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January 12, 2024

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

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Storm Waves: The Wicomico Street Pier is pictured Wednesday morning after a powerful storm system passed across the region.

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Berlin Talks Comp, Strategic Plans

School Funding Concerns Expressed

Sports Complex Process Continues

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January 12, 2024

January 12, 2024

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OC Council Approves Sports Complex Recommendations

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – City officials this week voted to support two recommendations that will bring the resort one step closer in its efforts to develop a sports complex.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council voted to spend up to $500,000 on site assessment and design work for the sports complex project, with funds to be reimbursed from a future bond issuance, and to begin seeking proposals for a facility operator. Mayor Rick Meehan said both recommendations came from the Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force at its Dec. 14 meeting.

“There were a number of items discussed,” he said.

During last month’s meeting of the task force, members agreed to seek

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funding for site assessment and preliminary design work that would be needed once a property is identified for the proposed sports complex. Meehan told the council Tuesday the town had two options.

“One, we’ve sent a letter to the governor to ask that $1.2 million be included in his budget to fund 80% of that project,” he explained. “We also have the option, which we’re planning to do if it is not in the governor’s budget, to submit legislation requesting $500,000 from the state as a capital grant request.”

As part of those discussions, Meehan said the committee voted on a recommendation to have the Mayor and Council pass a resolution allowing the city to spend up to $500,000 on the project now, with funds to be reimbursed from a future bond issuance.

“That will allow us, once that property is identified, not to have to wait until the end of the legislative session, but to move forward to keep this project on schedule, on time and moving forward,” he said.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Councilman Peter Buas questioned if the $500,000 would be reimbursed from a bond or from a capital grant. City Manager Terry McGean said Ocean City would utilize both options, as site assessment and design work is expected to cost roughly $1 million. He said that preliminary work is needed before the resort can seek construction funds from the state.

“What we’re asking for from the state is a portion of that, but our share would still be $500,000,” he replied. “So what this would do would be to allow us, once

January 12, 2024

this goes to construction and we go to the bond market, it would allow us to reimburse that $500,000 out of that future bond.”

With no further discussion, the council voted to pass a resolution to expend up to $500,000 on the project now, with funds to be reimbursed from a future bond issuance. The motion passed in a 6-0 vote, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent.

Meehan told the council Tuesday the task force also voted on a recommendation to have the Mayor and Council prepare and submit a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an operating facilitator.

“The Town of Ocean City believes that by bringing a professional sports facility operator on board during the planning phase of this project, aggressively marketing the facility and soliciting sponsors, a project can be developed that will have no operating deficit beyond the debt service,” he explained. “So we’re looking forward to bringing somebody on board.”

With no discussion, the council also voted 6-0 on a motion to submit RFPs for an operating facilitator.

Tuesday’s council actions come just months after the town first formed a task force to explore the development of a sports complex.

For years, resort council members have expressed their desires to develop a sports complex somewhere near Ocean City. And in 2019, the town commissioned the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and its consultant, Crossroads, to conduct a market and economic analysis for a proposed sports complex in the Ocean City area.

When the pandemic hit, however, MSA officials were tasked with revising the study and producing a site-specific assessment of a 95-acre site next to Stephen Decatur High School.

While the county initially took the lead on the project, the Worcester County Commissioners in 2022 voted to terminate the contract for the purchase of the property and to end any county involvement in the development of a complex.

Since that time, resort officials have agreed to take on the project and form a task force to address community concerns relating to the project’s location and scope.

With nearly 30 members at the table last fall, the task force kicked off its first meeting with a presentation from MSA and Crossroads, as well as from Sports Facilities Companies, a national firm specializing in sports facilities management.

By the end of the meeting, the task force agreed a proposed complex should include both indoor and outdoor facilities but that more information was needed on the funding mechanism.

In December, the group reconvened to discuss funding options. In addition to its recommendations, the task force also agreed to seek a 1% room tax increase from the Maryland General Assembly, with a portion of that additional revenue to be dedicated to debt service associated with the construction of the sports complex. Following its open session, the task force entered into a closed session to discuss property acquisition.

OC Holds Mid-Beach Stand Auction

January 12, 2024

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A recent beach stand auction resulted in several successful bidders and additional revenue for the town.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council voted to award contracts for mid-beach equipment stand parcels to seven successful bidders.

City Clerk Diana Chavis said that even though two parcels received no bids, the town reported a 3.8% revenue increase from the prior three-year contracts.

“I recommend that we award the parcels to the successful bidders, which are Pat McLaughlin and Adrian Nemet, Will Edmunds, Todd Burbage, Holly and Kyle Batz – they are new to the business – and Robert Malzone, who has some past experience with the business,” she said.

The Town of Ocean City currently franchises 70 beach equipment parcels spanning the entire Ocean City beach. Those 70 parcels are divided into three sections – south end, mid beach and north end.

Each year, one of the three sections is actioned off, with the highest qualified bidder receiving a three-year contract to rent umbrellas, chairs and cabanas on the beach. The town’s code also provides one option for first-term contract renewals at an annual fee 10% greater than the initial term.

This year, operators of eight stands in the mid-beach area exercised their option

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to renew their first-term contracts. The council this week voted to award the remaining parcels to the successful bidders.

“We held the mid-beach parcel auction on December 6,” Chavis said. “We had six participants in that auction. There are 18 parcels within that section. Ten were auctioned and eight first-term contracts were renewed for a second three-year term at 10% greater.”

Chavis noted, however, that four beach stand parcels received no bids, and the town proceeded with a sealed bid.

“We did receive two bids for two of the four …,” she said.

Chavis told officials she was recommending the council award the mid-beach parcels to the successful bidders. She noted the December auction resulted in revenues of more than $241,000 for all mid-beach parcels. To date, the beach stand rental franchise generates revenues of $1,474,357.

“All the successful bidders paid the deposit and submitted the documents that were required, and their credit report,” she said. “So they are all in good standing.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion that was seconded by Councilman Frank Knight to award the midbeach parcels to the seven successful bidders.

The motion passed in a 5-0 vote, with Councilman Will Savage and Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent.

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OC Jeep Fest To Return Aug. 22-25

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A photo from the 2023 Ocean City Jeep Fest event shows a Jeep display at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

Photo Courtesy of Ocean City Jeep Fest Facebook Page

OCEAN CITY – City officials this week approved the return of Ocean City Jeep Fest.

On Tuesday, the council voted 6-0, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, to approve the return of Ocean City Jeep Fest Aug. 22-25. Live Wire Media’s Brad Hoffman told officials the event was a great fit for the resort.

“Last year, we ran a very successful event,” he said. “The vendors we have, the participants we have, enjoy the event. It fits very well the end of summer, the weekend before Labor Day, and I’m excited to once again bring a great event to Ocean City. It’s well-run, it’s safe and it’s significant in its economic impact to the Town of Ocean City.”

January 12, 2024

City Manager Terry McGean told the council Tuesday the special events department had received two Jeep-related event requests, one for Ocean City Jeep Fest and another for Ocean City Jeep Week. As the events were tentatively scheduled for the same week, he said both applicants – Hoffman and Jeep Week’s Amanda Cropper – were asked to submit proposals.

“What happened initially with this event is both Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Cropper submitted applications for a similar Jeep event for the same week,” he explained. “After discussion with the council, what we did was we put out a request for proposals. They were sent to both the applicants, and we asked them for fairly lengthy proposals from each of them as to why their event should be the event that the city would host that week.

Mr. Hoffman submitted a proposal. Ms. Cropper did not. Therefore, we move forward with Mr. Hoffman’s event for this particular week.”

During public comments Tuesday, Cropper came before the council to request that a decision on Ocean City Jeep Fest be postponed to next week, when the council is expected to hear her request for Ocean City Jeep Week. She noted that Ocean City Jeep Week has moved its event to May 9-12, so as not to compete with the Great Smokey Mountain Jeep Invasion event.

“We submitted our application back in July to continue the event with the town with new dates, as to not compete with one of the largest Jeep events in the nation on Aug. 22-24 of 2024, which is called the Great Smokey Mountain Jeep Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee …,” she said. “With that being said, we are asking the town to delay the approval of the Ocean City Jeep Fest until we present Ocean City Jeep Week at next week’s council meeting.

We feel the council should hear both of them before making an executive decision.”

For his part, Hoffman said this year would be the 10th consecutive year producing a Jeep event in Ocean City. Hoffman noted that he had spent 40 hours producing a proposal to submit to the town for this year’s event request.

“It was lengthy in the economic impact, and why I am fit and adequately equipped to run this Jeep event,” he said.

As proposed, Ocean City Jeep Fest would include a daily beach parade, a beach course to the north of the Inlet pier, and more. Hoffman added that the event was considered the safest of all motorized events.

“I really work hard to make a good safe event for the town, for the participants, for the vendors that come. I treat them like family and they treat me like family. And I treat the town like it’s my house …,” he said. “In the end, I just appreciate the opportunity, and I look forward to making this year another great event for Ocean City.”

After further discussion, the council voted to approve the event request as presented.

Berlin Parking issues remain a talking Point

January 12, 2024

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – While the need for more parking remains an issue in Berlin, elected officials are hoping a new subcommittee can help find a solution.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council met in closed session to discuss the purchase of property for public parking. Following the closed session, Mayor Zack Tyndall confirmed that a smaller group would be looking at acquiring property going forward.

“The Mayor and Council are committed to continuing negotiations regarding the potential acquisition or lease of a parcel of property near the downtown business district to address parking concerns,” Tyndall said. “A negotiation committee has been formed which includes Mayor Tyndall, Councilmembers (Jay) Knerr and (Steve) Green, Town Administrator (Mary) Bohlen and Town Attorney (David) Gaskill.”

The lack of parking in Berlin has long been a complaint among visitors and residents. It was even highlighted as one of the town’s challenges during a strategic plan community input session this week.

“One of the big issues we’ve been hearing forever is parking,” resident Jim Meckley said.

Residents Glenn and Cindy Davis said they thought the time had come to consider having people pay for parking, at least in the areas frequented by out-oftown visitors.

“If you’re local, you know where to park,” Cindy Davis said. “I don’t think paid parking is going to stop anybody from coming.”

Merchants were informed this week that there was in fact already potential for the lot between World of Toys and Sterling Tavern to become a paid parking lot.

Property owner Jay Bergey said he’d informed the town that the lot needed to be paved to address pot holes and improve the surface.

“The lot is older than the hills,” he said. “I don’t think it’s been paved since probably the 1970s or 1980s. It’s way past time to fix it.”

Bergey said the parking lot was falling apart and had become a safety concern.

“It’s wearing out because it’s getting so much use,” he said.

Decades ago, the lot provided parking for the Acme across the street. Now it’s used by the general public.

“The lot goes with that building,” Bergey said. “We’ve just let anybody park there.”

Bergey is hoping the town will cover the cost of paving. If it doesn’t, he indicated paid parking would need to be implemented there.

“I’ve got to pay for it somehow,” he said.

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First Community Input Session Held In Berlin

January 12, 2024

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Residents talk about the town’s positive aspects as well as areas for improvement during a strategic plan community input session at the library on Wednesday.

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BERLIN – Residents touted Berlin’s strengths and highlighted its challenges during a strategic planning session this week.

On Wednesday, representatives from Salisbury University’s BEACON program hosted the first of two community input sessions for the town’s strategic plan. About a dozen residents attended to share their thoughts. While they had issues they wanted to see improved, they also stressed that the town was a great place to live and needed to stay that way.

“I always tell everybody I feel like I’m living in a bubble,” resident Jim Meckley said.

Residents cited the town’s safety, economic vitality, school district and proximity to healthcare facilities as its good qualities. BEACON facilitators said that both Berlin’s small town charm and its safety were mentioned in the written survey responses they received earlier in the strategic planning process.

Attendees also had plenty to say, however, when it came time to list the municipality’s challenges. Meckley said parking had long been an issue. Others agreed.

Walnut Hill resident Gus Glikas said it had even become an issue on residential side streets.

“Let’s take a really good look at what we’ve got and how to use it,” he said.

Cindy and Glenn Davis said paid parking didn’t deter visitors to towns like Rehoboth and could be considered here.

“I don’t think paid parking has to be a dirty word,” Glenn Davis said.

Meckley added that the income from parking in towns that charged helped pay for important services like police.

Berlin resident Cam Bunting said one of the town’s weaknesses was its utility costs. She referenced the water, sewer and electric bills residents received.

“We’re paying too much,” she said.

Bunting added that when the town’s stormwater utility had been created, officials said grants would fund most of the costs.

“That didn’t happen,” she said.

Others said stormwater remained a major issue in Berlin.

Resident Patricia Dufendach said that when new structures were built not enough was done to evaluate their impact on drainage.

“That’s a huge deficiency,” she said.

Resident Ron Cascio, who is also a member of the town’s planning commission, agreed that more needed to be done.

Berlin resident Cody Miller advocated for more sidewalks in town, specifically along Old Ocean City Boulevard. He said his staff at Forgotten 50 Distilling struggled to reach the business’s overflow parking lot down the street safely.

Bunting said another planning issue the town needed to be aware of was the SEE PAGE 43

January 12, 2024

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Council OK’s Use Agreement With Maryland Broadband

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A right-of-way use agreement will allow a nonprofit cooperative to move forward with a fiberoptic installation at 85th Street.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted 4-1, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca opposed and Councilmembers Will Savage and Carol Proctor absent, to approve a right-of-way use agreement with Maryland Broadband, a nonprofit cooperative that provides middle-mile internet services to rural and underserved

areas. City Manager Terry McGean said the agreement is required before any work can begin.

