September 6, 2016 – The Commissioners present a proclamation recognizing September 19-23, 2016 as Economic Development Week in Worcester County to highlight the impact that businesses starting up or expanding have on the local economy. Those pictured include Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting (front row, from left), Vince Gisriel of Sprout Creatives, Economic Development Director Merry Mears, and Commissioners Diana Purnell and Merrill Lockfaw; and Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (second row, from left), Ann McGinnis Hillyer of OceanCity.com and ShoreCreftBeer.com, and Commissioner Ted Elder. Area residents benefit greatly from community-focused businesses, and young, emerging companies, like Sprout Creatives and Ocean City.com are exemplary. The presence of these types of trendsetters attracts additional startup businesses and spurs economic growth.
Tidal Flooding Expected to Continue Until Monday
Ocean City, Maryland – (September 4, 2016): Despite sunny skies and calm conditions, Ocean City will continue to see the effects of Tropical Storm Hermine over the next several tidal cycles. The wind and rain has subsided but strong rip currents and chances for beach erosion remain high.
With the next high tide at 10: 33 a.m. today, residents and visitors are reminded that road closures are possible, specifically in the downtown area, if areas become impassible. The Inlet Lot is now open, along with access to the beach, however; swimming is still prohibited due to dangerous ocean conditions.
The sea gates are being opened at the street ends and public works employees are beginning to clear the Boardwalk of significant amounts of sand. Damage was minimal and due to the preparedness of the citizens and hard work of employees and allied agencies, zero storm related injuries were reported.
Citizens are reminded to be aware of the next several high tide cycles (10: 33 a.m. today, 10:53 p.m. tonight and 11:14 a.m. tomorrow). This is the last emergency alert for Tropical Storm Hermine. Additional information regarding the storm or the clean-up efforts will be posted on social media if needed.
Onancock announces the 2016 Annual Ker Art Festival
The Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society presents the Annual Ker Art Festival Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10 on the lawn at beautiful historic Ker Place in Onancock. Admission to all events is free and open to the public!
Festival events kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, September 9 with a Preview Party and live music from local band Corn Funk Revue. The band features local musicians Peg Volk, Lynne Rogers, Scott Wade, Melinda McPeek, Ellen Grimes, and Chris Chandler, and will perform a mix of blues, folk and original music. There will be a cash bar and an opportunity to preview and purchase artwork prior to the festival on Saturday. The Preview Party is held in conjunction with the 2nd Friday Art Stroll in Historic Onancock. Saturday’s events, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., include concessions, children’s activities, live alpacas from By the Bay Alpacas, old-fashioned pie and cake auctions, and artist demonstrations. It’ll be the last opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the Fowling Point ChromaLuxe Metal Panel Print by landscape photographer Gordon Campbell, owner of At Altitude Gallery in Cape Charles.
The winner for the raffle will be drawn at the end of the festival Saturday. Live music by local musician Erika Peterson begins at noon.
Featured artists include: Mark Belknap/Red Dog Decoys, Karyn Belknap/Ten Good Sheep, Gertraud Fendler/Sea Glass Girl, Diane Ginsberg, Tara King/By the Bay Alpacas, Brenda Llewellyn Ceramics, Laura McGowan, Mama Girl, Stevon Sample/Dominion Multimedia, Guy Shover, Donna Stufft/Painted Stitches, Liz Watson/Soul Shine Jewelry, Vesna Zidovec, Bruce Ricci, and more! Space is available for artists, photographers, and craftsmen: for more information about the festival and to register for the weekend’s events, contact Hilary or Shannon at 757-787-8012. All proceeds benefit the Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society and their commitment to bringing exciting and quality educational programs to the Shore community. Want to keep up with all the happenings at Ker Place? Send an email to marketing@shorehistory.org to join the email list! Follow @ESVHS on Facebook and Instagram!
Tropical storm updates
Ocean City, Maryland – (September 3, 2016): Ocean City Emergency Services is continuing to monitor the projected path of Tropical Storm Hermine. With the previous predictions remaining consistent, Ocean City is beginning to see the initial effects of the storm. Accelerating winds and increased rain will continue well into tomorrow, September 4.
