Introducing “This Week in Ocean City” – Below is the link to our new online broadcast! Each show, Logan Dubel and OceanCity.com will bring you the latest local headlines. Additionally, we will spotlight local businesses. This week, our show begins with a look at the Ocean City Council election and messages from each candidate. News of the week includes an update on the OC Christmas Parade, details about the recent Delaware oil spill, and local halloween festivities. The show concludes with a spotlight of Pedego Electric Bikes. Enjoy!
Ocean City Halloween Trick or Treat at Trimper’s
Trick, Treat, or Dance at Trimper’s
Trimper’s Rides hosts ‘Dance of the Undead’ this Halloween Weekend
Trimper’s
is dancing alongside all the ghouls, goblins, & gremlins that seek a place to get funky! Friday night, DJ BK is bringing spooky and freaky tunes for all the Zombies as Trimper’s kicks off it Dance of the Undead Weekend with a Zombie Dance Party. Guests are encouraged to dress in any costume, but the best zombie will win a prize that night. Doors open at 4 and the dance starts at 5.
Ocean City Trick or Treat
Saturday all ages should come out for DJ Spin and the Family Costume Dance Party! Many activities that have been happening all October will continue like Pumpkin Ring Toss and Scarecrow Stuffing. For Halloween Day extra activities such as a costume parade, and costume contests for singles and groups will be offered. Best of all riders can Trick or Treat at all the rides for candy and special mementos. Bring your Trick or Treat bags to haul away all your goodies. With over 100,000sq ft, Trimper’s can provide the space for family and friends to have fun in a socially distant environment and enjoy the splendor of Ocean City.
Single & Family Prize Packs Awarded
To win any contest, visitors should stop by Trimper’s Guest Service to sign up. The Family Costume Contest winner will get one family four pack of tickets for the 2021 season.
Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize your neighborhood
And whosoever shall be found
Without the soul for getting down
Must stand and face the hounds of hell
And rot inside a corpse’s shell
The demons squeal in sheer delight
It’s you they spy, so plump, so right
For though the groove is hard to beat
Yet still you stand with frozen feet
You try to run, you try to scream
But no more sun you’ll ever see
For evil reaches from the crypt
To crush you in its icy grip
The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of 40,000 years
And grisly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom
And though you fight to stay alive
Your body starts to shiver
For no mere mortal can resist
The evil of the Thriller
Read by Vincent Price ~ intro to Michael Jackson’s Thriller
Sponsors during Trimper’s Thrills-N-Chills are:
Build Your Own Scarecrow: A Fall Tradition
Build Your Own Scarecrow: A Fall Tradition
How to Spend You Fall Weekend in Ocean City
Fall lovers unite! As the days get shorter, the leaves change color, and the crisp air reminds us to grab something pumpkin spiced; we search for opportunity to indulge in nostalgic activities, events, and gather with friends and family! From trick or treating to pumpkin carving, this time of year is guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again. Heck, chores like raking leaves aren’t even dreaded when the next step is to jump in the pile!
Re-Use Some Clothes: Save A Scarecrow
Providing fall festivities for all ages; Trimper’s is bringing not just fall nostalgia, but spooky fun too! A great activity that combines scary and nostalgia is scarecrow stuffing! Building your scarecrow to put a little scare in our feathered friends or your neighbors is perfect past time this Autumn! Trimper’s has an attendant ready and willing to guide the novice through the creation process, or help the pro scarecrow builder with all the necessary materials. This eco-friendly activity repurposes old clothing, and recycled newspapers donated from the Coast Dispatch! The cost of this haunted happening is $13 for all materials including shirt, pants, newspaper, etc. Save a little money by providing your own clothing and build your scarecrow for just $10. As a part of Thrills-N-Chills, this family-friendly activity will be offered throughout the rest of October! Use your imagination and make your very own scarecrow to bring home!
The top priority is fun so come and partake in this experience, or buy a wristband for $20 and ride through their Thrills-N-Chills weekend on a variety of great rides.
Don’t forget all visitors are encouraged to come in costume, and Trimper’s staff is indulging in the season in costume too!
What else to expect this Fall:
Food – Indulge all your senses in the holiday with:
- fresh baked apple cider donuts
- hot apple cider
- hot chocolate
- pumpkin spice cake pops
Sponsors during Trimper’s Thrills-N-Chills are:
Council Candidate Nicholas Eastman Outlines His Vision for Ocean City
Nicholas Eastman is campaigning to bring family values back to our beaches. While he may be a political newcomer, he feels that he has what it takes to restore Ocean City’s reputation as America’s finest resort town.
After a year like unlike any other, Nicholas Eastman passionately believes that he is the voice that the Ocean City Council needs. The young candidate is imaginative, and if elected, promises to offer a distinct perspective.
A Gaithersburg native and frequent visitor to Ocean City, Nicholas Eastman currently works for the nearby town of Salisbury. He fondly remembers spending time at the Sea Watch with his family and friends. Now, with a degree in criminology and invaluable life experience under his belt, Eastman is ready to advocate for change. Public safety and American recruitment are the core issues at the heart of his campaign.
Why Eastman is Running
Aside from the challenges facing OC, Nicholas Eastman was compelled to run because of his simple adoration for the town. “Growing up, I always came to Ocean City. I felt like I was immersed in a great family atmosphere,” he recalled. “I had the opportunity to come work here and decided to make it home. I am Greek, and believe it or not, I feel like this city and the ocean is almost a slice of Greece sometimes. That’s yet another personal connection.”
Even more important to Eastman than combatting Covid-19 or unsanctioned events is giving ordinary people a seat at the table. “I am upset with the way things were handled this year,” he said. “However, I am most disappointed that the residents were left out of the conversation. As a councilman, I wouldn’t go at it alone. I want to hear from our people.” Despite his inexperience in local government, he assures voters that he is up to the task. “I have the perseverance and drive that others do not. I am willing to go the extra mile to help the community the best that I can. I think my inexperience is a good thing. I’m not coming into this with any prejudgments.”
While Eastman is certainly not the type of candidate to spar with the people he will face on election day, he does acknowledge that it is time for a new era inside City Hall. “We need new leadership on the council,” Eastman said. “It’s time for fresh ideas and representation. I’m ready to change some minds.”
Fighting for Public Safety
June has always been recognized as a difficult month for Ocean City due to a large influx of young visitors, yet they became especially unruly this summer, taking advantage of the unprecedented situation. As an earnest believer in family-friendly events, he sees the postponement of the annual June Air Show as a major factor in the events that played out on the Boardwalk. “Losing the Air Show was terrible. It’s such a great family event, but it left this vacuum where other people who don’t share our values came down and caused problems,” Eastman said.
To keep disorderly people off the Boardwalk in June and out of the streets in September, Eastman is looking for ways to stop groups from organizing online. “A lot of what we saw this year was put together on social media. We do not want these people coming anymore and causing problems. So, we should blackball them from social media. Let’s keep them from coming here in the first place.”
