Deer cost local farmers dear-ly

Joanna Laslo
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Growing up on the Eastern Shore (in the Berlin/Bishopville area), I have witnessed a number of changes to our county over the years.  One of the most beautiful and surprising changes is the number of deer that can be seen every morning or late afternoon in fields across the Shore.

Thirty years ago, deer hunters, in their orange vests and camouflage garb, were also a familiar sight on the side of the road. Hunters were always arriving to hunt at daybreak, leaving in the late morning, or parked on the side of the road late afternoons until dusk. Many times these hunters left empty handed, as deer were not as plentiful back then.

However, while deer sightings are now more frequent, the sight of a deer hunter is scarce. As the number of hunters decreased over the years, the number of deer has increased dramatically.

The cost of too many deer

A sight of these beautiful creatures is always exciting to catch. That being said, in recent years, the number of deer, and lack of hunters, has caused an amazing amount of loss to farmers due to crop damage.

One Bishopville farmer was forced to replant his fields multiple times due to the herds of 10-25 deer that gather to forage on the tender crops.  This loss not only affects the farmers, but the cost of producing the food, therefore increasing the overall cost of the product.

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, deer cause $7-8 million dollars in crop damage each year, which is not uncommon in many states.

Although this may be more or less common in other areas, Worcester County farmers in particular have stated they have definitely been made acutely aware of the decreasing number of hunters in our area by the equally increasing deer population overwhelming their land.

Where are the hunters?

We are left to wonder why there aren’t as many hunters as there once was. Generations ago, fathers passed on the art of hunting and outdoor sports skills to their sons and daughters. There now seems to be fewer interested in hunting since the late 20th century.

Historically, the number of hunters has helped level the playing field for farmers, as the DNR uses hunting licenses as a management tool for deer populations.

However, in 2009, the Capital News Service reported that the number of hunting licenses steadily decreased in recent decades, stating:

“It’s a downward trend over the last 20 years,” said Bob Beyer, then deputy director of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Division, “which gets almost 70 percent of its budget from hunting license sales”.

The statement continues: “The state sold 195,000 hunting licenses in 1975, but in 1998 the number dropped to 135,000. Estimated revenues from license sales fell about 16 percent from 1988 to 1999, Beyer said, meaning less money for program management and wildlife research and fewer employees doing fieldwork.”

These statistics indicate a loss of interest in hunting. Farmers are not limited to a specific time of year (or a certain season) to hunt deer on their own land. The farmers are therefore allowed to attempt to control the local deer population. Regardless, the chore of exterminating so many deer is daunting to say the least.

However, Mr. Brian Eyler, Deer Project Leader, Wildlife & Heritage Service of the Department of Natural Resources, reported on August 2, 2018: “The big drop in license sales was associated with the loss of small game hunters when pheasant and quail numbers dwindled.”  Mr. Eyler further states since that time the “hunting license sales have been steady.”

Because of the lack of hunters in our region, while the number of licenses have been steady since 2009,  the deer population has increased.

Lend a hand to your local farmer

This is a perfect example of an outside influence that can cause monetary loss to your property and/or income. Overpopulation of deer can cause hardship, not only to the farmer but ultimately to the economy as well.

For any hunters still out there, you may want to ask local farmers if you could help with their four-legged invaders. It would:

  • Feed families that are less fortunate.  1 deer = 200 meals.
  • Help save crops.
  • Provide income to the state programs associated with the safety of deer populations.
  • Help stabilize the cost of farm products.

Although there are many different scenarios of outside sources wishing to encroach on our property, herds of deer seem to be some of the most damaging and elusive for farmers.

Joanna Laslo’s real estate blog can be found here. 

Panoramic Views from Ocean City’s Top Hotels

Kristin
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It was a beautiful summer day… And it was time for me to finally try out the 360 camera. 

I figured I’d go around to some of the more well-known hotels in Ocean City and take panoramic photos from their pools, pool bars, balconies and beaches, because 1.) Who doesn’t like pool bars and beaches? and 2.) In case someone’s having any trouble deciding on a late-summer lodging option, this could very well seal the deal. 

So enjoy a virtual tour of these Ocean City hotels as they appeared on the first day of August, and if you have any requests… Just let me know and I’ll head out there with my super-cool 360 camera. 

Enjoying the view of the Inlet from the Oceanic Motel. 

(Aaand another one from the Oceanic, because this POV makes you feel like you’re sitting in a beach chair looking out at the ocean!)

 

Listening to live music and drinking something fruity at the Plim Plaza Caribbean Pool Bar. 

 

Looking up at the beautiful Harrison Hall Hotel.

 

A well-populated pool at the Holiday Inn on the Boardwalk.

 

Sitting on the steps of the Hilton, between their two pools.

Lounging by the pool at the new DoubleTree by Hilton.

Standing on the bridge in the Atrium of the Quality Inn Oceanfront. 

(One of my favorite hotels, as evidenced by and pictured in my St. Patrick’s Day blog.)

 

Having fun on the beach and playing cornhole at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront. 

 

Walking to the beach from the Sandpiper Dunes.

 

As always, you can explore more Ocean City hotels right here. 

BL’s Barhop: The Bar at the Inlet

BL
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The Bar. Just “The Bar.” You have probably seen this place and walked by it many times. Another subtle hole-in-the-wall drinking establishment. And it is. Like a handful of other spots downtown, this dive also has a good bit of historical significance. Opened in 1945, “The Inlet Lodge” otherwise known as “The Bar,” or “The Bar at the Inlet,” is the first bar to ever have been erected on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Across the way from the Life Saving Station, and right by the entrance of the Inlet Village, this bar blends in seamlessly.

