Jan. 31

The Dispatch January 31, 2020

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Sun Sets On January:

A glorious late January sunset this week cast a serene, almost ethereal quality over quiet Assateague Island. With the calendar flipping over to February this weekend, January is practically in the books and the promise of brighter, warmer days are right around the corner.

Resort Officials Get First Look At Ambitious Drone Surveillance Program

Grand Jury Indicts WOC Assault Suspect On First-Degree Murder Charges

Proposed Plan To Absorb Minimum Wage Increase Limits Impact

Groundwater Testing Plans For Berlin’s Heron Park After Chemical Spill

See page 6 • Photo by Shawn Soper

See page 7 • File image

See page 15 • File photo

See page 10 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Photo by Tyler Horton Photography

INSIDE PAGES

Cops & Courts PAGE 24

Faces In Places PAGE 28

People In Society

PAGE 32

Things To Do

PAGE 35

Community

PAGE 37

Classifieds PAGE 38

Editorial PAGE 42

Things I Like PAGE 45

Sports

PAGE 46

Crossword PAGE 47

Fatherhood PAGE 48

Business PAGE 49

Music

PAGE 52

Vanishing OC PAGE 54

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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January 31, 2020

January 31, 2020

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Hogan Vows New School Start Bill

January 31, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

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OCEAN CITY – The debate over a mandated post-Labor Day start to the school year in Maryland began anew this week with Governor Larry Hogan announcing legislation to override a bill approved by state lawmakers last year.

On Wednesday, Hogan announced he was introducing the Universal School Start Act of 2020, legislation aimed at codifying his executive order handed down 2016 mandating a postLabor Day start for all public school systems in Maryland. For two years, all public schools in the state returned after Labor Day each year until the General Assembly last year passed legislation reversing the governor’s mandate from 2016.

Hogan’s Universal School Start Act of 2020, which was announced this week, directly repeals the 2019 reversal approved by the General Assembly last year. In that legislation, local school boards were given the autonomy to decide when to start the school year each fall.

From the beginning, Hogan has asserted that legislation was politically motivated and did not represent the will of the majority of Marylanders. On Tuesday, he re-emphasized his proposed legislation represented the feelings of the state’s citizens.

“We’ve taken a lot of actions over the past five years, but I can’t think of a single one that has more widespread, enthusiastic support across the state,” he said. “But after two years of it working very well, and after the 2018 election was completed, last year in 2019 special interests snuck in a bill and legislators reversed themselves and ignored the people again by reversing this common-sense action with a misguided piece of legislation, which has the potential to cause mass confusion this fall and in future years with a potential for 24 different start dates spread over several weeks.”

For Hogan, the legislation representes an opportunity to right a perceived wrong.

“The Universal School Start Act will repeal the legislature’s 2019 misguided bill and return our state to what the citizens actually want and have been demanding for years,” he said. “That is the return of the school start to after Labor Day.” Some educators across Maryland have called into question the validity of the governor’s executive order. Critics have claimed a later school start, although the required 180 days will be preserved, would cut down on valuable teaching time. Perhaps more importantly, some school jurisdictions have claimed the governor’s mandate undermines the autonomy of the various school districts and ties the hands of superintendents to make decisions on what they believe is best for their schools.

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Resort Officials Sign Off On Ambitious Drone Program

Page 6

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The future has arrived in Ocean City with a plan approved this week to utilize Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones for all manner of public safety and other applications.

For the last several months, Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other regulatory agencies to allow Ocean City to begin implementing a UAS, or drone, program in a variety of capacities over the skies of the resort.

The use of drones for public safety and other governmental interests is certainly not new, but Theobald and his staff have been working closely

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

with the FAA and other regulatory agencies to tailor a suitable program that meets the resort’s specific needs.

On Tuesday, Theobald presented the Mayor and Council with an outline of the UAS program. Already the town has secured three of the aircraft through grant funding and has worked through the approval process with restrictions appropriate to the resort area.

“This is something that has been under consideration for about 20 months,” he said. “This is a tool that’s good for the town from a public safety standpoint and a myriad of other uses.

It’s been a tedious approval process, but we wanted to establish a program that meets all of our needs and complies with all federal guidelines.”

The sky’s the limit, so to speak, for

the town’s budding drone program in a variety of uses. For example, from a law enforcement standpoint, the drones can be used for aerial surveillance during incidents and accidents and they can be used to provide aerial images of special events and other areas where large crowds gather.

From the fire department standpoint, the UAS can provide firefighters and first-responders with real-time aerial images of active fires and other emergency situations, allowing the department to best direct operations from the ground. The Beach Patrol and other first-responders will be able to use the drones for water search and rescue missions, and the UAS can also be used to survey post-storm beach erosion, flooding and other uses.

January 31, 2020

What the drones won’t be used for, according to Theobald, is to survey everyday crowds on the beach or Boardwalk or any purposes that would hint at spying on residents and visitors. The tedious approval process went to great lengths to ensure the drones are used for their intended purposes.

“The public needs to have an expectation of what we’re trying to accomplish,” he said. “The tenets of the program are privacy and civil liberties.

The public has to buy into this. We don’t want the perception that Big Brother is flying around watching everything. That is not the intent of the program.”

Theobald said the relative remote nature of the resort away from major airports and heavy aircraft traffic areas somewhat eased some of the restrictions placed on drone usage in other areas.

“We don’t have a lot of the restrictions that other areas in Maryland would have,” he said. “We don’t have to worry about BWI, and we don’t have to worry about Salisbury. Our geographic location is really perfect for this program.”

For that reason, some restrictions imposed on drone usage in other areas won’t apply in the resort area.

“Again, it’s been a tedious process, but we’ve been granted the authority to do certain things because of our approvals,” he said. “The groundwork is done on some of these things. For example, we will be able to fly over people and we’ll be able to fly at night.”

Already, Ocean City has secured three of the approved UAS. The next step is training operators to fly them.

The potential pool of candidates will likely come from police, fire and other emergency personnel, but the program could be open to other town employees.

“We were able to purchase three aircraft through grants and they are equipped with cameras and spotlights,” he said. “We didn’t want to spend a lot of money up front. We want to walk first and get the program up and running before we get running with it. We’re asking for your support so we can pursue this further. The goal now is to get 10 people certified to fly these drones. We have to start somewhere.”

Satisfied the program as presented did not represent a significant financial burden and that the requirements have been met and the privacy and civil liberties issues have been resolved, the council voted unanimously to approve the program.

“I’ve read a lot of articles in trade magazines about these programs and I can see a lot of uses for law enforcement, for engineering,” said Councilman Mark Paddack. “On the fire department side, I can see a lot of applications for them as well. Perhaps the most important thing I see is the Beach Patrol using these for search and rescue missions. From the ground level, it’s difficult to see a victim in the water.”

Proposed Plan To Absorb Minimum Wage Increase Endorsed

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The state’s mandated minimum wage will continue to creep upward to $15 an hour by 2025, but the resort has a plan to absorb the financial impact.

Last year, the General Assembly passed legislation mandating an incremental increase in the state’s minimum wage over the next five years. As a result, the minimum wage will be increased by roughly 75 cents each year, from the $11 rate that began on January 1 to ultimately $15 by 2025.

The mandated increase set pangs of fear and trepidation through local governments struggling to find a way to fund the pay increases while continuing to make ends meet, including Ocean City.

On Tuesday, Human Resources Director Wayne Evans and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp outlined a plan to absorb the incremental increases without straining the budget. The plan includes implementing the increases at the lowest end of the town’s pay scale without having them spread across the entire range.

“We actually created some new grades at the low end of the pay scale to help us absorb the increases at the

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entry level,” said Evans. “As a result, there will be little impact on the fulltime employees and we will maintain the separation in the pay scale for the most part.”

The concern from the beginning has been the increases in the minimum wage at the lowest end of the pay scale would have to be implemented further up the line. Evans explained the plan allows for meeting the mandate without disrupting the pay scale further up the line. In other words, a part-time seasonal worker making $15 per hour in five years won’t be just below or even at the same level as an employee who

has been with the town for years.

“The pay increases are absorbed in the bottom seven pay scale grades,” he said. “It’s not spread throughout the entire pay scale. Passing a 75-cent increase across the entire pay table would be cost-prohibitive. That being said, we will still have some separation between the grades.”

Evans explained the biggest impact will be at the bottom end of the pay scale. It’s no secret the town ramps up its workforce with seasonal workers in the summer and that’s where the minimum wage hike will be felt the most.

SEE PAGE 8

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January 31, 2020

FROM PAGE 7 “This is driven largely by the temporary seasonal workers, which make up 65% of our workforce during the summer,” he said. “Those seasonal workers are mostly in the lower pay grades from 100 to 107.”

Councilman Tony DeLuca said the plan as presented allowed the resort to meet the state-mandated minimums without causing a major trickleup through the pay scale.

“There really is little ripple effect on the full-time employees,” he said. “That seems to be the bottom line with this.

That was a concern for me heading into this.”

Evans assured the wage increase would not result in a major revision throughout the town’s entire pay scale.

Instead, it will be limited largely to seasonal personnel.

“This is a minimum wage increase,” he said. “It’s not an across-the-board increase. We tried to keep the increases minimal without disrupting the entire pay scale. The bulk of our employees are at grade 107 or below and that’s where the absorption is happening. When you get to grade 108, that’s where you start seeing seasonal police officers, lifeguards and PSAs, for example.”

Evans explained the proposed plan would result in an increase of around $177,000 in the remainder of fiscal year 2020, $322,000 in fiscal year and so forth to $470,000 by 2025 for a total impact of around $1.8 million. However, Councilman John Gehrig pointed out the changes should really be considered exponentially.

“You have to add each year,” he said.

“When you do that, it’s more like $5.2 million over the five next five years.”

Of course, meeting the state mandate while ensuring the resort remains competitive in recruiting and retaining employees remains a challenge.

“We’re coming to you with what we think is a reasonable plan to implement what has been mandated,” said Evans. “We also want to make sure we stay competitive in the labor market.

We don’t want to fall behind, but we also don’t want to overpay.”

Councilman Dennis Dare said the plan allayed some of his concerns about sweeping changes in the town’s entire pay scale.

“When this was mandated, I had a lot of fear about the ripple effect, or the trickle-up,” he said. “It’s really not what I feared. There is a lot of internal equity in this. What we’re looking at is not a solution for this year, but a solution for the next five years.”

Evans said the wage hike changes will come with a review of each pay grade and re-evaluated job descriptions.

However, Dare encouraged that to be done out in front of the pay increases.

“I’m not sure why we’re waiting until 2025 for a comparative pay scale study and job descriptions,” he said. “I think that’s too long. That needs to be done sooner rather than later.”

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

Groundwater Testing Plans For Heron Park Outlined

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Officials outlined plans for groundwater testing at Heron Park this week.

EA Engineering will be digging a variety of small wells at Heron Park in the coming weeks to test groundwater, Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood told the town council Monday. The testing comes after a chemical spill at the park in June.

“I’m not an engineer, I’m not a scientist, but I feel very confident that that

chemical did not seep into that groundwater,” Fleetwood said.

He explained that the town had been contacted by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and advised to have groundwater testing performed at Heron Park as a result of the spill of liquid caustic that occurred there in June. He said the testing, which will cost roughly $13,000, was approved by the council in a poll vote via email in the middle of January.

“The correspondence the town did receive from MDE, it wasn’t ‘will you do this’ it was ‘you will do this,’” Fleet-

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EA Engineering will be drilling three shallow water wells where the spill occurred as well as some perimeter wells.

Fleetwood said the shallow water wells would be tested for only the chemical that was spilled, the liquid caustic.

“If there is something in those waters, then they’ll go to the perimeter wells and that’s tested,” he said. “If there’s nothing in those initial three wells then these (perimeter) wells will not be tested.”

He said he’d questioned the need to drill perimeter wells but said that EA Engineering had advised him that it was more cost-effective to drill all the wells at once rather than return if perimeter wells were needed.

According to Fleetwood, if a chemical is found in initial wells and the perimeter wells, testing along the aquifer would occur.

“They would begin a process where they’d be testing individual wells at some homes on North Main Street,” he said.

Resident Marie Velong asked if the town would be liable for that.

“We could be,” Fleetwood said.

Councilman Zack Tyndall questioned the poll vote and said he hadn’t been advised of the results. Fleetwood confirmed that a majority of the council had voted to approve the expenditure for the groundwater testing.

Tyndall said he hadn’t voted because he didn’t agree with the fact that

January 31, 2020

the testing was being paid for with money in the water fund contingency.

Mayor Gee Williams said contingency funds were for “things that go bump in the night.”

“This certainly qualifies for that,” Williams said.

Tyndall asked that the meeting minutes include the poll vote as well as the email he sent his peers advising why he wouldn’t vote.

“I just disagree with the way that we’re paying for it,” he said. “That’s it.

I have that right. You all have the right to vote the way you feel as well.”

When asked after the meeting about his objections to the expense, Tyndall said he had recommended creating a repayment schedule from the general fund to the water fund if water fund money was being used to pay EA Engineering. He said he never saw the necessary votes come through via email so assumed no final decision had been made. He thought the item would be discussed at the next council meeting.

“I didn't learn about the expense being approved until Mayor Williams mentioned it during the open session of our meeting on Monday night,” he said.

“As I stated during the open session, I disagree with how the groundwater testing was paid for using the water fund. Our enterprise funds should not be used as a zero-interest piggy bank without any plan for repayment.

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Fenwick Sidewalk Survey Underway

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say preliminary engineering work for the first phase of a sidewalk construction project is underway in Fenwick Island.

In a meeting of the Fenwick Island Town Council last week, Councilwoman Vicki Carmean, chair of the town’s Pedestrian Safety Committee, announced the start of preliminary surveying work for the first phase of a sidewalk construction project.

The announcement comes more than a month after the town council voted to approve a contract with Century Engineering.

“As we reported previously, the town has signed a contract with Century engineering firm,” she said. “In case you notice some surveyors up and down Coastal Highway, that’s because the surveyors from Century are in the process of taking preliminary measurements of the easement where the sidewalks will be situated.”

Earlier this year, Fenwick Island received $250,000 in the state’s bond bill to begin the first phase of a sidewalk construction project, which is expected to take place in the five bayside blocks south of James Street.

Instead of pursuing a state-led sidewalk project – which had a cost estimate of roughly $10 million – town officials decided to handle the first phase of the project themselves and worked alongside state legislators to secure the bond bill funding. The town also set aside $90,000 from its realty transfer tax fund to complete the project.

With a portion of that money, the town opted to hire Century Engineering, which submitted a proposal of services totaling $97,234.

Carmean told the council last week that officials would hold a kickoff meeting with the engineering firm in late January, followed by a Pedestrian Safety Committee meeting.

“After that meeting, a regular committee meeting will be scheduled once I know how Century Engineering is going to proceed,” she said.

Carmean last week also shared efforts to join in on a state-led campaign to encourage bike and pedestrian safety ahead of the summer season.

“When I first got started with this, I was locked into thinking just in terms of sidewalks,” she told the council.

“But it’s obvious from the meetings we had that there’s a lot of concern about pedestrian safety.”

Carmean noted that the state’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee had developed graphics, featuring a mascot, for towns along Coastal Highway and other major thoroughfares to use through the summer months.

“These graphics are going to pick up where Maryland leaves off and encourage people to really think about what they are doing when they are out on the roads this summer,” she said.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Fiscal Review Raises Concerns

January 31, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Concerns regarding the town’s stormwater fund highlighted a six-month financial review in Berlin.

On Monday, Finance Director Natalie Saleh presented elected officials with a six-month review of the town’s finances, as the end of the calendar year marked the halfway point for the current fiscal year. Saleh said stormwater was the primary area of concern.

“It definitely needs to be looked at,” she said. “So far, the service charges, which is the stormwater residential and commercial (fees), it’s barely enough to cover the personnel and the day-to-day operating costs.”

Saleh said revenues for fiscal year 2020 are budgeted at $6,399,098. So far, the town has collected $4.5 million halfway through the fiscal year. Expenditures, which are budgeted at $6,449,098 for fiscal year 2020, are currently at $3.2 million.

Saleh said the electric fund was doing well, as $3 million in revenues had been collected and expenses amounted to $2 million so far this fiscal year.

She reported that the water fund was also in good shape, as expenses were on target and revenues were $12,000 more than expected.

The town’s sewer fund at this point in the fiscal year has brought in revenues of $1,030,644 and faced expenditures of $1,019,872. Saleh pointed out that revenues were $15,000 above expenditures.

In the stormwater fund, however, expenditures are $156,712 over revenues.

Saleh said much of that would be made up when the town’s receipt of grants related to the submerged gravel wetland project were included in the tally.

“This particular summary is showing that the stormwater is under by $156,000 but like I mentioned we’re receiving the grants for the capital items,” she said.

She added, however, that there was still cause for concern because revenue was barely sufficient to cover operating costs. Mayor Gee Williams agreed and said that officials would be reviewing stormwater fees in the coming months.

“It’s something we’re going to have to look at,” he said, indicating that the town still had major stormwater projects that needed to be funded.

Another expense that officials expressed concern about Monday was the rising cost of emergency services.

Williams said the town’s emergency response expenses were high because of its proximity to Ocean City.

“They’re coming right through our town limits and that impacts the cost,” he said.

Williams went on to announce that the town would introduce the proposed tax rate for the coming fiscal year on March 9. The town is next scheduled to discuss finances at a 6:30 p.m. work session on Feb. 10.

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Caregiver Convicted Of Theft From Patient In Care

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – A Salisbury woman was found guilty last week of fraudulently using the credit card of a terminally ill Ocean Pines woman in her care just before the victim passed and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Last Tuesday, Fedia Dorlus, 25, of Salisbury, was found guilty of theft scheme from $100 to $1,500 and was sentenced to 120 days in jail, 90 days of which were then suspended, resulting in a net 30 days. Dorlus was also placed on supervised probation for two years upon her release.

The charges stem from a report of theft and credit card offenses made to the Ocean Pines Police Department in March 2019. Ocean Pines Police met with family members of the elderly victim, who had succumbed to her terminal illness just days before. Distraught family members advised officers the victim’s credit card, which was kept in her purse by her bed, had been used at several locations in Salisbury during the time she was under hospice care at her home in Ocean Pines.

