Jan. 21

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January 21, 2022

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

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The early part of the week provided some excellent opportunities for hearty surfers to enjoy some quality ocean sets, such as the one Photo by Nick Denny pictured above in Ocean City.

Sunfest Pushed To Late October

Margaritaville Back On Track In OC

County Schools Continue To Pivot

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 13 • Rendering by Becker Morgan

See Page 20 • File Photo

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SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

January 21, 2022

January 21, 2022

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Ocean City Officials Vote To Move Sunfest To Oct. 20-23

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Sunfest this year will be moved back to the third week in October to accommodate other special events stacked up in September, resort officials decided this week.

During a Tourism Commission meeting last week, members discussed the fall special events calendar with multiple significant events stacked up in mid- to late-September. Out of those discussions came a recommendation to move Sunfest, a sacred cow of sorts for decades on the September special events calendar, back to October 20-23 this fall.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council got the same essential presentation from Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo about the proposed summer, fall and winter events calendar, including a proposal to move Sunfest back to October. The council ultimately approved the proposed move, but not before a lengthy debate.

Special Events Director Frank Miller

explained logistics issues precipitated the proposed move for Sunfest into October. OC BikeFest is scheduled for its usual slot in mid-September. New this year is another major fall special event brought forth by internationally known promoter C3 Presents, which is planning on bringing a major three-day music festival to the resort on September 23-25.

Although the details on the proposed C3 Presents event are not known, the promoter is known for the concerts, festivals and other events it produces.

Wedged in there is the annual Wine Fest event, and there is always the often-troublesome unsanctioned popup motorized event during that same stretch. The C3 Presents event is meant to attract visitors to Ocean City and relieve some of the pressure from the unsanctioned pop-up event.

Then, there is Sunfest, which has taken place on the Inlet lot for decades.

Miller said the logistics of setting up and tearing down Bike Week and the C3 Presents event made keeping Sunfest in its typical late September time slot challenging in terms of logistics. While

January 21, 2022

Bike Week and the C3 Presents event will likely be able to share the same basic event footprint, Sunfest requires a 10-day window for setup, Miller said.

“We’re looking to move Sunfest back to October this year for a variety of reasons,” he said. “That doesn’t mean that’s where it’s going to stay moving forward.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said during last week’s tourism commission meeting he had concerns about logistics dictating the town’s fall special events calendar, including moving Sunfest, and reiterated his point on Tuesday.

“One thing is very important,” he said. “We shouldn’t let logistics, the setting up and tearing down of an event, dictate our special events calendar.

That’s not what tourism is all about.”

Marketing and Communications Director Jessica Waters said there were advantages to moving Sunfest into October.

“When we were evaluating this, one of the things I looked at is we want to continue to market the offseason and the shoulder season,” she said. “There

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are some gaps in our events in October, which can be the best weather of the year. Sunfest has kind of been the anchor for the summer season before we roll into our fall events.”

Councilman Mark Paddack questioned if moving Sunfest would still ensure the success of the event in terms of vendors and visitors.

“In the past, we’ve talked about moving Sunfest so it didn’t coincide with the pop-up event,” he said. “A lot of the vendors plan a year out with other events in the region and some of our visitors make reservations long in advance. If we move it to October, will you be able to fill it and keep it a nationallyknown event?”

Miller said he was confident moving the event would not change the demographics or the visitor numbers. Paddack then questioned if moving Sunfest ensured there would be enough city staff available to provide services and for the massive setup and tear-down for the event.

“Sunfest is a big event,” he said.

“These special events require a lot of town services. Now that it’s stretching into October, we need to make sure we have the workforce still to be able to pull it off successfully.”

For his part, Mayor Rick Meehan said he liked the proposed move for Sunfest and said it would help balance the town’s crowded fall special event calendar.

“I think it’s a good recommendation,” he said. “It really provides an event every weekend in September and October.”

Meehan said Sunfest for a long time was somewhat a closure to the summer season, but times have changed over the years.

“If you look at the calendar and where we’ve come in 40 years, it was always the third week in September,” he said. “It was the anchor for the end of the season. Look how far we’ve grown.”

With that said, the council voted unanimously to approve the proposal to move Sunfest back to October 20-23 this fall.

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Page 5

Council Opts Not To Increase Reserve Fund Balance Page 6

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A divided council this week did not approve a proposal to increase the town’s reserve fund balance from 15% to 20%, but not necessarily because the majority was opposed to the measure.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Tuesday a proposal to increase the town’s general fund reserve balance from the current policy, or goal, of 15% to 20%. The unassigned reserve balance represents a percentage of the overall general fund budget, or a rainy day fund of sorts in the event of an emergency, or other unanticipated expenses.

It can, and has in the past, been used to cover increases in expenses in the general budget. In other cases, fund balance can be used to offset the cost of certain pay-as-you-go projects. On Tuesday, Finance Director Chuck Bireley and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented a proposal to increase the reserve fund balance from 15% to 20%. After a considerable debate, a divided council voted to not approve the measure at this time, but rather to revisit the issue at budget time.

On the surface, the issue appears somewhat moot. The town’s fund balance at the close of fiscal year 2021 was nearly $29 million, or 37% of the general fund budget. The amount needed for a fund balance reserve of 15% would be around

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$13 million, while increasing it to 20% would require roughly $17 million. Bireley said increasing the policy, or goal, to 20% made sense now given the town’s healthy financial situation.

“We feel like we have enough reserves to do this and still have the flexibility,” he said. “We know at this point what we might need fund balance for.

Just using the capital improvement plan as an example, typically we would use part of fund balance each year for some of that. We don’t know what that amount is at this time. We feel like going to 20% now is somewhat conservative and doable and still allows us flexibility going forward.”

Councilman John Gehrig said he did not oppose changing the policy. However, he questioned to the timing of the request with fiscal year 2023 budget sessions still at least two months out. He pointed to potential impacts on the town’s lofty credit ratings, if the percentages were changed.

“I certainly support the move,” he said.

“There are reasons we haven’t done this in the past. With the credit ratings, because we’re a resort town, we’re really not likely to get to a AAA. I know we’re going to have some big asks in the budget.

I just think this is premature. I think this might be better as part of the budget process and we see what we have going on and make sure we don’t have any unintended consequences.”

Knapp explained changing the stated policy from 15% to 20% was merely a

January 21, 2022

framework and not a requirement.

“This would be a goal,” she said. “It’s not a requirement. The requirement is that we bring you a balanced budget. If we were going to use fund balance to balance the budget, then we would probably have to make sure that we had 20% remaining. I really don’t think that would be a problem. We wouldn’t bring this to you if we didn’t feel comfortable.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said he felt as if the request had come out of the blue.

“Where did this come from?” he said.

“We’ve kept a steady tax rate for 10 years. We’ve been able to work reasonably to minimize expenses, cut expenses and now we have this reserve with extra money.”

Paddack said the town at some point might need that healthy reserve balance in an emergency and raised concern about encumbering it with a higher reserve policy percentage.

“I looked at our capital improvement plan with multiple expensive projects that need to be completed,” he said. “I get going from 15% to 20%, but what if we get hit with a hurricane? We’re going to have the cash and we’re going to get the contractors in here to get this town up and running.”

Again, Bireley explained the policy was simply a goal and not a requirement.

“Changing this tonight does not lock it in to the point it can never be changed,” he said. “You can always vote to change

it back, or to some other number. It’s just a guideline.”

Knapp said with fund balance currently at 37%, the timing could be right to adjust the policy.

“We’ve talked about changing it above the 15% for a long time,” she said. “We’ve talked about doing it all at once, and we’ve talked about doing it incrementally.

We felt this was the time we could comfortably take it to 20%.”

Council members appeared not to oppose the idea but said it was better to wait until budget time.

“This has been the unofficial policy of the council even before I was on the council,” said Council President Matt James.

“I remember discussing at strategic planning about bringing it up to 20%. I support it, but I’m also fine if the council wants to hold off until budget time.”

Gehrig continued to push for holding off on the decision.

“It’s been the unofficial goal and we’ve been achieving that goal all these years,” he said. “I don’t know why we need to make it official right now. I don’t think anybody is against it. Let’s just look at all of the numbers and see what we’re going to need for fiscal year 2023 and beyond.”

In the end, the motion failed with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, and Councilmen Lloyd Martin and Frank Knight in favor of making the change on Tuesday. James, Gehrig, Paddack and Councilman Peter Buas voted against the increase.

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So I’m sending you a birthday wish From the bottom of my heart To give me strength and courage Every day that we’re apart I know you’re happy in Heaven with no sorrow, tears or pain But sometimes I’m so lonesome My tears fall like rain So on your special day My wish I send to you Is someday I’ll be with you When my chores on earth are through And as I tarry on through the years Hold my wish close to your heart For God will come and take me home As long as I do my part For now I must travel through life alone For He isn’t ready for me yet But what a glorious reunion we’ll have When your smiling face I see So on your birthday this year My wish I send to you Keep looking for me, don’t give up For someday I’ll be there, too

Mom, Dad, Lisa, Tony, Tina, Chelsea And Jeffrey

McGean Formally Announced As Resort’s New City Manager

January 21, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With little ceremony or fanfare, long-time City Engineer Terry McGean was formally announced as city manager on Tuesday and will replace sitting City Manager Doug Miller, who announced his resignation late last month.

For the last week or so, it has been reported McGean would be tapped as the new city manager, and the town issued a press release late last week confirming the appointment. Prior to Tuesday’s open session, the Mayor and Council and key city staffers met with McGean in closed session to presumably iron out some final contract details.

During the Mayor and Council comment period of Tuesday’s open meeting, Council President Matt James made the formal announcement.

“I’d like to announce Terry McGean has officially accepted the appointment to become our next city manager,” he said. “We’re all very pleased with that and we look forward to working together.”

James pointed to McGean’s three decades-plus of experience as a catalyst for the appointment to the city manager’s position.

“The Mayor and Council are eager and excited to begin to work with Terry,”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Long-Time Engineer Promoted

he said. “Terry’s efforts in the town have shown the dedication and commitment he has to run all operations as city manager.”

McGean has been City Engineer since 1990, or a span of about 31 years and eight months. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a member of numerous civil engineering associations and organizations.

In his three decades-plus as city engineer, McGean has had his fingerprints all over Ocean City. He played an integral role in the development of the resort’s beach replenishment program and the various convention center expansion programs over the years, including one that is ongoing right now.

Other significant projects he is currently running point on include the Boardwalk re-decking project, the Baltimore Avenue corridor redevelopment program and the redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex, the new midtown firehouse plans and many others.

He also oversaw the Boardwalk access point hardening project, and the public boat ramp construction. He

served as liaison for the parking revenue task force. McGean also oversees the town’s annual canal dredging project. In short, anything going on in the resort from an engineering standpoint has fallen under his purview.

In the town’s press release issued late last week, McGean said he was pleased to be appointed and take the next step in his career with the town.

“I am honored to be appointed to the position of City Manager,” he said.

“It has been my privilege to work beside the employees of the town, and it is both a personal and professional highlight to serve in the capacity of city manager.

I look forward to continuing to serve the residents and visitors of Ocean City.”

Reached for comment on Wednesday, McGean echoed those sentiments and praised his predecessor.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Doug for the past six years and he leaves some very big shoes to fill,” he said. “I think Ocean City has the best team of staff and elected officials in the country or I would not have taken on this challenge. I hope I can do as good a job as the last city engineer who became city manager.”

Page 7

Under the town’s charter, Ocean City operates under a Mayor and CouncilManager form of government with the city manager acting as the chief executive officer (CEO) of sorts in what is essentially a business. While the city manager acts at the direction of the Mayor and Council, the position handles the daily operations of the town.

McGean will become the town’s sixth-ever city manager, which, over the long history of the resort does not seem like too many. It continues a pattern of change at the position that began with long-time city manager Tony Barrett, Joe Braun, who only served a brief stint, long-time city manager Dennis Dare, David Recor, and most recently, Miller. Mayor Rick Meehan on Tuesday said McGean’s formal appointment represents not a hello, but welcome to your new responsibilities.

“It’s not welcome, I guess, it’s stepping up to a different position,” he said.

“Your track record with the city, again, you have the respect of everyone in this room and with all of the city employees.”

Meehan said with McGean’s experience and knowledge of the town, he was looking forward to the next chapter.

“Everyone is looking forward to the time you take over and where you will take us,” he said. “I think we’re all in good hands, and we’ve been in good hands. Thank you for stepping up.”

Weekly Fireworks Returning To Northside Park This Summer

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Despite some potential local pushback, resort officials this week voted to bring weekly fireworks shows back to Northside Park.

Last summer, elaborate synchronized drone shows replaced fireworks shows at Northside Park during the weekly Sundaes in the Park event. Based on a recommendation from the Ocean City Tourism Commission last week, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo this week pitched the idea to the Mayor and Council during a larger presentation about proposed summer, fall and winter special events.

“We are going to recommend the return of fireworks at Northside Park for Sundaes in the Park,” he said. “We are not recommending the return for drones

for Northside Park.”

Councilman Mark Paddack questioned how the decision was reached to return fireworks on a weekly basis at Sundaes in the Park. It should be pointed out fireworks would continue at Northside Park on the Fourth of July.

“How did the discussion come up to move fireworks back to Northside Park?” he said. “As a council, we agreed to stop fireworks at Northside Park. A lot of the feedback we got from people that live up there is the fact you can hear some music from Sundaes in the Park. It’s not that loud banging and annoying dogs and things like that. Down south, our Boardwalk businesses have reached out saying they want more fireworks downtown.”

Perlozzo said while the drone shows at the park last year were well received, the majority of the visitor feedback ex-

January 21, 2022

Fireworks are slated to return to Northside Park this summer. Above, a fireworks display is pictured at Northside Park.

Photo by Chris Parypa.

pressed a desire for a return to fireworks.

“That’s what we heard more often than not,” he said. “A desire to bring fire-

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works back to Northside Park for Sundaes in the Park. We have other ideas we’re working on for Sundaes in the Park including tethered hot air balloons. We’re going to grow some of these things and see how they evolve.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed much of the feedback he got last summer was the repetitiveness of the weekly drone shows.

“A lot of the same people go to Sundaes in the Park every week,” he said.

“What I’ve heard is they like the drone show, but it becomes repetitive for the residents and visitors up there. It’s the same show every week. Downtown on the Boardwalk, the visitors change every week.”

Each year, TEAM Productions and Bob Rothermel produce a variety of value-added special events for the town from fireworks and drone shows to concerts on the beach and other events.

Rothermel has a commitment to bring back the drone shows this summer, which were critically acclaimed for the most part, and the plan is to present around 20 shows on the Boardwalk this summer, according to Perlozzo.

“We need to figure out how to use the drones,” he said. “That’s why we’re thinking downtown because it rolls over with visitors more often, more so than Northside Park, which gets a regular crowd throughout the summer.”

Paddack reiterated his impression from north-end residents is that they prefer the drones to fireworks, with a couple of obvious exceptions.

“I just know we are going to hear from our local residents who were so glad to minimize the fireworks up north in our residential neighborhoods,” he said. “The Fourth of July is one thing, and then there’s New Year’s Eve.” As he did last week, Councilman John Gehrig questioned if the value-added events were even necessary.

“Some of the value-added events just seem random,” he said. “You’re walking down the Boardwalk on a Monday and suddenly there are fireworks or a drone show. Sundaes in the Park is an event. I think it’s a good idea to attach some of these things to an event.”

After some debate, the council voted unanimously to bring fireworks shows back to Northside Park during Sundaes in the Park this summer.

Residents Share Concerns Over Legislative Change

January 21, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – A text amendment that would let farmers butcher and sell beef is expected to be considered by county officials next month.

The Worcester County Planning Commission on Feb. 3 is set to consider a text amendment that would allow livestock farms to slaughter, package and sell beef. The amendment has been proposed by Newark resident Bob Ewell, who wants to sell beef from the cattle he raises on his Croppers Island Road farm.

“To the extent that livestock is raised on any such farm, this text amendment simply makes clear that livestock raised on the farm can be slaughtered, packaged and sold from the farm,” said Ewell’s attorney, Mark Cropper. “This is no different than other agricultural products (vegetables) being planted and grown on the farm and thereafter sold.”

According to county staff, agriculturally zoned land can be used to raise and sell livestock, and can be used for road-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

side stands offering processed agricultural products for sale. Staff determined when Ewell inquired last year that it cannot be used for the slaughtering of livestock.

As a result, Cropper has now submitted a text amendment, which is not site specific, to allow slaughtering as an accessory use to farms in the A-1 agricultural district.

Some Worcester County residents are concerned, as the text amendment would apply to any agricultural land.

“This is a countywide issue,” said Michele Sardelis, a concerned citizen and resident of Croppers Island Road.

“We want everyone in the county to be aware.”

She said impacts to the environment would be huge, as a significant amount of water was used to slaughter cattle.

Page 9

She’s also worried about wastewater going into local waterways.

Sardelis believes slaughtering cattle should be limited to the industrial zoning district, particularly since Worcester County values its image as a tourist destination.

“I don’t think that’s what Worcester County wants to present for tourists,” she said.

Other residents have said that the Croppers Island Road neighborhood, which consists of more than 50 homes, is already subject to the commercial activity of the Island Resort Campground.

They don’t want what they see as another commercial activity added to that.

Cropper, however, said that with the current code Ewell could already sell beef from his farm.

Fatal Shed Fire Caused

By Heating Appliance

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

WEST OCEAN CITY – The cause of a fatal fire in West Ocean City late Monday night has been determined to be accidental and caused by a heating appliance placed too close to combustibles.

Around 10:50 p.m. on Monday, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputy patrolling in the area of Elm Street in West Ocean City observed smoke and fire coming from a shed at the rear of the property at 9961 Elm Street. The Ocean City Fire Department and the Berlin Fire Company responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire.

After firefighters notified the occupants of the nearby residential property, it was learned an adult male was living in the shed. As crews entered the smoke-filled structure, they found a male victim deceased. The identity of the male victim is being withheld pending positive identification by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI).

The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office and WCBI have determined the cause of the fire was accidental and caused by a heating appliance located too close to combustibles. No smoke alarms were present in the structure.

Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeffrey McMahon is reminding the public to give space heaters space, follow all manufacturer’s instructions on a safe distance from things that can burn and to always have a working smoke alarm in all sleeping areas.

2 20, 202 February PM 1-5

“Although a good argument can be made that the existing definition of ‘roadside stand’ already allows this use, the purpose of this text amendment is simply to make it clear,” Cropper said. “No farmer should be required to rezone a portion of a farm ‘commercial’ to accommodate this use, nor should a farmer be required to transport livestock off of the farm to be slaughtered, packaged and returned to the farm to sell the final packaged product. There is no doubt that a farmer can sell the final packaged product from the farm. The only issue is whether the same farmer can perform the slaughtering and packaging on site.

This text amendment is intended to make clear that you can.”

The Worcester County Planning Commission is expected to consider the text amendment Thursday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m.

Broadway Style Shows, Tribute Bands To PAC

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Proposed new winter special events for next year, including Broadway Down the Ocean shows at the Performing Arts Center, got the green light from resort officials this week.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo presented to the Mayor and Council a wide range of existing and new special events for this summer, fall and winter as part of his destination marketing strategy. Among the special events pro-

posed for next winter is a series of offBroadway-style shows at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) in the convention center, along with an O.C. Tribute Tour series featuring, as the name suggests, tribute bands for popular national and international acts.

Perlozzo said much of the focus has been on the summer and fall special events, and rightly so, but there are opportunities to produce special events to bolster the winter season and draw more visitors to the resort.

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ter. I think the product is important to sell Ocean City as a winter destination, so we have put together a couple of opportunities including Broadway Down the Ocean and an O.C. Tribute Tour, and obviously we want to revamp other events like OCtoberfest and New Year’s Eve.” Perlozzo said funding for the fall and winter events is in place and no additional money will be needed to produce them as proposed.

“There are no additional funds needed to do this,” he said. “Special Events, Tourism and the Convention Center can do all of what’s proposed here within the budget. We want to partner the Broadway Down the Ocean as well as the tribute tour. We can get 50% of the revenue, but we’ll also share 50% of the cost.”

When questioned about the proposed tribute tour, Perlozzo explained the concept of bringing popular tribute bands to the resort in a winter series at the PAC. “Based on some of the success of the mayor’s concerts, we want to promote an O.C. Tribute Tour,” he said. “These are relatively low-cost bands. It would allow the hotels to book group tour business. There could also be alternatives for the nonprofits to get involved.”

As far as the Broadway Down the Ocean proposal goes, each year TEAM Productions and Bob Rothermel produce a series of special events for the town and the Broadway shows and tribute tour

would be an extension of that. Rothermel said during the tourism commission meeting last week he has had some cursory discussions with some of the shows and acts proposed for the PAC next offseason, but he was waiting for some direction from the tourism commission and, ultimately the Mayor and Council, before pulling the trigger.

“We’re talking about Broadway shows like Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, maybe a Peppa the Pig children’s show, a couple of comedians,” he said last week. “They are all on hold waiting. I just need some direction.”

The tourism commission last week forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Council for the proposed winter special events. After hearing the pitch on Tuesday, the council voted unanimously to approve the events. Perlozzo said time was of the essence for approval of the special events this summer, fall and winter.

“Our position is we need to get this information on a calendar,” he said. “We need to get our contracts in place. We need to get our hotels to promote these events. Time is somewhat of an issue, but we’re prepared to get up and go.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed.

“It’s January 18,” he said. “We need to get out our calendar of events. Time is marching quickly. I think you’ve put together a calendar that is excellent and if it’s doable with our city staff.”

BY BETHANY HOOPER

days of instruction for students, and this allows us to meet that requirement.”

Miles noted students would now be in school on two designated makeup days listed in the school calendar, April 14 and June 15. Students will also have a full day of instruction on Jan. 31 – which had previously been scheduled as a staff professional day – and June 16, which will now be the last day of the school year.

“Our current approved calendar has three days built in for inclement weather makeup days,” she said. “One of those has already passed. That was in December.”

All four makeup days, Miles said, will be scheduled as early dismissal days.

Calendar Revisions In Wicomico

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Officials say revisions to the school calendar will account for recent closures.

Last week, the Wicomico County Board of Education voted unanimously to revise the school calendar for the 2021-2022 academic year. Assistant Superintendent Kim Miles said the changes will allow the school system to make up for inclement weather closures on Jan. 3, 4, 5 and 7.

“We are requesting consideration for approval for this revised calendar,” she told board members. “We do have a requirement in state regulations for 180

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Royal Farms Hookup Request Fails

January 21, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – In a split vote, county officials decided not to let a Virginia convenience store hookup to Pocomoke City’s sewer system.

The Worcester County Commissioners voiced various concerns this week regarding Pocomoke City’s plans to provide sewer service to the Royal Farms just over the Virginia line in New Church.

A motion to approve the required amendment to the Worcester County Water and Sewerage Plan failed with a 3-3 vote.

Commissioners who voted against the amendment cited the fact that the store was in a different state and criticized Pocomoke City Manager Jeremy Mason for signing a contract with Royal Farms before ever sharing the plan with the commissioners.

“I don’t think this body, or the county, has been treated fairly by this at all,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “In fact I would say we have been misdirected because we haven’t been provided with the information. Pocomoke entered into an agreement with Royal Farms long before we ever knew about this. It’s frustrating and angers me that they would come before us now and say we need to do this when they already gave agreement and didn’t even tell us.”

In December, the commissioners agreed not to hold a public hearing regarding Pocomoke City’s request to amend the water and sewer plan to allow it to connect Royal Farms to its sewer system.

Nevertheless, the body held a public hearing on the amendment this week. Staff pointed out the Pocomoke Wastewater Treatment Plant was already taking septage from the store, as it was being hauled in twice a week. Rather than continue that, the store asked to tie in to the sewer line already serving the Virginia welcome center.

The commissioners were quick to point out documents submitted by Royal Farms Tuesday morning proved that the proposed arrangement had been in the works long before Mason submitted a formal request to the Worcester County Planning Commission. Bertino said he found out in an unrelated conversation with Mason that Royal Farms actually connected to the sewer line in October, before the planning commission even considered the amendment.

Staff confirmed the store had been advised its connection was illegal after that and had returned to hauling septage.

Commissioners also referenced a June letter and a September contract between Royal Farms and Pocomoke City allowing the hookup. Those documents, provided by Royal Farms this week, were not provided to the planning commission in November or to the commissioners in December when they discussed the issue.

“This has been fouled up from the beginning,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said.

Mason said he didn’t realize he was doing anything wrong.

“Those letters I gave to Royal Farms, I didn’t know at the time that Worcester County had to give us permission to do this,” he said. “It was not in my wheelhouse of knowledge to know that is what

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

we’re supposed to do, to request an amendment to the comprehensive plan and to get permission to do this.”

Bertino said he’d take Mason at his word but asked why those letters hadn’t been provided to the county when application to the planning commission was made.

“Um I really can’t speak to that,” Mason said. “I really don’t know. I was asked to give when we made application all the paperwork we had … Perhaps I made an error in not doing that. I certainly wasn’t trying to cover anything up.”

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said Mason had acknowledged there been some mistakes but that that shouldn’t prevent the project from moving forward. He said the town had plenty of wastewater capacity to handle the store.

“I’m willing to forgive and take him at his word and move forward,” Nordstrom said. “This is something that’s important for the town and it’s important for everyone who is hooked into the Pocomoke water and wastewater system.”

Mason acknowledged that he knew the sewer line was supposed to be restricted to the welcome center but that Royal Farms had offered to help pay for the aeration system the Pocomoke wastewater system needed.

“It certainly was not all motivated by money, it was also motivated to help a neighboring business,” he said.

Commissioner Ted Elder said an email provided by Royal Farms showed that Mason had been involved in discussion about the water and sewer plan amendment back in December of 2020.

“What I do know now is my timelines got completely messed up during this process,” Mason said.

Pocomoke City Mayor Susan Harrison said Mason had made an honest mistake.

“When this all sifts down, even though mistakes were made we’re trying to improve Pocomoke City,” she said.

John Kemp, president and CEO of Royal Farms, told the commissioners there were three locations in Worcester County with another on the way in Ocean Pines. He said the septic at the New Church store failed in 2012 and despite a $200,000 replacement system failed again in 2019. He said the company hadn’t realized it was doing anything wrong when it connected after arranging the contract with Pocomoke.

“There’s no malfeasance on our part, we thought we were following the process,” he said.

He added that Royal Farms was a Maryland company that employed 42 Worcester County residents, five of whom worked in the New Church store.

John Pica, Royal Farms’ attorney, said the company negotiated in good faith. He referenced communication from the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Planning referring to the situation as a public health issue.

“We’re just appealing to the mercy of the commission to ask that this amendment be approved,” he said.

The motion to approve the amendment failed, with Nordstrom, Commissioner Diana Purnell and Commissioner Joe Mitrecic in favor and Bertino, Bunting and Elder opposed.

Page 11

peta advertising lawsuit moves ahead

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 21, 2022

Federal Judge denies motion to dismiss case

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

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BERLIN – The latest round in a federal lawsuit challenging the Lower Shore’s public transportation system’s decision not to accept advertising from an animal rights group went to the plaintiffs this week as a judge denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the case.

Last August, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) filed suit in U.S. District Court against Shore Transit and the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore seeking injunctions after the quasi-government entities denied their application to place advertising on Shore Transit buses. PETA then renewed its application this summer, asserting Shore Transit’s denial violated First and Fourteenth Amendment rights to free speech and expression.

When Shore Transit and its parent Tri-County Council did not respond to PETA’s second application, the animal rights advocacy group filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions against the transit system’s advertising policies. PETA desired to place ads on the buses which featured the slogan “No One Needs to Kill to Eat,” advocating the closure of animal slaughterhouses. Shore Transit denied the application, citing its policy that prohibits ads that it deems are political, controversial, offensive, objectionable or in poor taste.

PETA’s proposed advertisements each included the text “No One Needs to Kill to Eat,” and “Close the Slaughterhouses, Save the Workers, their Families and the Animals.” One of the proposed advertisements has the word “kill” superimposed on a bloody cleaver,

while the other proposed advertisement includes an image of a child holding a chicken, according to court documents.

In September, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the case on several grounds. For one, the Tri-County Council and Shore Transit assert PETA’s suit suggests closing some of the very businesses across the Lower Shore that the transportation system serves. Secondly, the motion to dismiss states PETA’s claims of First Amendment violations are simply not justified.

“Shore Transit’s policy of prohibiting political advertisements is constitutionally permissible, and PETA’s claims, to the extent it challenges the application of Shore Transit’s ban on political advertisements, should be dismissed,” the motion read. “PETA alleges that this provision of Shore Transit’s constitutes viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendment. This is not the case.”

However, a federal court judge this week denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss the case, meaning it will go on.

It was the second defeat for the defendants in the case. In October, the federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against the defendants in the case.

In memorandum in support of denying the motion to dismiss, the federal judge asserts the defendants have not clearly established reasons for dismissing the case at this time.

“PETA alleges that the defendants have violated its First and Fourteenth Amendment rights in rejecting its proposed advertisements and in prohibiting advertisements that the defendants deem to be political, controversial, offensive, objectionable or in poor taste,” the memorandum reads. “PETA sufficiently alleges that the defendants have

violated its First Amendment rights because the prohibitions fail to provide workable standards and are viewpoint discretionary. Further, for similar reasons, PETA has sufficiently alleged that the defendants’ prohibitions are unconstitutionally vague. As such, PETA’s claims will survive dismissal.”

The federal judge’s ruling asserts the case somewhat involves a distinction between what constitutes a public or non-public forum.

“Here, the parties do not dispute that PETA’s proposed advertisements constitute protected speech and the court finds that PETA was engaged in protected speech,” the memorandum reads.

“Next, the court must identify the nature of the forum, because to the extent to which the government may limit access depends on whether the forum is public or non-public. Shore Transit’s advertising space is likely a non-public forum and, as alleged, the defendants’ advertising prohibitions are not reasonable or viewpoint neutral, as is required for a non-public forum. Thus, the court will not dismiss PETA’s First Amendment claims against the defendants.”

The federal judge’s memorandum in support of denying the defendants’ motion to dismiss suggests some level of understanding with Shore Transit’s advertising. Nonetheless, the judge ruled the motion should be denied and the case should move forward.

“While the court is certainly sympathetic that the defendants may have an interest in limiting graphic or gory imagery on its buses, the manner in which the defendants have done so appears to be neither viewpoint neutral,” the memorandum reads. “PETA’s First Amendment claims, therefore, survive dismissal.”

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Margaritaville Developers Ready To Revisit Project January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Plans for a Margaritaville Hotel and Resort on the Boardwalk are once again moving forward.

After putting the project on hold in early December, developers advised Ocean City officials they’re now ready to move forward and have made a few improvements to the proposal. They’re eager to meet with city staff to discuss next steps.

“On behalf of my client, NOSC, LLC, I would like to withdraw my request that the Planned Overlay District application be placed on hold,” attorney Hugh Cropper wrote to resort officials Jan. 13. “My clients are prepared to move forward expeditiously, and at your earliest convenience.”

In August, developers presented the commission with conceptual plans for a proposed 13-story Margaritaville Hotel and Resort complex to occupy the Beach Plaza Hotel property. The plans call for 265 hotel rooms, three restaurants – including the JWB Grill, the Landshark Bar and Grill and a coffee shop and provisions store – as well as three outdoor pools, one indoor pool, a wellness center and gym, 14,000 square feet of convention space and retail stores facing the Boardwalk. To be developed as proposed, the project, which essentially encompasses the entire block between 13th and 14th streets, requires a Planned Overlay District (POD) approved by the Ocean City Planning Commission. Though the project has been discussed at multiple meetings, the commission has not yet formally approved the POD. During a review of the project in late November, commission members expressed concern regarding landscaping, the size of the project and the fact that the Ocean City Mayor and Council hadn’t yet approved an alley swap needed for development.

Developers put the proposed alley swap and Margaritaville plans on hold about a week later. In the weeks since, developers have made changes to the project and are now ready to seek approval. According to Cropper’s letter to the town, the project is now proceeding under single ownership and will not be subject to a condominium regime. The developers have also engaged a consultant to add enhanced landscaping in the setback areas. The third improvement listed addresses a need often discussed in Ocean City.

“My client is diligently pursuing workforce housing opportunities within walking distance of the project,” Cropper wrote.

The letter does not address the conveyance of a portion of Washington Lane between 13th and 14th streets to meet the requirements of the POD. The existing 16-foot alley bisects the proposed site and the developer in earlier discussions asked the town to consider abandoning a portion of the lane.

Pictured is the proposed design for the Margaritaville site from Baltimore Avenue.

Rendering by Becker Morgan Group

Ocean City Dismissed From Flying Umbrella Lawsuit

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City late last week was dismissed as a defendant in a civil suit filed last June in federal court by a plaintiff impaled in the chest by a flying umbrella on the beach in July 2018.

In July 2018, Pennsylvania resident Jill Mendygral was impaled in the chest by a rented beach umbrella that had become dislodged from the sand and thrown through the air by a wind gust.

In June, Mendygral, through her attorneys, filed a civil suit in U.S. District Court alleging negligence against the two named defendants, the Town of Ocean City and the beach equipment rental company 85 N Sunny, LLC, referred to simply as “Sunny” in court documents. The suit seeks damages in excess of $75,000 against each of the named defendants.

Last week, however, a U.S. District Court judge granted the Town of Ocean City’s motion to dismiss the case against the city with conditions. In its motion to dismiss, Ocean City asserted two essential arguments. U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Hollander dismissed the case against Ocean City, although the case against “Sunny” remains open. In her memorandum in support, the judge pointed out the two essential pillars of Ocean City’s motion to dismiss.

“Ocean City advances two principal arguments in support of dismissal,” the

memorandum reads. “First, Ocean City contends that it owed no duty of care to plaintiff under the Maryland Code. This statute is known as the ‘recreational use statute,’ although the parties do not refer to it by that name. Second, it contends the plaintiff’s claim is barred by the doctrine of governmental immunity.”

The judge’s memorandum asserts the plaintiff failed to make a connection between the town and the beach stand owner and operator.

“But, the plaintiff does not allege any facts concerning the relationship between Ocean City and Sunny,” the memorandum reads. “Moreover, she clearly alleges that it was Sunny that owned the beach umbrella and was responsible for its care, supervision and maintenance.

And, she does not allege that Sunny was an employee or agent of Ocean City.”

The judge’s memorandum in support of the town’s motion to dismiss asserts the governmental immunity statute applies in the case.

“A municipality such as Ocean City is entitled to governmental immunity in negligence actions when the conduct on which the suit is based is governmental, not proprietary,” the memorandum reads. “In its regulation and maintenance of the Ocean City beach, Ocean City is engaged in a governmental act, not a proprietary one.”

In the suit, the plaintiff alleges the Town of Ocean City had a duty of care to protect users of the beach, but the

January 21, 2022

judge’s opinion asserts while the town is responsible for regulating and maintaining the public beach, it is just that, public, and the recreational use statute applies.

“Although the Court has not identified any governmental immunity cases in Maryland specifically involving a beach, it is well established that governmental immunity applies to injuries ‘within’ the boundaries of a public park, swimming pool, or similar area where the local government’s maintenance obligation is governmental in nature,” the memorandum reads. “And, it appears undisputed that, in its operations relating to the Ocean City beach, Ocean City acts for the public benefit, health, and welfare, without private interest or for profit.”

The judge’s memorandum points out the plaintiff’s complaint does not name any individual named defendants.

“The amended complaint is completely vague as to any actions or omissions

by Ocean City or any of its employees related to the incident,” the memorandum reads. “The suit alleges generically that Ocean City failed to warn against windy conditions, without specifying any facts that indicate the extent or nature of the wind conditions or that they were outside the norm for a beach.”

The memorandum points out by any definition, the beach in Ocean City is recreation area open to the public.

“Ocean City contends that the recreational use statute applies to the Ocean City beach and eliminates any legal duty,

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and thus any liability, Ocean City might have to plaintiff,” the memorandum reads.