Common sense and extreme caution should be exercised during all phases of the storm by residents and visitors. Various streets in Ocean City, specifically in the downtown area, could to be subject to closures due to impassible roadways at high tide and swimming in the ocean continues to be prohibited. Residents should secure their homes and prepare for possible flooding, specifically during high tide cycles. In addition, all watercraft objects and outdoor furniture should be sheltered or protected.
Currently, the projected forecast estimates four to seven inches of rain fall, combined with upcoming tidal surges which will cause moderate to severe flooding. Residents and property owners in all zones, particularly in Zone A, should prepare for flooding beginning in the early morning hours tomorrow. To find out what zone you are in, visit oceancitymd.gov/KnowYourZone.
As always, the town remains committed to keeping residents and visitors informed with accurate information before, during and after the storm. Citizens should subscribe to the e-news and/or follow the town’s social media channels to stay informed! The next news release is expected at 4 p.m. today, September 3.
Town of Ocean City Alerts via GovDelivery: subscribe to GovDelivery, visit the “City Wide Alerts” tab on the Town of Ocean City’s website at http://oceancitymd.gov.
Town of Ocean City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownOfOceanCity
Town of Ocean City Twitter: @townofoceancity
www.oceancitymd.gov/knowyourzone
For general & non-emergency information: 410.520.5281/5282
Update from the Town of Ocean City regarding Tropical Storm Hermine
Tropical Storm Hermine Expected to Impact OC, All Zones Susceptible to Flooding
OCEAN CITY, MD – (September 2, 2016): Ocean City’s Emergency Management officials are closely monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Hermine, which will begin to effect the area in the morning hours tomorrow, September 3. Currently, forecast predictions include moderate rainfall (approximately four to seven inches) and moderate flooding during tidal cycles. All of Ocean City will be susceptible to flooding, with significant flooding expected in Zone A. Heavy winds are also expected with sustained wind speeds of 30-40 mph and gusts up to 50 mph. With a current storm system impacting the area, town officials are urging residents and property owners to stay informed and be prepared for flooding prior to Tropical Storm Hermine.
Rainfall should end on Sunday, however; significant storm surge and moderate flood threats will continue depending on the track of the forecast. In preparation for the storm, several pre-storm action items will be completed, including removing items from the beach and closing the sea wall gates. In addition, residents and visitors should expect road closures in the downtown area and Inlet Lot during the storm if tidal cycles or rainfall becomes significant.
Residents and property owners, particularly in ALL of Zone A, should prepare for moderate to severe flooding beginning in the early morning hours tomorrow, September 3. To find out what zone you are in, visit oceancitymd.gov/KnowYourZone. Preparedness efforts include tying up water vessels, removing outdoor furniture, and securing objects susceptible to wind and flooding.
Hurricane Hermine hits Florida and will bring some rain to Ocean City
According to the Weather Channel, Hurricane Hermine hit Florida and is now expected to cross the Panhandle of Florida and travel up the East Coast as a tropical storm. From what the maps look like, Ocean City is under a Tropical Storm Watch with no more than a few inches + of rain predicted, mostly falling Saturday. WBOC predicts that we will begin seeing the effects of the storm late Friday night and that by Sunday afternoon, we should see improving weather. Labor Day is predicted to be mostly sunny with a high of 87 degrees. To keep updated, you can check here or check WBOC’s local weather page.
What does this mean for Ocean City and the thousands of vacationers in town for the holiday weekend? First, and most importantly, It doesn’t look like the winds nor the rain will be life threatening if you are careful. Happily, all the bars, restaurants, and hotels are open for business and the storm will only add to the festive atmosphere in these haunts. There are many indoor activities that are fun, from indoor golf at Old Pro, to the new haunted house, to many new movies at Sun and Surf Cinema 8. Play games with the family or just watch the waves crash. The waves should be dramatic and the beach erosion could be significant. Swimming will be more treacherous and visitors to the beach should stay out of the water unless the lifeguards are in the stands. Be sure to listen to the beach patrol 
and do as instructed. They are here to keep you safe, but nobody should take unnecessary risks. There may be storm surge so be careful where you drive during the high tide cycles of the storm.