Ocean Pines Police identified one of the victim’s caregivers as Dorlus, who told police the victim had given her the credit card and told her to use it to purchase a birthday gift for herself. According to court documents, Dorlus admitted using the credit card

January 31, 2020

to buy roughly $300 in beauty products and spa treatments.

However, family members confirmed for investigators the victim was bedridden and unable to communicate on the date Dorlus claimed she gave her the credit card. The victim passed away the day after Dorlus made the purchases.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the investigative efforts of Officer Brashure and the Ocean Pines Police Department, which led to the successful prosecution of the case. Heiser also highlighted the importance of prosecuting ofFEDIA DORLUS fenders who take advantage of the most vulnerable in the community.

“Our team and our partners on the Vulnerable Adult Task Force will continue to prioritize these cases while we work to eradicate thieves and abusers from our community,” she said.

Heiser also thanked her team of prosecutors for their thorough and thoughtful presentation of the case. The Vulnerable Adult Task Force was formed last year in an effort to better protect the community’s elderly citizens from becoming the victims of crime and other issues. The concept is to create a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to the swift and thorough investigation of criminal complaints involving vulnerable adult victims.

victim’s death elevates Woc assault case to homicide

January 31, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

WEST OCEAN CITY – The charges against a local homeless man for the beating death of another man in West Ocean City in December were elevated from first-degree assault to first-degree murder this week after the victim succumbed to injuries sustained in the alleged attack.

Eric J. Jarrett, 48, of no fixed address, on Tuesday was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first- and seconddegree assault and reckless endangerment for his role in the beating death of another local homeless man at a residence on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City on December 19.

Jarrett was charged immediately after the incident with first- and second-degree assault and has been held without bond since.

However, the victim, identified as George L. Stinnett, 58, of no fixed address, later succumbed to injuries sustained in the alleged assault and an autopsy was ordered. When the autopsy determined Stinnett’s death was a homicide, the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office then presented the new evidence to a grand jury, which indicted Jarrett this week on first- and second-degree murder and other charges.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on December 19, Maryland State Police (MSP) troopers from the Berlin barrack were dispatched to assist emergency medical services at an apartment on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City.

When troopers arrived, they found an EMS team attending to an unconscious man later identified as Stinnet, who was in the apartment.

An ambulance crew transported Stinnet from the scene, but a Maryland State Police helicopter was soon called and the victim was flown to Shock Trauma in Baltimore. Stinnett later succumbed to the injuries and it has been determined by the state medical examiner the injuries sustained in the assault by Jarrett resulted in his death.

MSP troopers called for criminal investigators and personnel from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) and the MSP Criminal Enforcement Division and Homicide Unit responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates both the victim and the suspect are homeless and were in the West Ocean City apartment with other individuals on the night prior.

Information developed during the investigation indicates sometime that Wednesday night, Jarrett allegedly assaulted Stinnet while they were both in the apartment. When another individual could not wake Stinnet on Thursday afternoon, they called for an ambulance to respond.

Detectives developed additional information about the suspect and requested assistance from the Ocean

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

City Police Department (OCPD). Jarrett was taken into custody by the OCPD on the evening of December 19 for another unrelated assault. In that case, Jarrett allegedly assaulted a man at a downtown Ocean City residence presumably just hours after the victim in the West Ocean City assault was discovered.

After consultation with the Worces-

ter County State’s Attorney’s Office, Maryland State Police initially charged Jarrett with first- and seconddegree assault and reckless endangerment and he has been held in the Worcester County Detention Center without bond since the December 19 incident. Jarrett had another bail review hearing this week after the grand jury indictment on first-degree

Page 15

murder charges and remains behind bars without bond.

A motions hearing in the first-degree murder case has been set for April 8 and trial is tentatively laid in for May 5. Meanwhile, Jarrett still faces second-degree assault charges for the second incident in Ocean City on the same day, which ultimately led to his arrest in December.

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Proposal To Bring Offshore Wind Power Ashore On Hold

Page 16

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say a proposal to improve Fenwick Island State Park through a partnership with an offshore wind developer has come to a standstill as staff review thousands of responses from a

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

public survey.

On January 15, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Division of Parks & Recreation closed the comment period for proposed improvements, including new recreational amenities and infrastructure upgrades, at Fenwick Island State

January 31, 2020

Park. Orsted, the developer of the Skipjack wind farm off the coast, has proposed funding the capital projects in exchange for constructing an onshore interconnection facility on park grounds.

This week, Delaware State Parks Community Relations Coordinator Shauna McVey said DNREC received

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2,319 unique survey responses during the public comment period. She explained that staff will be reviewing those responses throughout the coming weeks.

“We have not set a deadline on reviewing survey feedback, as we want to thoroughly research answers to frequently asked questions,” she said.

McVey explained that the parks department also would work with other agencies throughout the review period.

“Our planning staff will work with other sections of DNREC and federal agencies like the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) to answer frequently asked questions,” she said, “and those responses will be posted at https://destateparks.com/fenwickimprovements.”

The conclusion of the public comment period comes months after DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation first presented proposed park improvements to the community.

In an open house last October, the division announced a proposal which, if approved, would allow Orsted to construct an onshore power transmission station at Fenwick Island State Park in exchange for millions of dollars in park improvements, including a nature center, new bathrooms, a pedestrian overpass and additional parking.

Orsted is one of the two companies holding permits for offshore wind energy farms off the coast. While its Skipjack project is considered a Maryland project, Orsted must bring its transmission lines ashore to connect to the power grid.

To that end, the company has targeted the Delaware state park as a future home for the interconnection facility.

Elected leaders and community members, however, have largely opposed the proposal, arguing against development at an otherwise quiet state park.

And at the request of community stakeholders, DNREC agreed to extend the deadline for public comments on the proposed improvements through January 15.

In a meeting last week, Orsted Project Development Manager Ian Renshaw told local elected leaders and community members that the company will provide more information after public comments are reviewed.

“We are currently waiting for DNREC to review the comments they have received,” he said. “They are currently looking at that, and we’re hoping to issue something in the coming weeks.”

While discussions on proposed park improvements have stalled, Renshaw said Orsted continues to field questions and provide information on the Skipjack project and interconnection facility.

“Offshore wind has had a long and successful history in Europe,” he said.

“It’s a new concept in the U.S., so it’s natural to have questions, particularly in respect to elements such as the interconnection facility we are talking about here.”

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC SEA NYMPH #3A at 17th Street OCEAN POINT III #232 at 41st Street $150,000 • MLS #MDWO110418 $135,000 • MLS #MDWO110624 1 bed, 1 bt, 450 sqft, built 1960 1 bed, 1 bt, 616 sqft, built 1983 Condo Fee $217/m, RE Tax $116/m Condo Fee $167/m, RE Tax $141/m Pool, Private Porch, 1 Parking Space, Updated Appliances & Furnishings, Updated, ½ Block to Boardwalk Ocean Peak at North Porch

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Mutual Assistance Agreement Rejected

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Citing concerns about liability and manpower, the town council last week rejected a mutual assistance agreement among three local police departments.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted 5-2 to reject a mutual assistance agreement among the police departments of Fenwick Island, South Bethany and Ocean View.

In a workshop earlier this month, Fenwick Island Police Chief William Boyden presented the town council with a proposed agreement that would allow police officers from each of the three municipalities to perform routine non-emergency police duties in any of the three towns if requested.

Law enforcement officials argued the arrangement was voluntary and would allow the departments to combine resources and seek help in instances when an agency is shorthanded, among other things.

“The bottom line for the agreement is it really only gives the Fenwick Island Police Department and the Ocean View Police Department and the South Bethany Police Department arrest powers in each jurisdiction,” Boyden told the council earlier this month. “The agreement

January 31, 2020

basically falls on the shoulders of each individual chief, so if the chief of Ocean View requests assistance other than in an emergency situation, I have the final say.”

It should be noted that the towns of South Bethany and Ocean View have approved the agreement. But when it was presented to the Fenwick Island Town Council last week for discussion and possible action, the majority of elected leaders voted to reject the proposal.

While he commended the police chief’s efforts, Councilman Bernie Merritt said he did not support a change in police department operations. He said he was also concerned about liability.

“I’m going to vote no for this, only because I think the status quo has really worked well,” he said.

Councilman Bill Weistling agreed, adding his own concerns about the police department’s manpower.

“We are a small force,” he said.

“We only have five officers here now.”

Councilman Richard Mais, however, said he was in support of the mutual assistance agreement.

“I didn’t see any issues,” he said.

“Our police officers will not be leaving town unless the chief approves it, and as far as liability issues are concerned, our insurance company will take care of those. I think there are benefits to it.”

Councilman Mike Houser said he was concerned rejecting the agreement would alter the public perception of Fenwick Island and its police force.

“I have a concern, and I voiced this in the last council meeting, with regard to the perception of the professionalism of our police force by nearby jurisdictions, as well as public perception of Fenwick not going forward in this,” he said. “I think that should be a major concern.”

Mayor Gene Langan said he did not support the agreement because he did not want police officers leaving town. Councilman Gardner Bunting added that the town could still aid other departments in emergency situations without the agreement.

“I think what we have is working very well, and any assistance that would be needed in an emergency will happen by way of dispatch anyway,” he said. “I see no need for the agreement.”

Councilwoman Vicki Carmean argued the geographical area was too large for the town’s police force to handle. She added that she liked the police department’s current organization, as well as its quick response times.

“At this point I don’t think we need to change what is working well,” she said.

A motion to approve the mutual assistance agreement among the three towns failed with Mais and Houser in favor and Weistling, Merritt, Langan, Bunting and Carmean opposed.

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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County Approves Plan For Senior Transit

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SNOW HILL – County officials approved an over-expenditure request that will allow the Worcester County Commission on Aging to help fulfill transportation needs for local seniors.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week approved a $8,840 overexpenditure request from the Worcester County Commission on Aging (WorCOA) that will allow the agency to fill transportation gaps for seniors.

“Shore Transit has not been able to meet the demands of the senior population on the north end of the county,” said Rob Hart, executive director of the commission. “We’ve been working with them now for about six months to come up with a new plan but at this point it’s our last resort to come to you so these seniors can get to their medical appointments.”

According to Hart, an increased demand from the public has made it hard for Shore Transit to meet the needs of local seniors. Though the company provides curb to curb service for the elderly and disabled customers who call and schedule pickup, Hart said Shore Transit had had to turn down some transport requests in recent months.

“In my current position I have to do something to help these seniors,” he said.

Because WorCOA now offers the

January 31, 2020

Community for Life program, which includes transportation services for members, Hart said that had helped meet demand for those in the north end of the county who weren’t being served by Shore Transit. He added that WorCOA would be willing to take on senior transportation for Shore Transit in Worcester County going forward.

“This doesn’t seem to be a problem they’re able to get their hands around right now,” he said. “We would be willing to move forward and try and provide the transportation ourselves.”

He indicated that if that were to happen, state and county funding currently provided to Shore Transit for that purpose could be directed to WorCOA. Harold Higgins, the county’s chief administrative officer, said he’d planned to bring the issue to the commissioners during the budget process.

Hart said WorCOA was open to discussion regarding the plan. While he believes Shore Transit would be the best organization to provide transportation, he stressed that his agency was tasked with making sure the needs of local seniors were met.

“We get at least four calls a week saying ‘I can’t get to a doctor’s appointment because Shore Transit is turning us down,’” Hart said. “As you all know if these seniors don’t get to doctor’s appointments they’re going to cost us more in the future. We try to help prevent that.”

January 31, 2020

Obituaries David Bryant

BERLIN – David Allen Bryant passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

He was born on May 11, 1942 at home in Berlin, Maryland. He was the son of Lelia D. Bryant and William J. Bryant. David was very talented at his favorite pastime of woodworking. He enjoyed bowling, camping and fishing.

Family meant everything to him. His outgoing personality and his great sense of humor was shared with us all.

David was a member of the Bonita Springs Lions Club and Mt. Hermon United Methodist Church. He had been employed by Acme, A&P, The Harrison Group of Ocean City and by the Maryland Department of Child Support.

David is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Nancy Eby Bryant; his son Jason Allen Bryant and three daughters, Kristina Wheaton, DAVID BRYANT Heather Bowman and Bethany Bryant. He is also survived by a cherished grandson, Bryant Bowman and a sister Ruby Evans. He was preceded in death by his brothers Roger, William, Charles and sisters Catherine, Pauline, and Louise.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 29 at 4 p.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland with Pastor Milbourne (Buddy) Adkins officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Condolences may be sent to the family via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Ronald Lee McCabe SELBYVILLE – Ronald Lee “Ron” McCabe, 86, of Selbyville died Monday, January 27, 2020 at Atlantic General Hospital.

Ron was born in Selbyville and was the son of the late Phineas and Sallie (Workman) McCabe. He was a Real Estate agent for many years in the Ocean City area. Ron was a member of Fenwick Island Baptist Church and a past member of AMSA in Berlin. He enjoyed RONALD LEE fishing and won sevMCCABE eral tournaments.

He is survived by his wife, Elma C. McCabe; two daughters, Donna H. Wood and husband Bernard of Melbourne, Fla., and Tracey M. Hudson and husband Guy of Frankford; one son, Troy L.C. McCabe of Selbyville; five grandchildren, Nicole Johns, Brandi Wood, Eric Wood, Seth Hudson and Erin Hudson; two great-grandchildren, Cannon Johns and Sloane Johns. His dogs, Charlie and Chi Chi rarely left his side.

A funeral service was held 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 30 at BishopHastings Funeral Home in Selbyville with Pastor Mike Fillis officiating. BurSEE PAGE 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

... Obituaries January 31, 2020

FROM PAGE 21 ial followed in St. Georges Cemetery in Clarksville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fenwick Island Baptist Church, 36806 Lighthouse Road, Selbyville, Del., 19975 or Roxana Volunteer Fire Co., 35943 Zion Church Road, Frankford, Del., 19945. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

David Fey OCEAN CITY – David Fey, 67, of Ocean City, passed away suddenly on January 25.

David Fey was born at the beach and loved it to his core. In September 27, 1952 there was a home birth in Haleiwa, Hawaii attended by the neighborhood Navy wives. His father, Commander George W. Fey was stationed at Wheeler Airfield, and his mother, M.J. Fey, quickly learned that, while the men were ‘in the air’, the women knew how to take charge.

David then lived most of his childhood in Maryland in Chevy Chase and Bethesda and attended Walt Whitman High School and Montgomery College, but his lifelong draw was to Ocean City.

He loved the water, the seafood and cooking.

David was a skilled chef DAVID FEY and worked at some of the beach’s finest restaurants. He had a trove of recipes, anecdotes and friends to share them with, which he discerningly collected over the years.

In the early 90’s, David took a chance and moved to the ‘other coast’ and San Francisco became home for two decades. He joined Macy’s and helped generate bigger interest in their foodie-draw concept, The Cellar. He encouraged world-renowned chefs to bring their specialties to an eager retail audience, and this soon became a hit.

He was proud of the marriage of great food and sales, but he was prouder still of his marriage to his love, Terry, in 1995.

They moved back to Ocean City in 2017. Their life and friends at the beach were a constant source of celebration.

David passed away at 67, the result of a massive heart attack on January 25th.

David is mourned by his family and all his many friends.

His wife Terry, his sister Janet Freeman of San Francisco, his nephew Chris Freeman and family of Pine Knoll Shores, N.C., and brother Scott of Paradise Valley, Arizona will be holding a Memorial Service in Ocean City in March. Any and all contributions can be made to American Cancer Society in his memory.

Obituaries cost $50 to appear in The Dispatch and photos are no extra charge. Direct all inquiries to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com, fax to 410-641-0966 or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Arrest Made In Hotel Theft Case OCEAN CITY – A Selbyville woman was arrested on theft charges last weekend after allegedly swiping $200 from a guest checking into a north-end hotel.

Around 7 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a hotel at 112th Street for a reported theft. The officer met with front desk staff who reported a guest in the hotel had checked in, but had left her clutch wallet on the front counter when she went to her room.

The staffers reportedly told police another couple had been checking in at the same time and provided their description to the officer. The front desk staff called the guest’s room and advised her that she had left her clutch wallet at the front desk.

When the guest came down for the wallet, she advised the front desk staffers there was $200 in cash missing from it. The front desk staff advised the victim the hotel’s security surveillance could not be viewed until two days later on Monday when the manager returned to work.

The victim then went back to her room and called the police. The OCPD officer went to the victim’s room and interviewed her. According to police reports, the victim told the officer she had $200 in cash in the form of 10 $20

bills in the wallet, which is an amount her son had given to her for rent.

The officer completed a report and provided the victim with a case number and advised she would be updated on the investigation when police had an opportunity to review the hotel’s video surveillance footage on Monday. The officer then went back to the front desk to get more information from the staff.

While the officer was interviewing staffers, a couple matching the description of the couple checking in at the same time of the reported theft exited the elevator. The officer introduced himself and asked the couple if they had found a wallet while they were checking in. According to police reports, the couple told the officer that

they had found a wallet.

When asked if they had taken any money from it, they denied doing so.

The officer identified the female suspect as Catherine Lozupone, 55, of Selbyville. A background check revealed Lozupone was wanted on an outstanding warrant from Wicomico County. At that point, she was taken into custody for the outstanding warrant.

During a search incident to the arrest, the officer found 10 $20 bills folded in half in the suspect’s wallet.

During the booking process, Lozupone reportedly told the officer “Can I be honest with you? I found the money on the floor in the lobby. I have no other money except the money I found.” Lozupone was charged with

January 31, 2020 theft from $100 to under $1,500.

Downtown Ruckus Leads To Arrest OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on multiple charges last weekend after allegedly causing a ruckus outside a downtown pizza parlor.

Around 2:40 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a pizza restaurant at 7th Street for a reported disorderly male.

When officers arrived, a restaurant patron pointed to a suspect later identified as Nicholas Pittman, 35, of Ocean City, as the source of the incident.

A restaurant employee informed OCPD officers Pittman had been disorderly and had attempted to fight other patrons before their arrival. When the officers arrived on scene, Pittman began screaming at them, along with restaurant patrons. At one point, Pittman could be heard screaming from at least 100 feet away, in violation of the town’s 50foot noise ordinance.

According to police reports, other patrons exhibited signs of disgust with Pittman’s actions. An OCPD officer approached Pittman, informed him his actions were violating state laws and the town’s ordinances, and asked for identification. According to police reports, Pittman yelled “Why I got to identify myself? This America. You don’t need my ID.” When OCPD officers gave Pittman multiple orders to stop yelling and disturbing the peace, he reportedly continued to yell “It’s America, I got a right to yell,” according to police reports.

