Jan. 6

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Photos by Chris Parypa

Worcester’s Latest Property Assessments Increase 31%

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – State property value reassessments announced this week revealed significant increases across Maryland but in Worcester County, the changes were even more pronounced.

The State Department of Assessment and Taxation (SDAT) this week announced the results of the triennial reassessment of residential and commercial properties across Maryland and the news was generally good, depending on one’s perspective. Each year, about one third of residential and commercial properties around the state are reassessed and assigned new values, which are used to determine property tax liabilities.

For property owners, the reassessments can either be good news or bad news depending on one’s situation. High-

er reassessments could mean higher property tax liabilities, but also means one’s home or business is increasing in value. For local governments, higher assessments mean more revenue dumped into local coffers that can ease strained budgets or provide more funds for essential services.

This year, using the geographic formula that divides Worcester County into three relatively equal parts, all of the residential and commercial properties in Group 2 were reassessed. Group 2 includes much of the south end of the county including Snow Hill and Pocomoke along with outposts such as Stockton and Girdletree, for example. In order to make the reassessment areas fairly equal, Group 2 also includes areas in West Ocean City and South Point, for example, on the south end of Route 611, and some commercial properties in Berlin.

Statewide, residential properties reassessed across Maryland saw their values increase by an average of 22%. In Worcester, the increased values in residential properties were even more pronounced, coming in at an average of around 35%. In neighboring Wicomico County, the average increase in residential property reassessments was around 30%. Surprisingly, topping the state residential property reassessment value was Garrett County in western Maryland, which saw its average residential property values increase by around 54%.

On the commercial side, the gains were significant in terms of increased values, although less pronounced. For example, across Maryland in the reassessment areas in the current cycle, commercial properties saw their values increase by an average of 15%. In the reassessment area in Worcester, commercial properties

saw their values increase by an average of 14%. In Wicomico, commercial properties saw their values increase by an average of 12%. Topping the state in terms of commercial property value increases was Cecil County at 36%.

Statewide, the combined increases in reassessment values for residential and commercial combined was around 20%. In Worcester, the combined increases were about 31%, while Wicomico came in at around 24% combined. Garrett saw the biggest gains in combined assessment increases at around 50%. All in all, the figures represent good news in terms of property values statewide and locally and reflect a resurging post-pandemic real estate market despite current concerns about inflation and other market fluctuations.

“All 23 counties and Baltimore City experienced an increase in residential property values for the fifth consecutive year, while commercial property values increased in all 23 counties and Baltimore City,” said SDAT Director Michael Higgs. “This is a good indicator that the market remains strong, and growth is steady here in Maryland.”

Properties reassessed locally and across the state typically see their values increase or decrease across the board for a variety of reasons, but the numbers released by SDAT this week show the rate of increase was fairly consistent and even spiked in many cases. For example, of the 10,760 properties reassessed in Group 2 in Worcester during the current cycle, 96% saw their values increase. The statewide average was 96%, but over in Wicomico, around 99% saw their values increase during the current reassessment cycle.

Perhaps more telling is the full cash value of properties in the reassessed areas during the current cycle. For example, in Worcester, residential properties saw their full cash value increase from around $2.4 billion to nearly $3.3 billion. Combined, residential and commercial properties saw their total cash values increase from around $3 billion to $4 billion. That represents an increase of around 30% and suggests an increase of about $1 billion into the county coffers. Similar figures played out in Wicomico and across the state.

The SDAT figures released this week show a continued increase in property values in the assessment areas in the current cycle statewide and locally. For example, Worcester County saw steady declines in property value assessments for a five-year period beginning in 2010, but the numbers have slowly but surely increased by degrees in recent years with the spikes even more pronounced in recent cycles.

For example, in the last reassessment cycle in Worcester last year, that included much of the north end of the county including Berlin and Ocean Pines, the rate of increase was 16%, or right around the state average. This year, the property values in the reassessed Group 2 went up by a rather remarkable 31%.

Despite the significant increases in values, primary resident property owners in the reassessed areas in Worcester and

OC’s Beach Rental Stand Revenue Increases In Auction

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The beach equipment rental business remains lucrative judging by the results of a recent auction of the parcels in the downtown area.

During Tuesday’s meeting, City Clerk Diana Chavis announced the results of an auction for the downtown beach rental franchise parcels in the downtown area south of 27th Street. The town’s beach equipment rental franchise parcels, or informally beach stands, are auctioned in a three-year cycle with ge-

ographic area including the north end, the middle and the south end.

The latter were either auctioned to new operators or saw their options for renewal picked up. There was one midtown parcel including three blocks from 57th to 59th streets that was also auctioned because the previous successful bidder defaulted on his payment arrangements to the town.

The south section up for grabs last month included 34 parcels, of which 14 were auctioned. On the other 20 parcels, the prior successful bidder exercised his or her right for renewal. All in

… Property Values Jump On Shore

FROM PAGE 4

Wicomico counties should not expect a major spike in their annual property taxes.

Primary resident property owners across the state are projected somewhat from major increases by the Homestead Tax Credit and jurisdictions set their own rates.

In Worcester, for example, the assessment cap is set at 3%, meaning primary residents in the assessed area are only susceptible to an increase of 3% in their property tax, regardless of how much their property value increased. In Wicomico, the assessment cap is set at 5%. In Ocean City, which was not reassessed in the current cycle, the Homestead Cap is

set at 0%, meaning primary resident property owners in the resort would not pay higher municipal property taxes regardless of whether or not their reassessed values increased. Higgs said protections against exorbitant single-year property tax increases save primary residents in Maryland millions each year.

“The department’s real property assessors continue to work hard to ensure that all of Maryland’s properties are assessed uniformly and fairly,” he said. “As part of our tax credit awareness campaign, each reassessment notice include information about the homeowners’ and Homestead Tax credits, which save Marylanders more than $260 million each year.”

all, the December auction resulted in $418,500 for the downtown section, representing an increase from the $337,580 collected when the section was last auctioned three years ago.

In some cases, the new successful bids increased considerably from when the parcels were last auctioned three years ago. For example, the parcel at the Inlet increased by 61%, while the parcel at 3rd Street increased by 63% and the parcel at 12th Street went up by 47%. There were some parcels that saw their successful bids decline this time around by about 22% or 23%, but in most cases, the values continued to increase. Incidentally, the three-block parcel from 57th to 59th streets went to the successful bidder at $17,000, representing an increase over the $10,000 previous bid on which the operator eventually defaulted.

