-out to ban scooter use

citywide. However, Mayor Rick Meehan said that would be a pushup, as metropolitan counties see scooters as a cheap form of transportation for constituents.

“I do think without that data, we are going to be met with a disparity argument,” Stansbury added.

With that said, the commission this week agreed to continue with its education and enforcement approach to the ongoing scooter issues.

The commission this week also discussed other troublesome and illegal activities witnessed in town, specifically during the Oceans Calling and Country Calling music festivals. One such activity Meehan pointed to was pedicabs operations on the Boardwalk.

Officials noted that while such vehicles – described as electric-assisted

trikes – are allowed for recreational use on the Boardwalk, they could not be utilized for a business endeavor without the proper business license.

“Right now it’s an unregulated, unlawful activity,” Stansbury said.

Officials this week added that they also continue to monitor illegal rideshare operations, an issue which popped up during this year’s festival operations. Commission members shared stories of individuals soliciting “for hire” transportation services – without the appropriate licensing –up and down Baltimore Avenue during the festivals.

“It’s a public safety issue,” Meehan said.

OCPD officials noted that they are aware of the issue and will cite any individual found operating illegal rideshare or for-hire operations.

Too expensive and not enough, says report on housing

Worcester County rentals, homes outpacing incomes

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) For renters in Worcester County, the outlook is grim: vacancies are nearly nonexistent, rents have soared beyond what most can afford, and home ownership is “increasingly out of reach.”

That’s according to a new 127-page study by the Colorado-based firm Matrix Design Group, which says Worcester County’s housing market is in a full-blown affordability crisis. The report, released Sept. 22, surveyed 673 residents between February and June.

It paints a stark picture of the housing market where prices are “far outpacing” incomes, leaving many households one emergency away from financial instability. “Younger residents appear to be navigating a fragile housing path, where one unexpected expense or rent increase could tip the balance,” the report says.

By conventional standards, housing costs should not exceed 30% of household income. With the average county renter earning $46,000 a year, it sets a monthly affordability threshold of $1,149.

But the study found that the average rent in Worcester County jumped 13.3% in a single year – from $1,966 in May 2024 to $2,228 in May 2025 – requiring a household income of $100,000.

Family-sized rentals are even less attainable. The average three-bedroom unit plus utilities rents for more than $3,000 per month, requiring a household income of more than $125,000.

More than half (53%) of renters are said to be “cost burdened” –spending a third or more of income on rent. One in four are “severely” burdened, spending at least half. Another 41% of respondents reported having to cut back on food, medicine, or basic goods to afford housing.

When asked to name their top concerns, those surveyed cited unaffordable rents and the inability for a young person to afford a home as their two biggest concerns, with the cost of utility services falling closely behind.

Vacancies have all but vanished, the report also says.

While rental vacancy rates fell from 20% in 2018 to 11% in 2023, today, rental availability is “near zero” in most areas. That means yearround residents, mostly younger families and workers, are competing for a fraction of the total housing stock.

That’s compounded by Worcester See WORCESTER Page 18

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Worcester County housing struggles to stay affordable

Continued from Page 16

County’s immediate shortage of about 1,500 single-family homes and 550 rentals. To keep pace with expected growth, the county will need another 2,200 units in the next 25 years, the report warns.

It also warns that the housing pipeline is too narrow: 95% of all new homes built in 2024 were single-family homes, not apartments or mixedincome projects.

It also concludes that the county’s year-round housing supply is really about half the size it appears on paper, especially for Ocean City, where year-round properties for seasonal workers appear in census data as vacant and for rent.

Short-term rentals, or STRs, are also a growing concern. Concentrated mainly in and around Ocean City, they “reduce housing availability, ultimately driving up housing prices and making it harder for residents to find affordable homes,” the report says. It recommends minimum stay requirements, strict compliance on noise and occupancy standards, and dedicating STR revenue to affordable housing initiatives.

The issue is Ocean City’s latest political hot potato. In July, resort voters narrowly rejected a proposal to impose a five-night minimum stay, 834-800.

While some areas like Pocomoke City remain comparatively affordable, countywide home values continue to surge, the report also says.

The average single-family home in Worcester County is valued at $428,000, up sharply from pre-pandemic levels, requiring an income of $140,000 annually. The study says middle-class buyers, especially in service and tourism jobs, “remain at risk of being priced out” of the market.

At the same time, it also says the overall housing market is seizing up as elevated interest rates are discouraging homeowners from listing or selling.

Income disparities reflect deep divides within the county. Berlin homeowners typically earned $115,347, while median renter incomes in Snow Hill, Pocomoke City, and Berlin were all below $37,000.

Ocean Pines was the lone community where renter incomes ($64,100) approached those of homeowners ($95,230), a difference attributed to a more affluent, retirement-oriented population.

The public will get a chance to comment on the report during a Nov. 4 hearing before the County Commissioners in Snow Hill. The study cost $49,900 and was funded through a state housing grant, according to county Public Information Officer Kim Moses.

Ocean City’s bus lane could be repurposed for bikes only

Maryland’s transportation officials to present a formal plan to the resort’s council

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 17, 2025) City officials say the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is considering a project to convert the Coastal Highway bus lane into a dedicated bike lane.

The plan, first presented to members of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) last month, was revisited this week by members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, a member of both committees, asked city staff for an update on the project.

“I just wanted to know the next steps on the bus lane repurposing,” he said. “It was presented at BPAC from SHA.”

In September, SHA representatives came before the bike and pedestrian advisory committee to present the agency’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan for Coastal Highway. That plan, which aims to eliminate traffic-related injuries and fatalities through improved roadway safety, includes a proposal to

repurpose the city’s shared bus and bike lane, according to the committee’s meeting minutes. The plan’s study area encompasses Coastal Highway from 15th to 67th streets.

“All they are going to do is make the bus lane a bike lane,” DeLuca said this week.

Specifically, the plan calls for making the shared bus lane into a dedicated bike use lane. The buses will then be moved out into the slow lane, which will be shared with cars. Details on the project were not immediately shared by SHA when contacted this week.

City Manager Terry McGean told members of the transportation committee Tuesday that SHA’s next steps include a public hearing, as well as a formal presentation to the Mayor and City Council. However, he said it would be some time before that occurred.

“We had some concerns that they needed to address, and they are going to hash it out a little bit more and bring it to a public hearing,” he explained. “That same general timeframe, they’d present it to the full Mayor and Council.”

DeLuca added, “It’s nothing definite. They’re just presenting it.”

Fugitive arrested after Pines crash

(Oct. 17, 2025) A fugitive was arrested last week following an accident in Ocean Pines.

On Oct. 8, at about 9:50 a.m., officers from the Ocean Pines Police Department responded to a reported motor vehicle collision on the north side of Ocean Parkway just inside the North Gate bridge.

Upon arrival, the officers located a red Ford F150 lying on its driver’s side that appeared to have run over the U.S. Post Office mailbox that was mounted in the median strip.

The officers met with the driver, iden-

tified as Matthew Crawford, 34, of Willards, and determined that he had been driving too fast on the wet roadway and lost control of the truck.

Further investigation of Crawford revealed that he did not have a driver’s license and there was also an outstanding warrant for theft from the state of Missouri that was extraditable from the state of Maryland.

Crawford was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean Pines Police Station where he was processed and then taken in front of the District Court Commissioner.

Following that initial appearance, Crawford was detained in the Worcester County Detention Center without bond pending extradition back to Missouri.

Crawford faces charges of speed greater than reasonable, failure to control speed to avoid a collision, driving without a driver’s license, and fugitive from the state of Missouri.

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‘Popular Pumpkins in the Park’ back for second year

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 16, 2025) The second-annual Pumpkins in the Park event is returning to Berlin this month, this time with a different host organization spearheading the effort.

On Friday, Oct. 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Berlin residents will have the opportunity to view the decorated, spooky jack-o'-lanterns and painted pumpkins, as they light up the nature trail at Stephen Decatur Park. The themed gourds will be created by businesses and organizations throughout town.

The Halloween-inspired festivity was the brainchild of the Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee, which led the initiative in its inaugural occurrence last year. This time around, the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will act as the host, as the horticultural team had prior obligations. Taylor House President Melissa Reid expressed hope that the Pumpkins in the Park’s original creators will take the event over in subsequent years.

“We are taking it over for this year; we are not taking it over indefinitely,” Reid said. “We agreed to take it on for this year because it was such a cool event last year. It is different from the usual Berlin events.”

Here's how it works: non-profits, businesses, or other organizations can pay $25 to sponsor a pumpkin. The fee includes the autumn squash and a tea light, for if a group opts to carve their seasonal plant. The pumpkins will be displayed throughout Decatur Park’s nature trail on the evening of Oct. 24, where Berlin residents can come out, take a nighttime walk, and enjoy the decorations.

Attendees will also get to vote on their favorites.

Representatives from businesses can either drop their creations off or choose to stand beside them. The Taylor House just asks that if an organization decides to stay, they do not pass out candy. Last year, the treats were encouraged to align with the Halloween tradition of trick or treating, but this led to an abundance of wrappers left on the park’s trail. The town hopes to avoid this unfortunate byproduct.

While candy may be prohibited, the Taylor House will add to the night’s fun by handing out glow sticks.

The glow sticks alone will not be enough light, however. Reid asks that guests bring flashlights or lanterns to

Decatur Park nature trail to host pumpkins in park event

Continued from Page 25

provide illumination to the dark trail.

“The nature trail is not lit at night,” the Taylor House president said. “It makes it a little Halloween-y, but it’s also a little dark. The lights from the pumpkin [and glow sticks] are certainly not going to be enough to light your way.”

The trail may be dark, but Reid added that Stephen Decatur Park is a perfect location for the pumpkin event.

“It's really great for an event to utilize Stephen Decatur Park,” she said. “Stephen Decatur Park is a really wonderful resource for the Town of Berlin. We are really lucky to have that park, and the nature trail is such a cool little spot, especially for Halloween. And it was so cool last year to see all the pumpkins lit up, and the kids with glow sticks.”

Interested businesses or non-profits can reserve their pumpkins by reaching out to the Taylor House by email at curator@taylorhousemsusem.org or calling the facility at 410-641-1019. The museum must receive all orders by this Friday, Oct. 17. The next day, Saturday, Oct. 18, representatives from participating groups may pick up their pumpkins and tea lights at a designated table on the Taylor House’s lawn, during its annual Berlin Book Festival, from noon

to 4 p.m. Teams will be given about a week to decorate their gourds. The creations must be dropped off at the Stephen Decatur Park nature trail by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24.

Reid reiterated that while they are honored to bring back a beloved autumn-themed event to the town this year, it would not have been possible without the imagination of the horticultural group.

“We can take no credit for the idea,” Reid maintained. “It was the horticultural group that came up with it. It's their amazing idea, it's their event. We just said that we would be a placeholder for this year, and hopefully somebody else will pick it up next year, or the horticulture group will be able to take it back again. We just knew that the buzz around it was so cool last year, that we agreed to take it on for this year to make sure it didn’t stop.”

The $25 fee incurred by participating organizations for the pumpkins will be used to cover the cost of the event. Any remaining profit will go right back to the museum, to be used as funding for exciting new offerings, including a 2026 exhibit showcasing Berlin’s arc from its humble beginnings to the restoration efforts that created the thriving town known by visitors and residents today.

Berlin hosting Oktoberfest, fall sidewalk sale, live music

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 16, 2025) A day of music, German-inspired food and beverages, and family-friendly entertainment is on the horizon for Berlin this weekend, as the town prepares to welcome guests to its annual Oktoberfest celebration.

and writing grants for funding.

“We’ve been getting ready for Oktoberfest since last year,” she said. “This event is very special to us, and we ensure it includes all the best Berlin has to offer, and there are activities for all ages.”

Main Street festivities are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wells noted that in addition to the Oktoberfest-specific entertainment, Berlin’s downtown establishments and stores will be open, welcoming patrons.

This Saturday, Oct. 18, residents and visitors will flock to downtown Berlin for what the municipality’s Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said is one of the town’s most significant events of the year, attracting “a few thousand people.”

The festival will feature two stages for live music, hosting performances by The Edelweiss Band and The Dunehounds, a petting farm, kids’ crafts, shows by juggler Cascading Carlos, and the annual fall sidewalk sale. The event is free to enter.

A variety of Oktoberfest-themed food, like brats, knockwurst, pretzels, German chocolate cake, and pie, will be available, in addition to ice cream and smoothies. Local breweries and a beer garden will be set up behind J&M Meat Market.

Wells maintained that the planning process for the German-inspired afternoon is year-long, with staff working diligently to secure the entertainment

“[Oktoberfest] is huge for our local businesses; the shops and restaurants stay busy all day,” she said. “It’s a feelgood day that reminds people why they love coming here.”

Additionally, the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will be hosting its annual Berlin Book Festival on the facility’s lawn at the same time as Oktoberfest. Melissa Reid, Taylor House president, said that she hopes there will be a lot of attendee crossover at the events.

Wells added that Oktoberfest has been around for over a decade, firmly establishing itself as a beloved Berlin fall tradition. As the Eastern Shore town has the same name as Germany’s capital, Wells said that throwing its own version of the German beer and

Annual Book Festival planned for museum

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 16, 2025) Preserving the history of Berlin and sharing the town’s stories remain priorities for the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, with its annual events and exciting new initiatives planned for 2026.

Engaging the public and sharing Berlin’s culture is the museum’s mission, and they plan to do just that this weekend at the facility’s third annual Berlin Book Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 4 p.m., the same time as the town’s well-attended Oktoberfest, the fair will feature local publishers, authors, and their books on the house’s lawn.

According to Melissa Reid, the Taylor House’s president, the museum is partnering for the second time with regional publishing company Salt Water Media to bring an even wider array of fiction

and nonfiction stories to the festival. The organization collaborates with local publishing groups. As such, in addition to Salt Water Media having a table set up on the lawn, other vendors will include Secant Publishing and Byzantium Sky Press.

“[Salt Water Media] has brought a whole different level to the festival for us,” Reid said.

Regional bookstores will also be in attendance. These include Ocean City’s The Buzzed Word, Berlin’s The Greyhound, and Ocean Pines’ Caprichos Books. Reid added that Michael Day, the town’s former economic and community development director, will be present, selling books on local history and architecture.

As an exciting addition, this year, the museum is partnering with the nonprofit Maryland Humanities for their One Maryland One Book (OMOB) pro-

Beer garden offers local brews

Continued from Page 28

folk celebration is only appropriate, and “makes sense.”

Attendees can park at Berlin Intermediate School and take a free shuttle sponsored by Ocean Downs Casino downtown, where the event will be in full swing. The car service will run

from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The town hopes that this year’s Oktoberfest will be just as successful as years past.

“Last year was packed, and with good weather in the forecast, we’re expecting another strong turnout,” Wells said.

gram, Reid said. OMOB is a project that promotes reading and literacy by encouraging individuals across the state to read the same book and come together for discussions.

The book selected for the Maryland Humanities initiative this year was “Kin: Rooted in Hope” by Carole Boston Weatherford with art by Carole’s son, Jeffery Boston Weatherford. As described on the publisher’s website, Simon and Schuster, the work is “an imaginative and moving portrait of a Black family tree shaped by enslavement and freedom, rendered in searing poems.”

Reid noted that the Taylor House’s partnership with Maryland Humanities OMOB program is fitting, as 2025’s selected author, Weatherford, has connections to the Town of Berlin. In 2020, the writer, with Simon and Schuster, re-

leased a children’s story, “By and By,” about Charles Albert Tindley, known as the ‘father of gospel music,’ who was born in Berlin in the 1850s.

Reid added that Weatherford spoke to students at Buckingham Elementary School around five years ago on “what it’s like to be an author and what she knew about Reverend Tindley.” Weatherford will also be at this weekend’s Berlin Book Festival, where she will be doing a reading and signing.