Pittman was ultimately arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing and hindering, failure to obey a lawful order and intoxicated public endangerment.

Flailing Around In Police Station Lot OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City woman was arrested last week after allegedly screaming obscenities at police officers and flailing around in the parking lot of the Public Safety Building.

Around 7 p.m. last Thursday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers assisted another officer with a disorderly citizen at the police station at 65th Street. Upon arrival, an OCPD officer located an allegedly intoxicated suspect identified as Janice Benny, 60, SEE NEXT PAGE

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... Cops & Courts

January 31, 2020

of Ocean City, in the parking lot of the Public Safety Building. After a brief conversation with Benny, the officer advised her she was free to go, according to police reports.

The initial officer advised the responding officer about five minutes earlier, Benny had been in the lobby of the Public Safety Building and was screaming obscenities at police in front of at least two other people who were in the police station on unrelated business. When the OCPD officers walked back outside to the parking lot, Benny was allegedly still on the scene, flailing in the parking lot and screaming undiscernible words and phrases, according to police reports. She was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Domestic Assault Yields Probation OCEAN CITY – A Virginia man arrested in October after assaulting his girlfriend and later being found in possession of a loaded handgun pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault and was placed on probation.

Around 12:30 a.m. on October 27, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a reported domestic assault that had already occurred in the downtown area. According to police report, the victim’s mother called Ocean City Communications to report her daughter had been hit by her boyfriend, later identified as Benjamin Gooden, 25, of Elkton, Va. The officer was able to obtain the victim’s cellphone number and called her to find out what had happened and where she was located. The victim told police she was staying on the fifth floor, but that she didn’t know which room number. The victim told police she had been assaulted by Gooden, who had left the room just before she called the police. The victim also provided a description of Gooden.

As the officer was approaching the building, he observed a male matching Gooden’s description walking near the building. The officer asked the suspect “are you Ben?” to which he replied yes. Gooden was asked to sit down on the curb while the officer questioned him. According to police reports, Gooden was carrying a plastic bag containing clothes and other belongings, and when he set it down on the sidewalk, the officer detected the sound of metal hitting the ground.

When the officer asked Gooden if he was carrying any weapons, he reportedly admitted carrying a pistol.

The officer inspected the bag and found a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun in the bag concealed under a T-shirt, according to police reports.

The officer rendered the weapon safe and noticed a round in the chamber and nine more rounds in the magazine.

When questioned, Gooden said he always carried the handgun with him for protection. “I take it everywhere I go, I even had it on the Boardwalk earlier,” he said, according to police reports.

SEE PAGE 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

... Cops & Courts

Page 26

FROM PAGE 25 Gooden told police Virginia was an open-carry state and that he didn’t know he wasn’t allowed to carry it in Maryland.

As far as the alleged assault goes, Gooden told police he had a verbal argument with the victim, but it had not been physical. Based on the evidence, Gooden was arrested at that point for carrying a loaded handgun on his person. OCPD officers then interviewed the victim, who told police she and Gooden had been in an argument and that he had slapped her. Last week, Gooden pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was placed on probation for one year.

Guilty Plea For Obstructing And Hindering OCEAN CITY – A local woman ar-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch rested in December after getting pulled over for a routine traffic violation and scrapping with police attempting to question her pleaded guilty last week to obstructing and hindering and was placed on probation.

Around 2 p.m. on December 5, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 59th Street observed a vehicle with a crack on the driver’s side of the windshield, which was reportedly obstructing the driver’s field of vision. The officer pulled the vehicle over and determined the crack was 10 to 12 inches in length.

When the officer made contact with the driver, later identified as Jazmine Snell, 21, of Ocean City, he detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, according to police reports. As a result, the officer asked Snell to exit the vehicle, but she refused and said “you’re not searching my car,” according to police reports. Snell reportedly refused to step out of the vehicle at least three different times, stating “I’m

not getting out of the car,” and “you can’t make me get out of the car.”

The officer reportedly asked Snell to turn off the vehicle’s ignition for safety purposes and to keep her from leaving the scene, but she refused multiple times. Another officer arrived on the scene and opened the vehicle’s passenger side door and attempted to reach across to turn off the ignition.

According to police reports, Snell forcibly pushed the officer’s arm away to prevent him from reaching over to the driver’s side of the vehicle.

At that point, the initial officer on the scene forcibly pulled Snell from the vehicle and ordered her to put her hands behind her back. As the officer attempted to put handcuffs on Snell, she reportedly pulled away and twisted her body to the point OCPD officers had to push her to the ground in order to gain control of her. A search of the vehicle turned up a baggie of marijuana.

A background check revealed Snell’s Delaware driver’s license was

January 31, 2020 suspended. The check also revealed Snell had been cited for driving while suspended four times in the last year.

All in all, Snell was charged with second-degree assault, obstructing and hindering, resisting arrest and multiple traffic violations.

According to police reports, when Snell was advised she was being charged with arrest, she said “Don’t charge me with assault,” and “I’m driving without a license, but I didn’t assault anyone.” Last week, Snell pleaded guilty to obstructing and hindering and was placed on probation for one year.

Juvenile Runaway Located In Pines OCEAN PINES – A runaway from Pennsylvania was located in Ocean Pines last weekend after allegedly swiping the family vehicle and navigating it to Worcester County.

On Sunday, Ocean Pines Police received information from Pennsylvania that a 13-year-old female had runaway from that state and was believed to be operating a motor vehicle in Ocean Pines. Ocean Pines Police stopped the vehicle and identified the driver and sole occupant as the missing juvenile, who had taken a family vehicle without permission.

The juvenile runaway had apparently operated the vehicle safely from Pennsylvania to Ocean Pines. Officers took the juvenile into custody and referred the matter to the Juvenile Justice Administration for adjudication. The vehicle was returned to the lawful owner.

Hot Tar Civil Suit Settled

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 27

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OCEAN CITY – Although the terms have not been disclosed, a civil suit filed by a resort-area resident after burning his feet on a freshly-paved section of Coastal Highway was settled last week.

According to complaint, on May 11, 2018 around 1 p.m., local resident Scott Berry was returning from the beach and crossing Coastal Highway from east to west in the area of 36th Street in a marked crosswalk when he suffered severe burns on both of his feet. The plaintiff crossed Coastal Highway in an area that was recently repaved with fresh asphalt as part of a larger paving project.

The plaintiff originally filed suit in Worcester County Circuit Court against George and Lynch, Inc., the contractor hired by the State Highway Administration (SHA) to complete the Coastal Highway paving project. The case was then moved to U.S. District Court in May 2019. The plaintiff was seeking unspecified damages in excess of $75,000, or what is essentially the jumping-off point for similar civil suits.

The defendant George and Lynch, filed a formal answer to the complaint, seeking a dismissal of the suit. In the formal answer, the defendant denied liability and asserted the plaintiff’s claims were barred by contributory negligence and an assumption of risk. George and Lynch then filed a counter-claim against Traffic and Safety Signs, Inc., the subcontractor responsible for controlling vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the paving project area.

This week, the case was dismissed with prejudice, with all claims “settled, paid and satisfied,” according to court documents. Again, the terms of the settlement have not been made public and are protected by confidentiality clauses, although the base amount the plaintiff was seeking was in excess of $75,000.

According to the complaint, Berry crossed the recently-repaved section of Coastal Highway in a crosswalk and suffered second-degree burns on both of his feet.

“The asphalt where he was crossing Coastal Highway was freshly-laid asphalt and was dangerously hot,” the complaint reads. “As the plaintiff walked across Coastal Highway at a designated pedestrian crosswalk, he suffered severe burns to his feet.”

The complaint asserted there were no warnings posted about the dangerous conditions, nor any barricades to prevent him from crossing.

“There were no warnings posted in the area that the asphalt was dangerously hot or freshly-applied,” the complaint reads. “Although there were flaggers in the vicinity, they did nothing to warn the plaintiff as to the dangerous condition of the asphalt.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 31, 2020

Please join us in welcoming our new nightlife photographer Tyler Horton, who has been a regular contributor of beautiful Mother Nature pictures for many years. Tyler’s first page features photos from the Bourbon Street Babes Drag Show at the Pit & Pub on 28th street benefiting Women Supporting Women, the Greene Turtle West 21st Anniversary Party and Full Moon Saloon welcomed Emmitsburg Vigilant Hose Company #6.

28th Street Pit & Pub: Ivy Austin, Magnolia Applebottom, Maria Mcevoy, Sue Nami and Roxy Overbrooke

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Greene Turtle West: General Manager Chad Rodgers, Kelly Rodgers, Peggy Kent and Nina Williams

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Greene Turtle West: Sharon and Rick Mannick

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Maryland Coastal Bays Program Names New Executive Director

January 31, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The Maryland Coastal Bays Program began the new year under new leadership after a monthslong hiring process.

At the beginning of January, Kevin Smith began his tenure as the new executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP), taking over the position vacated by Frank Piorko upon his retirement at the end of last year.

Since that time, Smith said he has immersed himself in his work, taking on the responsibilities of his position and developing goals for the future.

“It’s been going well, but I’m definitely on a steep learning curve,” he said. “There’s a lot to learn.”

Smith spent the past 34 years with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Prior to his retirement, he served as the director of restoration and resiliency under the Division of Chesapeake and Coastal Services, leading restoration and enhancement projects, many on the Eastern Shore.

“In my previous job with the Department of Natural Resources, I worked with folks in the coastal bays area and county officials going back several years,” he said. “So, I’m familiar with the area, and I have a pretty close working relationship with folks down here.”

So, when the program’s search to find a new executive director began

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

last August, Smith said he decided to apply.

“When I saw this job was advertised last summer, I had at that point 34-and-a-half years in the Department of Natural Resources,” he said. “So, I thought, ‘Well let’s see what that opportunity looks like.’ I interviewed for the position and got the job.”

Smith has spent most of his career in the field of aquatic and habitat restoration. After graduating from the University of Maryland with degrees in resource conservation and fish and wildlife management, he worked for the North American Wildfowl Trust on waterfowl habitat enhancement before joining the DNR in 1985.

Smith noted that his interest in habitat restoration and management began in high school, when he started birding.

“I was always interested in birds and waterfowl, so that got my interest piqued,” he said. “That led to me trying to understand the ecology and what habitats they preferred, which then led me to looking at how their habitats have degraded and how we can restore those sorts of attributes.”

After spending much of his career working on restoration and enhancement projects throughout the lower Eastern Shore, Smith said he is eager to continue that work at the MCBP and lead the program as it enters an age of new environmental challenges.

“In 2021, the program will be 25 years old,” he said. “And while some of the challenges and goals that were identified back then remain, we are now facing a new set of challenges with things like resiliency, storm events and sea level rise.”

Page 29

New Maryland Coastal Bays Program Executive Director Kevin Smith joins the agency after three decadesplus with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Submitted photo

Volunteer Fire Company Recruiting Efforts Prove Successful

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Despite being hamstrung by the recent retirement of its recruitment coordinator, the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company continues to make great strides in attracting new members and retaining those it already has.

During Tuesday’s work session, Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) President Jay Jester provided an overview of the department’s recruiting and retainment efforts. Two years ago, in the interest of reaching out to new potential active, associate and contributing members, the OCVFC partnered with the town on hiring a recruiting and retainment coordinator.

Volunteer fire companies ac-ross the region and beyond have been experiencing a drain on membership rolls in recent years and the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company has not been immune to some degree.

When Jester first pitched the idea of hiring a retention and recruitment coordinator for the department in 2018, he said the volunteer company

has a maximum membership number of 125 in the first-due response area and that number had steadily dwindled to around 77 active members, or about 67 percent of the ideal number.

To that end, the OCVFC decided to take a proactive approach to reversing the trend with the hiring of a retention and recruitment coordinator, who, as the title suggests, will seek new recruits for the volunteer company, but also manage the existing members to ensure they don’t drop off of the active rolls. According to the Jester’s presentation to the Mayor and Council on Tuesday, the proactive approach has achieved the desired results thus far.

The number of potential members interested in active service more than doubled from 13 in 2018 to 28 in 2019.

Similarly, the number of potential members interested in associate memberships, or those who don’t live in the direct service area but interested in serving in a limited capacity increased from 67 in 2018 to 105 in 2019. In addition, the number of new cadets more than doubled from just seven in 2018 to 15 in 2019.

Alas, Jester told the Mayor and Coun-

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January 31, 2020

cil the recruitment and retainment coordinator hired in 2018 just last week resigned to seek a similar position elsewhere. While losing the position is a temporary setback, the fire company is continuing the initiatives the coordinator began.

“Our recruitment coordinator resigned last week and left us at a pretty delicate time,” he said. “We’re nearing the end of that two-year period where we decide to keep that going. We’re very much in favor of the program and we’re going to keep it going in the interim until we find a replacement.”

Perhaps the biggest gain has come in the volunteer fire company’s livein program. A total of 27 candidates showed interest in the live-in program in 2018, a number which grew to 63 in 2019. Jester said the program has grown by leaps and bounds and the challenge now is finding space for the potential candidates.

“We have two guys ready to move into headquarters and that will cover nine of the 10 beds,” he said. “We also have three to six that are coming back, so we’re now trying to figure out where we’re going to put these

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five extra people.”

A few years back, the Ocean City Fire Department established a program allowing certain qualified volunteer firefighters to live in the department’s firehouses free of charge. Live-in space in the firehouses is limited and available only to certified firefighters who are also students at nearby colleges and universities. Under the program, the firefighters live in the various quarters free of charge close to school and the beach and everything else Ocean City has to offer in exchange for working shifts in addition to their regular shift rotation.

“It was promised years ago the livein program would be sustainable well into the future,” he said. “As you can see, the numbers are bearing that out.”

Jester said the fire company’s recruitment and retainment initiatives are being mimicked by other departments facing the same challenges.

“We’re really blazing a trail here,” he said. “There are a lot of people calling on us because of the work we’ve been doing to make sure the volunteer component of the fire department stays healthy for a lengthy period of time.”

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Two Bennett Students Sentenced For Role In Donnybrook

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Two students atJames M. Bennett High School were sentenced this week to 10 days in jail after pleading guilty to the charge of disturbing school activities.

On Nov. 18, 2019, Monia Ja’uniq Spence, 18, of Salisbury, and Ty’mearra Janae’ Purnell, 18, also of Salisbury, were identified as primary participants in a fight at James M. Bennett High School that involved at least 12 female students, according to a statement issued by the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office this week.

During that altercation, prosecutors say one of the students discharged Mace in the hallway and onto several of the participants. One Wicomico County Board of Education employee suffered minor effects, along with several of the students who were treated by the school nurse for the Mace effects.

Prosecutors say Spence and Purnell, as well as Kemiya Brenae Johnson, 18, of Salisbury, and one additional participant, were adults and charged accord-

ingly. The majority of the other fight participants were juveniles.

On Tuesday, Wicomico County District Court Judge David Martz sentenced both Spence and Purnell to 10 days of active incarceration for one count each of disturbing school activities. Martz also found Johnson guilty on one count of disturbing school activities but struck the guilty finding and entered probation before judgement.

All three of the students pled guilty to the charge of disturbing school activities, according to the Wicomico County

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State’s Attorney’s Office.

In a statement this week, Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes commended the deputies of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource Division for their work in the investigation, as well as Deputy State’s Attorney Bill McDermott, who prosecuted the cases.

“We will protect the integrity of our classrooms,” she said. “The 98 percent of students who go to school to learn, and the staff who go to school to inspire our young people, have a right to

do so in a safe environment. With a bit of accountability, I am optimistic that all of our futures are bright.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, School Superintendent Donna Hanlin responded to the announcement from the state’s attorney’s office.

“While our school staff and administrators would always prefer to prevent and intervene in response to student disciplinary matters, we also believe that strong accountability measures must be employed when our students are not reSEE PAGE 33

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Students Kailey Andrews, Sophia Krasner and Zach Krasner added to their community service hours while helping out at the Berlin Lions Club Chicken & Dumpling sale.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Having fun at the OC Elks Bingo Volunteer Appreciation Party were Carol Doody, Penny Matthews, and Bunny Huster.

In Society

January 31, 2020

At the Chicken & Dumpling carry-out, Quality Control Manager Ray McCabe and Operations Supervisor Bob Palladino reminded everyone about the Berlin Lions Club infamous sausage sale taking place this Saturday.

Bingo card sellers Nelsie and Butch Jameson enjoyed the appreciation party held for all the OC Elks Lodge bingo volunteers.

ABATE of Delaware Sussex County Chapter’s Pete Smith and Alice Ellis attended a spaghetti dinner earlier this month to support the group’s mission of motorcycle safety education.

The Sussex County Chapter of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) held a spaghetti dinner with Rich Ousterman and Anne-Marie Steiger coming out to dine.

Volunteers of the OC Elks Wednesday Night bingo games, including Charlie and Hanna Walraven, were thanked for their services with an appreciation party earlier this month.

Tom and Gaye Hughes just had to get in on the picture action during the OC Elks Lodge Bingo Volunteer Appreciation Party.

Berlin Lions Club’s Joe Andrews knows their Chicken & Dumpling fundraiser just wouldn’t be the same without Miss Peggy Hobbs heading up the kitchen operations.

Lisa Nailor joined ABATE Sergeant at Arms Dave Raven Robinson for the group’s annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

Outlet Mall Shuttle Loop Eliminated

January 31, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The shuttle transporting visitors to and from the Parkand-Ride in West Ocean City will be free this summer on most days, but the route will no longer include a loop through the outlet mall.

As part of the plan to offset some of the sting of modest peak season parking rates at the Inlet, municipal lots and on the street in the downtown area, resort officials have agreed to waive the $3 shuttle fee from the Parkand-Ride in West Ocean City into and out of town. The concept is to encourage people to park for free at the Parkand-Ride and take the shuttle for free into the downtown area to enjoy the beach and Boardwalk, or to connect to the town’s municipal bus system to points further north.

It’s important to note the Park-andRide shuttle will be free for consumers except on certain major holidays and special events, a list that has not yet been determined. Another aspect of the changing dynamics at the Parkand-Ride is the elimination of the loop through the Tanger outlets shopping center and White Marlin Mall.