Various market forces are at play in the bids for beach stands. Some are influenced by new real estate developments such as a new hotel or condo project. For years, the traditional beach equipment rental franchise business has been challenged by the proliferation of cheap, practically disposable umbrellas and chairs from deep-discount rental stores. All in all, however, the bids for the south-end parcels indicate that area remains lucrative.

There are complicated market forces at play in the beach rental franchise

business. In some cases, operators bid overly high on a parcel adjacent to one of his or her best performers day in and day out during the summer to insulate a strong parcel from direct competition from a neighboring operator. In that example, an operator attempts to obtain blocks of adjacent parcels from an economic and practical standpoint.

Of the 28 south-end parcels that went up for auction in December, one operator obtained 16 alone, while another obtained seven. Most of the rest obtained one or two scattered parcels. The single-highest bid for one parcel was the Inlet, which went for $82,000, representing 61% increase. The second-highest single parcel was the 3rd Street, which was among those renewed for a second three-year term at $70,000, or a 63% increase from the prior year.

Overall, the south end new contracts or renewals represent over $1 million in revenue for the town. All in all, the town’s entire beach equipment rental franchises bring in about $1.4 million annually.

“These are impressive numbers,” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said. “Thank you for exceeding expectations year after year.”

The council voted 5-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent and Councilman Peter Buas recusing himself, to approve the beach rental franchise bids as presented.

Petition Meets Mark Challenging OC's Right Of Way Ordinance Referendum Timing Could Impact Margaritaville Project

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A successful petition blocking the town’s transfer of a right-ofway along Baltimore Avenue to help the proposed Margaritaville project was confirmed this week and could be heading to a special election.

Last year, local resident and former councilperson Margaret Pillas launched an effort to petition to referendum an ordinance passed by the Mayor and Council to abandon and convey a narrow strip along Baltimore Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Street to accommodate the proposed Margaritaville project’s planned overlay district (POD) requirements. On Tuesday, the town’s Board of Election Supervisors announced it has verified and authenticated the required number of signatures to successfully bring the petition to referendum.

What happens next remains to be seen. Pillas’ petition drive to overturn the ordinance was completed in advance of the town’s municipal election in November but did not meet the timeline to get on the ballot because of signature verification timing, for example. As a result, there could be a special election on that referendum question alone, or it could be folded into the next municipal election in 2024. In either case, time is of the essence for the significant project.

City Clerk Diana Chavis on Tuesday submitted the Board of Elections Supervisors’ verification of the petition’s signatures. She explained the petition needed the confirmed signatures of 40% of the voters in the 2020 municipal election. There were 1,528 voters in the 2020 municipal election, meaning the petition required the signatures of 612 qualified voters to meet the standard. Chavis on Tuesday confirmed the Board of Elections Supervisors had verified 639 valid signatures, meaning the petition for referendum was successful and

the voters will ultimately have the opportunity to weigh on the property abandonment and conveyance along Baltimore Avenue. She said the petition submitted contained 825 signatures, but the board had confirmed 639 as valid.

“On Dec. 20, the Board of Elections Supervisors conducted a signature verification process,” she said. “The board has confirmed 199 petition pages containing 825 valid signatures were received to submit the ordinance to a referendum vote by the voters of the town of Ocean City.”

By way of background, the town in recent years has been planning a major renovation of the Baltimore Avenue corridor between North Division Street and 15th Street, including the undergrounding of utilities, widening sidewalks and streetscaping. Part of that project includes abandoning and conveying a narrow unused portion of the right-ofway along Baltimore Avenue back to the property owners along the corridor.

Deeds platted decades ago show the Baltimore Avenue right-of-way at 75 feet, but the current roadway utilizes just 45 feet from curb to curb, creating a narrow strip of property not needed for the corridor. Over the years, the adjacent property owners have steadily encroached on the no man’s land of sorts with signs, parking, landscaping and driveways, for example.

With the property not needed for the proposed Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project, the town is in the process of abandoning the strip and formally conveying it to the adjacent property owners. The abandoned property will be deeded to the property owners and go back on the town’s tax rolls.

Eventually, all the property owners along the corridor from North Division Street to 15th Street will have the opportunity to apply for the conveyance of the property, a process that will likely be completed in phases. The proposed Margaritaville project, a resort hotel and convention center with multiple restau-

rants and 265 hotel rooms over an entire city block between 13th and 14th streets, just happened to be the first to apply for the abandonment and conveyance of the property and the council last month approved the application.

The proposed Margaritaville project requires a planned overlay district and needs 90,000 square feet to qualify for the zoning designation. The abandoned right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue conveyed by the town to the developer helps the project meet the requirements for a POD.

However, Pillas began a petition drive to bring the approved ordinance to referendum and a decision by the town’s voters. On Tuesday, the success of the petition drive was verified, leaving resort officials to decide the next step in the process. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said Tuesday’s agenda item was simply a verification of the petition results as confirmed by the elections board.

“There is no action needed at this time,” she said. “We can take the matter under advisement at a future work session. This is just a night to read the results into the record.”

Stansbury said the Mayor and Council have different options for addressing the referendum issue.

“Ultimately, there will need to be a decision made by the Mayor and Council whether it intends to set this in for an election as a special election or hold this for the next regularly scheduled election or to consider any other options that may be available,” she said.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said he desired to start the process for addressing the referendum question sooner rather than later in order to begin conveying the no man’s land along Baltimore Avenue to the property owners and expedite that redevelopment project.

“I’d like to begin the process or the next steps or whatever you want to call it to possibly approve the ordinance and begin to convey the next five blocks,”

he said.

City Manager Terry McGean was asked where the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project stood currently. McGean advised the first phase, including letters to adjacent property owners about the conveyance of the narrow strip along Baltimore Avenue was moving forward, but a big question remaining was funding for the project.

“Right now, we’re going to go through the capital improvement plan process,” he said. “The big question right now is trying to find some grant funding for it. If you want to move forward with property transfers, we do have pretty much the first five blocks platted and we can send those letters out. We can move forward with a more blanket process especially for that first phase.”

Margaritaville was the first to request the transfer, and the petition drive is an attempt to reverse that.

“This 20-foot conveyance is just the latest concession,” the referendum petition reads. “Earlier, the council allowed the alley within this block to be moved closer to Baltimore Avenue to enhance the project’s architectural design. The City Council also conveyed air rights above this alley providing 720,000 cubic feet of additional bulk-mass allowing for greater density.”