The Taylor House resident noted that the museum was given 60 copies of “Kin,” which they plan to use as an incentive to individuals to share oral histories about Berlin. For anyone who would like to offer a brief account of the town, whether that be the perspective of a young visitor or a resident who was around for the revitalization efforts in

Salt Water Media partnering with museum

Continued from Page 29

the 1970s, they can head to a designated table, tell their tales to a camera, and will be given a free copy of the OMOB book in return. The tapes will be stored as part of the museum’s oral history collection.

“You don’t have to have lived in Berlin, you can just be visiting Berlin and tell a story about what it’s like to walk down Main Street,” Reid said. “...We’re really excited about that. It could be five to 10 minutes or shorter. We’re really hoping for people of all ages. A lot of our oral histories are from older people, but we’re trying to do a greater push to get younger people’s impressions of Berlin.”

For the second year, the Berlin Book Award will be given out. Local publishers have submitted works in categories like adult fiction, adult nonfiction, young adult fiction, and young adult nonfiction. The Taylor House president said that authors and book sellers from throughout the area are currently reading these stories and will decide the winners.

In addition to the books at the Berlin Book Festival, residents can expect some treats and tea vendors. Reid added that wine will also be for sale.

Just like the annual bookish event’s spirit of town culture, the local museum is gearing up for a new 2026 exhibit and festivity lineup that will reorient the fa-

cility as a hotspot for Berlin history.

Next year will mark America’s 250th birthday. To get in on the action, the Taylor House will delve into the creation of one of the country’s “coolest small towns” and the restoration efforts that transformed Berlin from dreary and weathered to thriving and welcoming.

Part of that effort will include the installation of a new exhibit in the facility’s upstairs gallery space. Viewable at the display will be photographs and quotes from past and present town residents and officials.

“Berlin in the 1970s looks nothing like Berlin now,” Reid said. “People don’t really see that…so we have some great photographs and quotes from people that we’re putting together so that people understand how the community came together to restore Berlin to what it looks like now.”

Gee Williams, the former mayor who was in office when Berlin was named “America’s Coolest Small Town” in 2014 by the magazine Budget Travel, will have quotes in the planned installation. Reid said that many notable lines from his book, “Turn Your Town Around,” which was published in 2022, will be showcased.

“[Williams] has been instrumental in gathering the stories of what happened and how to make Berlin successful,” Reid said. “His book has some great quotes.”

Additional quotes will include those by Ed Hammond, who Reid said, “was one of the first people in the late 1970s who recognized the importance of the intact historic exteriors that we had that were just being covered over.”

“There are some quotes from him, talking about what Berlin was like when he was a kid, and then talking about really the importance of the restoration of the town,” she continued.

Quotes from a privately published book about the refurbishment of Berlin’s iconic Atlantic Hotel are also planned for the 2026 exhibit.

CROSSWORD

That brand-new installation is set to open on April 1. An official kickoff event is scheduled for April 3, which will be called Museum Comes Alive. More information will become available as the project gets closer.

“We’re trying to put up some exhibits that people will be interested in, both people that live here and those that visit,” Reid said. “I think a lot of people who live here who have moved here even in the last 30 years haven’t really seen what the town looked like in the 1970s. It’s pretty dramatic, the difference.”

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You are seeing things more clearly this week, Aries. Conversations that felt stuck a little while ago are now moving along more smoothly. A bold decision comes up midweek.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, you are craving stability, both financially and emotionally. Use midweek to reevaluate your spending or a relationship that may be ready to be taken to the next level.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, you are in your element this week. Communication flows easily, especially by Thursday. A short trip or spontaneous plan could spark something bigger than expected.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, a quieter energy surrounds you right now. You are being called to pause and reflect. It’s a good time to tend to your emotional needs and reflect on what’s ahead.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

The spotlight is on you right now and you are glowing, Leo. You may attract attention and admiration without even putting in extra effort. Use this week to push forward on personal goals.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

This week is all about you, Virgo. Focus on personal goals and self-improvement. Set strong goals for the year ahead.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, this is a great week to get things done. You’re focused, detailoriented and motivated. Use every burst of energy to sort through the clutter in your life.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, your social life is buzzing right now, but don’t lose sight of bigger goals. A fresh connection or idea could lead to a long-term opportunity if you stay focused.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

You may feel pushed to take a risk or explore new ideas this week, Sagittarius. Trust your curiosity to take you where you need to be to find satisfaction.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, even if no one sees you doing all of the hard work, you know how much effort you have been putting in. The effort will pay off soon enough when results are there for all to see.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

This week asks you to look at how you are showing up and helping others, Aquarius. An old friend or partner resurfaces and a current connection could deepen.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Your mind-body connection is strong this week, Pisces. If you have been ignoring rest or intuition, now is the time to focus on your priorities again.

Date announced for Worcester’s collection effort

(Oct. 17, 2025) The Worcester County Public Works Recycling Division will host Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Landfill in Newark, Maryland.

HHW, computer towers, and laptops may be dropped off for safe disposal. No keyboards, mouses, or other electronics will be accepted.

HHW Collection Day provides an opportunity for Worcester County residents to safely dispose of products containing harmful chemicals, such as bleach, pesticides, pool chemicals, oil mixtures, gas and other fuels, acids, automotive fluids, thinners, and other everyday hazardous wastes accumulating in and around the home, like CFL light bulbs, batteries, and oil-based paints. Note that water-based paints are not hazardous materials and should not be brought to any hazardous waste event. Instead, solidify waterbased paints by drying or adding absorbent materials, like sand, kitty litter, or mulch. Then place the dried paint in the trash.

HHW Collection Day is open at no charge to county residents only. This event is hosted in conjunction with Maryland Environmental Services and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). MXI Environmental Services Company will be responsible for the safe disposal of all hazardous waste collected.

Collecting HHW for safe disposal saves valuable landfill space and helps protect the environment, as many of these items do not degrade and contain poisonous materials that could seep out of the landfill and contaminate surrounding soil and groundwater.

For more information, contact Worcester County Recycling Manager Bob Keenan at 410-632-3177.

Wild, scenic film fest set for two locations

(Oct. 16, 2025) For the 15th consecutive year, Assateague Coastal Trust, Inc. (ACT) and the Assateague COASTKEEPER will bring the internationally recognized Wild & Scenic Film Festival (WSFF) to the Eastern Shore.

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival tour showcases thought-provoking, visually stunning short films that celebrate the beauty of our planet while addressing the critical environmental challenges it faces. Each year, this festival inspires audiences toward environmental action, awareness, and a

deeper love for the natural world through the power of storytelling and film.

This year’s program will feature 12 short films, including Surf and Turf, which explores the deep connection between land and water within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The film takes viewers on a journey from the mountain headwaters to the wide, salty expanse of the Bay, weaving a powerful narrative of nature’s resilience, hope, and collaboration between seemingly different worlds united for a shared cause.

ACT is thrilled to host the festival at two exciting locations this year for the first time:

Salisbury University: Wednesday, Oct. 29

Seacrets, Morley Hall, Ocean City: Thursday, Nov. 6

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for both events, giving guests the opportunity to browse an exciting selection of raffle items, silent and live auctions, and enjoy delicious food and drink specials before the films begin. The film screening takes place from 7-9 p.m.

“This festival is a natural extension of Assateague Coastal Trust’s mission to inspire people to act on behalf of the environment,” said Executive Director and Assateague COASTKEEPER Taylor Swanson. “Through film, we can connect audiences emotionally to the work we do every day to protect clean water, wildlife, and the unique beauty of our coastal region.”

Tickets are $30, per person or purchase a bundle of four for $100. For tickets and more information, visit www.actforbays.org/wsff.

Cindy Crockett

REALTOR®, GRI Licensed in MD Cell: 410-430-0587 Cindy@ HilemanRealEstate.com

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Located on a cul-de-sac in beautiful Colonial Village! Experience the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern living with the Bristol II. The formal living room & formal dining room are perfect for hosting gatherings. The combined Great Room, Breakfast Room and Kitchen create an inviting space for get togethers. Retreat to your Owner's Bedroom, which features a luxurious ensuite bathroom. In addition, three more bedrooms offer flexibility for family or guests. Double car detached garage included!

WOODED CORNER LOT 2 COTTONWOOD COURT

LUNCH 11:30AM-4PM | IN HOUSE ONLY LUNCH 11:30AM-4PM | IN HOUSE ONLY

MONDAY MONDAY

50% OFF TACOS 50% OFF TACOS

TUESDAY TUESDAY

50% OFF ENTREE SALADS

50% OFF ENTREE SALADS (SALAD + PROTEIN) (SALAD + PROTEIN)

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

50% OFF HANDHELDS 50% OFF HANDHELDS

THURSDAY THURSDAY

50% OFF BOWLS 50% OFF BOWLS

FRIDAY FRIDAY

50% OFF FISH N CHIPS

50% OFF FISH N CHIPS

1/2 PRICE

1/2 PRICE

MONDAY-THURSDAY MONDAY-THURSDAY

DINNER 4PM - CLOSE | IN HOUSE ONLY DINNER 4PM CLOSE | IN HOUSE ONLY

HOOKED HOOKED

Ocean Pines will present Trail of Horrors on 4 nights

New location announced for this year as activities move over to boat ramp

(Oct. 17, 2025) Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks will host its annual Trail of Horrors starting this Friday, Oct. 17.

The event takes place at a new location this year - the White Horse

Park Boat Ramp Trail. Visitors can look forward to fog-filled paths, eerie sights, and spine-chilling surprises around every corner.

Admission is $8 per person. The Trail of Horrors takes place Oct. 17-18 and Oct. 24-25, from 7-10 p.m.

For more information, contact Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks at 410-641-7052 or email ddonahue@oceanpines.org.

SPECIALS SPECIALS ARE BACK ARE BACK !!

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

$3 TACOS $3 TACOS

$12 QUESADILLAS

$12

$7 MARGS $7 MARGS TRIVIA NIGHT TRIVIA NIGHT 6-8PM 6-8PM

HAPPY HOUR HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM 3-6PM

THURSDAY

LUNCH: LUNCH: ½ ½ OFF BOWLS OFF BOWLS

DINNER: DINNER: RAW BAR NIGHT RAW BAR NIGHT

HAPPY HOUR HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM 3-6PM

FRIDAY FRIDAY

LUNCH: LUNCH: ½ OFF ½ OFF FISH N CHIPS FISH N CHIPS

DINNER: DINNER: RAW BAR NIGHT RAW BAR NIGHT

HAPPY HOUR HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM 3-6PM

SATURDAY SATURDAY

COLLEGE GAME DAY COLLEGE GAME DAY 12-6PM 12-6PM

SUNDAY SUNDAY FOOTBALL MENU FOOTBALL MENU ALL DAY ALL DAY

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Grilled pork lion slider with special chimichurri sauce

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Oct. 17,2025) Pork tenderloin is quite popular because of its taste and tenderness. However, pork loin is just as flavorful and tender, and half the price.

A pork loin does not get the attention it deserves because it is considered a cheaper cut of meat. However, brining the pork transforms its consistency and allows it to compete with the best.

The chemistry behind brining is actually very simple. Meat already contains salt water. By immersing meats into a liquid with a higher concentration of salt, the brining liquid is absorbed into the meat. Brining also alters the chemical structure of proteins by breaking some of the bonds that give proteins their shape. According to David Krauss, a professor of biology at Boston College, these bonds are sensitive to changes in temperature, acidity, and salinity, causing the proteins to break down and absorb the flavoring agents of the brine. Brines can be simple or complex; it is up to the individual chef.

The next subject at hand is the actual grilling. There are a few tools that are a

must if you are going to become a grill master. An instant digital thermometer gives you an instant reading on the temperature of the meat.

This past year, I have gone through two electric knives. So, I have learned from my mistakes and purchased a different make. I love my WORKPRO 12V Cordless Electric Fillet Knife with 8” and 10” Blades. I am all about carry cases, and this knife comes with one. Rechargeable battery packs and a charger are also included.

You might be wondering why an electric knife is so important? The pork must be sliced into thin slices, and a standard knife simply can’t cut it.

After years of grilling pork loins, I’ve got it down to a science. You need to get an intense char on all sides of the meat, then cook it in the oven at 300 degrees until it reaches a temperature of 144 degrees.

Once you remove the meat from the oven, it is imperative to slow down the cooking process. Place a cooling rack on top of the original sheet pan that you used for seasoning the meat. Put the meat on top of the cooling rack and pour a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil on one side. After five minutes, turn the meat over and again pour a generous amount

of oil on the other side.

Let the meat rest for at least 20 minutes, then remove the cooling rack and place the meat directly on the sheet pan with the remaining seasonings and olive oil, turning every five minutes for another 20 minutes.

Place the cooled pork loin on a cutting board and using an electric knife, cut the pork into very thin slices. Place the cut slices back in the sheet pan with leftover spices and olive oil. This gives the meat a burst of flavor and ensures moist meat.

Grilled meats and an herbaceous chimichurri sauce are a combination hard to beat.

This condiment is made from a base of fresh herbs, olive oil red wine vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes, and is a classic pairing with grilled meats.

Chimichurri Sauce

2 cups packed parsley leaves 4 cloves garlic

1 medium shallot

½ teaspoon each dried oregano, thyme, basil

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ to 1/3 cup red wine vinegar

kosher salt to taste

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper seeds

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor except for pepper seeds. Pulse until garlic and shallots are finely chopped. Add pepper seeds and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Brine

5-pound pork loin

1/8th cup kosher salt cold water

1. Place pork and salt in a 2-gallon Ziploc bag. Add enough water to cover pork and seal the bag. Place sealed bag in a bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours.

2. Rinse pork and soak in a large bowl of cold water for 15 minutes. Rinse well and pat dry with paper towels.

Grilling pork

¼ cup Dijon mustard

¼ cup each dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder

1/3 cup black pepper canola oil

1. Place pork loin on sheet pan and apply a thin coating of Dijon mustard to cover the pork, this acts as a glue.

2. Sprinkle half of the oregano, onion, and garlic powder on one side of the pork loin. Then finish with black pepper. Flip the pork over and repeat.

3. Place pork on a very hot charcoal grill. Drizzle a little oil over the pork. This will cause the flames to flare up and will get you the nice char you need to obtain.

4. Cook in preheated oven at 300 degrees until meat registers 144 degrees. Place meat on cooling rack and cool it down with extra virgin olive oil according to instructions in the article.

5. Place pork on slider

and

with

Prior to Saturday night’s dance at school, Stephen Decatur High School announced its king and queen of Homecoming during halftime of the football game on Friday. Seniors Lotus Wise and Jamison Strawley were announced as the king and queen from the nominated court.

BUSINESS FIELD TRIP

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, a group of Upper School students from Worcester Prep visited Duffie Boatworks in West Ocean City as part of the WORX (Work, Observe, Research, Experience) program. The WORX program aims to introduce students to a wide range of opportunities within our community and beyond. By integrating academic preparation with real-world experiences, the program enhances learning and provides valuable career exposure. Key elements of the WORX program include a speaker series, site visits to local businesses, and opportunities to shadow professionals across various industries. During their visit, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the boatbuilding industry, from carpentry and interior design to mechanical and electrical systems and everything in between. Pictured, from left, are WPS Athletic Trainer Drew Oxenrieder, Duffie Boatworks President and Owner Jon Duffie and students John Lynch, Gavin Sutherland, Justin McGovern, Luke Pitarra, Gavin Mann, Karrigan Russell-Wood, Chase Burbage, Blake Curdie, Michael Hall, Luke Mize, Beau Brittingham and Max Lev.

50th Annual Sunfest

Weekend also features Halloween-theme eventsbeach maze, pumpkin race

(Oct. 17, 2025) Ocean City is not only celebrating 150 years as a town, but also the 50th Anniversary of Sunfest, the town’s signature end-of-summer celebration.