 

For three quarters of a century, this bar has been owned and operated by the legendary Trimper family, making it all the more special. During my visit, a Trimper boy was my bartender. I have been visiting this spot for about a year now and I have yet to be disappointed. You get what you pay for at The Bar as wood-paneled walls frame your drinking experience while you sit in a piece of Ocean City History. Considering the Trimpers’ main hustle is their amusement park, this bar has the invaluable advantage of simply not being yet another piece of a hyper-marketed chain restaurant operation. Even when the Bar is fully packed, the staff will make the time for you.

A local beer at a local bar.

As if it’s not enough to be an almost century-old bar owned by the Trimpers, but they have an incredible craft beer selection! Not just craft beer, but local craft beer. When I was in, the beers on tap hailed from Burley Oak (Berlin), Fin City (Ocean City), Evo (Salisbury) and Tall Tales (Parsonsburg). Pictured above, if I recall correctly, is actually Evo’s famous Lot 3 served in a Burley Oak glass. This kind of local beer in this kind of local bar is a moment to savor (especially considering that Lot 3 is my favorite IPA). As I have been told, and as I have observed, the Trimpers regularly rotate this menu and prioritize local brews.

Drinking at the Bar, one can almost believe that they are a piece of Ocean City history, and their understanding of our beautiful town is no longer limited to a juicy bucket of fries, mind-numbing traffic, and the Eastern Shore horizon that is the Atlantic Ocean. Combining the boardwalk experience with local beer and a historic atmosphere is tragically hard to come by in this region — so consider The Bar your one-stop shop.

Bill Tracy’s Bat.

Everyone knows this bat. So what does it have to do with the Inlet Lodge? With the exception of the obvious, that it’s the crown jewel of Trimper’s Amusements, this ride was designed by Bill Tracy. If you don’t know who Bill Tracy is, OCHH.net or this article will be happy to inform you. According to boardwalk legend, the Inlet Lodge is where Mr. Tracy would go to drink at the end of his work day building these iconic rides.

Need I say more? I am sure you all understand why the Inlet Lodge is the featured bar in our second episode of BL’s Barhop.

Sunburn treatment: Learn how to feel better

OceanCity.com
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From the staff at Atlantic General Hospital

Everyone should wear sunscreen, but we’ve all had a day where we end up with red, tender skin—the result of overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light. In short, a sunburn.

But you don’t have to suffer through it. Here are a few tips for treating this painful skin condition.

Get indoors

A sunburn usually shows up in the first 6 to 12 hours after exposure, and the worst part of it will probably be within the first 24 hours. Take extra care to stay out of the sun, and wear loose cotton clothing as your skin recovers, and drink plenty of water.

Give your skin some TLC

To relieve your discomfort, try putting a cold, damp towel on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day to take the heat out of your skin. Cool showers or baths are also helpful.

As for a soothing lotion, use moisturizers with aloe vera or soy. Creams with vitamins C and E may help limit skin cell damage, and cortisone creams may reduce inflammation. But make sure your lotion doesn’t have petroleum, which traps heat in your skin, or benzocaine or lidocaine, which can irritate skin.

Take a pain reliever

If your sunburn really hurts, try taking some ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve the pain. However, don’t give aspirin to a child with sunburn, and check with your doctor if you have any concern about the effects of a medication.

Call the doctor

If you or your child gets blisters or has a fever, chills, headache or dizziness, seek medical attention. A severe sunburn should be treated like any serious burn and could require hospitalization. Also, blisters sometimes get infected and require antibiotics.

Know the risks

It’s important to remember that sunlamps can cause severe sunburn. And the sun’s reflection off water, sand or snow can make its rays stronger. Some medicines, like the antibiotic doxycycline, and medical conditions, like lupus, can make your skin even more sensitive.

And finally, the best tip: Don’t let sunburn happen again. Keep in mind that no matter how dark your skin is, anyone can get a sunburn. But those with fair skin, as well as infants and children, are more sensitive to the sun’s rays.

Want more tips to prevent sunburn? Check out the advice in this infographic.

Ocean City Oddities: Final Days at 65th Street Slide ‘N Ride

Brandon Seidl
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It has been nearly a decade since the 65th Street Slide ‘N Ride witnessed its last smile or heard its last laugh after closing its doors for good in September of 2008. Originally opening for the summer of 1972, the mid-town water slide was believed to be the oldest slide in the state of Maryland at the time of its closing. After 36 years of operating the business complete with the iconic hilltop water slide, miniature golf course, water boats, batting cage, basketball court, and ample rides and amusements for children, the owner had decided to turn in the keys and enjoy retirement. Most of the equipment on the land was sold privately, and during its final few days in existence, the property was merely the shell of what it once was. Take a look back to September of 2008 during this memorable and iconic OC landmark’s final days.

65th Street Slide ‘N Ride was located three blocks north of Rt. 90, a half-block off of Coastal Highway behind the 64th Street Shopping Center, and only a stone’s throw away from Ocean Playland Amusement Park. (Early 1980s)
One of many maps made available to visitors exploring the grounds.
Vintage photo of families enjoying the sights and sounds of the park.
The park’s sign as seen from Coastal Highway, originally belonging to Ocean Playland Amusement Park and later repurposed for the Slide ‘N Ride.
The park’s three iconic blue water slides nestled into the hillside. Slides included the Kiddie Slide, Sui-Slide, and Katie Slide.
One of many small splash pools around the park.
Changing rooms and another view of the hill.
Remnants of what was once a thriving fleet of 19 bumper boats.
Another group of kiddie boats. Children between the ages of 2 and 7 were permitted on these.
Although miniature golf was once a mainstay, it now sits quietly waiting to be hauled in to storage.
Additional holes of the nautical-themed course.
Children would often be seen playing in the course’s center gazebo.
A children’s basketball court sits abandoned. Back then, the park coined this activity “Bank Shot Basketball.”
In the distance remains the skeleton of a batting cage. The park had five cages operating at one point.
Pieces of the landscape are piled high ready to be taken to the dump.
An eerie reminder of some of the park’s once-great features.
Closed for good.
One of many amusements available back then.
As the water tower watches over the abandoned hill, we say our final goodbyes. In due time, the site would be demolished and turned into a parking and storage lot for the city.