The referendum petition cites the need for additional parking in the downtown area. It also points to the uncertainty of the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project in general. Resort officials learned late last year the project’s estimated overall cost had nearly doubled, along with its timeline.

“Parking is greatly needed for the downtown area,” the petition reads. “The highest and best use for these 16 blocks where the easement allows would also be to provide additional needed parking. Why prematurely abandon this city property when we do not even know when the enhancements to Baltimore Avenue will be done due to the exorbitant cost estimates.”

In ‘Tough Environment’

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With recruiting season for seasonal police department officers and public safety aides heading into the back stretch, at least one resort official this week voiced concern the current numbers appear to be falling short and questioned if enough was being done.

During an Ocean City Police Commission meeting last month, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro presented his monthly update on the department’s recruiting efforts for seasonal police officers and public safety aids (PSAs), and the numbers weren’t exactly encouraging.

Buzzuro on Tuesday presented his same update to the Mayor and Council

during a review of the police commission meeting and not much had changed, although there have been more testing dates since November, the results of which are not yet known.

Buzzuro reported on Tuesday there had been 25 applicants for seasonal officer positions through November, of which 19 were still in the testing and vetting process. Similarly, there have been 10 new applicants for PSA positions through November although as many as 20 have said they are returning this season.

By comparison, last year the OCPD had 115 applicants for seasonal police officer positions of which 42 were hired. Similarly, last year the department had 50 applicants for PSA positions of which 48 were hired. At least 20 of those from last year have committed to returning.

The department has held two more testing weekends in December since those numbers were last reported, along with a handful of testing weekends this month and later in March, so those apparent dismal numbers will likely go up and the department will get closer to its target numbers.

“We have resumed testing,” said Buzzuro on Tuesday. “As of November, there were 25 seasonal officer applicants and 10 for public safety aides, which are slightly off last year’s numbers. We have other testing weekends coming up and I will be reporting on those results.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca reflected on the current recruiting figures for the department and asked if enough was being done.

“Can we compare where we are

through the same time last year?” he said. “Do we have some kind of plan in place if we fall short?”

DeLuca pointed at similar recruiting challenges for other departments and asked if similar measures were being considered for the OCPD. For example, the transportation department in recent years has faced challenges recruiting, hiring and retaining bus drivers and tram drivers, and incentive plans have since been put in place such as hourly wage increases, loyalty bonuses etc.

“We’ve seen this in some of our other departments,” said DeLuca. “Maybe its better salaries and benefits, or maybe we need to reach out to colleges and universities outside of our zone. Maybe we can sell the quality of life. We just need to have some kind of plan.”

Buzzuro defended the department’s recruiting and hiring practices for seasonal officers and PSAs.

“We do have a plan and we’re using that,” he said. “We actually make adjustments every year depending on the circumstances. We’re going to have several more testing dates coming up through March. That will conclude our testing period. We look every year at how we can improve. Where we are this year compared to last year is slightly off, but not significantly off. These numbers here tonight don’t bear that out.”

Buzzuro said the department will likely see a boost when seasonal officers and PSAs from last year commit to returning this upcoming season. He said those numbers will be reflected in his future recruitment reports.

“Some of the good news is we’ll see seasonal officers returning for a second year,” he said. “A lot of them have expressed interest, and that’s a shot in the arm for us. It remains challenging but I don’t want you to think we don’t have a plan in place.”

Buzzuro, as he has in the past, cited challenges in recruiting law enforcement officers in the current climate. He said the OCPD is already doing many of the things DeLuca suggested with varied results, but the final numbers are a bit of a moving target, and the department will likely get close to hitting the mark.

“We’ve been busy recruiting at colleges and universities, and we’ve been looking at salaries and a number of other things,” he said. “As I’ve reported again and again and again, this is tough environment. It’s hard to get full-time police officers let alone part-time officers.”

Buzzuro said doing outreach and recruiting at colleges and universities for potential seasonal officers and PSAs in just part of the equation. Because of the nature of the job, each applicant must be carefully vetted with background checks before they are eventually prepared to get out on the streets.

“When you include the vetting process just to get them through the door, and see them go through the academy and matriculate into the field, that’s what we’re dealing with right now,” he said. “It’s a little discouraging, but I’m cautiously optimistic right now.”

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY –After two attempts at bidding the construction contract for the redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex, resort officials approved the successful low bidder although the bottom line is still above what was budgeted.

In recent years, town officials have been planning for a major redevelopment of the downtown recreation and parks complex along the bayside between 3rd and 4th Streets. The large swath of open space in an otherwise densely developed downtown area has served many purposes over the years but is showing its age and is generally unpleasing and unwelcoming aesthetically.

To that end, the Recreation and Parks Department two years ago initiated a process to begin redeveloping the complex. A consultant was hired to redesign certain elements of the park and add new amenities. Those plans have been reviewed and tweaked at different levels during the process, but the town was ready to pull the trigger with funding included in a bond sale for the first phase of the project.

During a work session in July, the submitted contractor bids for the first phase of the project were opened with disappointing results. Just two bids were submitted for the budgeted $2.2 million project and each were higher than expected. For example, one of the bids came in at around $3.8 million, while the second

came in at nearly $5 million, or more than twice what was budgeted.

To that end, City Engineer Terry McGean suggested adjusting the timeline for the downtown recreation complex redevelopment, putting the project on pause and rebidding its first phase. Last month, four new bids were opened with similar results, although at least one was fairly close to the $2.2 million budgeted. Two of the bids were similar at around $3.9 million, while one was much higher at $4.7 million. The lowest among the four bids for the project opened on Tuesday came in at around $2.7 million, which was at least near the $2.2 million budgeted for the first phase of the downtown recreation complex redevelopment project. The council voted unanimously to remand the opened bids to staff for review and a recommendation.

On Tuesday, McGean after a staff review recommended an award to the lowest bidder, David A. Bramble, Inc., which came in at around $2.7 million for the first phase of the project. The town had already budgeted $2.2 million for the first phase of the project funded through the most recent bond sale. The difference between the budgeted amount and the lowest bidder is around $500,000, which will likely be made up through grant funds. McGean said staff went through the submitted bids line by line to determine the best option.

“There was a considerable spread between the lowest bidder and the next lowest bidder,” he said. “We looked at the low

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines Police Chief Leo Ehrisman has been placed on administrative leave as the association works with local agencies to investigate a reported burglary that occurred at a storage shed used by the police department.