“They submitted a permit application to install fiber on 85th Street,” he explained.

“Because of our utility policy that passed a few years ago, they do not have a rightof-way use agreement. Therefore, in order for them to install fiber on 85th Street, they need that right-of-way use agreement.”

McGean said the agreement to place utilities in the city right-of-way would be similar to the one created for Crown Castle, excluding any rights to install anten-

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“This purely allows them to put fiberoptic and pedestals in city streets,” he said.

“Because they are a nonprofit, there is no cost involved other than the normal permit fees.”

Council President Matt James questioned if the pros and cons of such an agreement.

“Is it just one more company digging up our streets?” he asked.

McGean said that was a drawback.

However, he argued the fiberoptic installation did have benefits.

“The pro is potentially additional internet services for our businesses on the island,” he said. “I think 85th Street, they don’t disclose who their members are, but there’s only one thing at 85th Street and that’s the power substation.”

Mayor Rick Meehan questioned what pedestals the provider would be installing. McGean said the pedestals are short green access terminals.

“There’s always a little bit of an aboveground equipment for fiberoptic,” he explained.

When asked if poles would be installed, McGean said it would not be part of the agreement.

“They specifically can’t hang new poles,” he said. “They can run on existing poles, but they can’t hang them.”

When asked for the staff’s recommendation, McGean said staff recommended the council approve the right-of-way use agreement. Councilman John Gehrig

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asked if the town was required to do it.

“I don’t think it’s something we have to do anyways,” McGean replied. “This is one other potential provider, one other ultimate way where there may be some competition in town. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. They don’t run the last mile but potentially someone else can come in and take advantage of that. Personally, I thought the pros outweighed the cons.”

When asked about the right-of-way being used, McGean said the agreement essentially gave Maryland Broadband the right to install in any city right-of-way.

“Typically you have to have this, and then you come in for the permits for your specific installations,” he explained.

DeLuca questioned if such an installation was allowed in the R-1 residential district. McGean said it was.

“Yes, it’s underground fiberoptic,” he said.

Meehan also questioned if there would be disruptions to the street or any impacts on pavement.

“Are there any restrictions there as far as what they do?” he asked.

McGean said any restrictions would be covered under the town’s utility installation agreement.

“They have to get a permit to do it,” he said. “They have to go through all the same things all the other utilities need to do.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 4-1 to approve the right-of-way use agreement with Maryland Broadband.

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Berlin To Support Sports Complex Funding Request

January 12, 2024

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Municipal officials agreed to send a letter in support of Ocean City’s request for sports complex funding from the state.

The Berlin Town Council voted 4-0 this week to have Mayor Zack Tyndall send a letter to the Maryland Department of Budget and Management in support of the Town of Ocean City’s request for $1.2 million in state funding to perform a site assessment and start preliminary design of a youth sports complex.

“I think it’s appropriate for us to support the initiative for a sports complex,” Councilman Jay Knerr said. “I think it would be a great thing for Worcester County so I think we should all support this letter. This in no way obligates us to a location. That’s yet to be decided.”

Tyndall told the council he was seeking approval of a letter he planned to send to the state in support of the Town of Ocean City’s November request for $1.2 million in funding.

Councilman Jack Orris asked if Tyndall could provide any information about the efforts of the sports complex task force Ocean City formed to help bring a facility to the area.

Tyndall said he was on the task force, which is made up of residents, business leaders and elected officials, along with Councilman Steve Green and Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols. He said the group had held two open meetings.

“I think they’ve been covered accurately in the media,” he said.

He added that there had also been two closed session meetings regarding specific properties.

“That’s where we stand. I don’t know if there’s anything else we can share at this time,” he said.

Green said the public would have the ability to comment as the process moved forward.

“I think it’s important to know our Town of Berlin citizens will have the opportunity to opine on this and weigh in,” he said.

Tyndall agreed.

“We have made sure the concerns that have been previously noted by our citizens have been relayed,” the mayor said. “They’re not lost in the discussion.

The Town of Berlin is well represented by the committee members. We’ve advocated for a public discussion when the time is appropriate.”

Orris asked if supporting the letter meant that the town was supporting the resort’s request to increase the room tax.

“This is a budgetary request not related to room tax at all,” Tyndall said.

“The governor has the discretionary budget to be able to put something like this in and the appropriate channel to make that request is through the Department of Budget and Management which the Town of Ocean City has done. This letter just supports their request.”

The letter, which was unanimously approved by the council, seeks support for Ocean City’s funding request and

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highlights the potential jobs a sports complex would create as well as the positive economic impact it could have.

“The Town of Ocean City has determined that $1.5 million is needed to perform site assessments, preliminary

design, and cost estimates for the facility,” the letter reads. “The Town of Berlin supports the Town of Ocean City’s request for $1.2 million in state funding for this effort and understands that that Town of Ocean City will supply the bal-

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ance in local funds. The Town of Berlin believes a regional sports complex of this size will contribute positively to the local and state economy and further leverage Worcester County as a tourism destination in Maryland.”

Public Shares Input On Berlin Comprehensive Plan

Page 12

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Stormwater, trees and affordable housing were among the issues citizens shared as discussion of the town’s comprehensive plan began this week.

Several residents attended Wednesday’s meeting of the Berlin Planning Commission to provide input as the group begins the process of updating the town’s comprehensive plan. The commission is expected to start hosting meetings the fourth Wednesday of each

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month solely to discuss the comprehensive plan.

“It’s probably going to be at least six months to make this better, more modern,” Planning Director Dave Engelhart said.

The comprehensive plan, a document that guides future growth in the town, was drafted in 2010. While it’s been reviewed several times, the commission this year will be reviewing and updating it again. They invited members of the public to share input on Wednesday as the process begins.

Councilman Jack Orris brought up the

stormwater issues in town.

“To be sure, pages 49 to 52 of the existing plan allude to what should be done in terms of stormwater management/maintenance but doesn’t specify exactly how or what we do for the end game of those goals,” he said. “I believe now is the time to include efficient stormwater management as one of our top goals for the town and we should include it in both our comprehensive and strategic plans.”

Commission member Matt Stoehr agreed the issue was one that came up but said it was beyond the expertise of the planning commission.

“I don’t know what the answer is,” he said.

While Engelhart said the town worked under requirements from the Maryland Department of the Environment, commission member Ron Cascio said there was no inspection or enforcement when it came to stormwater management. Engelhart said that in his 10 years with the town the municipality had been targeting five specific stormwater improvement projects, three of which have been completed.

“I think we do address it,” he said.

“It’s just a slower moving turtle than we thought.”

Resident Joan Maloof said she wanted the town to focus on resource conservation. She said she’d watched the town lose forest cover in recent years and felt there needed to be specific goals related to trees. She also would like to see an open space commission.

“I think we need to be forward thinking and preserve more land,” she said.

Resident Gina Velong agreed the town needed to do more regarding trees and suggested officials also establish guidelines for what trees should be planted when lots were developed. She also voiced concerns about stormwater and said she worried recently approved projects would only make drainage in town worse.

Resident Tony Weeg said he thought a form-based code, one that bases development more on context than land use, would help Berlin.

“You have to be a bit more lenient on some of the land uses,” he said.

January 12, 2024

Other interests Weeg brought up included improving the walkability of town, addressing the future of Heron Park and the need for an annexation moratorium.

“Make it a strategic thing,” he said.

Cam Bunting, a Berlin residents and real estate broker, told the commission she was worried about the potential impact of state legislation that would promote accessory dwelling units.

“That’s going to change a lot in the future,” she said.

The lack of affordable housing in Berlin was the issue raised by resident Gabe Purnell. Purnell, who owns property on Flower Street, said the town should consider adding more R-3 residential zoning. He also addressed the importance of the Flower Street neighborhood and suggested the town find a way to preserve it. He said visitors were always surprised by it.

“They say ‘wow, it looks like it’s from a different century,’” he said.

Worcester County Commissioner Diana Purnell echoed her husband’s comments regarding the significance of Flower Street but said that in holding on to what it had the town also needed to make itself better.

“You want to be inclusive,” she said.

Purnell believes Flower Street deserves the same attention “Berlin proper” gets. She does not want Route 113 to divide the town.

“My concern is, when you work on the comprehensive plan it’s not two things you’re working on but one area—Berlin,” she said.

Purnell said she would have liked to have seen the two council members who represent the Flower Street neighborhood at the meeting and encouraging their constituents to weigh in on the comprehensive plan.

“The comprehensive plan is not comprehensive unless you’ve got everybody in the process,” she said.

Resident Marie Velong said the accessory dwelling unit issue Bunting brought up could in fact help Berlin. She also spoke about the need to address stormwater and drainage issues in town.

The commission is expected to meet again to discuss the comprehensive plan Jan. 24.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

School System Officials Outline Budget Challenges Page 14

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – School system officials said they’d need millions in additional revenue to even provide teachers with a step increase in the coming fiscal year.

During a budget work session on Tuesday, staff told the Worcester County Board of Education that it would take an additional $5 million to provide a step increase and no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to teachers.

“It’s what keeps me up at night,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said. “Our teachers deserve a raise. I have heard that across the board. They have been in my professional opinion stepped on last year really bad for the work they do. It hurts me as a professional educator what we had to give them last year–and make cuts to give them. Because I know what goes on in these schools day in and day out. Other people who make judgments who don’t spend time there day in and day out really concerns me.”

Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief financial officer, outlined the current $126 million education budget at Tuesday’s work session. He said budget was primarily funded by the county, as that was 68.8% of the school system’s funding, while state aid accounted for 16.9% and federal aid accounted for slightly more than 13%. Tolbert reminded the board that in neighboring counties such as Wicomico, the numbers were reversed, with

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the state funding close to 70% of the school system budget.

According to Tolbert, 86.5% of the budget is spent on salaries and fixed charges. An additional 7.1% is contractual services, which is largely bus drivers.

“It’s people,” Tolbert said. “That’s where the resources are in the school system.”

Tolbert also acknowledged the $1.5 million budget surplus the board had at the end of the last fiscal year.

“I saw some headlines about the board hid $1.5 million,” he said. “We didn’t hide anything. It’s a good accounting practice to have some kind of fund balance.”

He added that typically, when the board had a surplus it was used to fund onetime capital items.

“Keeping those capital requests off of the county coffers and doing it in house with surplus money,” he said.

School board member Katie Addis asked if the surplus could be used to fund some of the items cut during the last budget year, such as summer school programs.

Tolbert said that had been discussed with county officials.

“We were told at the time that the votes weren’t there that they wanted that money to come back to the county for OPEB (other post-employment benefits),” he said.

Addis said she’d been told differently.

“They indicated they’re waiting on a breakdown of information from you,” she said.

January 12, 2024

Tolbert said that information was being compiled.

As far as the coming year’s budget, Tolbert said officials were hearing that the school system would be receiving maintenance of effort (MOE) level funding— the same amount of funding on a per pupil basis as the previous year. He said MOE funding would be about $500,000 less than what the school system received for the current year, based on enrollment.

Restoring the programs cut when MOE funding was approved last year would cost $1.5 million, according to Tolbert. In addition, negotiations regarding salaries are ongoing.

Tolbert said the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was also a concern, as it would require the starting teacher salary, which is currently about $52,000, to get to $60,000 in the next three years.

“If we do it the way we’ve always done it, that would require 6% COLAs for the next three years,” Tolbert said.

Nevertheless, he presented four potential scenarios at Monday’s meeting.

He said that if the school system provided staff with a salary step but no COLA, there would be a budget shortfall of at least $5 million. With a salary step and a 2% COLA, there would be a budget shortfall of at least $6.7 million. A salary step and a 4% COLA would result in a budget shortfall of more than $8.5 million.

A salary step and a 6% COLA would result in a budget shortfall of over $10.3 mil-

lion.

He added that health insurance costs were also projected to increase potentially 12%.

Tolbert stressed that to get to the starting teacher salary mandated by the Blueprint the 6% COLA was needed.

“To get there, it’s either going to have to be additional revenue from the state or from the county, or it’s going to be reductions in the number of people working in Worcester County Public Schools,” he said.

Taylor said that negotiations were ongoing but that for example, in order to provide a step and a 6% COLA, he’d have to cut $10 million from the budget.

“A rule of thumb is for every 10 positions it’s $1 million…,” he said. “To get to $10 million, I’ve got to cut 100 positions out of Worcester County Public Schools.”

He said he would continue to advocate on behalf of students and teachers.

“I challenge you in your hearts today to remember this is about kids,” he said.

“This isn’t about somebody we don’t like or somebody shouldn’t be in the position they’re in, the bottom line is, this school system is not about one, two, three, four, five or seven people. It’s about 6,700 children.”

While the school board has its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Jan. 16, the next budget work session is set for Feb. 6. The school board is expected to approve a budget at its Feb. 20 meeting.

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January 12, 2024

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s police chief reports seasonal recruitment for the department remains “sluggish,” but noted there will be two more testing opportunities in the coming weeks.

During Monday’s meeting of the Ocean City Police Commission, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro provided members with a report on the police department’s seasonal recruitment efforts. As of this week, the department has received 46 seasonal officer applicants and 32 public safety aide (PSA) applicants.

“So it’s sluggish, but we are still moving along in terms of hiring for part-time public safety aides and seasonal police officers,” Buzzuro said.