Photography by Brandon Seidl

Creature Feature: Ocean City, White Marlin Capital of the World

Kristin
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Get your rods, reels and tackles ready — The White Marlin Open returns for its 45th year August 6 – 10, with purse money expected to exceed $5 million. The white marlin has all but been crowned the official fish of Ocean City, and every year the billfish and its annual tournament draws thousands of anglers and onlookers to the water and the weigh-ins at Harbour Island on 14th Street and the Bay. 

The tournament has been on an upwards trajectory since its start in the 1970s, and if it remains on course, the 2018 WMO and the white marlin themselves will be bigger and better than ever. Records were meant to be broken, and that very sentiment is what draws so many fishermen and spectators to the mid-Atlantic every August. It’s…

Hanging shark
In addition to white marlin, prizes are also awarded for sharks (pictured here), blue marlin, wahoo, dolphin and tuna.

The largest billfish tournament in the world.

Not only is the White Marlin Open the largest billfish tournament in the world, it’s also held in the “White Marlin Capital of the World.” It was President Franklin Roosevelt who first awarded Ocean City that title after a prosperous day spent fishing at the Inlet in 1939, and the town has more than lived up to its designation in the decades since. 

The first White Marlin Open was held in 1974 and continuously awards prize money to white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin and shark catches. The first tournament awarded a total of $20,000 in prize money, with a top prize of $5,000; in 2017, more than $5 million was awarded in total, with a top prize of $1.6 million. 

The tournament was already a decent size in its first year, with 57 boats and 150 anglers competing for 20 grand, but since the 70s the White Marlin Open has absolutely exploded. In 2017 there were 358 registered boats and over 3,000 anglers. In 2018, it’s expected that the total payout will exceed $5 million. And still, the tournament’s founder Jim Motsko remembers a time when the White Marlin Open was only a dream.

I was on my honeymoon and I told my wife, wouldn’t it be nice to earn a living doing the job you really love to do? And to make a living out of it?

“At that time, golf had been paying prize money for people to compete in golf tournaments,” Motsko said. “Tennis just started offering prize money. I thought, wouldn’t it be neat to be a pro angler? To just put up a flat entry fee, and whoever catches whatever the most, they could win some money.”

Motsko worked his way through school at the University of Maryland by working on charter boats in Ocean City every summer. That’s where he learned how to reel in a white marlin, and eventually the White Marlin Open materialized. He himself fished in the first 34 tournaments — “I wanted to win the money so I could take it and go fishing with it, because it’s not a cheap sport or hobby,” he said — but nowadays he does most of his fishing after the tournament is over. 

The White Marlin: Fast Facts

  • The white marlin’s upper jaw, also known as its bill, is twice the size of its lower jaw. White marlins use their bills to stun fast-moving prey, which include small fish like mackerel and flying fish.
  • White marlin are known to put up a fight when hooked, leaping into the air and waving their tail around.
  • They have an average lifespan of 25-30 years. 
  • While they inhabit waters deeper than 100 m, the white marlin swims closer to the surface. When swimming they’re known to show off a technique called “tailing,” where the dorsal lobe of their caudal fin can be seen peaking above the surface of the water. 

 White Marlin in Ocean City

  • White marlin fishing season in Ocean City typically begins in mid to late June. The earliest documented catch was May 25, and the latest documented catch was June 20. The season is over by early September. 
  • The Town of Ocean City awards a $5,000 prize to the fisherman who makes the first catch of the year, while the Ocean City Marlin Club and Fishermen United for Ocean City each award $5,000 prizes of their own. That’s how the crew of the Stalker took home around $15,000 this year for making the first catch of 2018. 
  • The largest white marlin catch of the WMO was a 99-pounder caught by Steve Bass in 1980. The largest white marlin ever caught on record was 181 pounds, caught off the coast of Brazil in 1979. The state record for Maryland is 135 pounds. 

White Marlin Fishing Tips

There are no age restrictions when it comes to competing in the White Marlin Open. Whether the angler is seasoned or novice, Motsko said, isn’t of much importance, although someone who’s able to catch more white marlin in general will obviously have a bigger chance catching a larger fish. But still: 2017’s top winner took home $1.6 million for his first-ever white marlin catch. Teenagers have taken home top prizes in the tournaments. Like its name says, the WMO is truly open, and full of possibilities, for any angler — regardless of age or skill level.

“We have altered the rules so anybody can hook the fish and once it’s on the line, they can give the line to someone else,” Motsko said. “That lets novices or people who aren’t adept be part of it, instead of just thinking, ‘we can’t compete.'”

Here are a few of the WMO founder’s white marlin fishing tips. 