On Tuesday, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) announced that Ehrisman has been placed on paid administrative leave effective Jan. 1. The suspension came just one day after General Manager John Viola learned of a reported burglary at the department’s storage shed, according to the association.

“On Saturday, December 31, 2022, OPA’s General Manager became aware of a report of a burglary which occurred at a storage shed used by the Ocean Pines Police Department on December 17, 2022,” a statement from the Ocean Pines Association reads. “After consultation with partners at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office and the Office of the State’s Attorney, OPA has taken steps to ensure that a thorough and independent investigation is conducted, and that police services to residents of Ocean Pines remain uninterrupted.”

The statement continues, “Effective January 1, 2023, Ocean Pines Police Chief Ehrisman has been placed on paid administrative leave, during which time a commander from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office will provide onsite leadership to the Ocean Pines Po-

lice Department and will oversee a complete audit and inventory of the contents of the storage shed and the property room. OPA has been working with the Sheriff’s Office to implement these changes since last Friday and has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.”

Ehrisman began his lengthy career at the Ocean Pines Police Department in 1986. Starting as a patrol officer, he climbed the ranks to become the agency’s police chief in 2020.

The association encouraged anyone with information about the reported burglary to contact the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office at 410-632-1112.

“Investigators of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a burglary investigation at the request of the Ocean Pines Association,” a statement from the sheriff’s office reads. “In addition, this Office is providing on-site leadership to the Ocean Pines Police Department to oversee that services to the Ocean Pines community are uninterrupted during this investigation.”

The statement continues, “As this is an active criminal investigation we cannot provide additional information at this time nor do we have a comment on the status of Chief Ehrisman.”

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser this week confirmed the information provided in the association’s statement, but declined to provide additional details, citing the ongoing investigation.

bids for each line item. The higher bids on certain line items were only different by around $250,000.”

McGean said in the end, Bramble’s low bid represented the best option for the town. He said the town has a successful history in working with the contractor on other projects.

“They came at it with a fresh approach,” he said. “They did not participate in the first bidding process. They feel very comfortable with their number, and we feel very comfortable with the company.”

Again, the successful low bid came in higher than what was planned for and

budgeted, but it was much closer than the bids submitted in the first attempt. McGean said he was confident grant funding for the project would make up the difference.

“The question is where is the other half a million going to come from,” he said. “The grants we should receive should make up for nearly all of it. We expect the other components of this project to come in high as well based on the current trends.”

The park redevelopment will eventually be done in phases, with the first phase covering the infrastructure for both the east and west sections. Included in

the first phase will be paths, utilities, stormwater management, landscaping, lighting, the relocation of the basketball courts, the expansion of the Ocean Bowl skate park and the construction of a new skate park office and restroom.

The second phase includes a new playground in the northwest corner of section of the complex on the west side of St. Louis Avenue. The third phase includes new tennis and pickleball courts and new restrooms on the western portion of the complex. The fourth and final phase includes another playground on the western portion of the complex, along with exercise equipment.

For the east section, the plan includes an expanded skate park, relocating the existing basketball courts the area of the park closest to Philadelphia Avenue and an improved inclusive playground area. The east section would be connected to the west section via the raised pedestrian walkway across St. Louis Avenue. There was some early discussion about closing that portion of St. Louis Avenue, but that idea got little traction.

The section to the west would be less developed and more passive. It includes a vast flexible lawn in the center surrounded by trees for pick-up sports and other events, a playground area, a spot for a pavilion or future temporary band stage for future special events and new restrooms for the entire complex. The recreational fishing areas along the bulkhead would also be retained.

A key element in the overall park complex redevelopment is the expansion of the decades-old Ocean Bowl skate park. Again, the plan calls for an upgrade of the existing facility along with the addition of popular street-skate elements. The expansion will take the skate park from its existing 10,000 square feet to 17,000 square feet.

The initial plans called for the construction of public restrooms in the westernmost section of the park complex. However, McGean explained on Tuesday as a cost-saving measure, the new plan included eliminating the public restrooms in the west section and expanding the existing restrooms in the redeveloped skate park facilities.

“We’re looking at eliminating the planned restrooms on the west part,” he said. “All of the public restrooms in the park complex would be located at the skate park, with bathrooms on the first floor and the skate park offices on the second floor. We’re confident we’ll be able to accomplish that through grants.”

McGean was asked about the adjusted timetable for the overall park redevelopment project. He said if funding is available, it could become an expedited timetable.

“If we’re able to keep it going, we’d like to begin in March,” he said. “That would put at an estimated completion date by the start of the season in 2024. We’re going to start with the west portion and move our way east.”

Christmas Trees Feed Local Goats

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Area goats are now snacking on Christmas trees from homes in Berlin thanks to a partnership between the town and two local farms.

For the first two Wednesdays in January, Berlin’s residential trash customers can leave their live-cut Christmas trees on the curb for pickup by the town’s public works crew. The trees are being delivered to two local farms for their goats to eat.

“It was looked at as a way to repurpose trees and not just dispose of them,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “I think it’s a cool way to let Mother Nature take its course.”

According to Tyndall, Berlin shopkeeper Lizzie Ottenstein, owner of Love Your Mama, suggested the town recycle the live-cut trees it collected during trash pickup. Rather than take them to the landfill, the town’s public works crew will drop them off at two area farms—Naturally Sunkissed Farm in Bishopville and Marshall Creek Farm in Newark. Both farms are vendors at the Berlin Farmers Market.

“Any way we can help local farms is great,” Tyndall said.

About 80 trees were left on the curb in town this Wednesday morning and public works crews delivered them that afternoon.

At Naturally Sunkissed Farm, where the goats already enjoy compost from Jun & Juice, the animals were quick to start snacking on the trees. Tyndall said the farm’s connections were coordinating with other goat owners that might want some trees for their goats.

Residents will have one more chance to leave their live-cut trees out for the goats next Wednesday, Jan. 11. Residents are asked to have the trees out by 6 a.m. so crews can retrieve them on their morning collection route.

“Please remember to remove all decorations from your trees before putting them on your curb for pickup,” Tyndall said. “Trees should not be wrapped or placed in bags.”

Artificial, potted or “ball” trees intended for replanting will not be collected. For more information, visit the town’s website, www.berlinmd.gov.