From Eastman’s perspective, the cause is quite similar to the solution. He credits the loss of June events with bringing in problems, and he trusts that by bringing in family events, the right people will arrive in Ocean City. Eastman is particularly interested in youth sporting events such as little-league, cheerleading, soccer, and volleyball tournaments. He is also considering drive-in movies at the convention center.
Public Safety 365
Even though the summer presents the most challenges for the town, Eastman thinks that more safety is needed year-round. “We need more community watch groups in our neighborhoods. When you see something, say something. We should also take advantage of technology. Ring video doorbells are an important aspect of security. If the devices were purchased under the premise that they could be shared with the police in the case of a crime, we could offer tax incentives.” He is also a proponent of adding more officers to the Ocean City Police force and even deploying them on bicycles. While officers cannot be everywhere, Eastman hopes that an increase in personnel will make a difference.
Tackling safety and security will be tricky, but Eastman says that his unique position as a lifelong visitor and now resident equips him with the knowledge needed to get the job done.
Covid-19 Response
On the safety front, Eastman thinks that there is a lot Ocean City did wrong. However, he does not feel the same when it comes to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It was a really hard situation, and there wasn’t any plan. The mayor and council acted in a good manner,” he said. “I want to work hard for our businesses, and we have been doing our best to protect them. I am happy that we opened up early. That was key.”
He also hopes to use this platform to shine a light on the negative mental health effects of the pandemic.
Hiring American
In a campaign cycle where most candidates are sticking to the key topics of Covid-19, the economy, and public safety, Nicholas Eastman’s outspoken support for a separate issue is setting him apart from the others.
One of the most devastating effects of the pandemic on Ocean City was the loss of the J-1 workers. Approximately 4,000 foreign students travel every year to serve in the hospitality industry, but travel restrictions hindered them from arriving. With similar crowd sizes but a dwarfed staff, restauranteurs and hoteliers struggled to power through the season.
The situation for next year and beyond remains unclear, but Eastman sees the events of 2020 as a wake-up call. “The loss of the J-1 workers was a result of coronavirus, but it could be caused by the whims of Washington next year. What will happen with Visas next year? We need to focus on bringing domestic workers here. I went to college in West Virginia, and my fellow students were hard workers. We could bring people like them here to help. We’d love to see our J-1 people come back, but by hiring Americans, we would create a better situation moving forward.”
Financially, there is undoubtedly a benefit for domestic workers. Maryland’s minimum wage currently stands at $11.00 an hour. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Maryland is far ahead of its neighbors. This would incentivize people to spend their summers in OC.
Eastman’s Vision for Ocean City
“Ocean City must live up to the idea of America’s finest resort town. We have to make families feel welcome at our beaches. That is my top priority. We can’t let any of this happen again. It was foreign. It was not Ocean City.”
The young candidate needs the help of the people. He encourages his supporters to donate and visit his Facebook page. More than anything, Eastman wants to build a grassroots campaign for the future of Ocean City.
Eastman makes clear that while he hopes to be elected himself, he will remain a public advocate for residents and tourists regardless of the outcome.
Election Day is November 3
For local election information, click here.
Along with Nicholas Eastman, Councilmen Tony DeLuca and John Gehrig, Frank Knight, Peter Buas, and Daniel Hagan will be on the ballot.
Council Candidate Daniel Hagan Makes His Case to Ocean City Voters
With exactly two weeks until election day, Daniel Hagan is working to push his message out to Ocean City voters. Amidst economic and public safety troubles for the town, Hagan is calling for swift changes. If elected, he promises to be the loudest voice in the room.
Daniel Hagan is one of the newest faces in the local government scene, and he is vying for the votes of Ocean City residents. Pushing for change, transparency, and safety, Hagan is ready for his first venture serving the town. He recognizes his inexperience, yet believes that his involvement in the community is paramount.
Originally from Glen Burnie, Daniel Hagan spent many family vacations in Ocean City. He now lives here full-time. Hagan took an interest in politics in high school and believes in family and community values. He feels that now is the perfect time to fight for change.
Hagan says that this is an uphill battle, but one he is willing to pursue. Running against well-known Ocean City leaders is no small feat. Hagan is quite critical of his opponents and the ways in which they have managed local affairs. From Covid-19, to the new pier franchising agreement, and the pop-up rally, he hopes that voters will recognize these critical issues and side with him come November 3.
Hagan’s First Political Venture
Hagan is seeking one of the four open seats on the City Council, but that was not always the case. He first filed to run for mayor against incumbent Rick Meehan. The mayoral elections have largely gone uncontested throughout Meehan’s 14-year tenure. Hagan decided that there are more opportunities to make change as a member of the council.
“I was originally going to run for mayor,” Hagan said. “I really think that I could be more effective as a member of the council. The council gets to vote on all the issues, while the mayor is a spokesperson for the town.”
Regardless of the office Hagan is campaigning for, name recognition and community presence are key. Over the next two weeks, he is planning to get on the trail. “I’m going to be everywhere. I’m knocking on doors, walking the streets, and going to the Boardwalk. I have a good support system. I have put a lot into this, and I mean everything I say.”
Hagan surely has a lot to say about his fellow candidates. He believes that many of Ocean City’s problems have been ignored and exacerbated by City Hall leadership.
“The two that are on the council have flaws that I am going to use. They say they have done a good job, but Ocean City hasn’t changed much. I don’t think they have been honest. They have done deals that could eventually bankrupt us. They only answer to the community when it’s convenient to them.”
June Boardwalk Incidents and September Pop-Up Rally
As businesses began to gradually reopen in time for the kickoff of the summer season, many young people flocked to Ocean City. To the detriment of the town, many of these visitors brought violence and unrest with them. Hagan agrees that this behavior is reprehensible.
Hagan was on the Boardwalk filming when many of the unfortunate scenes broke out. He says that aside from the harm done to Ocean City’s image, it was frustrating and saddening to see families running the other direction. “I was up there and saw people who were really scared. Things were thrown everywhere, and it was not what we were used to seeing. When a small town like this is covered by Fox News, that’s not a good thing. We have to have leaders that go up there and engage with the businesses. No one else was up there talking to people like I was.”
For any government official, working with constituents is extremely important. One of the primary reasons Hagan jumped into the race is because he does not feel that the town’s leaders are responsive to the people. “I set up an email account in June so that I could hear from residents and help address their problems. The common theme was that they emailed the mayor, and he did not respond.”
The problems in June are not new for Ocean City, but they escalated this year. Hagan claims that the town could have made better preparations. “Where were all of the officers we had in September when we needed them in June?” he asked. “Everyone’s excuse is that they didn’t know it was coming, but they did. There was national unrest happening.”
Addressing the Problems
Unrest broke out yet again for H20i weekend. In response to what he was seeing in the streets, Hagan posted a video in which he described the use of excessive force by police and claimed that not all of the people at these events are coming to wreak havoc on the town. That video has since been deleted.
