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Blood Bank of Delmarva teams up with Food Bank of Delaware for Save 1, Feed 1 Campaign

Anne
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Blood Bank of Delmarva teams up with Food Bank of Delaware for Save 1, Feed 1 Campaign

For the month of March, the Blood Bank of Delmarva will donate on behalf of blood donors to Food Bank of Delaware

GLASGOW, Del. – Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) is partnering with the Food Bank of Delaware for their Save 1, Feed 1 campaign. For the month of March, BBD will be donating $1 to Food Bank of Delaware on behalf of every presenting blood donor who registers to make a donation in their honor.

According to Food Bank of Delaware, 114,190 Delawareans are food insecure, which is equivalent to about 11 percent of the state population. Approximately 1 in 9 Diamond State residents rely on the charity food system, despite most of these people being from families in which at least one person is working.

Unfortunately, children are more likely to be in poverty and face food insecurity – namely 1 in 6 Delaware children.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Food Bank of Delaware for this campaign, as there are so many similarities in the life saving work that both of our organizations do every day,” said Patty Killeen, Senior Executive Director at Blood Bank of Delmarva. “Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a chronic shortage of blood, as well as a dramatic increase in the need for food bank services. We hope that this partnership is able to help both of our organizations to provide essential services to Delawareans.”

The issue food banks are facing is not a lack of food per se, but rather the challenge of transporting food to where it is needed most. Monetary donations are essential in paying for the transportation and storage of food. A mere $1 donation can provide an incredible 3 meals to those in need as food banks are able to buy food by the truckload as opposed to paying retail price. Therefore, each blood donation throughout the duration of this campaign has the ability to both save up to 3 lives and provide 3 meals to Delawareans facing food insecurity.

About 40 percent of the food we create in the U.S. is never eaten, adding up to billions of pounds of food waste annually according to the National Resources Defense Council. Food waste is the single biggest source of methane, a very powerful climate change agent.

“We are grateful to partner with the Blood Bank of Delmarva on this important initiative,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “We are better when we work together, and I can’t think of a better partner. We know that the low blood supply and increased demands for food assistance are both critical issues our community faces. For me, this is a win-win for both banks!”

To make an appointment at a blood drive near you, donors can call 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or visit delmarvablood.org/save1feed1.

Donating blood is safe and only takes one hour. We are taking extra precautions to help prevent the person-to-person spread of COVID-19. All BBD staff are vaccinated. As always, people are not eligible to donate if they’re experiencing a cold, sore throat, respiratory infection or flu-like symptoms. People can donate blood regardless of vaccination status. Additional information on donor eligibility and COVID-19 precautions is available here.

 

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About Blood Bank of Delmarva: Founded in 1954, Blood Bank of Delmarva is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community blood bank with a simple mission: saving lives. The Blood Bank of Delmarva achieves its mission by providing safe blood and blood products to all 19 hospitals in Delmarva and relies on 80,000 volunteer blood donors each year to ensure patients’ needs are met. The Blood Bank of Delmarva distributes over 130,000 blood products annually and operates four donor centers. Each year, the Blood Bank of Delmarva normally hosts over 600 blood drives. These blood drives would not be possible without the commitment of community organizations that volunteer to serve as sponsors or coordinators, which provides opportunities for blood donors to give blood and help patients in need. BBD is a New York Blood Center Enterprises affiliate and a member of AABB and ABC. For more information, please visit delmarvablood.org or follow us at facebook.com/delmarvabloodbank.

 

About Food Bank of Delaware: A member of Feeding America, the Food Bank of Delaware’s mission is to provide nutritious foods to Delawareans in need and facilitate long-term solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty through community outreach and advocacy. For more information, please visit Food Bank of Delaware (fbd.org).

Antares Rocket Scheduled to Launch from Wallops Tomorrow

Ann
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Antares Rocket Scheduled to Launch from Wallops Tomorrow

Ocean City residents should get ready to watch the Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus space freighter to the International Space Station this weekend. Viewing should be  great from the beaches with predictions for sun both Saturday and Sunday. Bring your hot chocolate, folding chairs and binoculars to watch history being made from Wallops once again.  It’s pretty exciting to have rockets launching from your backyard, and for those of us who watched the Apollo missions to the moon on TV, it’s amazing to think of how far we’ve come.  If you want to see a rocket launch, not on TV but from the beach in front of your hotel, read on.

Who knows, with the experiments on this rocket, we may be able to fly with lithium batteries one day.

About this Rocket Launch from Wallops Island in Virginia

The NG-17 Northrop Grumman Antares rocket 17th resupply mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch Saturday, February 19, 2022.  It will be carrying the Northrop Grumman Cygnus space freighter into space loaded with over 8300 pounds of science investigations, supplies and experiments.  This rocket will boost the Cygnus into space in only nine minutes and the early stages of this resupply mission will be visible from Ocean City if the weather cooperates.  The launch is currently scheduled for just after noon tomorrow.

A weather report was just issued showing that ground and upper level winds are a concern for the launch on Saturday, but the weather for Sunday looks great.

We are within the 48 hour launch window and a pre-launch briefing is scheduled for today at 1 pm. You can listen live on the NASA live-streaming site.

What This Mission Includes

The Nasa site details what the planned space station research supported by this mission contains:

  • a study that examines the effects of a drug on breast and prostate cancer cells
  • a new combustion facility
  • an investigation from Colgate-Palmolive that will leverage the acceleration of skin aging in microgravity to help create and validate an engineered tissue model to serve as a platform for testing potential products to protect aging skin
  • a demonstration of a lithium-ion secondary battery capable of safe, stable operation under extreme temperatures and in a vacuum environment
  • new hydrogen sensors that will be tested for the space station’s oxygen generation system
  • a system that will test hydroponic and aeroponic techniques for plant growth and allow scientists to observe root growth through video and still images

You can find more information about Northrop Grumman’s commercial resupply to the only laboratory in space here.