Goats at Naturally Sunkissed Farm in Bishopville wasted no time in snacking on Christmas trees delivered by Town of Berlin staff. Submitted image.

Berlin’s residential trash customers can leave live-cut trees out next Wednesday to be donated to local goats. Submitted image.

Atlantic General Hospital Receives

$193K Broadband Reimbursement

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital has received a $193,050 reimbursement through a program that helps not-for-profit hospitals serving rural areas with broadband costs.

Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) secured a $193,050 reimbursement from a Federal Communications Commission fund via the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The funding is made possible by telecommunication service providers — like those who are members of the Maryland Broadband Cooperative — that pay into the fund to support rural healthcare facilities through increased connectivity.

“This has been a relationship that really crystallizes why our organization exists,” said Drew Van Dopp, president and CEO of Maryland Broadband Cooperative.

Maryland Broadband Cooperative provides both lit (in use) services as well as dark fiber (infrastructure not yet in use) to Atlantic General, which allows for the expansion of existing services and telehealth opportunities. Van Dopp said expanding rural access to broadband was the reason Maryland Broadband Cooperative was created by a coalition of TriCounty Councils years ago.

“Everyone has known the rural parts of Maryland have needed world class broadband telecommunications services, not only so our people can compete with the more technologically developed parts of our state but to have a comparable and similar quality of life,” Van Dopp said.

The cooperative began constructing fiberoptic backbones in 2007 through the support of the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore and the Mid-Shore Regional Council. For the last 10 years, the hospital has worked in partnership with Maryland Broadband. Installing fiber

in Worcester County allowed AGH to implement its first electronic medical records system and make subsequent upgrades connecting all facilities, which requires the secure exchange of data at high speeds.

“We cannot stress enough the incredible impact the efforts of the Tri-County Councils and the Maryland Broadband Cooperative have had on clinical practice and patient care,” said Jonathan Bauer, vice president of information services at AGH. “This reimbursement from USAC helps make broadband internet service more affordable for our organization, thereby reducing the cost of patient care.”

Donald Owrey, AGH’s president and CEO, said the hospital appreciated all of the partners who made progress possible. He said broadband played a vital role at the hospital.

“When you think about technology, it permeates all aspects of our lives,” he said. “Health care is no different.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino praised both the hospital’s evolution and the success of the broadband partnership.

“Yet again this is a demonstration of the power of cooperation and the unrivaled passion of this institution to continually evolve to ensure its patients are cared for as they deserve,” Bertino said.

According to AGH, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 led to creation of the USAC, an independent not-for-profit corporation designated as administrator of the Universal Service Fund. Telecom service providers pay into the fund and participate in four programs, one of which is to support rural health care facilities through increased connectivity. Facilities like AGH that classify as notfor-profit and serve rural areas can receive a 65% discount on broadband services. The reimbursement funding received this week will be reinvested in AGH’s information technology department.

Representatives from AGH, Worcester County and the Maryland Broadband Cooperative are pictured at this week’s check presentation. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Ocean Pines Board, Former Director Reach Settlement

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – A settlement between the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) and former director Tom Janasek is being finalized.

Late last week, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors announced the association had agreed in principle to a settlement in a lawsuit regarding the enforcement of a 90-day amenity ban against Janasek. The settlement comes months after a Worcester County Circuit Court judge granted Janasek’s motion for a preliminary injunction, allowing him to continue using Ocean

Pines’ food and beverage operations as his lawsuit against the association and its board of directors made its way through the court system.

“Specific terms and conditions of a proposed settlement were reviewed by counsel for both parties,” a statement from the board reads. “The amount of the financial payout to the plaintiff was proposed and agreed to by the insurance carrier for OPA. The final details and related paperwork are in progress and will be finalized over the next several weeks.”

In June, the board of directors voted 52, with Directors Doug Parks and Rick Farr opposed, to ban Janasek from the Yacht

Club, Golf Clubhouse and Beach Club for 90 days following an altercation between Janasek and former director Josette Wheatley. While at the Yacht Club Tiki Bar on May 20, Janasek reportedly launched into a verbal tirade over Wheatley’s vote to elect the next association president.

In June, however, Janasek filed suit against the association and four board members – Colette Horn, Frank Daly, former director Amy Peck and former director Larry Perrone – arguing that the imposed ban was not only a violation of the community’s governing documents but prohibited him from doing business as an independent contractor for AC Beverage, which services bar equipment at Ocean Pines food and beverage facilities.

“Our position in the case is that the Board majority does not have the power to impose the ban that they have attempted to impose, and that they took this action arbitrarily, without precedent, knowing full well they were acting outside the scope of their power and the OPA governing documents,” Bruce Bright, Janasek’s attorney, said at the time.

For their part, board members have asserted the decision to ban Janasek from food and beverage amenities was a matter of safety.

“Our governing documents do give us the authority to provide for the safety at our amenities, not only for members of the association but anyone who comes to our amenities,” Perrone said in June. “And while there are some contradictions in the bylaws, the bylaws clearly state that we have

a right and obligation to provide for safety at our amenities.”

Since that time, the lawsuit has worked its way through the court system, with a motions hearing held in August and Janasek’s request for a preliminary injunction granted in October.

While officials reported the association and Janasek had reached a resolution in the matter, they did not share the terms of the settlement. In a comment shared on the Ocean Pines Forum, however, Farr reported settlement numbers totaling $67,750 – $25,000 in insurance deductible fees, $18,750 in attorneys’ fees paid by the insurance company and $24,000 in out-of-pocket legal fees for in-house counsel.

In a statement this week, Bright declined to comment on the terms of the settlement but said he was happy with the outcome of the case.

“Terms of a settlement have been reached, and settlement is in the process of being finalized, he said. “I anticipate that the case will soon be dismissed in accordance with the agreed settlement terms. I do not have any further comment at this time as to the agreed settlement terms, but the settlement will end the matter finally, such that my client’s right to use OPA amenities will no longer be disputed. The current Board has, in my view, acted responsibly and in the best interests of the association in bringing this matter to a close without further costly litigation.”

Janasek did not return requests for comment this week.

Delmar Holding Off Final Call On Ex-Berlin Leader

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Officials in the Town of Delmar have not yet made a decision regarding the future of Town Manager Jeff Fleetwood.

After Fleetwood pleaded guilty to embezzlement in Worcester County District Court last month, officials in Delmar, the municipality that hired him after he retired from the role of town administrator in Berlin, met to discuss his continued employment. A decision on whether he will continue in the role has not yet been made, according to a statement shared on social media.