Daniel Hagan says that his stance was totally taken out of context. “First and foremost, I support the police, and I’ve always done that. You have some people who cause problems, but there was a video of multiple police officers tackling someone, and that’s not good. I don’t know the situation, but I would further investigate it, so we avoid lawsuits.”
Most, if not all the other candidates passionately believe that these events should never return to Ocean City. Hagan thinks otherwise and that not every person in the H20i crowd is a bad apple. “They are saying that all the people are bad, but I saw a lot of good stuff,” he explained. “There are little kids here, and they light up when they see the cars. We need to figure out how to host the right people.” When pressed about the damage done to Ocean City, he agreed that the violence has no place in the town and that if the event is to return, serious investigating needs to occur.
Covid-19 Response
The coronavirus continues to present problems for this resort town, even heading into the offseason. Most of the actions taken by local officials have been similar to those taken at the state level. Hagan says that he initially agreed with how the virus was handled, but that it quickly became political. “In the beginning, when everything was shut down, I thought Mayor Meehan did a good job. As time started rolling, I felt like it was being mishandled. I remember when a local bar had St. Patrick’s Day and Governor Hogan wanted to shut down businesses. I would have told Hogan no. Mayor Meehan did his best fighting against it, but eventually, he had a lot of pressure. The mayor and council did not do enough to protect businesses.”
An important turning point for Hagan was when Meehan enacted a mask mandate on the Boardwalk at the end of July. “Meehan pushed the mask mandate and wasted money on signs. At this point, I see it as a personal choice. My family wears masks where they are required, but people can make their own decisions. The government has no right to tell other people what to do.”
Hagan says that if elected, he will fight to protect local businesses and get them the help that they need.
Open Meetings Act Violations
The Covid-19 response is not the only thing that Daniel Hagan believes town officials botched. Of all the issues facing Ocean City, the Open Meetings Act violations handed down to the City Council is perhaps the topic on which Hagan is most passionate.
In June 2020, the Compliance Board served the town with three violations for closed-door discussions they had regarding a new franchising agreement for the pier. Council Secretary Mary Knight and Councilmen Dennis Dare and John Gehrig worked as an unofficial body to secure a new, decades-long deal. After months of negotiations, the deal was made public ahead of its approval. The council holds that if these negotiations were conducted in public, the town’s bargaining position may have been compromised. When faced with the violations, the council committed to improving their practices and made it clear that they did not knowingly break the rules.
Hagan is calling foul and believes that there should be more grave consequences. “They violated state law. It’s a big deal, and they all are liable. The entire deal should have been voided. How could they say that they didn’t know they were violating the Open Meetings Act? I think there was something bigger at play.”
Hagan’s Vision for Ocean City
“We need to reach out through marketing campaigns and answer the questions of those who live and vacation here. We can’t keep assuming things. Let’s figure out how to reduce music, weed, and trash on the Boardwalk. We have to bring the right people here and invest in the future. We need to plan for everything and stop working in the past.”
Election Day is November 3
For local election information, click here.
Along with Daniel Hagan, Councilmen Tony DeLuca and John Gehrig, Frank Knight, Peter Buas, and Nicholas Eastman, will be on the ballot.
Council Candidate Frank Knight on Ocean City’s Challenges and Future
With an election looming, the faces of the Ocean City Council may look quite different after November’s contest. Despite the possible shakeups, there is a chance that one well-established name will retain a spot inside City Hall. Frank Knight, husband of outgoing Council Secretary Mary Knight, is vying for one of the four open seats.
For a typically quiet resort town with a small resident population, this year has been anything but normal. In the midst of a global pandemic, local businesses continue to feel the financial blunder. On top of the fight against Covid-19, recent unrest in the streets due to the pop-up rally has not made things any easier. Frank Knight believes that he has the experience to help tackle this “perfect storm” of issues.
A lifelong visitor of Ocean City, Knight adores the town. He learned to walk here in the 1950s and flipped burgers at the Alaska Stand during his teenage years. Knight spent 40 years running a dental practice and became a full-time resident in 1995. He knows the community well and carries a wealth of knowledge about town affairs. Since 2017, Knight has served as the Town Code Enforcement Inspector and since 2014, as a member of the Board of Port Wardens. He has also worked with the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) and the Downtown Association. Additionally, Knight has been a faithful observer at every council meeting for the past several years.
While this is his first time on the ballot for City Council, it is not the first time a Knight has sought this office.
Council Secretary Mary Knight Is Not Seeking Reelection
To the surprise of many, Council Secretary Mary Knight did not file for reelection ahead of the October 6 deadline. Knight, who has served on the council since 2006 and was promoted to Secretary in 2012, is ready for something new.
Frank Knight was open about Mary’s decision. “After 14 years, there is more that she wants to pursue. The council doesn’t meet just once a week. There are meetings for the police and tourism commissions, and more. It’s closer to a half-time job than a once-a-week job,” he said. “There are many opportunities she has and is looking forward to what’s next.”
Filling the Void
Mrs. Knight is not the only incumbent opting not to seek another term. Councilman Dennis Dare, first elected in 2012 following 30 years of service as City Engineer and then City Manager, is retiring.
Frank Knight says that Dare’s announcement was instrumental in his decision to run. “The main reason I decided to run is because there are four seats available, and Dennis Dare is not running. He was a great city manager and has been a great council member. I plan to tap into his brain and will try to be the voice that he is. If Mary would have run, then I wouldn’t have run. The same goes for Dennis.”
Knight also mentioned the other candidates running for seats on the council. “Two of my opponents don’t have the life experience to manage an eighty-seven million dollar plus budget.”
Ocean City’s Agenda
If watching his wife perform her duties on the council over the last decade and a half has taught Knight anything, it is that government is not exactly a fast-paced operation. “Government moves much slower than business does. I have seen government move too slow. Some things that were supposed to be accomplished in 2014 aren’t done yet. Fire Station 3 needs to be redone, but it’s been put on the back burner for 10 years now. The police need extra officers. That is finally being addressed, but that’s been on the agenda since 2005. We have been trying to redevelop downtown, build a bayside Boardwalk, and bring more events here.”
Knight believes that these items must be front and center on the town’s agenda to propel Ocean City into the future.
To raise revenue for projects such as these, Knight says he is firmly against raising taxes and that we must find creative ways to generate income.
Tackling the Issues: June Boardwalk Violence and September H20i Event
The unrest on the Boardwalk in June and the disarray caused by the pop-up rally at the end of September are two issues Ocean City residents will have in mind when voting.
Knight feels that the pandemic and reopening situation presented the perfect storm for the eruption of predicaments in June. He recognizes that the issue is not new but that this year was a special circumstance in many ways. “We had young adults with an extra $600 in their pockets. Bars were closed, so people had nowhere to go. There were no J-1 students, and all the cheap $50 rooms they are normally housed in were available. People came into town, stayed in those places, and started causing trouble.”