We are in for a different kind of beach weekend, but it will be a blast none the less. Pack your weather gear and plan to enjoy the many people and places that make Ocean City great throughout the summer. Friday is great. Sunday could be good by the end of the day and Monday will be perfect. Saturday couldn’t be a better day for enjoying the indoor activities available in Ocean City. Don’t forget, you can try some of the locally produced craft beers and try to win the OC8 Challenge while you are waiting for Hermine to pass. Drink world class beer, watch a storm, and win prizes all at the same time. Sounds like a GREAT Labor Day weekend to me!
You can download the Shore Craft Beer app from the Apple store to get started. Information is also available online at ShoreCraftBeer.com. For those that like the beer or can’t finish the challenge before the sun shines again, then come down next weekend for the 8th Annual Brews on the Beach where you can try over 30 locally brewed craft beers. Tickets are available online at www.ShoreCraftBeerFest.com.
Have a very happy and safe Labor Day weekend. We will keep you updated on Hermine and will keep posting photos and looking for yours on our Facebook page.
Governor Larry Hogan signs Executive Order to start school after Labor Day
Ocean City – Governor Larry Hogan today signed an Executive Order that will require Maryland’s public schools to start classes after Labor Day, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. Citing the benefits of a post-Labor Day school start for families, students, teachers, and the economy, the governor made the announcement on the Ocean City Boardwalk, where he was joined by Comptroller Peter Franchot, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Senator James Mathias, Delegate Mary Beth Carozza, education advocates, and other longtime supporters of a post-Labor Day school start.
“Starting Maryland public schools after Labor Day is not just a family issue – it’s an economic and public safety issue that draws clear, strong, bipartisan support among an overwhelming majority of Marylanders,” said Governor Hogan. “Comptroller Franchot and I believe, and the people of Maryland strongly agree, that this Executive Order puts the best interests of Marylanders first, especially the well-being of our students. This action is long overdue, and it is simply the right thing to do.”
The Executive Order signed today will require that Maryland’s public schools begin after Labor Day, complete the 180 days that are required under state law, and adjourn by June 15, beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. The executive order does permit for a waiver to be applied for with the Maryland State Department of Education to be exempt from the post-Labor Day start date. For the 2017-2018 school year and beyond, local school systems will have to apply annually for a waiver based on compelling justification. Furthermore, the State Department of Education will establish procedures and standards for school districts and individual schools seeking special waivers to accommodate non-traditional schedules.
“I applaud Governor Hogan for signing today’s executive order,” said Comptroller Franchot. “This sensible, long-overdue adjustment of Maryland’s public school calendar will be a lifeline for those small, locally-owned businesses that are the backbone of our state’s economy and have struggled in the midst of the slowest economic recovery in our nation’s history. It will generate new state revenues that can be reinvested in our classrooms and for other vital priorities. It will spare tens of thousands of teachers, students and school employees from having to return to sweltering, unhealthy classrooms in the hottest days of August.
“And finally, it will give families throughout our state time to enjoy those final days of summer the way they were meant to be enjoyed, whether it is taking that final vacation to the beach or the lake, visiting the Inner Harbor or catching an Orioles game, enjoying an evening at the Maryland State Fair, or just relaxing a bit at home. As a father myself, I know that kids grow up far too fast and the time that families have together, in this day and age, goes by in an instant. The action taken today by Governor Hogan will give our families the priceless gift of time, and for that I am personally grateful.”
In recent years, the effort to start schools after Labor Day has garnered overwhelming support across the state. Two independent polls by Goucher College, conducted in 2014 and 2015, showed that more than 70 percent of Marylanders support this initiative. Additionally, a petition in favor of a post-Labor Day school start has collected nearly 25,000 signatures.
The significant economic benefits of a post-Labor Day school start have been well documented. A 2013 economic impact study by Maryland’s Bureau of Revenue Estimates found that a post-Labor Day school start could generate an additional $74.3 million in direct economic activity, including $3.7 million in new wages and $7.7 million in state and local tax revenue.