From Thursday, Oct. 23 through Sunday, Oct. 26, the Inlet Parking Lot will be transformed into a festival ground filled with live entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food, and fun for all ages.

Since its debut, Sunfest has grown into one of the East Coast’s most popular festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

“Celebrating 50 years of Sunfest is a remarkable milestone for Ocean City,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “What began as a way to extend the summer season has become one of our most treasured traditions. Sunfest brings together residents, visitors, and generations of families who return year after year to experience the music, food, and fun that make Ocean City so special.”

The idea of Sunfest was first introduced as a way to draw visitors to Ocean City after Labor Day and extend the resort’s season beyond the traditional summer months. What started as ‘Save Six for September’ with vendors selling hot dogs, seafood, funnel cakes, and a few arts and crafts, quickly grew into a nationally recognized festival known today as Sunfest. Over the past five decades, Sunfest has showcased thousands of artists, musicians, and vendors, all while creating lasting memories for generations of families.

This year’s festival will feature nationally recognized performers headlining the main stage each night, offering a mix of legendary acts and today’s favorites. More than 200 artisans will showcase their unique treasures and one-of-a-kind creations. Guests can savor the flavors of Ocean City with an array of mouthwatering dishes and treats.

Families will enjoy kid-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the weekend including the Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade, Great Pumpkin Race, bonfires on the beach, and the high-flying Delmarva Dock Dogs. This year for the 50th anniversary, special highlights include an interactive mural by We Are Limitless Studio, festive photo ops, and an expanded fireworks show.

To view the full schedule of events, visit www.ococean.com or download the Ocean City App by searching “Dis-

cover Ocean City” in App stores.

It is advised visitors take advantage of the Town’s Park and Ride services as parking is restricted at the festival grounds. The West Ocean City Park and Ride on Route 50 just west of the bridge provides a convenient location for attendees with free parking and affordable shuttle service to and from the South Transit Center on S. Division Street, just one block from Sunfest. Shuttle service is $4 to ride all day.

The Special Event Express Shuttle is also available at the Convention Center on 40th St. Park for free in the south lot and ride the shuttle directly to Sunfest. The fare is $4 to ride all day. Passes purchased for these services are also valid each day aboard the Coastal Highway Beach Bus.

Who’s Where When

BURLEY OAK

BREWING COMPANY

443-513-4647

10016 Old Ocean City

Blvd., Berlin

Saturday, October 18: TBA

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Friday,October 17: TBA

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At Castle

In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Friday, October 17: Darin Engh & Coastal Groove Duo

Saturday, October 18:

The Jamn Brothers & Chris Diller Band

Sunday, October 19:

Margot & Val & The Dunehounds

Thursday, October 23: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, October 17: Beach Bandits

Saturday, October 18: Dust N Bones

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Friday, October 17:

Rick & Regina

Wednesday, October 22: Kevin Poole

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, October 17:

DJ Magellan

Saturday, October 18: Johnny Cardo

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, October 17:

The Boh Daddies & DJ Groove

Best Beats On The Beach

BEACH BANDITS

Coins Pub: Friday, October 17

THE BOH DADDIES

Fager’s Island: Friday, October 17

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside: Sunday, October 19

STEAL THE SKY

Seacrets: Friday, October 17

JEXXA

Who’s Where When

Saturday, October 18:

Groovalicious, Full Circle, Jexxa & DJ Groove

Thursday, October 23: Bryan Clark

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Route 611, West OC

Friday, October 17: TBA

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Friday, October 17: DJ Billy T

Saturday, October 18:

Rogue Citizens & DJ Bigler

Sunday, October 19:

Opposite Directions

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, October 18: Tranzfusion

Sundays: Beats By Styler

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Madame Dutchess

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, October 17 & 18: Awaken

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Fager’s Island: Saturday, October 18 THE DUNEHOUNDS

Friday, October 17: Stealing Savanah Duo, Dueling Pianos, DJ Mary Jane, DJ E-State & Steal The Sky

Saturday, October 18: Faith Noel, DJ Connair, DJ Davie & Garden State

Thursday, October 23: Carley Twigg & DJ Davie

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Sunday, October 19: Jason Lee

Thursday, October 23: Joe Esham

Ocean Pines preparing for annual fall fest

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) A longstanding seasonal tradition will return to Ocean Pines later this month, featuring carnival games, refreshments, face painting, and a costume contest.

The Ocean Pines Halloween and

Fall Festival will make a comeback on Saturday, Oct. 25, welcoming residents from the Pines and surrounding areas for autumn-themed fun at White Horse Park, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

According to Katie Goetzinger, the program supervisor for the Ocean

Pines Association’s Recreation and Parks Department, the festival is a beloved tradition, going back at least two decades.

The fall celebration is familyfriendly and suitable for all ages, but it explicitly focuses on offering activities for children.

A painter will be on-site to create designs on kids’ faces, families are encouraged to partake in an array of carnival games, and attendees can enjoy lunch from food by the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines/ Ocean City.

A highlight of the fair is the yearly costume contest. Goetzinger said that the competition is broken down into age categories, to be held at different times: two years old and under, 11:30 a.m.; three to four years old, noon; five to seven years old, 12:30 p.m.; eight to 10 years old, 1 p.m.; 11 to 17 years old, 1:30 p.m.; and 18 and older, 2 p.m. Ocean Pines employees will select the winners. There are no specific parameters that participants must follow.

“People get very creative,” the program supervisor said.

Goetzinger added that many innovative costumes from prior celebrations come to mind. Still, a specific highlight from years past is a Transformers car made out of cardboard by a father and son team.

The group-effort creations are always a staple, the rec and parks supervisor noted.

“I enjoy seeing the youngest costume contest, because a lot of family members dress up as well, and they make it a whole themed costume,” Goetzinger said. “We have had a family of farm animals and a family of the Wizard of Oz characters.”

The event is a well-attended Halloween festivity with over 100 attendees yearly. Community members come out to soak up some muchneeded seasonal fun, as the wooded neighborhood prohibits trick-ortreating due to a lack of streetlights.

While safety concerns may limit the beloved children’s door-to-door, candy-asking practice, the festival offers an alternative avenue for Halloween entertainment with games, food, and a chance to dress up.

The planning process starts in July. In September, the department reaches out to high school students who may need service hours to volunteer.

“We cannot have a successful event without volunteers to run our carnival games,” Goetzinger said.

Information about the event can be found on the OP Recreation and Parks Department’s website or Facebook page. The festival is free to attend. The Kiwanis Club will sell food and drinks.

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 25:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ CRAWL STREET

19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com

Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.

■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ & BLU CRABHOUSE & RAW BAR

2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-2893322, district24oc.com

There is more at District 24. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, pastries and coffee at Jay’s Cafe. CRAFT Pizza, Beer & Cocktails at CRAFT Lounge. Fresh Seafood at BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar. Enjoy an elevated dining experience with great chophouse dishes and charcuterie boards, along with a Wine Spectator Award Wining Wine Menu at Embers Rooftop Restaurant. There is something for everyone at District 24 like live music in the courtyard, mini golf, arcade play and axe throwing.

■ FISH TALES

2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 410-289-0990, ocfishtales.com

Bayfront marina dining offered here with a huge menu to satisfy guests of all ages. Enjoy a drink from a hanging chair or fish tacos at your table while the kids play in a playground build in the sand. Food and drink menus offer enough of a variety to meet all needs.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

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

Celebrating our 41st anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open Thursday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Familyfriendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

■ THE WEDGE BAR

806 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.

■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-6846, castleinthesand.com

A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean City-based surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule.

■ FAGERS ISLAND

201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com

$$ | Full bar

Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.

■ THE CRAB BAG

13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

■ JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB

9800 Coastal Highway, Ocean City 443-6646147, jollyjellyfishbeachclub.com

Oceanfront bar with casual island style outdoor dining with awesome ocean views focused on cool beach vibes. Open for lunch and dinner and suitable for the entire family. Diverse menu available for every type of diner and featuring a cocktail menu with six housemade kegged cocktails. Every Sunday all summer features a “big deck energy party.” Entertainment daily, 4-7 p.m. Located in the Plaza Condominium with plenty of free parking.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com

Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style

cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu

“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL

9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com

$$ | Full bar

Full service, family friendly, casual dining to please everyone. Offering breakfast lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day. Classic American cuisine with a selection of delicious Maryland favorites. Happy hour everyday from 16 p.m. with bar specials and tasty bites. Daily specials Monday through Friday. Dine-in and carry-out.

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com

All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com

This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500

Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

■ OC DINER

12744 Ocean Gateway, Rt 50 east, Ocean City, 410-390-5112

Family owned for over 25 years. Serving the best homemade food. Local’s favorite. Breakfast served all day. Kids’ menu. Dine-in and carry-out. Open 7 days a week.

COMMUNITY BEACH CLEANUP

by Steve Green

RThe Adventures of Fatherhood

esiliency is an admirable human trait.

When it comes to raising teenagers, it might be one of the most important qualities I hope my sons, ages 17 and 15, possess. The ability to overcome setbacks and adapt to change isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

For kids my son Beckett’s age, an early test of resiliency came with the pandemic in 2020. Sixth grade was abruptly cut short in March, replaced by months of remote learning. Sports seasons were canceled. Lessons were taught but not truly absorbed. Social growth and confidence, I would estimate, was set back by years.

In Beckett’s case, his senior year has brought its own challenges. Soccer has always been a passion — he’s played since he was three years old. But midway through this season, he sprained his ankle and has missed several games as a result. It’s been disappointing and frustrating for him, and as his parents, we’ve shared in those feelings.

Despite the setback, Beckett has handled the situation with quiet maturity. He’s still hoping to return for the last few games of the season, though it’s uncertain whether that will happen. Through it all, he’s remained composed — never dramatic, always steady. While the physical recovery has been slower than he hoped, his mental resilience has been impressive, and honestly, a bit surprising given what’s at stake. Watching him face this adversity with perspective and patience has been a reminder of what true resiliency looks like.

A column on grownandflown.com touches on the importance of resiliency in young teens, especially during the college years. Considering this time next year he will be a college student, it’s appropriate for our household.

Think of your college kid right now.

Now think of them in one of the following situations, and what personality characteristic they’ll need to get through them. Can you guess what that characteristic is? Here are some clues; What’s it called when you study your tail off for weeks only to fail the exam, but you don’t let the failure keep you discouraged for weeks?

What’s it called when your long term boyfriend dumps you, but you don’t hole up in your dorm alone for weeks swearing off all boys forever and binge eating chocolate?

What’s it called when everything in your life on campus seems to be going wrong, you’re having roommate issues, job issues, professor issues, family issues, but you still keep an attitude of positivity, perseverance, and confidence?

Finally, what’s is called when everyday life problems and small crises berate you on a daily basis, but you bounce right back up with little hesitation?

It’s called RESILIENCE, and it’s something college professors, administrators, and advisors all say today’s college students do not have.

How and why our students have gotten this way is one part consequence of a generational shift in parenting (think helicopter parents), one part delayed maturation on today’s teens, and one part mystery. But whatever the reasons are, the effects of an entire generation of young adults and college kids who are easily defeated in all aspects of their lives is detrimental to their development as confident and highly functioning adults.

Resilience is defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” Oddly enough, it’s not something we think of needing to be taught, rather, it’s just the natural, normal result of having to consistently overcome obstacles during childhood. And therein lies the problem.

Thinking we’re doing a wonderful thing when we keep saving our children from failure and disappointment is actually doing them a huge disservice. By swopping in to keep them from feeling “not good enough,” or “less than,” or “defeated,” we’re preventing them from ever experiencing an even greater feelingthe one that comes with being the “come back kid.” And by no fault of their own (I blame the college admission circus we find ourselves in), students have been led to believe that “perfect” is the only way things are to be done. And how can we blame them? They just came from four years of high school where receiving a B minus was seen as a failure, so when they arrive on campus and flunk their first pop quiz, they have nothing in

their previous schooling to compare that experience to.

We know that college mental health centers are seeing a record number of students now, and that most are seeking help with anxiety and depression, but we’re also learning that some of the “obstacles” they’re facing in college are bringing on these symptoms, yet those “obstacles” aren’t typically ones that require mental health therapy. While bombing a mid-term can of course be a stressful event, students who are resilient will process it differently than students who aren’t.

Same goes for disagreements with roommates that often end in name calling and yelling. The resilient ones will know that both are short term events and will see them as such, and immediately begin to formulate a “bounce back” plan to prevent them from happening again. …

Several universities, upon having their mental health centers overwhelmed, have discovered that in most cases a student’s issues are not mental health issues all, but can be boiled down to a resilience issue. Many have developed new student programs, trainings and interventions based solely on learning about and gaining resilience.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has recently rolled out a program called “Big Red Resilience,” which will train student mentors to help new students deal with and solve small daily problems that otherwise would have sent them to the counseling center.

Florida State University has just launched a “Student Resilience Project,” an online, evidence-informed trauma resilience training tool developed by the Institute for Family Violence Studies at the FSU College of Social Work. …

Kudos to Nebraska and FSU for noticing the difference between serious mental health issues or just a student who needs a bit more life skills training, and for developing programs to intervene and teach resilience before the small problems become big ones.

(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@octodaydispatch.com.)

Swell time

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) Last week’s column/article concerned hurricanes.

This week we’re going to discuss Nor’easters. Both have their commonalities and differences. Common to both is the destruction that they can cause, resulting in beach erosion, flooding, abnormally high tides, and ill winds. As far as the seasonal aspect of Nor’easters goes, the vast majority will occur from September to May with most happening in the winter months.

Regarding the surf that will form from a Nor’easter it will be the start of a sizable wind swell with the low pressure center of the storm being so close to the coast. As to the quality of the sizable waves other factors will come into play such as the angle of the swell and the direction and velocity of the wind at the shoreline.

On the day of this writing, as our most recent Nor’easter was winding down, the swell and subsequent waves still had plenty of size though mostly straight on to the beach, long-lined and closing out.

Ironically the local wind was offshore, coming from a west northwest direction and made for clean wave faces despite the previously mentioned longlined closeouts. Most Nor’easters will result in big, unruly, choppy, junky conditions; unfavorable to say the least. There were some surfable sessions from this most recent storm, however.

Another way to describe a Nor’easter is as a minimal tropical storm or minihurricane. The effects of both can be very similar though differences can be warm verses cold core and long distance ground swell verses closely sourced wind swell. Whatever it takes, Nor’easter or otherwise, good quality surf able waves are what every surfer is looking for.

- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH CLUB DONATIONS

September is National Literacy Month, and the Republican Women of Worcester County presented checks to each of the five Libraries in Worcester County in appreciation of their County Literacy programs. Top are Julie Presley, Ocean City Branch Manager; Yvonne Babcock, RWWC member; and Susan Ostrowski, RWWC Literacy Manager. Above middle are Susan Ostrowski, RWWC Literacy Chair; Harry Burkett, Ocean Pines, Branch Manager; Yvonne Babcock, RWWC member; and Liz Mumford, RWWC member. Above are Liz Mumford, RWWC member; Yvonne Babcock, RWWC member; Susan Ostrowski, RWWC Literacy Chair; and Alice Patera, Berlin Library Branch Manager

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OCEANS PLAYGROUND RIBBON

Ocean’s Playhouse owners Lina and Veli Atanasova officially celebrated the indoor playground’s opening on Wednesday, Oct. 1 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. The indoor play space is open to children ages 12 and under. The new business is located in West Ocean City in the Outlets Ocean City.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

POLISH AMERICAN CLUB MEETING

The Polish American Club of Delmarva held its monthly membership meeting last week at Columbus Hall in Ocean City. For the month of October, also recognized as Polish American Heritage Month, the club invited member Ed Szkudlapski, pictured second from right with his wife and club members, to speak on his many trips to Poland. As a first-generation Polish-American, he has visited the country many times over the past 55 years.