“It asserts that ‘the Ocean City Beach is, and was at the relevant time, open to the general public for recreational purposes and for no charge.’”

For those reasons, the judge dismissed Ocean City as a defendant in the case.

“In sum, plaintiff does not allege facts sufficient to state a claim that Ocean City breached its duty of care, as limited by the recreational use statute,” the memorandum reads. “And, plaintiff’s bald and conclusory assertions as to Ocean City’s willful misconduct do not alter this conclusion. Therefore, even if plaintiff were permitted to amend her Complaint so as to address the issue of governmental immunity, this would not allow the Complaint to survive a motion to dismiss.”

The judge’s order dismissing Ocean City from the case comes with conditions. The case against the beach stand operator remains open. The plaintiff has leave to file a second amended complaint naming individual defendants within 21 days of the judge’s order. If an amended complaint is not filed within 21 days, the judge will dismiss count one of the suit.

Around 3:10 p.m. on July 22, 2018, Ocean City first responders were dispatched to the beach at 54th Street after a gust of wind dislodged a rental umbrella and sent it tumbling down the beach where it impaled Mendygral.

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OC Group Explores New Boardwalk Bike Racks

January 21, 2022

Community Center Committee On Hold The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A resort committee has agreed to explore options for new Boardwalk bike racks.

Last week, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, liaison for the Ocean City Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), presented committee members with a proposal to replace the aging bike racks along the Boardwalk.

While no funding source has been identified, officials say surplus funding from the Boardwalk re-decking project or the seawall recoating project could be used.

“I think it’s an important project,” DeLuca said. “They are heavily used … and the way they look now, it’s not good.”

In recent years, BPAC members have focused their efforts on identifying locations to add bike racks near the oceanfront street ends. DeLuca noted the idea of replacing the Boardwalk bike racks came forward as part of those discussions.

Committee President Paul Mauser said there were roughly 40 bike racks placed along the Boardwalk. While officials noted it would have been ideal to replace the racks as part of the Boardwalk re-decking project, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said it could still be done at a future date.

“It’s not like they’re inserted, bolted, mounted underneath the stringers or anything,” he said. “We’re going to go ahead and put the old ones back up in the exact same pattern we took them off, just like putting the benches back or the trash cans back. I’ll just wait for some decision at a later date on a different design, and we’ll install them then.”

Worcester County Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition’s Patti Stevens noted the new bike racks could feature a bike or fish design. The committee’s vice president, Allen Hawk, noted the town could work with the Art League of Ocean City to secure grant funding.

Regardless, committee members agreed the existing racks needed to be replaced.

“Some of them date back 25, 30 years,” Adkins said. “They are simplistic, galvanized, bare-bones racks.”

As the existing racks are still usable, Stevens suggested the town could donate them to the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve been reaching out to different businesses to try and get them to put bike racks in,” she said. “Perhaps they can be offered to the OC Chamber of Commerce for businesses that would like to put bike racks at their business place.”

Mauser noted it was something the town could explore.

“Let’s get the new ones first,” he added.

With no further discussion, the committee agreed to discuss options and pricing for the new bike racks at its next meeting in February.

“Let’s bring it back to the committee next meeting,” DeLuca said, “and let’s see what kind of money we are talking.”

BERLIN – While efforts to bring a community center to town are moving forward, officials are delaying plans for a citizen committee.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said last week that meetings are underway regarding property on Flower Street that’s been discussed as a community center site. Officials believe it’s too early, however, to focus the community center committee on the project.

“We’re going to put the committee process on hold while we work through some ideas on moving forward,” he said during last Monday’s council meeting.

In October, for $40,000 the town purchased a half-acre lot on Flower Street connected to the property containing the

multipurpose building and the Berlin Head Start facility. Officials have long hoped the properties, once combined, could be home to a community center.

Tyndall said town officials have been meeting with representatives of the Berlin Community Improvement Association and Shore Up regarding the property and plans for the future. As a result, Tyndall said the town wouldn’t be appointing members to the new community center committee that was created last year just yet.

“It’s the belief of that group of folks we met with in the latter part of December we’re going to put that committee process on hold while we work through some ideas on moving forward,” he said.

Tyndall stressed however that the project was still moving forward. Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols reiterated the

Page 15

town’s commitment as well.

“The committee itself, there’s a pin in the committee,” she said. “The movement in the process of this has not halted. We’re still moving in the direction of this community center. It’s just we’re not ready quite yet for the committee to be mixed into the whole thing.”

In an interview, Tyndall said he’d be reaching out to those who have submitted applications to serve on the committee to let them know the process had been delayed. He also said a joint statement from the organizations involved would be issued some time this month.

Tyndall remains optimistic about finally bringing a community center to Berlin.

“I’m excited,” he said. “The community’s excited. Now it’s just about getting all the pieces of the puzzle in place and making sure every voice is heard.”

Farr Takes Seat On OPA Board Following Court Ruling

Page 16

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors held a special meeting last week to install Rick Farr as the newest board member.

Last Wednesday, Farr took his seat as the newest board member for the association. After what can only be described as a contentious election, Farr said he was eager to move forward.

“We do have to move on,” he said.

“The judge did his ruling, like it or not, and we have to move on. I’m not here to boast about what happened, I’m here to do the business of the community. I promised people – when I knocked on the doors and through the many forums we had and in public comments – that that’s what I was going to do … At the end of the day, it’s going to be in the best interest of the community. That’s it. Not the best interest of the board but the best interest of every citizen here.”

Last year, four contenders – Farr, Stuart Lakernick, David Hardy and incumbent Frank Daly – vied for two seats on the association’s board, though Farr was later disqualified during the voting process after an anonymous tip raised questions about his homeownership status in the Pines. Following a monthslong legal battle, a Worcester County

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Circuit Court judge last week granted Farr’s claims for declaratory judgement and ruled him an eligible Pines homeowner and eligible candidate in the 2021 election.

The ruling, issued Jan. 5, also ordered that the top vote getters – Farr with 1,629 votes and Daly with 1,571 votes – be installed for a term of three years commencing Aug. 15, 2021.

Daly, who was absent from Wednesday’s proceedings, will maintain his position on the board. Farr replaces outgoing Director Frank Brown, who was appointed in 2020 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Director Steve Tuttle.

“Frank Brown, I would like to thank you for your year-and-a-half of service filling in for the time period after Steve Tuttle resigned,” said Director Larry Perrone.

Wednesday’s meeting kicked off with a report from Ocean Pines Election Committee Chair Carol Ludwig. She noted of the 7,999 ballots that were mailed out, 3,041 were returned with 38 deemed invalid.

“The grand total of votes returned was 42% of those sent out,” she said.

The Board of Directors this week also elected Colette Horn as the new president, Daly as the new vice president, Josette Wheatley as secretary

January 21, 2022

Rick Farr last week replaced Frank Brown on the on the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors after a court ruling in his favor.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

and Perrone as the new treasurer.

While Perrone was asked to continue in his role of president, he declined the nomination.

“I’ve been president for 18 months now, and I think it’s time for someone else,” he said.

During public comments, resident Tom Janasek, a former director, expressed his disappointment with the election of officers.

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“What I do know is that this board, this regime that’s been running this board for the last year and four months, did nothing but create divisiveness within the board and within Ocean Pines,” he said. “That’s all it’s done.

And you’ve just reelected them for eight more months.”

During his comments, Janasek also announced his candidacy for the next board election. He also urged current board members to work together.

“I was in this for a year and a half, and I would implore you all, as hard as it may be, to try and work together,” he said. “It is a board of seven. For the last year and a half, it’s been a board of four, never a board of seven. The other three people were never included in any decision, unless to influence their vote on something personal. This has not been about Ocean Pines, it’s been about personal egos. That’s it.”

Resident Slobodan Trendic, another former director, also came before the board this week to offer his congratulations to Farr. He then challenged the new board member to comply with the bylaws, arguing the special meeting had violated the association’s governing documents.

“Rick should submit a motion to revoke appointments and schedule an organizational meeting and comply with the bylaws,” he said.

Perrone disagreed with Trendic’s interpretation.

“This meeting is a special meeting because there was no quorum at the yearly meeting,” he said. “It makes it a special meeting, and during that meeting we do the organizational things.”

For his part, Director Doug Parks vowed to continue working for Ocean Pines and its members.

“It’s been no secret that there’s been a lot of dysfunctionality on this board the past 18 months …,” he said. “Despite that, as a professional and someone who’s committed to the association, the fact that these officers have changed does not change my commitment to the association. I will continue to work for the betterment of the membership because that’s what I signed up for.”

He continued, “I have another year.

I’ve been elected twice in a row to this board, and I plan to serve that out regardless of who sits in what officer positions because it’s very important to stress the fact that the officers of the association have no more authority than any other director sitting on the board. I want to make sure the membership knows that and I want to remind my fellow colleagues that in order for us to work together that has to be paramount in any discussions. And I urge them to drop the animosity, forget what’s going on, and let’s move forward.”

The entirety of Wednesday’s special meeting can be viewed on the association’s YouTube page.

Commission Supports Proposed Amendment

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The Berlin Planning Commission voted last week to support a text amendment that would allow a local funeral home to open a crematorium in town.

The commission voted unanimously last Wednesday to give a favorable recommendation to a text amendment that would allow a crematorium as a conditional use in the M-1A light industrial district. The amendment has been proposed

by Kirk Burbage of Burbage Funeral Home for property he owns off Main Street Extended near its intersection with Worcester Highway.

“His business has changed dramatically over the years,” said Joel Todd, Burbage’s attorney. “At this point more than 70% of the funerals he handles involve cremations.”

Todd told the commission the text amendment would add a subsection to the code to define crematorium and allow it as a conditional use in the light industrial district. He said Burbage ran the oldest family-owned funeral home in Maryland and had decades of experience in the industry. While cremation was initially less common, now the practice is used by most of Burbage’s clients.

“He wants to be able to keep the cremation business in the Town of Berlin,” Todd said. “He was born and raised here, he thinks highly of this town. He’d rather keep the business here.”

Todd said Burbage wanted to build a crematorium on property he owned near Route 113. The area is primarily rural and Todd said the nearest occupied property was Sonrise Church.

“We think it’s an ideal location there,” he said.

Todd said that the cremation process would not have any impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

“There’s a holding chamber within the furnaces so that no odors are emitted,” he said. “It’s completely clean. It’s as perfectly clean as is humanly possible.”

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the text amendment, which is not site specific, would allow a crematorium as a conditional use, meaning it would require approval from the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

“It wouldn’t be a use by right every time,” Engelhart said. “Each individual use would need to go before the board of zoning appeals and be granted a conditional use. They would review the impact on adjoining properties.”

Todd noted that in Burbage’s case, there were several steps left to go before building if the text amendment is eventually approved by the town council.

“We have to start off with getting this language changed so that it can be an authorized use if we establish the appropriate circumstances when we make the application,” he said.

The commission voted unanimously to forward the amendment on to the town council with a favorable recommendation.

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Chamber Lights Contest Winners

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OCEAN CITY – The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce once again hosted the annual Chamber Lights Decorating Contest to help showcase both commercial and residential decorations during the holiday season. The contest is open to all residents and members of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Ocean City Development Corporation and Hotel Motel Restaurant Association. Ocean City Chamber ambassadors served as judges of the contest. The winners were as follows: Commercial Winners Hotel Indoor: First place, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (at left, top); second, Cambria OC Bayfront Hotel; and third, Courtyard by Marriott.

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Committee Reviews Dredging Studies, Cost Estimates

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A review of archeological studies, cost estimates and timelines highlighted a recent dredging meeting in Fenwick Island.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Dredging Committee met to discuss the next steps in a long-awaited dredging project of the Little Assawoman Bay. As the town continues to pursue a partnership with Seatowne, a residential community north of Fenwick, committee members last week joined with consultants to review the results of archeological and sediment studies, as well as cost estimates and timelines.

“Everything I’m hearing sounds really fruitful for the Seatowne site,” said Tony Pratt, project consultant.

Plans for a dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay began in earnest in 2018, when the town council hired Pratt, former administrator for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), to guide them through the funding and permitting processes. By the following year, Anchor QEA, a Lewes-based engineering firm, was brought on board to provide design, bidding and construction management services.

Simply put, the dredging project is expected to address shoaling in the back-

Seatowne Partnership Considered

bay system and connect boating channels along Fenwick’s bayside canals to the main channel in the Little Assawoman Bay. As part of that effort, roughly 19,000 cubic feet of dredged material would be moved to another site for reuse.

Since 2019, the town has worked with Carl M. Freeman Companies to relocate its dredged material to one of the developer’s properties, making the public-private partnership one that would save Fenwick millions of dollars. In September, however, officials announced the Freeman Companies had decided to accelerate its project timeline for the identified spoil site – a parcel of land off Route 54 that had been approved for a 70-lot subdivision.

To that end, officials began to explore an adjacent 9.2-acre parcel owned by the developer. Those plans were also taken off the table in October when the county’s denial of a hotel project on the site forced the developer to reevaluate its project, as well as its partnership with the town.

In an effort to move forward with the dredging project, committee members last month began discussing a potential beneficial use project at Seatowne,

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which would use the dredged material to replenish roughly 19 acres of wetlands.

Back on the agenda last week for discussion, Councilman Bill Rymer, committee chair, said the community’s homeowners association (HOA) was considering the partnership.

“Today I believe their HOA was having a meeting to discuss basically this project,” he said.

Committee members last week also discussed the results of a recent sediment study. Anchor QEA’s Steve Bagnull noted there were no significant findings.

“There’s a good gradation of sands, silts and clays in this material,” he said.

“It makes it a good material for beneficial use purposes in a number of different scenarios. It certainly doesn’t rule it out from something like Seatowne.”

Bagnull also presented committee members with the results of an archaeological study, which identified an area in the south channel that required further investigation.

“It is smack dab in the middle of the channel and the spur running south of it …,” he said. “There’s two options available for dealing with a situation like this.

One is to avoid the area entirely – that

Page 19

would involve an offset of 50 to 75 feet or so – or you conduct an additional investigation, which would be termed a Phase 1B investigation to help identify what exactly this item is.”

Bagnull said his company recommended the additional Phase 1B study, which came at a cost of $10,000.

“There’s nothing worse than our one anomaly being in our one and only intersection that we have,” Rymer replied.

Officials told committee members last week conceptual cost estimates for the proposed dredging project totaled nearly $1.4 million, or about $300,000 more than the initial cost estimate for the Freeman partnership. Bagnull noted the distance between the dredge site and the Seatowne community resulted in a higher cost.

“We need to do a lot of fundraising, and there are a lot of unknowns,” Rymer said. “But if this is a reasonable range, I think we have a very achievable target.”

Officials noted the project could be completed by early 2023, though the timeline would depend largely on the permitting process. Bagnull noted the town would also need to conduct additional studies, which would require the approval of the town council.

“We’re not making a decision today on the proposals,” Rymer said.

The committee’s next meeting will be held on Jan. 25 at 9 a.m.

School System Waives First Semester Finals

Page 20

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – School system officials agreed to waive final exams for first semester courses after hearing concerns from teachers.

The Worcester County Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to waive final exams for first semester courses because of the number of students in COVID-19 quarantine and isolation.

Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief operating and academic officer for grades 9-12, told the school board she’d been approached a week ago by staff with concerns regarding holding exams that counted for 20% of a student’s grade when so many weren’t able to attend school because of COVID-19.

Teachers were also worried about how

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they’d potentially give makeup exams to students who were in quarantine on the exam days. Wallace said it would be challenging to give makeup exams to students after the semester had changed, as they’d have different class schedules.

“It also would be a burden for our students,” she said.

She said an average of 63 staff members were out daily last week because of COVID-19 while an average of 534 students were out.

“It is a significant concern,” she said.

“We felt like when we looked at those numbers the feelings of our teachers were on point.”

Superintendent Lou Taylor added that while the school system was proposing to waive final exams, there would still be a culminating activity for each class such as a test or project.

The board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation to waive the final exam policy for the first semester.

School board member Jon Andes, who retired from the position of superintendent in 2012, suggested the executive team consider changing the weight of the final exam in the future.

“I hope at some point we go back and revisit that,” he said, adding that the final exam used to account for 10% of a student’s grade. “As a person who’s a poor test taker, having a final exam count for 20% would’ve been a significant issue for me.”

Taylor said the policy would be reviewed in the coming months.

“I’ve not been happy with that policy since taking over as superintendent,” he said.

Taylor said he would return to the board with a recommendation.

4 Hours Of Synchronous Instruction Planned For Inclement Weather Days

January 21, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – The school system has adjusted its distance learning plan for inclement weather days after receiving guidance from the state.

While Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) announced early on that inclement weather days beyond the three built into the calendar would be distance learning days, changes to what students can expect – including the addition of four hours of synchronous learning – were shared this week. Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief operating and academic officer for grades 9-12, said requirements from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), which has to approve the school system’s distance learning plan for inclement weather, prompted the change.

“We feel really positive about it,” she said. “We hope to submit it this week to MSDE.” Though WCPS initially told parents they could expect distance learning for inclement weather if the school system’s built-in inclement weather days were used, they said the state advised them Jan. 14 of requirements for any distance learning days. Those requirements include four hours of synchronous – essentially live – instruction and that the distance learning plan be presented in advance to the local school board. With potential snow on the horizon, Wallace said WCPS was presenting the board with its plan this week.

She pointed out that officials knew synchronous learning was a challenge.

“As all of you know, throughout this pandemic we’ve had a lot of discussion around number one, lack of devices, but specifically number two, lack of high quality internet access throughout our county,” she said. “Even giving out hotspots doesn’t work.”

To combat the issue, she said WCPS would make sure that there was a phone number associated with all Zoom lessons so even without internet access students could participate.

“The student will not need a smart device in order to two-way communicate using that phone number,” she said.

As part of the plan students with special needs will receive their regular services, even if they have to be made up after the fact. WCPS has also set aside funds for tutoring to support students who have trouble with distance learning.

Superintendent Lou Taylor said WCPS was doing the best it could with the new requirements.

“This has caused a lot of dialogue, I’ll use a nice word, between the 24 superintendents in Maryland,” he said.