  • White marlin are not fish that can be hooked by the passive fisherman. The angler can’t sit back on the boat and doze off while waiting for a bite. “In order to be successful, you gotta pay attention to what’s going on,” Motsko said. 
  • “The secret is to get to the fishing rod and get a hold of it before the marlin bites the bait.” You have to let him eat it more or less, Motsko said, for a 5 or 10 count, letting the line freespool once the fish bites so it doesn’t feel any tension. Then after that 5 to 10 seconds, put it back into gear. 
  • Circle hooks are mandatory in tournaments that offer prizes for catching white marlin, as they’re less likely to catch in the throat or gut of the fish and allow minimal trauma to fish that are caught and released. “When you’re trolling, a lot of people just get bored and put the rod in the rod holder, wait for it to bend, pick it up and wind.” The hooks are designed for the marlin to grab the bait and swallow it, and then as the bait is winded out, the hook catches the corner of the marlin’s mouth. It’s advice worth repeating: “You gotta get to the rod before the fish gets it when you’re fishing with bait.” 

Photo Friday: Rainy Day Fun

Kristin
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The forecast for the week was dismal. Last Friday, I pulled up the weather app on my phone and saw the thunderstorm icon next to every. Single Day. I know Apple’s little weather icons are not the pinnacle of accurate meteorology, but the local news reports confirmed that this was going to be an absolutely terrible beach week. 

The thing about weather forecasts is, they’re usually wrong. Saturday and Sunday passed with only a scattered shower here and there. There might have been a shower on Monday or Tuesday, too, but I mostly remember the sun shining through the clouds. Wednesday was the only bad day, with a major downfall in the morning and gray skies all day, and then Thursday saw blue skies and sunshine, too. 

>> Submit your own Ocean City photos here 

The point is, “Rainy Day Fun” may not have been the best theme for this week’s Photo Friday, since there was only one full day where someone could have taken advantage of the weather. We did get a handful of submissions, however, and our winner this week is Rich, who submitted the cool double rainbow photo. (Remember, you have to include your email address in your submission in order to win!)

Next time I will try not to pick a theme that is dependent on something as erratic as the weather. In the meantime, feel free to submit your vacation photos above and they may be featured in a Photo Friday, and you might even win a fun prize just for submitting! Thanks to all who did brave the elements this week, and as always, keep checking back for more reader-submitted photos. 

Rainy Day fun! Enjoying a walk by the OC sign.
Saturday july 21 2018 assateague Island we drove from upstate new york to spend sat and sunday on the beach! We could not swim but had our feet in the sand and the ocean!
‘Rainy Day Fun’. My daughter and I enjoy fishing for flounder on a rainy day as a great ‘thing to do’ when the sun is not shining. We enjoy fishing on the bay at Harbor Island.
Photo by Tina on Facebook.
Photo by Scott on Facebook.

And after a day of rain comes…

Taken on the beach June 13th around 6 p.m. it only rained for about 10 minutes I was getting ready to go eat some crab cakes came out of my room and saw that double rainbow and thought to myself there’s something you don’t see everyday.
I took this photo at sunset from Heron Harbor on 120th bayside on July 18, 2018 during our family vacation to Ocean City, Maryland. I never planned on including the seagull but it flew into view and turned perfectly as I snapped the photo. I hope you all enjoy this photo as much as I have.

Hot spots: How to avoid heat illness

OceanCity.com
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From the staff at Atlantic General Hospital

Warmer weather means a higher risk for heat illness. Plan ahead and heed the signs to keep yourself safe.

Heat may be natural in the summer, but it isn’t always harmless. High temperatures increase the risk of heat illness, especially for young children, older adults, and people who are overweight, ill, or working or exercising outside.

You can protect yourself by taking some simple precautions, and by knowing the signs of heat illness. If you or someone else has symptoms, acting right away can prevent a medical emergency.

A healthy respect for the heat

High temperatures should affect what you wear and what you do. To reduce your risk of heat illness:

  • Use air conditioning or cool showers or baths to keep yourself cool. If you don’t have air conditioning, spend a few hours a day in an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library, or call your public health department to find out if there’s a heat-relief shelter in your area.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. When you’re well-hydrated your urine should be very light or clear. This is especially important when you’re active. Learn more about exercising during hot weather here.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
  • Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day, usually mornings and evenings.
  • When you’re outside, wear a hat or visor, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Signs you’re overheating

Heat illness is a sign that your body temperature is getting dangerously high. If you ignore the symptoms, your temperature can keep rising. Your body can get hot enough to cause brain damage or death.

The three types of heat illness, in order of increasing severity, are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat cramps are often the first sign that your body can’t handle the heat. These muscle cramps usually affect the legs, arms or abdomen.

If you have heat cramps, stop all activity and rest in a cool area. Drink water or a sports drink.

If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, you should seek medical attention for heat cramps, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You should also see a doctor if heat cramps don’t go away within an hour.

Heat exhaustion can come on gradually (possibly over several days). According to CDC, symptoms may include skin that is cool, moist and pale; dizziness; nausea; fainting; headache; and muscle cramps. People with heat exhaustion may also develop fast, shallow breathing and a rapid, weak pulse.

Again, resting in a cool area and drinking fluids can help your body cool down. Consider a cool shower, bath or sponge bath, and seek out an air-conditioned environment.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. The body’s systems for cooling itself shut down, and body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.

Symptoms can include:

  • Red, hot, dry skin.
  • Rapid, strong pulse.
  • Throbbing headache.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Confusion.
  • Unconsciousness.

Heatstroke can be deadly. If you see someone who has these symptoms, send someone to call 911 while you try to cool the person down. Move the person to a shady or cool area and use whatever means you have for cooling them, such as a bath, shower, garden hose or sponge bath. If you’re in a dry climate, wrap the person with a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

Be a buddy

Because people don’t always recognize their own symptoms of heat illness, it’s a good idea to use a buddy system on hot days. If you have an elderly or ill neighbor, for instance, check in on him or her at least twice a day during heat waves. If you work or exercise in the heat, assign yourself a buddy. If one of you gets overheated, the other can help.