CIRCULATORY STORY

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

After reading The Circulatory Story and learning how the heart works in bodies, students in Mrs. Wrench's fourth-grade class at Ocean City Elementary had an unforgettable experience — they got to see a real heart beating and watched the valves opening and closing in action. A big thank you to the Ocean City Fire Department for bringing learning to life and making science come alive for our students.

OCES 3RD GRADE MANIPULATIVES

Students in Mrs. Wolf's third grade math class at Ocean City Elementary used manipulatives to represent multiplication equations in different ways. Pictured, from left, are Claire Ewing, River Kennedy, Kingsley Cropper, and Lola Keller.

PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

AARP RECOGNITION

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

NEW

CLUB MEMBER

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Ocean City Lions welcome their newest member Barb McMillan, center, who was inducted by District 22-B Governor Beth Whitelock, right. OC Lions President Steve McMillan, left, joined the ceremony. To learn more about joining the Ocean City Lions, please email: oceancitylionsclub@gmail.com.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Homecoming photos on social media

Grilling out, no matter the time of year

Remembering dogs who have passed

Quiet days with no drama

The weird things on the beach after a storm

Thick, soft towels

Being unaware of the fads of the day

Weird teenager sayings

Building a bonfire

Birds in the feeders

A menu that does not overwhelm

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Johnny Unitas (19332002) was one of the legendary figures in Maryland sports history. A veteran of 18 seasons in the National Football League with all but one with the Baltimore Colts, No. 19 was elected to the Pro Football of Fame in 1979. Unitas was the first quarterback to pass for over 40,000 yards in a career and led the Colts to three NFL titles as well as a Super Bowl victory in 1971.

A frequent visitor to Ocean City, Unitas often stayed at the Ocean Mecca Motel on 23rd Street. He would often attend the annual Colts Corral conventions where motel owner the late Kathleen Harman recalled, “everybody loved him – he was very polite and just a nice person.”

Unitas died of a heart attack on Sept. 11, 2002. At the urging of Ravens Roost #44, the Ocean City Mayor and Council voted to give 19th Street (in honor of his uniform number) the subtitle “Johnny Unitas Way.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Delaware

Acadia Landing LEWES, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $400s

ballenger creek HARBESON, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

Bridgewater SELBYVILLE, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Mid $500s

deer creek LINCOLN, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

forest landing ELLENDALE, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes Toownhomes

four winds farm LTTON, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

High Tide at lighthouse bay

OCEAN CITY, , MD

Heritage creek LTTON, DE

Final Opportunity Single Family Homes from the Upper $400s

rtty east MILLSBORO, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Low $400s

Milos Haven FRANKFORD, DE

Final Opportunity Villas from the Low $400s

Newdale acres ELLENDALE, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes and Toownhomes from the Low $300s

Pelican Point MILLSBORO, , DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Low $400s

rtton Chase MILLSBORO, , DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $300s

lakeside at trappe

TRAPPE, MD

the oaks GEORGETOWN, Coming Soon Toownhomes

vines creek crossing FRANKFORD, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Ho Toownhomes, and Villas

Plantation Lakes ryyClub

MILLSBORO, , DE

Now Selling Single Family Ho Villas Toownhomes from the Low $300s

Westwood MILFORD, DE

Coming Soon Single Family H and Villas

Maarylan

Tides at River Marsh

CAMBRIDGE, MD

Final Opportunity Toownhomes from the Mid $700s and T

Now Selling Single Family Homes and Toownhomes from the Mid $300s

Now Selling Single Family Home Toownhomes from the Uppe

Calendar

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

Fri. Oct. 17

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Oct 17 — Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-5241818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

DISCOVERY DEN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

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

FAMILY BEACH BONFIRE

Ocean City Beach at 130th Street, 130th Street, Ocean City. 410-250-0125. 6-8 p.m., Smores, hot chocolate and water are included. Cost is $3 for youth, $5 for adults over 18 years with $15 maximum per family. Pre-registration is encouraged. 410-250-0125.

5TH ANNUAL 2025 TRAIL OF HORRORS

White Horse Park Boat Ramp Trail, Ocean Pines. 410-641-7052. 7-10 p.m., Cost is $8. (Actors and volunteers needed: Debbie Donahue, 410-6417052, ddonahue@oceanpines.org) https://www.oceanpines.org.

FRIED FLOUNDER DINNER

4:30 p.m. Fried flounder dinner, green beans, Mac and Cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Carryouts available. Cost, $10. 410-208-8943.

FAMILY BEACH BONFIRE

130th Street, Ocean City, 6-8 p.m. S’mores, hot chocolate and water included. Cost: $3, youth; $5, adults over 18 with $15 max per family. Pre-registration required. 410-250-0125.

Sat., Oct. 18

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-641-

7052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market

LAST BBQ OF SEASON

St. Paul United Methodist Church, Flower Street, Berlin. 11 a.m.-until sold out. Half BBQ chicken, roll and drink, $12; Half BBQ chicken platter, two sides, roll and drink, $15. Proceeds benefit men’s ministry.

OYSTER FRITTER SANDWICHES

American Legion Post 123, Berlin, 2 p.m.until sold out. Cost is $10 for dinein or carryout.

OKTOBERFEST, FALL SIDEWALK SALE

11 a.m.-4 p.m., downtown Berlin. Free to attend, two stages, food, beer, kids activities and downtown fall sidwalk sale. Beer tickets, limited edition beer mugs online at berlinmaintstreet.com

BERLIN BOOK FESTIVAL

Noon-4 p.m., Taylor House Museum. Held during Oktoberfest, meet local publishers and the authors they represent as you browse book-inspired gifts and a glass of wine on the museum lawn.

COASTAL HOSPICE | COASTAL WALK & 5K RUN

Assateague State Park, 6915 Maryland 611, Berlin. 4107428732 515. 8 a.m.noon, Tickets $30. Arrive at 8 a.m. for registration, refreshments and music with a 9 a.m. start. Cost $30. Benefiting the Macky & Pam Stansell House of Coastal Hospice. www.coastalhospice.org/coastal-walkrun/.

HALLOWEEN-THEMED TIE DYE WORKSHOP

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines. 410-6417052. 1-2 p.m., Learn how to tie dye. Cost is $10. Participants must bring their own pre-washed white T-shirt. All ages welcome. Registration: 410-6417052.

2ND ANNUAL CIGARFEST BENEFITING DIAKONIA

Beach Bum W.-O, 12308 Old Bridge Road, Ocean City. 410-251-5914. 3-8 p.m., Bourbon, barbecue and cigars. Great food, many vendors, great giveaways including a drawing for 2 tickets to Florida to see J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Cost is $100. Tickets: www.occigarfest.com.

5TH ANNUAL 2025 TRAIL OF HORRORS White Horse Park Boat Ramp Trail,

Ocean Pines. 410-641-7052. 7-10 p.m., Cost is $8. (Actors and volunteers needed: Debbie Donahue, 410-6417052, ddonahue@oceanpines.org) https://www.oceanpines.org.

NO KINGS RALLY

Ocean City Boardwalk rally, noon. Hosted by Indivisible, a non-partisan, non-violent group organizing peaceful protests. Indivisible Co-founder Ezra Levin planning nationwide protest to protect First Amendment rights. Local rally will begin on the Boardwalk at the tram station at noon. Marching to the firefighter’s memorial. indivisibleworcestermd.org

CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE

Ocean City Presbyterian Church, 13th Street, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 19

FRIED CHICKEN CARRYOUT

Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, 1-4 p.m. Half chicken, ham, string beans, cole slaw, potato salad, roll and dessert. $20. Baked goods available. Preorder, 443-880-4944.

BERLIN FARMERS MARKET

Sundays - Pitts Street, Commerce Street and Main Street, Berlin, May through October, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Producers only market featuring more than 50 farmers, food cultivators, bakers, distillers, seafood, meat and more. Also featuring a petting farm (9-11 a.m.), free kids art station and live music. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Oct. 20

LOCALS WEEK - STATION 4 TOUR

Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. 10 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Go on an exploration of the United States Life Saving Service by learning about the Storm Warriors and history of the Station. Free admission for Delmarva locals to both museums (Oct. 2026).

FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP MEETING, TALK

Worcester County Library, Ocean Pines branch. Friends of the Ocean Pines Library invites members at 9:30 a.m. for a social followed by an open membership meeting at 10 a.m. Public welcome to

join at 11 a.m. for some baseball talk and special guests. 410-208-4014.

STORY TIME: GHOSTS

Worcester Library, Ocean City branch. 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories for ages 5 and under. 410-524-1818.

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

Mondays - Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Elissa, 410-641-8050; on social media; or delmarvachorus.org.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Oct. 21

LOCALS WEEK - CREATURES UP CLOSE Ocean City Life-Saving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. 10 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Learn about native aquatic wildlife while the aquarium fish are fed. Take a look at the museum's Commercial and Sport Fishing exhibit. Free admission for Delmarva locals to both museums (Oct. 20-26).

COMMUNITY SUPPER

Knights of Columbus, Community Supper, Oktoberfest Theme, $15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. A brat filled dinner at St. Luke’s, 9901 Coastal Highway. 410-524-7994

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

CARD PARTY, LUNCHEON

St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 14401 Sinepuxent Ave., Ocean City. 10:30 a.m.-3 p..m. Ticket price $30. 410-7464759.

CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across

Continued on Page 52

CALENDAR

from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Weds., Oct 22

PUZZLE TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., Berlin. 410641-0650. 1-7 p.m., Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with new-to-you puzzles. Don't have a puzzle to exchange but still want one? That's OK too. All puzzles must be complete in their original boxes. 410-641-0650.

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS

Wednesdays (through Aug. 20) - Ocean Pines Yacht Club Pool, 1 Mumford's Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. DJ, games and prizes. Food available for purchase. Ad-

mission is $3 for OP swim members, $5 for OP residents, $7 for non-residents and free for non-swimmers. Cash only. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

CASH BINGO

Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Door open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Food available before bingo and at intermission. Open to the public. 443605-5028

Thurs., Oct. 23

SUNFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Music, arts and crafts, food, kidfriendly activities, tractor rides, craft beer, Halloween Beach Maze, Howl-OWeen Pet Parade, Trunk or Treat and more. Free admission. www.ococean.com/sunfest/.

OC CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 410-524-1818. 10:30 a.m.-11:59 p.m., Enjoy a relaxing game of chess every Thursday at the library. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org.

CHAIR YOGA

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., Pocomoke City. 410-957-0878. 2-11:59 p.m., This is an all-levels chair yoga program. Handouts with poses and stretches you can do at home will be provided. Registration required: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org.

LOCALS WEEK - HONDO

Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore Ave., Ocean City. 3:30-5 p.m., Join Al “Hondo” Handy as he talks about the history of OC Recreation & Parks and signs his release Defying Expectations. Free admission for Delmarva locals to both museums (Oct. 20-26).

NARFE CHAPTER MEETING

Ocean Pines Community Center, National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) spouses and surviving spouses. 10 a.m. Contact Karleen Hagan, 703-729-2103.

DRY PANTRY

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

ONGOING EVENTS

TOWN OF BERLIN PUMPKIN SCAVENGER HUNT

Held thru Oct. 30. Pick up and return your entry form in the Berlin Welcome Center. Peek in the participating shop windows to find all of the painted pumpkins. Enter to win $100. Drawing will be on Halloween.

BUS TRIP TO NEW YORK

Bus departs on Dec. 20 at 6 a.m. from Chuckie Cheese in Salisbury. Cost is $97 and includes driver’s tip. Arrive at Macy’s in New York at 11 a.m. Bus will be leaving from Macy’s at 6 p.m. Pay by Dec. 15 by check, money order or use the church’s cash app ($calvarychurch6607, to: Calvary Church, for: New York Bus Trip) Make payments to Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin. Info: Rosie Dennis, 443-614-7518.

BUS TRIP TO CHRISTIANA MALL

Bus departs on Oct. 22 at 8:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 6:30 p.m. Cost is $45. Sign up by Oct. 6. Contact Anna, akins10685@aol.com.

YOUNG HISTORIANS ESSAY CONTEST

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St. Open to middle and high school students. All entries that meet requirements will earn one hour of service larning. Winners in each age group will receive an extra prize. Reach out to history@worcesterlibrary.org for any local history research assistance. Stop in or call for full details. 410-632-3495 Due by Nov. 15.

THE BOO-K BAG

Pocomoke library, 401 5th Street, throughout October. Check out a mystery BOO-k bag. Each pack contains a surprise seasonal title, a sweet treat and a cozy cup of hot chocolate. Return the rating slip for a chance to win a prize. 410-957-0878

CREATIVITY CORNER

Berlin library, 13 Harrison Ave., throughout October. Students are invited to visit the library’s Creativity Corner to engage in STEAM-related projects and crafts. Activities change monthly. For ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650

HISTORY-TO-GO: CROSS STITCHING

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., throughout October. Includes info sheets, recommended activities, supplies and more. Pick up from the Snow Hill library. 410-632-3495

LEAF IDENTIFICATION GAME

Pocomoke library, 401 5th Street, throughout October. Find the falling leaves throughout the library and match them with their description to property identify the leaf. Complete the game and enter for a chance to win a new Peterson’s Tree Identification Guide book. For families. 410-957-0878

PUMPKIN SCAVENGER HUNT

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, throughout October. Find all of the pumpkins and solve the riddle, then choose a pumpkin recipe and a prize from the treasure chest. For families. 410-208-4014

PURNELL MUSEUM AT THE LIBRARY: TOYS

Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., throughout October. In partnership with the Purnell Museum, come see the history displays that will feature toys from the colonial era to the 20th century. 410-632-3495

TEEN TIME

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, throughout October, 3 p.m. to close. Craft a fabric covered pumpkin ad more pumpkin-inspired creation. All materials provided. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014

QUEEN OF HEARTS

Weekly virtual drawings on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Winner receives 60 percent of jackpot. www.opvfd.com/queen-ofhearts. Sponsored by the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

2025 KIWANIS LOTTERY TICKETS ON SALE

On sale every Saturday morning at the Ocean Pines Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. One $20 ticket is good for all 365 drawings in 2025. Benefits the youth of the community.

OCEAN CITY-BERLIN ROTARY CLUB

Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at Don’s Seafood & Chop House at the South Gate of Ocean Pines, 6 p.m. ocberlinrotary@gmail.com

OCEAN CITY CHAPTER OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ITALY

Meets every month (except July and August) at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Membership is open to individuals of Italian descent and their spouses. www.sonsofitalyoceancity.com

POLISH AMERICAN CLUB OF DELMARVA

Meets the second Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 2-4 p.m. A social organization of men and women of Polish or Slavic descent.

Crossword answers from page 30

OCTOBER 17, 2025 OC Today-Dispatch 53

JOLLY ROGER

Small Engine Mechanic. Ride Maintenance. Year Round.

Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902

DENTAL HYGIENIST

Ocean City, MD 410-213-1032

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Local new home builder looking for a year round experienced office assistant for our West OC office. The hours are 8-4pm, M-F. A friendly personality, a good grasp of proper communication skills and organizational skills, polite phone manners, punctuality, the ability to work well with others, strong computer skills with experience in Quick books, word, & excel and the ability to multi-task are required. Experience in the construction trade is a plus. Dress is business casual and salary is negotiable based on experience. Email resume to rhresorthomes@gmail.com No Phone calls please.

2BR, 1BA, Small Condo, 5th Street, 1 block to the boards. No smoking/pets.

$900/mo. + util’s. 1-month sec. dep. req. Oct. 10th-May 10th OCMD 410-952-5234

OC WINTER RENTAL

Downtown

2BD/2BA Apt. Furnished, central HVAC, W/D, WiFi, cable included. Occ. lmtd. to 2. No smoking/pets.