The solution for June remains unclear, but Knight believes in repurposing the month by adding more family-friendly events. He hopes that this would deter people from coming down and wreaking havoc on the town. Knight mentioned that he opposes curfews because he believes it will simply push people into alleys and neighborhoods where they will also act negligently.
As if June was not enough, the last weekend in September presented yet another challenge. The Ocean City Police Department was out in full force, and a couple hundred arrests were made. Knight is a vocal supporter of law enforcement; however, he hopes that extensive measures do not have to be taken again in the future. “More law enforcement is always good, and we did everything by calling in extra police. When they put their riot gear on, the people realized it was time to go to bed and go away. At the same time, this is not a town where we should have to have riot gear. I don’t want to see this militarization. We had some nasty events, and they got bad really fast.”
Response to Covid–19
Thankfully, Ocean City did not experience a major spike in Covid-19 cases throughout the summer. Nonetheless, businesses of all types, including hotels, struggled. Travel restrictions from states such as New York kept many people from taking a vacation.
Knight feels that local officials handled the situation well. “We followed the governor’s directives, and if a place was out of control, the health department took care of it. Ocean City was in lock-step with the state government. We had 75-80% compliance with the masks on the Boardwalk, and people were pretty responsible.”
Heading into the long offseason, the focus is shifting to the uphill battle for local businesses. These entities make most of their money in the short summer window, and despite many visitors still flocking to Ocean City, it was not enough. “This is a very pivotal year ahead for Ocean City. Is Covid-19 going to go away?” Knight wondered. “It’s going to be tougher for the economy. It’s the mom and pop stores that we have to worry about. By the time we get to the spring, are these businesses still going to be around? We must work for grants. This is important stuff.”
Knight assures the people of the town that he has the experience to dig businesses out of the hole created by the pandemic. “I’ve had businesses experience, but also real-world experience that can help us handle the things we are dealing with.”
Honesty and Transparency
If elected, Frank Knight promises to be honest with his constituents. “I’m all for transparency, and I will always act how I’m supposed to. I’ve never been an insider.”
Knight’s Vision for Ocean City
“We need to get strategic planning, enhance downtown safety, support the fire department, support police, and repurpose June. Ten years from now, I would like to see our neighborhoods protected. Ocean City has lost population since the last census, so let’s attract more families. This is a great environment to raise a family. I hope to see more businesses. After all these years, I still wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
Election Day is November 3
For local election information, click here.
In addition to Frank Knight, Councilmen Tony DeLuca and John Gehrig, along with Peter Buas, Nicholas Eastman, and Daniel Hagan will be on the ballot.
Trimper’s Hosts Nightmare on Freak St for Halloween
Trimper’s Halloween is a Real Treat as the Thrills-N-Chills Continue…
Trimper’s Halloween is doling out all treats, no tricks at it’s upcoming Nightmare of Freak Street event. To compliment all the OC toberfest happenings, Trimper’s created even more events to delight visitors.
From October 23rd to the 25th, Trimper’s is hosting a variety of spooktacular activities including a scary Monster Maze and wicked performances by Nate and Jim and Lauren Glick and DJ Spin. Guests can enjoy a myriad of Fall festivities: pumpkin decorating, pumpkin ring toss, and scarecrow stuffing! 
Warm the chill in the air from all of the Halloween spirits with a glass of hot apple cider and homemade apple cider donuts covered in cinnamon sugar.
Trimper’s hopes to see you there…if you dare! 
Guests have been entertained all month long with special events like a Halloween Dance performance from Salisbury’s Feet of Fire Dance Troupe. Trimper’s encourages costumes to mesmerize and enchant!
Trimper’s Thrills and Chills is Fridays starting at 4pm, Saturdays and Sundays at noon. Admission is $20. The community event is supported by Bank of Ocean City, Kevin Decker and Joe Wilson, The Coast Dispatch, Radio 94.9 KHI, East View Farms, Nana’s Hot Chicken and Marty’s Playland.
Coming UP!….
October 30th and 31st Trimper’s will host Zombie Dance Party! Come let the monster inside you dance the night and day away with teen and family costume dance parties. Check website for more details!
Alewife: An Oktoberfest Star
October is a month of many occasions, Halloween, Oktoberfest, and the lesser known but equally important annual return of anadromous fish from our watershed to their ocean habitats. Huh? What is an anadromous fish and why is it leaving the coastal bays?
Anadromous Fish: An Interesting Brew
Anadromous is a term used to describe fish born in freshwater, who migrate soon after birth and spend most of their adult lives in saltwater, returning only to spawn in the spring and summer months. Anadromous fish belong to a classification of fish known as diadromous, this includes catadromous fish that, unlike their counterparts, mature in freshwater and spawn in saltwater.
There are several species of anadromous fish throughout the world, but here in the Maryland Coastal Bays we are the summer home to approximately six species of anadromous fish: White Perch, Gizzard Shad, Hickory Shad, American Shad, Blueback Herring, and of course, the infamous Alewife. After these frisky fish have completed spawning in the warm weather, they say “Auf Wiedersehen” by October, and are ready to make the trip back to their saltwater habitats where they will prepare to repeat the journey the following year.
Raise a Stein to the Alewife
The Alewife is a member of the herring family and is closely related to the blueback herring. Alewives are slender grey green fish that often have an eye-catching silver sheen. They have a distinct black spot located just behind their eye and a noticeably forked tail. Alewives typically grow to be 10-11’’ and weigh on average half a pound, although some have been recorded to be as long as 14’’ in length and weigh over a pound!
The Alewife lives a life full of adventure during its ten-year lifespan! Their bodies tell an interesting story as they produce spawning marks on their scales which shows the number of times a fish has spawned in its lifetime. When it comes to spawning, Alewives prefer to lay their eggs in slow moving waters at night, and depending on the temperature of the water, their eggs can hatch in as little as 3-6 days!
Last Call
On December 26, 2011, A statewide ban on the harvest of river herring was announced as a means to help prevent extinction. Both the destruction of spawning habitat, and construction of dams have been significant contributors to the startling decline of anadromous fish. On a brighter note, there are ongoing efforts to counteract the population decline of these captivating creatures; dam removal projects in the coastal bays have proven to be successful as anadromous fish are now able to migrate upstream to spawn! Alewives may be a nomadic fish, but we’re certainly lucky to be visited by them every year. Here’s to the Alewife, a creature who is definitely worth the feature!
“It’s Time to Stand Up”: Councilman John Gehrig on His Reelection Bid and the Issues Facing Ocean City
The 2020 Ocean City Council election is beginning to heat up. With six candidates and just four seats, the contenders are making their case to residents. Amidst a hectic year dominated by a pandemic and alarming violence, Councilman John Gehrig promises to push bold and transformative solutions.
November 3 is approaching quickly, and Ocean City voters have important decisions to make. 2020 has not been an easy year for anyone in the town. From a total shutdown in March and April, to a tough summer for businesses, and violence in September, it has been a time like no other. Councilman John Gehrig believes that it is time to unite and stand up for the town.