Test your knowledge to prepare for a safe and happy summer. Take this heat stroke quiz.

For more information, click here.

Stories From the Stands: OCBP Crew Chief Steven DeKemper

Kristin
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The Ocean City Beach Patrol mans 10 miles of beach every summer from the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend to Sunfest Weekend, which is usually the third weekend after Labor Day. The OCBP guards are on duty every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and as the old adage goes, beach-goers should always “keep your feet in the sand ’til the lifeguard’s in the stand.” The waters can be rough. On certain weekends this summer, there have been up to 300 rescues over the span of three days. 

OCBP members train vigorously before each summer to ensure the swimmers and beach-goers of Ocean City remain safe. They’re trained to navigate rip currents and heavy surf, to watch for swimmers who are too far out and for lost children wandering the beach, and to perform CPR and other first aid as needed. It is estimated that in a typical season, the Patrol goes to the rescue of about 2,500 bathers, handles 1,000 lost children, and is called on for first aid about 500 times.

Crew Chief Steven DeKemper is one of those Ocean City Beach Patrol guards, and has been for the last 15 years. He’s from Indiana — in fact, he still lives in Indiana, where he works as a special education teacher — though his mother is from College Park, and he grew up spending plenty of summers on the beach in Ocean City.

In 2003, while studying education at Indiana State University, DeKemper found himself in Ocean City, speaking with a guard who had been spending his summers on the Beach Patrol for the past six years. He decided he’d give it a try, thinking his term on the Beach Patrol would be a one-summer deal. Obviously, the universe had other plans. This is one OCBP member’s personal story from the stands, where he looks out over the sea and the sand daily at 127th Street. 

Steven DeKemper Ocean City Beach Patrol
DeKemper has been on the Beach Patrol for 15 years, and has been a Crew Chief for the last 10.

Photos by William Strang-Moya. 

Do you live in Ocean City full-time? 

I still commute from Indiana every year. I’m a special education teacher there and I come down here in the summer. Every year seems to be a little different, right now I’ve been hooked up with a buddy of mine for the past four summers, so it kind of works out well. We’ll have to see. Eventually I’ll have to grow up and buy a place down here.

What’s the difference between a regular guard and a Crew Chief?

As far as the duties go, a lot of them are very similar… Being a lifeguard out on the beach and taking care of everybody. But on top of that, you do a lot more paperwork, sometimes you’ll be assigned duties as far as supervision, things like that.

Ocean City Beach Patrol stand
OCBP guard Megan takes over the stand, because someone has to be watching the beach while the Crew Chief gets interviewed!

You’re expected to kind of be a mentor, work with the younger guards and things like that. I’m lucky enough that I have some crew members here such as Megan, who has 12 years of experience, people I can roll ideas off of. I’ve got a great assistant, so it really works out well. You’re supposed to be a mentor role to the assistant, but I’ll tell you what, she’s on it. Emma’s my assistant, she’s two stands down.

What does a typical day on the Beach Patrol look like for you?

You know, that’s one thing I like about being a part of the Ocean City Beach Patrol: Every day’s different. Today we’ve got big surf, strong rips. Yesterday we ended up with near 200 rescues — that’s not a typical day, and on certain days there’s hardly anything to do.

Each day brings it own set of unique attributes. You could have things that you’re dealing with on the beach, anything from CPR to unfortunately search and recoveries. A typical day is maybe making a rescue or two and, you know, just staying alert.

I shouldn’t say — that’s not every day, but this year’s definitely been more [rescues] than most!

127th street beach
The beach at 127th Street on a cloudy Monday morning.

What’s the number one cause of needing to perform a rescue?

The rip currents are by far the number one rescue. I’ll be honest, aside from that I guess heavy surf, things like that once in awhile. But I’d say 90% of our rescues are from rip currents. And that’s a made-up statistic, but still.

You can see right here, we’ve got one in front of us. Luckily we don’t have anybody in there. And they’ll move, sometimes you’ll get a fixed rip, sometimes you’ll get rips that’ll move with the currents a little bit. Those are the ones that are harder to keep people out of.

Don’t people know by now to swim parallel to the shore when they’re caught in a rip current?

It’s harder to see when you’re in it, I think that makes it a little more difficult. But people should always look for the plume of light at the top, the sediment on the bottom coming up, you get discoloration, maybe even a darker color in a deeper spot — those are some things you should really look for when it comes to rip tides.

What’s kept you coming back to the Beach Patrol every summer for 15 years?

One, probably the people. You develop some of your best friendships, some of my best friends I’ve worked with here for the past 15 years or so on the Beach Patrol.

And two, the job, it’s unique. Maybe not to someone from around here, but coming from home, it’s totally different. I’ve become addicted to the ocean.

Coming out here for these three-and-a-half months gets me through the year. And each day is unique, you could have a busy day with lots of rescues or you could have a very slow day. And I’d say your hardest days are when it’s cold, windy and you’re guarding seagulls, there’s no people on the beach. Those are your hardest days, because the days are so long. Like Saturday… that was a long day.

Will you come back next year?

Yeah, I plan on it. I enjoy the job too much to give it up. If I can make it work, I’ll be here.

The 6 best bars in Ocean City, at this very moment

Kristin
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At least… According to you. 

The Best of Ocean City 2019 voting just started about a month ago, but the competition’s already heating up, especially in the ‘Best Bars’ category. The Best of Ocean City is our annual ‘Best Of’ competition that’s not based on advertiser dollars, and is voted on by tens of thousands of Ocean City lovers. You may not always agree with the final verdict, but when that’s the case, we just say… Go vote! 