Watching the Rocket Launch

Whether the launch is Saturday or Sunday, people who want to view the launch are in for a treat.  The rocket is large so it’s very visible throughout the mid-Atlantic region and possibly the East Coast of the United States.  The beaches in Maryland and Delaware provide great viewing if the weather permits.  Ocean City, Maryland and Assateague Island are both perfect locations to settle in to watch the rocket.   The Visitors Center at Wallops will NOT be open for this launch.

Graphic courtesy of NASA

Live Coverage of the Mission Countdown

Live coverage of the mission countdown is scheduled to begin at approximately 7:30 am on the Wallops IBM video site.  This is actually the NASA-TV Wallops page where you can also watch a Wallops promotional video to entice you while you wait for the actual mission countdown.

 

Boardwalk Talk: Ocean City as a Concert Destination Poll

Logan Dubel
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Boardwalk Talk: Ocean City as a Concert Destination Poll

Are you ready to rock in Ocean City? The Town of Ocean City has partnered with C3 Presents to plan a three-day music event from September 23-25, 2022. This exciting event will feature many live acts (TBA) from Dorchester Street to the Inlet. The music festival will coincide with the past weekend for the pop-up car rally also known as H2Oi. It also coincides with the Firefly music festival in Dover, DE. City leaders believe that with a top-notch public safety force and a big concert promoter, Ocean City will become a big music destination in September.

In this month’s edition of “Boardwalk Talk,” we’re asking for your opinion! What do you think of a large music festival in September?

 

Let us know what you think in the poll below. Tune in to the all-new This Week in Ocean City beginning on February 22nd to catch the results.

A Plunge into the Sponge!

Maryland Coastal Bays Program
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A Plunge into the Sponge!

Sponges are among the most mysterious creatures in our Coastal Bays. They stay stationary for most of their lives and look so much like a plant; it’s hard to believe they are an animal! However, these seemingly simple organisms play a big part in keeping marine ecosystems healthy, and we are lucky enough to have some right in our Coastal Bays!

Blue Crabs on sponge by Zac Garmoe
Blue Crabs on sponge by Zac Garmoe
Life History

Sponges spend the first few days of their life as tiny larvae floating through the water until they can find a substrate that will serve as their forever home. It seems like a big commitment for a  three-day-old, but it is an important moment in every sponge’s life. Hard surfaces such as rocks and pilings are most suitable for a sponge to anchor itself to. 

Once a sponge is anchored, they’re ready to grow! Despite the peculiar nature of sponges, they are quite simple creatures. They are invertebrates (meaning they have no backbone) and have no specialized organs, such as a heart or lungs. Their skeletons are made of a soft material called spongin, which is a form of collagen, and their skin is leathery with many pores. These pores serve an important function for the sponge, as they act as the entrances for its food.

Sponges are filter feeders, which means they feed by taking water into their bodies and picking out the edible particles in the water. Edible particles for the sponge include plankton, viruses, detritus, and bacteria. They are also able to absorb nutrients and oxygen through their pores. Wastewater is then expelled from their bodies through an opening called the osculum. The process of filter-feeding helps to clean and clarify the water, which is why filter feeders are often considered ecosystem engineers! Other notorious filter feeders in the Coastal Bays include oysters, clams, mussels, sponges, and a small, silvery fish called the menhaden. While we appreciate sponges for simply existing, they also act as a food source and provide structured habitat for many sea creatures.

It is always important to leave sponges be, as they are quite sensitive to their environment. Sponges are rarely found free-floating and rely on staying anchored to their substrate. Since sponges are filter feeders, they take in about 20 times their volume in water every minute. This means their pores can easily get blocked with stirred-up sediment or air if taken out of the water. All the water that sponges take in also makes them particularly sensitive to pollutants or toxins in the water, and they can be important indicators of water quality. 

Red Beard Sponge
Red Beard Sponge by Cailyn Joseph
Red Beard Sponge by Cailyn Joseph

We have several species of sponge that live in the Coastal Bays, including the sulphur, or boring, sponge, red beard sponge, halichondria sponge, and the fig sponge. You may recognize the red beard sponge, as it is easy to spot if the water is clear enough. They are perhaps the easiest sponge to spot in our bays, as they boast a bright fiery orange color with many branching fingers, giving them a bushy appearance. Red beard sponges start out encrusting its substrate, making it look like a large splotch of orange-red. They can also withstand lower salinities and may be found in waters with higher inputs of freshwater. 

Fun fact! Red beard sponges can recreate themselves even after intense disturbances! This was discovered after scientists squeezed a sponge through a fine mesh and the separated cells crept along to find each other. From this newly reformed mass, the cells were able to reproduce and regrow the sponge, making it the first animal observed to exhibit this behavior.

Sulphur (Boring) Sponge

Though sulphur, or boring, sponges are not quite as easy to spot, there is an indicator that makes it easy to know one has been around in the past.

Shell with Sponge Holes by Cailyn Joseph
Shell with Sponge Holes by Cailyn Joseph

Have you ever picked up a shell and seen many small holes in it? These holes are a tell-tale sign that a boring sponge was once present on it. Boring sponges create space in shells to grow throughout them by using acid to make tiny tunnels. While the sponge does not directly harm the animal living in the shell, the animal often dies as a result of a weakened shell. These sponges are a yellowish color and smell like sulphur when broken apart. 