During a Transportation Committee meeting on Tuesday, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said with the nearcompletion of a vast hiker-bike trail along Route 50 in West Ocean City including a network of bridges, marked crosswalks and countdown clocks, for example, the loop through the outlet mall on the north side of Route 50 will be eliminated. Instead, the shuttle route will be streamlined to just loop through the Park-and-Ride and back to the downtown area.

“Our understanding is we will be terminating that route that goes to the outlets,” he said. “We will not be going to the mall. We won’t need that shelter over there and we’ll take down our signs.”

... Students To Serve 10 Days

FROM PAGE 31 sponding to intervention strategies,” she said. “The school system’s response with disciplinary measures is now being reinforced and strengthened through the collaborative efforts of all partners on the Youth Safety Task Force. We appreciate that cooperation and are hoping today’s announcement lets students, parents and our staff know that chronic disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

Wicomico County Public Schools is filled with outstanding students and staff who are accomplishing great things each day, and we will continue to work to ensure they have the safest environment in which to thrive and learn.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

When the Park-and-Ride was developed around 20 years ago, there was no loop through the outlets and to the grocery store and other amenities on that side of Route 50. However, it soon became apparent many visitors, largely the J-1 summer seasonal workforce, were taking the shuttle to the Park-and-Ride and dashing across Route 50 to the shopping areas.

“In 2003, we expanded the route to include a mall stop,” said Adkins. “There were no crosswalks and no countdown clocks on Route 50 and there was a lot of foot traffic over there, especially with the J-1 students. It was a dangerous situation. The state just installed a $1.8 million hiker-biker trail over there and the stop at the outlet mall is no longer needed.”

Adkins said the vast majority of the shuttle users are simply trying to get back to their cars after a day at the beach or Boardwalk and often question why it loops through the shopping areas before returning to their destination.

“We’re looking forward to it,” he said. “For a lot of our guests, they take the shuttle back across the bridge after a day at the beach or the Boardwalk and the shuttle drives right past the Park-and-Ride and goes through the outlets first. We had to answer a lot of questions and always had to explain that.”

Page 33

Berlin Liquor Store

Largest Liquor Store In OC Area!

Cold & Warm Beer

BEER•LIQUOR•WINE Every Thursday And Sunday Senior Citizens Get

10% OFF

10% OFF

Liquor And Wine

Liquor And Wine

(On Orders Of $50 Or More) Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Must bring in coupon. Expires 02/16/20 • MCD

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT 10818 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, MD 21811 410-973-2873

Berlin Unloading Zone Approved

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials approved the addition of an unloading zone as well as 15-minute parking to the downtown area.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council voted unanimously to create an unloading zone on Pitts Street as well two 15-minutes parking spaces on Commerce Street. Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said the unloading zone would improve safety as parcel delivery trucks would be directed to park there rather than stop in the middle of Main Street to unload.

“Apparently, the town’s been trying to do this for I don’t know how many years, so I very much appreciate you doing this tonight,” she said.

At the council’s last meeting, Wells proposed the creation of an unload-

January 31, 2020

ing zone on the north side of Pitts Street. Councilman Zack Tyndall, however, pointed out that it was close to the intersection with Main Street and instead proposed space on the south side of Pitts Street. Wells said she and Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood evaluated the new location, which is behind Heart of Gold Kids, and found it to be suitable. She said she’d also discussed it with the town’s police chief as well as UPS and FedEx drivers.

“We have decided that would be an optimum place for our unloading zone,” she said.

The 50 feet of curb space will serve as a designated unloading zone for official parcel carriers between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

At the request of Councilman Dean Burrell, Wells said she’d also evaluated the potential of some 15-miunte spaces. She proposed adding two such spaces to the end of Commerce Street closest to Main Street.

Henry Park Garden To Be Expanded

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

this week’s

open houses

CALL AGENTS FOR DIRECTIONS

View more open houses at www.mdcoastdispatch.com/open_houses.php

WEST OCEAN CITY West Harbor Village 9800-32 Mooring View Lane Fri-Sun 11-5 New Construction Townhomes Harbor Homes 443-366-2814

FRANKFORD The Estuary Islander Beach Rd Fri-Sun Noon-4 New Construction Model Homes Woods/Pond Lots Many Amenities Ryan Homes 302-321-9194

OCEAN CITY The Latitudes 25th Street Bayfront Thurs-Mon 10-4 New Construction 3BR/3BA/Garage Townhomes Mary McCracken Long & Foster 410-430-7302

OCEAN VIEW 14 William Ave Sea Village Sat 3-5 3BR/3BA/2890SF Contemporary Home Half-Acre Lot Jo Ann Brandt Coldwell Banker 302-300-7187

POCOMOKE CITY 1413 Cedar Street Sat 2-4 3BR/2BA/1052SF Ranch Home Spacious Backyard Stephen Cain Suzanah Cain Coldwell Banker 443-783-1483

BERLIN – Town officials approved plans for an expansion of the pollinator garden at Henry Park.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday approved plans from Assateague Coastal Trust’s Coast Kids program to enlarge the pollinator garden at Henry Park by adding a rain garden to it. The project, which is contingent upon receipt of grant funding, would be located in the northwest corner of the park near Route 113.

“The Berlin Parks Commission is totally in favor of this,” said Mike Wiley, chair of the commission. “I viewed the property in person and it’s definitely not conducive to anything else.”

Verena Chase, director of the Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) Coast Kids program, told officials her organization wanted to expand the

existing garden, which is located on the side of the park closest to Route 113, to include 100 native perennials, some small shrubs and a border of river rocks. The rocks, she said, would border the entire garden—the pollinator portion as well as the rain garden portion—so town staff could see it as they were mowing grass in the park. ACT also wants to add signage outlining the garden’s purpose.

Chase said the signage could also acknowledge the grants that funded the garden. While she hasn’t gotten approval yet, Chase said she’d applied for grants from the Keep Maryland Beautiful program as well as the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.

“I’ll know by March if one or both get approved,” she said.

If funding is received, Chase said garden preparations could begin in March. Planting would not occur until May.

BERLIN LIONS CLUB

WHOLE HOG SAUSAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY February 1, 2020 8 a.m.-until???

410-641-1064

Call For Pre-Orders Of 10 lbs. Or More Sponsored By Berlin Lions Club South Route 113 • Berlin, Maryland

January 31, 2020

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy life-style. 410-641-0157.

Every Monday: Delmarva Chorus Meeting 7 p.m. Ocean Pines Community Center.

Women of all ages invited to sing with the group. 410-641-6876.

Second Monday Of Month: Ocean Pines Camera Club 7 p.m. Ocean Pines branch library. Monthly get-together to share photos, tips, programs.

Group goes on a photo shoot the Saturday following meeting and hosts a hands-on workshop the last Thursday of each month.

Professional and amateur photographers and new members welcome. Meets second Monday of each month.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting 5:30-7 p.m. Worcester County Health Center, 9730 Healthway Dr., Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. jeanduck47@gmail.com.

Second Tuesday of Month: Eastern Shore Stamp Club Meeting 6 p.m. Salisbury branch, Wicomico County Library. Meetings held in basement.

Every Wednesday: Delmarva Hand Dance Club Dance To Sounds of ’50s And ’60s Music 5:30-9 p.m. Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. $5 donation per person to benefit veterans and local charities in the Delmarva region. Members and guests welcome. dance@delmarvahanddaning.com or http://delmarvahanddancing.com.

410-208-1151.

Every Wednesday: Rotary Club The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club meets Wednesdays on a weekly basis at the Residence Inn in Ocean City at 6 p.m.

Second Wednesday: Polish American Club Of Delmarva Meeting 2-4 p.m. Columbus Hall. Anyone of Polish or Slavic descent is welcome. No meetings June, July, August. 410-723-2639 or 410250-2548.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles 45 Plus, happy hour 4-7 p.m., Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Rd., Fenwick Island, DE. 302-436-9577, 410-524-0649, beachsingles.org.

Second Thursday: Ocean Pines Garden Club 10 a.m. Ocean Pines Community Center.

Visitors and new members welcome.

Every Friday: Knights Of Columbus #9053 Bingo Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo at 6:30 p.m.

9901 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City. Possible to win the $1,000 big jackpot each week.

410-524-7994.

Every Friday: FORGE Contemporary Youth And Family Ministry 6:30-8:30 p.m. FORGE Center, 7804 Gumboro Rd., Pittsville. Designed for kids ages 5-65, the program provides a meal, music, games, activities and a life lesson that can be of use to anyone. Christian-based program but does not require the practice of faith to attend. 443-366-2813.

First Saturday Of Month: Writers Group 10 a.m.-noon. Berlin branch, Worcester County Library. Anyone interested in writing is invited to join the group and share a story, poem or essay or just come and enjoy listening to others. This is a free activity. New members are always welcome.

The group is comprised of amateur as well

Things To Do The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

as professional, published writers willing to share their knowledge and offer tips on being creative with words.

February 4: Taco Night The 11th Annual $1 Taco Night will be held at Stephen Decatur High School from 2:307 p.m. in the cafeteria. In addition to chicken and beef tacos, there will also be sides, drinks, and desserts. Reservations are not necessary. Patrons can dine in or carry out.

All proceeds benefit Stephen Decatur High School.

February 4-6: Basic Boating Safety Course US Coast Guard Auxiliary offering at the Ocean Pines Library, 6-9 p.m. $15 for all three sessions. Register by calling Barry Cohen, 410-935-4807

February 5: Grace Parker Breakfast The next breakfast will be held from 7 a.m.noon at First Presbyterian Church. Eat-in or carryout.

February 7: Oyster Fritter Sandwiches American Legion on Old Ocean City Boulevard in Berlin will offer from 2 p.m.-until for $9. Public welcome.

FEBRUARY 7: Organic Wine & Chocolate Pairing Join us at Ocean City Organics from 3-6 p.m. for a organic wine and chocolate pairing. 11944 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City, MD

February 8: Soup & Sandwich Lunch Whaleyville United Methodist Church will

Page 35 host an all-you-can-eat soup and salad lunch from noon-2 p.m. Cost $7 for adult and $4 for child.

February 11: Plein Air Demo Local artist Marthia Peleggi will lead a demonstration at 3:30 p.m. at the Berlin Library loft. Event will be repeated March 17 at 3:30 p.m. She will answer questions about plein air and oil painting process.

February 13: AARP Meeting The local Ocean City AARP chapter will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City Senior Center. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. for social half hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will discuss Medicare. Optional luncheon will follow at Crabcake Factory on Route 54.

February 15: Annual Foreman’s Day Calvary United Methodist Church will host guest speaker Minister Betty ForemanGibbs at 3:30 p.m. with dinner at 2 p.m.

February 15: AYCE Fried Chicken Dinner New Hope United Methodist Church in Willards will host from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost $13 for adults. Carryouts available.

Baked goods for sale.

Page 36

Peninsula Cleaners Finds New Home

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

Peninsula Cleaners, which took over the old Venable’s Cleaners on William Street, this week moved to a new location in the Berlin Shopping Center. Pictured above, business is already robust at the new location.

Submitted photo

BERLIN – Peninsula Cleaners is now serving the Berlin community from a new location.

Peninsula Cleaners, the company that took over the Venable’s Cleaners location on William Street in 2018, opened this week in its new space in the Berlin Shopping Center.

“We’re still in Berlin we’re just on the other side of Route 113,” said Nick Kypreos, a partner in Peninsula Cleaners.

Peninsula Cleaners, which has several locations in Wicomico and Sussex counties, was quick to take over the William Street Venable’s location when the company announced it would be closing up for good in 2018.

“We signed the lease with the existing owner, Venable’s,” Kypreos said.

January 31, 2020

“Last year, they sold the building.”

The building was purchased by Kirk Burbage. Kypreos said he was advised in December the store would have to find a new location so the building could be renovated.

“That location’s been in town nearly 100 years, so we really didn’t want to leave, but we understand,” said Kypreos. “He wants to remodel and repurpose the building.”

When asked about plans for the building, connections of Burbage Funeral Home said the storefront would be “undergoing renovations and will be available for rent in the near future.”

In looking for a new location for Peninsula Cleaners, Kypreos initially tried to find another storefront in downtown Berlin.

“We wanted to be as close to our customers as possible,” he said. “But there was nothing available in town, especially with parking.”

He found a space in the Berlin Shopping Center on Old Ocean City Boulevard, however, that had plenty of parking. Peninsula Cleaners opened in the new space on Monday. Kypreos stressed that the store’s hours, staff and services would remain the same.

“Hopefully, we’ll carry on serving the Berlin community,” he said.

He added that the company’s takeover of the Venable’s operation had proven successful. Customers, Kypreos said, appreciated the array of services offered by Peninsula Cleaners.

St. Paul’s

Episcopal Church 3 Church Street Berlin MD 410~641~4066

WORSHIPING SUNDAYS At 8:30 and 10:30am

www.stpaulsberlin.org

Community

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

News In Photos

Nick Busko and Emory Busko of Scout Troop 621 accept a check from O.C. Lions Club President John Topfer. Emory has achieved the rank of 1st class and is the Sr. Patrol Leader of this all-girl troop. In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America allowed girls to form separate troops, follow the BSA curriculum and earn Eagle rank. The troop accepts girls ages 11 to 17 from Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties.

The Salisbury Jaycees recently announced the 2019 award winners during the chapter’s annual Awards and Installation Banquet. Jason Rhodes earned the John Armbruster Award for the most active veteran member, Tyler Harwood earned the Hidden Hero Award, D’Shawn Doughty and Kyle Livingston won the Key Persons Award, Allen Swiger won the Outstanding Community Partner Award and Don Rutledge earned the John Culver Jaycee of the Year Award.

Submitted Photos

At its annual dinner, the Rotary Foundation Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club President Margaret Mudron and her club with five awards including 100% Club Giving, 100% Every Rotarian Every Year, End Polio Now support, District Grant Award and the Rotary Citation with Silver Distinction. Pictured with the awards from left to right are Stan Kahn, Cliff Berg, Nancy Bradford, Sonia Baker, Frank Baker, Margaret Mudron, Arlan Kinney and Larry Michnick. The Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Residence Inn by Marriott on 61st Street and the bay.

The Republican Women of Worcester County held their January luncheon meeting at the Captains Table Restaurant last Thursday. Guest speakers were Pat Schrawder, Senator Mary Beth Carozza's representative, who gave a report on the legislative happenings in Annapolis and Chip Bertino, Worcester County Commissioner, who gave an update on county government and the community. Standing left to right are Pat Schrawder, Beth Rodier, RWWC President, and Commissioner Chip Bertino.

Moms Demand Action joined the Ocean City Women's Day March to celebrate the 100 years of women’s suffrage in the U.S. A spokeswoman from the Eastern Shore, MD Moms Demand Action, Kady Everson, talked about the inextricable link between gun violence and intimate partner violence. The organization’s goal is to establish common-sense gun laws.

The Dispatch Classifieds

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

Sea Play Homes

HVAC Energy Maintenance

is currently hiring for several

No experience necessary

HELP WANTED GENERALS KITCHEN: Now Hiring Part Time Busser. Call 443614-0516.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– TILE SETTER FOR CONDO BATHS: Call Ron at 443-7831966.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– RENTAL ASSISTANT: Must have good customer service skills. Good benefits. Knowledge of Ocean City & able to work wkends a must.

Send resume: keti@shorepro.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hy. 410-2131572.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GO-CART SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC NEEDED: FT/YR. Call 410-289-4902

Now Interviewing For Full Time Year Round MANAGER Please Contact Ray at 443-497-1256

Selbyville Goose Creek Fenwick Goose Creek Hiring for all positions.

For Both Locations Apply Online www.mygcjob.com

Storm Shutter & Window Installers Local specialty contractor seeking individuals for our storm shutter division and window division. Experience in storm shutters, windows & doors, and garage doors is a plus, but training is available. Driver’s license and transportation required.

Please forward resume to: paola@masterjackwindows.com.

Applications available on site at 11935 Hammer Road, Bishopville, MD

For The Best Job in Town

Sous Chef and Line Cook Positions Available

Salary, Health Insurance, and Profit Sharing for the Right Candidate!

Please Email cbozick@mackys.com for Details!

54th ST OCMD

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SALON PROFESSIONALS: The Boulevard has space available for independent booth renters. We offer full week, 1/2 week and daily pricing. Send confidential inquiries to Theboulevard21811@aol.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Assawoman Ale Shoppe Hiring for all positions.

Apply within store.

52nd Street, Bayside, OC.

Year round, Part-time positions:

NOW HIRING

Higgins Crab House North 128th Street

410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

•ALL KITCHEN POSITIONS •HOST/HOSTESS •SERVERS •BUSSERS •BARTENDER

MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS We are looking for skilled individuals to join our maintenance and building department.

Experience in plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall and carpentry highly desired.

Certifications are a plus. Prior hotel experience is preferred, but not mandatory.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefit package commensurate with experience and skill level.

Email your resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or come in and complete an application at the front desk.

We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

Cleaning Specialists VIP House Cleaners Laundry Attendants Property Watch Technicians Runners ...and more Be a part of a great team with an established, fast growing company.

Must be flexible and dependable Top pay with opportunities for advancement Car & cell phone allowances Must have reliable transportation & cell phone Background check & drug testing required.

For more careers and information, please visit our website https://seaplayhomes.com/careers or send resumes to info@seaplayhomes.com You may also call 302-317-1390 for additional information.

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round - Full/Part Time ~HOUSEKEEPING (ROOM ATTEND.) ~LAUNDRY (WASH ROOM) ~DISHWASHER ~LINE COOK ~MAINTENANCE ~SECURITY GUARD ~SERVER ~BANQUET SERVER FREE EMPLOYEE MEALS AND EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

Apply in Person IN THE OF FENWICK

Come Join Our Winning Team!

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

$15.-$18.per hour FT/PT Available Contact Scott scott@hvactuneup.com 301-943-0905

January 31, 2020

NOW HIRING AWESOME PEOPLE

Holding open interviews

EVERY SAT & SUN (Starting Feb. 15th)

11am-2pm for:

•SERVERS •HOSTS •BUS STAFF •KITCHEN STAFF •SECURITY

Come by and join our 2020 family!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

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

MANAGER POSITIONS

We are currently looking for people to fill openings for our Management Team. These positions require flexible scheduling (weekends, holidays, evenings), proven experience as a retail manager, excellent organization and leadership skills, and APPLY IN PERSON OR CALL TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEW outstanding communication and interpersonal 1 North Division Street Ocean City, MD 21842 abilities.