For decades, the Ocean City Police Department has enhanced its workforce with seasonal officers and PSAs during the summer months. And while interest in the seasonal program gained some momentum in 2021, recruitment has lagged in the years since.

Buzzuro told the commission Monday the police department held its fifth testing date last weekend.

He noted that 16 of the 24 registered seasonal officer applicants and 16 of the 19 registered PSA candidates showed up.

“So it’s fairly close with those that had signed up and those that had actually showed up,” he said.

He noted that during the same testing date last year, the department had 13 seasonal officer applicants and eight PSA applicants attend.

“We doubled that this year with 16,” he said.

In total, the police department has received 46 seasonal officer applications. Buzzuro said that was down from the 50-plus seasonal officer applicants in 2023.

“This number, 46, is opposed to 51, where we had 51 applicants this time last year,” he said. “So not meeting the mark, but fairly close.”

Buzzuro added that the department has received 32 PSA applicants for the coming summer. He said that number was up from 24 last year.

“So we’re slightly higher with our PSA applicants that have come through the door at this point,” he said.

Last year, the police department had, in total, 88 seasonal officer applicants and 45 PSA applicants. According to testing statistics, that number was down from 115 seasonal officer applicants and 50 PSA applicants for the summer of 2022.

Buzzuro noted that while recruitment has lagged, there will be two more testing opportunities for seasonal officers and PSAs. Testing dates are scheduled for Jan. 27-28 and Feb. 17-18, the last testing opportunity for the season.

“We’re obviously looking to hire as many as we can as they move through the process,” he told the commission.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

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Midnight Ball Drop Reconsidered

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials expressed interest in eliminating the midnight ball drop on New Year’s Eve following light attendance at the most recent event.

While staff and elected officials agreed the 6 p.m. ball drop on Dec. 31 was a success, the high staff costs and low attendance associated with the later event led council members to suggest the midnight event be cut.

“The crowds just weren’t there for the midnight event,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

During Monday’s council meeting, Councilman Steve Green asked Wells for a recap of the town’s New Year’s Eve festivities. He said he wanted her take on the events, as he’d noticed crowds seemed to be down for the later ball drop.

The Berlin ball drop tradition began more than a decade ago. While the event began small, it grew in popularity, eventually expanding into two events—a 6 p.m. ball drop for kids, designed to occur at what was midnight in Berlin, Germany, and a 12 a.m. event for adults.

Wells said this year’s kids ball drop was the busiest one she’d seen yet.

Crowds stretched from Rayne’s Reef up to Sisters Wine Bar and there were more adults than children in attendance.

“I wouldn’t even call it the kids ball drop anymore,” she said. “I saw a lot of locals there that don’t have kids, they just wanted to be with their neighbors.”

Wells, who was downtown from about noon to help set up until about 1 a.m.to help clean up, said businesses were busy.

“They were doing amazing until probably about 8 o’clock,” she said.

She said that was in spite of the fact that the town brought in entertainment to perform in the hours leading up to midnight.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said New Year’s Eve was one of the town’s more expensive events. Tim Lawrence, the town’s electric utility director, said he had staff in town most of the day, as in addition to operating the truck that lowered the ball for the kids ball drop they’d also had to set up the screen for the laser show. In all, he said overtime costs for his department exceeded $3,400. He noted that if his team had just done the kids ball drop, costs would be about $1,400.

Jimmy Charles, the town’s public works director, said costs for his department exceeded $2,600. He said for just the 6 p.m. event, costs would have been under $2,000.

Tyndall said that while he didn’t have the exact police costs associ-

January 12, 2024

ated with the event, the ball drops did impact that department as well.

Green said he was a big supporter of the town’s events but felt maybe the time had come to stop hosting the late night event. Councilman Jack Orris agreed.

“Everywhere does New Year’s at midnight,” he said. “We do a 6 p.m. family friendly event. I think that’s kind of unique.”

Wells said that in the days after Dec. 31 she’d communicated with her peers elsewhere.

“I reached out to several other municipalities who also hold midnight events,” she said. “Every single one of them, their attendance was down more than 50%.”

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols and Councilman Jay Knerr also spoke in support of not hosting the midnight event again. Knerr said he’d seen the lack of attendance himself.

“I was disappointed,” he said.

“There were about 200 people. I expected 1,000 or more.”

He said there were a lot of midnight events on Dec. 31 that created a lot of competition for the one in Berlin. Wells added that businesses like The Globe and Burley Oak Brewing now offered their own events for the holiday.

“Each restaurant and bar is taking their own responsibility and doing wonderful events,” she said. “I think that’s great. We’re here to support the businesses.”

When asked about the discussion later this week, Berlin Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ryan Nellans said Wells had already informed the chamber’s board that the later event would be canceled.

“I think that there are a lot of reasons that the midnight event wasn't as busy as we remember from years past,” he said. “I think that cost of living probably had a lot to do with keeping people home. And those who did go out seemed to go to many of Berlin's local hangouts, many of whom put on their own NYE parties or events. We also lost momentum over the last few years due to the poor weather.”

He's hoping the issue will be reconsidered.

“I think that if the council hasn't already scrapped a midnight ball drop that they should consider all of the circumstances instead of pulling the plug after one lackluster performance,” he said. “That decision would reduce the number of events with alcohol sales down to four. The Town will then be holding one third of the potential alcohol permits unused. It takes roughly a year to build a new event. Makes it harder to support the businesses and the town on important issues like improving parking or business education and other initiatives when we're really getting everything back on track and better.”

January 12, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

Page 18

Former Bay Club Open To Public

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Property Improvements Ongoing

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Site work is underway at the former Bay Club on Libertytown Road. Parking areas are expected to be complete by the end of next month. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

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BERLIN – While the restoration of a former golf course outside Berlin continues, the space is now open to the public.

The Bay Club, the former golf course on Libertytown Road outside Berlin, has been quietly open to the public since the fall. While trail work has not yet begun, the 672-acre property is already being frequented by hunters and birdwatchers.

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er Shore Land Trust, the former golf course will be a haven for people and for wildlife,” said Kate Patton, executive director of the Lower Shore Land Trust.

In 2020, the land trust began working to assist in the purchase of the Bay Club by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). After three years, the transaction was completed, resulting in the state’s acquisition of 672 acres to be managed by the Maryland Forest Service.

“Mowing of the site and preparations for constructing the parking areas began in late November,” said Alexander Clark, forest manager. “We hope to have the northern parking area off of Libertytown Road open and ready for use by the end of February to allow better public access to the property. The trail construction/reconstruction is an ongoing project, but will happen concurrently with the mowing.”

Patton said that with the efforts of the state agencies and local organizations such as the land trust, a variety of restoration projects would improve the site as well as the public’s access to open space.

“The project is one that expands public access to natural areas in the northern part of the county,” said Patton.

“Community engagement efforts will help guide the trail development as access for equestrians, hikers, cyclists, and other passive recreation activities such as birdwatching. The site has already become noted for birdwatchers.”

Jared Parks, land programs manager for the Lower Shore Land Trust, said the nonprofit submitted a grant proposal last month seeking restoration funding for wetlands and native pollinator meadows for the Bay Club property.

“Paired with the reforestation that the forest service is doing, the property will be nearly unrecognizable from the golf course it was till recently,” he said.

The land trust has plans for 18 acres of pollinator plantings near both parking areas. The wetlands restoration would be throughout the property.

“The trail system was designed to take advantage of the useable infrastructure from the old cart paths, so the public can access a lot of the area and experience the restoration work and habitat creation that we will be completing,” Parks said. “The location of this facility near Berlin is important as the community will have easy access to the area and visitors from elsewhere will have access to the services provided by the town.”

He's hopeful the land trust’s proposal will be approved for funding. If so, that work will begin later this year. He added that whether that grant is received or not, the property would still be undergoing the mowing and access improvements planned by the Maryland Forest Service.

Hiring Process Begins For Parking Division

January 12, 2024

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say they are in the process of hiring staff for the town’s new parking division.

Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee Tuesday that the formation of a new parking division was well underway. With the council’s approval, officials have created new job descriptions and pay grading and have started the process of seeking a parking manager to oversee operations.

“I want you to realize the advertisement and job description we put together is not just specific to the Inlet lot or the multi-space meters,” said Public Works Director Hal Adkins. “Anything related to parking will go under this individual’s job description. Whether it is the Caine Keys II residential parking permits or whether it is monitoring and troubleshooting and EV program throughout the town, if it is parking related it is ending up with this person.”

In November, the Ocean City Council voted 6-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to create a new parking division under the town’s transportation department. While paid parking represents a $6 million annual revenue source for the town, officials argued a division was needed to oversee its management.

“What we’d like to do is move virtually everything under that division,” City Manager Terry McGean told the council at the time. “So that division would handle overall administration and management. Right now, no one does that.”

As proposed, the new parking division would fall under Shearman’s leadership and would feature a new full-time parking manager and seven or eight part-time parking enforcement officers. In an update Tuesday, Shearman said advertisement for the parking manager position has attracted more than 20 applicants.

“We do have several promising candidates in that pool, and we are continuing to advertise for that position,” he explained.

Shearman added that the department is also finalizing its office plans and reconfiguring its current budget to account for new parking division expenses between now and July.

When asked about the timeline for hiring, Shearman said the plan was to have a manager by April 1 and enforcement officers by May 1.

“Keep in mind, the season goes into effect April 1,” Adkins said of the parking manager position. “We need to bring in someone substantially before that. That’s what we’re trying to do, so they can educate themselves and we can educate them so they can hit the ground running.”

When asked about enforcement positions, Shearman said the department planned to hire between seven or eight enforcement officers.

“That’s important,” Mayor Rick Meehan said. “If we don’t have that personnel, we don’t have that enforcement.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Felony Theft Charge BERLIN – Delaware State Police arrested a Berlin resident last week on felony theft charges.

On Sept. 17, 2023, at approximately 1:57 p.m., troopers were called to a residence in Millsboro, Del. for a theft report.

Upon arrival, troopers contacted a 68-year-old woman who advised that her purse, which contained personal items and money, had been removed from her residence. Through inves- BEATRICE tigative means, troopers THERRES identified Beatrice Therres, 63, of Berlin, as the suspect and obtained a warrant for her arrest. On Dec. 23, 2023, troopers were notified Therres was in custody in Maryland.

On Jan. 3, 2024, Therres was extradited to Delaware and transported to Troop 7 where she was turned over to troopers and charged with theft less than $1,500 and victim is older than 62 years of age (felony).

COPS & COURTS Therres was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on her own recognizance.

High-Speed Chase OCEAN CITY – Authorities were led on a high-speed chase on Christmas Eve after a routine traffic stop took an unexpected turn.

On Dec. 24, about 12:30 a.m., the License Plate Reader system at the Route 90 Bridge was alerted to a 2019 Dodge Charger with a suspended registration. A Motor Vehicle Administration check confirmed the registration was suspended for

an insurance lapse.

Police conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver after he pulled his vehicle into the 7-Eleven on 59th Street. The officer noted the vehicle’s tint material on the windows exceeded the state limit of 35%. Once the Charger came to a stop, the driver, Larquonne Garner, 26, of Salisbury, exited his vehicle to speak to the police officer, who ordered him twice to remain in his vehicle. Garner told the officer he needed to use the restroom, while providing his driver’s license and registration.

Garner could not locate his insurance, which he said was on his dead phone. The officer told Garner to charge his phone to

January 12, 2024 show the insurance since the vehicle’s registration had been suspended.

While the officer was conducting license and National Crime Information Center checks on all occupants, it was learned Garner’s driving privileges had been suspended on Sept. 6, 2023 for failing to appear or comply with a citation.

During this computer search, the officer noticed the vehicle’s reverse lights illuminate and the Charger came toward the police car. The officer hit the horn to alert the driver and pointed a firearm at the car, ordering all passengers to remain inside.

At this point, Garner fled the traffic stop, leading police on a high-speed pursuit through Ocean City and the surrounding areas. Two police vehicles followed Garner with one officer noting a speed limit of 80 mph in a posted 35 mph to maintain surveillance. The officer estimated Garner was traveling at 90 mph in a marked 35 mph zone. Another officer activated her “forward facing radar antenna” as Garner passed 28th Street and registered a speed of 114 mph.

Ocean City police put out tire deflation devices at one point in the pursuit but Garner evaded the stop sticks in a dangerous fashion. Garner drove his vehicle across Route 50, continuing to reach dangerous speeds of approximately 125 mph in a marked 55-mph zone. Ocean City police officers discontinued the pursuit but Garner’s vehicle was ultimately located by officers with the Berlin Police Department on Griffin Road. Berlin officers noted the Charger was unoccupied and Garner and another occupant, James Brumskin Jr., 33, of Salisbury, fled the vehicle on foot on Griffin Road in Berlin.

Garner and Brumskin were both located nearby. Garner was charged with more than 35 traffic offenses connected to the incident. Brumskin was charged for fleeing the scene as well as connected to Wicomico County for a warrant for failing to appear.

Accident In Pines OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched last Saturday to respond to the area of Manklin Creek Road and the South Gate Pond for a water rescue.

On Saturday Jan. 6, at approximately 12:36 a.m., dispatch advised that the caller had heard someone yelling and found a male of unknown age in the pond. Upon arrival to the pond, units heard yelling and relocated across Ocean Parkway to the tax/drainage ditch located below Headlines Salon. Responders located two male victims in knee to thigh high water restricted by thick layers of mud and sediment; one victim identified himself as the 911 caller and stated he was trying to rescue the other individual.