First elected in 2016, he promised to bring a different voice and style to City Hall. With more than two decades of experience in the private sector and a tenure as President of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Gehrig provides a voice for businesses. He’s also known for his spirited debates with fellow members of the council and sometimes fiery comments, but it seems to have played well with his constituents.
If his support remains as strong as it did four years ago when he garnered support from more than 80% of voters, he should be on track for another victory. However, he is less concerned about the campaign and more worried about the future of the town. Gehrig emphasizes that the problems we are facing are not new, but they are reaching a fever pitch, all at the same time.
“We have to be honest with ourselves”
The last weekend in September presented yet another challenge for residents and especially for the Ocean City Police Department. The pop-up rally, which is supposed to be for car enthusiasts, turned into unrest and violence. Over four days, the OCPD arrested 277 people. Councilman Gehrig is prepared to take major actions to prevent more groups from wreaking havoc on Ocean City in the future.
“Frankly, for the last ten years, we haven’t done enough. The challenges that face the city didn’t happen overnight. This slow drip has been happening for a while, but it’s all just a crisis that’s been mounting,” he said. “We can’t just hope our way through this. We’ve been in denial for a long time. Our leaders have been paralyzed.”
Gehrig recognizes that progress has been made with special event zones and calling in other police agencies, but he makes clear that the unruly visitors need to get the message. “They can’t just come here and run around free, disrespecting our town,” Gehrig added.
Solutions
While Gehrig would not share his specific plans for combatting the disrespectful crowds, he said that many of his ideas are centered around economic development. “We need bold solutions, and I have some. I’m reluctant to make them public because you don’t want your opponents to know your plan,” Gehrig explained.
Pushing Back Against Negativity
With all the problems facing our resort town, it is even more difficult to promote local tourism. Despite declines in occupancy over the summer, due to Covid-19, plenty of visitors still packed the town. Gehrig wants to do everything possible to reassure potential customers.
“We need to show people that we are working on it. The actions we take aren’t always going to be 100% supported, but if the public sees we are trying, that will help,” he said. “We live in this unbelievable place, and none of my residents deserve any of this. They didn’t sign up for any of this. We can’t just react to problems; we have to solve them.”
Referencing the recent profane sign protesting the actions of Governor Larry Hogan, the 2017 topless case, loud and explicit music, and an increase in marijuana smoking, Gehrig stressed the importance of pushing back and maintaining a family atmosphere.
Why Gehrig Chose Not to Run for Mayor
After receiving such overwhelming support in the last election cycle, many locals are wondering why Gehrig is not on the ballot for a different office. He says he is still asking himself the same question.
“It’s been a game of ping pong. I’ve been thinking since Christmas, and I was sure I was going to run for mayor. I kept putting off the decision. Hundreds of people asked me to run, and I felt like I was letting people down by not running,” Gehrig said. “However, the reality is this: my kids are 12 and 10, and we go on vacation in June for a lengthy period. It’s our favorite thing to do, it’s tradition, I’m not willing to give that up. Everyone who has had kids understands what I mean. I had to recognize that the leader of the town can’t be on vacation during the most challenging time of year. I wasn’t going to run for the personal pride or the title.”
Even though Gehrig passed on the opportunity to run, he does not believe that the election should feature just one candidate. “I think we deserve an election there. Mayor Meehan has largely been unopposed for his entire tenure,” he said. “It’s not because Rick and I don’t get along, we do. It’s just that our system is supposed to give people a choice. We agree and disagree, and it’s good. It’s what we need in government, business, and life.”
In the last five elections, Meehan has had a challenger only once. This year, he is once again cruising toward reelection. Meehan took office in 2006 and served on the council for two decades prior.
Covid-19 Response
This election season, officials at every level of government are facing questions over their response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Gehrig maintains that the town took the right steps to keep people safe.
“History can be your guide on how to do things, but that’s not the case here. March and April were desperation time. A lot of people wanted us to shut down, and we did,” Gehrig said.
One of the biggest debates of the summer surrounded the wearing of masks on the Boardwalk. Following the announcement of Governor Hogan’s order requiring masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible, Mayor Meehan said he wanted to expand the mandate. While Gehrig voted against the proposed ordinance, which eventually turned into a mayoral proclamation, he is most proud of the spirited and thoughtful debate facilitated by members of the council.
“We had a spirited debate, and it was one of the better group functions we have had. The mayor and council did a good job, and so did the governor, but I was critical because we needed to be clear about enforcement. It put our police officers in a tough spot,” he said. “My problem is that when we added the mandate for the Boardwalk, we went from 0 to 100 overnight. The governor’s order was fine, and it was ok to have an extra layer of protection for the summer. Now, we certainly don’t need the mask mandate at 8 a.m. in October.” The requirement expired on September 30.
Gehrig’s Vision for Ocean City
“We don’t have ten years. We need to stand up because we are in crisis mode. People cannot continue to disrespect our town. We are all on one team. Let’s support law enforcement, public works, and other employees. We must support our business community with a strong economic plan that brings customers here. We need creative thinking and have to be courageous to act. Protect this house!”
Election Day is November 3
Be sure to cast your ballots this November! The universal registration deadline is October 13, and the Ocean City deadline is October 16.
For local election information, click here.
Councilman Tony DeLuca, Frank Knight, Peter Buas, Nicholas Anastasios Eastman, and Daniel Hagan will also be on the ballot.
The Haunting of Ocean City
It’s time for some Ocean City ghost stories!
Ocean City Ghost Stories
Antigonish
“Yesterday, upon the stair,
I met a man who wasn’t there!
He wasn’t there again today,
Oh how I wish he’d go away!”[5]
When I came home last night at three,
The man was waiting there for me
But when I looked around the hall,
I couldn’t see him there at all!
Go away, go away, don’t you come back any more!
Go away, go away, and please don’t slam the door…
Last night I saw upon the stair,
A little man who wasn’t there,
He wasn’t there again today
Oh, how I wish he’d go away….
The poem “Antigonish” by William Hughes Mearns epitomizes the grotesque and macabre we find ourselves intrigued by each Halloween. Allegedly, the ghost of a man who traversed the stairs in a house in Nova Scotia served as the inspiration for the poem.
Such a tale and poem are well and good for Nova Scotia, but what about Ocean City ghost stories? Are there any specters or ghosts who haunt this beach resort town? The answer, is yes. Let’s take a look at some examples in anticipation of the upcoming Halloween festivities.
The Ocean City Lifesaving Museum, 813 S. Atlantic Avenue
According to their website, the museum was run by the Ocean City Life-saving Service, and later the US Coast Guard, to assist ships in distress while facing the ocean’s intimidating wrath. However, many sailors and others were not so fortunate and did not survive to make it to the shore or the station. It’s rumored to be haunted, and there is even a story of one person’s experience with it.