Halichondria Sponge
Halichondria sponge by Cailyn Joseph
Halichondria sponge by Cailyn Joseph

Another yellow sponge present in our bays is the halichondria sponge. Since these sponges can withstand drying out more than other sponges, they can be found in very shallow intertidal zones. If you keep your eyes peeled, you may just be able to spot one walking along a shoreline or dock. Similar to the boring sponge, these sponges also give off a distinct smell that has been compared to gunpowder! It likely gives off this odor to ward off predators. 

Finger Sponge

Continuing on our sponge expedition, we have to look to slightly deeper waters for the finger sponge. These sponges can grow up to 30 centimeters tall and have long, velvety branches. These branches are what gives it the common name of the “mermaid’s glove”. Their colors can range anywhere from light brown, yellow, or reddish. There are many

Finger Sponge by Nudibranch Marine Discovery Productions (Peter van Rodijnen); Stichting Natuurbeelden
Finger Sponge by Nudibranch Marine Discovery Productions (Peter van Rodijnen); Stichting Natuurbeelden

forms in which these branches can grow, which is why long ago when scientists were trying to classify them, they classified each branching arrangement as a different species! 

Sponges are certainly unlike many other beloved creatures in our Coastal Bays, but they are special and important all the same! I hope this information demystifies the sponge for you, as they deserve some recognition for their hard work clarifying our waters, and while doing it, they add a nice pop of color to the shallows.

*Information obtained from the Maryland Coastal Bays Fisheries Identification Guide.

Author Background

Cailyn Joseph is a seasonal scientist and educator with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Cailyn works with both the science and education teams on programs such as wetland assessments, data entry, summer camp facilitation, lesson design, bird monitoring, public seining programs, and more. She is currently working on a fisheries heritage project called “Voices of the Coastal Bays” that will feature the history and culture of the OC Fisherman’s Marina located in West Ocean City, as well as highlight the vibrant stories of the local fishermen and women that operate out of the marina.  Cailyn graduated from Salisbury University in May 2021 with a B.A. in environmental studies and a B.S. in biology.

Sea-gnificant Event: Jellyfish Festival Set for June Return

Logan Dubel
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Sea-gnificant Event: Jellyfish Festival Set for June Return

By Logan Dubel

Image by Jellyfish Festival.

With over a foot of snow dumped on Ocean City, Maryland just a few weeks ago, you are not alone if the thought of the vibrant sun and sand seems light years ahead. However, relaxation and summer fun is in sight as plans get underway for the highly anticipated Jellyfish Festival.

Tentatively set for June 4-5, the all-local downtown event promises to excite visitors with live music, extreme sports, craft beer, and a festival shopping village. The festival is located at the south end of the Boardwalk right off North Division Street. The unique event, promoted by Brad Hoffman and Live Wire Media & Events, is now entering its fourth year in the resort town.

Image by Jellyfish Festival.

“At the core of the Jellyfish Festival, we value endless activities and a good time for all,” Hoffman said. “I envision our event as one that people do not just stroll through, but as a welcoming and immersive atmosphere where they prop up a chair in the sand, relax, and take it all in.”

Hoffman, an Ocean City Native, offers a different angle to the special events landscape, bringing four decades of lived experience in the town to the table.

“I had always dreamed of bringing a festival tied to the ocean and the beach to the town I grew up in,” he added.

A key component of the event is music, and while the official band lineup remains in the works, Hoffman plans to enlist bands that consistently capture the true sound of the sand and appeal to audiences of all ages, but particularly middle-aged visitors. Specific genres of interest include reggae rock and tunes with a “SoCal vibe.” A complete lineup is expected by mid-March.

Another essential element is craft beer, which was first incorporated into the festival last year in a ground-breaking event. Jellyfish now partners with Shore Craft Beer Fest, which falls on the Saturday afternoon of Jellyfish weekend and engages an even wider audience.

Image by Jellyfish Festival.

“We had to postpone our Love on Tap event, so we are thrilled to be bringing the event to the beach during the Jellyfish Festival. Nothing beats great music and all you care to drink local craft beer on the sand with the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop,” said Ann McGinnis Hillyer, CEO of OceanCity.com, a proud sponsor of the Jellyfish festival. “This is a celebration of Ocean City, and we are thrilled to bring so many local craft brewers to the beach so you can see why Ocean City is the best place for your next beercation!”

The 2021 beer festival featured 25 different beverages from more than a dozen local breweries, and those numbers will likely grow as the event returns this summer.

Additionally, Jellyfish plans to continue expanding its shopping area, dubbed Vendor Village, where local merchants set up and engage with the thousands of people that pass by. Most importantly, this shopping area attracts people strolling along the Boardwalk. In the future, Hoffman seeks to add more local and regional artists to this area to provide them with an additional outlet to sell their work.

In just a few years, Hoffman and his team have forged numerous alliances that help make Jellyfish quite distinguishable from the several other events that fill the Ocean City calendar. From full-blown cornhole and ultimate frisbee tournaments, beach fitness challenges, and freestyle motocross, there’s no shortage of things to do. Most supreme among those partnerships is a successful working relationship with the Town of Ocean City, which has been unwavering in its support for Hoffman over the past few years.

Families Enjoy Jellyfish Festival 2021.

Organizers believe that the early summer date will be the perfect time for Jellyfish, as plenty of families will be in town, creating the ideal summer kickoff and festival atmosphere. In 2021, the Jellyfish Festival was placed later on the calendar for Labor Day weekend, as pandemic concerns still loomed in the early summer. As of now, Covid-19 metrics appear to be on the decline.

Matching the extreme sports element of the Jellyfish festival, Ocean City is also planning a Professional Bull Riding event for the same weekend with details to come over the next few months.