“The Town of Delmar expects to diligently consider all available information and expects to make a decision about Mr. Fleetwood in a timely manner,” the statement reads.

Fleetwood, who worked in Berlin for about a decade and spent three years as town administrator, pleaded guilty to embezzlement last month and paid the town full restitution in the amount of $17,530. Judge Gerald Purnell sentenced him to six months in jail with all but one month, which Fleetwood will serve in home detention, suspended. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.

Fleetwood was initially charged with six counts of forgery of private documents, theft $1,500 to under $25,000 and theft scheme $1,500 to under $25,000. The felony charges related to discrepancies in Fleetwood’s leave balances, which he was paid for when he left Berlin. The statement of charges outlined how 240 hours of sick leave and 80 hours of vacation had been added to Fleetwood’s leave and earning statement.

The Town of Delmar said Fleetwood advised elected officials on Dec. 12 that he expected to accept a plea to a misdemeanor charge.

“On Tuesday, December 13, 2022, immediately after the hearing in the District Court, Mr. Fleetwood notified the Town that he pled guilty to one misdemeanor charge and received a sentence,” the statement reads.

Delmar’s elected officials met with him in executive session the next day to discuss the outcome of the case and “his continuation as town manager.”

“Elected officials from both Maryland and Delaware attended the meeting, as well as Mr. Fleetwood, his attorney and attorneys representing the town,” the statement reads. “During the meeting, discussion involved the nature of the offense, the penalty imposed by the Court and the ability of Mr. Fleetwood to continue in his current capacity. At the conclusion of the meeting, the mayors, commissioners and council members unanimously decided that additional information would be needed to make a final determination regarding Mr. Fleetwood’s future as town manager.”

Goat Drop: Though most New Year's Eve events were either scrapped or modified due to the weather, Snow Hill was able to pull off his planned goat drop to ring in 2023. The event designed for kids consisted of a stuffed goat being lowered from a fire truck as the count down to the new year took place at 6 p.m.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A Snow Hill man was sentenced last month to 40 years in jail for distribution of child pornography, all but 16 years of which were suspended.

Timothy Patrick Newsome, 32, of Snow Hill, was sentenced to a total of 40 years with the Department of Corrections for his conviction on four counts of distribution of child pornography, charges for which he pleaded guilty in September. All but 16 years of the sentence was then suspended by a Worcester County Circuit Court judge. Newsome will be on supervised probation for five years upon his release and will be required to register as a Tier II sex offender and have no unsupervised contact with children.

TIMOTHY P. NEWSOME

The charges originated when the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) received a referral in May 2021 from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s cyber tip-line. The cyber tip identified a WhatsApp account having uploaded a video containing child pornography. Investigators were able to trace the account back to Newsome, according to a release.

Days later, another cyber tip was received about a Skype account which had uploaded child pornography and that account was also traced back to Newsome. WCBI detectives then executed a search warrant at Newsome’s home in Snow Hill and seized multiple electronic devices for a forensic examination.

The examination of those devices revealed Newsome had distributed multiple files containing child pornography over the internet. He was charged in July 2021 with 38 counts of distributing child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser praised the collaborative efforts of the WCBI, the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children along with the lead detectives in the case. Heiser also commended Assistant State’s Attorney Pamela Correa, who prosecuted the case against Newsome.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Teachers spent the early part of this week moving into the newly completed wing at Stephen Decatur Middle School.

The new addition to the school, which held asynchronous learning on Monday and Tuesday to give teachers a chance to move into their new classrooms, opened to students Wednesday. The addition increases the school’s size by 24,000 square feet and eliminates the need for the portable classrooms that have sat behind the school practically since it opened in 1997.

“It’s really nice to all be under one roof,” Principal Lynne Barton said.

In 2021, construction of a 24,000 square foot addition began at Stephen Decatur Middle. The $11 million addition had been identified as a need by school system officials for years, as the middle school had nine portable classrooms and was crowded when it opened. Funding constraints limited the size of the facility built in 1997.

Construction crews were putting final touches on the addition this week as teachers spent Monday and Tuesday moving into their new classrooms. The new wing, which includes 12 general classrooms as well as four science labs and storage and meeting space, will house two seventh grade and two eighth grade teams. Crews demolished the nine portable classrooms behind the school,

While students were enjoying the holidays, the final touches on a 24,000square-foot addition at Stephen Decatur Middle School were being completed. The new addition, left, allowed for the demolition of nine old trailers, above, used for many years as classrooms. Below, a classroom is

as the old trailers weren’t worth reusing elsewhere.

Despite the laborious move-in process Monday, teachers were excited about moving into their new spaces. A group of the school’s retired educators even stopped by to help teachers unpack in their new rooms.

Barton said the new wing eliminated the need for portable classrooms and also freed up some multipurpose rooms that had been needed for classrooms.

“It’s so nice to reclaim those spaces,” she said.

While construction crews are still finishing up a few minor aspects of the project, including completion of an outdoor courtyard, the classrooms are complete and ready for students to return this week.

In a recent school board meeting, Superintendent Lou Taylor praised the school system’s facilities manager and Whiting Turner Contracting Corp. for their efforts to make the addition fit the existing school.

“It doesn’t even look like an addition,” Taylor said.

pictured on Monday’s movein day.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

959 Plunge In AGH Penguin Swim

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – More than 900 Penguin Swim participants took a dip in the Atlantic Ocean Sunday to raise more than $111,000 for Atlantic General Hospital (AGH).

On New Year’s Day, 959 participants sporting costumes and bathing suits took a plunge into the waters off Ocean City for the 29th Annual Penguin Swim.

Event co-chair Ryan Kirby said unseasonably warm weather, sunny skies and no wind provided for another successful fundraising year. While preliminary totals from Sunday’s event show the hospital

raised $111,000 for community health care services, Kirby said that number is expected to increase in the coming days as donations and sales continue to be calculated.

“This community is incredible with their support of all local charities and civic events,” he said. “And the AGH Penguin Swim is just one of the many this area supports with all their heart. They, once again, went above and beyond to support the swim financially and with their time.”