$800/mo. + utilities. 410-202-6353

YEAR-ROUND RENTAL

3BR, 2BA

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

$2,300 per mo. + util’s. Owner pays HOA. Community pool. No pets/smoking.

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

YEARLY RENTAL

2BR, 1BA Unfurnished

319 Robin Drive

Available immediately

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

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

WINTER RENTAL

North OC

1BR, 1BA Condo

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

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

FOR SALE

39 ACRE FARM

mostly cleared. Between Pittsville and Salisbury. Huge warehouse/barn w/concrete floor. Perfect for horse, vehicles, contractors. Includes 2,200 sq. ft. house. Gourmet kitchen, liveable but needs updating.

$650,000

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

Commercial Space for Lease. ONLY 1 UNIT LEFT! 2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined.

Approx. 1000 sq. ft.

Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.

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

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

ESTATE SALE

Sat., 10/18, 8am-2pm

Furniture, Toys, Tools, Housewares, Books, Games, Fishing Gear, Supplies, Clothes, Shoes. 33 Fort Sumter South Ocean Pines

Classifieds 410-723-6397

BUDGET MOVERS

443-664-5797

LOCAL & EAST COAST MOVING Full Packing Service Piano Movers - Full Service

www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers

MARYLAND STATEWIDE

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

ATTENTION

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

MISC./OTHER

Now, we, left behind, Must look to You again, Lord! Wipe away our tears! Consumed with sadness, Though we will follow,

CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK

FOR SALE

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MISC. FOR SALE

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Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000051 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., at the front door of Bay Winds II Condominium Unit No. 104, 511 Robin Drive, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Bay Winds II Condominium Unit No. 104, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and By-Laws, as amended, dated December 26, 1973, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 423, Folio 326, et seq., and pursuant also to the several plats described in the said Condominium Master Deed and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 40, Folio 31, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 8136, Page 247, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.

A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400. OCD-10/9/3t

BWW Law Group, LLC

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

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES' SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

357 TIMBERLINE CIRCLE BERLIN, MD 21811

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated April 27, 2001, recorded in Liber 3033, Folio 147 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD,

with an original principal balance of $38,700.00, 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

OCTOBER 21, 2025 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 $5,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to

accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 376599-1)

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

OCD-10/2/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS,

LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs. CORA DANIELS NEELON, GAIL E. NEELON, OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION, INC., WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 1300 OCEAN PKWY AND Unknown Owner of the property 1300 OCEAN PKWY described as follows: Property Tax ID 03-105830 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO C-23-CV-25-000021

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights ofredemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean Pines, in the Third Election District of Worcester County, Maryland; More particularly described as LOTB-101129 7725 SQ FT OCEAN PKWAY PL, OCEAN PINES SEC 10; Parcel ID: 03-105830, 1300 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been

paid although more than six (6) months (or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this September 26, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 28th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 28th day of January, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-10/2/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC Plaintiff vs. STACY-ANN NAGLE, BANK OF AMERICA, NA, MARK H. FRIEDMAN, TRUSTEE, ESTATE OF ALVIN E. FREIDMAN, TRUSTEE, ESTATE OF RAYMOND CONGOUR, ESTATE OF MAUREEN C. CONGOUR, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 135A JAMESTOWN RD, #18A AND Unknown Owner of the property 135A JAMESTOW RD, #18A described as follows: Property Tax ID I 0-214688 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25000239 ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property

described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

Parcel No. 10214688 Lot 18A S Side Jamestown Rd PL Jamestown Manor TNHS assessed to Nagle Stacy-Ann

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months (or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this 25th of September, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 25th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 25th day of November, 2025, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-10/2/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC

Plaintiff vs.

ESTATE PHYLLIS A. DAVIS, ESTATE OF CARMELA DAVIS, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 51 BRANDYWINE DR AND

Unknown Owner of the property 51 BRANDYWINE DR described as follows: Property Tax ID 03-058433 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000238 ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

LOT B-13-183 9750 SQ FT BRANDYWINE DR PL OCEAN

PINES SEC 13; Assessed to DAVIS NICK WILLIAM & DAVIS PHYLLIS

ANNE; Parcel 03 058433; 51 Brandywine Dr, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months (or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this 25th of September, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 25th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 25th day of November, 2025, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD

OCD-10/2/3t

NOTICE

OF PASSAGE OF BILL 25-03

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

T mercial development, provided at least sixty-five percent (65%) or more of the net lot area for a given parcel be developed with a commercial use or structure permitted in the C-2 District, and a minimum of 15% of open space be provided for the residential uses.)

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103 and is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-10/2/3t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20836

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MATHILDE LOUISE KHOM

Notice is given that Cynthia Marrufo, 112 Middle St., Berlin, MD 21811-1429, was on September 23, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mathilde Louise Khom who died on October 23, 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 23rd day of March, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Cynthia Marrufo 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: October 02, 2025

CD-10/2/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIE MAE MYER Estate No. 20833 Notice is given that DIANE N. RAYNES whose address is 571 MICHIGAN DR., FALLING WATERS, WV 25419-4217 was on SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIE MAE MYER who died on SEPTEMBER 03, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate

of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of MARCH, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-10/2/3t _________________________________

BETH B. MILLER ESQ. FOX ROTHSCHILD, LLP 1201 N MARKET ST., STE. 1200 WILMINGTON, DE 19801-1163

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 20828

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the ORPHANS court of BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed ANDREW W. BONEKEMPER whose address is 400 KENNEDY RD., COLLEGEVILLE, PA 19426-1779 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of H. GEORGE BONEKEMPER AKA: H. G. BONEKEMPER, HAROLD G. BONEKEMPER, HAROLD GEORGE BONEKEMPER III, HAROLD G. BONEKEMPER III, GEORGE BONEKEMPER, H. BONEKEMPER who died on MARCH 10, 2025 domiciled in PA, USA

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is CRYSTAL BRADY whose address is 185 MARKWOOD DR., OAKLAND, MD 215507548. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after

that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-10/2/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20656 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HOWARD R. SHAFFER

Notice is given that CHRISTOPHER M. SHAFFER, 10007 MILL POND DR., BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813-1274, was on September 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Howard R. Shaffer who died on April 12, 2025, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of March, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Christopher M. Shaffer

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: October 02, 2025

OCD-10/2/3t

MUNICIPAL INVESTMENTS, LLC

C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC

Plaintiff vs.

SCOTT WILLIAM ROEMER, ELIZABETH M ROEMER, OLYMPIC CONDOMINIUM, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 15 40TH ST, #14

AND

Unknown Owner of the property 15 40TH ST, #14 described as follows: Property Tax ID I 0-238129 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25000023

AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District or Worcester County. Maryland: More: particularly described as U 14 40TH ST OLYMPIC CM: Parcel TD: I 0238129, 15 40th Street. Unit 14, Ocean City, MD 21842

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months (or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this 26th of September, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 28th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 28th day of January, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian

D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-10/2/3t

GLENN E SHERMAN, BONNIE GALE SHERMAN, QUAY CONDOMINIUM, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND

All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as 10700 COASTAL HWY, #1005 AND

Unknown Owner of the property 10700 COASTAL HWY, #1005 described as follows: Property Tax ID 10-125138 on the Tax Roll of Worcester County, the unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest in the property.

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000017

AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

All that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland; More particularly described as U 1005 BEACH HWY QUAY CM; Parcel ID: 10-125138, 10700 Coastal Hwy, Unit 1005, Ocean City, MD 21842

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months ( or nine months if the Property was listed as a Principal Residence by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation on the date of the sale) from the date of sale have expired.

It is thereupon this 26th of September, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 28th day of November, 2025, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 28th day of January, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court

COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20853

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Prince William County, Virginia appointed William S. Chakalos, 359 Fox Chase St., Warrenton, VA 20186-2371 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Spyridon V. Chakalos AKA: Spyridon Vasilios Chakalos who died on January 21, 2007 domiciled in Virginia, USA.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates, Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

William S. Chakalos Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: October 02, 2025 OCD-10/2/3t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING AND ZONING COMISSION

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 Planning and Zoning Commission 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:

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

AT 6:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the draft 2017 Comprehensive Plan Update, on October 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located in City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to direct and manage the future land use, development and natural resources conservation of the Town of Ocean City. The Town of Ocean City is required to update its Comprehensive Plan at least once every ten years by the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has completed a chapter-bychapter review and determined that updates are necessary to correct demographic data and analysis, and to confirm that policies and objectives are appropriate and still reflect the needs of the community. Once approved by the Mayor and City Council, the 2025 Comprehensive Plan Update will replace the adopted 2017 Comprehensive Plan as amended on March 5, 2018.

The draft Comprehensive Plan Update and related documents can be viewed on the Town’s web site at the following address: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/planning-community-development/comprehensive-plan/, or at the Department of Planning and Community Development. Written comments may be submitted to Joe Wilson, Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842 or online from the webpage. Contact George Bendler, Planning Director, at (410) 289-8973 or GBendler@oceancitymd.gov for more information. Public comment at the hearing is encouraged. Speaker sign-up will begin at 5:30 p.m. for those wishing to speak. The regular business meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the public hearing is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Citizens with special needs may call prior to the hearing at (410) 289-8855.

AT 7:00 PM

A public hearing for an ordinance to amend Chapter 110, entitled Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland; Article V, Supplemental Regulations; Division 3, offstreet parking; Section 110-935, entitled design standards, to require all garages to have a driveway apron of no less than five (5) feet between the garage door and the interior drive aisle.

APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

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

Joseph Wilson, Chairman

Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-10/2/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

Proposal Solicitation – B06-26 –Caroline Street Comfort Station Renovations

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Caroline Street Comfort Station Renovations and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Caroline Street Comfort Station Renovations may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH, 2025 AT 10:00AM, IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM, 1ST FLOOR, CITY HALL, 301 NORTH BALTIMORE AVENUE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The last day for questions will be on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2025 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST, 2025, BY 10:00AM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION, ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2025, AT 6:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Caroline Street Comfort Station Renovations) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

OCD-10/16/3t

the views of citizens on community, economic development, and housing needs to be considered for submission of an application to the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). Citizens will have the opportunity to discuss proposed projects and to provide input on other needs to be considered. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:40 AM in the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD. The draft application will be available for the public to review on October 7, 2025, until October 24, 2025, at the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD during normal business hours. Citizens will be furnished with information including but not limited to:

* the amount of CDBG funds available for State Fiscal Year 2026;

* the range of activities that may be undertaken with CDBG funds; and * the proposed projects under consideration by Worcester County.

The Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is a federally funded program designed to assist governments with activities directed toward neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services. It is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Maryland CDBG Program reflects the State's economic and community development priorities and provides public funds for activities which meet one of the following national objectives, in accordance with the federal Housing Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, that:

1. benefit to low and moderate income persons and households; 2. aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight;

3. meet other community development needs of an urgent nature, or that are an immediate threat to community health and welfare.

Efforts will be made to accommodate the disabled and non-English speaking residents with 3 days advance notice to Candace Savage, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer at 410-632-1194.

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-10/16/1t

JAMES L OTWAY ESQ PO BOX 446 SHARPTOWN, MD 21861-0446

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

tained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims 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-10/16/1t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20844 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES LEWIS

Notice is given that Patricia Gail Dean, 1739 Cedar St., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-9504, was on September 29, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Frances Lewis who died on September 21, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of March, 2026.

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing to obtain

To all persons interested in the estate of ARLENE OLIVE LINN Estate No. 20858 Notice is given that JAMES L OTWAY whose address is PO BOX 446 SHARPTOWN, MD 21861-0446, JAMES R BERGEY JR whose address is 8938 WORCESTER HWY BERLIN, MD 218113021 were on OCTOBER 01, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ARLENE OLIVE LINN who died on AUGUST 26, 2025 with a will. Further information can be ob-

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 pre-

sented 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.

Patricia Gail Dean 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: October 09, 2025

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NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20854

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ Court of Delaware County, Pennsylvania appointed Stephen Todaro, 485 Doe Run Ln., Springfield, PA 19064-1103 as the Executor of the Estate of Dorothy F. Todaro who died on February 26, 2025 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Kathy Gotwalt, 7109 York Rd., Baltimore, MD 212121526.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Stephen Todaro Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: October 9, 2025 OCD-10/9/3t

JESSICA L WALSH ESQ

LIFF, WALSH & SIMMONS

181 HARRY S TRUMAN PKWY STE 200 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7627

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE ALLEN O'DELL

SR Estate No. 20855 Notice is given that LILLIE S O'DELL whose address is 1 DOLPHIN DR NEWARK, DE 19702-4715 was on OCTOBER 06, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE ALLEN O'DELL SR who died on NOVEMBER 04, 2018 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of APRIL, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of APRIL, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/9/3t

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

SUBSTITUTE

TRUSTEES’ SALE

OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON 128 B NEWPORT BAY DRIVE OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated March 23, 2006, recorded in Liber 4670, Folio 399 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $428,000.00, 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 NOVEMBER 4, 2025 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 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. 372188-1) Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees.

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TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2025-05 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND, A MARYLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, AMENDING CHAPTER 32, ARTICLE VI, TITLED USE OF SPEED CAMERAS IN DESIGNATED SCHOOL ZONES, SECTION 32-266, TITLED VIOLA- TIONS AND PENALTIES.

This ordinance is scheduled for introduction and first reading on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM. A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Both meetings will take place during the Regular Session of the Mayor and Council at Berlin Town Hall, 10 William Street, 2nd Floor, Berlin, MD 21811.

The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged. Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-641-2770 for further information.

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Daniel Tregoning Esq. 352 W Patrick St Frederick, MD 21701-4887

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of TAMARA H GABRIELLI, ESTATE NO. 20863

Notice is given that: DANIEL K TREGONING ESQ., 352 W PATRICK ST FREDERICK, MD 21701-4887, was on Oct. 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of TAMARA H GABRIELLI, who died on SEPTEMBER 03, 2025 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in

the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of APRIL, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the7th day of APRIL, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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WORCESTER COUNTY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing and will receive public comment on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM in the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland:

To provide information on the progress of the Housing Study which was funded under the Maryland Community Development Block Grant Program which is a federally funded program designed to assist governments with activities directed toward neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services.

A copy of the Housing Study is available to view online at www.co.worcester.md.us or during normal business hours at the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD. Efforts will be made to accommodate the disabled and non-English speaking residents with 3 days advance notice to Candace Savage, Deputy Chief Ad-

ministrative Officer at 410-632-1194.

The Worcester County Commissioners

WORCESTER COUNTY

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BWW Law Group, LLC

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-25-000153

ANDREW J. BRENNER, ET.AL.

6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852

Substitute Trustees/Plaintiffs, vs.

AMBER M. RAY

113 North Collins Street Snow Hill, MD 21863

Defendant(s)

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 9th day of October, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 113 North Collens Street, Snow Hill, DM 21863, made and reported by the Substitute Trustee, will be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 10th day of November, 2025, provided a copy of this NOTICE be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in said county, once in each of three successive weeks before the 3rd day of November, 2025.

The report state the purchase price at the Foreclosure sale to be $106,920.00.