A screenshot from our Castle In the Sand webcam.

Check out the Best Of winners of 2018 here. Below are the votes that have been garnered since the Best of Ocean City 2019 voting has been open. Definitely take these results into account when planning your next night out in Ocean City. After all, how often do you get to go on vacation? That orange crush better be good. 

You’ll find the best Happy Hour on the beach at Coconuts Bar & Grill. 

There is something about Coconuts’ Happy Hour that people just seem to love, and it’s really not that hard to figure out what: it’s the specials. The fastest hour on the beach is daily at Coconuts, from 5 to 6 p.m., and offers 2-for-1 specials. Beer, crushes, frozen drinks… They’re two for the price of one. Just make sure one of those drinks is the Drunken Monkey Ale, brewed specially for Coconuts by Ocean City Brewing Company. 

As always, the best sunset view is at Fager’s.

You’re seeing the same sunset no matter where you are on the bay, but it’s where you are that makes the difference. And year after year, everyone agrees that Fager’s is the place to be. Every evening at Fager’s, the sun goes down to the sound of cannons in the 1812 Overture, and when the weather’s nice, guests can stand on the gazebo and watch the sky turn orange and pink right from the middle of the water. In fact, that might just be the most photographed spot in all of Ocean City. 

The best sports bar is Buxy’s.

It’s a bit of a change in pace for the Best of Ocean City’s ‘Best Sports Bar’ category, but Buxy’s Salty Dog currently takes the lead! Buxy’s pride themselves on being a locals tavern, but perhaps what attracts visitors the most is Buxy’s Pittsburgh roots. The bar’s owner, Douglas A. “Buxy” Buxbaum, originally hails from Pennsylvania, like many others who call Ocean City their summertime home. 

Tap handles at the 45th Street Taphouse.

The Taphouse is the place to go for craft beer

Are you in midtown near 45th Street, or on the Boardwalk around 9th? Either way, there’s a Taphouse in your orbit that’s just waiting for you to take a seat at the bar and order a local craft beer. Or a not-local craft beer. The Taphouse keeps tons of local options on tap from Burley to 3rd Wave to RAR, but they’ve also got craft beer from everywhere else in the country, too. With almost 40 beers on tap, there’s bound to be something you love at the Taphouse.

Best Brewery? Backshore on the boards!

Maybe it’s because it’s summer that now Backshore is leading the race for the Best Brewery, and no brewery screams “summer” more than Backshore. It’s on the Boardwalk, it faces the beach, they do tons of fun summer releases, and the Backshore van even just got a new paint job. Does Backshore have what it takes to stay the Best Brewery year-round and ultimately win the title of Ocean City’s Best? Only time will tell, and only you can decide…

Brett Andrew & Company Seacrets
Inside Seacrets’ Morley Hall.

Seacrets has the best drinks, the best live music and is the best bar overall?!

Obviously Seacrets is great, but come on people… We have to divvy up the winners at least a little bit. Seacrets is currently in first place across three categories, including Best Drinks — their signature Tropicale beer brewed by Evo comes to mind — Best Live Music — there’s really no better venue in town than Morley Hall, true — and Best Bar Overall. Okay, touche, maybe the combination of fantastic drinks and a revolving door of top local and national musical acts has led them to be Ocean City’s Best Bar Overall. Again, only time will tell.  

When to go to the ER vs. Urgent Care

OceanCity.com
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You might be on vacation, but things can still happen — and you want to be prepared in case they do. 

From the staff at Atlantic General Hospital

The ER is for life-threatening situations, yet many people go there when urgent care is more appropriate. According to one study, nearly half of ER patients whose ailment didn’t warrant being admitted to the hospital had gone to the ER simply because their doctor’s office wasn’t open.

Urgent care would have been more appropriate — and less expensive. Out-of-pocket costs are likely lower than for an ER visit, especially if the facility is in your health insurance network.

Realize, too, that the emergency department treats people in order of need, so you may have a longer wait time. Urgent care centers usually see people on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here are some examples of reasons to seek urgent care:

  • Fever and flu symptoms.
  • Minor injury.
  • Painful urination.
  • Severe sore throat.

More serious problems, like severe pain and difficulty breathing, as well as traumatic injuries, do need screening and treatment at the ER.

In serious emergencies, driving to the ER won’t get you help fast enough. It’s safer to call 911, especially in life-threatening situations. Paramedics can start care immediately.

Here are some reasons to go to the ER:

  • Any sign of stroke, including paralysis, difficulty speaking, altered mental status or confusion.
  • High fever or fever with a rash.
  • Persistent chest pain, shortness of breath or wheezing.
  • Serious burn.
  • Serious fall or an injury involving the head or eyes, a broken bone, deep cut or dislocated joint.
  • Severe bleeding or pain.
  • Sudden, severe headache or loss of vision.

If you’re unsure what constitutes an emergency or what costs will be covered, contact your insurer before you need any of these services. If you’re ever in doubt, go to your closest ER. But if the problem is simply that you just can’t reach your doctor, consider urgent care.

For more information about ERs and urgent care centers near Ocean City, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org/immedicare.

Children’s Day on the Bay Festival Aug 5th

OceanCity.com
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The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum will be hosting their 8th Annual Children’s Day on the Bay Festival on Sunday, August 5th from 12:00-3:00 pm. This free, family friendly event takes place on the bay at Sunset Park in Ocean City, MD.  Families will get to experience live animals, games, crafts, live music and Dough Roller Pizza!