While plans went off without a hitch last year, Hoffman is also more attracted to June because his company is also responsible for the production of Ocean City Jeep Week. By holding the events one weekend after another, his loyal staff had little time to recuperate and prepare between the two.

New for 2022, attendees will need tickets to enter the official festival scene, but Hoffman promises a reasonable and affordable price. Tickets will be available in advance online or along the Boardwalk. However, tickets will not ever be required to enter Vendor Village. In terms of attendees, he hopes for three to four thousand ticket holders, with up to 20,000 people passing through the shopping village.

“For our 2022 festival, as we enter our fourth year, and I have listened to feedback, I feel more prepared than ever to meet the needs and desires of Ocean City residents and visitors at our festival,” Hoffman explained. “We’ve begun to tighten up our operations, and I want our festival to continue to grow and gain support organically so that it evolves into something we all are proud of. We’re going to leave everything out on the sand!”

Ocean City Film Festival in March Showcases 100 Independent Films

Anne
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Ocean City Film Festival in March Showcases 100 Independent Films

OCEAN CITY, MD — FEB. 3, 2022 — The 6th Annual Ocean City Film Festival will be coming to theaters and venues in the resort Mar. 3-6, 2022, screening 100 independent films from around the world, with 20 films connected to Maryland. Tickets are currently on sale at OCMDFilmFestival.com.

The festival is an initiative of the Art League of Ocean City that produces the festival along with broad support from the Town of Ocean City and the Ocean City community. The event is organized by Film Festival Director and Towson University alumni B.L. Strang-Moya.

The 6th year of the festival will showcase independent films in multiple genres: animation, dramatic shorts, environmental and aquatic, feature length, funny shorts, horror/sci-fi, short documentary, youth short films, and short feel-good films. Many of the shorter films will be grouped into blocks for easy viewing.

“We are returning to an in-person experience this year, with our films playing around the resort in iconic Ocean City venues including Morley Hall at Seacrets, Flagship Cinemas, Fox Gold Coast Theater, Ocean Downs Casino, and the Ocean City Performing Arts Center,” Strang-Moya said. “As a bonus, our $99 all-access pass holders can stream our entire film library for an additional week after the festival ends. This gives everyone an opportunity to see the films they may have missed or watch favorites a second time. We are also offering single day passes starting at $20 and party passes starting at $25.”

The festival kicks off Thursday, Mar. 3 at Ocean City’s Performing Arts Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center with a night of locally-produced films and an opening night party complete with red carpet.

 

Friday, Mar. 4, offers a day of films culminating with a reception at the Art League’s Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th St. bayside, that also coincides with the Art League’s First Friday art opening party. Five new art shows will be opening that evening.

Art League of Ocean City

Saturday, Mar. 5 features a day of films with a happy hour reception at Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin. Sunday closes the festival with films and a closing ceremony with a presentation of awards at Seacret’s Morley Hall.

Complete information about the festival, including a list of films, is available at OcMdFilmFestival.com. Also listed on the website are special, off-season hotel rates for festival goers, with rooms starting at $89 per night.

 

“Traveling to Ocean City is incredibly affordable this time of year, even more now that our hotel sponsors are offering festival attendees discounted rates starting at $89 a night,” Strang-Moya said. “These are waterfront rooms in major hotels that are booked solid in the summer season.”

The festival has grown in scope and attendance since the Art League launched it six years ago.

“We are grateful that since our launch of the festival in 2017, we have entertained more than 3,500 audience members, received more than 1,500 film submissions, and maintained a consistent monthly and yearly film program,” he continued.

The films have not been rated, and some feature adult content. Viewer discretion is advised. For the safety of festival goers, masks will be suggested in all venues.

Festival passes are now on sale at OCMDFilmFestival.com or by calling 410-524-9433. All-Access passes are $99 and include access to all films, parties, and workshops plus one bonus week of online streaming of all the films. Day passes start at $20, and party passes start at $25.

The Art League of Ocean City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects.

 

18 of the Most Incredible Images of Ocean City in the Snow

Anne
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18 of the Most Incredible Images of Ocean City in the Snow
A big thank you to Chris Saunders with Westminster MDOT, who was in Ocean City during the last snowfall. He had his drone with him and manage to capture some fabulous action shots of Ocean City in all its shiny white stuff glory, and the clean up which followed. Thanks also to all the folk who worked hard to get out streets cleared and allowed traffic to move again. Take a look!

Spot the Fox!

Anne
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Spot the Fox!

 

 

Thank you so much to Lisa Brooks for sharing her video of our friendly neighborhood fox taking a late night stroll along the Boardwalk in the snow on 15th Street! What a great time to step out onto your balcony and catch this! (by the way, we believe it’s a red fox, not a brown fox, as our title suggests!)

Let us know if you’ve ever seen this quick red fox in Ocean City!

Let it Snow in Ocean City Md!

Anne
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Let it Snow in Ocean City Md!

It doesn’t happen that often, but when it does, it leaves behind something rather special. We asked you to share your photos of the snow in Ocean City if you happened to be here during the storm of January 28th/29th which dropped around 10-12 inches of the white fluffy stuff, and you did not disappoint. Take a look at Ocean City aka Winter Wonderland in the snow.