(410) 289-7000 Phone (410) 289-3199 Fax Marybeth@quietstorm.com

The Dispatch

January 31, 2020

Classifieds

CLASSIFIED RATES Line Ads $15/week for 5 lines. Display ads $20/week per column inch.

Deadline for insertions, cancellations, and payment is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

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

The Dispatch

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING

COMMERCIAL WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTALS YR BRAND NEW 4BR/3.5BA Villa in West Fenwick. Maintenace Free.

Community Pool. Water View. Many Amenities. $1950/month. Call Frank 443-286-7467.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– NORTH OC: Spacious 4BR, 2BA. Unfurn. Lrg. Kitch., LR, florida Rm. New Appl’s. On water. $1600 per mo. + util.’s No pets. 443-856-5693 (text only) or 718-986-7382.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FURNISHED WINTER RENTALS Feb-April. 2BR, 1BA Bayshore Drive $700 per mo. 3BR, 2BA Jamestown Road $900 per mo. Tenant pays elec. & cable. 410-202-2632.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEEKLY RENTAL: 4BR, 2 1/2BA. Fully furnished. W/D, Pool, Tennis court. Quiet community. 7 miles from the beach. $2,500 per wk. Call Mike for details. 410-877-3894.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR ROUND OCEAN PINES 3BR/2BA unfurnished house. $1500/month + utilities. Call or text 410-390-9131.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– O.C. YEAR ROUND: 1BR Apt. 209 10th Street, furnished. Adults only.

Small pets considered. 410-845-9673.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ocean Pines Early Bird 4 Large bedrooms and great room w/ cathedral ceiling and fireplace.

Master bdrm. & bath w/jet tub & seperate shower.

Large kitchen with lots of cabinets. All-purpose room. 2 car garage and large deck.

Overlooks golf course. $359,950

ROOMMATES ROOM FOR RENT: Responsible working adult. West OC. Furnished Room, Nice Home, Water View. Utilities Incl. $250/week + $250 security. 443-727-9018.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR OR SEASONAL ROOMMATES: North OC. Looking for female roommates to share 3BR, 2BA Condo. Call Tricia 443-6104665.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pool Front Room $199 Family Room $235 2 BR Apartment $315.

3 BR Suite $400.

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 24, 2020 2x 1-24, 1-31

REAL ESTATE FSBO DIRECT OCEANFRONT Lrg. 1BR Condo. Fabulous view of Ocean & Bay. Top Flr. New stainless appls. Realtors Welcome.

Firm at $255,000. 717-580-8261.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SERVICES J-N-J PAINTING: Free estimates.

Residential and light commercial.

Joe 443-610-4644.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

Showing by Appt.

Call 410-726-0698

WEEKLY RENTALS

FEBRUARY 10, 2020, 7:00 PM MAYOR AND COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 10 WILLIAM STREET, BERLIN, MD Pursuant to Article Ill, "District Changes and other Amendments", Section 108-214, and Section 108-215 of the Berlin Town Code, the Berlin Mayor and Council will hold a Public Hearing during its regularly scheduled meeting to consider a recommendation for annexation passed by unanimous motion of the Berlin Planning Commission during its December 11, 2019 meeting.

The parcels proposed for annexation are located on the south side of U.S. Route 50, and east of Sea hawk Road, contiguous toe the Berlin Corporate limits, and further identified as Worcester County Tax Map No. 25, parcel 430owned by Two Farms, Inc. and parcel 408 owned by the Michael Myers Revocable Trust.

FOR SALE A/C WINDOW UNITS : 3 available (2 5000 BTU, 1 8000 BTU). GE Brand. Good working condition. $50/each. Will make deal on all 3.

302-270-3653.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FIREWOOD: Seasoned, split hardwood. $150/cord + delivery.

410-726-2887. Please lv. message –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WINTER-SHORT TERM RENTALS-Until April 15 SUNSET Dr: 2BR 1.5BA, Apt $700.mo TIBURON 139 St: 3BR, 2BA, Condo $900.mo GOLF COURSE Rd, WOC: 2BR, 1BA, Apt $600.mo Fully Furnished plus Cable & TV, Wi-Fi, W/D 410-213-8090 / events@oceanpromotions.info

THIRD INSERTION HASSANI, FOCAS, & FIFER, PA ERIC T. FIFER 22 WEST PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE SUITE 606 TOWSON, MD 21204 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18125 Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of YORK COUNTY, PA, appointed JAY L. GOOD, 160 GLENVUE ROAD, GLEN ROCK, PA 17327, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of GLORIA N. GOOD, who died on JUNE 23, 2019, domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is ERIC T. FIFER, ESQ., whose address is 22 WEST PENNSYLVANIA AVE., SUITE 606, TOWSON, MD 21204. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the foreign 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.

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 17, 2020 JAY L. GOOD 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 1-17, 1-24, 1-31

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18129 To all persons interested in the estate of MYRNA H. WRIGHT, ESTATE NO. 18129. Notice is given that BEVERLY S. WRIGHT, 215 TILDEN WAY, EDGEWATER, MD 21037, was on, JANUARY 14, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MYRNA H. WRIGHT, who died on JANUARY 5, 2020, with a will.

Page 39 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 14TH day of JULY, 2020.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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 tha 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 17, 2020 BEVERLY S. WRIGHT 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 1-17, 1-24, 1-31

SECOND INSERTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-19-000382 SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

HAROLD H THOMAS REVOCABLE TRUST D. 5/2/2001 SERVE: THOMAS H HAROLD, TRUSTEE AND STONE HARBOUR VILLAS

CONDOMINIUM COUNCIL OF UNIT OWNERS SERVE: PRESIDENT AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 13266 STONE HARBOUR LN, 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND SERVE ON: MAUREEN L. HOWARTH, COUNTY ATTORNEY AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 13266 STONE HARBOUR LN, 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 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.

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 in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 37, Parcel No, 10384435, Property Description: UNIT 33 PH 7, JEFFERSON AVE, STONE HARBOUR VILLAS CM, Assessed to HAROLD H THOMAS, REVOCABLE TRUST and THOMAS H HAROLD, TRUSTEE, also known as 13266 STONE HARBOUR LN, 3307, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 21st of January, 2020 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 (3) successive weeks on or before the 21st day of February , 2020 warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 26th day of March, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment 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

The Dispatch

Page 40

Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

JANUARY 24, 2020 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 1-24, 1-31, 2-07

SECOND INSERTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-19-000381 SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

WILLIAM W. WRIGHT, MANAGING MEMBER OF SW CONDOMINIUM LLC, A MD FORFEITED LLC AND ELIZABETH ZAJIC, TRUSTEE AND WELLS FARGO BANK, NA F/K/A WACHOVIA BANK, NA AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 11500 COASTAL HWY #607 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND SERVE ON: MAUREEN L. HOWARTH, COUNTY ATTORNEY AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 11500 COASTAL HWY #607 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 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.

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 in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the

Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 90, Parcel No. 10143667, Property Description: U 607 BEACH HWY, SEA WATCH CM, Assessed to SW CONDOMINIUM LLC, also known as 11500 COASTAL HWY #607, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 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 (3) successive weeks on or before the 21s t day of February, 2020, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 26th day of March , 20 20 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment 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 24, 2020 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 1-24, 1-31, 2-07

SECOND INSERTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-19-000380 SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

DAVID CARABELLI AND SIESTA VILLAS CONDOMINIUM COUNCIL OF UNIT OWNERS AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 5104 COASTAL HWY, 101N OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND SERVE ON: MAUREEN L. HOWARTH, COUNTY ATTORNEY AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 5104 COASTAL HWY, 101N OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 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.

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 in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 17, Parcel No. 10289858, Property Description: U 101 N BTW 51st & 52ND STS SIESTA VILLAS CM, Assessed to DAVID CARABELLI, also known as 5104 COASTAL HWY, 101N, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 17TH OF JANUARY, 2020, 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 (3) successive weeks on or before the 21ST day of February, 2020, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 26th day of March, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment 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 24, 2020 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 1-24, 1-31, 2-07

SECOND INSERTION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-19-000379 SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

JUNE F STIELPER AND PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION F/K/A BANK OF DELAWARE SERVE: CSC-LAWYERS IN CORPORATING SERVICE COMPANY RESIDENT AGENT AND MONTEGO BAY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. SERVE: JAMES W. ALMOND, ESQ., RESIDENT AGENT AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 503 NAUTICAL LN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND SERVE ON: MAUREEN L. HOWARTH, COUNTY ATTORNEY AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 503 NAUTICAL LN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

January 31, 2020 cuit 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 (3) successive weeks on or before the 21ST day of February, 2020, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 26th day of March, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment 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 24, 2020 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 1-24, 1-31, 2-07

SECOND INSERTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-19-000378 SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

LORA N COHILL TRUST

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.

SERVE: DONALD E COHILL, TRUSTEE 3206 MORNING GLORY COURT APT 108 PALM BEACH GARDENS FL 33410

Defendants

SERVE: DONALD E COHILL, TRUSTEE 6 MOBY DICK DR OCEAN PINES, MD 21811

ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to, secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 88, Parcel No. 10194555, Property Description: LOT 213 SEC 6A NAUTICAL LANE PL, MONTEGO BAY MOB HM PK, Assessed to JUNE F. STIELPER and FRANCIS G. STIELPER, also known as 503 NAUTICAL LN, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 21ST OF JANUARY, 2020, by the Cir-

SERVE: KATHLEEN C. SMITH, TRUSTEE 3206 MORNING GLORY COURT, APT 108 PALM BEACH GARDENS FL 33410 SERVE: KATHLEEN C. SMITH, TRUSTEE 6 MOBY DICK DR OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 AND OCEAN PINES ASSOCIATION, INC. (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 6 MOBY DICK DR OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811

AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND SERVE ON: MAUREEN L. HOWARTH, COUNTY ATTORNEY ONE WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 6 MOBY DICK DR OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811 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.

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 in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 46, Parcel No. 03046079, Property Description: LOT B-06-566 12664 SQ FT, MOBY DICK DR PL OCEAN PINES, SEC 6, Assessed to LORA N COHILL TRUST, also known as 6 MOBY DICK DR, OCEAN PINES, Maryland 21811, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 21ST OF JANUARY, 2020, 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 (3) successive weeks on or before the 21ST day of February, 2020, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 26th day of March, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment 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 24, 2020 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 1-24, 1-31, 2-07

January 31, 2020

SECOND INSERTION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-19-000377 SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

KAREN M RIDGE AND ISLAMORADA CONDOMINIUM SERVE: JAMES W. ALMAND, ESQ. AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 402 144TH ST, 203 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND SERVE ON: MAUREEN L. HOWARTH, COUNTY ATTORNEY AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 402 144TH ST, 203 OCEAN CITY, MARY1AND 21842 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.

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 in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 66, Parcel No. 10302528, Property Description: U 203 144TH ST, ISLAMORADA CM, Assessed to KAREN M RIDGE and JOHN A RIDGE, also known as 402 144TH ST, 203, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 21ST DAY OF JANUARY, 2020, 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 (3) successive weeks on or before the 21ST day of February, 2020, warning all

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 26th day of March, 2020 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment 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 24, 2020

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 tha 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 31, 2020

BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE

GARY EDWARD FERGUSON Personal Representative

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 1-24, 1-31, 2-07

FIRST INSERTION MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY STE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18141 To all persons interested in the estate of SANDRA JONES FERGUSON ESTATE NO. 18141. Notice is given that GARY EDWARD FERGUSON, PO BOX 785, NAGS HEAD, NC 27959, was on, JANUARY 22, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SANDRA JONES FERGUSON, who died on FEBRUARY 4, 2016, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of JULY, 2020.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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

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 1-31, 2-07, 2-14

FIRST INSERTION MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY STE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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 tha 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 31, 2020 BARBARA VAUGHN 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 1-31, 2-07, 2-14

FIRST INSERTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-FM-20-000019 IN THE MATTER OF LILLIE ELIZA TINDLEY

ESTATE NO. 18142

FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO

To all persons interested in the estate of MARY ANN H. CULVER, ESTATE NO. 18142. Notice is given that BARBARA VAUGHN, 2811 STOCKTON ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on, JANUARY 22, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY ANN H. CULVER, who died on NOVEMBER 9, 2019, with a will.

EDNA ELIZA TINDLEY

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 22nd day of JULY, 2020.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the

NOTICE (ADULT) (DOM REL 61) The above petitioner has filed a Petition for Change of Name in which she seeks to change her name from LILLIE ELIZA TINDLEY to EDNA ELIZA TINDLEY. The petitioner is seeking a name change because: PETITIONER HAS BEEN KNOWN AS EDNA ELIZA HER WHOLE LIFE. SHE WANTS HER LEGAL NAME TO BE EDNA ELIZA. Any person may file an objection to the Petition on or before the 6th day of MARCH 2020. The objection must be supported by an affidavit and served upon the Petitioner in accordance with Maryland Rule 1-321. Failure to file an objection or affidavit within the time allowed may result in a judgment by default or the granting of the relief sought.

A copy of this notice shall be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to fine an objection.

Page 41 One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 1-31

FIRST INSERTION VICTOR H. LAWS, ESQ LAW OFFICE OF LAWS, INSLEY & BENSEN, P.A. 209 E MAIN STREET, PO BOX 75 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0075 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18145 To all persons interested in the estate of DOROTHY CATHERINE HOLZWORTH, ESTATE NO. 18145. Notice is given that MARGARET A. BRADFORD, 10403 GOLF COURSE ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, JANUARY 23, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY CATHERINE HOLZWORTH, who died on JANUARY 10, 2020, 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 23rd day of JULY, 2020.

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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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 31, 2020

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 31, 2020

MARGARET A. BRADFORD Personal Representative

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County Room 104 - Court House

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 1-31, 2-07, 2-14

FIRST INSERTION SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18146 To all persons interested in the estate of CARRIE B. MUMFORD, ESTATE NO. 18146. Notice is given that THELMA G. HARMON, P.O. BOX 1933, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, JANUARY 23, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the small estate of CARRIE B. MUMFORD, who died on JANUARY 17, 2020, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the pulication of this Notice. All persons having an 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.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims to 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine 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 claims 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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 31, 2020 THELMA G. HARMON 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 1x 1-31

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 31, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Further Turbine Investigation Urged

2017 MARYLAND’S FAVORITE BAR OR TAVERN

by Restaurant Association of Maryland

WE’RE BACK! DINNER SPECIALS 5 P.M. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

SUNDAY: 1/2-PRICE ENTREES

FRIDAY:

$3 surcharge for entrees with steak & crab

Ladies Night W/DJ Billy T, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY:

Side Project, 2 p.m.

DJ Billy T, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY:

Opposite Directions, 2 p.m.

SUPER BOWL SPECIALS WEDNESDAY:

Dust N Bones Duo, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY:

Opposite Directions, 6 p.m.

MONDAY: 1/2-PRICE ENTREES $3 surcharge for entrees with steak & crab

TUESDAY: PRIME RIB NIGHT $17.95 WEDNESDAY: $6 BURGER & CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICHES ALL DAY THURSDAY: ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT RIBS & STEAMED SHRIMP $16.99 FRIDAY: FRIED OYSTER & SOFT SHELL ALL DAY/NIGHT 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

Lunch Specials Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $6.99 LATE NIGHT SPECIALS SUNDAY-THURSDAY 10 P.M. (PUB & BAR AREA ONLY) HAPPY HOUR MONDAY-FRIDAY 4-7 P.M. WITH AWESOME FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS! South Harbor Rd • West End, Ocean City • 410-213-1846 Waterfront WiFi • www.weocharborside.com

Editor: In reference to your “How We See It” article about the proposed turbines, I am glad to see that you are in favor of further investigation before proceeding.

You mention that it is an unknown as to how this will affect tourism, property owners, and prospective buyers. I can tell you that I am one who it is negatively affecting. My condo on 46th Street is up for sale, so we will see whether this project is going to influence buyers negatively or not. However, I recently purchased a home right over the Maryland line in Fenwick Island, and I certainly did not spend almost a million dollars to have a view of turbines spinning along the horizon.

Had I known this was a possibility, I definitely would have bought a home further north into Delaware.

Like most people, it seems, I am in favor of the turbine project for environmental reasons, but it should be out of view from the beach. Aside from future economic concerns in relation to tourism, rental income, etc., no one seems concerned about human decency to current owners who bought their properties under the assumption that their view of the ocean was simply a view of the ocean.

That is, obviously, the focal point of coming to Ocean City or any other beach resort. An analogy would be if someone bought a beach front home, for the purpose of having a beach front home, and then was told, “Oh, sorry! We sold some beach land in front of yours and now you're the second back from the beach!” That would be unacceptable and unethical. I wish people were concerned about, not just money, but human decency.

Joanne Lang Ocean City

Berlin Thanked for Holiday Donations Editor, I am writing to thank Berlin residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Because of the generosity of donors in Berlin and across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 8.9 million shoebox gifts in 2019. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2019, the ministry is now sending 10,569,405 shoebox gifts to children

worldwide.

Through shoeboxes, packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items, Berlin volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world.

Each gift-filled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories since 1993.

It’s not too late for people to make a difference. Though drop-off locations serving Berlin are closed until November 2020, information about year-round volunteer opportunities can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ or by calling 410-7727360.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in this global project, many who do so year after year.

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Dana Williams Boone, N.C.

Closed Meetings Questioned Editor: In Maryland, we have an Open Meetings Act which was adopted to provide that public business by local elected officials be conducted in the open and in public view.

While the law does provide for some exceptions, I believe the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) of the Town Ocean City have violated the law in the formulation and adoption of the recent Ordinance 2019-18, the “Pier Franchise” Agreement. Under the guise of going into closed sessions for contractual matters, the M&CC dismantled the previous Pier Franchise Ordinance 1978-33, approximately 10 years prior to its scheduled expiration.

Over a reported 18 months of negotiations, the M&CC rewrote the new ordinance, particularly the financial terms, all behind closed doors. The public was kept in the dark. The new ordinance emerged from behind closed doors on November 27, 2019, just five days before first reading on December 2, 2019, hardly enough time for public review and scrutiny.

While the Pier Franchise Agreement is similar to both a contract and SEE NEXT PAGE

TO OUR READERS: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers.

All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority. Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.

January 31, 2019

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.

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

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR a lease, it is in reality an ordinance.