Since 1995, the event has grossed roughly $1.4 million in support of the hospital’s mission to provide a coordinated care system with access to quality care,

PAGE 20

Some of the more than 950 participants in Sunday’s swim are pictured entering the ocean. See page 47 for more pictures. Photo by Chris Parypa SEE

… Hospital’s Annual Penguin Swim Raises Over $111K

FROM PAGE 19

personalized service and education. To date, the yearly fundraiser has allowed the hospital to purchase items such as emergency room beds and flat-screen televisions and subsidize community clinics and screenings.

“If it weren’t for the generosity of this community, we wouldn’t have all the expansion and resources AGH provides,” Kirby said. “AGH has really evolved into a regional hospital feel located in a small community. We are so lucky to have it in our backyard.”

The annual swim has also become a tradition for hundreds of residents and visitors, as well as businesses and community group. This year, for example, legacy sponsor Bull on the Beach raised more than $20,000. The Bull team has contributed more than $662,000 over the event’s history. The Ocean City Ravens Roost raised more than $9,400, contributing more than $162,000 over 14 years.

Kirby recognized Phil Houck, Michelle Knopp, Gary Miller and representatives of the two teams, which have contributed more than half of the net total raised from Penguin Swim events.

He also thanked AGH Foundation staff members Kam LaBrunda, Laura Powell and Toni Keiser, Penguin Swim committee members and volunteers and the Ocean City Beach Patrol.

Penguin Swim winners listed in order of award sequence are as followed: Youth/Family Teams

Team Believe (Denver, Pa.), $3,765

Ice Ice Kirbys (Berlin), $2,716

Zoo Crew (Breinigsville, Pa.), $1,705

Community Teams

OC Ravens Roost #44 (Ocean City), $9,412

The Atlantic Club Beach Warriors (Ocean City), $915

OPST Hammerheads (Ocean Pines), $865

Business Teams

Bull on the Beach (Ocean City), $20,000

OC Wasabi (Ocean City), $2,100

Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 486 (Baltimore, Md.), $1,555

Adult Individuals

Michael Nelson (Rosedale, Md.), $1,335

Matthew Lynch (Frankford, Del.), $1,075

James King (Selbyville, Del.), $800 Youth Individuals

Ty Barnes (Berlin), $330

Maxon Hashagen (Macungie, Pa.), $255

Leila Attia (Fallston, Md.), $230 Costume Contest

Best Youth Costume: Rowan Aguillon (Ocean Pines) as “New Year Cutie”

Best Adult Costume: Butch Lorditch (Denver, Pa.) as “Avatar”

Best Couple Costume: Melissa and Olivia Page (York, Pa.) as “Pirates”

Best Group Costume: Team Frosty Paws (Telford, Pa.) as “SpongeBob SquarePants & Friends”

“Blingiest” Costume Sponsored by Park Place Jewelers: Jennifer Wills (Berlin) as “Jewels”

Special Recognition Prizes

Youngest Penguin: Dezzy Wegrzyn (Ocean City), 10 months, 19 days

Oldest Penguin: June Barnes (Fallston, Md.), 92 years, four months, five days

Traveled the Farthest: Matias Aiskovitch, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The Bull on the Beach team is pictured making its way to the beach for the New Year’s Day penguin swim.

Photo by Chris Parypa

Mobile Health Training Held

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A joint training exercise last week between Ocean City Fire Department paramedics and the Worcester County Health Department could improve emergency patient care and reduce the strain on the 911 call system.

Ocean City Fire Department paramedics and county health department care providers embarked on training sessions for a relatively new Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program. It’s no secret emergency services departments and 911 call centers around the state and throughout the country are experiencing higher levels of strain for a variety of reasons including staffing levels and more demand for services, and Ocean City and Worcester County have not been immune.

On many occasions, 911 calls originating from Ocean City to the county’s call center include those in dire need of critical emergency care, but on other occasions, 911 calls come from patients with chronic illness that need specialized care with a trip to a hospital emergency room via ambulance. The latter are often clogging already-stressed emergency service providers dealing with high call volumes, particularly at certain times of the year, or even times during the week.

To that end, the Ocean City Fire Department is partnering with the Worcester County Health Department on its own MIH program aimed at getting treatment to those with chronic illnesses and health issues where they live or work, and not necessarily transporting them to a hospital. Akin to existing home healthcare systems, MIH allows trained paramedics to treat those who would otherwise call 911, easing the strain on the entire system.

Ocean City Fire Department paramedics began training with their county health department colleagues on the integrated emergency healthcare system. The coordinated training began in the resort on Dec. 28, according to department spokesman Ryan Whittington.

“Fire departments across the country struggle with the high volume of 911 calls that don’t constitute an emergency that requires an ambulance,” he said. “Unnecessary calls can drain the 911 system with the limited time and resources that departments have. Oftentimes, this is a result of individuals with chronic issues using the 911 system when not necessary.”

MIH programs have been introduced in other areas around the state and across the country with great effectiveness, and, according to Whittington, creating a program here was the next logical step in and around the resort area where resources are often strained.

“This is being addressed in Ocean City and Worcester County with Mobile Integrated Health,” he said. “It’s a patient-centered model being deployed

around the country. This model emphasizes at-home treatment by visiting nurses and paramedics with specialized training to perform at-home care, such as health screenings, treatments and follow-ups on a variety of issues.”

According to Whittington, MIH programs that utilize paramedics can provide a number of benefits to a community. Some of the benefits include improved access to care for people living in underserved or remote areas as paramedics are able to provide a range of medical services in the field.

The MIH program has the potential to enhance patient outcomes by providing timely care in the field rather than costly trips via ambulance to hospital emergency rooms, for example. The program can also improve patient satisfaction by treating them in their own homes or community rather than transporting those with chronic issues each and every time.

“The program will enhance the coordination of care by allowing paramedics to work closely with other healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians to ensure patients receive the care they need,” he said. “The MIH program can help improve the efficiency of the healthcare system by reducing unnecessary hospital and emergency department visits and by providing care in the most appropriate setting.”

new pocomoke library process continues

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

POCOMOKE – Plans to tear down the former armory to make space for a new Pocomoke library continue to move forward.

City Manager Jeremy Mason said this week he’s hopeful that the demolition process can begin this spring. Thanks to a property purchase made last year, the city will be clearing an entire block.

“It’ll do a lot of revitalization for downtown and eliminate the blight,” he said.

Both Pocomoke City and the Worcester County Library have been working in recent years to find a way to build a new Pocomoke branch. After ruling out a city-owned site because of environmental concerns, a plan was developed to tear down the old armory on 2nd Street and build a new facility there.