While implementing the rescue plan, the original victim rolled face first into the water. A responder immediately entered the water and was able to keep the victim’s head out of the water until fellow responders were able to scale the bank and extricate both victims.

Due to the unknown reasons as to why the original victim was in the water, along with hypothermia and other medical concerns, the victim was transported to Shock Trauma by MSP Trooper 4. The initial responder and the Good Samaritan were provided warm blankets and refused any further treatment.

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January 12, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

... COPS & COURTS While the idea of a water rescue in a “ditch” might seem insignificant to most, this was a serious incident as drowning can occur in as little as a few inches of water. Additionally, the below freezing temperatures made the situation dangerous for the victims in the water and the first responders. Emergency responders urge extra caution anytime people are near any amount of water, especially in cold weather and/or alone.

Disturbing Peace Charge OCEAN CITY – A disorderly Maryland man was charged on New Year’s Day for his involvement in an altercation.

On Jan. 1, shortly after midnight, Ocean City police received a dispatch for a disorderly crowd fighting outside a bar. According to the investigation and statement of charges, Robert Chanaud, Jr., 25, of Centreville, was removed from the premises after trying to start a fight with other patrons. Surveillance video confirmed due to his heightened inebriation Chanaud’s action led to a large fight ensuing inside the bar. Chanaud was removed from the establishment and no parties involved in the fighting wished to file charges.

After being released from the scene, Chanaud began shouting obscenities to the responding officers, drawing the attention of patrons and the public. Chanaud refused to cooperate with police.

When being placed under arrest after ignoring orders, Chanaud would not provide his hands to police. Chanaud was

Page 21

subsequently forced to the ground to gain compliance.

Chanaud was charged with disorderly conduct and failure to obey a law enforcement order to prevent a disturbance to public peace.

False Fire Alarm OCEAN CITY – Pulling two fire alarms at a resort hotel for no appropriate reason resulted in charges for a Maryland man this month.

On Jan. 1, around 4 a.m., an Ocean City police officer respond to a mid-town hotel in reference to a fire alarm activation that resulted in the entire hotel being evacuated. The incident occurred the morning after New Year’s Eve. When he arrived, the police officer noted about 100 people were forced to evacuate their rooms due to the alarm activation.

A witness who was staying at the hotel told police Sidelvando Monteiro, 50, of Delmar, was creating a disturbance in the hallway of the hotel. Monteiro, who was reported to be heavily intoxicated, was walking around the hallway in his underwear and reportedly admitted to pulling the fire alarm.

When police interviewed him, Monteiro said he accidently locked himself outside his room while in his underwear.

Monteiro admitted to police he had pulled the two fire alarms, resulting in hotel guests screaming at the man for ruining their night’s sleep.

Monteiro was charged with knowingly making a false alarm by pulling two fire alarm stations forcing the evacuation of more than 100 people and alerting the Ocean City Fire Department and disturbing the peace.

Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department personnel are pictured during the transport of an individual injured in an accident last weekend.

Photo courtesy of the OPVFD

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Committee Reviews Transit Projects

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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OCEAN CITY – Discussions on a strategic plan and fleet electrification highlighted an update this week on transportation projects.

On Tuesday, Transit Manager Rob Shearman presented members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee with an update on several transportation projects occurring within the resort.

He noted the first of these projects is the town’s transportation development plan. Completed by an outside consultant hired by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), the document is a fiveyear plan for maintaining and improving public transportation services in Ocean City.

“They outlined a number of key goals for us for the next five years,” Shearman said. “Many of them are things we are already planning on doing in terms of technology initiatives, in terms of continuing to enhance our physical facilities, our bus shelters, and other capital improvements in terms of fleet electrification and exploration and continuing to update our bus fleet.”

Officials noted the planning document included timelines for specific projects, including the transportation department’s introduction of electronic fareboxes in fiscal year 2026 and the implementation of an electric bus fleet in fiscal year 2028. When asked about fleet electrification, Shearman said he believed the development plan presented a reasonable timeline.

“If our facility study is completed at the end of this summer or maybe a year from now, there are still a couple of years where we pursue grant funding for the infrastructure improvements and for vehicle purchases,” he explained. “So I think it’s fair to say we are still several years out from actually seeing electric buses on site.”

Shearman also presented committee members this week with an update on the town’s zero-emission transition plan, the first step in the exploration of an electric bus fleet. He noted that officials will be seeking grant funding from the MTA and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to complete the study.

January 12, 2024

“The price tag is $149,000,” he explained. “However, we are expected to be on the hook for 10% of that figure, with state and federal funding covering a bulk of the rest.”

Shearman said the plan would provide a comprehensive survey of the power, infrastructure and funding needed for fleet electrification. He said the study was expected to take several months to complete.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca noted that the transportation department had plans to seek funding in fiscal year 2025 for two new articulated diesel buses. He questioned if the purchase was wise, as such buses had an average lifespan of 14 years.

“Even if we do pursue fleet electrification, it’s not something that’s going to be instantaneous,” he said. “It’s something we will cycle in as our diesel fleet ages out. So we’re talking about a transition that will be partially diesel fleet and partially electric fleet over the course of 12 to 15 years, which is the normal life cycle for a bus.”

Officials added that the town plans to seek grant funding for the purchase of electric buses. They noted that couldn’t be done until the transition plan was complete.

“You can’t even apply for it and have an expectation to have the state and federal government fund electric buses until you’ve done the transition plan,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins said. “They won’t even talk to you.”

City Manager Terry McGean said there is also the issue of installing infrastructure for the electric fleet. He said that should be done before any electric buses are purchased.

“We don’t want to order a bus early and have it show up and we don’t have the charging infrastructure,” he said.

Shearman said the town would not want to pursue fleet electrification without some grant funding. He noted that each electric bus would cost approximately $1.5 million.

“Our next step is to apply for the MTA and FTA grant funding to help us with the price tag of the study,” he said. “We’re optimistic that would be approved because of the direction the state wants to take with fleet electrification.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Meter Project Continues In Berlin

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Water Resources Director Jamey Latchum, shown third from left, presented the Berlin Town Council on Monday with a map that outlines plans for replacing the town’s water meters.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BERLIN – Town staff are reminding residents to clear landscaping away from their water meters as the replacement process begins.

Last week, crews began removing existing water meters in Berlin to replace them with smart meters. Though work is underway in the Decatur Farms neighborhood now, meters throughout the entire town will be replaced in the coming months.

“If you have flowers, mulch, trees, on top of your meter, they will tear it out,” said Jamey Latchum, the town’s water resources director. “They have to get in there and replace it. I have preached it numerous times. Please clear your meters.”

The town has been working toward

January 12, 2024

smart meters since 2021, when a water rate study revealed that the town was not receiving revenue for about 25% of the water it produced. Much of that loss, according to the study, is tied to inaccurate meters. Staff at the time said they were aware of at least 400 inaccurate meters.

In the wake of that report, town officials agreed to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to replace existing meters with smart meters, which are expected to lead to more accurate billing and help residents identify leaks earlier.

In Monday’s town council meeting, Latchum, showing a map of the town broken into seven colored zones, said work was currently underway in the green zone, essentially the Decatur Farms area.

From there, crews will probably move across Route 113 to the orange and yellow zones.

“We’re still trying to develop our best plan of attack,” he said.

He added that crews started in Decatur Farms because work should be simpler there, as it was one of the newer sections of town.

“He’s knocking out 10-15 meters a day,” Latchum said, explaining that it was only taking 10-15 minutes per meter in Decatur Farms. “When we get in some of the older parts of town… it might be 20-25 minutes.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall said residents should understand that while they were getting new meters there would be no change in the billing structure.

“The only thing you may experience is if you have an older meter, it may not be capturing all of the use,” he said, adding that if residents were concerned with a bill they could ask for a re-read of their meter.

Latchum said most of the town’s meters should be changed out within 90 days but that the process was complicated by the fact that some of the replacements, such as those at the hospital and nursing home, had to be done in the middle of the night.

“There’s a lot of planning on our end that we’ve been working on,” Latchum said. “There will be a lot more stuff coming out. Hopefully we can get moving fairly quick and get this changed out.”

He urged residents to clear off their meters so they wouldn’t be disappointed when crews came through.

“This is not just related to meter replacement,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “By town code you are to leave your meter unobstructed.”

Council members encouraged staff to add that to advertisements about the meter replacement process. They said they’d advised residents of the issue and would continue to do so.

Latchum said that once they were installed, the new meters would have GPS. “So if we have a leak we should be able to take our cellphone and iPads and get right to it,” he said.

OCPD Service Calls Continue Decrease Trend

January 12, 2024

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A decrease in calls for service highlighted a monthly update from Ocean City’s police chief.

On Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity for the month of December.

He noted that officer calls for service decreased from 1,197 in December 2022 to 994 in December 2023, while citizen calls for service decreased from 631 to 519.

“That’s pretty considerable,” he said.

Buzzuro said traffic stops continue to be the top call for service. While the department saw a increase in traffic stop calls in December 2022, he noted that the department reported a slight decline in 2023.

“It’s fairly consistent from last year,” he said, “664 versus 615.”

Buzzuro added that the department also recorded a slight increase in calls for fire and EMS assists. He said calls increased from 121 in December 2022 to 133 in December 2023.

“If you look at December 2021, we had 63 calls to assist fire and EMS,” he said.

“So there is something within that number that’s a considerable increase from two years ago. But this year was rather consistent with last year.”

Mayor Rick Meehan questioned if the police department responded to every fire and EMS call. Buzzuro said officers responded to almost every call within the corporate limits.

“Unless there’s something going on in the field that would prohibit it,” he replied.

“But basically, we respond to every fire and EMS call.”

Buzzuro, however, told commission members the police department recorded decreases in several other calls for service categories, including 911 hangups, suspicious person/activity, general welfare, collisions and premise alarms, to name a few.

Under December enforcement, the police department reported custodial arrests decreased from 90 in December 2022 to 66 in December 2023. Drug arrests decreased from nine to five.

“Drug arrests were almost cut in half, five versus nine last year,” he said. “We are down from that 17 number two years ago.”

Buzzuro added that criminal citations increased from zero to two, while drug citations for marijuana decreased from three to one.

“Two years ago we were at eight,” he said.

Buzzuro also told commission members that both DUI arrests and weapons arrests remained consistent from December 2022 to December 2023.

He noted that the police department confiscated three knives and three other weapons last month.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION

A $249 VALUE FOR ONLY $99 • Check the electrical service panel and wiring • Tighten screws and lugs on circuit breakers to ensure proper functioning • Apply Noalox on branch circuits’ aluminum wires • Check all outlets with tester for loose connections, open grounds, neutral wires, proper polarity

• Test/inspect GFCI outlets and breakers • Check for double tapped breakers to eliminate overloading a circuit breaker • Survey for proper surge protection • Check smoke detectors and make recommendations for compliance with local electrical codes

Call 410-641-1434 Worcester County Lic. #M917 • Maryland Lic. # 3506

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 12, 2024

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Leo Club teacher advisors Brittany Tracy and Marie Stevenson visited the Ocean City Lions to share the volunteer activities of the SDHS Club. The Lions presented a $1,500 check to support the Leo Club’s efforts to serve the community. Pictured from left to right are Tracy, Lion President Greg Cathell, Lions’ Leo representative Mike Hooper, Past District Governor Norm Cathell and Stevenson.

Members of the Books by the Bay Book Club held their Holiday Luncheon at the Victorian Restaurant in the Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth in December. Submitted Photos

The Germantown School hosted Dr. Clara Small during the lecture series Veteran Voices for a talk about Buffalo Soldiers. The lecture series continues this Saturday, with Small speaking at 10 a.m. at the Germantown School on Trappe Road regarding African American military service.

Ann Runo, Ocean City Lioness Lions Club president, Kathy Crockett, Lions 22B district governor, Billie Terrones and Jan Adamchak (not in photo) unloaded and distributed 70 kid friendly food boxes for families today at Buckingham Elementary School in December.

Members of the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club gathered together recently to prepare the mailing of tickets for the club’s 2024 scholarship raffle to benefit the students of Stephen Decatur High School. Beginning in 1989 and running through 2023, $1.9 million in scholarships have been presented to students from Stephen Decatur High School. Tickets may also be purchased at the boat show in February.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City inducted three new members last month. Pictured from left to right are Kiwanian sponsor Jan Wolfing, Tim Kartisek (sponsored by Jan), Dick Keiling (sponsored by Kiwanian Jim Ulman), Sue Breazeale (sponsored by Jan) and Kiwanian Sponsor Jim Ulman.

January 12, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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STUDENTS In The News

Ocean City Elementary held its annual Holiday Spirit Day prior to parting for holiday break on Dec. 20th. Students, faculty and staff dressed up in their favorite festive attire and enjoyed a school-wide holiday sing-along. Pictured are some favorites from the day.

Tina Adams' first grade class at Ocean City Elementary recently wrote about their New Year's resolutions and stopped for a photo to celebrate afterwards.

Submitted Photos

Ocean City Elementary School held its annual Kids Heart Challenge Kick-Off Assembly on Jan. 4. The goal this year was to raise $33,000. Pictured with OCES students are physical education teachers Mark Engle and Tracey Drocella and the American Heart Association’s Kim Moore.

Worcester Prep Head of Upper School Mrs. Carol Evans, center, visited the Alumni Luncheon and Panel to catch up with the recent WPS graduates. Pictured with Evans from the left are Maria Deckman (University of Michigan), Samantha Repass (College of Charleston), Rylie Carey (Clemson University) and Meredith Cummings (New York University).