SUSAN BRANIECKI

True Test Copy Clerk, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland OCD-10/16/3t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of SYLVIA M ONIONS Estate No. 20866 Notice is given that TARA PATTERSON whose address is 53 MARTINIQUE CIR, BERLIN MD 21811-1703 was on OCTOBER 08, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SYLVIA M ONIONS who died on SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8TH day of APRIL, 2026. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to

the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARION S PIERCE Estate No. 20851 Notice is given that BARBARA ANN JONES whose address is 10115 GERMANTOWN RD, BERLIN MD 21811-2852 was on OCTOBER 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARION S PIERCE who died on SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7TH day of APRIL, 2026

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objectionto the appontment of the personal respresentative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of APRIL, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/16/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of HERSHEL LENNON ROSE Estate No. 20862 Notice is given that CAROL PARKER ROSE whose address is 307 ANN DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811-1011 was on OCTOBER 07, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of HERSHEL LENNON ROSE who died on SEPTEMBER 08, 2022 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 interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims 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

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Mayor & City Council

Ocean City, Maryland

Proposal Solicitation - B05-26Worcester Street Comfort Sation Renovations

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Worcester Street Comfort Station Renovations may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.org or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.org, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular or business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procure-

ment-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on FRIDAY, OCOBER 17TH, 2025 AT 10:00AM, IN THE COMMUNITY ROOM, 1ST FLOOR, CITY HALL, 301 NORTH BALTIMORE AVENUE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last day for questions will be on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2025 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted posted by close of business on MONDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2025.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST, 2025 BY 10:00AM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION, ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD, 2025, AT 6:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk’ Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue. Ocean City, MD 21842, and thename of the Solicitation (Worcester Street Comfort Station Renovations) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Soliciation.

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PAUL A MOSCATT AKA: PAUL A MOSCATT JR Estate No. 20859 Notice is given that GAETANO ROMANO LOTRECCHIANO whose address is 209 W MARKET ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1058 was on OCTOBER 09, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PAUL A MOSCATT who died on AUGUST 28, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of APRIL, 2026. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of APRIL, 2026. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-

sonal 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

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MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC

9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY STE 112

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES CLAYTON MUNSEY Estate No. 20856 Notice is given that CAROLE ELIZABETH MUNSEY whose address is 118 OCEAN PKWY, BERLIN, MD 21811-1644 was on OCTOBER 08, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JAMES CLAYTON MUNSEY who died on JULY 05, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims 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.

CAROLE ELIZABETH MUNSEY

Personal Representative TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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NOTICE

OF THE ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended AUGUST 31st, 2025, the L. FRANKLIN and GERTRUDE H. PURNELL FOUNDATION, INC , is available for inspection at the office of the foundation, 237 Powell Circle, Berlin, MD 21811, during regular business hours for a period of 180 days from the publication of this notice.

PERSONS INTERESTED IN THIS REPORT SHOULD CONTACT:

JASON D. PARKER SECRETARY AT 227 POWELL CIRCLE, BERLIN, MD 21811

TELEPHONE 443-614-6928

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JESSICA L WALSH ESQ LIFF, WALSH & SIMMONS 181 HARRY S TRUMAN PKWY STE 200 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7627

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE ALLEN O'DELL SR Estate No. 20855 Notice is given that LILLIE S O'DELL whose address is 1 DOLPHIN DR NEWARK, DE 19702-4715 was on OCTOBER 06, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE ALLEN O'DELL SR who died on NOVEMBER 04, 2018 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 interested persons or unpaid

claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of APRIL, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of APRIL, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-10/9/3t

HARRISON ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Trust dated June 16, 2009 and recorded in Liber 5292, Folio 033, among the Land Records of Worces-

ter County, Maryland, with a maximum principal balance of $179,250.00, and an interest rate of 5.750%, 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 November 3, 2025 AT 11:00AM

ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property 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 $25,000.00 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. Ifpurchaser 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.

Potential Bidders:

For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 2802832.

Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees

Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com www.Auction.com OCD-10/16/3t

Call: 410-723-6397 | Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@octodaydispatch.com

Shutdown’s impact on real estate

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) With Congress failing to approve funding for government operations by the September 30 deadline, causing a partial government shutdown that is still in effect, many, but not all, government programs, including some that impact federal housing and mortgage programs, have been suspended or slowed due to the lapse in government funding. The following is the continuation of last week’s article providing a summary on how key agencies and programs are expected to operate during a shutdown from the National Association of REALTORS .

Internal Revenue Service: While the IRS has not yet released its shutdown contingency plan, in past government shutdowns the agency has consistently held that its employees can remain on the job during shutdowns only if their duties protect the government. For example, during the 2018 closure, the roughly 12 percent of employees who were required to report to work could open mail only in search of checks payable to the government and were not

allowed to answer taxpayer phone calls, issue tax refunds, release liens and levies or perform most other taxpayer services.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): During a lapse of authority, the NFIP may not sell new or renewal flood insurance policies. Existing NFIP policies will remain in effect until their expiration date, and claims will continue to be paid until funds run out. NFIP policies may be assigned from seller to buyer during a lapse, and most lending regulators have issued guidance providing flexibility. Private market flood insurance is also an option.

Rural Housing Programs: USDA will not issue new direct loans or guaranteed loans, and scheduled direct loan closings will not take place. Pending conditional commitments for guaranteed loans will be reviewed and, if possible, USDA may issue the loan note guarantee. Guaranteed loan closings without a previously issued guarantee may still proceed, but only at the lender’s risk. Disbursements on existing construction loans may continue when necessary to protect USDA’s property interests. All pending loan servicing actions, including guaranteed loss claims, must be documented and secured to allow for timely processing after the shutdown ends.

Rental assistance will continue only if a threat to USDA's property interests becomes imminent (after 30 days), and funding remains available under existing rental assistance agreements.

Veterans Affairs: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will continue to guarantee home loans during a government shutdown, and lenders may keep processing applications. However, some VA staff and support functions may be reduced, which may slow down approvals, appraisals, and certificate of eligibility requests. Veterans seeking a new loan or refinance should check with their lender for updated processing times during an extended shutdown.

Small Business Administration: During the shutdown, the SBA will not process new loans or approve routine small-business loans, including the CDC 504 Loan Program and the 7(a) Loan Program; however, the agency will continue to close previously approved CDC 504 Loans and carry out limited loan servicing and liquidation activities.

The Office of Advocacy will also cease operations. The SBA will continue to issue Disaster Loans should the need arise.

— Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City

Carozza files for reelection, seeks third term in Senate

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) Sen. Mary Beth Carozza has filed to run for reelection for a third term to the Maryland Senate to continue representing the Lower Eastern Shore.

Carozza, 64, has represented District 38 (Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset counties) in the Senate since 2019. She is the only female Republican state senator in Annapolis.

In a statement Tuesday, she said her approach to public service focuses on partnerships, teamwork, and keeping constituent service as a top priority.

“I believe public service is a calling, and I am excited about renewing my commitment to serving the people of District 38, the best senate district in the entire State of Maryland,” she said in a statement this week. “It always comes back to the people that you represent and fight for in Annapolis.”

Carozza said one of her top priorities is the ongoing fight against offshore wind farms and the planned turbine project by developer US Wind, which would be built off the

coast of Ocean City, starting at about 10 miles out and stretching eastward.

Earlier this month she was part of a roundtable discussion hosted by Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) at West Ocean City’s Sunset Grille. She also called on the U.S. Interior Department earlier this year to shut down the US Wind project based on environmental impacts.

“We, as part of the Stop Offshore Wind movement, will not stop working until the project is completely dead,” she said in her statement.

Other stated priorities include fighting against excessive government spending and tax hikes, as well as “unequivocal” support for public safety workers. She also advocates for local control and parental involvement in education – and has opposed the landmark Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation because of its high cost.

Carozza served one term in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2015-2019. She first ran for the state Senate in 2018 and won, defeating two-term incumbent Jim Mathias, a Democrat. She was sworn in, in early 2019.

As a legislator, Carozza has been recognized for her public service by

New agreement for OC, volunteers

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Oct. 17, 2025) Officials say the approval of a new memorandum of understanding and updates to a prior agreement will strengthen a partnership between the Town of Ocean City and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.

On Oct. 6, City Manager Terry McGean came before the Ocean City Council with a request to approve a new memorandum of understanding between the city and its volunteer fire company.

The agreement, he said, would not only transfer ownership of fire apparatus, including fire engines and towers, to the city, but would establish a minimum funding level for apparatus replacement. It also establishes a property tax credit for active volunteers who reside in Ocean City and outlines the terms of any separation between the city and OCVFC.

“It makes going our separate ways very difficult,” he explained. “Quite frankly, it requires going to mediation if the volunteer fire company initiates the process, and it requires the city to pass an ordinance that would be subject to petition if the city initiated that process.”

McGean also requested the City Council approve amendments to a memorandum of understanding that was approved in 2019. Those changes, he said, would clarify organizational issues between the city and fire company.

“It provides some clarification on city

employees that happen to report to the volunteer fire company and also some clarification on operational status of volunteer fire company members,” he said. “The recommendation is to approve the memorandum of understanding and the amendment in the 2019 memorandum of understanding.”

For his part, Councilman John Gehrig said he liked the idea of offering a property tax credit not only to active members, but to all city staff who reside in Ocean City. However, he questioned what made a volunteer an active member of the fire company.

“Is that a certain amount of hours per week?” he asked.

Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company’s Jay Jester said an active member is defined by the number of points they accumulate throughout the year. He said the fire company requires a minimum of 60 points, which can be earned by responding to fire calls and accidents, attending training courses and meetings, and taking duty crew, to name a few.

“I can tell you with 35 years of active service, that it is many hundreds of hours per year,” he explained. “It is by no means easy. It’s a push up.”

Following last week’s presentation, the City Council voted 6-0 to approve the two agreements. Councilman Will Savage, an assistant chief with the fire company, abstained from the vote, pointing to the property tax credit he would be entitled to as an active member living in Ocean City.

After the vote, Mayor Rick Meehan recognized members of the fire company, as well as the committee that worked with the city to develop the new memorandum of understanding. He praised the company’s service, as well as its 120-year history in Ocean City.

“I know times have changed, but I know the importance of the volunteer fire company and the men and women that serve in that company, still remains as important as it ever was to the citizens of Ocean City,” he said. “And to be able to put together a memorandum of understanding that really helps to bond us, put our partnership in a better position than it has been, I think is a benefit to everybody, everybody in this room and everybody in Ocean City.”

Candidate School workshop set for

seeking, from school board to the state Senate.

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) Maybe it’s the Little League coach. Maybe it’s the PTA mom. Maybe it’s you.

On the Lower Shore, anyone can run for elected office – and a free class coming soon aims to give prospective candidates a sense of what’s ahead before taking the plunge.

It’s called “Candidate School” and it’s scheduled for Oct. 27-28 at Salisbury University. The workshop is open to anyone from Worcester, Wicomico, or Somerset counties, regardless of what office they might be

The course is primarily designed to teach locals how to get a campaign off the ground, said Mike Dunn, president and CEO of the Greater Salisbury Committee.

“We are truly teaching them how to run, but we’re also trying to encourage people to run, right? Because people, understandably, it’s a pretty reluctant thing to decide to do,” he said. “So, we’re just trying to encourage people and set them up for success if they decide to run or be part of a campaign or want to help a campaign.”

Dunn’s group is co-hosting the event along with the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and the university’s Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, or PACE.

Over the two nights, attendees will get a crash course on electoral politics, including how to file with the Board of Elections, fundraising and team building, social media promotions, and even a primer on managing the stress of a campaign.

There’ll be special appearances by a few heavy hitters in state politics, including strategist Len Foxwell and former Salisbury mayor and state housing secretary Jake Day. Wicomico County Council President John Cannon and Councilman Josh Hastings are also scheduled to appear.

Dunn said politics at the local level are, in his view, as messy as ever. For

Carozza

Continued from Page 66

that reason, he believes fewer people are running for office on the Lower Shore.

Time was, civic leaders from groups like the Rotary or the PTA were logical choices to step up for a city council seat – and “that’s not happening anymore,” he said. “So we’re doing the best we can to just show people that truly anyone can run.

“The challenges, I think for the candidates are, wow, I can, I can actually do this. I can run and I can win, and I can be at that boring council meeting that I watch on, you know, cable access,” he added.

announces Senate run

the National Federation of Independent Business, the Maryland Retailers Association, and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Other accolades have come from the Maryland Farm Bureau and the Maryland Forestry Association. The Daily Record newspaper in 2019 named her as one of the Top 100 Maryland Women.

Before serving as an elected official, Carozza held roles in federal government. She worked for former U.S.

Sen. William Cohen (R-Maine) and two former members of Congress from Ohio, David Lee and now-governor Mike DeWine. She was also a former Department of Defense liaison to the House of Representatives.

Carozza is an Ocean City native and a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School. She earned a degree in political philosophy in 1983 from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., according to online records.

Event to feature appearances by political officials

Continued from Page 68

Notably, there’s nothing partisan about the seminar. Dunn said attendees won’t name their party affiliation or who they voted for in the last election – all they’ll have to do is introduce themselves.

The three host groups last held a Candidate School in 2021, ahead of the 2022 elections. About 30 people attended, Dunn said, from all walks of life and across all three Lower Shore counties, municipalities, and communities.

One of those attendees was a veteran high school English teacher who shocked the room by declaring she was running for Wicomico County executive – and went on to win.

“They’re like, you know, ‘who are you? We don’t even know who you are’,” said Julie Giordano, a Republican, who won her race in 2022 with 51% of the vote. “After that foundation is laid in the candidate school, then we kind of put all the pieces together and really hit the ground running.”

Giordano told OC Today-Dispatch her decision to run for office and leave her 17-year teaching career was already made when she attended the course. But still, it opened her eyes to key details that awaited her, like getting a treasurer and steering clear of campaign finance violations.

“Running for office is not an easy task,” she said. “It’s not just saying, ‘hey, I’m going to do it.’ There’s a lot of paperwork and a lot of things that have to be done, so they did a great job at going through that.”

Dunn added it’s a common misconception candidates need tons of money to run for local office, which he blamed on national campaigns that flaunt multimillion dollar fundraising efforts. To get on the ballot, most boards of election will only ask for a small fee and your signature.

“Going back to when all of this got started in the good old U-S-of-A, it was pamphlets and knocking on doors. People getting together and deciding – you know what? I’m gonna go do this,” he said. “It doesn’t take a big, sophisticated effort to become an elected official in 2025 any more than it did in 1875.”

The workshop is scheduled for 5:30-8 p.m. in the Worcester Room 211, located in the Commons Building at Salisbury University, on Oct. 27-28. Sign-up is online at https://bit.ly/register_candidatesch ool. Seats are limited.

The rise, fall of Japanese Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita

By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) This week, 80 years ago, Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita was in custody of the United States Army, awaiting trial before a military commission composed of officers of the United States Army.

Gen. Yamashita may have been the best general in the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII. It was he who led a small (less than 40,000) force through the jungles of Malaya to capture the British fortress of Singapore (“The Gibralter of the East”) with its 120,000-man garrison, thereby earning him the sobriquet, “The Tiger of Malaysia.”

It was the largest surrender in British history. However, he crossed the régime of Prime Minister General Hideki T j , and was banished to Manchuria. By 1944, T j was out and it was obvious that the Empire was losing the war.

The “Tiger” was recalled and sent to the Philippines and given com-

mand of the Fourteenth Area Army and ordered to repel the approaching American assault. He arrived at his new command on Oct. 10, 1944 — a mere 10 days before Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s dramatically staged “return” to the Philippine island of Leyte.

In those 10 days Gen. Yamashita had to acquaint himself with his staff, the condition and location of his troops, the civilian situation and the geography, while planning a defense within the strictures of the Southern Expeditionary Army Group, of which it was a part.

The Southern Expeditionary Army Group was commanded by Field Marshal Count Hisaichi Terauchi, who maintained his headquarters in Manila.

As the soldiers of Gen. Walter Kreuger’s Sixth Army came ashore on Leyte Island, the guerrilla war that had been waged by the Filipinos, against the Japanese, intensified — with a corresponding increase in the ferocity of the Japanese response. With the occupation of Leyte Island almost complete, landings were begun on Mindoro on Dec. 15, 1944,

Continued on Page 73

NOR’EASTER BRINGS LOCAL SWELL

Once Sunday’s nasty conditions rolled north, surfers in Ocean City and on Assateague Island enjoyed some rideable surf on Monday and Tuesday with some of the biggest waves the area has seen in months. Above is a scene from Ocean City captured on Monday.