In 2013, a nonpartisan task force, which included teachers, administrators, school board members, PTA members, and other public stakeholders, was convened by the General Assembly and chaired by the Maryland State Department of Education to examine the effects of a post-Labor Day school start on Maryland’s education system, as well as its economy and tourism industry. In a report that was issued on June 30, 2014, the task force stated “there was no compelling evidence that showed there was any impact on education starting post-Labor Day.” The task force voted 12-3 to recommend that schools begin after Labor Day.
Longtime supporters of this effort were pleased with today’s announcement.
“Starting school after Labor Day gives families more time to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and provides small businesses a significant economic boost when they need it most,” said Mayor Meehan. “It also creates jobs and generates revenue for our state’s economy. After a lot of hard work and tremendous effort, I am thrilled to see an executive order to start school after Labor Day, not because it is good for Ocean City, but because it’s good for the entire State. Maryland can finally ‘Let Summer Be Summer.’”
“I’m grateful to Governor Hogan for his action today,” said Senator Mathias. “I’ve worked on this effort for a long, long time, and I can’t wait to see the faces on the kids and families enjoying themselves the way they should on the boardwalk the weekend before Labor Day. This is a win for the families and for the economy.”
“Starting school after Labor Day is good for Maryland families and Maryland’s economy by giving that last stretch of summer for families and friends to spend together, either at home or on vacation,” said Delegate Carozza. “I’ve heard from many families, teachers, and our small business owners who have long supported a later start school date, and after talking to school administrators and personnel, I am confident that the calendars will be well managed by our local boards.”
The 7 best things to do on the Boardwalk right now
With the holiday weekend approaching, there are some tough decisions to be made as you walk along the boardwalk: Do you want to sit down and enjoy lunch, or grab something quick from a stand? Carmel corn or candy? If you can only stop and have one beer, where should it be? We certainly have our own opinions, but they can be biased or get skewed all the time. The Best of the Boardwalk, however, is a different animal altogether. It’s voted on by the more than 160,000 people who visit our site as well as our city. They know what they like and why they like it, which is why they’re happy to share their knowledge.
What follows are their picks for the best things to do on the Boardwalk. If you don’t agree, you can vote for the Best of Ocean City yourself. Vote every day if you like, depending upon how strongly you agree with the following (which was accurate as of Sept. 1, 2016).
The Candy Kitchen is the best place to stop for sweets on the Boardwalk
Candy can be a divisive issue on the Boardwalk because sometimes the kids want something brighter, sweeter and sugarier and the grownups want something rich. It isn’t clear whether the Candy Kitchen’s dominance comes from selection or location, location, location (location, location, location…) but there you have it.
If you miss Pizza Boy, you miss the best Boardwalk pizza
Some people say Tony’s is the best, but not enough. Pizza Boy is running away with this category, feel free to tell us why in the comments. Dough Rollers is a distant third for reasons as incomprehensible to them as it is to their voters (who always could vote again, if that is where their conscience lies). I couldn’t think up an appropriate pun for how far behind Piezano’s is in the polling except to say they’re topping Caruso’s. In other news, writing puns is the leading cause of deserved carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Purple Moose is the place to be on the Boardwalk
Stopping off for a beer, or grabbing a cold one to get out of the sun is one of the truly great Ocean City Boardwalk experiences. Bars that are dark and cold provide a great contrast after a morning of sun, sand and surf. The Purple Moose, according to you guys, is the height of Boardwalk Bardom, although Shenanigan’s and Brass Balls are a close second and third.
Harrison’s Harbor Watch is the best place to have a meal on the Boardwalk
It isn’t really a shock that Harrison’s Harbor Watch is in the lead because of its view, but other restaurants that have Boardwalk seating are worth supporting as well. People who like Shenanigan’s, for example, are kind of fanatic about it which is why it is a surprise they’re trailing by so much. And don’t get me started on Bull on the Beach.