“There’s been not really a clear expectation and many superintendents are very frustrated with what to do, when to do it and how to do it.”

January 21, 2022

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COPS & COURTS First-Degree Assault OCEAN CITY – A local man was charged with first-degree assault and other counts this week after allegedly “choking out” his roommate to the point the victim lost consciousness during a domestic altercation.

Around 11:30 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a residence on Clam Shell Road for a reported domestic assault. The officers met with the alleged victim, who reportedly told police he lived at the residence with his roommate, identified as Dustin Wolfgang, 25, of Ocean City.

The victim told police he was sitting in his computer chair with his back toward Wolfgang and Wolfgang was pacing back and forth behind him, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police Wolfgang came up from behind him, wrapped one arm around his neck and throat and began choking him.

The victim told police he tried to say, “don’t do this” while being strangled, but was unable to say any words because he was being strangled, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police he could not breathe and the last thing he remembered was trying to tell Wolfgang to stop and then he woke up on the floor.

The victim reportedly told police he was unsure how long he was unconscious, but said it felt like five to 10 minutes. The victim said when he regained consciousness, he was lying on the floor next to his computer chair. When he regained consciousness, it took the victim a few minutes to realize he had been “choked out” by Wolfgang, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police he realized Wolfgang had left the unit and returned when he had regained consciousness. The victim told Wolfgang he was going to call the police, and Wolfgang took his cell phone and threw it on the floor, although it wasn’t damaged, according to police reports. The victim told police he believed he was going to die due to Wolfgang choking him, according to police reports.

Officers then spoke with Wolfgang, who told police he had been working at an uptown bar when he got a text from the victim stating he had been in an altercation at another establishment, according to police reports. Wolfgang said he left his place of employment and went to the other bar to speak with security staff about what had happened, according to police reports.

Wolfgang reportedly told police he left that establishment and rode his bicycle home. When Wolfgang asked the victim why he had been in an altercation with a bartender, the victim shoved him in the chest with two hands. Wolfgang said he did not want to get into an altercation with the victim and was only trying to de-

fend himself, according to police reports.

However, according to police reports, Wolfgang said he choked out the victim.

More specifically, Wolfgang told officers he placed the victim in a “rear-naked choke” using one arm and the victim fell to the ground, according to police reports. Wolfgang told officers he heard the victim’s speech rattle as he was gasping for air just prior to losing consciousness, according to police reports.

Based on the evidence and his own admission, Wolfgang was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. Following a bail review hearing on Tuesday, he was ordered to be held without bond.

Brother Arrested For Assaulting Sister OCEAN CITY – A Florida man was arrested on assault charges last weekend after allegedly scrapping with his sister and nearly breaking her leg during a domestic incident at an uptown residence.

Around 7:20 p.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on Rusty Anchor Road to assist Ocean City EMS with a woman with a possible broken leg.

Upon arrival, the officer observed the female victim on the couch with her left leg elevated.

The victim reportedly told the officer she had been in an altercation with her brother, identified as John McLaughlin, 66, of Juno Beach, Fla. The victim, a registered nurse, told police she was treating her mother, who was in hospice care in a back bedroom of the adjacent unit, according to police reports.

According to police reports, the victim told officers McLaughlin had become agitated because he believed the victim was attempting to wake her up. The victim told police she came out of the bedroom with her mother and attempted to use the television remote control. The victim reportedly told officers a verbal argument ensued, and the victim then took McLaughlin’s cell phone and threw it out the door.

The victim reportedly attempted to leave when McLaughlin grabbed her by the back of the head and threw her to the ground. McLaughlin reportedly then got on top of the victim and pinned her to the ground, and only got off when the victim told him multiple times while he was on her leg that she felt like her leg was going to break. OCPD officers observed the victim’s lower left leg was red and blue and she appeared to be in extreme pain when she moved it, according to police reports.

Officers interviewed McLaughlin, who told police the victim had hit him in the head and poked him in the chest with the remote control. McLaughlin reportedly told police he attempted to grab his cell SEE NEXT PAGE

January 21, 2022

... COPS & COURTS phone to record the incident when the victim grabbed the phone and threw it out the door and into the back yard. McLaughlin told police he attempted to grab the victim’s sweatshirt on her arm, causing the victim to slip on the wet and slipper deck, according to police reports.

OCPD officers then interviewed the caretaker of the mother, who said she was in a back room when she heard the victim and McLaughlin arguing. The caretaker reportedly told police the argument got so bad she went out into the living room where it was going on and observed the victim throwing McLaughlin’s cell phone out the door.

The caretaker reportedly corroborated the victim’s story about McLaughlin grabbing her by the head and throwing her to the ground. The caretaker also advised the victim pleaded out loud that McLaughlin was putting too much weight on her leg and that she felt it was going to break. Based on all of the evidence and testimony, McLaughlin was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Loaded Handgun Found OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested on weapons charges last week after a loaded handgun was found among other things in the vehicle in which he was riding as a passenger.

Around 9:30 p.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 99th Street reportedly observed a Ford van traveling northbound on Coastal Highway going 53 mph in a 40 mph zone. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver and his passenger, identified as Kenneth Perholtz, 53, of Baltimore.

According to police reports, the officer detected the odor of burnt marijuana emanating from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The officer asked the driver and Perholtz to step out of the vehicle and OCPD officers conducted a search of the passenger compartment, according to police reports.

During the search, OCPD officers reportedly located multiple containers of loose marijuana, along with various smoking devices and other paraphernalia. Officers also located a wooden baton concealed behind the front passenger seat, along with an assisted-opening knife in the driver door pocket, according to police reports.

In the rear passenger seat, OCPD officers reportedly located a loaded Smith and Wesson revolver in a duffle bag along with some folded clothes. At that point, Perholtz and the driver were detained in handcuffs. Perholtz reportedly agreed to speak with the officers and said he knew nothing about any drugs or weapons in the vehicle. He did, however, admit the green duffle bag containing the loaded handgun belonged to him, according to police reports.

When questioned directly about the handgun, Perholtz told the officers “I forgot about that,” according to police reports. Perholtz reportedly told police he had a concealed carry permit, but it had

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch expired in 2011. The handgun was a .357 magnum revolver with all five cylinders loaded with hollow point ammunition. There was a speed loader containing five more rounds located near the revolver. Perholtz was arrested and charged with knowingly transporting a loaded handgun and other weapons charges, along with open container violation for the open can of beer found in the vehicle.

Lobby Squatter Arrested OCEAN CITY – A Mardela Springs, Md., man was arrested last weekend after allegedly ignoring requests for him to leave a midtown hotel after a night auditor allowed him to sit in the hotel lobby for about an hour.

Around 12:15 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel at 43rd Street for a reported disorderly male.

The officer arrived and met with the night auditor who advised around an hour earlier, a suspect known to police as Den-

nard Murray, Sr., 64, of Mardela Springs, staggered into the hotel.

Murray reportedly told the officer he could not afford to rent a room and that he just wanted to sit in the lobby. The night auditor allowed Murray to use the lobby as a shelter for roughly one hour, according to police reports.

Over an hour later, the night auditor approached Murray and repeatedly asked him to leave if he was not going to rent a room. Each time the auditor asked Murray to leave, Murray would say “why don’t you [expletive deleted] call the cops,” according to police reports.

The officer approached Murray, who was exhibiting obvious signs of intoxication, according to police reports. The night auditor issued an indefinite trespass warning to Murray in the officer’s presence. The officer explained the trespass warning and advised Murray if he did not vacate the premises and remained on the property, he would be arrested, according to police reports.

Page 23 Murray then launched into an expletive-laced tirade at the officer and the night auditor, who was visibly disturbed, according to police reports. At that point, Murray was arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct. Murray was transported to the Public Safety Building for processing.

About an hour later, Murray reportedly requested to be evaluated by Emergency Medical Services. When asked what his medical complaint was, Murray repeatedly told police “I just want to go to the [expletive deleted] hospital,” according to police reports.

Ocean City EMS arrived to evaluate Murray and asked him about his medical complaint. Murray ignored them and refused to be evaluated. Ocean City EMS determined Murray did not have any visible injuries and did not appear to be in any pain, according to police reports. As a result, an additional charge of knowingly making a false call for an ambulance by making a false medical complaint was tacked on.

Ocean City Compost Program Hoping To Expand Operations

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – After a banner year, organizers of a resort composting program are looking to expand operations in 2022.

Last week, The Hobbit Restaurant owner and Ocean Compost LLC representative Garvey Heiderman came before the Ocean City Coastal Resources Legislative Committee (Green Team) to provide an update on the organization’s composting program, which collects food waste from a handful of resort restaurants and transports it to a composting site in Bishopville.

While Ocean Compost reported composting more than 40 tons of waste last year, Heiderman told committee members last week he is hoping to collect more than 200 tons in 2022.

“There’s a lot of layers to this thing,” he said. “In the broadest sense, we are overhauling the way people handle their waste … It’s a crawl-walk-run process.”

In 2018, Josh Chamberlain, founder

200-Ton Goal Set For This Year

of the local nonprofit Go Green OC, partnered with Heiderman and The Hobbit to launch a pilot composting program.

Since that time, organizers have secured grant funding and donations to help run the program and have diverted tons of compostable waste from the town’s waste stream.

In 2021, the composting program went a step further by adding four restaurants – 70th Street Dough Roller, Mother’s Cantina, Bonfire and Annabelle’s – to the composting initiative.

“As I expand the program, we’re trying to get a representation of what Ocean City could be,” he said.

Ocean Compost also entered into an agreement with the town last year in its efforts to divert waste that heads to the incinerator.

More than a decade ago, Ocean City moved away from its traditional curbside recycling program and began working

with Covanta, a waste-to-energy operation that incinerates trash and converts it to energy. As part of the agreement, the town will pay Ocean Compost the same per-ton rate it pays Covanta for any compost that is removed from the waste stream, making it a cost-neutral option for the town.

“The only difference with us is that we’re picking up and hauling it to the transfer station, whereas the town does the picking up of single-stream waste and then Covanta comes and hauls it,” Heiderman said.

With another successful year in the books, Heiderman told committee members last week he is now looking to partner with more restaurants.

“The town does 34,000 tons of waste a year, and our estimation is probably 10,000 tons of that, at least, is compostable,” he said. “I do think at least 5,000 to 8,000 tons is the low-hanging fruit,

January 21, 2022

coming from the large producers like restaurants and condos.”

While Ocean Compost has set a goal of composting 250 tons in the next year, Heiderman said he is hoping to reach 1,000 tons in 2023. When asked if Ocean Compost would need to expand their composting site, Heiderman noted it would be something to consider if the program became sustainable.

“Obviously we need to create a model here to make money, to show municipalities and private businesses that we can do something that’s better for the environment and saves everybody money, or even makes them money,” he said. “Long-term wise, if it turns out we can turn this into a cashflow-positive thing, then I’m interested in purchasing property and having a centralized site where we can pull from places like Salisbury.”

However, he noted that operating from a larger site would require permitting from the Maryland Department of the Environment.

“We’re still a long way away from that,” he said.

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While it is uncertain if claims of civil rights violations after incidents on the Boardwalk were the catalyst, resort officials this week got a first look at a job description for the proposed new diversity equity and inclusion position.

In November, the council voted unanimously to start the process of hiring a diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) position. City Manager Doug Miller was instructed to do research and create a job description for the new position, along with potential grade and salary. Miller returned during this week’s work session with a job description along with a job description for a second potential recruitment, retention and inclusion (RRI) position that would, if approved, augment to DEI position.

“We’re also looking at a recruitment and retention position,” he said. “Diversity equity and inclusion are fairly common in the private sector, but it’s a fairly new concept in the public sector. I

Page 25

second Potential Position Pitched

looked at job descriptions for DEI positions in North Carolina and Ohio as I formulated these job descriptions.”

In June, a pair of incidents on the Boardwalk led to claims of use of excessive force by police, as well as civil rights violations. For the record, the FBI last fall announced its inquiry into incidents determined neither case rose to the level of federal civil rights violations.

Following those incidents, Mayor Rick Meehan met with state and local civil rights activists to discuss a variety of issues. Out of that meeting was borne the creation of a diversity and inclusion work group to begin exploring some of the issues raised.

Around the same time, Ocean City was advertising for a new professional development and training coordinator.

In a memo to Miller, Meehan suggested changing that advertised job title to Diversity, Inclusion and Training Coordinator and alter the job description to reflect

that change.

“The world around us is changing and we are following behind when we need to lead,” Meehan’s memo to Miller read.

“This would help us to become more sensitive to today’s society and help us build a better commitment to having a welcoming environment throughout our workforce and Ocean City.”

In November, the council voted to direct Miller to explore similar DEI positions and come back with an appropriate job description. On Tuesday, Miller, after researching similar DEI positions in other areas around the country, came back with a job description for the town’s new DEI position.

“This position will lead efforts to create new administrative procedures and policies that implement strategies to promote equity and inclusion in the organization and supporting the diversity equity and inclusion efforts in the community and with other stakeholders,” a sum-

mary of the job description reads. “This position will be involved at the policy level as well as setting the strategic direction of the town from a diversity and inclusion perspective.”

According to the job description, the new position’s duties will include, but are not limited to, providing leadership, guidance and support to internal and external partners in the delivery of equity policy and programs, and assist the Human Resources department in developing, coordinating and presenting training related to various diversity and inclusion issues that include unrecognized biases, racism, gender, xenophobia, misogyny, pervasive inequities, micro- and macro-aggressions, culture of civility, and other oppressive situations or occurrences.

Miller also presented a job description for the proposed RRI position.

“This position will work closely with internal department and division leaders to develop strategic recruitment and retention efforts to attract and retain a highly talented, diverse workforce,” a summary of the job description reads.

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Bike Festival Planning To Return In May

Page 26

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Following a successful first year, organizers say preparations have begun for the 2nd Annual Maryland Coast Bike Festival.

Last week, event coordinator Salty Selt presented the Ocean City Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee with plans for the 2nd Annual Maryland Coast Bike Festival, to be held on May 7.

“Last year, coming out of COVID, we had just under 800 riders and about 45 vendors in the village …,” he said. “It’s hard to waive the magic wand, but this year we’re looking at thousands of participants.”

Last year, organizers held the first annual Maryland Coast Bike Festival, a series of scenic bike rides that began and

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

concluded at the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor. The event not only had three courses, but a festival village featuring music, food, craft beer, kids activities and local vendors.

“For a first-year event, the planning and execution I think were really good,” said Worcester County Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition’s Patti Stevens.

Now back for a second year, Selt said the 2022 festival is slated to be bigger and better.

“Preregistration is already way ahead of what it was last year,” he said. “As far as our vendor village and our festivities area in the commercial harbor, I think I’ll fill it this year. I think we’ll have a minimum of 100 vendors there.”

Selt added that vendor space will once again be free for local businesses.

“Whether it’s Sunset Grille or Greene

Turtle or a surf shop, if they want to come in, set up, sell and advertise, it’s free of charge,” he said. “It’s to help to grow the event, grow the community and help our local businesses. I don’t think this is a time right now where we solicit vending fees from our business community.”

Officials noted this year’s event will offer three courses, with lengths varying between 18 miles and roughly 64 miles.

Selt added additional information can be found on the festival’s website, marylandcoastbikefestival.com.

“We drew from 11 states last year, and we’re going to start our hotel bookings on our website now,” he said. “Even though it started small last year, it surpassed our projections. We’re looking for rapid growth, even in the second year of the festival.”

What’s Up With Rising Inflation?

January 21, 2022

Wealth of Knowledge

BY KRISTIN COANE

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – Inflation was already on the rise before we learned about the omicron variant. Now on top of supply-chain shortages and transportation disruptions, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell recently observed a resurgence of COVID-19 cases could reduce the consumer-driven boom we’ve enjoyed for the past few months. Concerns about safety could result in more workers being sent back home to work and small businesses needing to cut back staff after the holidays, further slowing economic progress.

To date, much of the blame for higher inflation has been attributed to supply disruption. In the past, when inflation reared its ugly head, the Fed could douse rising prices by reducing interest rates. Unfortunately, supply shortages and COVID-influenced employment rates are not easily resolved by adjusting interest rates.

Perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from these trying times is we can’t always rely on the government, employers or the stock market to resolve our financial troubles. The best we can do is create a plan based on our wants, needs and long- and short-term goals, and stick with it.

That can be tough to do whenever the market drops on news of a newly identified variant or soars when a vaccine is announced. While these eKRISTIN COANE vents may create opportunities, just remember that few people ever get rich by timing the market. If you’d like us to take a look at your financial plan and make recommendations to keep you positioned to meet your goals, please feel free to contact us.

In recent months, the Biden administration has attempted to address inflation through various means. One tactic he has yet to implement is easing the current tariffs on goods imported from China, which Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says could have a “disinflationary” effect.

Alas, it is important to recognize rising inflation isn’t just a domestic issue; it’s happening all over the world. With another surge of infections during the winter season, we may see more countries close or tighten borders, further hampering global economic recovery. As supply chains get cut off, we can expect higher inflation here in the U.S. There is also debate as to whether companies are taking advantage of rising inflation to boost profit margins. In fact, nearly two out of three of the largest U.S. corporations have reported higher profits this year than pre-pandemic. And yet, perhaps due to increased consolidation and the power that gives large companies to set prices, inflation continues to rise.

(The writer is part of the team at Key Financial Services in Berlin. The team can be reached at 410-629-0357.)

City Manager Praised During Final Council Meeting

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Near the end of his last official council meeting in the city’s manager’s chair, outgoing City Manager Doug Miller on Tuesday was praised for his accomplishments in the position over the last six years.

In late December, Miller announced his resignation after managing the resort for the last six years. Miller made his announcement in the form of a memorandum to the Mayor and Council and other city staffers.

“After a good deal of reflection, I have decided to pursue other interests and, thus, hereby resign my position as City Manager for the Town of Ocean City,” the memo from Miller read. “I wish you all the best in guiding this wonderful city into its bright and promising future.”

In the weeks that followed, Miller has continued to run the city and all of the responsibilities the job entails. His resignation will take effect on January 31, making Tuesday’s meeting his last official as city manager. Also on Tuesday, City Engineer Terry McGean was announced as Miller’s replacement. Council President Matt James thanked Miller for his service near the close of Tuesday’s meeting.