WMDT featured a story about the museum and featuring quotes from local author Mindie Burgoyne, the author of Haunted Ocean City and Berlin. Ms. Burgoyne one woman told Burgoyne the tale of feeling very cold; when she happened to look in the life boat at the museum. There, before her eyes, she claims she saw a man wearing a rain jacket who looked like he was dead and only appeared for a second, and vanished.
Many people’s stories mention a little blonde child whose apparition has been witnessed around the museum. The WMDT story goes so far as to say that the boy looked so realistic that museum workers thought he was a lost child and went to look for his parents before the museum shut for the day.
They searched high and low but only found a lone shoe print in the paint on newly painted stairs a few days later. It remains one of the museum’s paranormal mysteries.
The Tarry-a-While, 8 Dorchester Street
In an article from Ocean City Today, it says that Calvin Cropper, a 21-year old, was rejected after professing his love to a young woman. He subsequently barricaded himself in his room, shot, and killed himself after lighting a cigarette. Visitors have allegedly smelled cigarette smoke with no apparent origin and have witnessed rocking chairs on the porch moving vigorously with no wind in the air or otherwise logical explanation.
Dolle’s Candyland
Ms. Burgoyne, in one of her YouTube videos, explains. Ever heard of the woman named Catherine who allegedly haunts Dolle’s Candyland? Rumor has it she was a former employee, and sometimes, things have a way of going missing. The descendants of the original Dolle family who currently run the candy store often refer to her by name and will blame her when they cannot find something that is missing, such as keys. As is tradition, when a piece of candy, wrapped or unwrapped, falls onto the floor, it must be tossed away. One of the more concerning incidents at Dolle’s involved employees who came in to work one day to find an entire bag of candy mysteriously overturned and scattered all over the floor.
Upon security footage review, there was no one in the store, yet the video clearly shows the bag of candy being knocked over and spilled onto the floor-chilling, to say the least.
The Haunted Henry’s Hotel
According to Maryland Haunted Houses, This building can be traced back to 1895, where it was a boardinghouse for young men. Reported sightings at the hotel have included reports of a male youth (wearing overalls and on the porch). Other visitors have reported hearing some clunky footsteps and a woman’s voice yelling. Still more people have reported hearing jazz music inside the hotel.
The Shoreham Hotel (Shenanigan’s)
Have you ever eaten at Shenanigan’s or stayed at the Shoreham Hotel? If not, there is an interesting tale at this location.
According to Chesapeakeghosts.com, it is said to be allegedly one of the most paranormally active buildings in Ocean City with a triad of ghastly specters. The site indicates that the first ghost is supposedly of a writer who killed himself. The second is possibly from a man who died in the basement, and the third is alleged to be the phantasm of Betsey, who jumped out a third floor window, killing herself.
Ask employees about the basement! The site says that some are too scared to go down and that there are many unexplained happenings that occur. Beware of jumping boxes!
The site gives further information on one of the rooms (Seasonal Room 6, which was Betsey’s); it is alleged to have issues with the electrical current and appliances, as evidenced by anecdotal evidence of numerous guest complaints.
If you’re interested in learning more, you could take a ghost tour in Ocean City, Berlin, or numerous other nearby locations. Mindie Burgoyne, local author and the source for much of the lore in this article, is the owner and founder of Chesapeake Ghosts. She is a wellspring of knowledge and her spooky tours are great edutainment in the run-up to Halloween.
Dorchester Street Public Art Panels Project
Have you been downtown to Dorchester Street recently? If the answer is no, then you will want to make sure you get there soon. The newest Downtown Public Artwork Installation is now complete! The Dorchester Street Public Art Panels are on display and feature a taste of both Ocean City and Maryland.
Residents and all visitors to the area have a chance to take plenty of Instagram-worthy photos. If you do, please don’t forget to use the hashtags #oceancity #ocmd #oceancitymaryland, and #oceancitymd in your posts! You can also tag photos by using those same hashtags on Facebook.
The highly detailed, bright panels were all painted by local artist Ali Jacobs of TC Studios, and are ready for their public closeup courtesy of the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) and its Public Art Committee. The Committee commissioned
TC Studios to paint the panels for this Dorchester Street north side wall, which is owned by Jerry Greenspan. Mr. Greenspan completely renovated and had the wall repainted in preparation for this specific project. Signs Illustrated prepared and cut the panels in anticipation of their installation. The original artworks were ultimately installed by Mitrecic Builders.
TC Studios to paint the panels for this Dorchester Street north side wall, which is owned by Jerry Greenspan. Mr. Greenspan completely renovated and had the wall repainted in preparation for this specific project. Signs Illustrated prepared and cut the panels in anticipation of their installation. The original artworks were ultimately installed by Mitrecic Builders.
Are you going? Plug Dorchester Street, Ocean City, MD into your GPS and let it guide you. We hope to see you there!
SunFun OC Welcoming Guest in October!
Trimper Rides Bringing the FUN in October
SunFun OC is Trimper‘s way of celebrating guests and the great weather in Ocean City in October!
SunFest may be cancelled this year, but Trimper’s has something up their sleeve, unlike any other! Clear your schedules from October 2nd thru the 4th and celebrate the end of the season the Trimper’s way – SunFun OC. With musical performances by Marcella Peters, DJ Gray-Swan, & Full Circle Duo, $2 all games and rides for the kids, half off video games at Marty’s Playland, and of course a mouthwatering menu from Nana’s Hot Chicken, SunFunOC is the best way to end the summer!
Sink your teeth into $2 menu items like our mini wheels…two moist layers of devil’s food cake slathered with creamy buttercream! It’s your last chance to try these sweet treats so get your hands on one before they’re gone!
The amusement park will also be filled with over 30 arts and crafts vendors for the weekend. Artists
include Art Sea, Maret Maiste, JL Schiegel, Avante Painting, Pooley Glass engravers, many jewelry designers Green Bead Glass, Swirly Bracelets, Something4me Jewelry, Silver Mine and many more!
For more information go to SunFunOC.com.
Trimper Games $2
Trimper Rides $2
Trimper Food $2
Beat Virtual Fatigue: A “Tail” of an Ocean City, MD Escape
Beat virtual fatigue
How can you beat virtual fatigue? COVID-19 changed our way of life. The thought of traveling now may seem daunting and scary. The same could be said about virtual world—many families work, attend school, and try to balance their personal lives in the same space: the Home. Like me, they may be nervous about travel and they may be tired of Zoom, but there is a solution that beckons. For me, fears of travel and wariness from Zoom are no match for the allure of Ocean City. Beat virtual fatigue this way.
I remember one October day, I was walking with Bull, my dog, on the beach. She stretched the leash to the limit running ahead; I tried to catch up with her. When I did, she was already digging in the sand. As I walked up to see what she was searching for, I saw it.
Inside the hole she made, surrounded by piles of sand, was a blue cooler. She looked at me and barked. “What are you waiting for? Open it!” I bent down and pulled back the lid.