The Salisbury Zoo and Maryland State Parks will be there with live exotic and native animals. Chincoteague Bay Field Station, Ocean City Surf Club, Furnace Town, Maryland Coastal Bays, Ward Museum, Indian River Life-Saving Station, Ocean City Library, Ocean City Recreation and Parks, Rackliffe House, and the Art League will be on the scene with demonstrations, crafts, and games to engage kids of all ages! Throughout the day the Ocean City Police Department will be out and about with their horses!

Whether you find yourself, playing colonial games with Rackliffe House, creating a piece of art with the Art League or taking a closer look at a great horned owl, you and your family will learn all about the many local educational organizations that Delmarva has to offer!  This event is sponsored by the Ocean City Development Corporation. If you would like more information regarding Children’s Day on the Bay, please contact the Museum at 410-289-4991 or email christine@ocmuseum.org. This event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

No Need for Rainy Day Blues

Carrie Dortenzo
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While vacationers and locals alike would prefer perfect sunny beach days all-day, everyday, sometimes nature decides to thrown in a rainy day or summer storm into the mix. But do not let the weather put a damper on your mood because there are still plenty of wonderful things to do in Ocean City. 

Eat! (And maybe explore new dining options)

The best and most obvious choice on any kind of day is to enjoy a nice meal, or two, or even all three. When in Maryland, you must eat Maryland style. Enjoy all the seafood you like or have a crab feast accompanied by fresh corn and local beer. There’s a seemingly endless supply of options no matter what kind of cuisine you’re craving, so if you’re having trouble choosing, check out our most recent Best of Ocean City winners in categories including best pizza, best crabs, best breakfast and more. 

Embark on a brewery tour

In Ocean City and all of the Eastern Shore in general,  there are always new, cool, and delicious breweries popping up, and older ones that continue pumping out fresh and unique new brews.

Head over to one of the many breweries to take a tour and a drink for the day. In Ocean City alone you’ll find world-class breweries like Fin City and Backshore, but head on over to ShoreCraftBeer.com to check out all the breweries in Ocean City and beyond. 

Visit the arcades

There is still plenty to enjoy on the boardwalk when rain strikes. There are many arcades around the south end of the boardwalk where you can spend a whole day having a ton of fun, and winning some prizes while you’re at it. Sportland Arcade and Marty’s Playland are the classics where you can go to act like a kid again, or even bring your own. Play some Skee Ball and Air Hockey or choose your favorites to rack up your tickets and fun!

Indoor golf
Old Pro’s indoor golf is a rainy-day go-to.

Hone your putt putt skills

Mini golf isn’t an activity that’s exclusive to sunny days thanks to Old Pro Golf’s two indoor courses. Bring your friends or your kids and make a little competition for a fun and exciting rainy day. Head over to the two locations in OC, one on 68th street (with the giant whale), and the other on 136th street.

Catch a mid-day matinee

Movies are a classic, but essential, rainy day activity, and even at the beach it’s a good idea to take a breather and watch a good movie (especially if you’re sunburnt and could use a little indoor time). On 143rd St. is the Fox Sun & Surf Cinema, which offers all the newest movies and has the comfiest red leather recliner chairs for an even more relaxing and enjoyable movie experience. Grab some popcorn and candy and head over to catch a film.

Go bowling

Ocean Lanes, Ocean City’s bowling alley, is another go to rainy day choice for all ages. Head up to 72nd street for a good day of bowling and a  little competition along with food and drinks for your rainy day.

Partake in some retail therapy 

Nothing makes a rainy day better than doing a bit of shopping and there are plenty of options in and around Ocean City. Check out local shops like Ragamuffin, Sea Quest, or Southmoon Under or head over to Tanger Outlets in West Ocean City. And for the surfers, or those who want a beach vibe, head to some surf shops like K-Coast, Chauncey’s, and Malibu’s. A little bit of shopping never hurt anyone, especially on a rainy day. 

Resiliency project keeps Assateague’s shoreline protected

Kristin
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For the past two weeks, a small region of Assateague‘s shoreline located west of the Verrazano Bridge has been host to construction equipment and dump trucks, temporarily obscuring an otherwise beautiful, natural view of the state park. But the presence of the equipment, the workers and the sounds of construction all worked toward a good cause: they’re providing resiliency to Assateague’s shoreline and reducing shoreline erosion along the coast of the state park.

The project is a collaboration between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Coastal Bays and design/build contractors Underwood & Associates, and is funded by the  Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. Over the span of several weeks, natural structures including boulders, cobble and sand are placed along 10 constructed headland structures, which ultimately result in coastal resiliency against storms. 

These natural headlands were constructed along the shore to provide resiliency and protect the coastline from erosion. 

“Resiliency” is the big word of the project, said Roman Jesien of Maryland Coastal Bays, and the results of the project are long-term.

“The thinking here is, this will be as permanent as we can have a shoreline,” Jesien said. “If you see the size of the rocks here, when the sea level rises, these rocks will be able to withstand that.“

The long-term result of the resiliency project is a living shoreline, a stabilized coastal edge  that grows with time and uses natural materials that provide wildlife habitat, rather than unnatural infrastructure like seawalls that hinder the development of plants and the habitats of animals. 

“The way that we do a living shoreline is, we set these vegetative breakwaters offshore and those dissipate wave energy and they create these really, really nice aquatic lagoons, aquatic habitats basically,” said Underwood & Associates Project Manager Chris Becraft. 

Working on a final phase of the project, planting vegetation along the headlands.

While the shoreline is benefiting from the project in terms of resiliency, Assateague’s aquatic ecosystem benefits as well. The lagoons make the perfect shallow water habitats for fish and horseshoe crabs, Becraft said, while aquatic grasses will be able to thrive underwater and turtles can nest on the white sands of the headlands. 