“I’d like to thank the city manager for the last six years,” he said. “This will be his last council meeting. Good luck. We will miss you.”

Miller was hired in 2016 after a nearly year-long recruiting and vetting process to replace then-City Manager David Recor, who resigned in 2015 during what was described at the time as a “mutual agreement.” On Tuesday, Councilman John Gehrig praised Miller for his dedicated service to the town during his six years in the position.

“Doug, thank you very much,” he said.

“You’re the only city manager I’ve ever known since I’ve been up here. When people move on in their careers, it’s good to assess where you started and where the organization is when you leave. That’s an indicator of how well you did.”

Gehrig said Miller will be remembered for his many accomplishments as city manager, but perhaps more importantly, for being a stand-up guy in his position.

“Ocean City is lucky to have you,” he said. “When you speak to people, the one phrase that always comes out is ‘Doug Miller, he’s a nice guy.’ That’s the first thing I do when I hire someone. He’s a nice guy. That’s the greatest of all human traits. Thank you for what you’ve done for Ocean City.”

Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out Miller was able to help shepherd the town through the ongoing pandemic with the ever-changing restrictions and guidelines, beach and Boardwalk closures in the early days and the steady, rapid recovery.

“Doug, you brought professionalism, dignity and experience to the office,” he said. “You’ve been here during several of our most difficult times any of us can imagine over the last three years and helped navigate through a pandemic.”

Meehan also praised Miller for leaving

City Manager Doug Miller, pictured at his introductory press conference six years ago, worked his last council meeting this week.

Photo by Chris Parypa

the town in such a solid fiscal situation.

Earlier on Tuesday, for example, the

council debated a proposed measure to increase the town’s minimum fund bal-

Page 27

ance threshold.

“You leave us in a financial position that I think most municipalities are envious of,” he said. “That’s no small task.

You worked with eight people up here and given directions like this sometimes, but you were able to put things together and always articulated what you wanted to say.”

Finally, Meehan echoed Gehrig’s sentiments about Miller being an overall nice guy and praised his accomplishments.

“You are well-respected in the community,” he said. “Everybody always says ‘That Doug Miller is a good man.’ We’re very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish during your time here as city manager and you should be very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and what you’ve been able to accomplish.”

Page 28

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 443-880-8444.

Every Friday: Bingo Knights of Columbus will host with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Play every game for just $24. Light refreshments available. Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

Every Tuesday: Dancing The Delmarva Hand Dance Club holds dancing at the Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173 from 5:30-9 p.m. delmarvahanddancing.com.

Every Wednesday: Bingo 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. 410-2502645.

Jan. 21: Oyster Fritter Sandwich Public is welcome to American Legion Post 123, 10111 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin from 2 p.m. till. Cost $9.

Jan. 22: Museum Guest Speaker Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke will host Brian Kaiser and his book, “Wisdom On The Water,” detailing the art and poetry of Willie Crockett, Jr. www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org.

Jan. 26: Monthly Meeting The First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League will meet at the Ocean City American Legion Post 166 on 23rd Street and Coastal Highway at noon. Any Marines and Navy Corpsman who have served in the Corps, living in Worcester and Sussex counties, are welcome to meet their fellow veterans and consider joining the detachment and support the mission for community service through camaraderie and volunteerism. 410-430-7181 or email websergeant@firststatemarines.org.

Jan. 26, Feb. 23: Grief Support Group From 5:30-7p.m. in Atlantic General Hospital’s Conference Room 1, the goal

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 21, 2022

Things To Do

Youth Auditions for the May production of “The Big Bad Musical” at the Ocean Pines Community Center located at 235 Ocean Pkwy. With no experience necessary, these auditions are open to ages 8-17 and designed to be safe, casual, and fun. A cast of 18 is necessary.

For more information and the audition form, please go to: http://sites.google.com/view/oceanpinesplayers or email Director, Frank Pasqualino BigBadMusicalOPP@google.com.

of the support group is to provide hope for the future at a difficult time. Gail Mansell, 410-641-9725, gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org.

Jan. 29: Breakfast Buffet AUCE breakfast buffet at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville. $8/adult and $4/child from 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages.

Feb. 3: AGH Pfizer Clinic From 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Atlantic Health Center, 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin. This clinic is available to those ages 5 and older. Register at www.agh.care/vaccine.

Feb. 10, 17: Audition Prep The Ocean Pines Players announces Pre-Audition Prep Class for the May production of “The Big Bad Musical.”

The free class is designed to review the music and concept of the musical. This class will be offered twice, from 6-7 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center.

The purpose is to encourage the youth in the community to participate in live theater.

Feb. 12: Valentine Dinner Sons of the American Legion Post 166 23rd Street and Philadelphia Avenue to host, including N.Y. Strip steak and shrimp dinner, baked potato, vegetable, dessert and complimentary drink. Cost $20 per person. Tickets available at the Post or call 410-289-3166.

Feb. 12: AGH Pfizer Clinic From 9 a.m.-noon at the Barrett Medical Building, 10231 Old Ocean City Boulevard, Berlin. This clinic is available to those ages 5 and older. Register at www.agh.care/vaccine.

Feb. 18: Spaghetti Dinner Berlin Fire Company will hold carryout dinner 4:30-7 p.m. featuring spaghetti with meat sauce, salad and garlic toast for $12.

Feb. 18-19: Chess Tournaments Show off your skills and compete against other chess players during the annual Adult & Youth Chess Tournaments at the Wicomico Civic Center.

The youth tournament, for ages 5-18, kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18.

Players are guaranteed four matches and can register in advance for $7, or day-of for $12.

The adult tournament, for participants 18 and older, begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. Registration is $20 in advance or $25 at the door and players are guaranteed three matches. Rated youth players are welcome in the adult tournament.

Awards will be given to first, second and third place winners of each division.

Players are also encouraged to bring their own chess sets and clocks.

Register online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org.

Feb. 18-20: Boat Show Sponsored by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, the 39th annual event will feature over 350 boats, 150 exhibitors and 50 boat dealers. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18; 10 a.m.6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19; and 10 a.m.5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20.

Feb. 19: Virtual Dr. Walk Check out Atlantic General Hospital’s Facebook page at 9 a.m. where there will be a short presentation from a provider. You can then walk your favorite route and share selfies online using #walkedwithagh. tsimmons@atlanticgeneral.org.

Feb. 22-23: Auditions The Ocean Pines Players announces

Things To Do activities are printed free of charge. To ensure that an event is listed in a

timely manner, please submit information as early as possible, since all items will be listed in advance as space permits. Be sure to include the date, name of event, time, location, address and a contact number. Email to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com; fax to 410-641-0966; or mail to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

March 3-6: OC Film Festival In partnership with the Art League of OC, this festival features films by local and international filmmakers of every background and genre. Screenings at multiple venues around OC. ocmdfilmfestival.com.

March 11-13: Wool, Fiber Expo Ocean City Convention Center 40th Street, hosts this unique and upscale wool and fiber expo featuring many one-of-a-kind hand created products.

Also on hand, we will have all the materials available to make the products.

The expo will also offer classes and demonstrations taught by true artists.

Hours, Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission.

March 12: Parade, Festival The 42nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival starts at noon at 60th Street. Everyone loves to be Irish at Ocean City’s famous parade. Marching units, floats, and local celebrities. At 11 a.m. there will be a fun festival with food, drink and merriment at the 45th Street shopping area. Free. delmarvairish.org.

March 18: Fried Chicken Dinner Berlin Fire Company will hold carryout dinner 4:30-7 p.m. (until sold out) featuring fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, string beans and roll for $12.

March 18-20: Annual Home Show Home, Condo & Outdoor show plus art & craft fair at the Ocean City Convention Center, 40th Street. Hundreds of pros offering thousands of ideas...decorating, remodeling, accessorizing, and more. Hours Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Admission. oceanpromotions.info.

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

Seahawks Fourth At War On The Shore In The News

Decatur’s Noah Reho finished first at 160 in the home War on the Shore tournament last weekend. The Seahawks finished fourth overall as a team.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team turned in a strong performance at its own 20th Annual War on the Shore tournament last weekend, finishing fourth overall as a team and placing individual wrestlers in several weight divisions.

The Seahawks finished fourth overall among the 16 schools in the tournament. Southern Regional was first, Mount St. Joseph was second and X-

avier was third. Noah Reho took the championship at 160, beating Spencer Charlesworth of Lake Braddock.

Gavin Solito finished second at 145, while Alex Koulikov finished second at 195. Logan Intrieri finished fifth at 132, Cody Drummond was fifth at 145 and Mike Rayne was fifth at 285. Henry Brous was sixth at 220. Evan Haworth was seventh at 152, Parker Intrieri was seventh at 170, and Jack Quisguard was seventh at 182. Juan Hinojosa was eighth at 106 and Aaron August was eighth at 113.

Worcester Girls Snuff Dragons, 45-27

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

8-3 on the season.

The Mallards led just 16-15 at the half, but pulled away in the final two quarters for the 45-27 win. Lily Baeurle led with 16 points, while Morgan White chipped in 11.

Seahawks Sweep Two, Remain Unbeaten

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team beat Salisbury School, 45-27, last week to improve to

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team swept a pair of Bayside South games last week to remain unbeaten on season.

The Seahawks routed Bennett, 6212, last Wednesday. Back in action on Thursday, the Decatur girls edged Parkside 68-62. The four-point win over the Rams was the tightest margin of victory for the Seahawks during their unbeaten season thus far.

Page 29

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 21, 2022

People in Society The Albright Family (Christian, Jennifer, and Jerry) spent quality time together at the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts January Opening Reception.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Drumming up excitement for the 2022 OC Film Festival was Molly O’Brien with her filmmaker daughter, Fiona O’Brian, whose film “Terra” will be featured this year.

Delmarva Hand Dance Club officers Charlie Bell, Eileen Smith, Terry Bulles, Diane Denk and Debbie Littlefield welcome you to join their group Tuesday evenings at the Selbyville Elks Lodge.

Getting the word out about MARBIDCO’s financial assistance programs for aquaculture ventures in Maryland were Stacy Kubofcik, Steve McHenry and Dan Sweeny at the East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s & Aquaculture Trade Expo.

Long time members of the Delmarva Hand Dance Club, Clarence Emmons and Peggy Parkinson got ready to hit the dancefloor last Tuesday night.

Dancing partners for 56 years, Yvonne and Tom Christie dance every Tuesday night away at the Selbyville Elks Lodge with the Delmarva Hand Dance Club.

As part of the “Shared Visions” collaborative show at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, artist Mary Bode Byrd displayed her mixed media piece, “The Put Together Bride.”

Oil painter Angela Pierce had a number of her floral pieces on display during last Friday’s Opening Reception at the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts.

Promoting Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety at the East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s & Aquaculture Trade Expo were Ron Price and Wendy Norwitz of the US Coast Guard 5th District.

Kathy Murphy and April Motovidlak raffled off baskets at the East Coast Commercial Fishermen’s & Aquaculture Trade Expo to support the Lawrence Michael Murphy, Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

National Company Promotion SELBYVILLE – Kim Wootteon, of Selbyville, Del., has been promoted to Kampgrounds of America Inc.’s (KOA) Senior Director of OAK Marketing and Revenue Management. In this new role, Wootteon will lead marketing and revenue management for the Owned and Operated Assets of KOA. Previously serving as Marketing Director for OAK, Wootteon’s work leading a talented team KIM WOOTTEON of marketers is expanded with this promotion. In addition to defining OAK marketing strategy across more than 40 campground locations, she will also oversee revenue management to create a holistic connection between revenue and marketing resulting in a full-circle perspective of the customer journey. .

“Kim has been an exemplary leader within OAK,” said Whitney Scott, chief marketing officer of Kampgrounds of America. “She has built critical processes, collaborating with teams and departments, that have improved our work and positively impacted our bottom line. Kim will only provide greater value to our work and organization in her new role.”

Prior to her work at KOA, Wootteon brings many years of revenue management and marketing experience within the campground and hotel industries with Blue Water Development Corp and The Grand Hotel and Spa. With this combined experience, Kim strives to leverage proven hospitality concepts and innovative tactics to maximize profitability.

“I am honored to lead and develop the revenue management department for OAK,” Wootteon said. “Taking a holistic approach to the customer buying experience, using analytics from both a marketing and revenue perspective to predict consumer behavior allows us to better serve our campers.”

OAK plans to expand the revenue management team under Wootteon’s leadership in 2022.

Hospital Director Awarded SALISBURY – Robert L. Joyner, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, Director of the Richard A. Henson Research Institute at TidalHealth, was recently honored with a prestigious national award for his lifelong service to the profession of ROBERT L. JOYNER respiratory care.

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

Chesapeake Health Care announced its Perinatal Center has been awarded the prestigious ultrasound practice accreditation from the Ultrasound Practice Accreditation Council of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). Chesapeake Health Care’s Perinatal Center achieved accreditations in the areas of adjunct detailed fetal anatomic ultrasound, obstetric-first trimester, obstetric-second trimester, and obstetric-third trimester. Pictured, from left, are Suzanne Beasley, Danielle Harrington, Kelly Jones, Brenda McCarty, Denise Lewis, and Dr. Michael Lantz of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine team at Chesapeake Health.

Submitted Photo

Dr. Joyner was presented the Robert H. Miller, RRT Award, by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) at their annual Board meeting in Huntington Beach, CA. Dr. Joyner was the unanimous selection of the NBRC as the 2021 Miller Award recipient. It is presented annually to a respiratory care professional who has selflessly served the profession and been instrumental in its growth over a significant amount of time.

“With Dr. Joyner’s long record of outstanding service to the NBRC, credentialing and the respiratory care profession, I can think of no one more deserving of this honor,” said Lori M. Tinkler, MBA, CEO of the NBRC. Dr. Joyner earned a B.S. in Respiratory Therapy from Salisbury University and a PhD in Physiology from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH. Dr. Joyner has been practicing respiratory care since 1988. In a previous employment with TidalHealth, he served as both a staff and charge respiratory therapist.

Prior to coming to TidalHealth as the Director of Research, Dr. Joyner served as Salisbury University’s Director of the School of Health Sciences among a number of other roles including the Associate Dean of the Henson School of Science &

Technology, Director of the Respiratory Therapy Program, and Special Assistant to the Provost.

“It is a particularly special honor to receive a national award from and with so many people that I admire in the profession of respiratory care,” said Dr. Joyner.

“I am humbled by the congratulations I am receiving from across the country, but it is important to me that my community sees my efforts are driven by the desire to provide and support the best healthcare for the residents of our community. I hope I have done that, and I strive to continue to do that as the Director of the Richard A. Henson Research Institute at TidalHealth.”

Board of Directors Appointment REHOBOTH – The National Restaurant Association’s governance committee has appointed Scott Kammerer to a position on the National Restaurant Association (NRA) board of directors.

SCOTT Kammerer is the presi- KAMMERER dent of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware-based SoDel Concepts.

In November, the association’s mem-

Page 31 bers voted on the nominees, and the results were announced at the annual membership meeting in December 2021. A member of the Delaware Restaurant Association since 2015, Kammerer is currently the chairman of the state organization’s board.

“Our board and our members pulled their weight during the pandemic,” Kammerer said. “It was a privilege to represent the state’s restaurants during such an unprecedented time.”

Many would credit Kammerer’s guidance. The New Jersey native started as a dishwasher and worked his way up the ranks. In 2020, Nation’s Restaurant News named him to the list of the most influential leaders in the restaurant industry.

There are more than 660,000 restaurants in the United States, and just 95 CEOs were selected for the list.

SoDel Concepts will soon have a total of 16 restaurants in coastal Sussex County, Delaware when Ocean View Brewing Company opens in March. The company also has three sports concessions and a wedding-and-events venue.

Real Estate Recognition OCEAN CITY – Nancy Reither, of Coldwell Banker Realty in Ocean City, MD, was recently named as being the number one agent for 2021 for the Coldwell Banker Mid-Atlantic Region and Baltimore Metro Region. Nancy was number one in AGCI, listings taken, and closed units, with closed sales in excess of $80.5 million and 104 transactions.

With more than 50,000 Sales Associates across Realogy Brokerage Group, the nation’s largest real estate brokerage, this outstanding accomplishment has earned Nancy an elite standing among her peers, for providing an unparalleled level of service to her clients and being inspiration to her peers for her hard work, unwavering dedication as a sales leader in the nation’s largest real estate brokerage.

Nancy’s achievements also include consistently being named as one of America’s most productive sales associates as part of Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate professionals. Nancy has also earned the International Society of Excellence award representing less than 1% of all Coldwell Banker agents globally.

“I’m pleased and honored to have earned this award.” Nancy said. “It represents the time and effort that I put into each client that I serve and how much it takes to build a successful real estate career. The level of sales it takes makes it a special recognition.”

Stevenson United Methodist Resuming In-Person Church Services Every Sunday At 9 a.m.

– Sunday School Back in Session

Stevenson United Methodist Church

123 North Main St., Berlin, Md. 410-641-1137 • www.stevensonchurch.org

– Service Also Livestreamed On Facebook

Page 32

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 21, 2022

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is an aerial night photo from 2016 over south Ocean City. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health in Berlin was recognized by the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce as the Nonprofit of the Year for 2021.

The recognition took place as part of the Chamber’s annual awards banquet held on November 10th at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. Pictured are Kerrie Bunting, Executive Director of the Chamber, Senator Mary Beth Carozza as well as Geoff Failla and Lauren Nagy representing the Grace Center.

John McFalls, left, secretary of the Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association, (ACSA) presented the Angler of the Year awards to Ron Smith (Ocean) and Shaun Submitted Photos Flaherty (Bay).