That’s when I smelled it. Thrasher’s. Fisher’s caramel popcorn. A Dumser’s Dairyland chocolate milkshake. They were all inside and perfectly wrapped and insulated. Who would leave these great treasures?
The aroma was too much. I started eating and unwrapped the signature Thrasher’s cup, grabbed a handful of golden-brown fries, and stuffed them in my mouth. I was so enticed by the aroma—I didn’t even look to see if vinegar was in the box. Thrasher’s with vinegar is a treat like no other. The thought of vinegar-soaked Thrasher’s made me thirsty.
I grabbed the milkshake, opened it, and could not wait to taste the chocolate. Dumser’s icy treats are delicious, but I wanted to make my own new flavor and add some crunch. I swiped a handful of caramel corn and began munching. Perfect, I thought. I grabbed the cooler in preparation for the journey back to the Boardwalk. Just seeing the sights and sounds made the wheels in my head spin with thoughts of miniature golf, the Ferris wheel, people watching, and so many other great escapes. Bull tugged at the leash and was eager to get started.
She looked at me and opened her mouth. “Are there any dog treats?” I looked around, wondering who spoke. I looked at Bull. She again said, “Are there any dog treats? I know you can hear me.” Wait—can Bull talk? I thought to myself. I shook my head and in that instant, I woke up in my bed. I looked over at Bull, who had sat upright and looked at me with her quizzical eyes. Thoughts of Zoom danced through my head. Virtual meetings. Virtual school. Virtual life. I needed to get away. So did she.
“We’ll get you those dog treats at Sandy Paws. Maybe we’ll check out The Shrimp Boat for lunch. You can sit with me. Bull—do you want to go to OC today?” I asked. She leapt up and paced on the bed in eager anticipation. Travel fears and thoughts of virtual world faded away. OC is the answer. It is a great escape from virtual world. I know it and Bull knows it. Other people should, too.
What OC offers is beyond compare. It is my way to beat virtual fatigue, and always will be. We got ready to hop in the car and then, it hit me. OC is not just a place for summer or fall. It is something to be enjoyed year-round. Octoberfest. Sunfest. Winterfest. Springfest. Come to think of it, there is a fest for every season. Not only that, but there are activities for almost anything the mind imagines. OC is the best way to beat virtual fatigue. Try it!
Don’t forget to visit https://www.oceancity.com/ for more great articles!
Best Happy Hour Deals in Ocean City, Maryland
C’mon, get happy! Oceancity.com has compiled a list of our best happy hour deals in Ocean City top 10 happy hour deals we could find and in no particular order. Please take a read and then tell us your favorite happy hour deals!
Best Happy Hour Deals in Ocean City
The Shrimp Boat
Monday-Friday 2 pm-5 pm
$2 Domestic Draft
$2.50 Domestic Bottles
$4 Wines and Local Craft Drafts
$6.99 ½ LB Steamed Shrimp (Dine In Only)
Monday – Friday $1.50 Crab Special 11am-3pm Dine In Only While Supplies Last
Seacrets
4 pm-7 pm Monday through Friday
$6.50 Seacrets Spirits & Crushes,
$7.75 Rum Runner, Pina Colada, Pain in de Ass, Frozen Orange Crush, Electric Lemonade
$6.25 Tropicale & Red Stripe
$6.50 Craft Drafts
$5.25 Domestics
$6.25 Imports
$4.50 Naturals
The Greene Turtle, North Ocean City
3pm-6pm Monday – Friday
$2.50 domestic drafts
$2.75 domestic bottles
Longboard Cafe
The very popular “241526” Happy Hour (two drinks for price of 1) runs from 5 to 6pm daily!
Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grille
3 pm-6 pm daily
$4.50 Call drinks (Captain Morgan, Smirnoff, Jim Beam, Tito’s, Tangueray, etc.)
$3.75 for 16 oz. Aluminum bottles (Budweiser, Bud Lite, Coors Light, Miller Lite)
$4.25 House wine (Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet)
$3 draft or can of traditional beer
$3.75 Rail drinks
$4.25 Draft or Can Premium Beer
$7.99 wings, cheese pizza, chicken tenders, steamed shrimp, sliders, or steamed clams
Bad Monkey
The self-described best happy hour on the beach!
Sunday-Thursday, 3 pm – 6 pm
Friday-Saturday, 3 pm- 5 pm
2 for 1 drink specials-can’t be beat!
Do you agree with these choices? Disagree? Let us know on oceancity.com or on our Facebook page
The Crabcake Factory
Monday through Friday 3 pm-6 pm, dine-in/bar only
$5 Bloody Mary
$5 Orange Crush
$1 Off most other drinks
$7 Beef taco duo, Wings (6), or Beer-battered fish taco duo
$8, 1/2 lb. Peel ‘n eat shrimp, 1 lb. steamed mussels, or shaved prime rib sandwich
$9 Famous crab cake sliders duo, Angus beef slider trio, or crab pizza
M.R. Ducks
Monday through Friday, 3 pm-6 pm, extended during entertainment and holidays
$5 Wines
$2 Natty Light
$3 Rail drinks
$5 Chug a Ducks
$2.50 Domestics
$7, 1/2 lb. steamed clams, 1/2 lb. steamed shrimp, or 1 lb. Old Bay wings
Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill
Touted as the fastest hour on the beach, happy hour runs 5 pm-6 pm, Monday through Sunday, with 2 for 1 drink specials!
Coins Pub & Restaurant
Ocean City Council Votes to Prohibit All Electric Bikes on the Boardwalk
After a lengthy and spirited debate, the Ocean City Council voted 4-3 Tuesday to prohibit all electric bikes on the Boardwalk.
E-bikes have been a hot topic for the council over the last few months. Back in August, the council voted 4-3 in favor of allowing Class 1 e-bikes only. Shortly thereafter, they backpedaled and decided that the issue needed to be reviewed further.
At the Police Commission meeting on September 14, Sgt. Allen Hawk, on behalf of the Ocean City Police Department, made the recommendation to not allow any motorized bicycles on the Boardwalk. This proved effective with swaying the council.
Sgt. Hawk’s Presentation
On September 29, the council entertained a presentation from Sgt. Hawk, in which he explained the differences between the three e-bike classes as well as impacts to consider.
E-Bike Classes
o Class 1 – Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling. Can use a speed of 20 mph.
o Class 2 – Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, which ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
o Class 3 – Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and can reach 28 mph.
Source: Ocean City Council Work Session Agenda Packet – September 29, 2020
Despite the variations between each class, Sgt. Hawk made clear that officers would have difficulty identifying a bicycle as Class 1 or 3 because neither has a throttle, unlike Class 2 bicycles. This assertion shows a stark contrast from previous discussions.
When speaking about the bicycles in August, Councilman Tony DeLuca claimed that he did not see an issue with distinguishing between one class or the other. “We heard from the OCPD, and they said they can easily distinguish between the two types,” DeLuca told his colleagues at the time. However, after talking more with the OCPD and getting a firsthand look, he changed his mind. DeLuca said that he tested a Class 1 and a Class 3 bicycle last week, and that between himself and all the others present, no one was able to tell the difference.