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Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443880-8444.

Every Monday: Bridge Games Are you interested in joining others for a game of Bridge at the Ocean City 50+ Senior Center? If so, please call or text Tish at 410-804-3971.

Every Monday: Overeaters Anonymous Meetings are from 7-8 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library branch. No dues or fees. Call 410-459-9100.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410629-9383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410289-4725.

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup Beach Heroes, a volunteer Ocean City group, holds cleanups 9-10 a.m. yearround. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page "Beach Heroes-OC" for weekly meeting locations.

All are welcome.

Every Wednesday: Bingo

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410-250-2645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302-4369577 or BeachSingles.org.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting The Caregiver Support Group will continue to meet on the second and fourth Thursdays in the Ocean Pines Library. Meetings will run from 3-4:30 p.m. The meetings are private and confidential.

Jan. 12: Prayer Breakfast Greater Ocean City Chamber’s Dreams & Determination Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held at 8 am in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Bayfront Ballroom.

Individual tickets are $50 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/47WnfBZ. For sponsorship information contact Amy Thompson via email: amy@oceancity.org.

Jan. 12: Crab Cake Dinner Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main Street, Berlin, will host from 4-6 p.m., carryout or eat-in. Cost is $14 for one crab cake sandwich with green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; $24 for two crab

cake sandwiches with sides; and $10 for a single crab cake sandwich. Bake sale table available.

Jan. 12-18: Berlin Restaurant Week Townwide in Berlin. Pick up a ticket at the Berlin Welcome Center or participant restaurants. Dine out and get it stamped at three different restaurants. Place your card in the drawing box at the Welcome Center for a chance to win restaurant gift cards. facebook.com/townofberlinmd.

Jan. 13: Indoor Flea Market, Breakfast At Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Berlin, from 8 a.m. to noon. Shoppers welcome. Flea market and breakfast items for sale. For more information, contact 410-641-2186 or bethany21811@gmail.com.

Jan. 13: Bull & Oyster Roast American Legion Post 166, Ocean City, and Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 166, will host from 3-6 p.m. Tickets $55 each or table of eight $400. Menu includes pit beef, pit ham, oysters, oyster stew, cole slaw, potato salad, desserts, draft beer and soda. Only 200 tickets available. For information call 301-289-3166.

Jan. 13: Veteran Voices From 10 a.m.-noon, the Germantown School will celebrate Martin Luther King weekend by exploring African American military service and its role in shaping our country. In this final talk in our series, Veteran Voices, Dr. Clara Small will discuss the varied and often little-known accounts of African American military service across our nation and times and the local heroes who have served us all. The event is free, but registration is recommended. To register email: germantownschool@gmail.com or call 410-641-0638. The Germantown School is located at 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, Md.

Jan. 15: General Meeting Democratic Women's Club of Worcester County will hold with social time, 9:30 a.m. and meeting and speaker, 10 a.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center’s Assateague Room. Speaker is Laura WilsonGentry, who will address "Political Polls: What We Need to Know." For more information on the DWC, go to www.dwcmd.org.

Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13: Diabetes Workshop Learn how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes through MAC’s Living Well Diabetes Self-Management workshop to be held Tuesdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 13, 2024, from 24:30 p.m. The free workshops will be held at the Ocean Pines Library at 11107 Cathell Road in Berlin. The six-week workshop is beneficial for Type 2 Diabetics, Pre-Diabetics and their caregivers. For more information on this and MAC’s other Living Well classes, or to register, call Jill Kenney at 410-742-0505, ext. 159, or email her at jkenney@macinc.org.

Jan. 16: Sip & Science Series Assateague Coastal Trust’s latest Sip & Science Series, Discover Healthy Soil & Zero-Waste Living, with Josh Chamber-

January 12, 2024 lain, Go Green OC. Learn about composting with live demonstrations. This interactive workshop is designed to educate you about the importance of composting and how you can significantly reduce waste, save money, and contribute to the wellbeing of our planet. Event set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Taphouse West, 12513 Ocean Gateway. Cost is $15. To register, http://tinyurl.com/3hmcrt5d.

Jan. 16: Free Readings The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to a free evening of readings and art from the 11th Annual “Shared Visions” exhibit. The event takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside. “Shared Visions” is a collaboration of the literary word and visual art. The exhibition features 21 local writers and 26 artist members of the Art League of Ocean City. The writing submissions were reviewed by a panel that included industry professionals as well as local writers: Stephanie Fowler of Salt Water Media, Mickie Meinhardt of the Buzzed Word, Don and Gwen Lehman, Teresa Kinhart, Mary Leach, and Ruth Wanberg-Alcorn. This year, artists selected a poem or short prose written by the writers to use as inspiration for their artwork. Their creations include painting, photography, fiber art, mixed media, and more displayed alongside the writings that inspired them. The writers will read their poetry and prose that inspired the artwork on display during a free event at the Arts Center, and the public is invited. Guests will enjoy live music and complimentary refreshments.

Jan. 17: Strategic Plan Sessions Salisbury University’s Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) is currently seeking Berlin resident input on a new strategic plan. Town residents are invited to community listening sessions to share their opinions and ideas as the town plans for the future. There are currently two sessions planned, including Wednesday, Jan. 10, 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin and Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin.

Jan. 18: Republican Women Meeting The Republican Women of Worcester County will be hosting its General Meeting at the Lighthouse Sound Restaurant, Bishopville. Talks will include current Maryland legislation and what actions that we can take to support our legislators in their ongoing efforts and we will be given insights on the Governor’s “Dozen Legislative Initiatives”. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 11 a.m. Cost of the luncheon is $35 all inclusive. For more information contact us by email@gopwomenofwc@gmail.com or to submit reservations, go to our website gopwomenofworcester.org.

Jan. 19: Fried Flounder From 4:30 till, dinner will include flounder, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Cost is $10.

Carryouts available.

Feb. 6-8: Basic Boating The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course, virtually from 6-9 p.m. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410935-4807, or email CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

Students Chosen For Leadership Program

January 12, 2024

BERLIN – Worcester Preparatory School sophomores Kain Crossett, Beckett Green, Ayla Yonker, Ashton Browne, Jude Damouni and Jake Timmons have been selected to attend the prestigious Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) leadership programs in Maryland and Delaware this summer.

HOBY, founded in 1958 by veteran actor Hugh O'Brian, is renowned as the country's top youth leadership development organization.

Over the years, HOBY has graduated exceptional leaders who have made a significant difference within the global society through effective and compassionate leadership. The Leadership Seminar, which welcomes hundreds of sophomores from across Maryland and Delaware, provides a platform for students to expand their understanding of leadership potential and personal development. Through immersive experiences, guest speakers, panel discussions, and hands-on activities, students learn about personal, group, and societal leadership.

A career lunch facilitates meaningful conversations between students and professionals, promoting knowledge about education, careers and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the program emphasizes the connection between leadership and volunteerism through a group community service project.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

Pictured, front from left, are Jude Damouni, Ayla Yonker and Ashton Browne; and, back, Kain Crossett, Beckett Green and Jake Timmons.

Submitted Photo

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Surgery Center Recognized BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital’s Joint Surgery Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Total Hip, Knee and Shoulder Replacement Certification by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.

The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

The voluntary certification, offered in collaboration with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, focuses on the entire continuum of care, from pre-surgical orthopedic consultation to the intraoperative hospitalization or ambulatory surgical center admission, rehabilitation activities, and follow-up visit with the orthopedic surgeon.

The Joint Surgery Center underwent a rigorous onsite review on Nov. 9 and 10.

During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards as well as documented performance improvement efforts.

Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewer also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“We’re incredibly pleased to receive these certifications from the Joint Commission for our joint replacement program,” said Mandy Bounds, DNP, RN, CCRN, CPHQ, vice president of patient care services/chief nursing officer at Atlantic General Hospital. “The awards validate the exceptional care provided by the physicians, nurses, clinicians, and support staff in the care of joint patients in our surgical program. On top of that, the guidelines established by the Joint Commission standards will help us remain consistent in our efforts to become a high reliability organization and achieve excellence in quality, safety, and our patient experience.”

“Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certification and Total Shoulder Replacement Certification recognize healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of accreditation and certification operations and chief nursing officer for The Joint Commission. “We commend Atlantic General Hospital and its staff at the Joint Surgery Center for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

January 12, 2024 “As a not-for-profit entity, we are able to return excess revenue back to our member-owners,” said Doug Scott, chairman of the Choptank Electric Board. “This is one of the many ways a Cooperative works for its members.”

The amount of capital credits earned is based upon the amount of electricity the member purchased in 1994 and 2022. Because electric co-ops operate at-cost, any excess revenues, called margins, are returned to members in the form of capital credits.

“We are applying these capital credits directly to our members’ electric bill in January, saving them a trip to the bank and saving the Co-op on printing and postage costs to mail a check,” said Mike Malandro, president and CEO of Choptank Electric.

To learn more about Choptank Electric’s capital credits, visit choptankelectric.coop/capital-credits.

Design Award The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce was recently awarded the 2023 Philanthropic Award at the Southern Delaware Tourism Awards. Above, chamber representatives are pictured with their awards and hardware. Submitted Photo

more compassionate care for individuals served.”

New Officers OCEAN CITY – The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 4269, representing career firefighters, EMS clinicians, and fire marshals in Ocean City, is proud to announce its newly elected officers for the year 2024.

The 2024 elected leadership team is as follows: President Ryan Whittington (2024-2026); Vice President Rancel ‘RC’ Evans (2024-2025); Secretary Jason Williams (2024-2025); Treasurer Damian Jones (2024-2026); Director Chris Brown (2024-2025); Director Allison LeCates (2024-2026); and Director David Myszka (2024-2026).

IAFF Local 4269, also known as the Firefighters Union, is committed to advocating for the health, safety, and wellbeing of its first responders. It ensures adequate staffing for safe response to all residents and visitors of Ocean City. This mission is achieved through fostering relationships among members, elected officials, government leaders, and the community.

President Ryan Whittington, reflecting on the union's progress and future direction, stated, “Our IAFF has paved the way for our current and future firefighters.

We've focused on cancer prevention by advocating for health and cancer screenings. Working with a Mayor & Council that understands the need for top-notch equipment and training, we've supported initiatives like a state-of-the-art fire station and increased staffing to improve our response capabilities. Our incoming leadership team is committed to the continued growth of our department and town, ensuring we provide the best service to those we're sworn to serve and protect.”

The officers assumed their roles on Jan. 1, 2024.

Echoing the words of IAFF International President Ed Kelly, Whittington emphasized the broader impact of their service, stating, “Our oath as firefighters extends beyond ourselves to our families.

The risks we take are shared by them.

As your President, I promise to champion safe working conditions, reducing the burden on our families and ensuring that their sacrifices are not in vain.”

Choptank Credits BERLIN – The Choptank Electric Cooperative Board of Directors voted to return a total of $2.5 million to its members in capital credits.

The distribution will be applied as a credit to active members’ electric bills this month.

SALISBURY – Becker Morgan Group recently received an Honor Award in the Non-Residential New Construction Category from the American Institute of Architects Chesapeake Bay Chapter (AIA CBC) for their design of the Wor-Wic Community College Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center in Salisbury, Md. The firm received this award at the 2023 Excellence in Design Awards Celebration held in Easton. Recognizing excellence in architecture throughout the Chesapeake Bay Region, the AIA CBC awards program serves to recognize distinguished architectural achievement and to honor the architects, clients, and consultants who work together to improve the built environment.

The Guerrieri Technology Center provides the latest in learning technologies to prepare students for the workforce. It features welding, HVACR, metal fabrication and plumbing labs; a CDL simulation lab; and other hands-on instruction areas for electro-mechanical, construction, electrical and alternative energy programs. For the community, a makerspace multipurpose laboratory has tools and 3D printers available for public use. Becker Morgan Group is proud to have partnered with Wor-Wic Community College to bring this innovative facility to Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset county residents.

Established in 1983, Becker Morgan Group is a leader in architecture, engineering, surveying, land planning, and interior design in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States.

Learn more at www.beckermorgan.com.

January 12, 2024

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 12, 2024

Best Beats On The Beach Who’s Where When CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, Jan. 12: Shortcut Sunny Saturday, Jan. 13: DJ Giddy Up, First Class

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CORK BAR Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Saturday, Jan. 13: Lennon & The Leftovers CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Jan. 12: Fil Rhythm Wednesday, Jan. 17: Taylor Knox, Kevin Poole CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Jan. 12: Dust N Bones Saturday, Jan. 13: No More Whiskey FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Jan. 12: DJ RobCee Saturday, Jan. 13: Cecilia’s Fall Monday, Jan. 15: Bryan Clark

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Jan. 12

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Monday, Jan. 15

KEVIN POOLE Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Jan. 17

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Friday & Saturday, Jan. 12 & 13

THE ELVISMAN 28th St. ‘Pit & Pub: Friday, Jan. 12

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, Jan. 12

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, & Wednesdays

January 12, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Who’s Where When

DOC MARTEN & THE FLANNELS Purple Moose: Saturday, Jan. 13

CECILIA’S FALL Fager’s Island: Saturday, Jan. 13

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Thursday, Jan. 18

NO MORE WHISKEY Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, Jan. 13

The Dispatch Can Be Viewed In Its Entirety

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DUST N BONES Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Jan. 12 Harborside: Thursday, Jan. 18 (duo)

ROGUE CITIZENS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Jan. 13

DUNEHOUNDS Harborside: Saturday, Jan. 13

ELEMENT K Seacrets: Saturday, Jan. 13

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HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Friday, Jan. 12: DJ Bigler Saturday, Jan. 13: Dunehounds DJ Bigler Sunday, Jan. 14: Bob Wilkinson Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Jan. 13: Rogue Citizens Sundays: Beats By DeoGee Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Saturday, Jan. 13: Doc Marten & The Flannels SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Jan. 12: DJ Tuff, Blake Haley, Saturday, Jan. 13: DJ Bobby O, Element K Thursday, Jan. 18: Full Circle Duo

ALL ADS LINKED TO ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES Updated By Every Monday At www.mdcoastdispatch.com

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Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Alumni Luncheon:

The Worcester Prep College Counseling Department, in partnership with the Alumni Association, held the Annual College Alumni Luncheon and Panel last week.