 

OceanCity.com
OceanCity.com
Brian Botsford
Brad Live Wire Media!
Libby McAuliffe
Bonner Dunbar
Susan Chancey
Penny Cornwell
Elizabeth Hoerl
OceanCity.com
Robin Musciano
Sam Hain
Shannon Cohen.
Steve Cloak
OceanCity.com
Susan Chancey from the Holiday Inn
Ocean City Development Corporation
Ocean City Development Corporation
Ocean City Development Corporation
Michele Scopel Muir
Michele Scopel Muir
Linda Comeau Patchan
Brian Holthaus
Haleigh McAllister
OceanCity.com
Jeannette Brush
Kathy Myers
Kearston Perry
Libby McAuliffe
OceanCity.com
Brian Botsford
Brian Botsford
Brian Botsford
Brad from Live Wire Media!
Beth Edwards Wolinski
Beth Edwards Wolinski

 

OceanCity.com
Brian Botsford
Beth Edwards Wolinski
Beth Edwards Wolinski
OceanCity.com
OceanCity.com
OceanCity.com
OceanCity.com

First Friday Openings are February 4th at the Ocean City Center for the Arts

Anne
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First Friday Openings are February 4th at the Ocean City Center for the Arts

OCEAN CITY, MD —Jan. 31, 2022 — The Art League of Ocean City’s First Friday party on Feb. 4 celebrates nature and emotions in four new art exhibits opening at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th St. bayside. All are welcome to the free event that runs from 5-7 p.m.

Reception hors d’oeuvres will be presented by Touch of Italy. PKS Investments will sponsor the reception beverages. Masks are required for entry to the Arts Center.

The Thaler Gallery opens “Sourced from Nature,” a group show featuring four artists working in unique media but each inspired by nature. Showing are Betsy Hall Harrison, Robert Johnson, Carol Lehmann, and Robert Bruce Weston.

Betsy Hall Harrison of Ocean City, Md. concentrates her work in batik on silk, an ancient artform from Java and Bali, inspired by natural objects, wildlife, landscapes, and seascapes. Born in Baltimore, she trained at the Maryland Institute of Art and The Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and received her degree from Boise State University.

Betsy Hall Harrison

 

Robert Johnson of Salisbury, Md. is the Pottery Studio Manager at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. He also runs Amused Studios with his wife, is the current acting president of the Clay Guild of the Eastern Shore, and was formerly the head 3D technician at Salisbury University. Johnson’s clay creations are inspired by classic shapes, and many look as if they could be excavated from an archeological dig.

RobertJohnson

 

Carol Lehmann recently relocated to Felton, De. from Montana. She works in mixed media, combining encaustic and collage, and also creates unique copper enameled jewelry. Largely self-taught, she believes art transforms, connects, and empowers her to explore different techniques without reserve.

Robert Bruce Weston is a master cabinetmaker who retired to Milton, De. to pursue his love of art. During 40 years of on-the-job training working with many famous architects in the New York City region, he absorbed much from their compositional abilities and design expertise. In retirement, he has settled into making paintings using his preferred medium of wood veneer marquetry.

RobertBruceWeston

The Galleria will feature an exhibit entitled “Exhibiting Emotion,” an all-media group show inspired by emotions: joy, love, surprise, sadness, serenity, confidence, anger, uncertainty, and others. Susan Holt of Salisbury, Md., gallery director and instructor of art at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, will judge the exhibit and award cash prizes.

Golie Miamee of McLean, Va. exhibits in Studio E in February. A born traveler who loves to photograph and capture her journeys, she uses a photograph as her canvas and digital editing as her main medium.  She see every photograph as an image that can come to life and hopes her viewers share the same bliss and enjoyment.

Ellie Scott of Berlin, Md. is the Spotlight Gallery artist for February. A graduate of Syracuse University School of Art, her paintings are inspired by her world travels and local landscapes. Her “Maryland Steamed Crabs” watercolor was shown in the State House in Annapolis as part of an Eastern Shore exhibit. She is also a docent at the historic Rackliffe House.

Linda Daniels Cermak of Silver Spring, Md. is the Art Center’s artisan for February. Inspiration for her paintings and mixed media jewelry comes from local landmarks, flowers, and nature. Her collage work incorporates a variety of mulberry and rice papers to a watercolor or acrylic painting, drawing the viewer into a new and different experience than traditional watercolor.

The February shows at the Arts Center run through Feb. 26.

The Art League’s satellite galleries continue shows with exhibits by C.K. Rompf of Chincoteague, Va. at the Coffee Beanery on 94th St. and Coastal Hwy., and Petra Bernstein of Salisbury, Md. at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel lobby, 9100 Coastal Hwy.

More information is available at www.ArtLeagueofOceanCity.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

The Art League of Ocean City is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs and community art projects. Funding for this event is in part provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.

 

Creature Feature: Red fox sightings abound

Kristin
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Creature Feature: Red fox sightings abound

It seems like red foxes have been everywhere this winter (2018). I saw a few for myself in Assateague this January (2018), where they were out playing and leaping around in the marshes. The small, orange-y red mammals are pretty cute, especially when you’re able to watch from a safe distance (though binoculars would have come in handy when I saw them on Assateague). In addition to the local wildlife refuge, red foxes have been known to traipse around Ocean City, and during winter storm Grayson (in 2018) we received via Facebook this photo of a fox in the snow.

Fox sightings in and around OC

Seeing foxes roam around Ocean City isn’t uncommon. Upon sharing those fox photos from Assateague, Facebook users chimed in and shared photos from when they’d seen red foxes in Ocean City. “We saw two fox running in the Dunes this year and one ran right down in the middle of the beach mid morning near 85th street,” one user said. Another said, “Stayed on 134th st. a couple years ago, family of foxes were in the dunes, watched them play everyday!”  Some people have even shared their experiences on our forum. Last January, when walking down Coastal Highway one evening, I spotted two foxes hiding underneath a dinosaur sculpture on a mini golf course.

Red fox kit
Cute fox facts: A baby red fox is called a kit.