The Pine’eer Craft Club of Ocean Pines has announced Barbara Stilwell as the January Crafter of the Month. Her latest creations are rectangular granny square afghans with interesting color combinations. Barbara also enjoys making different types of jewelry – the usual earrings, bracelets, and anklets. Recently she has started making mask holders and eyeglass holders in a wide variety of styles and colors. View Barbara’s crafts at the Ocean Pine’eer Craft shop in White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines. The shop is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Race Directors Rick Hundley and Ernie Felici, of Focus Multisports, best known for the Bethany Beach First Responders Sports Weekend, Coastal Delaware Running Festival, Coastal Resorts Golf Classic, Surfin Snowman Valentine’s Day Weekend Love Run/Walk, Justin’s Beach House 5k, July 4th Holiday Firecracker Run, Dewey Beach Buddy Run, Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, and other entrepreneurial ventures, recently made a contribution of $3,500 to the Indian River High School Cross Country Team, after successful Bethany Beach Sports Weekend, Bethany-Fenwick Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, and the Coastal Delaware Running Festival events. Pictured are members of the Indian River High School cross country team.

Salisbury University recently donated nearly 1,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for use by Wicomico County Public Schools. Currently, SU requires COVID19 testing for all students, faculty and staff who have received an exemption from the University System of Maryland’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement to maintain campus access. Those exemptions have fallen to less than 6% of the campus population as the fall semester has continued. Fewer tests have been necessary, leaving SU with a surplus nearing expiration.

The Seaford Kiwanis Club has been providing stuffed animals to the Emergency Department team at TidalHealth Nanticoke for over a decade. Jim Thompson continued the much-welcomed donation on Tuesday, December 14 when he stopped by the Seaford hospital with more than 75 of the cuddly companions.

TidalHealth Nanticoke and its ED team thank the Seaford Kiwanis Club for continuing this wonderful holiday tradition. Pictured is Jim Thompson of the Seaford Kiwanis Club, right, making the annual donation of stuffed animals to the TidalHealth Nanticoke Emergency Department (ED). Accepting for the ED, from the left, are Kathy Hudson, RN and Laura Ebeling, RN.

Page 34

Who’s Where When COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Tuesdays: Trivia

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Best Beats

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Jan. 21

On The Beach

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Jan. 21: Rick & Regina Tuesday, Jan. 25: Keri Anthony Wednesday, Jan. 26: Smooth & Company CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, Jan. 21: Dust N Bones Saturday, Jan. 22: Ramble On Sunday, Jan. 23: Karaoke with Jeremy

January 21, 2022

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays

Pickles Pub: Mondays Karaoke with Wood

BUZZER BAND Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday & Saturday, Jan. 21 & 22 DJ HOOK Fager’s Island: Saturday, Jan. 22

CORK BAR Saturday, Jan. 22: Lennon LaRicci FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Jan. 21: DJ Robcee Saturday, Jan. 22: DJ Hook HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, Jan. 22: Side Project Sunday, Jan. 23: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursday, Jan. 27: DJ Billy T

LENNON LARICCI Cork Bar: Saturday, Jan. 22

SIX WHISKEY REVIVAL Pickles Pub: Saturday, Jan. 22

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Sundays, Thursdays

OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday & Saturday, Jan. 21 & 22: Buzzer Band PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Styler Saturday, Jan. 22: Six Whiskey Revival Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Thursday, Jan. 27: Full Circle Duo

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, Jan. 23

DJ JEREMY Harborside: Saturday, Jan. 22 Crawl Street Tavern: Sundays

BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

KERI ANTHONY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Tuesday, Jan. 25

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Thursday, Jan. 27

SMOOTH & RHYTHM Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Jan. 26

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You're eager to take on that new opportunity opening up as January gives way to February. Now all you need to do is resist quitting too early. Do your best to stay with it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Doff a bit of that careful, conservative outlook and let your brave Bovine self take a chance on meeting that new challenge. You could be surprised at how well you do.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You might not want to return to the more serious tasks facing you. But you know it's what you must do. Cheer up. Something more pleasant will soon occupy your time.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): As you dutifully tidy your end-of-the-month tasks, your fun self emerges to urge you to do something special: A trip (or a cruise, maybe?) could be just what you need.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Your achievements are admirable as you close out the month with a roar. Now you can treat yourself to some wellearned time off for fun with family or friends. (Or both!)

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Be sure you know the facts before you assume someone is holding back on your project. Try to open your mind before you give someone a piece of it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): You might feel comfortable in your familiar surroundings, but it might be time to

venture into something new. There's a challenge out there that's just right for you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Your love of things that are new gets a big boost as you encounter a situation that opens up new and exciting vistas.

How far you go with it depends on you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): That recent workplace shift might not seem to be paying off as you expected. But be patient. There are changes coming that could make a big difference.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): While few can match the Goat's fiscal wizardry, you still need to be wary in your dealings. There might be a problem you should know about sooner rather than later.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Easy does it when it comes to love and all the other good things in life. Don't try to force them to develop on your schedule. Best to let it happen naturally.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): A surprise decision by someone you trust causes some stormy moments. But a frank discussion explains everything, and helps save a cherished relationship.

YOU BORN THIS WEEK: Sometimes you forget to take care of yourself, because you're so busy caring for others. But you wouldn't have it any other way. (c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 46

Your Countertop Specialists

Fabricating & installing quartz, granite and solid surface tops Up to date, state of the art equipment

Family Owned & Operated

SINCE 1982

Call: 443.856.4437 or See Us On Facebook 34407 Dupont Blvd., Unit 9 • (Rt. 113 North) Frankford, DE Visit our website for showroom hours • www.creativeincounters.com

OCEAN CITY vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 36

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Packing for a vacation

Hot soup on a cold day

A young athlete’s ability to recover from an injury Great NFL playoff games

A spirited game of air hockey at an arcade Easy to understand financial advice Dr. King’s many wise words

The Geico gecko commercials A good sweat to start the day

Watching a good coach at work Riding a good luck streak

Berlin Liquor Store

WITH BUNK MANN

A unique tourist attraction opened on S. 1st Street and the bay on June 26, 1965. Known as Open Sea Marine-Land, it was the creation of John Moton, owner of the neighboring Oceanic Motel.

Moton wanted to build an up-close animal encounter with sea lions, porpoises and sea turtles with alligators and crocodiles as added attractions.

Unfortunately, the history of Marine-Land was filled with numerous animal escapes as its legacy. In August 1965 the sea lions broke out of their pens and some were never found. Others ended up in New York and Norfolk while one spent the rest of the summer in a lagoon in West Ocean City. Once the porpoises swam out of their pens in the middle of a storm, while on another occasion an alligator got loose and was found in the marsh behind 56th Street.

Marine-Land only lasted a brief time but left lots of memories of the days when sea lions, alligators, and porpoises spent the summer in Ocean City.

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

Photo courtesy of Hal Adkins

HOME OF THE ORIGINAL FRESH -SQUEEZED “ORANGE CRUSH”

Largest Liquor Store In OC Area!

over a million sold!

SPECIALS

Cold & Warm Beer

SUNDAY: ALL DAY: 30% Off Entrees

HAPPY HOUR

Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.

BEER•LIQUOR•WINE

$3 Domestic Drafts & Rail Drinks $5 Glasses Of Wine $6.50 Original Orange Crush $8.99 Jerk Chicken $10.99 Wings $8.99 1/2-Lb. Steamed Shrimp $10.99 Steamed Mussels $20.99 2 Dozen Steamed Clams

Every Thursday And Sunday Senior Citizens Get

10% OFF

10% OFF

Liquor And Wine

FRIDAY: LADIES’ NIGHT 6-9 P.M.

(On Orders Of $50 Or More)

Liquor And Wine

Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must bring in coupon. Expires 2.13.22 • MCD

$5 Glasses Of Wine $6.50 Original Orange/Grapefruit Crushes $3 Domestic Drafts & Rail Drinks

10% OFF ALL CASES OF WINE! 7 DAYS A WEEK (Must Be Same Size Bottles 750 ML or 1.5 L)

10818 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, MD 21811 410-973-2873

January 21, 2022

MONDAY: ALL DAY: $3 Off Margaritas & 1/2 - Off Tacos, Quesadillas & More TUESDAY: 3 P.M. : Italian Night 3-Course Meal $20 1/2 Price Bottle of Wine WEDNESDAY: ALL DAY: $9.99 Burger & Chicken Breast Sandwiches

(Mussel Style Add $2)

FRIDAY: DJ Billy T 3 pm

THURSDAY: 3 P.M.: $19.99 AYCE Ribs & Steamed Shrimp Specials are not to be combined with any other offer, discount or coupon. Some restrictions apply. No substitutions, dine in only. Excludes holidays & holiday weekends.

ENTERTAINMENT SUNDAY: SATURDAY: Side Project • 1 pm Opposite Directions • 1 pm DJ Billy T • 6 pm DJ Jeremy • 6 pm

THURSDAY: DJ Billy T 3 pm

Open Fri. & Sat. 11am-9pm • Sun.-Thurs. 11am-8pm South Harbor Rd • West End, Ocean City • 410-213-1846 Waterfront WiFi • www.weocharborside.com

January 21, 2022

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 SALES ASSOCIATES: Looking for 2 full time and 1 part time positions. 2 shifts, day & night, plus weekends. No Vaccine Mandate Required. Apply in person. Red Light District, 12102 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

DENTAL ASSISTANT: Small family dental practice seeking a Dental Assistant. Must be x-ray certified.

Please send a resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Year Round, Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HOTEL RESERVATIONIST Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is an hourly full-time position, located on site at the Castle in the Sand Hotel in Ocean City, MD. Must be available weekdays and weekends for morning or mid shifts as scheduled by supervisor. This position is seasonal with potential to become year round.

Essential Job Functions: •Answer reservation calls for a busy, unique, oceanfront resort with many different kinds of accommodations such as suites, efficiencies, condominiums, and cottages.

•Focus on providing excellent customer service on each call while kindly keeping the focus of the call on the hotel, room types, and amenities in an effort to sell the room in the most efficient amount of time as possible.

•This role will include heavily assisting with the Booking.com and Expedia platforms which will consist of entering and modifying reservations, updating inventory and rates, answering guest messages in a professional manner, etc.

•Assist with reservations duties for our sister property, Barefoot Mailman, as needed.

•Any other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements: •Education – High School Diploma or equivalent •Excellent customer service skills •Strong verbal and written communication skills •Reliable with exceptional work ethic and positive attitude •Must be extremely detail oriented and possess the ability to multi-task •Good knowledge of standard computer software packages Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required.

We require satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants.

Please contact Bob at 410-289-6846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

HELP WANTED

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST II

This position at the Indian River Marina is a specialized position within the Division of Parks and Recreation. This position will be trained in the knowledge of various Marine standards which include the make and model of vessels, transient organization, boatyard and dry stack operations, general knowledge of Charter Fishing, fuel dock and general overall docking procedures. This position not only utilizes software specific to the marine industry, along with the normal day to day Administrative Specialist duties of timekeeping, revenue collection and reporting, special events, general retail, clerical duties, and the working knowledge of Microsoft-Office suite.

Apply online at delawarestatejobs.com

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

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •NIGHTWATCH •BOATYARD •MAINTENANCE

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

For further assistance, you may contact us by phone at 302.739.5458 or email at jobs@delaware.gov

Currently Hiring Manpower For: Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round Positions ~SERVER ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~MAINTENANCE ~HOSTESS ~HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT TOP WAGES! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! HOUSING AVAILABLE! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

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:

HELP WANTED

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

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN/ MARINA TRAVEL LIFT OPERATOR

Position will be responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the travel lift and forklifts. Duties will include the operation and maintenance of the marine travel lift, proper boat docking and large forklift operation plus daily supervision of the boatyard staff.

Apply online at delawarestatejobs.com

For further assistance, you may contact us by phone at 302.739.5458 or email at jobs@delaware.gov

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker position available at our West Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 1-31-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch Classifieds

The Dispatch Legal Notices

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

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.

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Third Insertion

Must have:

NOW HIRING FULL TIME BARTENDER

Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Call 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

OFFICE PERSONNEL Front Desk Assistant

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy seeks professional motivated individual for Front Desk Assistant position.

Must have excellent customer service skills. We are seeking a candidate that is organized and has at least two years of office experience. Must be computer proficient. Interested candidates should e-mail their resume to mfreed@flyoceanaviation.com

FRONT DESK ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT A beautiful award winning community in Ocean View, DE is seeking a self-motivated, driven, and goal-oriented administrative assistant. Must be organized and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be computer proficient in MS Office and have the ability to learn a variety of software programs. Excellent customer service skills are a requirement of the position. Previous experience in working with HOAs preferred but not required. Full-time, year-round, 40 hours/week.

Interested candidates should email resume with salary requirements to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz or fax 302-537-4075 EOE

COMMERCIAL

RENTAL NEEDS

STORAGE WEST OCEAN CITY: 2 car garage with attached work room. 775 sqft. Call 410-7260075.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 2 Office/Retail Spaces for Lease.

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

YEAR ROUND RENTAL WANTED. DE/OC/WOC/OP area.

Older local couple. Will pay year in advance. 410 422-1691.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Commercial Office in Ocean Pines Area Approx. 1000SF Available Now 410-977-7254 GET YOUR DAILY BUZZ!

“Bee” in the Know!

Read the News Before Its Printed Sign Up Now At:

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

RENTALS

WEEKLY RENTALS Poolfront: $245 Efficiency: $275 2 BR Apartment: $350 3 BR Suite: $425

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

LOOKING EVERWHERE?

Check here first!

The Dispatch Classified Pages Can Point You in the Right Direction!

Help Wanted, Rentals, Yard Sales, Real Estate & More!

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000227 LORI SAVAGE P.O. BOX 231 NELSONIA, VA 23414 Plaintiff vs.

THOMAS J. WALL, JR. 602 DUN SWAMP ROAD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND MAE LYNN WALL 602 DUN SWAMP ROAD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND PUSEY RENTALS, INC. MORTGAGE HOLDER 1513 MARKET STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND MCCREADY FOUNDATION, INC., JUDGEMENT HOLDER 100 E. CAROLINE STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 AND TIDALHEALTH PENINSULA REGIONAL, INC. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS PENINSULA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER) JUDGEMENT HOLDER 100 EAST CARROLL STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND MAUREEN L. HOWARTH, COUNTY ATTORNEY GOVERNMENT CENTER, ROOM 1103 1 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND UNKNOWN OWNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01024248, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 55X54 E SIDE 209 SEVENTH ST

POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 04184/00001, ASSESSED TO THOMAS J. WALL, JR. & MAE LYNN WALL, THE UNKNOWN OWNER’S HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND THEIR OR ANY OF THEIR HEIRS, DEVISEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST AND ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01024248, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 55X54 E SIDE 209 SEVENTH ST POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 04184/00001, ASSESSED TO THOMAS J. WALL, JR. & MAE LYNN WALL Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01-024248, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 55X54 E SIDE 209 SEVENTH ST POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 04184/00001, ASSESSED TO THOMAS J. WALL, JR. & MAE LYNN WALL The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 1st of January, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 4th day of March, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights

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

of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 07, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-07, 01-14, 01-21

Third Insertion SUSAN S. TILGHMAN SEIDEL, BAKER & TILGHMAN, P.A. 110 NORTH DIVISION STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19024 To all persons interested in the estate of SARAH G. CLARKE, ESTATE NO. 19024. Notice is given that STEVEN R. CLARKE, 109 SUNSET DRIVE, MOUNT HOLLY SPRINGS, PA 17065, was on, DECEMBER 29, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SARAH G. CLARKE, who died on DECEMBER 20, 2021, 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, 2022.

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: (1) 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 07, 2022 STEVEN R. CLARKE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 01-07, 01-14, 01-21

Second Insertion PAUL D WILBER, ESQ WEBB, BURNETT, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP 115 BROAD STREET P.O. BOX 910 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19026 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY ELLEN CROPPER, ESTATE NO. 19026. Notice is given that W. CARLTON CROPPER, PO BOX 246, NEWARK, MD 21841 and DEBORAH LYNN HAYES, 2936 BEAUMONT FARM ROAD, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22901 was on, JANUARY 07, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY ELLEN CROPPER, who died on SEPTEMBER 07, 2021, 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

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Register of Wills on or before the 7TH day of JULY, 2022.

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: (1) 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 14, 2022 W. CARLTON CROPPER Personal Representative DEBORAH LYNN HAYES Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion COATES, COATES, & COATES B. RANDALL COATES ESQ 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19028 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA, appointed TIKKIA M CRAWFORD, 832 VOILET STREET, NORRISTOWN, PA 19401 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES of the Estate of ROBERT LEE PURNELL, who died on MARCH 21,

2021, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is B. RANDALL COATES ESQ, whose address is 204 W GREEN STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or 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 claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TIKKIA M CRAWFORD Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811

ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff

GOVERNMENT CENTER, ROOM 1103 1 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863

v.

AND

EMERGE, INC. Defendant

UNKNOWN OWNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 85, ACCOUNT NO. 01032992, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT 8 & P/O LOT 6 CLEMENTINE STREET PL HUGH MCMICHAEL SUBDIV, DEED REFERENCE: 03785/00149, ASSESSED TO ROBERT L. YOUNG, THE UNKNOWN OWNER’S HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND THEIR OR ANY OF THEIR HEIRS, DEVISEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST

NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, this 7th day of January, 2022, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 8th day of February, 2022, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 1st day of February, 2022.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: TIMESHARES SOLD: VOP=Villas of Ocean Pines Borderlinks Timeshare Owners Association, Inc. Condomimium Unit Br44 Time Interval 2 Price $50.00 Purchaser VOP Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000228 FS ENTERPRISES LLC 4841 CRAIN HIGHWAY UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 Plaintiff vs.

ROBERT L. YOUNG 2027 CLEMENTINE STREET POCOMOKE, MD 21851 AND

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000196 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS

ABB, INC. 4702 SNOW HILL ROAD SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ROSCOE LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY

AND ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 85, ACCOUNT NO. 01032992, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT 8 & P/O LOT 6 CLEMENTINE STREET PL HUGH MCMICHAEL SUBDIV, DEED REFERENCE: 03785/00149, ASSESSED TO ROBERT L. YOUNG Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: ITEM NO. 85, ACCOUNT NO. 01-032992, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT 8 & P/O LOT 6 CLEMENTINE STREET PL HUGH MCMICHAEL SUBDIV, DEED REFERENCE: 03785/00149, ASSESSED TO ROBERT L. YOUNG. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 1st of January, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 6th day of March, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a

Page 39 title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000229 FS ENTERPRISES LLC 4841 CRAIN HIGHWAY UPPER MARLBORO, MD 20772 Plaintiff vs.