The event provided an opportunity for current seniors to ask recent WPS graduates about their experience with the college application process, choosing the right school and college life.

This year, 18 recent alumni were welcomed back to campus for lunch, fellowship, and an informative alumni panel discussion with the current seniors.

Alumni expressed great appreciation for how WPS prepared them for their college success; particularly in terms of time management, writing skills, and communication. They encouraged the seniors to take advantage of the opportunities that await them at college.

Alumni couldn’t reiterate enough the importance of making an informed and carefully researched decision when choosing a college. They also encouraged students to reach out to their network of contacts and to utilize the college counseling office at WPS to learn more about the schools in consideration. For those who will be heading off to college in the fall, they shared tips for acclimating to college life including making friends, connecting with professors, and excelling in their studies.

Pictured, front row from left, are WPS

College Counseling Assistant Allison Smith, Rylie Carey (Clemson University), Meredith Cummings (New York University), Ashlyn Roselle (University of South Carolina), Ava Wilsey (United States Air Force Academy), Rory Pugh (Texas A&M University) and WPS Director of College Counseling Vickie Garner; middle, WPS Alumni Association

January 12, 2024

President Chris Hoen, Sarah Butler (University of Richmond), Caroline Anderson (Southern Methodist University), Caitlyn Hoen (University of Mary Washington), Pearson Schul (High Point University), Parker Tingle (University of Alabama) and Jason Todorov (George Washington University); and, back, WPS Head of School Dr. John Mc-

Donald, Anderssen Taylor (University of Maryland), Joseph Schwartz (Duke University), Samantha Repass (College of Charleston), Cayden Wallace (Catholic University of America), Maria Deckman (University of Michigan), Cooper Ludt (Savannah College of Art and Design) and Devin Wallace (Furman University).

Submitted Photo

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January 12, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

art Reception Held: The Ocean City Center for the Arts hosted a free

First Friday art opening on Jan. 5 featuring its new artwork and a judged show.

Above, from left, are John Sisson, president; Megan Burak, first place in the “Home Sweet Home” group art show; Carl Wooleyhan, second place; Linda Steere, third place; and France Anna Arriola, honorable mention. The show runs through Jan. 27 with free admission. Studio E at the Ocean City Center for the Arts is hosting the Studio Art Quilt Associates, Lower Eastern Shore Pod, during the month of January. The quilters who banded together for the exhibit include, above right from left, Etta Stewart, Susan Callahan, Dale Ashera-Davis, Harriette Tuttle and Karen Stoll. Not pictured was Elizabeth Berger. The show runs through Jan. 27 with free admission.

Submitted Photos

HERE’S MY CARD For More Information, Contact Pamela Green PHONE: 410-641-4561 • FAX: 410-641-0966 • EMAIL: CLASSIFIEDS@MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM MVA LICENSED

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 36

Things I Like...

vanishing OCEAN CITY

January 12, 2024

WITH BUNK MANN

By Steve Green High hopes of New Year’s resolutions When my teenager wants to talk

The first day feeling better after being sick A Berlin Auto Wash visit

The sounds of a school hallway

Slowly putting Christmas stuff away Beach pictures of my young kids

Reading sports columnists every day The smell of a good breakfast spot

A new movie that meets expectations When it’s time to take a tie off

As the decade of the 1970s began, Ocean City was still a small seasonal town with most of its business conducted between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This was soon to change.

On April 18, 1970, the Ocean City Convention Hall opened bringing larger conventions to town and extending the season in both the spring and fall. Hotels and restaurants began to open earlier and remain open longer to meet the demands of the lengthening off-season.

The completion of the Route 90 Bridge in 1971 created a new mid-town section and hastened the development of northern Ocean City in the years that followed. By 1973, over a dozen high-rise condos had been built north of 94th Street with with restaurants and shopping centers springing up along Coastal Highway. The Arab Oil Embargo and high interest rates would slow the building boom later that year but the future of a year-round resort was never seriously in doubt.

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

Photo, looking south from 120th Street in 1971, courtesy of OC Life Saving Station Museum

HOROSCOPES

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): It's should be balanced against the possible better to get an explanation of a col- benefits of moving into a new direction. league's behavior first, rather than try- Also, work quickly to avoid a possible PAGE 46 family misunderstanding. ing to guess at the motive.ANSWERS Speculation ON SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): can never replace facts. What you learn could lead you to reconsider some of A personal matter requires attention and might lead to a surprising revelayour plans.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): The tion. Meanwhile, the new year could bring practical Bovine wants to see some some long-anticipated changes to the substantive changes in a situation that workplace.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. just doesn't feel right. You might want to help move things along by offering up 21): A new friendship seems to hold less promise than you previously thought. But some suggestions.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You make no assumptions one way or anmight be of two minds about a situation other without having an open and frank that seems to fit your needs, but might talk first.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): make more demands than you're ready for. Use both your head and heart to Your creative input could lead to changes in the workplace. Even if some colreach a decision.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): leagues disapprove of your efforts, stay Don't blame yourself if you can't figure the course. You're heading in the right out that puzzling workplace situation. direction.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): You might not have enough facts to work with yet. Do more research and ask more While this week is mostly positive, a few negative factors might arise. It's best to questions.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): It's a deal with them before they create probgood week to catch up on matters that lems that can jeopardize some of your couldn't be completed during the hectic later efforts.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You holiday season. It's also a good week to reach out to any new friends you made might feel like you have all the facts and support that you need to deal with a over the holidays.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): A long-deferred situation. Good for you! negative reaction to a request could Once the matter is finally settled, you be misunderstood. Make sure that your can move on.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are a sinreasons for saying "no" are clear. Also, be open to changing your mind if more cerely generous person who never has to be asked to do something nice for facts come through.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): The others. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. "security" of doing things the usual way

ANSWERS ON PAGE 46

January 12, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

The Dispatch Classifieds $15/Week for Minimum of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available) Deadline for Insertions, Cancellations & Payment is 3pm Tuesday Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard

HELP WANTED POOL: General Maintenance, Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects.

Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required.

Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others.

410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Small Engine mechanic, Year round, Competitive Wages. Call 443-754-1047.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CHECK HERE FIRST!

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

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Large Automotive Center with Tire and Service center plus.

Auto / Marine Parts & Retail, is now hiring for: - Service & Parts Associates ( Will train )

OCEAN PINES

FOR SALE OCEANSIDE MOTEL

CAREGIVER IN YOUR HOME: Honest, dependable, trustworthy & compassionate care. Hospital & home health exp. Exc. Ref.’s Call Debbie Bell 302-339-7162.

- Technicians Great Pay & Benefits!

Locations in: Ocean Pines, Clarksville & Long Neck Call: 302-344-9846

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COMMERCIAL WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 Office or Retail Space for Lease.

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INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE SPACE: 1,500 Sq. Ft., Masonry construction. 18’ high ceilings, large garage door & bathroom. Rt. 90/Bishopville.

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FOR SALE DINING ROOM TABLE AND HUTCH: READY FOR THE HOLIDAY DINNERS? Beautiful solid wood dining set.

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YARD SALE

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2BR, 2BA, Condo/Apt. Ground floor. Great Ref,’s. OC/OP area. Call 410-726-0169.

ESTATE SALE: Estate Sale Sat 1/13 & Sun 1/14, 8am2pm. Furniture, Kitchenware, Decor, Bikes, some tools, Electronics, Cash and Carry.

35389 Rayne Road, Willards.

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Right from the bottom, Your love lifted the pieces The well deep and cold!

Even teeny ones Lost and forgotten.

THE DISPATCH’S E-DITION ONLINE ~ MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM ~ FAST. FREE. EVERY FRIDAY!

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online:

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Third Insertion

https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800 OFFICE PERSON Local Family Owned Business is looking for a full time office person. Applicant should be computer savvy, have good phone skills, punctual, and willing to work in a small busy office environment.

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The Dispatch Is On Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

J. HARRISON PHILLIPS, III ESQ. 8705 BISCAYNE DRIVE OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19959 To all persons interested in the estate of ANTIONETTE VIRGINIA LOMBARDI WAGNER, AKA: TONI VIRGINIA WAGNER, ANTIONETTE VIRGINIA WAGNER, Estate No. 19959. Notice is given that MICHELE WAGNER

KAIL, whose address is 6112 TORRISDALE VIEW, COLORADO SPRINGS, 80927, was on DECEMBER 27, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANTIONETTE VIRGINIA LOMBARDI WAGNER, who died on JULY 2, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of JUNE, 2024.

Any person having a claim

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unen-

forceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 29, 2023 MICHELE WAGNER KAIL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-29, 1-5, 1-12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 38

January 12, 2024

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20008 To all persons interested in the estate of JOAN MARCELLA REINHART, Estate No. 20008. Notice is given that JOSEPH REINHART, whose address is 28 FALCON BRIDGE ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 21, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOAN MARCELLA REINHART, who died on SEPTEMBER 3, 2023, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of JUNE, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 5, 2024 JOSEPH REINHART Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for

Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 1-5, 1-12, 1-19

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20022

To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICK F. BROWN, Estate No. 20022.

Notice is given that KAITLIN J. BROWN, whose address is PSC 46, BOX 175, APOAE, AE 09469, was on DECEMBER 29, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICK F. BROWN, who died on DECEMBER 19, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29TH day of JUNE, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 5, 2024

KAITLIN J. BROWN Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 1-5, 1-12, 1-19

Second Insertion B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, PA 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20024

To all persons interested in the estate of KENNETH WILLIAM RANTZ, JR, Estate No. 20024. Notice is given that CAROL ANNE RANTZ, whose address is 1718 DUN SWAMP ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on JANUARY 2, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KENNETH WILLIAM RANTZ, JR, who died on DECEMBER 17, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2ND day of JULY, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 5, 2024 CAROL ANNE RANTZ Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 1-5, 1-12, 1-19

First Insertion GINA D. SHAFFER SHAFFER LAW OFFICE 836 S. MAIN STREET SUITE 101 BEL AIR, MD 21014 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20028 To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA L. BAISLEY, Estate No. 20028.

Notice is given that WILLIAM A. BAISLEY, whose address is 527 LINCOLN PL, APT 303, BROOKLYN, NY 112386211, was on JANUARY 9, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA L. BAISLEY, who died on OCTOBER 25, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of JULY, 2024.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 12, 2024 WILLIAM A. BAISLEY Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 1-12, 1-19, 1-26

January 12, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 12, 2024

OBITUARIES Patricia Dawn Flick Weeks OCEAN PINES – Patricia “Patti” Dawn Flick Weeks passed from this life to the next on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Millie Flick; beloved husband, Robert E. Weeks; and stepgrandson, Bryan Nash.

Patti was born in Chicago on March 15, 1945, PATTI WEEKS and later moved to California, where she spent her formative years. She traveled the world setting up offices for the DEA. She lived in Turkey for seven years before moving to Washington, D.C. area. She married her Bobby in October 1984, and enjoyed traveling the world with him before and after they retired. They moved to Ocean Pines in 1996, where they enjoyed boating and

beach life. They moved to their final residence in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. in 2004.

Patti was a marvelous hostess and cook, who loved nothing better than to entertain and see her friends have a wonderful time. She loved to play various card games and was very competitive. She loved to dance, especially with Bob. Several years after his death, she met Fran Morrissey, who became her companion and very dear friend until her passing.

Patti had a large personality that filled and lit up a room. She fought the good fight and endured dialysis for 8 years, before succumbing to renal failure.

She leaves behind her step-children, Donna Weeks Coleman Bender (Ed Bender), Cathy Weeks Earnest Nash (Marty Nash) and Robert W. Weeks (Teresa). She is also survived by step-

grandchildren Jason Earnest (Amy Romano), Kevin Nash (Naomi), Jordan Coleman (Emily), Jon Weeks, Beth Weeks Fowler (Steve), and Michael Weeks (fiancé Jen). She is additionally survived by step-great-grandchildren Will and Michael Nash; Izzy, Maddy, Joe, and Auggy Coleman; Joy Weeks; and Ryan, Ben, and Henry Fowler.

Patti will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 11 a.m. at AycockRiverside Funeral Home, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, Fla. followed by a luncheon.

Kathryn Ann Hampson ADAMSTOWN – Kathryn Ann “Katy” Hampson, 41, of Adamstown, Md., passed away Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, surrounded by family after a battle with cancer.

Born on March 4, 1982, in Hagerstown, Ms. Hampson was the daughter of Howard Ralph Hampson and Judith (Tuttle) Hampson.

Katy earned her Associate of Science degree in Nursing in May of 2010. She most recently advanced her career in August of 2022 when she began her work as a KATY Registered Nurse in the HAMPSON Operating Room at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center until her health began to take over.