We have other franchise ordinances in town such as the beach equipment rental franchise, the beach photographer franchise and the vehicle vending franchise. Since 1990, there have been 41 amendments to those franchises adopted by ordinance. I have reviewed 16 of those amended ordinances that were adopted during my tenure as a city councilman.

During that time, none of the 16 amended ordinances were formulated or developed behind closed doors. All were done in public view.

Vendors and bidders had the opportunity to comment on pending revisions and changes. Bid amounts were revealed publicly and not negotiated behind closed doors. Most important, the public was kept informed.

When the previous pier franchise ordinance was discussed in 1978, there are 24 pages of transcribed minutes that record the deliberations and actions of the then-M&CC prior to final adoption on April 17, 1978.

Following the vote on second reading, the minutes reflect that there had been four months of negotiations, involving six public hearings at which the press was present.

Again, none of the terms of the new pier franchise agreement were discussed in open session, prior to the first reading.

I have reviewed every single document pertaining to closed meetings reported by the M&CC from November 2017 to December 2019. They are available online on the town's website. Over that time period, the M&CC never once reported any topics, actions taken or votes recorded regarding the dismantling or rewriting of the pier franchise ordinance following the closed session, as required by the Open Meetings Act. That is also a violation of the Act. The new pier franchise ordinance should be repealed and renegotiated in public. The citizens, residents and taxpayers of Ocean City deserve it.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City

Climate Change Called in Question Editor: I think the debate and rationale for or against off shore wind farms is not based in reality.

The argument against is largely based on how it will look from Ocean City. Do you really think a farm located 17 miles off shore is going to mar the coastline aesthetics, drop property values, and devastate the resort’s tourism industry?

Given the curvature of the earth and the humidity, one would barely see these terribly expensive, inefficient monsters, if at all.

The argument for these machines

is based, once again, in the global warming hysteria, now known as “climate change” since the hacking of an email in East Anglia, U.K. from Nov. 17, 2009 where it was uncovered that the earth is not warming due to human activity. So now it is called “Climate Change,” a term I have always attributed to “seasons.”

No one at that Saturday hearing denied the reality of climate change.

As Joseph Goebbels knew that if you repeat a lie enough people will believe it.

We heard statements like, “we are facing a climate emergency” as stated by Nanci Wilkinson of the Maryland Climate Coalition; “A much greater threat than killing birds is climate change and the world’s bird species are threatened to go extinct at the current carbon emission rates” stated by David Curson of Audubon Maryland-DC. Steve Hershkowitz of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network said, “at current carbon emission rates there is a 93%, (not 95%) chance Ocean City will see flood tides of more than 5 feet between now and 2050. He also said “these wind turbines are our only hope of getting to 100% clean electricity, which is our only hope of curbing our greenhouse gas pollution enough to stop catastrophic flooding and the loss of this city.”

How do they know these predictions? Didn’t Al Gore and other environmental wacko extremists say NYC and Miami and much of the East Coast would be underwater and the North Pole would be ice free by 2013? What happened? We are seven years behind schedule! Glacier National Park just took down their signs predicting that the glacier would be gone by 2020. Now we have super nut jobs like N.Y. Congress woman, AOC saying we have nine years to live if we don’t give up air travel etc. Another woman at the meeting cited “the fires in Australia and floods in Indonesia as evidence that time is of the essence for the resort island.” I don’t know what that means.

Delegate Lorig Charkoudian said “we are facing a climate crisis.” Delegate Carol Krimm said “we all agree we are in a climate crisis.” Someone else said: “the planet is warming at an alarming rate.” The United States is the cleanest country in the world per capita. Where are these activists when it comes to criticizing China and India? China is building coal plants all over the world and gets 70% of its electric energy from burning coal.

The Chinese walk around with face masks because the air is toxic. The World Health Organization states that out of the 12 most polluted cities in the world, 11 are in India.

The liberal progressives are always wrong. Being sensationalists, they are always crying “wolf!” What happened to the scare of the 1960’s

about world population as illustrated in the book “The Population Bomb”

by Paul Ehrlich warning of mass starvation in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s?

What about the global cooling scare of the ‘70’s that made cover story in Time magazine June 24, 1974?

We were all going to freeze. That same decade the liberal environmental wacko extremists said we are running out of petroleum. With our sophisticated drilling techniques, we are capable of mining at least 200 years-worth. Now, thanks to Trump, we are the world’s greatest producer and exporter of clean energy especially clean, clean natural gas through fracking. This is why you are saving so much money for gasoline today.

How about the ozone hole scare of the ‘80’s where we were all going to get skin cancer? As soon as they outlawed the cheap and very efficient freon, you didn’t hear a peep out of them.

Now it costs so much to get air conditioning systems repaired. In the ‘90’s they started with the “global warming” farce that will flood NYC and all coastal towns, the North Pole and Glacier National Park would be ice free. They are always wrong. I have enjoyed recreating on six waterfront properties for 37 years here on the Delmarva. I have not seen a one-inch sea level rise. And now in 2020. we have the general, catchall scare, “climate change” which is termed a crisis. Every unpleasant but natural global occurrence that has been repeated for millions of years is blamed on “climate change.”

Thus the “catchall” phrase. There have been five glacial periods on this planet in 800 million years with no humans. In the earth’s 4.5 billion years, we have gone from a boiling cauldron to a snow ball, again with no human activity and the earth recovered.

These many climate scientists rely on “models” which are many times, inaccurate by just providing shortterm weather forecasts. How much more are they inaccurate giving longterm, decades-long forecasts as in the flooding predictions? Also, they always say scientist have a “consensus” on this warming belief. Scientists don’t operate through “consensus” but prove things. We do have a crisis and it is in the way some Americans “think” and they are allowed to vote.

Ocean City needs to install more solar panels and end this stupid, terribly expensive wind farm proposal.

Electric generation plants need to switch to clean, plentiful, cheap natural gas also. Problem solved.

Dennis W Evans Berlin

Editor’s Note: The weekly “Between The Lines” column will return next week, as Editor Steve Green is off this week.

Page 44

Students

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

In The News

January 31, 2020

The Eastern Shore Literacy Association (ESLA) announced that 15 Worcester Prep students earned finalist status in the Young Authors’ Contest for short story or poetry. Each finalist finished in the top three of their respective category/grade level with WPS Middle School earning a spot in the top three schools with the most finalists. Pictured from left are Serena Jaoude, grade-one, poetry; Isabella Rice, grade-two, poetry; Kinzie Bunting, grade-four poetry; Ellie Phillips, grade-four, poetry; Ben Rafinski, grade-four, short story; Ryan Shipp, grade-four, short story; Tyler Netting, grade-six, short story; Sydney Todorov, grade-six, short story; Landon Schul, grade-seven, short story; Riley Moyer, grade-nine, poetry; Rory Pugh, gradenine, poetry; Brooke Phillips, grade-10, poetry; Waverly Choy, grade-11, poetry and Hannah Perdue, grade-11, poetry. Not pictured is Devin Wallace, grade-12, poetry.

Stephen Decatur High School seniors Abby Yesko and Drew Haueisen (both basketball) were named Premier Driving School Athletes of the Month. Yesko and Haueisen are both standouts on the court and in the classroom. Also pictured are Assistant Principal Dr. Curtis Bunting and Premier Driving School representative Geri Riden.

Submitted Photos Eight students from Snow Hill Middle School participated in the school competition of the National Geographic GeoBee on Tuesday, January 21. Dominic Kuipers, a seventh grade student, won first place, with Eli Labesky an eighth grade student, winning second place. The school competition is the first round in the annual National Geographic GeoBee, a geography competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. School champions, including Dominic Kuipers, will take an online qualifying test; up to 100 of the top test scorers in each state then become eligible to compete in their State GeoBee. Pictured above, the eight contestants are pictured with Social Studies teachers, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Shumate, and Mr. Wilson.

Students in Miss Shelby Ennis' kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary have been completing an author study on Mo Willems. They have read books from three different series and have identified the characters, settings, and major events from each story. To conclude the unit, students wrote about their favorite character. Pictured are: Liam Fluckey, Noy Katna, Giana Nappi, Beckam Hemp, Alfredo Castro-Gutierrez, Kaitlyn Dorsey, Damiana Milite, and Vincas Queen.

The first-grade students at Ocean City Elementary School have been learning about how to keep their teeth healthy. As a culmination of the first grade health literacy unit, students had a special visit from the Tooth Fairy. Pictured with their special guest are Brooke Bates and Salah Sbih.

Worcester Prep last week handed out its middle school winter sports awards.

Pictured above, front row, from the seventh-grade boys’ basketball team are MVP Mike DePalma, Most Improved Player Ben McGovern and Coach’s Award winner Owen West; Eighth-grade cheer team Most Spirited Dylan Simons; and from the eighth-grade boys’ basketball team are MVP Sam Menendez, Coach’s Award winner Dylan McGovern and Most Improved player Kannon Cropper. Pictured back row from left, from the seventh-grade girls’ basketball team are MVP Bella Marinelli, Most Improved Jayden Scopp and Coach’s Award Paige Barnhart; from the eighth-grade girls’ cheer team are Co-Coach’s Award winner Madi Nechay, Most Improved Evelyn Westman, and Co-Coach’s Award winner Maggie McCabe; from the eighth-grade girls’ basketball team are MVP Ansley Gardner, Coach’s Award winner Vanessa Hall and Most Improved Player Claire Windrow.

Stephen Decatur High School’s Mu Alpha Theta members recently donated $1,100 to the Ocean City Reef Foundation after conducting a gift card raffle fundraiser. The donation will be utilized to create a new “The Great De-Reef-Ative” reef off the resort coast. Pictured above, the students present the symbolic fundraising check.

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 45

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Page 46

Sports

Decatur Swimmers Split With Kent Island

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

In The News

Stephen Decatur’s 1970 varsity basketball team, which captured the Maryland state championship, will be honored on the 50th anniversary of the feat during Friday’s home game against Pocomoke.

Photo Submitted

Decatur’s 1970 Title Team To Be Honored

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Five decades after winning Maryland’s Class B state basketball championship, Stephen Decatur’s 1970 men’s varsity basketball team will be honored on the 50th anniversary on Friday during the Seahawks’ home game with county rival Pocomoke.

Decatur’s memorable men’s varsity basketball team of the late 1960s and early 1970s reached the state championship game in three straight years from 1969 to 1971, falling in the bookend trips to the eventual state champions. In 1970, however, the Seahawks rolled through the regular season, dropping only one contest late in the season, before going on another run to the state title game.

In 1970, Decatur, led by legendary Coach Ward Lambert and a roster of players whose names are still revered in and around the Berlin area, broke through with a pulsating win over Frederick, which had been to the state championship game in the two years prior in Class A before dropping back to Class B. Across the Eastern Shore, however, Stephen Decatur had grown in stature by leaps and bounds, literally, in the late 1960s, just years after desegregation had integrated the Berlin public school. The Seahawks had reached the state finals in 1969 and had reeled off 20 straight wins during the subsequent season.

Decatur’s dream of a perfect season carrying over into 1970 ended with a late-season loss to Washington, but for many of the coaches and players, that loss brought the high-flying Seahawks back down to earth somewhat just before the post-season and served as a

catalyst for an amazing run through the state playoffs in that magical year.

Decatur went fairly untested through four regional and state semifinal playoff games to reach the title game with Frederick. The championship game was played in old Cole Field House at the University of Maryland and it certainly lived up to the hype.

Decatur trailed late in the game, 6155, with under four minutes remaining before mounting a late comeback. The Seahawks found themselves down by a point with under a minute left before a late steal and a put-back layup put them ahead. The Seahawks hung on down the stretch and pulled out the 6463 win to collect Decatur’s first and last state championship.

The 1970 team will be honored on the 50th anniversary of the championship game during halftime of Friday’s regular season matchup with county rival Pocomoke. Many of the former players, most of whom have left their mark on the community long after that magical championship season, are expected to be on hand for the ceremonies.

The roster from the 1970 team included Oliver Purnell, Al “Hondo” Handy, Ron Dixon, Alfred Harrison, Mike Palmer, Marvin Small, Sherwood Purnell, Milton Purnell, Fason Purnell, Larry Waples, Richard Hoskins, Larry Duffy, Lonnie Mercer, Rodney Tingle, Joe Sturgis. The team was led by Head Coach Ward Lambert and Assistant Coach Dick Burbage, along with Managers Gerald Purnell, Sidney Blake, Russell Holland and Ward Holland.

The junior varsity game starts at 4 p.m., and the varsity game will follow shortly thereafter. The 50th anniversary ceremonies will be held at halftime of the varsity game against Pocomoke.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity swim teams earned a split against always-tough Kent Island this week in a tune-up of the Bayside Conference championships this weekend.

The Decatur boys rolled past the Buccaneers, 96-67, on Tuesday in a home meet at the YMCA in Pocomoke.

The Decatur boys took first place in a total of 10 events. Meanwhile, the Decatur girls fell to Kent Island, 97-72, in a highly contested meet. The Seahawks took first in just one event, but finished a closed second in every other one.

On the boys’ side, Gavin Stearn took first in the 200-freestyle, finishing in 2:03:03. Caleb Vaxmonsky came in first in the 200-individual medley, finishing in 2:17:75. Richard Poist finished first in the 100-butterfly, coming in at 57:34. Stearn also finished first in the 100-freestyle, coming in at 54:75.

Vaxmonsky finished first in the 500-freestyle, coming in at 5:32:35.

Poist was first in the 100-backstroke with a time of 1:05:22 and Jack Slaysman finished first in the 100breastroke with a time of 1:08:66. The Decatur boys also swept the relays. In the 200-medley relay, the team of Vaxmonsky, Slaysman, Poist and Stearn took first, finishing in 1:49:94.

In the 200-freestyle relay, the team of Slaysman, Nick Cardamone, Patrick O’Halloran and Vaxmonsky took first, finishing in 1:40:07.

In the 400-freestyle relay, the team including Poist, O’Halloran, Stearn and Luke Bahlman took first, finishing

January 31, 2020

in 3:48:57. Coach Steve Deakyne was pleased with the performance heading into the Bayside championships this weekend.

“This was a great meet with a couple of best times,” he said. “We are looking forward to the Bayside Championships on Saturday.”

On the girls’ side, the Seahawks fell to Kent Island, 97-72, on Tuesday in a meet that featured several close finishes. Decatur took first in just one event, a win in the 200-individual medley by Natalie Canham, who edged out her Buccaneer challenger at the wall by less than a second. Otherwise, the Seahawks finished second in every other event against Kent Island.

Kiley Hamby took second in the 200-freestyle, Emma Sperry took second in the 100-butterfly, Gracie Coker took second in the 100-backstrokeand Mikayla Denault took second in the 100-breaststroke. In the relays, the Decatur team including Coker, Emma Coyman, Sperry and Farrah Brown took second in the 200-medley relay. The team of Coker, Sperry, Canham and Kayden Hamby took second in the 200-freestyle relay; and the team of Brown, Kayden Hamby, Katelyn Pizlo and Canham took second in the 400-freestyle relay.

“Even though we did not win the most events tonight, the girls continued to earn season-best and lifetimebest times,” said Coach Kristina Watts. “With our conference championship meet this Saturday, we will continue to work on our mental and physical techniques so we can swim with confidence and continue to drop time.”

Seahawks Sweep Two, Remain Unbeaten

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team swept two matches last week to remain unbeaten in conference dual meets thus far this season.

The Seahawks beat North Dorchester, 75-6, on the road last Wednesday, followed by a home win against Kent Island last Friday. With the pair of wins, Decatur remained unbeaten with a perfect 7-0 mark on the season. In addition, the Seahawks have finished first in the Rough Rider Tournament, first in the Iron Horse Duals and second in their own War on the Shore tournament two weeks ago.

The Seahawks beat North Dorchester, 75-6, last Wednesday. After a forfeit at 106, Decatur’s Austin Miller beat Ledger Bates at 113, Shamar Baines beat Ryan Meekins at 120 and Jagger Clapsadle beat Imad Jackson at 126. Decatur won by forfeit at 132, then Andrew Busko fell to Adam Ray at 138. Nico D’Amico got the Seahawks right back on track with a win

over Mason Lewis at 145.

Kyle Elliott kept it going with a win over Leonardo Ramirez at 152, Ethan Kalchthaler beat Kaden Handte at 160 and James Parana beat Hunter Cole at 170. Micah Bourne (182) and John Hofman (195) won their matches respectively, while Jonathan Church beat Brendan Ebeling at 220 and T.D. Ortega beat Malachi Powell at 285.

On Friday, the Seahawks kept the streak going with a 45-24 win over Kent Island, but the Buccaneers presented stiffer competition. Miller beat Jack Hooks at 106 and Logan Intrieri beat Stephen Brosd at 113. Kent Island won by forfeit at 120, but Clapsadle beat Jacob Bowman at 126.

D’Amico beat Jack Mulligan at 132, Jayden Criner beat Douglas Alvarez at 138 and Elliott beat Matt Miller at 145, before Kent Island’s Tommy Deheny beat Kalchthaler at 152. Alex Koulikov beat Joseph Colony at 160, Parana won by forfeit at 170, Bourne beat Randy Main at 182 and D.J. Taylor beat David VanWie at 195. Kent Island’s Will Longhurst won at 220 and Hayden Blanchard won at 285.

Seahawks Rout Washington, 86-47

January 31, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team routed host Washington, 86-47, last week to improve to 8-3 on the season.

The Seahawks jumped out to an early lead against the Jaguars and never looked back on their way to the 86-47 win. Jessica Janney led the Seahawks with a whopping 32 points in the win over Washington, while Mayah Garner pitched in 15. Summer

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

Vorsteg and Isy Kristick each scored seven points in the win, while Nadia Bullock added six.

The win halted a mini-skid for the Seahawks, who had fallen to Bennett and Parkside in their previous two games. The Seahawks played Pocomoke on the road on Thursday in a game played too late to be included in this edition. Decatur will travel to Indian River next Tuesday for a non-conference game before taking on Wicomico next Thursday in an important conference matchup.

Decatur Boys Fall To Crabbers, 71-45

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team fell to Crisfield, 71-45, on the road on Tuesday, ending a four-game win streak for the Seahawks.

Decatur entered Tuesday’s road game against the Crabbers on a bit of a roll, having won four straight including a 66-58 win over Washington last Thursday. The impressive streak also included wins over Bennett, Parkside

and Snow Hill, all on the road.