These sightings aren’t anything new; for years, foxes have seemed almost as common in the urban landscape of Ocean City as raccoons and deer. That comes with the territory of using the land these animals called home for development and the expansion of our resort town.

Foxes are frequently spotted on the beach because they utilize sand dunes to build their dens. They’re also not too shy around humans and the trash/food scraps that humans often leave behind, which is another good reason you should always pick up after yourself on the beach and Boardwalk.

Red foxes are most active during their breeding season, which can start as early as January and end as late as April. You’ll be most likely to spot the mostly-nocturnal animals at night, but there have also been local sightings early in the morning and even, occasionally, during daylight hours.

On Assateague

Assateague Island National Seashore provides refuge to a variety of species, and the red fox is one of them. Just like in Ocean City, you’ll be most likely to find the foxes on the beach, where they feed on shorebirds, eggs and fish. So to the Facebook user who asked if foxes eat seagulls, the answer is yes.

 Fast fox facts

Red fox
Red foxes can be found throughout North America, although they didn’t migrate to the East Coast until the mid-1800s. Photo from the National Park Service.
  • In the wild, the lifespan of the red fox is 2-5 years. In captivity, their lifespan is comparable to a domesticated dog and they can live to be up to 14 years.
  • Red foxes have big, bushy tales that they often use as blankets to keep warm.
  • The gray fox can also be found on the Eastern Shore, but sightings are much less common compared to the red fox.
  • The red fox is not the Delmarva Fox Squirrel, although you will get many results for that research as you dive into your red fox research! That Creature Feature is coming soon.

Be cautious

Red and gray foxes generally live in harmony with humans and don’t go out of their way to cause harm. That said, every wild animal should be viewed from a safe distance and viewers should not disturb or interrupt the animal in its natural environment.

Rabies is another issue. In December, Delaware’s Division of Public Health warned those in the Rehoboth region to take precaution against potentially rabid animals. In 2016, 17 of the 137 animals captured and tested in the area tested positive for rabies. Among raccoons, bats, cats and dogs, one of those animals was a fox.

From the Center for Disease Control, here are some preventative measures you can take to control the spread of rabies in your community:

  • Vaccinate your pet
  • Maintain control of your pets to reduce their exposure to wildlife
  • Spay or neuter to decrease the number of stray animals
  • Report any stray or ill animals to animal control

Again, you and your pets should always keep a safe distance from wild animals, even when they look perfectly healthy. Not all wild animals that are infected exhibit the classic signs of rabies.

Ocean City now under a Blizzard Warning according to the National Weather Service

Ann
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Ocean City now under a Blizzard Warning according to the National Weather Service

At 4 AM this morning, the National Weather Service out of Wakefield, VA alerted the coastal areas around Ocean City that we are under a blizzard warning. 8-12″ of snow is expected with wind gusts up to 50 mph. Please secure your outdoor furniture and hunker down with plenty of food and toilet paper to watch the storm as it moves through the area. We have copied the NWS warning from this morning below.  We have also included the poll we put up yesterday on how much snow you think we will get.  The poll is still open so please tell us what you think.

Blizzard Warning
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
400 AM EST Fri Jan 28 2022

MDZ024-025-VAZ099-100-281700-
/O.UPG.KAKQ.WS.W.0004.220129T0000Z-220130T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KAKQ.BZ.W.0001.220129T0000Z-220130T0000Z/
Inland Worcester-Maryland Beaches-Accomack-Northampton-
Including the cities of Snow Hill, Ocean City, Chincoteague,
Wallops Island, Melfa, Exmore, Cape Charles, Cheapside,
Fishermans Island, Kiptopeke, Kiptopeke State Park,
and Plantation
400 AM EST Fri Jan 28 2022

…BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 PM EST
SATURDAY…

* WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of
8 to 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE…In Maryland, Inland Worcester and Maryland Beaches
Counties. In Virginia, Accomack and Northampton Counties.

* WHEN…From 7 PM this evening to 7 PM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Gusty
winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must
travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded,
stay with your vehicle.

SNOW ACCUMULATION POLL & CURRENT RESULTS

 

Ocean City, Maryland Under Winter Storm Watch

Anne
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Ocean City, Maryland Under Winter Storm Watch

Ocean City, Maryland Under Winter Storm Watch

Please take the poll and read the forecast.

Ocean City, Maryland – (January 27, 2022):  Ocean City is under a Winter Storm Watch, beginning in the evening hours of Friday, January 28, until the evening hours of Saturday, January 29. According to the National Weather Service in Wakefield, VA, Ocean City will experience heavy snow and high wind gusts. The projected snow will begin late tomorrow evening and into Saturday morning.

Snowfall accumulations are expected to reach between 6 to 12 inches, with winds averaging 20 to 30 miles per hour (mph) and wind gusts between 40 and 50 mph possible. Due to the combination of snow, gusty winds, and frigid temperatures, hazardous driving conditions are likely Friday evening and Saturday. Therefore, travel is strongly discouraged Friday evening and during the storm on Saturday.

Emergency Management personnel are continuing to monitor the storm. Crews will begin to pretreat the roadways and will begin plowing when the snow accumulates.

The Town of Ocean City reminds residents, businesses, and visitors to make plans in advance to prepare for the possible effects of the winter storm. In addition, it is important for citizens to stay informed by following weather forecasts over the next several days to learn more about the possible path of the winter storm.

Beneficial Ladybird Beetles

Maryland Coastal Bays Program
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Beneficial Ladybird Beetles

More commonly known as the ladybug, the ladybird beetle can be found all over Maryland, with over forty-five species recorded. Chances are, your first memory of a ladybug was when one landed on you, and a friend shouted, “That’s good luck!”. But a ladybug’s luck transcends the human species; they are incredibly beneficial to gardens as they feast on destructive insect pests such as aphids and mealybugs.