The Alaska Stand is the best place to grab a snack on the Boardwalk
Stands, in the general sense, are at least as important as rides, games of chance and hilariously tacky tee shirt shops in making the Boardwalk experience complete. They fry and freeze and dip things to eat while you’re strolling, but they also can cook up something quick if you’ve seen one too many “No Shirt, No Shoes” signs and wanna just have lunch. The Alaska Stand is the superior place to have that experience, according to the readers. That means according to you. That means if you don’t agree, you’ve gotta vote to change it or live with the consequences of your decision.
The Kite Loft puts the T-Shirt Factory to shame, shop-wise
There are a million different kinds of shops on the Boardwalk in Ocean City. OK, there really just are toys, accessories, apparel and kooky (i.e. henna tattoos or spray painted hats or rice writing or whatever). The Kite Loft not only traditionally wins this slot, but they also often are in the running for Top Ten vote getters annually. If this is cool with you, do nothing. But if you don’t want to live in a world where Quiet Storm is seen as inferior to the Kite Loft, there’s a way to fix it.
Think Fishers is always better than Dolle’s? So do most people
Carmel corn is one of those things you either care deeply about or don’t. The people who consistently vote for Fisher’s over Dolle’s in the popcorn category obviously really really care about Fisher’s. Dolle’s leaves something of a mark on the people who visit but for some reason hasn’t gotten the same traction with the Ocean City enthusiasts. This is the year that might change, if you want it to. If you’re among those people who can’t understand why Dolle’s isn’t getting the recognition it deserves, don’t just vote, vote every day. Set an alarm or a Google Alert about Dolle’s. Share the love.
6 Ocean City foods you had no idea you were passionate about
Next to rooting for a particular sports team (LGM) there’s nothing in pop culture so divisive as which place has the best food. Now, there’s a thousand ways to look at “best.” It could be by the style of restaurant or by the type of food. It could be by the service or the drink menus or whether they use fresh or frozen peas. OK, that last one isn’t true.
The point is, if you’re interested in good food, you have an opinion where to get it. When you come to town, there’s something you definitely want to get first. Moreover, you want other people to find and like the same places or menu items you like. That’s where the Best of Ocean City comes in.
The following statements are true according to our voters as of August 25. We often get people who don’t like the results, and I tell them all the same thing: Vote your conscience and may the legitimately Best of Ocean City rise to the top…
Is the Crab Cake Factory really twice as good as everyone else?
With nearly 50 percent of the vote, it would seem so. Several upstarts, including The Shark, have mounted an impressive write-in campaign that has split the vote for 2nd. OC Fish Company is in 3rd.
Is there even such a thing as Best Wings?
Write-ins from Johnny’s and Pit’n’Pub have muddied the water and “Other” is the leading best place to go get wings. The Original Greene Turtle is a close second, but it really is anybody’s ballgame.
Lombardi’s has the best pizza? Tell it to Johnny’s fans
Speaking of Johnny’s write in campaigns, they’re killing it in the pizza department. They’re close on the heels of Lombardi’s and even ahead of some of last year’s most impressive names.
The Crab Bag is demolishing Hooper’s
I have no dog in this fight, but the number of people who are voting for the Crab Bag make it look as if it might be unstoppable in this year’s Best of Ocean City. The only one even in shouting distance at this writing is Hoopers…
The subs at Anthony’s are better even than the subs at Anthony’s!
The top two vote-getters so far are Anthony’s Beer, Wine, and Liquors and Anthony’s on 17th Street.Both are excellent choices but it is hard to believe the folks at Primo or Fat Daddy’s are going to let that monopoly stand.
Smokers and Pit ‘n’ Pub are duking it out
Two great places are neck and neck with the West O Smokers edging the downtown Pit ‘n’ Pub, but that might not be true for much longer.
5 can’t miss stories from the week
Last week we got out and explored the peninsula as well as Ocean City proper. There was plenty to see and (as you know) we often post our adventures on our Twitter feed as well as on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us at any of those places to see these stories as they come out.
Things go sideways at the Ocean Bowl skate park
The Ocean City skate park turned 40 and there was an amount of fanfare but the focus was on the past and the people who would take the skate park into the future. I got a video to go with my story but missed the memo that Facebook Live is only shot vertically, so the vireo is sideways but still a lot of fun.