She enjoyed spending her time with her dogs and duck, going to the river, supporting Abby at her lacrosse games and Bella with Civil Air Patrol.

She spent several years living and working in the Ocean City area, where she enjoyed watching her daughter play sports.

Katy leaves to cherish her memories, her daughters Abigail Hampson and Isabella Springirth of Adamstown, Md.; her parents Howard (formerly of LaVale, Md.) and Judith (formerly of Silver Spring, Md.) of Adamstown, Md.; her brother Thomas (Joy) Hampson of Gainesville, Fla.; three nieces, Sophia, Samantha and Sabrina Hampson; as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

The family had a private service on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, and will later host a celebration of life in the spring.

Joan Marie Thompson BERLIN – Joan Marie Thompson, age 94, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Berlin Nursing Home.

Born in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Elmer J. Hancock and Catherine A. Rainey.

Joan was known to friends, family and members of the community as a loving and caring person. She enjoyed sharing stories, preparing wonderful meals and she never had a problem finding the dance floor.

She spent 94 years setting an example of how to live the happy life. She will be missed by many. JOAN MARIE She is survived by her THOMPSON sons, William “Billy” Thompson and Charles “Chucky” Darr; a brother, William Creamer; a sister, Shirley Russell; grandchildren Christopher Thompson, Shelene Diaz, Cheryl Martin, Daniel Day, Jason Hess, Tony Rodriguez, Ricky Rodriguez, and Tyler Thompson; 11 greatgrandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughters, Darlene Kehl, Vicki Lynn Thompson, and Laura Day. A visitation will be held at The Burbage Funeral Home on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. Interment will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Md. on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 at 2 p.m. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Fenwick to Weigh Flood mitigation proposals

January 12, 2024

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say they will begin to review five proposals the town received for an engineering study that focuses on flood mitigation.

On Tuesday, members of the Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee agreed to schedule a meeting on Jan. 18 to review five proposals the town received for an engineering study. Councilman Richard Benn, committee chair, said the meeting will give members an opportunity to review the project’s scope and related cost estimates.

“I’m actually thrilled my initial cost estimates were actually fairly on point,” he said. “But there’s a lot to discern what everyone is proposing here.”

In 2021, the town contracted with AECOM to conduct a resiliency study, which outlined short- and long-term solutions to sea level rise and flooding. And last August, the infrastructure committee held an information session, during which officials collected feedback from the public on topics such as drainage, bulkhead height and funding.

In a November update regarding the town’s resiliency efforts, Benn told the infrastructure committee he and committee member Susan Brennan had met with the University of Delaware’s grant assistance program regarding grant funds that had recently become available. He said that funding could allow the town to complete an engineering study.

To that end, the town council last month voted to have the infrastructure committee proceed with a $400,000 grant for a micro-level engineering study that will focus on bayside flood mitigation. In coordination with that effort, the committee also issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) from engineering firms that could complete the study.

In an update Tuesday, Benn said the town received five proposals, with prices ranging above and below the $400,000 cost estimate. He noted, however, that the proposals included too much information for a recommendation to be made.

“After looking at all these RFPs last night, my head was spinning and I felt like we didn’t have enough time to properly analyze it all …,” he said. “I don’t feel I’m ready to discuss a recommendation to council today.”

Councilman Ed Bishop, a committee member, agreed. He said the main purpose of receiving the proposals was to submit costs to the University of Delaware, which is working with the town to sec-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ure grant funding for the engineering study.

“Given the complexities of these RFPs, I don’t think we need to pick a firm this week,” he said. “I think the goal was we wanted to get a dollar amount to UDel so they know what grant dollar amount we’re looking to get. That’s due on Friday.”

Committee member Tim Leahy said seeking proposals was the first step in securing funds through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant. He said approved projects would be announced in the fall.

“At that point the actual procurement takes place, and another RFP is required to make the grant,” he said. “So it’s a twostage process.”

Bishop said the town was likely looking at a 2025 project, should the town secure grant funding. Once the study is complete, officials said the town would seek additional funds to begin resiliency projects.

“We’re looking at three-and-a-half years before we can start doing work,” Benn said. “It’s a little frustrating but also understandable … At least we’re getting started on it, and we are ahead of most other towns.”

After a lengthy discussion, the committee agreed to hold another meeting on Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. to review the five proposals.

The committee this week also agreed to form a working group with the town’s charter and ordinance committee to discuss recommendations that would strengthen resiliency efforts in Fenwick Island. Ann Riley, charter and ordinance committee member, proposed the group reevaluate the town’s freeboard ordinance.

“We’ll form another working group to work as liaisons with C&O and possibly an engineering firm that we select,” Benn said.

Page 41

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Local Educators recognized For arts Excellence

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 12, 2024

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BERLIN – Two individuals from Worcester County Public Schools were honored by the Maryland Music Educator Association (MMEA) for demonstrating excellence in their profession, providing and supporting quality music education for our students, and exemplifying the definition of educational professionals.

Ocean City Elementary School teacher Dr. Anne Binkley received MMEA’s Outstanding New Music Educator Award, which is dedicated to exceptional professionals who have taught in the public school system for five years or fewer. Binkley currently teaches music to grades 2, 3 and 4. Dedicated to continual learning and growing in her profession, she has recently received her doctorate in Music Education from Liberty University.

“Dr. Binkley’s passion for music and teaching not only shows during student performances, but also in the classroom,” Coordinator of Instruction Tamara Mills said. “She brings a presence of excitement that helps students feel confident and take artistic risks.”

Buckingham Elementary School Principal Dr. Christina Welch has been honored with MMEA’s Outstanding School Administrator Award. Creating an environment at Buckingham where the arts and music are a valued part of every child’s education, Welch supports her arts programs in all aspects of professional development and implementation.

“Dr. Welch has helped to bring artists-in-residences, musical performances from the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Symphony 21, helped to create the Bucky Belters choral program alongside her music teacher, and helped create the school system’s first early childhood Music and Movement class for her youngest students.” Mills said. “Her leadership in embracing the arts as an integral part of a student’s experience is undoubtedly why MMEA has recognized her.”

There is abundant research that supports that high-quality arts and music programs enrich students’ education.

“The arts improve academic performance and focus, develop students’ social-emotional wellbeing, help students develop critical thinking skills, and reduce stress,” Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said. “Worcester County is fortunate to be the home of so many talented teachers and administrators and we are particularly proud to celebrate these individuals this school year.”

January 12, 2024

…Citizens Share Parking, Stormwater Concerns

FROM PAGE 8 potential for an influx of accessory dwelling units. She said the state officials wanted to see more accessory dwellings—things like motherin-law apartments—because they envisioned a housing shortage.

“I like that we don’t allow two units on a property,” she said. “It’s just more noise, it’s more everything.”

Meckley also expressed concerns about speeding and law enforcement.

“I think a lot of small issues could be solved with better police presence in town,” he said. “Very rarely do I see an officer walking the streets.”

He said if officers were more visible it would deter minor issues such as speeding. He’s worried that cars are driving too fast by places frequented by children, such as Island Creamery and the dance studio.

Glenn Davis said the common theme in community concerns seemed to be enforcement, whether it was enforcement of speed or enforcement of stormwater requirements.

When asked about opportunities they saw for the town in the next three years, Bunting said they would likely include development.

“I guess we have to define what we want to see,” she said. “We have to decide if we want to grow.

At what point do you lose your identity?”

Cindy Davis said she felt there were more opportunities for youth recreation in town. She believes Berlin needs more activities for young families. She said the skateboard park hadn’t yet come to fruition and that there was no pool or YMCA in town.

“There’s really not a lot of opportunities for that age but we have a huge population of people under 50,” she said.

Councilman Steve Green said he was surprised cost of living wasn’t brought up during the session. Facilitators said affordable housing had been referenced by multiple people in the written survey.

When Cascio asked how the town would be putting its new strategic plan to use, facilitators directed the question to Green and Councilman Jay Knerr, who was also in attendance. Green said he viewed it as a steering document. Knerr agreed and said officials were already working on many of the items identified Wednesday. He believes the strategic plan will keep the focus on those.

“We need to keep these issues at the forefront so we don’t forget,” Knerr said.

The town’s next community input session for the strategic plan is set for Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Flower Street.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

Good Samaritan: A woman is pictured Wednesday doing her part for the environment by collecting trash around

the Inlet and the jetty.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) “Iron Man” Shawn Soper (July 24, 1963-February 15, 2023) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 ONLINE WEBSITES: mdcoastdispatch.com facebook.com/thedispatchoc twitter.com/thedispatchocmd instagram.com/thedispatchocmd J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

January 12, 2024

Public Meetings Should Allow Public Comments How We See It

Because it’s been one way for decades is not reason enough to continue doing something that’s wrong. It’s our position on public comments not being accepted at Worcester County Commissioners meetings.

Unlike nearly every government in the region, there is currently no mechanism for public comments at the Worcester County Commissioners meetings unless there is a public hearing on a specific matter. In these instances, the comments are to be on the issue at hand rather than broad in nature.

The lack of opportunity to address the commissioners has been highlighted in recent months in response to the majority’s position on school system funding. Whether the commissioners have unfairly slashed education funding or unofficially created a policy of reducing the dollars to the same level as the previous year is not the issue here.

There is an upwelling of community pride among education personnel as well as families who want to address their commissioners and explain their passionate positions and concerns the current approach will lead to teacher vacancies and recruitment woes.

There will be an opportunity at the annual budget public hearing for parents and teachers to express their positions, but it’s true many decisions have already been made by that time in the budget process. No matter the passion displayed, the commissioners are unlikely to alter a course already essentially set in the budget process by that time.

There’s no reason for a government body to not allow an opportunity for public comment, but it’s been this way for decades in Snow Hill. The commissioners ought to change this approach immediately because it provides a per-

ception, they don’t care what citizens have to say. It’s most likely the number of public comments will be limited because the meetings take place during the day, but the opportunity should be provided to allow citizens to speak at every public meeting.

The Ocean City Mayor and Council allows public comments at its work and regular sessions. The Ocean City Planning Commission offers public comments. The Berlin Mayor and Council allows public comments at its meetings and recently began adding public discussion chances after matters up for voting. The Berlin Planning Commission allows public comments as well.

The Ocean Pines Association also allots time for residents to address officials.

Worcester County is alone in providing a time on its agenda for public comments, and it’s time for a change.

Letters To The Editor

NEWS DEPARTMENT CHARLENE SHARPE Associate Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Associate Editor bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com

ART DEPARTMENT COLE GIBSON Art Director cole@mdcoastdispatch.com DAVID HOOKS Graphic Artist dhooks@mdcoastdispatch.com PAUL HALLAM Graphic Artist/Webmaster phallam@mdcoastdispatch.com

BUSINESS OFFICE PAMELA GREEN Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $260 per year.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.

Commissioner Off Base With BOE Accusations Editor: (The following letter was addressed to Worcester County Commissioner Eric Fiori.)

I read your “thoughts and reasoning into your vote” to not fully fund the school budget but to merely vote for MOE (Maintenance of Effort). You stated that the topic was “A New $37 million BOE Admin/Office Building”. We both agree that there are far more pressing issues. In fact, it is not an issue at all because there is no present movement by anyone to pursue this. Since the early 2000’s, when Worcester County built their new office building behind the courthouse, it was also noted that at some point the old BOE building built in 1955, would eventually need to be replaced. It was also serving as the Vo Tech School at that point.

Since then, it has been identified in the budget under long term planning as a form of placeholder to remind everyone that at some point the aging facility will need to be replaced. To try to justify your vote because of this supposed topic is not being honest with the public.

Further, you mentioned that the BOE budget has “little transparency and less accuracy.” Such an accusation is serious and again not being honest with the public. Yes, there was a $1.5 million dollar surplus, which is only 1% of the budget. It is normal to have a surplus, sometimes it was $800,000; sometimes less, sometimes a million. In fact by law, the surplus must be $567,000 at present because the state will never allow the school to be in the red.

The BOE must always keep a surplus to meet unexpected expenses such as when we had the polar vortex

and our energy bills skyrocketed. This surplus was not just discovered. In fact, the normal procedure each year is for the BOE to go to the County Commissioners and notify them of the amount of the surplus and submit requests for how some of that surplus could be used, say for a new field. This year, the BOE requested that some of the surplus be used to backfill things that were cut due to the last MOE budget.

Because the MOE budget does not meet the growing needs and the growing populations in our schools, the MOE budget will provide about $280,000 less than the school system got this year, resulting in a budget shortfall of $4.4 million. The County Commissioners denied their request. Instead, at least some of the money will be directed towards post employment needs per OPEB. With respect to transparency, it is important for the public to understand that previously the standard procedure was for the BOE to submit their budget by appropriating money to categories and sub-categories, not by line item. To imply otherwise is impugning the character and intent of the BOE. A line-item budget is not required by state law and was not asked for at the beginning of this school year. Upon being asked to complete a line item budget the BOE CFO Vince Tolbert, set out to do so in his very competent way. (Mr. Tolbert is the most senior CFO in Maryland schools and was previously the assistant county treasurer.)

Whether feathers were ruffled by members of the County Commissioners and BOE members over lack of fully funding, over lack of using surplus to backfill positions, or because additional requests were requested late in the game, the public doesn’t care. We expect the County Commissioners and

BOE (who all work extremely hard) to overcome their personal differences to ensure that they work together to meet the needs of their citizens and that means fully funding the BOE budget.