THE ESTATE OF WINFIELD R. LANKFORD 2027 BYPASS ROAD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND ALICE LANKFORD 2027 BYPASS ROAD POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL OF POCOMOKE CITY 101 CLARKE AVENUE P.O. BOX 29 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ROSCOE LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY GOVERNMENT CENTER, ROOM 1103 1 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND UNKNOWN OWNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01029363, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PAR2 110 X 150 X 130.1 X 151.35 W/S R-359 POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 00101/00222, ASSESSED TO ALICE G. LANKFORD AND WINFIELD R. LANKFORD, THE UNKNOWN OWNER’S HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND THEIR OR ANY OF THEIR HEIRS, DEVISEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST

AND ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01029363, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PAR2 110 X 150 X 130.1 X 151.35 W/S R-359 POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 00101/00222, ASSESSED TO ALICE G. LANKFORD AND WINFIELD R. LANKFORD Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding: ITEM NO. 45, ACCOUNT NO. 01029363, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION PAR2 110 X 150 X 130.1 X 151.35 W/S R-359 POCOMOKE, DEED REFERENCE: 00101/00222, ASSESSED TO ALICE G. LANKFORD AND WINFIELD R. LANKFORD. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 1st of January, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 6th day of March, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000001 ZST RENTALS, INC. 207 WEST FEDERAL STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 Plaintiff

NO. 08004226, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT TRADER BLDG COR GEO ISLAND LNDG RD & R-12 STOCKTON, DEED REFERENCE: 03793/00549, ASSESSED TO PERRY K. MASCIANA & MARIA A. MASCIANA Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION

vs.

PERRY K. MASCIANA 209 TEAL DRIVE OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 AND MARIA A. MASCIANA 209 TEAL DRIVE OCEAN PINES, MD 21811

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding:

AND MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC, JUDGEMENT HOLDER 350 CAMINO DE LA REINA, SUITE 300 SAN DIEGO, CA 92108 AND CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES, JUDGEMENT HOLDER P.O. BOX 1978 SALISBURY, MD 21802 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ROSCOE LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY GOVERNMENT CENTER, ROOM 1103 1 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND UNKNOWN OWNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 50, ACCOUNT NO. 08004226, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT TRADER BLDG COR GEO ISLAND LNDG RD & R-12 STOCKTON, DEED REFERENCE: 03793/00549, ASSESSED TO PERRY K. MASCIANA & MARIA A. MASCIANA, THE UNKNOWN OWNER’S HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, AND THEIR OR ANY OF THEIR HEIRS, DEVISEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT, TITLE, AND INTEREST AND ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 50, ACCOUNT

ITEM NO. 50, ACCOUNT NO. 08004226, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION LOT TRADER BLDG COR GEO ISLAND LNDG RD & R-12 STOCKTON, DEED REFERENCE: 03793/00549, ASSESSED TO PERRY K. MASCIANA & MARIA A. MASCIANA. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 7th of January, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 8th day of March, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000161 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

ELLIS NORMAN, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000161 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201

Time Interval 1 3 4 6 10 15 16 20 21 25 38 41 43 45 49

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same,

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022

if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000184 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

JAMES HENDERSON, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000184 the un-

January 21, 2022 dersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 11:15 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 312 312 312 312 312 312 401 401 401 401

Time Interval 17 18 19 24 25 39 1 4 8 10

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000221 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

MICHELLE MARIA JONES, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000221 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 11:30 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 405 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406 406

Time Interval 11 14 15 16 17 39 43 47 49 50 52 2 7 9 10 12 14 17 19 20 40 45 46

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card.

Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC.

P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000224 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

MARY E. THOMPSON, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000224 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 11:45 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 407 407 407 407 407

Time Interval 17 18 20 28 39

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and

subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000005 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

GROUPWISE INC., ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pur-

Page 41

suant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000005 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2022 at 12:00 PM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 408 408 408 409 409 408 408 408

Time Interval 17 21 36 17 18 20 22 36

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Bay Club Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 14, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 01-14, 01-21, 01-28

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19030

First Insertion MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP P.O. BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19039

To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS MICHALOWICZ, ESTATE NO. 19030. Notice is given that KARIN ANNE EDDY, 1156 RINCON DEL MUNDO, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029, was on, JANUARY 12, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS MICHALOWICZ, who died on DECEMBER 21, 2021, with a will.

To all persons interested in the estate of EDWARD FRANCIS BENZ SR., ESTATE NO. 19039. Notice is given that THOMAS B. BENZ, 121 VALLEY COURT, ELKINS, WV 26241, was on JANUARY 14, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: EDWARD FRANCIS BENZ SR., who died on AUGUST 11, 2021 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.

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 12TH day of JULY, 2022.

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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: (1) 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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days 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 claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Date of Publication JANUARY 21, 2022

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 21, 2022

KARIN ANNE EDDY Personal Representative

THOMAS B. BENZ Personal Representative

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 01-21, 01-28, 02-04

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 01-21

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Paul Ignatius Krieger OCEAN CITY – Paul Ignatius Krieger, age 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 at Tidal Health Medical Center in Salisbury.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Charles Krieger and Anna Marie Dennin Krieger. He is survived by his wife, Joanna Bianca Krieger, and children, son Steve Krieger (Kathryn) of Waldorf, and daughter Sharon Leeland (Richard) of Monkton. There are four PAUL IGNATIUS grandchildren, Marissa, KRIEGER Gavin, and Kendal Leeland and Sydnee Krieger. There are numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles and Gerard Krieger, and his sister, Mary Claire Reynolds.

Mr. Krieger was a graduate of Loyola College, the University of Baltimore Law School and Holy Cross Seminary in Dunkirk, N.Y. from 1951-1957.

He had worked as a Healthcare Finance Administrator with the Federal Government. He was a United State Army Veteran.

Paul had a strong faith and a true love for his family, direct and extended. He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church and the Ocean City Elks. He had worked at the Glen Riddle Golf Club and the O.C Golf & Yacht Club. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and football and loved cooking, the beach, reading, crossword puzzles, the Simpsons and Jeopardy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21801.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via burbagefuneralhome.com.

Eleanor Brown OCEAN PINES – Eleanor “Jean” Brown, age 87, passed away Jan. 8, 2022.

Born to parents John W. Brown and Charlotte H. Brown, she married John Michael Brown.(deceased) and resided in Baltimore until moving to Ocean City in 1982. She was a successful Realtor for many years with Moore, Warfield & Glick Realtors, Century 21 New Horizons and Coldwell Banker and worked at the Seawatch Condominium ELEANOR BROWN in sales and rentals for 20 years. Jean was known by many in her community and enjoyed living at The Woodlands in Ocean Pines. She also enjoyed traveling, volunteering, playing bridge, scrapbooking and knitting.

Jean was a devoted mother of Donna Angelozzi, Debbie Dougherty, Patrick Brown, and Terry Brown. Remembering beloved children John Michael Brown, Jr., Diane Brown and Kerry Brown and daughter-in-law Susan Brown and sonin-laws Thomas Angelozzi and Kevin Dougherty.

She was preceded by her loving companion, Allen Stetson of Ocean City. She is survived by her brother, Bill Brown and his wife Gail Brown, and daughters-in-

OBITUARIES law Jane Brown and Karen Brown.

She was the loving grandmother of 11 grandchildren, Elizabeth Angelozzi, Kristina Angelozzi, Nicholas Angelozzi, Kimberly Walsh, Todd Dougherty, Meaghan Kauffman, John Michael Brown, III, Katie Hoyle, Lacey Brown, Kaleigh Brown and Andrew Brown. She was blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

She was a member of St. Matthews by the Sea Methodist Church in Fenwick, Del. A memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Matthews by the Sea Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Md. 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

Peggy J. Bishop SHOWELL – Peggy J. Bishop, age 87, of Showell died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 at Catered Living of Ocean Pines.

Peggy was born in Berlin and was the daughter of the late Milton H. and Ethel V. (Hudson) Jones.

She was a retired legal assistant from Thomas F. Johnson Attorney At Law and U.S. Finance Co. She was a charter member and first president of Showell Vol. Fire Dept. Auxiliary and a former member of Berlin-Ocean City Soropti- PEGGY J. BISHOP mist.

She is survived by one son, Wm. Bryan Bishop Jr. and wife Amy; two daughters, Sandra B. Schlesinger and husband Skip and Sonia B. Baker and husband Frank all of Berlin; two sisters, Wina J. Patey (Donnie) and Nancy J. Carmean (Wayne); three brothers, Robert M. Jones, Kenneth Jones and David Jones (Pat); five grandsons, William "Bry" Bishop (Emily), Wyatt P. Bishop (Samantha Crescenze) Lee Baker (fiancé Noelle Dennis), Foster Schlesinger and Will Schlesinger; one great-granddaughter, Blair Bishop; several nieces and nephews; and special friends Louise Long and Ruth Shockley.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Catered Living building A and her home care assistants for all their compassion.

She was predeceased by her husband, William B. Bishop Sr. in 2005 and a sister Norma.

A funeral service was held on Monday, January 17 at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville with Rev. Dale Brown officiating. Burial was in Bishopville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, Md. 21811 or Believe in Tomorrow, 13 66th Street, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Condolences may be sent to www.bishophastingsfh.com.

James Russell Quillen BERLIN – James Russell Quillen,

age 67, died on Monday, January 3, 2022 at his home.

Born in Berlin, he was the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Taylor) Quillen.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Meals) Quillen, and daughter Kerrigan Quillen.

Also surviving are five brothers and six sisters.

Mr. Quillen was a family man who loved spending time with his daughter.

He also liked working on lawn mowers, watching western movies and enjoyed cooking.

Cremation followed his death. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Church of God of Prophecy.

A donation in his memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21804. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Edwin Raymond Bollack OCEAN CITY – Edwin Raymond Bollack, age 94, died on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Baltimore, on Dec. 6, 1927, he was the son of the late Joseph and Grace (Spangler) Bollack and brother to the late Joseph Bollack. He married the love of his life, Jackie (Thelma) Bollack, in 1949. Ed and Jackie proudly celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in June, and regularly marveled at the longevity of their marriage.

He grew up in the Baltimore area and attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. He was a World War II era veteran of the United States Army, who later became a decorated police officer for the Baltimore City Police Department. He EDWIN received several com- RAYMOND mendations for exemp- BOLLACK lary service during his 25 years as a police officer. After retirement, Ed and Jackie moved to their favorite place: the beach.

Ed was a talented artist and woodworker, who shared his many handcrafted creations with family and friends.

He also loved nature. Growing up on the shore inspired his love of crabbing, fishing, and boating. His appreciation for animals and the out-of-doors led to many family adventures including camping and hiking trips. He shared his childlike love of life with his grandchildren during their annual vacations at the beach with Nana and Poppy. He also enjoyed playing pool, darts, and ping pong and was an avid league bowler after retirement.

He gave back to his community through his volunteer work at Beebe Medical Center and his involvement with the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Police, Elks Lodge, VFW, and the Millsboro Senior Center. He was also an active member of Mary Mother of Peace Church in Millsboro, Del. for many years before moving to Ocean City and attending Holy Savior Catholic Church.

January 21, 2022 Poppy, or Pop-pop, as he was lovingly called, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. In addition to his wife, Jackie, he is also survived by his three children, daughter, Sharon Hillis and her husband Robert, daughter, Donna Benvenuto and her husband Frank, and son, Edwin R. Bollack; eight grandchildren, Cory Hillis and wife, Racquel, Gregory Hillis, Amy Wright and significant other, Mike Detmer, Kasey Farley, Lindsay Moran and husband, Mike, Brooke Cwiek and husband, Kurtis, Frank Benvenuto and significant other, Haley Martin, and Mark Bollack; as well as 11 great-grandchildren: Hannah Farley, Grayson Hillis, Kyra Farley, Kaila Wright, Kyler Hillis, Logan Moran, Alyssa Farley, Kirra Wright, Anya Moran, Madison Hillis, and Gardner Cwiek. Ed considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment.

No formal services are planned at this time; however, a Celebration of Life will be announced later this spring. A donation in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, N.Y., 10306.

Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Nancy Schmidt Mozal SELBYVILLE – Nancy Schmidt Mozal, age 76, of Selbyville, passed away Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin surrounded by her family.

She was born in Baltimore and was the daughter of the late Charles J. and Doris (Green) Schmidt.

Nancy graduated from Towson Senior High School in 1963. She attended Mercy Nursing School in 1962 and the Bard Avon Business School in 1964. She spent most of her career working with the people who had developmental disabilities helping them to lead healthy and productive lives.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother and nana.

NANCY She adored her family SCHMIDT MOZAL and we adored her. She always put her family first and would sacrifice her own needs to make sure we were okay. She loved the Eastern Shore and especially the beach. She was happiest spending time on the beach with family, friends or just by herself.

She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Jeffrey P. Mozal; her loving son, George S. Mozal and wife Ginny; her grandson, Justin C. Mozal; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alan and Holly Mozal; niece and nephews, Emily, Brad, Scott, Steve and Richard.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 21 at Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville where friends may call an hour before the service. Burial will be in Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery in Allen.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to https://bit.ly/mannysfanniesnancy.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

Talks Continue For Proposed Tindley Mural

January 21, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Planning for a mural to honor the Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley continued with a meeting of stakeholders.

Lisa Challenger, executive director of Beach to Bay Heritage Area, hosted a meeting with community members last week to talk about plans for a mural to

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

celebrate Tindley, the gospel music icon born in Berlin. Though the Berlin Historic District Commission voiced concerns with the proposal last fall, group members have made some changes they’re hoping will be well received.

“We’ve shown we’re willing to compromise to get this done,” Challenger said.

“We just don’t want them to say no.”

Challenger’s organization received a $40,000 grant last year for a new Afri-

County Delays Salary Increase Call

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County leaders this week agreed to postpone a discussion on compensations for the county executive and sheriff after a lengthy discussion on the level of pay expected for each position.

Last month, members of the Wicomico County Compensation and Allowance Commission came before the Wicomico County Council with recommended pay increases for the county executive, county council and the Wicomico County sheriff.

Beginning in 2022, the commission recommended an annual salary of $124,000 for the county executive position (currently $85,000), $25,000 for the Wicomico County Council president (currently $18,000), $23,000 for the Wicomico County Council vice president (currently $17,000) and $21,000 for council members (currently $16,000). The commission also recommended increasing the sheriff’s salary from $95,000 to $121,000.

Back on the agenda for discussion Tuesday, council members agreed to move forward with proposed salary increases at the council level, but to table discussions on proposed pay increases for the county executive and sheriff until the results of a salary study could be reviewed.

“I think it may give us a better perspective, once we’ve seen the salary study for all the positions in Wicomico County,” said Council President John Cannon. “Then we can make this determination.”

Much of Tuesday’s work session to discuss proposed pay increases centered around the county executive’s salary. While four of the council members said they supported the commission’s recommendation, Councilmen Joe Holloway and Larry Dodd and Councilwoman Nicole Acle said they would like to see a salary of about $100,000.

“What the county commission suggested is about a 46% increase in salary,” Holloway said.

Acle told council members this week she would like to see a pay increase that aligned with salaries in similar jurisdictions. She noted Cecil County’s executive had an annual salary of about $99,000.

“I would think that is a better gauge on what we set the salary at,” she said.

“I feel more comfortable with that.”

Councilman Bill McCain, however, disagreed.

“Even at $124,000, as recommended by the commission, that would be the second lowest paid executive in the state of Maryland,” he said. “Ours was originally set in 2006 at $85,000, and it has never changed.”

Acting County Executive John Psota told council members this week his position oversees 25 funding departments, nearly 600 employees and a $160 million-plus budget.

“This isn’t a ceremonial position, but a boots-on-the-ground position, working hard every day to take care of county business, which I argue is ever increasing in speed …,” he said. “It’s just getting more and more difficult.”

Officials also noted the current salary for the director of administration was set at $120,000. Cannon noted a salary recommendation of $100,000 for the county executive position was significantly less.

“We’re looking at a recommendation for the county executive that’s less than what the county administrator would be getting, which doesn’t make sense,” he said.

County attorney Paul Wilber said increasing the executive’s salary would require a legislative act by the supermajority of the council. With only four in favor of the proposed $124,000 salary, officials agreed to postpone discussions on compensation for the county executive and sheriff.

“We will postpone that until we have a broader perspective through the study of what the recommendations are for salaries,” Cannon said.

The council, however, did agree to advance the commission’s salary recommendations for council positions. A legislative bill to increase pay for those positions will go before the council for approval next month.

“Obviously, you want a high salary for these things because you want people to view it as a job they take seriously,” Councilman Josh Hastings said. “This is very low compared to the rest of the state, but I’m OK with it still being one of the lowest in the state.”

Dodd and Holloway said they would recuse themselves from voting on the council salaries, stating that they planned to file for reelection.

“If I was to vote, I’d vote no on this matter because this isn’t a career,” Holloway added. “It’s done more to help the community.”

can American tourism product that would be linked to existing sites to create a driving trail tourists could follow. Because Tindley was born in Berlin and went on to become such a well-known figure, Challenger said it made sense to honor him with the project. A mural was identified as the best way to do that.

“Murals are gaining a lot of popularity as a way for communities to express their history and their people in a way that is appealing to visitors,” Challenger said at last week’s meeting. “Many towns both rural and urban are using them.”

Because members of the town’s historic district commission voiced concerns about the proposal when it was presented to them in October, Challenger said she wanted to meet with stakeholders to see what could be done to address those concerns. She added that J.E. Parker, owner of the building where they’d planned to put the mural, had withdrawn his offer of space following the historic district commission meeting.

Worcester County Commissioner Diana Purnell said that was the ideal location and that she hoped Parker would reconsider.

“The Berlin historical society should be proud to participate, to put something like this in the Town of Berlin,” Purnell said. “This is where it’s going to be effective. I know Jay Parker. Somebody

Page 43

got to his head for him to change his mind.”

Berlin resident Bryan Russo, a supporter of the mural who has written a song about Tindley, said the commission’s primary concern was painting on historic brick.