Small Beginnings

Becoming one of the most notorious “garden” predators is no easy task. The first stage of a ladybug’s life begins when females lay bright yellow eggs in bunches of 5-50 on the underside of leaves. Some of the eggs are fertilized, and others are not, so when the eggs begin to hatch a few days later, they have easy access to food. The next stage is the larval stage, where the ladybugs look nothing like they do as adults. You may have even seen

Larval Ladybird Beetle by Max Pixel
Larval Ladybird Beetle by Max Pixel

some of these around without even knowing it! These ravenous creatures have black elongated bodies that are segmented and covered in an array of yellow or orange dots. Interestingly enough, during this stage, their bodies have been said to look like alligators!

Pupa Stage

After about a month, the larvae head back under the leaves where they hatch into a pupa. Unlike the larvae, the pupa looks very similar to the adult form, but maintains more of an orange color. That stage in the ladybug’s life can last up to two weeks. Which takes us to the fourth and final stage- adults.

Convergent Lady Beetle Photo by Bill Hubick, all rights reserved
Convergent Lady Beetle Photo by Bill Hubick, all rights reserved
As Adults

Adult ladybugs have the typical round, convex shell with colors that vary from red to orange to yellow and various black dots. Ladybugs cannot fly until temperatures reach 55 degrees F, at which time they can be seen flying around, helping rid gardens of aphid infestations and feeding on the nectar from flowering plants. They take a particular liking to yarrow and cosmos, or garden crops like tomatoes, peas, and asparagus.

Photo by Jason Michael Crockwell
Seven-spotted lady beetle. Photo by Jason Michael Crockwell

When the winter months come around, adults can be found hibernating in large groups, usually under the bark of a tree or cozied up in the crevices of your woodpile. So make sure to check your logs before tossing them on the fire! 

When temperatures begin to rise in spring, the ladybugs will wake up, mate immediately, and the cycle begins again. If you happen to see a ladybug in the Coastal Bays watershed, snap a picture and upload it to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program iNaturalist group!

Author

Liz Wist is the Education Coordinator at the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.  Liz is responsible for the development, creation, and evaluation of environmental education programs. Within these programs, she designs curriculum, leads environmental programs and workshops, mentors seasonal staff, and provides professional development for educators. Liz is also responsible for organizing and facilitating MCBP community engagement opportunities such as Discover Your Watershed, Bay Day, and Living Local. For more information on education programs, please visit MCBP’s Education page, or email lwist@mdcoastalbays.org.

East Coast’s Largest Tequila Selection – Tequila Mockingbird

Jennifer Sabini Evans
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East Coast’s Largest Tequila Selection – Tequila Mockingbird

By Jennifer Sabini Evans

Tequila Mockingbird West Ocean City location features 500 labels of Tequila.
Photography: Jennifer Sabini Evans

Many believe the largest tequila library on the East Coast exists inside one of Ocean City’s most popular authentic Mexican meal spots. Tequila Mockingbird Mexican Bar and Grill, West Ocean City location, is known for bringing the authentic taste of Mexico to Maryland’s largest beach town.

In addition to its award-winning cuisine, Tequila Mockingbird has received recognition for not only the largest selection of Tequila in the state of Maryland but now many liquor reps believe they might be the largest on the East Coast. The company celebrated the opening of its 500th bottle of tequila and mezcal on January 16, 2022. The various tequilas can be enjoyed straight or incorporated into cocktails.

I am happy to report that this list has options to suit every budget. Thrifty drinkers can find an assortment of great tequilas available for single-digit dollars, while adventurous drinkers can savor all sorts of unique and high-end agave.

For those whose experiences with tequila are similar to mine, a shot followed by sucking on a lime like a baby sucking on a pacifier. Often repeated until you lose all memory; waking up the next morning with no memory, lying face down in the running position wondering why, why, why, and swearing never to do it again. I can understand why you no longer want to handle the stuff.

Just like you, I was adamant I’d never drink tequila again. Until I realized I was drinking it wrong.

And, with that realization, I was booked in for some intense re-education with the Tequiliers at Tequila Mockingbird. It was a tequila-filled afternoon, discussing all things tequila with the Owners of Tequila Mockingbird, David and Dale Jerns, General Manager, Alli Manry, and Bartender, Matt Impink.

Tequila Mockingbird West Ocean City location now carries 500 different bottles of tequila. Pictured left to right (Matt Impink, Bartender and Co-owner Daivd Jerns)
Photography: Jennifer Sabini Evans

“We fell in love with former Bar Manager, Steve Weimer’s, vision to turn Tequila Mockingbird into a Tequila Library, ” said Co-owner David Jerns. “The result is 500 tequila labels in 4 years, creating an experience that is unique to our beach community. Our North Ocean City location also has an extensive list, totaling 225 varieties.”

Tequila is forging an identity as a serious drink for sophisticated drinkers, releasing high-end products comparable to the best whiskeys on the market. “Our customers appreciate the wide range of flavors in our tequila collection”, said Matt Impink, Bartender. “500 different tequilas keeps things interesting. Being able to pick and choose tequilas from so many varieties helped me avoid repetition and burnout as a bartender. I’m constantly challenged to invent new drinks, educate myself and share my tequila knowledge with my customers. It’s very personal, challenging, and rewarding”, said Impink.

In addition to their impressive tequila collection, they also carry a variety of bottled & draft beers and fully stocked bar. The menu offers authentic tacos, burritos, rice bowls, enchiladas and more. “Tequila is my favorite drink. You can tell,” Jerns said, pointing to the heavily stocked bar.