Sailing over the Eastern Shore of Virginia
As part of our continuing day trip series, we headed down to the southern part of the peninsula to do a little exploring on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Stay tuned for more stories, but this one is about one of the burgeoning businesses there, Virginia Hang Gliding. It’s just about an hour from Ocean City, but if you make it a part of a bigger day trip it doesn’t matter. Spend a couple hours hang gliding and head out for lunch in one of the cool little towns that dot the distance between Ocean City and Painter, Va. We’ll have more suggestions as the weeks go on, but for now I say hang glide in the morning, lunch at the Island House in Wachapreague, knock around some of the antique stores and museums between there and the Wallops Island Flight Facility visitor center and have dinner in Chincoteague.
Speaking of day trips
Another destination to shortlist for your day trip is Crisfield, Md. It’s the jumping off point for visits to both Tangier Island, Va. and Smith Island, Md. but even if you don’t jump off from there you totally can keep yourself occupied.
Already preparing for next summer
While people are bemoaning the end of summer, the Ocean City Beach Patrol has its eyes on next summer. They’re preparing to hire and train a bunch of new life guards to ensure that next summer goes as smoothly as did this one.
State Visit
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot came by to visit during the MACo conference last week and returned more recently with a big announcement.
Ocean Bowl turns 40, people hang out
The Ocean Bowl 40th Anniversary was more for the people who won’t see 40 this decade or the next than people who already have. Over the years, the Ocean City skate park has clung to tradition. To summer people and locals, to fighting and embracing stereotypes but most of all, to the notion that skating is a very specific endeavor that is for everybody once, but not for everybody always.
Recently, the skate park celebrated its 40th anniversary. There didn’t appear to be a ton of fanfare that wasn’t for the participants themselves, but the skaters were left to their own devices, which is really where they shine.
Landmark Ocean City skate park
Show up in the middle of the week unannounced and it is more than a little impressive how the park runs. To kids, it might look as if there are adults in charge, but in my experience it is a teen- (or 20-something-) run endeavor. But that has been the beauty of it in my experience. The people in charge know how precarious their hold on this massive amount of freedom is, and they treat it with maximum respect.
I have never walked unchallenged into the Ocean Bowl, although walking into a school never has been a problem for me. The people in charge (here I fight the temptation to call them kids) are relaxed and respectful but always a little wary. Their attitude seems to be that people who aren’t following the rules are either too caught up in their own endeavors or trying to get away with something. In either case, there is not a lot of leeway for shenanigans.
Give respect, etc…
They were announcing the winners of what they called the “One Trick Pony” award up on the stage, but there still were skaters in the bowl. There seemed to be a pretty steep divide between the people who were skating and the crowd listening to the presenters, but it wasn’t the divide you might expect.
The younger ones, the kids who hadn’t been around for the 25th Ocean Bowl Anniversary sat rapt, answering trivia questions and listening as the park’s history was recounted. There were families at the picnic tables getting a little respite from the heat and enjoying snacks as the event pushed on. In the bowl, however, there was an amount of gray.
Maybe it is a timing thing, but what I go out to take photos at the Ocean Bowl I’m the oldest person in the park by 15 years at least. That wasn’t true this day. There were a couple of teens and people in their 20s taking runs, but there were more than a few older guys getting in runs while the kids were otherwise distracted.
It felt right, though. The next generation, the kids who would eventually get jobs working at the park and then become taxpayers who attend council meetings to fight for funding, were listening to the awards and the history. They were getting invested. In another decade or two, when the question of replacement or maintenance comes up at a town hall meeting, or when some half-scandal or misguided excitement gets people who have never skated interested in the future or the process of running the Ocean City skate park, these kids will be there. But they’ll be grownups. They’ll not only defend the Ocean Bowl but talk about sitting in the hot sun at the 40th Anniversary and make the case to ensure that the oldest skate park in America see it’s 80th anniversary. It’s 100th.