Regardless of concerns over enforcement, Sgt. Hawk expressed that his biggest worries are congestion on the Boardwalk, the need for additional safety measures, and personnel, along with the varied abilities of riders. He noted that many people riding in Ocean City have not used a bike for an extended period of time and lack experience. While that is understandable and expected for a tourist destination, members of the council agreed that it could lead to a dangerous situation.
Sgt. Hawk also pointed to similar restrictions on e-bikes in Rehoboth Beach and Virginia Beach.
4-3 Yea to 4-3 Nay?
How did the council go from supporting the use of Class 1 bikes to none at all? The decisive vote on this matter was Councilman Tony DeLuca. Seeing different types of e-bikes and testing them out was enough to make him switch his vote. Despite his earlier stance, he was rooted in his beliefs Tuesday, similar to the rest of the councilmembers.
In the end, Council President Lloyd Martin, Council Secretary Mary Knight, Councilman Tony DeLuca, and Councilman Dennis Dare all supported the full electric bicycle ban. Councilman John Gehrig, Councilman Matt James, and Councilman Mark Paddack found themselves in the minority.
Council Debate
Council Secretary Knight has been an outspoken critic of motorized bicycles on the Boardwalk since discussions began this summer. “I have a hard time with anything motorized on the Boardwalk,” Knight said. “Motorized bikes have no place on the Boardwalk. It’s an accident waiting to happen.” She reiterated her concerns on Tuesday and added that many tourists rent electric bikes and are given specific instructions for riding on the Boardwalk, though those instructions are too often ignored.
E-bikes have been in Ocean City since around 2008, but the town lacks any evidence that they cause significant issues on the Boardwalk. Councilman Paddack asked Sgt. Hawk about the department’s experience with electric bikes. “How many crashes have the Ocean City Police Department investigated on the Boardwalk involving a Class 1 electric bicycle?” Sgt. Hawk responded with a simple zero.
Paddack also raised concerns about potential issues for disabled and recovering people who might use e-bikes for travel, exercise, and rehabilitation. He even suggested limiting the use of bikes to owners only, preventing inexperienced renters from riding on the Boardwalk.
Council President Martin reminded the council that the major issue is congestion. However, there is little to no foot traffic in the offseason. He said that no one would even know if people were to ride electric bikes on the Boardwalk in the winter. Councilman James went on to criticize those remarks. He said that there is no point in enacting an ordinance that will not be enforced.
To propel the conversation forward, Councilman DeLuca once again made his position crystal clear. He even poked fun at the contentious debate. “All this discussion and drama is really cute. Especially the drama,” he said. “But the bottom line is this: every single one of you did not want a Class 3 bike on the Boardwalk. We had both of them on the parking lot…and you can’t tell the difference between a Class 1 and a Class 3. So, this to me is really a simple decision.”
Offseason Trial Run?
Recognizing that some councilmembers were uninterested in allowing any e-bikes at all, Councilman Gehrig and Councilman James offered to run some type of trial. They questioned why the ordinance cannot be enacted for a trial run and then amended if any issues arise. “We can see how this goes and change our minds if we need to…we don’t need to ban something without seeing problems,” said Gehrig.
Mayor Rick Meehan addressed both sides of the issue. “I have a great concern about the motorized vehicles on the Boardwalk,” he said. “But Matt’s suggestion that possibly we allow the Class 1 bikes as a trial basis for this offseason is something we should consider.”
New Motion?
After all members of the council were heard, Councilman Paddack asked Councilman DeLuca to put forth a new motion. “If Councilman DeLuca will amend his motion to ban Class 2 and Class 3 bicycles but only allow Class 1 bicycles, I will vote for that measure,” Paddack said. “To blanketly ban everything as a result of fear and not one fact, is ridiculous. That’s like banning every gun…It’s the person’s job to act responsibly, and when they don’t, they get slapped by the police.”
Councilman DeLuca wanted no part of his colleagues’ proposed changes. He responded, “Absolutely not. You’re obviously not listening. Why would I do that if an officer can’t tell the difference between a Class 1 and Class 3?”
For now, there will be no trial run, and electric bicycles are officially banned. Nonetheless, this may not be the last time the issue comes before the council.
Full Video
To watch the council work session, click here.
Ocean City Names Beauty Spot Awards Winners
Did you miss it? Ocean City’s Mayor and Ocean City Council announced the winners of the Beautification Committee’s Beauty Spot Awards this past Monday at their City Council Meeting.
While the Council meeting and the Beauty Spot Awards were held virtually this time around, the tradition of announcing the Beauty Spot Award winners continued, as is tradition. The Beautification Committee gives the awards each year, and the purpose is to honor buildings in Ocean City, both residential and commercial, that enhance Ocean City’s aesthetics through top-notch maintenance.
Winners-HOTEL
Winner-MOTELS
Winners-CONDOMINUM
The Clarks
The Vogels
Winner-RETAIL
Winners-RESTAURANTS
Winners-SPECIAL AWARD
Winners-RESIDENTIAL
The Houghs, Marlin Drive
The Nocks, Atlantic Avenue
The Shorts, Atlantic Avenue
The Taylors, 142nd Street
Kay Ayres, Baltimore Avenue
Will Esham, 14th Street
The Jahnkes, Fountain Road
The Steinbergs, 68th Street
Awards Background
According to the Council website, there are eight categories: condominium, restaurant, retail, hotel, motel, commercial, Boardwalk and residential. Three awards are given in each category, except for residential, which has six.
Anyone can submit a nomination, which can be given to Donna Greenwood, chairperson of the Beautification Committee, at 410-289-7060 or mail to the Beautification Committee at Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department, 200 125th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, or email at OCBeautification@hotmail.com. If possible, please submit the property owner’s name, street address, phone number, and nominator’s name with contact information.
Nominations can be given through mid-summer, and a call for nominations is traditionally listed on the Council website. The Committee reviews nominated properties via a point-rating system to determine the victors.
Factored into the judging includes the amount of flowers/ground cover, trees, shrubs, grasses in addition to the level of creativity associated with the covering. Moreover, the Committee encourages the use of native plants. Other creative ways to enhance the aesthetics of the landscape include containers, planters, window boxes, hanging baskets,for example, such that curb appeal is enhanced.
Do you have a dumpster or other area of your property that looks unsightly? You can beautify those items, too, according to the Committee. All of these collective efforts make one eligible for an award from the Committee.
In a normal, non-COVID year, the Chair of the Beautification Committee, Donna Greenwood would physically present the awards to winners, along with pictures of the victorious properties. However, this year, the winners were announced virtually by Mayor Richard W. Meehan. The virtual nature of the event does not detract from the importance of what the winners earned, and all ought to be proud of what they accomplished to beautify Ocean City.
https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/city-hall/mayor-and-city-council/beautification-committee/