Most Expensive or Rarest Bottle of Tequila In Tequila Mockingbird?

“Clase Azul Tequila is one that comes to mind”, said Alli Manry, General Manager. “My favorite tequila bottle design is Wrestle Mania Tequila Añejo, honoring Lucha Libre, Mexico’s great wrestling legend”, said Impink.

Close Up of Clase Azul Tequila Añejo’s
Photography: Jennifer Sabini Evans
Close Up of Clase Azul Tequila Añejo’s

Clase Azul Tequila Añejo’s taste and decanter are a tribute to the Mazahua indigenous culture. After a remarkable 25-month journey in American whiskey casks, this tequila has a marvelous amber color and a complex aroma. Its blend of art, history, and tequila of the highest quality is truly an expression of Mexican culture.

Tasting Notes
COLOR: Amber with copper highlights.
BODY: Delicate yet balanced.
AROMA: Toffee, cinnamon, clove, roasted hazelnut, Mexican vanilla, orange marmalade, quince, and toasted oak.
FLAVOR: Nutmeg, clove, orange marmalade, and toasted oak with a silky mouthfeel.

Decanter
A true collector’s piece. The decanter is a spectacular hand-made ceramic display that tells the story of its origin.

Mockingbird’s tequila book lists tasting basics so you can steer your experience into safer waters. Some are on the sweeter side with notes of oak, caramel or honey. Others hit the spicy side.

Hussong’s 100% Agave Tequila
Photography: Jennifer Sabini Evans

Hussong’s MR tequila Reposado is aged for five months in used bourbon barrels to give it a complex flavor and delicate aroma. A perfect mix of citrus and oak flavors are obtained by the aging process. “It’s delicious, and a personal favorite of David Jerns, co-owner of Tequila Mockingbird”, said Alli Marny, General Manager.

Of course, the list changes, particularly among the more unique options, as bottle availability ebbs and flows. But the core of the list stays steady and always runs deep. The cocktail menu itself includes a QR code listing 500 readily available tequilas and mezcals to incorporate into your drink.

And if the idea of sipping tequila neat rather than knocking it back as fast as possible doesn’t sound promising, it’s worth perusing the list and trying new spirits in your favorite cocktail. In truth, there are far worse ways to while away an afternoon than sipping on a margarita made with Dwayne Johnson’s popular brand Teremana Tequila.

TEQUILA EDUCATION

The two main types of tequila are 100% Blue Agave and Tequila Mixto (mixed). Mixto Tequila contains a minimum of 51% Blue Agave, and the remaining 49% from other sugars (typically cane sugars). The additional products allowed in Mixto Tequilas are caramel color, oak extract flavoring, glycerin, and sugar based syrup.

All Tequila that is made from 100% Blue Agave will say “Tequila 100% de agave” or “Tequila 100% puro de agave”. All Mixto Tequila labels will only read “Tequila”.

The above two categories of Tequila are then divided into the following five types of Tequila and are labeled as such:
Silver (Blanco/white) is un-aged tequila that is bottled shortly after distillation, although it can be kept in stainless steel tanks for a few weeks before bottling.
Joven (gold/oro/dorado) is a mixture of Blanco and Reposado tequilas.
Reposado (or rested) is aged for between 2-12 months (less than one year).
Añejo (or aged) is aged for at least one year, but less than three years in oak barrels.
And Extra Añejo (extra rested), the most recently added classification, is aged for at least three years or more.

Tequila Mockingbird West Ocean City Tequila Selection

Tequila Mockingbird has two locations across town. West OC at Park Place Plaza, 12720 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD, and North OC 12919 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD. Both are open year round.

WATCH: This Week in Ocean City Returns

Logan Dubel
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WATCH: This Week in Ocean City Returns

By Logan Dubel

This Week in Ocean City is back bringing you news surrounding the latest hot topics and culture. Our unique show is the only place where you will find everything you need to know about Ocean City in one place. Watch our latest episode for all your resort town headlines and compelling stories. We appreciate your viewership and hope you subscribe to our YouTube Channel, SeeOC! 

WATCH: This Week in Ocean City – January 2022

After many months away, our newscast has returned with the same commitment to you, the viewer. We promise to inform and entertain you with stories about our beloved resort town. Ocean City is no longer just a summer destination. The town is action-packed year-round, and we are here for you to cover it all.

As we return, our broadcast now features new segments, including “Boardwalk Talk.” Ahead of each episode, we will post a poll asking for your perspective on a current hot topic. Then, we’ll review the poll results on the show and even feature viewer comments. Plus, we’re now highlighting the local arts scene in greater focus with “Paint and Paradise.” If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that art and creativity matter and can make sunshine amidst any storm. What has not changed is our passion for covering the local headlines, town special events, interviewing newsmakers, and most importantly, looking ahead to a fun-filled summer.

This Week in Ocean City first launched in November 2020. A longtime OceanCity.com feature now developed into a brief newscast, from the beginning, we have strived to make a positive impact with our videos and demonstrate passion and love for our revered town and unique local culture. We’ve come a long way from our first episode! While our video production and lighting may not have been top-notch from the start, the bar for storytelling has always been high. Now, we’re evolving to make sure our brand and look match our commitment to Ocean City residents and tourists.

On a personal note, I have enjoyed getting to know everyone in the Town of Ocean City over the past 18 months, from politicians, business owners, artists, and beachgoers. Everyone has a story, and I do not take the opportunity to tell those stories lightly. As we embark on a new year, I look forward to continuing to develop connections through storytelling on “This Week in Ocean City,” all while serving you. Thank you for watching!

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