Coming Soon – Video of Commissioners Meetings on the county website
Good news for those interested in staying current on Worcester County legislative and administrative issues, but are unable to attend the meetings of the Board of County Commissioners of Worcester County. In the coming months, the Commissioners’ bimonthly meetings, which take place on the first and third Tuesdays, will be videotaped and available for viewing after the meeting on the county website atwww.co.worcester.md.us.
On Tuesday, August 16, 2016, the Commissioners accepted a proposal from ePlus to install a fully automated audio visual system in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room in the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill at a total installed cost of $24,509. This audio visual package is far less costly than recording options the Commissioners had considered in the past, some of which were estimated to cost upwards of $200,000.
We are thrilled to be able to offer this new service to all. Additional details will be released via local news outlets, as well as the Worcester County website, Facebook and Twitter pages when the new audio visual system is operational and video footage after each meeting is available on the county website.
Applications Being Accepted for Ocean City University
Ocean City, Maryland – (August 22, 2016): The Town of Ocean City is accepting applications for the 2016 semester of Ocean City University. Residents and visitors can learn more about the Town’s municipal government and the services it provides by attending a series of courses that offer citizens a diverse background on Ocean City.
Classes are held on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning September 14. The ten week course is free and will cover a number of topics, including public works, public safety, tourism, finance and a variety of areas related to Ocean City’s municipal government.
“The goal of Ocean City University is to provide a better understanding of government’s role and relationship with citizens, as well as continue to build the relationship between government and residents to improve our community’s quality of life,” said Doug Miller, City Manager for the Town of Ocean City. “We hope this course gives citizens a sense of ownership in government actions because we believe informed citizens can make a difference in the community.”
A minimum of 20 students must be enrolled in the course. To sign up, visit www.oceancitymd.gov or call the City Manager’s Office at 410-289-8887.
Charles “Chuck” Barton Retires from Ocean City Fire Department after 33 Years of Service
Ocean City, Maryland – (August 9, 2016): Ocean City is saying goodbye to a friendly and familiar face this month, with the retirement of Ocean City Fire Department Deputy Chief Charles “Chuck” Barton. Barton, who is officially retiring at the end of the month, leaves with more than 33 years of service to the town. Beginning his career as a seasonal Firefighter/EMT in 1978, Barton was hired full time on January 3, 1983.
A nationally registered paramedic and fire officer, Barton worked his way up the ranks, earning the title of Lieutenant in 2000 and Deputy Chief of the Career Fire/EMS Division in 2005. While his formal responsibilities included managing administrative and operational functions of the career division, he also played a major role in the training, development and growth of the department.
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve the fire department, the town of Ocean City and the Ocean City community,” Barton commented. “I have had an incredible career, but the success I’ve had is deeply rooted in the success of my employees. They provide a tremendous service and they are what I am proud of the most.”
Barton’s professional achievements are extraordinary, including a Governor’s Citation, State of Maryland’s EMS Provider of the Year and the Outstanding Achievement Award for Maryland’s Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. During retirement, Barton expects to continue his work as a medical provider, specifically in training and education. “I have accepted a full-time faculty position in the EMS department at Wor-Wic Community College,” Barton finished. “I am looking forward to teaching, continuing my work on my graduate degree and spending more time traveling with my family.”
According to Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, Barton’s retirement is “bittersweet” for the town of Ocean City. “There are many ways you have helped the town of Ocean City and we are honored to have had your service for more than 30 years,” Meehan commented during Barton’s retirement recognition ceremony. “You have gained the respect of everyone in this room and to say that you will be missed is purely an understatement.”
The kids in the kitchen at Captain’s Table
Growing up in the hotel business is a double edged sword: you don’t have to look too hard for work when you’re a kid, but the work you get is the work you do, there aren’t a lot of choices. That was the story for all of the guys who work together to run the Captain’s Table growing up. As kids, Brad Taylor, Rob Conner and Travis McKenna worked as maintenance guys, desk clerks and bus boys, taking the jobs that were unfilled or needed the most amount of support. Each of the three eventually took a liking to the kitchen, fortunately, because that is where they ended up.
“We just did whatever was needed at the time,” Brad said of his earliest years in the business.