In closing, I applaud your work towards getting funding for a new Buckingham School and your aim to support the teachers, staff, bus drivers and students. Please demonstrate this support by fully funding the budget.

Jan L. Adamchak Berlin

Legislature Asked To Stop Publishments Editor: One final thought to my previous letter regarding the inhumane punishments being enforced upon our youths by members and judges of Worcester County’s Department of Juvenile Services and Drug Court.

I grew up in Bowie, Maryland where during our adolescence, hundreds of us committed minor crimes such as smoking pot, throwing snowballs and water balloons at vehicles, fighting, drinking underage, toilet-papering trees in people’s yards, throwing eggs at houses, among other minor crimes.

The punishments we received were tongue-lashings, groundings, detentions, school suspensions, and work community hours in extreme cases. Nearly all of us learned our lessons from these punishments.

If we had been living within Worcester County, members of its DJS would have severely punished most of us and had us entangled in their brutal Drug Court web of destruction that has imprisoned our youths for testing positive for drugs, and has also detained our SEE NEXT PAGE

January 12, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor youths in vile detention centers among violent and dangerous youths, and abusive and dangerous guards, in the Westernmost region of Maryland for numerous months while depriving us from our essential educations.

Many of us from Bowie who are now in our 50s and 60s would be mentally scarred for life from these inhumane punishments, just as our Worcester County’s young adults are today. Many others would not be with us today because they would be lying in their premature graves since they were teens or young adults, just as many of our Worcester County’s former teens and young adults now permanently lie.

I am aware of a teen who was punished and sent off to one of the vile detention centers by our county’s DJS and Drug Court, and upon returning home he OD’d on heroin shortly afterwards.

He is one of the teens I mentioned who now permanently lies in his premature grave.

Rather than employees and judges of our county’s DJS and Drug Court inhumanely and mercilessly punishing our teens for minor crimes, how about they consider being merciful and showing compassion towards them? Why such brutal punishments? Do they honestly believe that they are helping these kids and these Barbaric punishments will help our youths and transform them into better people? How can they not realize that these Barbaric punishments are actually deforming them while destroying their lives and deeply scarring their brains for life…or do they realize it?

As mentioned in my previous letter, these Barbaric punishments are what you would expect to be happening in the 1500s during the Medieval Era – not 21st Century America – and these inhumane and uncivil punishments must cease ASAP. I urge all Worcester County residents who are concerned about these inhumane and uncivil punishments, and wish to abolish them, to contact members of the Judicial Committee during Maryland’s Legislative Session that commenced this week urging them to pass much-needed reformative laws that will discipline Worcester County’s youths in a humane and civil manner.

Andy Berges Berlin

Open Letter To Delaware Legislators Editor: Minimum wage just climbed up another rung to the goal of $15 per hour for workers. Legislators may think: finally, a living wage for those in lower paying jobs. This may sound like a good thing, especially to anyone making under that amount, but unfortunately, there is a downside to this as well. When this legislation was passed and signed by the Governor, the minimum wage was $13.25. This was not a living wage, and nor is the final raise to $15/hour, as promoted. I’ll speculate that most, if not all, of the legislators that voted “yes” to this

bill, never had to make a payroll. Legislators may think: so, what’s the big deal, you’ve owned a business for decades, you must have the money. Oh, what non-business owners don’t know about is all the tentacles of government that tell you how you must spend your money.

As a business owner for over 40 years, I can explain how these mandatory pay increases have and will affect my business, my workers, and my customers. Until now, I have never paid the “minimum wage” (with exception of tipped persons). I have always paid a bit more with the expectation of a bit more than minimal effort. That has worked in the past, but I’m not sure how it will work going forward. I have three high school age employees who were making $12/hour. They all got a raise January 1st and they are happy about that. But my most experienced employees, who have been with me for 12-15 years, won’t be getting an increase in their hourly rate this year because the least experienced employees with the least corporate knowledge received the increase due to this government mandate. What will the high schoolers do with their increase? Who knows, but it won’t be needed for a “living wage”. On the other hand, I’m 100% sure that my most knowledgeable, longtime workers are facing huge increased expenses in electric, food, insurance, auto repair, auto purchases, fuel and more. That extra $1.50/hour that they won’t be getting equals an extra $3,100 in their pockets, and that could help, a lot! But which employees receive what amount was decided by the government, not me, the business owner, and nor will it be decided by other business owners in Delaware. And who is the largest employer in Delaware that we the taxpayers have to cover their payroll? Yep, the State of Delaware is the largest employer in the state.

Of course, all those increases and more will affect my business. What’s an owner to do? Deal with it is our state government’s answer. Well, I will, but the cost will untimely be passed to the customer and to the workers, with less hours available and fewer raises or bonuses. To my legislators and governor, before you pat yourself on the back for raising the minimum wage, please let the free market decide how to spend our hard-earned money. You might feel good, but most of us will have to pay the price. The folks that earned the pay increase deserve the money, not necessarily the employees that the government deems more worthy. I am happy to employ workers with little experience, but I may not be able to afford to employ high school employees in the future, if I cannot pay a fair market wage to them.

That is another unintended consequence of government interference and mandates.

"Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem” - Ronald Reagan Paul Buchness Georgetown, Del.

Page 45

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green In 2024, it appears there will be two Jeep events in Ocean City – Jeep Fest and Jeep Week. More specific plans for Ocean City Jeep Week, tentatively scheduled for May 9-12, and the associated Jeep Jam in Pittsville are expected to be presented to the Ocean City Mayor and Council soon.

In fact, the separate event – led by the Croppers of Berlin who brought the Jeep craze to the area a couple decades ago – has “added a third partner to the mix, promising to make these events bigger and better than ever before,” according to a Facebook post on the Ocean City Jeep Week page.

Up for discussion this week was the Ocean City Jeep Fest event. It’s confusing for the public, as is the case with Delmarva Bike Week and OC BikeFest events because of the different organizers involved. The bottom line is there will be a spring Jeep event and a late summer Jeep event, which was approved this week by the Ocean City Mayor and Council. The late summer event is the Ocean City Jeep Fest event, organized by Brad Hoffman, who has been involved in the local Jeep events for years.

Though there was no mention at this week’s meeting, the Jeep Fest event on Aug. 22-25 will take place the same weekend as the OC Air Show.

There is an obvious marketing opportunity presented with a “Jets and Jeeps” weekend in Ocean City.

Officially or indirectly, the Worcester County Board of Education is under the impression the County Commissioners will be funding the school system at the Maintenance of Effort level again in the next budget. MOE means the schools will receive the same amount of funding per student as last year. These conversations have not been had publicly but perhaps talks have been had between county and school officials resulting in the assumption. It does not appear to be scare tactics on the part of the school system but more of a rally cry to supporters for help in the weeks ahead.

A budget work session was held in Newark this week for the school system, and some big numbers dominated the discussion. If the county approves MOE level funding, the school system will see a $500,000 cut in the county funding allocation. The biggest concern moving ahead is personnel, of which about 87% of the school system’s budget represents. Add in bus drivers and people account for 94% of the school system budget, it was reported this week.

As a result of last year’s drama, the school system renegotiated teacher salary increases, resulting in some teachers losing take-home pay money when the health insurance increases were calculated. This year the school system focus seems to be on retaining teachers and getting the compensation on track for what the Blueprint for Maryland mandates – starting teacher salary to be $60,000 within three years (county currently at $52,000). The financial folks at the Board of Education say it will take a 6% COLA in each of the next three years to hit that minimum. At the current level of MOE, it was stated this week a salary step and no COLA for staff would cause a $5 million shortfall.

A step and a 2% COLA would lead to a $6.7 million deficit, while a step and a 4% COLA would increase it to $8.5 million. A step and a 6% COLA would result in a shortfall of $10.3 million. It was stated by Superintendent Lou Taylor a step and a 6% COLA would lead to 100 county teacher positions needing to be cut, resulting in numerous comments on the Worcester United Facebook page.

Teacher Mary Hathaway took her concerns with the teacher compensation and MOE funding to County Commission President Chip Bertino this week through his Facebook page, specifically a post he made after Decatur won the state football crown. Hathaway and Bertino responded to each other on the thread.

Hathaway wrote, “Commissioner Bertino you seem to support our schools when it comes to winning football teams, will you also support them by adequately funding their budget? The students of Worcester County Public Schools deserve better than MOE funding … In a time where inflation is sky rocketing, all operating costs are going up, and insurance rates are projected to rise it is unreasonable to assume the county can "reimagine" their budget to accommodate these costs without additional funds. Additionally, as recent news reports have indicated the county ended last year with a very large surplus and are going to receive very large sums from property taxes assessments. My question still remains, has your opinion about MOE funding changed for this year's budget when it is clear that you have been provided a line item budget and have the revenue to full fund the BOE's budget.”

Bertino responded in part, “… Worcester County taxpayers shoulder more of the per student cost than any other county taxpayer on the Eastern Shore: $15,664 or 80.5% ... When all school system county allocations are included (operating budget, debt service, retirement benefits and assigned funds), Worcester County taxpayers are shouldering a cost of $20,293 … During the most recent budgeting process, it was learned that the Board of Education does not have a budget process that can provide detailed financial information for such things as cost of operations and historical expense data. This makes it very difficult for the Board of Education to measure and manage a total budget in excess of $125 million. It makes it more difficult for County government to allocate additional funding when there is no support documentation for the millions of dollars already being allocated… The BOE has said it would provide a detailed budget for the coming FY 2025 budget discussions. This will go a long way to providing the transparency we should all expect as taxpayers.”

Page 46

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

I

January 12, 2024

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 36

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literally fell asleep during a latenight talk with my teenager the other night.

I have done this once or twice to Pam over the years during a conversation. When it has happened, it understandably does not make it her feel great. I blame it on exhaustion.

There is a point in the evening when I do become a sleep risk. I am an early riser and do quite a lot through the course of a day. Therefore, by about 10 at night, I am pretty much wiped out. It’s as if my battery just runs out.

It's interesting that around this same time of night is typically when Beckett comes down to talk. Beckett does not like long talks on serious subjects, but he does love to engage on easy topics and to express his opinions on things on his mind. It seems at this time of night he likes to hold court, as if he’s been holding some comments in for a couple hours and he’s ready to share.

One night recently, Pam had already gone to bed as she was sick. I suspect I probably fell asleep watching a game on TV at some point before Beckett came flying down the steps wanting to show me something on YouTube. It was a video of a football wide receiver doing a flip into the end zone for a touchdown from years ago. He then proceeded to show me some other things, like a vulgar stand-up comedian waxing about the joys and ills of coming back from vacation.

As he was talking, some recent posts on Raising Teens Today came to mind: “7 a.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.

11 a.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.

2 p.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.

6 p.m.: I don’t want to talk about it.

11 p.m.: You might want to get comfortable because I’m going to tell you every nitty-gritty detail of what happened in my life today.”

Another one was: 7 a.m.: tired

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9 a.m.: tired 1 p.m.: tired 4 p.m.: tired 8 p.m.: tired 10 p.m.: totally wired Another post read: No matter what time, wherever you are, drop whatever you are doing if your teenager comes to you wanting to talk.

You won’t regret it. Soon they will be out of the house and you miss these seemingly meaningless chats.

Despite all my searching, I didn’t find anything about making sure you stay awake while they are talking to you.

On this particular evening, Beckett, 15, had a host of videos he wanted to show me. The problem was it was 11 at night and I was exhausted. Nonetheless, I didn’t want to turn him away, so I watched the videos all set to the silly music he dubbed – he would use a different word most likely – over.

Around 11:20 p.m., I realized I had fallen asleep on the couch but he was not there. I went upstairs and he was asleep in his bed. The next day I asked him what happened to him and he replied something along the lines of, “when you fell asleep during the video, I just let you be.” I told him to show some more of those posts he wanted to share with me. He declined, saying he didn’t feel like it now. I encouraged him to show me later on this evening, maybe before 10:30 though.

I spent the next few days encouraging him to show me what he was talking about. It appears I lost my window because I am still waiting. Or, it’s possible he came to show me one recent night while I was asleep.

W

hen my kids walk into a room, there are times when I do a double take.

Like most houses with school-aged kids, the mornings are a bit chaotic. My teens have become good about getting up on their own for school. Each

have strengths and weaknesses on this front, but by and large Beckett, 15, and Carson, 14, do a fine job of being independent.

There were many years when I wondered if we were not around to wake them up whether they would sleep right through their first period classes. Nowadays, I hear their alarms from downstairs and soon after I hear the familiar stomping of teen feet on the second floor.

One morning this week Beckett came into the kitchen without his shirt on, and it hit me how much he is changing physically. It also helped that he bumped me out of his way in a half-asleep mode to get to the fridge, saying, “morning, dog.” As hard as it was for me to understand, I got no response back from him when I replied, “morning, cat.”

These physical changes are not always as obvious when you see your kids multiple times every day. It’s something I feel blessed to be able to experience. Many parents travel for work, and I am fortunate to be able to be present daily.

As for Carson, it’s a similar situation as far as the physical changes. He’s a big, heavy-set kid. When he comes around the corner with a head of steam, I am not interested in that sort of run in with Carson. Similar scenarios unfold with him as I marvel over how much he has grown over the years.

One of his most unique physical traits is Carson’s hair literally stands straight up. His curly hair has natural lift in all directions. It’s fun to play with, but I’m sure he doesn’t find it entertaining when I push down on his hair and giggle when it immediately pops back out. As he grows closer to my height, I do it less and less because of the look he gives me in his non-verbal way.

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

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