Once conditions were safe enough, many local surfers, including Will Jenkins, above left, and Sam Deeley, above right, were able to enjoy some clean sessions.

followed by landings on Luzon, on Jan. 9, 1945. With that, Gen. Yamashita ordered the troops, on Luzon to withdraw to the Sierra Madre mountains in the north of the island, and relocated his headquarters to Baguio, which today has a population of 320,000, and declared Manila an “open city.” However, he didn’t count on Rear-Adm. Sanji Iwabuchi. In the meantime, Field Marshal Terauchi left Manila for Saigon.

Adm. Iwabuchi had been captain of the battleship Kirishima, when it was sunk on the evening of Nov. 15, 1942, by the battleship USS Washington, during the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.

Although promoted, Iwabuchi had never recovered from the humiliation of losing his ship and surviving! Faced with the opportunity to restore a bit of his pride, he took it, disobeying Gen. Yamashita’s direct order, and prepared to defend the Philippine capital with 15,000 undisciplined marines and 4,000 army stragglers.

During the battle for Manila, 100,000 civilians were killed. The number attributable to Japanese reprisal killings, as opposed to American bombings and shellfire, is unknown. The admiral got his wish and committed suicide at his post, as the Americans closed in.

When Gen. Yamashita learned of

his country’s surrender, he surrendered, and on Sept. 3, 1945 replicated the surrender to Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright IV, in the presence of British Gen. Sir Arthur Percival, who had surrendered Singapore to Gen. Yamashita.

Three weeks later Gen. Yamashita was served with an indictment, charging him with numerous war crimes committed by Japanese soldiers and sailors. On Oct. 8, the general was arraigned and pled “not guilty.”

Three weeks later the prosecution served the defense with a bill of particulars, “... specifying 64 items setting forth a vast number of atrocities and crimes allegedly committed by troops under his command.” Application of Yamashita, 327 U.S. 1, 57 (1946).

Trial began on Oct. 29, in the High Commissioner’s Residence in Manila, at which time the prosecution, led by Maj. Robert M. Kerr, of Portland, Oregon, filed a supplemental bill of particulars, “...containing 59 more specifications of the same general character....” Application of Yamashita, 327 U.S. 1, 58 (1946).

The general’s request for a postponement, in order to adequately prepare a defense against the 59 new charges, was denied. Unbeknownst to the Defense, Gen. MacArthur had conveyed his opinion, to the commis-

Continued on Page 74

sion, that he, “...doubted [the] need of [the] defense for more time.” In addition to Maj. Kerr, the prosecution team included Captains M. D. Webster, William M. Calyer, D.C. Hill, and Jack M. Pace.

None of the charges alleged that General Yamashita committed the acts, or that he even ordered them. Rather, he was charged because soldiers under his command — no matter how tenuous or theoretical his authority — committed the acts. In some cases, the acts alleged occurred on another island, during the American invasion.

In other instances, the acts were committed by naval personnel outside of his command. In fact, Adm. Soemu Toyoda was acquitted of these same crimes in 1949, even though he conceded that Adm. Iwabuchi, and his men, were a part of his command. Adm. Toyoda testified at his trial that he had ordered that Manila, “...be defended to the very end.” Unfortunately, because of the limited time within which Gen. Yamashita’s team had to prepare his defense, they were unable to discover that order.

After six weeks of trial, the general was, of course, convicted, by the five American generals — Brig. Generals William G. Walker and Egbert F. Bullene, and Maj. Generals Clarence L. Sturdevant, Russell B. Reynolds and James A. Lester, who were all ap-

pointed by Gen. MacArthur to do just that —‚of having, “...failed to provide effective control over his troops.” None of the five generals were lawyers or had combat experience.

The conviction came in spite of the herculean efforts by his appointed defense team, led by Col. Harry E. Clarke, Sr. and including Lt. Cols. Walter C. Hendrix and J. Gordon Feldhaus, Maj. George F. Guy and Capts. A. Frank Reel and Milton Sandhurst.

Except for Col. Clarke, a lawyer from Altoona, Pennsylvania, none of the other members of the defense team had any trial experience — while the prosecutors were all prosecutors in civilian life. Although 286 witnesses had testified, not one had connected the accused with any war crimes.

As expected, the sentence was death by hanging. An appeal had already been taken to the Supreme Court of the Philippines, and argued on Nov. 23, 1945. When that court refused, on Nov. 27, 1945, to entertain the appeal, a petition for Writ of Certiorari was filed in the Supreme Court of the United States, and was granted on Dec. 20, 1945.

General MacArthur refused to stay the execution, to allow the Supreme Court to hear the appeal, so a stay was requested from the High Court, which was granted. Oral arguments were presented to the court on Jan. 7

and 8, 1946.

The court released its opinion on Feb. 4, 1946. Mr. Chief Justice Stone wrote the majority opinion. Mr. Justice Jackson, being on leave to head the U.S. prosecution team at Nuremberg, did not participate.

The six-man majority affirmed the conviction and sentence, recognizing, for the first time, the criminality of a commander’s failure to control his troops. Of course, many of the crimes were committed by naval personnel who were not even under the general’s command, and whose commander — Admiral Iwabuchi — had disobeyed the order of his superior — Admiral Toyoda — to not defend Manila.

Dissenting opinions were written by Justices Frank Murphy and Wiley Rutledge decrying: (1) the unfairness of the proceedings; and (2) the fact that the crime of which the general had been convicted had never, in history, been recognized as a crime. As Mr. Justice Murphy said, in his dissent:

“Nothing in all history or in international law, at least as far as I am aware, justifies such a charge against a fallen commander of a defeated force. To use the very inefficiency and disorganization created by the victorious forces as the primary basis for condemning officers of the defeated armies bears no resemblance to justice or to military reality.”

But the “Yamashita Doctrine” has now been engrafted into the American version of the Law of War — except in situations involving American forces.

An appeal was made to Gen. MacArthur to commute the death sentence - with predictable results. He is reputed to have said, when he ordered Gen. Yamashita tried before his tribunal, “We’re going to give this man a fair trial, and then we’re going to hang him.”

In the early morning of Feb. 23, 1946, the general was led into the courtyard of the former Japanese POW camp at Los Baños by a fiveman detail, accompanied by a Buddhist priest. By the order of Gen. MacArthur, he was not allowed to

wear any medals or decorations.

He and the priest climbed the 13 steps to the gallows. There, he was met by the hangman, Lt. Charles Raroad. After the lieutenant had prepared the condemned, adjusted the noose, and allowed him his last words, the trap was sprung.

“The Tiger of Malaysia” was pronounced “dead” at 3:02 a.m. on Feb. 23, 1946.

Next week: The United Nations

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.

Opinions

Housing crisis really? Well, that’s a surprise

No one really needed a $49,900, 127-page study to advise officials and residents of Worcester County that this area is experiencing a housing affordability crisis.

While such an undertaking does provide a factual underpinning of such an assertion, the survey conducted by Matrix Design Group at the state’s expense via a grant merely confirms what most people already knew: the gap between personal income and home sale prices grows ever wider.

In July 2024, RisMedia, publishers of Real Estate Magazine, reported that representatives of the National League of Cities, the American Planning Association and the National Association of Realtors had been meeting to determine what might be done to help the public and private sectors meet residents’ housing needs.

The result was a Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook, a compendium of many steps that could be taken if a community, or government, was inclined to get serious about the situation and work toward alleviating at least some of the problem.

To be sure, there isn’t much government can do about raising wages for the under-employed, or at least those who wish to remain here even though job opportunities are limited. It also can’t do much to limit the sale of affordable properties to people who live here and barely have enough money to cover the monthly, as they say.

But it can get creative with zoning and other regulations, it can reduce the upfront costs the small developer must pay before even breaking ground, and it can experiment with financial arrangements.

Here’s what the Playbook says: “The playbook does not offer stand-alone solutions to the nation’s housing crisis. Rather, it offers a way forward for communities to address their pressing housing supply needs as identified by leaders and stakeholders in the communities themselves.”

And here’s the thing: It’s free and can be downloaded at //realtorparty.realtor/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SupplyAccelerator-Playbookv2.pdf.

Can’t wait to get back

Having been working from home since Monday, courtesy of the Cossack 765-A mutation of the Crud, which is how the new people at the CDC have been cataloguing it, along with the Heebie-Jeebies 1.0 and 2.0 and other reclassified maladies, I’m looking forward to returning to the office and seeing how many phone calls I’ve been able to ignore so far.

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By Stewart Dobson

If the past is any indication, I should have at least dozen callers I can toy with during the first part of next week. I can respond or not, depending on my mood.

Here’s one that came through as a text from my phone to my computer, courtesy of a service that apparently believes it’s more efficient to delete the same text twice on two different devices than to kill it just once and be done with it.

There probably is a way to do that, but I’m afraid I’d miss something.

Like the message from Alexei.

“Good morning, Stewart, this is Alexei from Unified Muffin Tins Investment Services and I’m happy to report that our firm has corralled a major supply of rare earth minerals not far from you ...

Dear Alexie, Thanks for tipping me off to this great find. Do you deliver? If so, I’d like to order one truck load of the rare metal yttrium because I like the way it’s spelled. You can drop it off behind the office. COD, of course.”

And there’s this one:

“Hello, Mr. Dobson. I’m extremely disappointed in your paper. I bought a classified ad this week to sell the baby grand piano I bought not long ago. I got NO calls! Don’t any of your readers play the piano? What a waste of money!”

“Agnes”

“Dear Agnes, that big waste of money was buying a big piano you have no place to put and don’t know how to play it. Am I right? Maybe next time you’ll get a harmonica.”

“Stewart”

“Good morning, Mr. Dobson. Would you take a few minutes to do a quick informal survey ....”

Click

“Dear Rightful Master, Keeper of the Flame,

Things went well without you this week. In fact, they went incredibly well. We wrapped up early; there was no loitering or dilly-dallying in the hall listening to you go on about old war stories or complaining about congress or walking around debating what you should have for lunch.

None of that. So, we were wondering, maybe you shouldn’t rush back to work, you know take a couple more weeks just to be sure you’re okay. We can handle it.”

“Staff”

“Dear staff, I have to come in. I’m expecting a delivery of rare earth minerals any day, and I want to tell you all about it. Besides, what would you do without me?”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

The data confirms safety issues exist with scooters on Coastal Highway. After observing them the last few summers, it’s surprising the number of collisions are not higher. Ocean City police’s tracking shows a 345% spike in collisions between the summer of 2023 and summer of 2025, from 11 to 49. It’s important to note these are reported incidents, and it’s likely more do occur. Additionally, police report issuing 172 citations over the summer for traffic safety violations, such as riding in the bus lane in the wrong direction and not obeying signals.

As the offseason review continues and 2026 strategies are evaluated in future months, it appears one thing not on the table is any type of outright ban on scooters. On one hand, the city could prohibit scooters on city-owned streets like St. Louis Avenue and Baltimore Avenue, but not on Coastal Highway, which is owned by the state. It makes no sense for the city to pursue a change without the state being on board. If the city were inclined to ban scooters throughout Ocean City, and it does not appear officials are at this time, it would require state legislative approval. The General Assembly will not pass such a bill, officials believe, due to the fact scooters are alternative transportation options available in many cities now. ***

A dedicated bike lane in Ocean City on Coastal Highway is a worthwhile goal, but the logistical issues would seem numerous.

Details are a bit sketchy, pending a Public Information Act request by this newspaper to review the proposed project. What is clear at this time is there has been preliminary discussions about designing the existing bus lane on Coastal Highway for bikes only. The change would push the buses to the “slow lane” on Coastal. How riders will get access to the bus is unclear but raised islands is a possibility with the current bus lane able to be narrowed a bit as bike only.

In situations involving a major change such as this, a phased approach is oftentimes used, such as the median fence project. In the median case, the project was costly, and funding restraints will likely prevent further phases anytime soon if it’s viewed as worthwhile. Making the bus lane for bikes only in geographical phases would be problematic, however.

At first, it seems unrealistic to accomplish in Ocean City as traffic could worsen, but the effort is worthwhile from a public safety perspective. Buses mixing with bikes and scooters in the same lane has always been dangerous, but recently, there has been a massive proliferation of electric bikes and electric scooters. The proposal deserves a good look.

***

The recent housing study conducted on Worcester County confirmed what many already know all too well. For a large sector of society, the costs to rent or own here are far higher than most can afford. The 127page study, which is available on the county’s website, contains a ton of interesting data, but I read closely the sections on the rental market and homeownership market. Some takeaways:

• Rental market: The average monthly rent in Worcester County is now $2,228, which would require a household income of more than $100,000. The study found a household with $75,000 income would only be able to afford about 11% of current rental listings (county’s median renter income in 2023 was $45,977). Of course, there’s a wide disparity in rent prices in the county, from about $1,550 a month in Pocomoke to $3,250 in West Ocean City. An implication cited in the study and has been seen for years is, “Households priced out of job centers may relocate to more affordable” areas and “wide geographic variation in rent levels may lead to increased economic sorting, where lowerincome households are effectively priced out of higher-cost areas.”

• Homeownership market: Though a drop has occurred since post-pandemic highs, the May typical home value was cited as $428,087 in Worcester. From July 2023 to July 2024, only 3% of homes sold were affordable to $50,000 households and just 10% were households at $75,000. Countywide, 31% of mortgaged homeowners were deemed cost burdened due to inflation rising amid surging home values. The study states, “the homeownership affordability gap for low- to moderate-income households may contribute to increased housing in security, outmigration or pressure on the rental market, as would-be buyers remain unable to enter the ownership market.”

The study is long on confirmatory data but it also offers some recommendations, some of which would require public-partnerships using “financing tools (revolving loan funds, gap financing, TIF, etc.) to close funding gaps and delivery affordable housing,” and “the county identifying surplus or underutilized land it owns that could be repurposed for affordable housing development.” This would involve innovative, creative approaches by county decision makers once the comprehensive plan update is completed. There are plenty of examples where other jurisdictions have gone this route. The recommendations outlined in the study are worth considering. Otherwise, the study was a waste of the state’s money.

Shore projects are at risk during gov’t shutdown

Editor,

This government shutdown is another brick in the wall that separates rural communities from prosperity and healthcare. Republican policies, straight from Project 2025, have already become disastrous for farm families and every business that depends on local agriculture.

Because of the shutdown, the USDA has suspended payments to farmers for farm loans and sustainability practices. Farmers in nearly every county on the Eastern Shore qualify for drought relief payments that will help farmers and farm-dependent businesses suffering from years of dry weather. Those payments are suspended.

A proposal to fund farmers with a tariff-related bailout is on hold. Soybean farmers are especially impacted by trade wars. Chinese purchases are down 39%. Farmers don’t want a bailout anyway, when typically the funds go mostly to big ag companies and not to small farmers. They want a fair market.

Nutrition programs are at risk of running out of money in a few weeks. In Wicomico County alone the poverty rate among children is more than double the national average. Over 5,000 children are at risk of hunger in Wicomico because of the shutdown. Worcester County’s childhood poverty rate exceeds the national average; In Somerset, more than a quarter of children live in poverty.

Lapses in the Affordable Care Act market, enrollment in which is set to open in two weeks, will add to the premium spikes already on the table.

Nearly half of ACA users work for small business or are self-employed, a large demographic in rural areas like ours. Ambulance services are worried about providing services without payment, reducing access in rural communities to hospitals. Medicare and Medicaid tele-health services have stopped, services on which many rural residents depend. 80% of Americans object to Congress’s healthcare cuts.

For Republicans it’s all about politics, nothing about the needs of citizens. It’s political for Democrats too, but their intransigence is based on providing quality healthcare and rural prosperity to everyone, a last ditch effort to prevent Republican’s slashing budgets for programs needed on the Maryland Eastern Shore. Democrats have the moral high ground.