A typical Saturday afternoon in season has the group working as one to prepare for the evening ahead. At least one of them is there every night all year, cooking and ordering and running the kitchen, but Saturday nights are an all hands on deck affair, and have been for most of the guys lives.
Dinner at the Captain’s Table restaurant
Of course, Brad, Rob and Travis aren’t kids anymore and really haven’t been for some time. In the intervening years they went from helping where help was needed anywhere on the property to cultivating a new culture for the next generation in the kitchen. Travis is the youngest and he has been working there for more than 15 years. Speaking with the guys as they finished up the Saturday evening prep work, I got the impression there were different practices depending upon the night in question. Travis said they weren’t so much practices as they were mutual understandings between all.
“We’ve been doing this together for so long, we all have specific things we know have to be done each night,” he said. “We never have too many days off.”
Click here for the Restaurant Week Menu
As with any other job, the longer you do it, the better you get. What is interesting about the guys at the Captain’s Table, though, is between them they have more than 50 years of experience. They know the whole building, not just the kitchen, so as the summer comes and goes, they have an excellent sense of what is going to happen from day to day.
Making great meals
We’re all familiar with prep work, getting the ingredients ready to be made into food, but over the four or so hours that comprise a Saturday summer dinner rush Brad, Rob and Travis will work together to do make more than 200 meals. Because of the restaurant’s reputation for quality food, most of this is done from scratch. The prep work is mostly about making soups and bases, chopping vegetables or pre-seasoning food that will later be properly prepared. The guys already had been hard at it when I showed up in the early afternoon and were putting the finishing touches on the prep and beginning the cleanup, shelving recently-washed plates and glasses so they would be ready for use again in the coming hours.
They joked with one another and talked as they cleaned. As the waitstaff began to come in and do its own prep work, they guys would take a break, maybe have a little something to eat and then prepare for the evening. Many people make reservations at the Captain’s Table, because it is such a destination restaurant, but many more don’t. Brad said it wasn’t unusual to have 20 or so reservations on a Saturday afternoon and then make 250 meals that evening.
But over the years the hard work and attention to detail has paid off for the trio. After more than a decade running the kitchen together they have gotten a system down that allows them to be more efficient that they have in a long time. They now have a little downtime during the week and even days off, which are a relatively new development.
“When we first started we worked seven days per week,” Rob said. “This is one of the first years we can take days off during the summer.”
Worcester County Commissioner appointed to Recognition Advisory Committee for Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs
Worcester County Commissioner Diana Purnell was recently appointed by the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs to serve on the Recognition Advisory Committee.
The Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs works to serve as a statewide clearinghouse for information, to identify unmet social and economic needs in the native community, to support government education programs for American Indian youth, to provide support in the process of obtaining Recognition of State and Federal Indian Status, and to promote the awareness and understanding of historical and contemporary American Indian contributions in Maryland. The five-member Recognition Advisory Committee, which Commissioner Purnell will serve on, is tasked with reviewing petitions from Native American tribes, bands, groups or clans that are indigenous to Maryland and are applying to the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs for formal recognition of Maryland Indian status.
Commissioner Purnell is part Native American, a descendant of the Coharie Tribe of North Carolina. She states that heritage is vitally important, shaping lives and communities.
“Heritage has always played a key role in who I am and aspire to be,” Commissioner Purnell said. “All tribes are family, regardless of where we hail from, so I count it a real honor to be able to serve on the commission. We all need to know who we are, where we came from, so we can grow and learn to appreciate one another’s diverse backgrounds and how they contribute to each other and our communities.”
In addition to her position as a member of the Recognition Advisory Committee, Commissioner Purnell, a representative of District 2, also serves on the Worcester County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council and its subcommittee The Opioid Awareness Task Force, and the Worcester County Social Services Board. She is also an active member of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Board, the Worcester County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Commissioner Purnell is an entrepreneur and community business leader as well as the former executive director of the Berlin Community Improvement Association and past president of the Worcester County Commission for Women. Commissioner Purnell and her husband, Gabe, reside in Berlin. The couple has two daughters, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