“I know the historic commission takes their job very seriously and they want to make sure they protect the town moving forward but they also should not navigate from the school of no,” he said.

Challenger noted that the draft mural shown during the meeting was just a starting off point, as artist Jay Coleman could adjust his proposal based on the group’s input. Carol Rose, chair of the Berlin Historic District Commission, said she thought her fellow commission members would have a better understanding of the project if Challenger and other project supporters were in attendance when the proposal was reviewed.

In an effort to gain the historic commission’s support, the group agreed to have Coleman develop a couple potential mural design options. They’re also planning to reach out to Parker with a plan to have the mural done on panels — so the paint wouldn’t be directly on the historic brick — to see if he’d reconsider offering his William Street building as a location. The project could be presented to the Berlin Historic District Commission in March.

Page 44

Sunfest Move All About Stacking Events The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) 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.

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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.

January 21, 2022

How We See It

Decisions reflect the changing times.

The pushing of Sunfest to late October is an example, and history tells us time will judge whether it’s the right move.

One thing we do know is it’s controversial.

The early consensus from the general residential and visiting public appears to be opposition to this change.

New events – such as an unproven and unconfirmed concert weekend – should not push out an established, traditional event like Sunfest, some argue. Another real concern comes from business owners who say they will not have the staffing to meet the demands of a traditional Sunfest crowd, assuming the weather is solid and event attendance is unchanged by the push back. Others in the hotel industry say they will not alter their plans to close after the fall Cruisin weekend as a result of Sunfest being held the following weekend.

We agree with the rationales expressed, but ultimately support the decision if it truly means lengthening the season and it comes with no negative consequences for Sunfest, such as loss of vendors, impacting major live music acts and decreased attendance. The last being the most important. If attendance declines at Sunfest, and the weather is not to blame, the city will need to weigh the gains with the losses.

What’s unknown and clearly driving the opposition to moving Sunfest back

a month from its typical spot in September is the lack of information about the C3 Presents event. No details have been presented publicly about what this event will be aside from city officials in the know predicting whatever event comes to Ocean City will be major. The fact the event is tentatively eyed for the same weekend as Firefly in Dover has some in the business community surmising some of the national acts taking the stage for that festival could also be coming to the resort. The early thought based on the company’s background is it would be a multi-day festival featuring concerts utilizing the same physical format as OC BikeFest.

Though we do find risk with moving Sunfest further into the fall, we support the concept and goal of having a significant special event each weekend of September and October. With Sunfest pushed to Oct. 20-23, the special event calendar for September and October is full and offers diverse attractions during the fall shoulder season, which has more potential for growth than the spring.

Barring tropical activity, the weather is typically lovely here through October.

The same cannot be said for April and May in most years.

It’s natural for the special event date change to be scrutinized, but in early November it will be known if it was a good move. No long commitment has been made to Sunfest now being a late

October event. The intentions of the new concert promoter may not be long term. In fact, it might be a one year and done deal depending on ticket sales.

Sunfest will likely move back if the new event does not go well. There’s fluidity here so long as the commitment remains from the popular vendors and the live entertainment can stay competitive and mainstream. An open mind helps with these sorts of changes.

When Winterfest was made pedestrian only in 2020, it was initially frowned upon. It turned out to be one of Ocean City’s great success stories borne out of the pandemic. Another example of a sour reaction to a bold change was when Ocean City merged its municipal election in October with the typical election day in November. Traditionalists said they would miss the standalone day, but all would agree it’s the best from a practical standpoint as well as voter turnout (though it was poor in 2020). Additionally, we remember when the OC Air Show was introduced in its early years there was not robust support it. The same for the biker event that’s now one of the busiest weeks of the year for many operators.

Though we understand the criticism of the change, it’s imperative to remember Sunfest will only stay in October if it’s successful. If it turns out to be a bad call, the city can reverse directions next year.

Letters To The Editor McGean A Good Choice Editor: Congratulations to Terry McGean on his appointment as city manager for the Town of Ocean City. Terry has served the town for more than 30 years and has been responsible not only for major projects like beach replenishment and additions to the convention center, but also for such everyday functions as bidding our electric supply and supporting the Mayor and City Council on issues such as the offshore wind turbines.

There are few things in Ocean City that he has not touched in some manner.

He leaves quite a legacy.

As city manager, he will hit the ground running because of his intimate knowledge of the town’s infrastructure, operations and issues. As an engineer, he is a problem-solver and will apply his skill set expertly. The City Council has shown great wisdom in appointing him.

I trust they will show the same wisdom in working with him in accordance with the town’s charter as he takes on his expanded responsibilities as city manager.

To our departing City Manager Doug Miller, I thank him for his six years of dedicated service to our town. Doug has managed our finances competent-

ly, treated our employees with respect and served the town conscientiously, especially during this ongoing pandemic. I wish him nothing but the best in whatever other interests he pursues.

Dennis W. Dare Ocean City

Rejected Public Comment Forwarded For Publication Editor: The following was originally submitted to be read as a public comment at the Jan 10 meeting of the Berlin Mayor and Council. The reallocation of contingency dollars had not been included in the advertised December meeting agenda. No opportunity was provided for public input. Councilman Troy Purnell interjected his wishes and forced a vote.

With the implementation of 100% virtual council meetings, written submission of question or comment is the only opportunity made available for public participation in municipal affairs. Staff opted to exclude this position in its entirety. Prior occurrence makes it abundantly clear administrative staff habitually opts to exclude unfavorable input from virtual public session.

Contingency funds are a reserve intended to be used for unplanned, unavoidable expenditures. Policy should define conditions warranting use, maintenance level and a solid plan to replenish.

I find Councilman Purnell's motion to utilize contingency dollars to offer employee bonuses an unscrupulous act of absolute incompetence. Responsible, budget conscious department heads should have called this out as a bad decision when our mayor offered them the opportunity for comment. I expect none will cry poor should any department encounter an unexpected issue or failure in the coming months.

Given the criticism doled out to the previous Mayor and Council over unscrupulous spending it goes beyond comprehension that the current M&C allowed the motion to pass. Mr. Purnell's personal response to my criticism over this blunder also deserves calling out, "If I need your opinion, oh wait never mind I really don't care what you think. Don't ever contact me again."

Purnell's arrogance is simply mind blowing. I suppose he is in need of a reminder he is actually an elected representative of the taxpayer, not a member of SEE NEXT PAGE

January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor royalty. Perhaps he can be encouraged to look up the definition of his role?

Does the MML offer a remedial course on local government?

Last election cycle the Berlin taxpayer asked for a better representative government. Will it start to show up in the new year?

Jason Walter Berlin

Extremist Position Editor: In response to last week’s “Eight Levels of Control,” did the writer happen to be at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021?

Sounds like he is the “radical.”

Teri Denton Willards

Cancel MLK Day Editor: “June-what?” was the reaction of most Americans last June when they discovered a new federal holiday called Juneteenth National Independence Day would be added to the calendar. Despite an aggressive year-long campaign to raise awareness of the June 19, 1865 proclamation by the commander of Union troops in Texas heralding the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in that state, a Gallup poll found only 35% of Americans in favor of elevating “Juneteenth” (a peculiar portmanteau of “June” and “Nineteenth”) to federal holiday status. The same poll showed more than six in 10 Americans know only “a little bit” or “nothing at all” about the date’s significance. Putting aside the obvious contradiction of making such an arcane event into a national holiday and the dubious wisdom of giving government bureaucrats another day of paid vacation, Juneteenth will prove useful in the future. No, it is not because it will give the June 19th anniversary of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA Championship deserving national recognition. Juneteenth’s primary value will be as a readymade replacement for the federal holiday formally known as the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. The recordings and related transcripts from the FBI’s electronic surveillance of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. are scheduled to be released by the National Archives on Jan. 31, 2027. But we do not have to wait that long to learn that King was an accessory to rape at Washington’s Willard Hotel in January 1964. That bombshell was revealed by King’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer David Garrow in 2019. Garrow’s shocking discovery came from researching FBI reports and summaries that were surrendered to Congress in the 1970s and released to the public via the President John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act. Department of Justice personnel have already publicly verified the genuineness and accuracy of the tapes and transcripts.

The contradictions between King’s private life and his public persona as

a man of God have been known for decades. Nevertheless, Americans have heretofore afforded King the status of a secular saint, honoring him for fighting and dying for the principle of racial equality. Hundreds of streets and schools are named in his honor. The National Park Service maintains a fouracre Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in the nation’s capital. King and George Washington are the only two Americans whose birthdays are federal holidays.

Strangely, Garrow’s recent revelations have not caused King’s commemorations to suffer the same reevaluation that has plagued tributes to other historical figures. Perhaps King’s heinousness will enter the public consciousness a la the accusations of sexual violence against Bill Cosby, only when stand-up comedian Hannibal Burress mentions it onstage.

Regardless, in five years the public will hear King in his own voice laughing and advising a fellow clergyman committing rape. Undoubtedly, there will be attempts to prevent the release of the tapes based on their surreptitious nature. But the evidence against King was obtained lawfully and with the approval of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.

And even if it had not been, there is no escaping the terrible truth. It is time to judge King by the content of his character.

One of history’s great ironies is that King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize the same year he aided and abetted rape. Unfortunately, his famous insistence on nonviolence did not extend to his personal life. But his public life is something worth celebrating and the streets, schools, and monuments named in his honor should remain. The tapes may even add to the canon of King’s famous utterances engraved in the granite wall surrounding his D.C. memorial. But the federal holiday honoring his birth is a different story. A society constantly razing monuments and renaming buildings as it attempts to conform the past to the present is sick.

But a society that honors the birthday of a sex criminal is even sicker.

There should be one federal holiday dedicated to the long struggle for racial equality. Two would be too selfcongratulatory considering the work that remains unfinished. Juneteenth is a particularly poor choice for a federal holiday because even after slavery was eradicated in Texas, there were still states where slavery remained legal.

Juneteenth is a Texas-centric holiday, evidenced by the fact that prior to 2020, only Texas observed Juneteenth as a paid holiday for state employees. The anniversary of the 13th Amendment’s ratification or Lincoln’s birthday are superior candidates for a federal holiday.

If Congress wanted to nationalize a Texas holiday, it should have picked Texas’ permanent state income tax holiday. But Congress’ blunder will become a blessing when MLK Day goes away.

Paul F. Petrick Baltimore

Page 45

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green Is Ocean City government in better shape today than it was six years ago? It was the same question asked back in 2015 when the three-year stint of the former city manager was evaluated.

When considering the tenure of City Manager Doug Miller, the consensus seems to be he is leaving Ocean City in a stable position, especially considering the pandemic. Miller’s steady, professional leadership was just what Ocean City needed to guide it through the pandemic’s uncertain times. Miller’s time in Ocean City began with some fanfare with an introductory press conference at City Hall in January of 2016. From that point on, however, Miller led in a low-profile fashion. He brought calm to City Hall after a period of flux and uncertainty preceded him. Miller was described in friendly terms this week by council members and it’s accurate to conclude he had a successful run at City Hall. I am interested to see where Miller goes from here. My guess is it’s not retirement.

It was interesting to observe this week’s official announcement of City Engineer Terry McGean accepting the city manager position. There was no press conference or even a public opportunity for McGean to speak at the council meeting. It was subdued. It’s fine and could be reflective of McGean’s style. He’s a hard worker who has the respect of the council members already and his co-workers. He is known for his professionalism, integrity and work ethic. The understated manner behind the announcement seems to confirm the logic behind the hire. McGean allows the city to continue to press forward without a period of leadership adaptation and introductions.

Insider, the long-time former columnist of this newspaper, often referred to City Hall in Ocean City as “Silly Hall.” The nickname seemed appropriate as ever this week during an odd discussion of officially increasing the city’s fund balance policy.

Ocean City’s official stated fund balance reserve is 15% of its budget.

The concept is to have a certain amount of emergency funding available.

Current budget data shows a 15% reserve fund would equate to $13 million. The city’s current reserve fund represents an astounding 37%, relegating the stated policy as meaningless. The conversation this week was whether the town should officially increase its reserve fund policy to 20% from the current 15%. The council ultimately opted to not make an official change at this time, but it will likely happen during budget talks.

Rather than talking about elevating a policy that’s clearly outdated and ignored, city officials must discuss what to do with this excessive reserve fund. Holding 37% of a government budget – about $29 million -- in reserves is irresponsible. Understandable concerns about a hurricane’s impact on the resort’s infrastructure are always expressed when it comes to supporting a high reserve fund. A beachfront resort should probably have a higher reserve fund than an inland, protected city, but the exorbitant amount of money currently being stocked away is wrong. It’s bad governing and poor leadership. The city needs to focus on how to properly utilize the amount over the 20% reserve. The funds could go to infrastructure projects to avoid financing or be directed to reducing the property tax rate.

The argument of “what if” when it comes to emergency funding is tired.

Ocean City government has weathered a health pandemic in excellent financial fashion. The resort’s budget benefitted in many ways from the pandemic. The financial data confirms it. Ocean City’s elected officials must change their thinking on these exorbitant reserves.

It was good news, bad news for Worcester County Public School students this week.

On one hand, there was some relief from high school students who learned their first semester finals were canceled. Though the big test was waived, students are still working through papers and projects to wrap up their semesters next week. Nonetheless, this is also a helpful reprieve for teachers who widely acknowledge being behind in their typical lesson plans amid absences and missed instructional times. This move was cheered by most.

Conversely, in a take the good with the bad mindset, students, teachers and families learned the Maryland State Department of Education was forcing local school systems into making students utile four hours of distance learning on inclement weather days. Most school systems, like Worcester, in the state have already used their calendar’s allocated inclement weather days. An alert was sent to families earlier this month reminding them synchronous learning would be required but the actual hourly requirement was not handed down from the state until last Friday.

Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor used some diplomacy when talking about the late change this week that has rankled parents. “This has caused a lot of dialogue, I’ll use a nice word, between the 24 superintendents in Maryland,” he said. “There’s been not really a clear expectation and many superintendents are very frustrated with what to do, when to do it and how to do it.”

Some parents are sweating this change, but others seem to be taking it in stride. “Whatever,” was one parent’s response when I asked them this week what they thought of the virtual learning change.

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January 21, 2022

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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t the last minute, a scheduling conflict resulted in Beckett’s booster shot appointment having to be canceled last week. It was interesting to see how he handled the change of plans.

The 13-year-old kid was disappointed. He wanted his shot. It seemed he would have preferred getting stuck over just about anything except a sports game, which was the conflict that won out.

In his simple teen way, he views getting vaccinated as his best way to not get sick. It’s a simple view, one he has developed on his own.

As a parent of any headstrong teen knows, kids form their own opinions and oftentimes they come about as a direct opportunity to refute their parents’ positions on things. We insisted on the first two shots and asked for his feedback on if he wanted the booster now or to wait.

He wanted it as soon as possible.

In this case, we are on the same page, which he begrudgingly accepts as fine.

B

ecause of my job, I follow the Associated Press Stylebook page on Facebook. A post this week caught my attention. It read, “When possible, avoid the terms special needs and special education. While they remain in wide use in education and law, many view them as euphemistic and offensive. Instead, aim to be specific about the needs or services in question.”

As the dad of a son with several disabilities, including Autism and Apraxia, I find the need to clarify this silly. Equally foolish were 100-plus comments on the subject, including one educator who said the new term is “Exceptional Student Education” or another who said, “In Dubai the phrase is ‘people of determination.”

Some head scratchers here in my

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opinion. I don’t give much thought to describing my 12-year-old son. It’s best for me to just be simplistic. I do not find it offensive to describe him as special needs, on the autism spectrum, autistic or disabled. He’s all of them. I’m not sensitive about it.

For instance, when we recently signed Carson up for an adaptive ski program in Vermont, I have no problem detailing what his differences are for the people who will be working with him. He has special needs including being nonverbal, requiring assistance with many tasks and needs supervision and encouragement to follow orders.

The stated concern over labeling I suspect did not originate with parents of special needs kids. In general, those of us in this world are too busy focusing on keeping a complicated life as simple as possible for our kid, and us, to have those sorts of worries. Instead, let me take some time to shine a light on some unique positives of everyday life with our Carson.

•On a cold weekend night recently, Pam opted to stay home with Carson while I took Beckett to an indoor soccer game. As I was leaving, she was bringing out games and puzzles for them. By the time I had gotten to the game, she had sent me a picture of a 150-piece puzzle he had completed. Five minutes later, another picture came of him putting together a 3D puzzle of a basketball with a message from her saying he won’t let me help. He’s incredibly independent and focused at times, especially when it’s something he enjoys.

•One morning I came upon Carson asking me with his iPad to download something called Blooket. I regret my initial reaction, one rooted in fatigue over technology downloads for iPads and game consoles. I quickly learned it was a trivia platform he picked up at school and was a fun way to review topics as well as learn about new subjects.

I eagerly created him an account and

watched him skillfully play numerous games, all of which seemed to be preparing him for Jeopardy. I was so impressed by what he knew and how well he read and answered the questions.

•Early one morning I came across a note in the kitchen written out from him, “Create for me a YouTube Channel, okay?” This sort of expressive communication coming from our nonverbal son is a big deal. I told him I loved his note and he handed me his iPad. I told him in a few minutes because I wanted to ask his big brother what Carson really wanted.

There was no way I was going to create a channel for him to post videos on his own. Beckett said he just wanted to have his own account so he could view videos and comment as himself. Overhearing the conversation, Carson came in shaking his head yes, pointing to the fact his brother’s Google account was on his iPad. I have no idea how it got there.

When I went over the rules with him, Carson seemed to get it all. He was not interested in posting and sharing videos. He just wanted his brother’s name off his iPad. One thing I know is he’s smarter than he lets on. I think he likes when people underestimate him.

•A calculator fascinates him. He has always loved numbers. He prefers math classes to just about every subject. Several teachers over the years have remarked how his math skills are above average. Through distance learning, we were able to see his math brain at work.

I remember the first time he came upon my calculator on my phone. He was probably 5 years old and he just started tapping away and laughing whenever he created a big number or caused a function resulting in a lot of digits. He still does that today.

(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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January 21, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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January 21, 2022