However, the Seahawks ran into a buzz saw at Crisfield on the road on Tuesday, falling to the Crabbers, 7145. The Seahawks trailed 40-9 at the half and never got on track in the loss to Crisfield. Decatur also lost to Crisfield, 78-53, back on December 17.

With the loss, the Seahawks dropped to 7-7 on the season. Next up is a home game with county rival Pocomoke on Friday, followed by a non-conference game against Delaware powerhouse Indian River on the road next Tuesday.

Seahawks Solid In Bayside Championships

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams turned in solid performances in the Bayside Conference Championship meet at the Worcester County Recreation Complex in Snow Hill last week with several outstanding individual performances.

The Decatur girls finished eighth overall as a team with 25 points. Kent Island was first with 115, North Caroline was second with 97 and Parkside was third with 66. The Decatur boys finished 13th overall as a team with five points. Bennett was first with 98, Kent Island was second with 85 and and North Caroline was third with 62.

On the girls’ side, Mary Mergott finished fifth in the 800, while Caroline Gardner was seventh. Mergott also finished fourth in the 1,600, while Gardner was eighth and Devon Kramer was 14th. Alexandria Urbanski was 15th in the 55-meter hurdles, while Ivorie Helmbright was 18th and Summer Brenner was 19th.

On the girls’ side, in the 55-meter dash, Jabria Lewis finished 17th and Skylar Griffin finished 29th. In the 300, Amelia Kemp finished ninth, while Audrey-Grace Mumford was 23rd and Eva Luzier was 26th. In the 500, Alyssa Romano was seventh and Julia Carlson was 18th.

In the 4x800 relay, the Decatur team of Mergott, Carlson, Gardner and Romano finished third. In the girls’

4x200 relay, the Decatur team of Lewis, Kemp, Romano and Griffin finished seventh. In the 4x400 relay, the Decatur team of Romano, Luzier, Mumford and Kemp finished sixth. In the field events, Mia Andersen finished ninth in the high jump finals.

On the boys’ side, in the 55-meter dash finals, Kashif Reyes was 26th, Jaden Holland was 31st and Gavin Weeks was 33rd. In the 300, Raul Gault was 20th and Holland was 26th.

Gault turned in Decatur’s best time in the 500, finishing 11th, while Gavin McCabe was 16th. Philip Becnel finished 20th in the 800 and 16th in the 1,600.

Liam Foley was 11th in the 3,200, while Shiloh Ponds came in 15th.

Samuel Oates finished eighth in the 55-meter hurdles. In the field events, Zachary Fuchsluger finished seventh in the high jump finals, Kai Ross finished 12th in the pole vault and Zach Hickman finished 17th in the shot put.

In the boys’ 4x800 relay, the Decatur team of Becnel, McCabe, Ponds and Samuel Woodley finished seventh. In the boys’ 4x400 relay, the Decatur team of Gault, Riley Calloway, McCabe and Weeks finished 10th.

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

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I

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

(Editor’s Note: The writer is on vacation this week. This is a reprint from 2014.) t’s cliché, but a vacation in Disney World truly is magical.

I can’t even write that corniness without laughing, but it’s so true. I’m skeptical by nature, thanks to my profession, and had high expectations for Disney, but the entire experience exceeded my hopes. It’s a trip I will never forget.

There will surely be more trips in our future to Disney, but the first one will always be special. In Beckett’s words, “this is the greatest place in the world, next to home, of course.”

Getting to Disney I knew was going to be interesting because we opted to drive this year and splurge with on-site accommodations at the Contemporary. Since my kids have never been in the vehicle for more than four hours at a clip and struggle with boredom on the way to Salisbury, I was dreading the drive with those idle minds and assumed it was going to be rough.

After driving a combined 35 hours on the road roundtrip, I can honestly say my boys were great. They were not perfect and there were tense moments, but they did much better than I expected.

Technology, of course, was a huge help, and Pam was stocked with videos and games to assist during periods of particular boredom. In our vehicle, at least, there were not any “are we there yet” questions, but plenty of “how much longer until we get there” inquiries.

Probably the roughest part of the long haul was the first night we spent on the road in St. George, S.C. It was late and the boys were both asleep, but they unfortunately woke up during the transition from the car to the hotel room. Once they were up, they were excited and it was difficult to get them both back to sleep. After what seemed like very little sleep, it was time to get back on the road to get to Disney as early as possible.

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January 31, 2020

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Although the adults were dragging, that’s when the fun began and here are a couple highlights, and I can’t promise there will not be additional reflections in the weeks to come.

•Beckett likes to think he’s a tough guy and nothing scares him, even the haunted rides. He confirmed that over and over again with his zealous nature for all the rides.

For his part, Carson was equally up to the challenge, but he clearly was scared on some rides and did not enjoy all of them. He failed to meet the height requirements on some of the roller coasters and that was probably a good thing because they may have been too much for him. Whenever we approached a ride that gave him some consternation, he would immediately let go of my hand and seek out his mother. Clearly his safe space is with and next to his mom, and some of the photos from the Memory Pass program confirmed those feelings.

For those unfamiliar, I highly recommend the investment in this program. Disney has photographers all over the place and they can take your photo and then link the images directly to your online account. Within minutes, the photos can be seen and downloaded on your phone or on your computer back in the room.

Additionally, it captures unknown action photos on the most popular rides.

It was fun to see all of our expressions as well as those of the strangers seated near us.

After riding the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios twice, Beckett maintained it wasn’t scary at all. However, I knew better because I was right next to him. We went back and forth and I tried to get him to admit that it was a little scary.

His stubbornness was cleared up though when I showed him on my phone his face five minutes earlier. His eyes were closed and he was clearly

Rt. 50-West Ocean City • 410-213-1804

Located Between Comfort Inn Suites & Starbucks Across From Outback Steak House

(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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screaming when the elevator-like ride went into a free fall from 60 feet up.

That’s my wallpaper on my phone.

•If the 30 rides or so he went on were clearly Beckett’s favorite part, Carson’s favorite moments seemed to be the character meetings.

I have to admit this was not something that excited me too much ahead of time, but I started getting into it when Pam had the idea of buying two Disney hats and having the characters each sign them.

Carson has always been more of a Disney kid. He’s the one who likes watching Disney shows on television and cherishes his Mickey and friends’ stuffed animals. Beckett prefers to use them as tackling dummies, while Carson sleeps with them and insists on bringing one downstairs each morning.

To see Carson’s face light up as characters came to our table at our first breakfast in Disney may have been the highlight of the trip for me. A Disney vacation is a whirlwind experience. It’s tough to digest it all while in the midst of it. It takes a couple days of being home to reflect and soak up all the special times.

As I looked through the photos, particularly those with the boys and the Disney characters, it was touching to see Carson repeatedly using his fingers to push up the corners of his mouth to smile.

His low muscle tone issues have hindered his speech, but it’s also made it difficult for him to smile like his big brother and other kids. He compensates for it by simply pushing up the corners of his mouth to show when he’s happy. There was a lot of that in Disney and that’s good stuff.

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Business And Real Estate News

January 31, 2020

Rosenblit Joins Art League Board

OCEAN CITY – The Art League of Ocean City announced their new Board of Directors for 2020 including new member Maryellen Rosenblit.

John Sisson continues as board president, Marian Bickerstaff as past president Barbara Patrick as 1st vice president and Laura Jenkins as 2nd vice president. Rafael Correa continues as treasurer, Emily Schwab as recording secretary and Judy Tremellen as corresponding secretary.

Also returning to the board are members Jamie Albright, Katy Durham, Nancy Fortney, Sandy Gillis, Joseph Mitrecic, Jan Perdue, Ryan Wilde, and Gayle Widdowson.

New member Rosenblit is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Delaware and Maryland. A transplant from Washington, D.C., she grew up vacationing in Ocean City, and after graduating from Indi- MARYELLEN ana University with a ROSENBILT business degree in marketing, made Ocean City her home.

Rosenblit is actively involved with local schools, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the Coastal Association of Realtors, as well as the Art League.

“For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of selecting the 10 homes featured each year on the Art League’s Sand Castle Home Tour,” Rosenblit said. “This community-wide event in the fall is always well attended and enjoyed. I look forward to taking on new responsibilities as an Art League board member.”

Salisbury Chamber Relocation SALISBURY – Advisor Christian Phillips represented the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) in their relocation to 200 East Church Street in Downtown Salisbury.

The move puts them at the intersection of Baptist Street and Route 50, a main entrance into the heart of downtown. In November of 2019, Phillips sold the historic Church Street building to a local developer, Davis Strategic Development. Following the sale, Phillips negotiated a lease for the SACC to occupy the 2,400-square-foot building beginning in late January of 2020.

“We’re excited to be a small part of the revitalization happening in Salisbury. Our new location will allow the Chamber to continue to service the regional business community on the lower shore as we commemorate 100 years as an organization,” said Bill Chambers, President and CEO of the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SACC. “We thank Christian Phillips and the NAI Coastal team for their stalwart support and hard work in helping keep the Chamber in Downtown Salisbury.”

The chamber’s move follows the sale of their current office space on East Main Street which is being redeveloped into what will be Salisbury’s tallest building. In addition to commercial space, the high rise will offer quality event venue options and luxury apartments.

PRMC, McCready Merger Complete SALISBURY – Peninsula Regional Health System (PRHS) President and CEO, Steve Leonard, has announced the Maryland Healthcare Commission has granted final approval for PRHS to assume ownership of McCready Health.

McCready Hospital, the Tawes Nursing Home and Chesapeake Cove Assisted Living, all in Crisfield, will officially join the health system March 1.

“McCready Health has been a fixture and a healthcare safety net for the people of Crisfield and Somerset County for nearly a century by providing reliable, quality, community-focused healthcare,” said Leonard. “We’re excited to be able to continue that 97-year tradition, and to work collectively with the team at McCready and the people of Crisfield on the opportunities this new healthcare model will present to allow us to continue to provide better, more efficient and more effective care for patients.”

On March 1, McCready Hospital will transition to a freestanding medical facility (FMF) in place.

“The financial reality is that McCready does not maintain a daily census of patients sufficient to support the services required to qualify as a hospital as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),” said Kathleen Harrison, CEO of McCready Health.

Services provided by McCready and Peninsula Regional staff at the FMF in place will include 24-7 emergency care, physical therapy, speech therapy, behavioral health services, outpatient physician services, imaging (CT scan and general X-ray) and laboratory services.

Healthcare services currently offered at McCready Hospital that will be relocating prior to the March 1 transition to the FMF in place include all inpatient hospital care and surgical services, which will be managed at PRMC; mammography, which will transition to the Peninsula Breast Center; infusion therapy, which will move to home health or other outpatient infusion locations such as PRMC; bone density tests, which move to Peninsula Regional Endocrinology in Salisbury; and pulmonary function tests, which move to Peninsula Regional’s pulmonary function lab.

Page 49

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WeSt oCeaN City-BeRliN-oCeaN PiNeS

aSSateague DiNeR Rte. 611 & Sunset ave., West ocean City 443-664-8158 www.assateaguedinerandbar.com Inspired by a classic diner culture, this new hotspot offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu here features classic comfort foods prepared and executed with a modern coastal trust.

Be sure to check out the exceptional coffee program and the Westside Bar within features delicious craft cocktails throughout the day.

BlaCKSmith ReStauRaNt & BaR 104 Pitts St., Berlin • 410-973-2102 Located in the heart of America’s Coolest Small Town, Berlin, Md., Blacksmith has established itself as one the area’s most loved dining and drinking destinations for foodies and wine, spirt and craft beer enthusiasts. Chef owned and locally sourced, Blacksmith keeps the main focus on Eastern Shore tradition. Everything here is homemade and handmade. Cakes and baked goods are delivered daily from down the street. Cozy and modern, traditional and on trend; Blacksmith has risen to the ranks of the area’s finest casual eating and drinking establishments. Visit and see why folks from Baltimore, D.C., Chincoteague and locals alike think Blacksmith is worth the trip. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, dinner and bar snacks. Closed Sunday.

BReaKfaSt Cafe of oCeaN City 12736 ocean gateway, West ocean City 410-213-1804 Open 7 days a week between Sunsations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family owned for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice atmosphere makes a meal. I like to think we have many “House Specialties” which include our Crab Omelet, real crab meat, cheddar cheese and mushrooms, our Sunfest Omelet, Swiss cheese, ham and mushrooms; Cafe or French Sampler, pancakes or French toast, with eggs, bacon and sausage. Homemade creamed chipped beef on toast and sausage gravy on biscuits with browned potato home fries, with onion, excellent cheesesteak subs and fries and more! We use Rapa Scrapple fried on the grill the way you like it for all our breakfasts, sandwiches and sides. Summer hours, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Come enjoy!

CaRiBBeaN joe’S BaR & gRille 12614 ocean gateway Next to alamo hotel 443-664-8509 Completely renovated and under new ownership, we are proudly located at the first ever motel in Ocean City, “The Alamo.” You truly will not believe what we’ve done! Thursday we have fresh 1/2-lb. burgers served on a delicious Hawaiian Roll for only $5. Wash it down with a natural light for only $1. We also have tender pulled-pork sandwiches and unique chicken salad to die for. We’re open 7 days a week when the season kicks in. Come see our Caribbean atmosphere, 7 flat-screen TVs and the coolest pool bar in Ocean City.

CRaB alley golf Course Rd., West ocean City head of Commercial fishing harbor 410-213-7800 • www.craballey.com Just close enough to be out of the way-located at

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the head of the commercial fishing harbor in West Ocean City, Crab Alley has it all! Spectacular view, casual and fun atmosphere, super service and mouth-watering food combine to make “The Alley” a true locals’ favorite. Enjoy our light fare and full menu of unbelievably fresh seafood, chicken and steaks indoors or on our upper deck.

We offer appetizers, sandwiches and a children’s menu too. Our name says it all -”crack’em and attack ‘em”. Big Fat Crabs both by the dozen and all you can enjoy specials. Check out our website for our fantastic happy hour food and drink specials or find us on Facebook. Having a special affair? We can handle your group, large party or special occasion. Make Crab Alley your first stop!

the Dough RolleR West ocean City, 410-213-7655 S. Division St. & Boardwalk, 410-289-3501 3rd St. & Boardwalk 410-289-2599 41st St. & Coastal hwy • 410-524-9254 70th St. & Coastal hwy • 410-524-7981 Ocean City’s favorite family restaurant for 40 years! Open 8 a.m. breakfast, lunch and dinner, great kid’s menu. Breakfast and lunch specials offered during the week at WOC, 41st Street and 70th Street locations. At same locations, Tuesdays are half-price pizza nights; Wednesdays are Dollar Days with special offers for breakfast and dinner.

Thursdays are half-price Italian dinner nights.

Order online DoughRollerRestaurants.com

DumSeR’S DaiRylaND West ocean City, Boardwalk locations, 501 S. Philadelphia ave., 49th St. & 123rd St. www.dumsersdairyland.com This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.'s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser's is celebrating 80 years of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats. You’ll find an impressive array of kid-favorites, along with fried chicken and seafood options, wraps, subs, sandwiches, salads and sides like sweet potato fries and mac-and-cheese wedges.

fox’S Pizza DeN 11328 Samuel Bowen Blvd., West ocean City 410-600-1020 • www.foxpizzamd.com Enjoy a brand new, spacious dining room. Happy hour every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with $5 food specials and awesome drink specials. Enjoy incredible weekly chef specials along with our extensive regular menu. Check out foxspizzamd.com for a list of our regular menu items.

full mooN SalooN 12702 old Bridge Rd., West ocean City 443-664-5317

Locally owned and operated, this moderately priced casual restaurant/bar has freshly caught seafood, BBQ, and pork entrees, giant sandwiches as well as a variety of homemade soups.

Locally we are known for our jumbo lump crab cakes, pork and beef BBQ, cream of crab soup, and 100% angus burgers as well as a variety of other sandwiches and entrees that are cooked with a local flair. Open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and open until midnight. Sundays breakfast offered 8 a.m.-noon. Fifteen televisions and a big screen available for all sports events.

gReeNe tuRtle-WeSt Rte. 611, West ocean City • 410-213-1500 Visit Maryland’s No. 1 Sports Pub and Rest-aurant, the World-Famous Greene Turtle. Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables.

With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out. Something for everyone!

Voted best sports bar, wings and burgers in West OC. Great happy hour and plenty of parking. haRBoRSiDe BaR & gRill South harbor Road • 410-213-1846 They take their mantra, “Where You Always Get Your Money’s Worth,” seriously here with daily food and drink specials during happy hour as you watch the boats come in from a day offshore. Delicious daily chef specials are always worth a try or stay with any of the house favorites, such as the calamari and ahi brusch-etta for appetizers or any of the homemade tacos and fresh off the dock seafood selections as sandwiches or entrees. It’s the home of the original fresh-squeezed orange crush, of course.

hooteRS ReStauRaNt Rt. 50 & Keyser Point Rd., West ocean City 410-213-1841 • www.hootersofoc.com New mouthwatering smoked wings with half the calories. Traditional wings and boneless wings with 12 sauce selections. Burgers, quesadillas, tacos, and healthy salads. Extensive seafood selections with raw bar and Alaskan crab legs. Children's menu and game room. Apparel and souvenir shop. Sports packages on a ton of TVs and live entertainment. Wing-fest every Tuesday from 6 to 8 with 50 cent wings. And of course, the world famous Hooters Girls. Large parties welcome. Call for private party planning. lighthouSe SouND St. martin’s Neck Rd. • 410-352-5250 Enjoy the best views of Ocean City at the newly renovated, Lighthouse Sound. Come relax and dine overlooking the bay and the beautiful Ocean City skyline. Savor entrees such as local rockfish,

January 31, 2020 tempura-battered soft shell crabs, char-grilled filet mignon and jumbo lump crabcakes. Open to the public, we serve Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. One mile west of Ocean City, Md., just off Route 90 on St. Martin’s Neck Road. Reservations recommended.

Ruth’S ChRiS Within the glenRiddle Community 410-213-9444 • www.ruthschris.com Ruth’s Chris specializes in the finest custom-aged Midwestern beef. We broil it exactly the way you like it at 1,800 degrees to lock in the corn-fed flavor. Then we serve your steak sizzling on a heated plate so that it stays hot throughout your meal. Many of our recipes were developed by Ruth, favorites such as shrimp Remoulade, Crabtini and Ruth’s chop salad. Located five miles west of Ocean City in the GlenRiddle Golf clubhouse.