Even humans benefit from the resiliency project (although everyone benefits when natural ecosystems and their wildlife thrive!). The resiliency additionally applies to state park’s boat ramps, fishing piers and other public facilities, and protects them from rising tides and major storm events as well. 

With the project now complete, this part of Assateague’s shoreline will be able to weather almost any storm that comes its way, and critters and beach-goers alike will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. 

Rates are great, views even better at Ocean 1

Kristin
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It’s still a haven, just now with a different name.

It only gets better with age.

Just like a fine wine, certain special hotels in Ocean City only improve with each passing year. 2018 might be the best year yet to stay at Ocean 1 Hotel & Suites, a motel-turned-hotel located right in the heart of Ocean City, that proves the old “better with age” adage to be totally true.

If you visited Ocean City anytime between the 70s and the early ’00s, you might remember it as the Haven Motel. The motel, which featured 40 rooms and a wrap-around porch, was torn down and rebuilt sometime around 2003. When owner Franco Fidanza took over four years ago, he officially changed the hotel’s name.

“The name [Haven] didn’t really mean much,” Fidanza said. “Ocean City needs a spark of — you’re on the beach, you need sunshine, you need ocean and you need water. I felt the name just needed to change with the times.”

Welcome to Ocean 1.

And so, over the span of the decade, the entire building and its name changed with the times. Now the recently-dubbed Ocean 1 is managed by Real Hospitality Group, and everyone working in the hotel’s line of duty — that is, at the front desk — agrees that the past year has been a sort of turning point for the hotel. It’s due in part, they say, to General Manager DeVanna Young.

Any hotel is only as good as its employees

“The most changes I’ve seen here have been with DeVanna,” said Mary Anne Weir, who’s worked at the front desk for the last six years. “We did the lobby up with the furniture and everything, she really dressed it up.” 

In addition to a dressed-up lobby, this year the hotel also received brand-new mattresses and flat-screen TVs. 

“We’ve made a big impact here in the last year, just trying to push our reviews, really trying to renovate and make some changes,” Young said. “We’re really starting to invest in this place.” 

But to Weir, what makes a decent hotel is more than its bells and whistles. “It’s like a family here,” she said, referring to both the employees — the year-round staff like Young and Weir and the J1 students who come to work at the hotel every summer — and the guests.

“It’s homey, and we have a lot of guests that say they feel like they’re coming home,” she said. “We get a lot of repeat guests.”

Mary Anne Weir mans the front desk with a smile.

Marko Glusac, a J1 student from Serbia who’s spending his summer behind the front desk, echoed Weir’s sentiments.

“We all work here really well together,” he said. “Everything is functioning as it should and customers are really happy.”

Every room is a room with a view

Of course, more than anything else, the biggest draw of Ocean 1 is its prime location and the views from its guest rooms and condo units.

The hotel puts guests right in the heart of Ocean City: stand on the balcony, look straight ahead and there’s the ocean. Look to the right and there’s a perfect view of the Jolly Roger ferris wheel and the slingshot, and the smell of fresh funnel cakes and gyros wafts from the Golden Plate Sub Shop next door.

To the left, families come rolling down the Boardwalk on surreys, and artists carve intricate sculptures in the sand. If there’s anywhere that perfectly encapsulates the summertime vibes of Ocean City, Maryland, it’s up on a balcony on 1st Street. 

The view from a 2nd floor balcony.

“We have a great location but at a great rate, definitely,” Young said.

Til the end of the season, guests who book directly with the hotel can save 10% by using the code online or by booking over the phone and mentioning the Book Direct and Save discount. 

“My property is unique and special!”

Joanna Laslo
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You have probably always felt your property was special.  You are absolutely vindicated in your feelings in that regard!

In real estate, one of the first lessons you learn is, indeed, every property is individual and unique. This holds true even when considering lots in a new development: At first glance they may appear the same. However, when observing closely, one lot may have different boundary lines. One lot may have a tree, or a pond, or more road frontage, or a low spot, than its neighboring land, thereby making one lot substantially different than another.

Even if we consider condominiums we would find differences.

One condo may…

Be closer to the stairwell

Be an end unit

Present a different view

Have central air, or window air

Feature updated windows and/or doors

Possess more or less parking spaces

Have paneling or sheet rock

Include all newer appliances, or not offer all appliances

The list can go on and on. All these examples outline the many possible differences there can be, even between condominiums.

This rule is so definite that there is an action to define this fact. In a case where a seller does not honor his sales agreement, in some circumstances, a buyer could take a legal action called ‘specific performance.’ Specific performance is based on the concept that no amount of money can replace that particular property. For details of specific performance, please speak with your counselor. The law upholds the fact that all property is unusual and unique.

Other specific features to differentiate between properties may be their close proximity to:

Shopping

Theater

Dining

Golfing

Ocean

Bay

Amusements

Parking

Bus stop

The above items are all positive things that a buyer would perhaps consider important.

On the contrary, there are some things that make a property unique that may be issues to watch out for, as follows:

Power lines

Right of ways

Easements

Lines of delineation

Forestry conservation

Environmental issues

Encroachment

Zoning

Low areas

Drain off

Buried tanks

The lengthy list above clearly indicates the nearly endless possibilities that make each property very individual and specific. Therefore, each property is absolutely special, not just special to you.

Considering all these factors and variables, which may be somewhat overwhelming to consider, it makes a REALTOR invaluable when conducting transactions regarding your specific and special property. For questions please feel free to contact me: joanna@oceancitybeachproperties.com or contact your local REALTOR.

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