Ronald Pilling Bishopville

How practical is recycling offshore wind turbines?

Editor,

On Saturday, Oct. 11, we celebrated Harbor Day at the Docks and, as in years past, I helped “man” the Stop Offshore Wind Table. We had a lot of irrefutable information to share, most of which I have written about over the last 3 to 4 years. One thing I did notice is that a couple of people (I assume proponents of OSW) seemed excited to tell us that the turbine blades are now being recycled. This recycling is apparently taking place mostly in Europe and includes repurposing the blades as park benches and bridges. Repurposing is not always a viable method of recycling, so other Continued on Page 78

Continued from Page 77

methods are being explored. I obtained a lot of information at cleanpower.org Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blade Management Strategies.

This all sounds nice and hopeful (certainly better than burying the 100-yard long blades made of fiberglass and other composite materials and forever chemicals in landfills), but when I thought through the logistics of the process, I had a lot of questions, including:

1. The turbine blades are approximately 100 yards long (basically the length of a football field) and will be installed at the top of structures that are approximately 900-1100 feet high. How will the blades be disconnected from these structures and lowered to the ocean surface? How large must the ships be that will transport the necessary manpower to the OSW farm and then transport the used - possibly damaged - blades

from the wind farm to a harbor. I assume these ships will be run on fossil fuels, not electricity?

2. Once the ships reach harbor, I assume these blades will then need to be off loaded to trucks to be hauled to recycling plants. Again, how large must the trucks be that will transport these blades and again, I assume the trucks will run on fossil fuels (such as diesel).

3. Considering the size of the trucks brings up questions concerning the roadways upon which these trucks loaded with their football field length cargo must travel. I’m pretty sure neither U.S. Route 50 nor U.S. Route 113 (and certainly not the local county roads leading from our (or any) harbor to these major highways) can handle this sort of traffic.

4. Finally, I had to think about the size a facility would have to be in order to recycle something as large as these blades. I can’t for the life of me

visualize this - where it would be or even how many facilities would be required (after all - the ultimate goal for the Atlantic Ocean wind farms is, I believe, 700 or so total turbines). That’s a lot of blades. Recycling sounds nice, but is it always practical?

If anyone has any thoughts or answers I would appreciate hearing them.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Keep Turning Point out of Worcester County schools

Editor,

I was saddened to hear of Charlie Kirk’s death. Regardless of political differences, every life lost is a loss for family, friends, and those who believed in his mission. His energy and

influence shaped a generation of young conservatives, and that deserves recognition.

At the same time, Mr. Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, became known for promoting division rather than dialogue. The group’s messaging often encouraged students to view teachers and peers through a lens of suspicion and ideology, rather than shared learning and respect. That is not the spirit education should foster.

High schools should be places where students learn to think critically, challenge ideas respectfully, and build empathy — not where national political organizations plant flags and demand loyalty tests. Bringing TPUSA chapters into schools risks turning classrooms into partisan battlegrounds instead of spaces for curiosity and cooperation.

We can honor Charlie Kirk’s pas-

sion for youth engagement while also acknowledging the need for balance. If we truly want to prepare young people for citizenship, let’s teach them to listen, reason, and understand — not to divide.

Joan Roache Berlin

Only one side represented at Harris’ wind meeting

Editor,

Upon reading Brian Shane’s article of Oct. 3, it seems that all the parties at Andy Harris’ recent windfarm meeting at Sunset Grille, West OC, were preaching to the choir about the detrimental effects of offshore wind turbines. Absent from the table was any group that supports sustainable wind turbine energy, including the Oceantic Network and Maryland Energy Administration. These two groups have partnered in support of offshore wind energy development. They provide scientific evidence refuting the claims and myths that offshore wind farms negatively impact tourism and property values, harm sea and bird life, and put fishing industries out of business.

The greatest pushback against offshore wind development is, not surprising, from the oil and petrochemical industry. But reliance on fossil fuels – coal, oil, natural gas

- is causing more damage to our environment than offshore winds turbines ever will. For example, a study by Kate Tully, an agroecologist at the University of Maryland, found that in the years 2011-2017, 20,000 farmable acres in the peninsula were transformed into marshland by rising sea levels! The winds off our coast are capable of generating enough clean, sustainable energy to power millions of homes, protect the environment, and create new, good-paying jobs for peninsula residents.

We may not like it, but change is a given. It seems short-sighted for our elected and civic leaders to fight offshore wind when the negative impacts of climate change will be far more damaging to our tourism, property values, farm and fishing industry, and wildlife than the development of clean, sustainable energy from windfarms, on land or sea.

The Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, Audubon Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, Ocean Defense Initiative and Ocean Conservancy all support development of offshore wind energy.

Citizens need to be informed and know both sides of the argument. Go to Offshorewindfacts.org and Oceantic.org to read about benefits of offshore wind development.

Nancy

Reynolds Berlin

Job O Town O pportunit f Ocean ies City

OBITUARIES

MARIE ELAINE VASILIOU

Berlin

Marie Elaine Vasiliou, age 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Berlin.

Born on February 4 ,1942, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, she is survived by her husband, Anthony Earnest Vasiliou, son, Christopher Anthony Vasiliou, daughter in law Sarah Anne Candeloro, grandson, Andrew C. Duley and fiancé, River Riley Schneeman, granddaughter Sarah Gabrielle Wasem, husband Kyle Wasem, and great grandchildren Nikolai, Dominik, and Issac Wasem, sister, Kay Ann Bowen, brother-in-law, Rodger Bowen, and sister, Carmon Anita Kulp.

Proceeded in death by her father, Carmen Rocco Bellotte, mother, Lena Insani-Bellotte, son Jason Earnest Vasiliou, and brother John Enrico Bellotte.

found their second family at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Where they served many roles in the church community over the years. Elaine’s faith brought her guidance and comfort throughout her life. Described by those who know her as loving, funny, dedicated, and a no-nonsense approach to life. Elaine was dedicated to her work. She found great success as the E.R. registration manager at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, for over 25 years. Her dedication, leadership, and love for her staff are still felt after many years of retirement. After retirement Elaine dedicated her life to her husband and family and was also instrumental in the success of Seagull Disposal. Assisting her son and grandson in the daily operations of the business.

Elaine’s love will always be cherished and never forgotten. Mom, we love and miss you. May you find eternal peace.

Marie is known by her family and friends as Elaine. A loving wife of 60 years, she wed Tony on March 17, 1965. They started a family and career in Wheeling, West Virginia. After many years of success in the hair salon and hospitality business, they moved to Ocean City, Maryland in the summer of 1985. Elaine and Tony

A Trisagion and Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11 a.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean City, Maryland. A public visitation will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Garden of the Pines Cemetery in Ocean Pines, Maryland. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The

OBITUARIES

Burbage Funeral Home.

ROBERT ALAN MILLER

Ocean City

Robert Alan Miller, affectionately known to his family and friends as Bobby/Bob, passed away October 9, 2025. He was 75 years old.

Bobby was the baby of the family who always made us laugh. He embraced life with joy and enthusiasm.

Baltimore native, Bobby was known for his radiant smile and warm, lively greetings that brightened any room.

Bobby graduated from Edmondson High School in Baltimore where he was a member of the swim team. After attending West Virginia University Bobby moved to his beloved beach at Ocean City where he was a true “beach boy” operating a beach chair and umbrella rental concession. He later became a partner on The Original Jackson, a red crab fishing boat, and eventually obtained his realtor’s license. Bobby loved to cook, preparing many great dishes while enjoying the beautiful view from his flat on Isle of Wight Bay. He loved his pets, his dog Hogan, cats Lucky and Micah, nurturing his plants and enjoying sunsets and full moons over

the bay.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Miller and survived by his brother John and sister Janet (Arthur) Howard and several nieces and nephews. Following cremation, a service will be held in the spring. Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.

DAVID LEE SEMLER

Ocean City

David Lee Semler, 83, of Ocean City and formerly of Middletown, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He was born on November 5, 1941, in Boonsboro, Maryland, the beloved son of the late Edith and Paul Semler.

David lived a full life rich with family, community, and passions that brought him joy. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles, rarely missing a game and loved watching college basketball especially the Maryland Terps. He loved watching NASCAR, enjoyed hunting, and was an active athlete throughout his life. In high school, he played soccer, track, and basketball, Continued on Page 82

OBITUARIES

and went on to play semi-professional basketball in a farm league after graduation. As an adult, he continued his love for sports, playing basketball and softball in local leagues.

He was also well known as a chronic jokester and prankster, with a quick wit and a knack for making people laugh. His sense of humor was one of his greatest joys in life, and he loved bringing smiles and laughter to family, friends, and coworkers alike.

Beyond athletics, David was known for his deep devotion to family, who were always at the center of his life. His furry family also held a special place in his heart, especially his dog, Spunkers, his faithful companion.

David and his wife, Constance Semler, proudly owned and oper-

ated Crum Electric Co., Inc. from 1976 to 2010. Through his work, David valued his employees greatly and took pride in contributing to the growth and improvement of his community. He also gave back through years of service and leadership in local organizations such as Associated Builders & Contractors. David was a proud past member of the Catoctin Fish & Game Protective Association as well as a past member and past president of the Burkittsville Ruritan Club, where he worked to support his community through service projects. In addition, he served from 1998 through 2005 on the Electrical Board of Frederick County, Maryland, ensuring safety and standards in the field he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Constance; his daughters,

Kristi Hawley (Eric) and Kyra Rodgers (William); and his grandchildren, Erin Weaver (Justin), Victoria Rodgers, Alexandra Rodgers (Samuel), Tyler Rodgers (Meghan) and Will Krupinsky (Dani). David was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Jaxon Weaver, Jakob Campbell, Brooks Campbell, Rue Campbell, Kaylee Weaver, Brayden Weaver, and Lua Rodgers, who brought him endless pride and joy.

He is also survived by his brothers, Merrick Semler (Sharon), Nelson Semler (the late Esther) , James Semler (Cathy), his sister Paula Ford (Dale), his sister-in-law Doreen Semler (the late Donald) along with many nieces and nephews whom he adored.

David will be remembered for his kind heart, playful humor, passion for life, love of family, and dedication

to community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, both personally and professionally.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Ocean City Fire Department for their extraordinary care and kindness. Their compassion, patience, and willingness to help—no matter the hour or circumstance—brought our family great comfort. Your service and support will never be forgotten. His family would, also, like to thank all of the Hospice nurses and aides at Coastal Hospice at the Lake at Deer's Head Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.

A celebration of life will be held for Dave at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations in David’s honor to Ocean City Paramedics Foundation, PO Box 3099, Ocean City, Md. 21843.

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Sports & Recreation

Decatur stays hot with Homecoming romp

Seahawks dominate in all three phases for shutout win; Easton, Kent up next

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Oct. 17, 2025) The Stephen Decatur Seahawks swarmed the James M. Bennett Clippers last Friday, winning 38-0 at home.

The Seahawks played like a welloiled machine putting defense, offense and special team together for their fourth straight win after losing their opener to Wi-Hi.

Leaders for the Seahawks have

been Brain Chester for receiving yards (game average 55.6), Brookes Waters in tackles per game (8.2), Joe Johnson with five sacks, Chester with three interceptions and Kyle Mumford for rushing yards (game average 117.4) and touchdowns (nine).

The first touchdown of the night came from Mumford.

In the second quarter defensive lineman Seamus Orth recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.

Then Johnny Hobgood rushed for a score. Decatur was ahead 24-0 at the half. The Seahawks had 238 total yards -- 146 rushing and 92 passing -

- while the Clippers had 54 total -seven rushing and 47 passing.

During half time Lotus Wise was crowned Homecoming Queen and earlier Jamison Strawley was crowned Homecoming King.

With a little over six minutes to go in the third quarter, Mumford made a touchdown, bringing the score to 31-0 with the point after.

With that spread going into the fourth quarter, the clock was permitted to run. The last touchdown of the night was made by Jaxon Archer, ending the game 38-0.

“Every play was great today,” Archer said. He went on to say his

play, “was all right. I had great blocks. Great blocks by the o-line, great blocks by the receivers, so they really just set it up for me.”

After the game, Coach Jake Coleman said, “We ran the crap out of the ball. I think we had a ton of rushing yards, you know the offense played very well. Our special teams played excellent, and our defense was lights out. I thought all three phases came to play today and I’m very proud of the win.”

Tonight’s game is at Easton High School at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 is the next home game at 6 p.m. against Kent Island High School.

County angler hits record books with longfin albacore

78-pound beauty caught Sept. 21 during private Instigator’s overnight trip

(Oct. 17, 2025) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized Marc Spagnola of Berlin as the new state record holder for longfin albacore (Thunnus alalunga) for the Atlantic Division.

Spagnola’s 78-pound catch surpasses the previous record set in 2004 by four pounds.

Spagnola was fishing out of Ocean City on the 82-foot private boat Instigator, which can troll as many as 15 lines at one time with a wide variety of lures and baits. He and a crew of other seasoned fishermen had been trolling in the Hudson Canyon, off the coasts of northern New Jersey and New York. When the seas turned rough, they headed south toward home port.

At dawn on Sept. 21, the longfin albacore took a lure on a rod and line set from the flying bridge, called a shotgun, which is typically set very far beyond the other lures and baits. Spagnola took the rod, and the fight was on. The crew initially thought the fish was a yellowfin tuna, but once it was boated, they realized it was an exceptionally large longfin albacore.

The fish was weighed on a certified scale at Sunset Marina in Ocean City.

The group’s two-day trip ended with an impressive 29 tuna landed, including bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, and longfin albacore. They also caught a large number of common dolphinfish, known also as mahimahi.

Spagnola has been fishing offshore most of his life. He said he enjoys the adventure that it offers, as well as the

FORMER PLAYERS RETURN FOR HOMECOMING

rewards of tuna steaks, poke bowls, smoked tuna, and home-canned tuna.

Longfin albacores’ torpedo-shaped bodies, high metabolism, and other unique traits allow them to swim at speeds topping 50 miles per hour. These highly migratory fish travel in schools throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources maintains state

Stephen Decatur alumni Luke Mergott and Brycen Coleman returned to their alma mater last Friday for the Homecoming football game. Mergott and Coleman are both playing Division I football. Mergott is a sophomore linebacker for Duke University who was named last season to the Academic All-ACC team. Coleman is a sophomore tight end for Vanderbilt University who has three receptions and a touchdown so far this season. Both Duke and Vanderbilt were idle last weekend, allowing for Mergott and Coleman to return home for the Homecoming game.

records for sport fish in four divisions: Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, and Invasive. Anglers who believe they have caught a potential record-setting fish should complete

the state record application and call 410-991-0748. The department recommends keeping the fish immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be verified and certified.

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Two student-athletes from Worcester Preparatory School recently announced formal commitments to further their athletic careers at the next level.

Senior student-athlete Ben Anthony, left, has announced his commitment to continue his academic and athletic career at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa. Anthony will join the NCAA Division III men’s basketball program while pursuing a degree in Residential Contracting. A member of the Class of 2026, Anthony was named to the E.S.I.A.C. All-Conference Team and led the Mallards in rebounds last season. In addition to his success on the court for WPS, he has competed with the Penn Warriors and Shore Elite travel basketball programs. He is the son of Joseph and Rebecca Anthony.

Junior student-athlete Danny Kirwan, right, has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa. where he plans to study Economics. A member of the Class of 2027, Kirwan is recognized not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for his academic achievements. He is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and the Medical Explorers Club. At Worcester Prep, Kirwan is a multi-sport varsity athlete, competing in lacrosse, basketball, and soccer, and has earned ESAIC All-Conference honors in all three sports. Outside of school, he is also a team member of the Tru National travel lacrosse program. Danny is the son of Greg and Eileen Kirwan.

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