Extensive wine list. Reservations recommended.

the ShaRK oN the haRBoR 12924 Sunset ave., West ocean City 410-213-0924 • ocshark.com We make real food from scratch. We believe that great food and healthful ingredients are not mutually exclusive of each other. Featuring local organic produce and seafood. All natural products – clear of preservatives and antibiotics. Whole grains and whole foods are used in the preparation of our menu – which our chefs write twice daily, based on what's fresh, available and delicious. Fresh. Local. Organic. Taste the difference.

Open Daily Year Round, Monday through Saturday for Lunch & Dinner and Sundays for Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested. iNlet to 94th StReet

28th St. Pit & PuB 28th St. & Coastal hwy.

410-289-2020 • www.pitandpub.com Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub is known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy Hour daily, 3-6 p.m. Family friendly atmosphere. Weekend entertainment.

32 Palm 32nd St. oceanside in the hilton 410-289-2525 • www.32palm.com Executive Chef Rick Goodwin has introduced an exciting new menu. A favorite among many is the Bermuda Triangle, featuring cinnamon seared scallops finished with an ancho mango coulis along with house broiled crabcake with a sweet chili remoulade and finally, applewood smoked bacon wrapped around jumbo shrimp, grilled to perfection with jalapeno barbecue sauce. Other wonderfully delicious dishes cover the land and sea as well and each have a special touch that makes this restaurant unique among its peers. Children’s menu available. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

45th StReet taPhouSe 45th St. & the Bay • 443-664-2201 At the newly remodeled 45th Street Taphouse, the best views of bayside Ocean City, MD are the backdrop where craft beer meets Maryland cuisine. This is vacation done right, all year long.

Wash down a Crabby Pretzel or homemade crabcakes with one of our 35+ craft beers on tap, all made right here in the USA. Not feeling crabby?

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Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BONFIRE 71st St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-524-7171 www.thebonfirerestaurant.com 150 ft. Seafood & Prime Rib Buffet. A famous Ocean City Restaurant for 37 years. It’s all here.

The service, the atmosphere and the finest, freshest food available. Fresh seafood, snow crab legs, prime rib, BBQ ribs, raw oysters, raw clams, steamed shrimp, fish, homemade soups & salads.

Decadent dessert selection – homemade donuts & bread pudding, soft serve ice cream with hot fudge topping and lots more! Large selection of children’s favorites – chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, macaroni & cheese and pizza. A la carte menu available featuring fresh cut steaks and seafood. Currently closed. Opening in February. Plenty of free parking.

from 5 p.m., famous raw bar, festive Sunday Jazz Brunch, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and children’s menu.

Complete house wine list and award-winning proprietor’s list available upon request. Outdoor decks and bar. Nightly entertainment in-season, Friday-Saturday, off-season. Open every day, year-round. A Fun Place!

BUXY’S SALTY DOG 28th St. • 410-289-0973 • www.buxys.com Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, piero-gis,egg-rolls and homemade crab dip.

Don’t miss our daily specials.

HIGGINS CRAB HOUSE 31st St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-289-2581 There is no doubt about it. Higgins offers traditional Eastern Shore favorites for the entire family to enjoy. Of course, the house special-ties include all-you-can-eat crabs, crab legs, fried chicken, steamed shrimp and baby back ribs. In addition, there is a full menu offering a variety of delicious soups, appetizers and entrees. Open Friday at 2:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday at noon. North location reopens mid-March.

COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 Great mid-town location offering a complete dinner menu, lunch and lite fare. Coins features the freshest seafood, shrimp, scallops, clams, fresh catch and lobster plus the best crab cake in Maryland, hand cut steaks cook-ed to your liking, succulent veal and chicken dishes. Also authentic pasta selections. Enjoy live entertainment and dancing in the lounge nightly. Happy hour daily 3-6 p.m. Casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

Special kids menu. Lots of free parking.

JOHNNY'S PIZZA & SPORTS PUB 56th St. & Coastal Hwy. 410-723-5600 • www.johnnyspizzapub.com The Official Pizza of OC, Johnny's Pizza & Sports Pub serves families throughout Ocean City and its surrounding communities 365 days a year. Eat in, carry out or have it delivered right to your doorstep. Our comfortable dining room features ample seating for small groups or large parties and our speedy delivery service will deliver your hot, delicious pizza right to your home, hotel or condo for your added convenience. From steaming homemade pizzas to lightly tossed salads and fiery hot wings, we have something for everyone.

Live entertainment every weekend all winter and live entertainment four nights in the summer.

DRY 85 OC 12 48th St. • 443-664-8989 • dry85.com Steps from the beach. Gourmet "stick to your ribs" Lowcountry cuisine. A made-from-scratch kitchen with every sauce and every dressing hand crafted. It's that attention to detail that takes the concept of burgers, fries, ribs and wings and turns them completely on their head. Charcuterie boards. Late night bar. 120+ Whiskies. Craft beer. Artisanal craft cocktails. Seasonal outdoor seating. Named one of the Top 40 Whiskey Bars in America by Whiskey Advocate.

DRY DOCK 28 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-289-0973 The new kid on the dining scene in Ocean City features eclectic pizzas, delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and hot steamers in a modern, nautical themed atmosphere. A beautiful boat bar is featured inside and features craft cocktails and brews. Outdoor seating is available. Carry out available and beer and wine to go. Live music is also offered in this kid-friendly establishment.

FAGER’S ISLAND RESTAURANT & BAR 201 60th St. On The Bay 410-524-5500 • www.fagers.com Fager’s Island is an award-winning popular bayfront restaurant where lunch is a forgivable habit, dinner an event and sunsets unforgettable. Lite fare lunch served from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., dinner

MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 33rd St. in the DoubleTree Oceanfront 410-289-1201 • www.marlinmoonocmd.com Eat where the locals eat. Marlin Moon is back in town with the talented Executive Chef, Gary Beach, creating his legendary food magic. Marlin Moon combines an eclectic atmosphere of ocean views and a fresh vibe with creative seafood and steak dishes you won’t forget. Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Some of the original classics, such as Mom’s Shrimp and Freddy’s Seafood Pasta, are back as well as a raw bar, small plate appetizers, fresh salads and entrees sure to satisfy any food mood. Open daily serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th St. • 443-664-6801 • redredwinebar.com Steps from the beach. Fresh coastal cuisine with a focus on locally sourced seafood and hand tossed pizzas. Artisanal cheeseboards. 35+ Wines By the Glass. Full bar. Craft beer. Late night bar.

Luxurious colors and custom built couches. Casual atmosphere. Seasonal outdoor seating.

Named Best Wine and Beverage Program in Maryland by the Restaurant Association.

PICKLES PUB 8th St., Ocean City • 410-289-4891 It’s pub food with a twist and a special emphasis put on quality and large portions. The big juicy burgers and oven baked wedge sandwiches are locals’ favorites as are the pub wings (in a variety of styles) and tacos (choose from thai pulled pork, grilled chicken and blacked ahi avocado). There are numerous unique craft pizza options to choose from as well with the house favorite here being the blackened shrimp and arugula.

SEACRETS • On The Bay At 49th St. 410-524-4900 • www.seacrets.com We are Jamaica USA! Serving our world famous jerk chicken, along with a full menu of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, salads, entrees, desserts and a children's menu. Enjoy happy hour drink prices until 7 p.m.and live entertainment in a tropical atmosphere. Please check our website www.seacrets.com for a complete list of live bands and daily food and drink specials or call 410-524-4900. Find us and get lost!

94TH ST. NORTH-FENWICK-BETHANY CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th St. & the Beach • 410-524-1000 Reef 118 Oceanfront Restaurant located in the Carousel Hotel offers beautiful oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet or try one of our specialty omelets including lump crab and asparagus. Our menu offers a wide variety of Succulent Seafood along with steaks, pastas & ribs. $5.95 kids’ menu available.

Stop by the Bamboo Lounge serving happy hour daily 4-6 p.m. with super drink prices and $4.95 food specials. Visit the Carousel and get served by the friendliest staff in OC! CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE Rt. 54, Selbyville, DE • 302-988-5000 Under new ownership but SAME award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys! Enjoy WATERFRONT dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available.

Open daily at 9 a.m. YEAR ROUND. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu. visit us online at crabcakefactory-online.com or on our Facebook page. Casual dress, full liquor bar, no reservations.

GREENE TURTLE-NORTH 116th St. & Coastal Hwy • 410-723-2120 www.facebook.com/OriginalGreeneTurtle This is the Original Greene Turtle, an Ocean City Tradition, since 1976! A fun and friendly Sports Bar & Grille, where every seat is a great spot to

Page 51

watch sports with 50+ High Def. TVs up & downstairs! Menu favorites include homemade crab cakes, kids’ menu, salads, burgers, wings and more! Join them for weekday lunch specials 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and happy hour 3-7 p.m. Popular features are game room, gift shop, carry-out, party trays, nightly drink specials, MD Lottery-Keno, Powerball and DJs with dance floor. Something for everyone! Open 11 a.m-2 a.m., year-round.

HARPOON HANNA’S RESTAURANT & BAR Rte. 54 & The Bay, Fenwick Island, DE www.harpoonhannasrestaurant.com 302-539-3095 No reservations required. Harpoon Hanna’s features a children’s menu & full bar. We are a casual waterfront restaurant serving lunch & dinner including fesh fish, seafood, steaks, sandwiches and allyou-can-eat Alaskan crab legs. Open year-round.

HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT Located Inside The Clarion Resort 101st St., Ocean City • 410-524-3535 Horizons Oceanfront Restaurant is proud to have Chef Rob Sosnovich creating beach-inspired dishes in both our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breaker’s Pub. Our new all day menu, available 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., features many of your favorites and some exciting new creations with a local flare – from Lite Bites to Big Bites and everything in between. Our deluxe Sunday breakfast buffet is open year-round and our “famous” all-you-can-eat prime rib, crab legs and seafood buffet is available most weekends throughout the year and daily in season. The Ocean Club Nightclub features top-40 dance music every weekend and nightly this summer. We’ve added some popular local bands to our lineup, so come join us “where the big kids play!” Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: enjoy surf, sun and live entertainment 7 days a week on the deck, from Memorial day through Labor Day during our afternoon beach parties. Enjoy something to eat or drink from our extensive menu. Try our “Bucket of Fun”, or a fresh “Orange Crush”–two of our favorites!

LIGHTHOUSE SOUND RESTAURANT 12723 St. Martin’s Neck Road, Bishopville, MD • 410-641-1199 Join us for dinner tonight and enjoy the best views of Ocean City, overlooking the Assawoman Bay and the Ocean City skyline. We feature our signature crab cakes, sizzling steaks and fresh fish entrees. Join us for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Specializing in weddings and banquets.

For more info visit www.lighthousesoundrestaurant.com or call 410-641-1199.

SMITTY MCGEE’S Rte. 54-West Fenwick Ireland 302-436-4716 • www.smittymcgees.com Smitty McGee’s is the place to be for fun. Best wings on the beach for 28 years and counting.

Enjoy great food and drink specials in a casual atmosphere. Happy hour daily. Come enjoy the live entertainment Thursday and Friday. Full menu served unil 1 a.m. Banquet facilities available. Open seven days a week. We never close!

SURF’S EDGE DELI & PIZZERIA 100 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island 302-537-5565 Best Salads award by Coastal Style 4 years in a row. Healthy, casual dining featuring home-made salads, fresh salads, subs, paninis, sandwiches and pizza. Open for lunch and dinner. Children’s menu, take-out and delivery available.

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January 31, 2020

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Super Bowl Specials

$10 Buffet - Hot Dogs, Peel-and-Eat Shrimp, Winglets

$1.50 Natural Lights, Bud Light Drafts & Rail Drinks during the game

1/2 Price Breakfast Entrees Mon-Fri 7-11am (Dine-In Only)

Dinner Specials

Early Bird Discount 20% Between 4pm and 6pm Every Wednesday Night Half Off Dinner Entrees (Not valid on Wednesdays)

$5.99 Winter Specials Every Day 11am - 4pm

Happy Hour Every Day 11am-7pm • Natural Lights $1.50 ALL DAY 9636 Stephen Decatur Highway In West Ocean City • assateaguedinerandbar.com

28tH/127tH st. Pit & PuB 410-289-2020 443-664-7482 28tH st. & Coastal HWy. 127tH st. & Coastal HWy. Friday, Feb. 7: Elvis The Man atlaNtiC HotEl 410-641-3589 2 NortH maiN st., BErliN Mondays: Earl Beardsley Tuesdays: Bob Miller on Piano

Buxy’s salty DoG/ Dry DoCk 28 410-289-0973 28tH st. & Coastal HWy. Winter Break: Reopen Feb. 13 ClarioN HotEl 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal HWy. Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, Jan. 31 & Feb. 1: New Censation Fridays & Saturdays: DJ Dusty

CraBCakE FaCtory BaysiDE 302-988-5000 rt. 54, FENWiCk islaND, DE Friday, Jan. 31: Bob Wilkinson Sunday, Feb. 2: Ricky & Lennon LaRicci

DISCOUNTED MENU EVERY THURSDAY AND SUNDAY 5-9PM SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY • ITEMS/PRICES SUBJCT TO CHANGE

Try Our Famous Maryland Crab Cakes ...

... No Mumbo, Just Jumbo!

Hand Cut Steaks • Fresh Scallops • Fresh Soft Shell Crabs

5 BIG SCREENS TO WATCH ALL YOUR SPORTS ACTION • BUZZTIME • KENO

Happy Hour Daily 3 p.m.-6 p.m.: Food And Drink Specials

Early Bird Daily 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Special Dinner Menu

New Hours

28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 • www.coinspuboc.com Open Thursday & Friday 2 p.m. • Saturday & Sunday At Noon

FaGEr’s islaND 410-524-5500 60tH st. iN tHE Bay Friday, Jan. 31: DJ Greg, DJ Hook Saturday, Feb. 1: DJ RobCee Monday, Feb. 3: Bryan Clark

GrEENE turtlE NortH 410-723-2120 11601 Coastal HWy. Friday, Jan. 31: LaRicci, 3 p.m.

DJ BK, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1: DJ Wood, 10 p.m.

otto GruNDmaN Crabcake Factory: thursdays

BoBBy WilkiNsoN Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, jan. 31

Dj Dusty Clarion/ocean Club: Every Friday & saturday

Dj roBCEE Fager’s island: saturday, Feb. 1

Dj Bk Greene turtle North: Friday, jan. 31 Hooters West: Friday, jan. 31

BryaN Clark Fager’s island monday, Feb. 3

Dj Billy t Harborside: Fridays & saturdays

BEats By jErEmy Pickles Pub: Fridays & mondays

GrEENE turtlE WEst 410-213-1500 rtE. 611, WEst oC Saturday, Feb. 1: W.A.C.K.

HarBorsiDE 410-213-1846 south Harbor road, West oC Fridays: DJ Billy T, 4 p.m.

Saturday Feb. 1: Side Project, 2 p.m., DJ Billy T, 9 p.m.

Dj WooD Greene turtle North: saturday, Feb. 1

BEats By Wax Pickles Pub: thursdays

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

Who’s Where When Sundays & Thursdays: Opposite Directions Wednesday, Feb. 5: Dust N Bones, 6 p.m.

NEW CENSATION Clarion/Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, Jan. 31 & Feb. 1

W.A.C.K. Greene Turtle West: Saturday, Feb. 1

HARPOON HANNA’S 302-539-3095 RT. 54 & THE BAY, FENWICK ISLAND, DE Friday, Jan. 31: Dave Hawkins, Tranzfusion Saturday, Feb. 1: Dave Sherman Thursday, Feb. 6: Kevin Poole HOOTERS 410-213-1841 12513 OCEAN GATEWAY, RTE. 50, WEST OC Friday, Jan. 31: DJ BK

TRANZFUSION Harpoon Hanna’s : Friday, Jan. 31

LAUREN GLICK TRIO Crabcake Factory Loca Madre: Friday, Jan. 31

RANDY LEE ASHCRAFT & THE SALTWATER COWBOYS Smitty McGee’s: Thursdays & Fridays Johnny’s Pizza & Pub: Wednesdays

THE DUNEHOUNDS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Feb. 1

JOHNNY’S PIZZA & PUB 410-723-5600 RT. 54, FENWICK ISLAND, DE Wednesdays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8TH ST. & PHILADELPHIA AVE. Friday, Jan. 31: Beats By Jeremy Saturday, Feb. 1: The Dunehounds Mondays: Karaoke W/ Jeremy Wednesdays: Beats By Skyler Thursdays: Beats By Wax SMITTY MCGEE’S 302-436-4716 37234 LIGHTHOUSE RD., WEST FENWICK IRELAND, DE Thursdays & Fridays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sundays & Thursdays

THE FREDDIE LONG BAND Seacrets: Saturday, Feb. 1

Come Join Us On Sunday

$ 00

1 OFF

Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 2-29-20 • MCD

15% OFF Any Case Of Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 2-29-20 • MCD

10% OFF

750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 2-29-20 • MCD

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49TH ST. & COASTAL HWY. Friday, Jan. 31: DJ Tuff Saturday, Feb. 1: The Freddie Long Band

EVERY SUNDAY

Cheers!

8:30 a.m.: Fellowship In The He Brews Cafe

BEER • WINE • SODA Open 7 Days A Week Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Gas • Ice Cigarettes 410-641-2366 • Main St. & Old O.C. Blvd., Berlin, Md.

Stevenson United Methodist Church

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

9 a.m.: Blended Sunday Worship Service

9:30 a.m.: Children And Youth Sunday School

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY vanishing

January 31, 2020

WITH BUNK MANN

English’s Chicken House was built on the corner of 15th Street and Philadelphia Avenue in 1963. For the next 51 years, it would serve some of the best fried chicken ever cooked on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The chicken was breaded with a secret recipe. When served with English’s fresh baked sweet potato biscuits, there were few that could resist such a treat. A carryout shop on the north end of the building sold their famous “Tub O’ Chicken” to go.

English’s Chicken House was often confused with the English Diner on 21st Street (known locally as “Little City Hall” due to the daily breakfasts attended by the current mayor and council members over many years). The two restaurants, however, had separate ownership and were not affiliated with each other.

In 2014, English’s Chicken House closed and the building was later sold at auction. Today the location is occupied by Victoria’s Crab House.

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

Photo courtesy Larry Dodd

January 31, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 31, 2020