Though officials were optimistic about getting a strategic demolition grant from the state to aid in the process, for the second year in a row Pocomoke was not successful.

“Unfortunately, most of the money went up to the north end of the state,” Mason said.

He knew there was a chance the city would not receive the funding and asked the Worcester County Commissioners last year for a $300,000 loan to use if the grant didn’t come through.

“That was Plan B,” Mason said, adding that both state and local elected officials had helped throughout the process. “We’ve had a really good support system all along.”

He said the city is now finalizing bidding documents to find someone to handle the demolition, which he’s hoping will take place this spring. Because the city acquired the property adjacent to the armory last year, the demolition will include the old armory as well as what was known as the Collins building and an attached structure.

Mason said citizens are excited about seeing the site improved.

“There’s a lot of benefit to it,” he said.

“It’s not just a library, it’s a community center. The city-owned lot across the street is tentatively slated for a recreation center.”

As site clearing moves closer, Worcester County Library officials are continuing with the design process. Jennifer Ranck, director of the Worcester County Library, said officials were waiting for the release of the governor’s budget to see if construction funds were awarded through the Public Library Capital Grant Program.

“We look forward to sharing design concepts soon,” she said. “The current building opened in June 1970. A new building will allow the library to expand collections, community meeting space, and quiet study areas while constructing a ‘High Performance Building’ that will consume less energy and be more costeffective to operate and maintain.”

Ranck said securing state funding was a critical milestone in the process. Once officials determine if state funding is budgeted for the project, Ranck will update city and county leaders regarding a construction timeline and projected costs.

“We are eager to show how a new building will benefit Pocomoke and the surrounding communities for years to come,” she said.

Speeding Stop

Leads To Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A Texas man was arrested last week after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop on Coastal Highway while driving twice the posted speed limit.

Around 11 p.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 100th Street observed a vehicle traveling on Coastal Highway at an estimated 80 mph, or double the posted speed limit of 40 mph. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Williams Mejia-Hernandez, 22, of Houston, Texas, did not stop and instead pulled into a hotel parking lot, according to police reports.

The officer observed on security footage Mejia-Hernandez exit the vehicle and run from police into an entrance of the hotel, according to police reports. He was later taken into custody by other officers who had responded. When questioned, Mejia-Hernandez first provided a false name and date of birth, even after being asked by officers to write down his identification information on a notebook.

Mejia-Hernandez reportedly told officers he had not been driving a vehicle and had been in the hotel all night with his girlfriend. Despite video footage of Mejia-Hernandez being viewed on surveillance video leaving the vehicle and running into the hotel, he was released from the scene at that point.

However, OCPD officers continued to investigate and attempted to locate Mejia-Hernandez at the hotel. At different times, Mejia-Hernandez was hiding from police officers in different rooms in the hotel, including behind closed doors, according to police reports. Officers observed him coming out of a room on the fourth floor and attempted to detain him, but he fled from officers again, according to police reports.

Mejia-Hernandez was ultimately taken into custody, but throughout that process, he continued to provide false information about his name and date of birth, according to police reports. Ocean City Communications was able to determine his actual name and date of birth and reported he was wanted on an active felony warrant in Kansas for aggravated battery. He was arrested and charged with resisting arrest, making false statements to officers, obstructing an investigation and other counts along with the felony warrant from Kansas.

Trespassing, Assault Charges

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania woman was arrested last weekend after allegedly getting bounced from a midtown nightclub before slapping her boyfriend.

Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to the area of a nightclub on 49th Street for a report of a female yelling in the background of a 911 call. Upon arrival, officers met with a male who advised a female, later identified as Stacy Mahiga, 35, of Chaddwyck, Pa., had assaulted him.

The officer located Mahiga in a parking lot and found her screaming and crying, according to police reports. Mahiga told officers the male had her car keys, but the male told officers if he had the keys, he would gladly turn them over, according to police reports. The

male advised officers Mahiga was his girlfriend and that they had both been escorted out of the nightclub because of an altercation that had occurred.

The male advised Mahiga had slapped him in the face outside the nightclub, but he had no visible signs of injury, according to police reports. Meanwhile, Mahiga had been trespassed from the property by security staff in the presence of an OCPD officer. She was advised she was not allowed back on the property and was escorted off the premises by security staff.

OCPD officers reportedly observed Mahiga on the premises screaming and yelling about returning her car keys. She was reportedly warned she had been formally trespassed from the property and that she was not to return for that day, but she refused to comply and was eventually arrested for trespassing. Bar security staff provided video security surveillance footage that showed Mahiga’s assault on the male victim. She was charged with trespassing and second-degree assault.

Loaded Handgun Bust

OCEAN CITY – A Virginia man was arrested last week following a routine traffic stop after which a loaded handgun was found in his vehicle.

Around 3:30 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling uptown when a vehicle was observed making traffic violations. The vehicle was behind the officer before passing the police vehicle and getting in front of it, according to police reports.

The officer conducted a wanted and registration check of the vehicle and Ocean City Communications was unable to find the Virginia tags on file, according to police reports. The officer drove behind the vehicle and identified the driver as Travonte Kirton, 22, of Suffolk, Va. As the officer was behind Kirton at an intersection, the vehicle was in the crosswalk and preparing to make a Uturn, but backed up toward the officer’s vehicle.

The officer detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle, according to police reports. The officer conducted a traffic stop and a background check revealed the vehicle was not registered. Initially, Kirton challenged the traffic stop and refused to comply but eventually got out as ordered and consented to a search of the vehicle, according to police reports.

During the search, OCPD officers located a semi-automatic 9mm handgun along with baggies and containers of various amounts of marijuana and paraphernalia. Kirton was arrested and charged with possession of a loaded handgun along with multiple traffic violations. The amount of marijuana located in the vehicle did not warrant additional charges for possession, according to police reports.

Uptown Hotel Disturbance

OCEAN CITY – A local woman was arrested this week after causing a disturbance at an uptown hotel early Monday morning.

Around 3 a.m. on Monday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a hotel at 112th Street for a reported disorderly female. Officers reportedly observed a female identified as Laura Kenney, 28, of Bishopville, whom they knew from a previous encounter minutes earlier because they had issued her a noise violation warning because she had been yelling at her boyfriend across the parking lot, according to police reports.

Kenney reportedly entered the hotel lobby and began screaming at the night auditor, but she was advised she and her boyfriend had been evicted from the hotel and she was not allowed to go back upstairs, according to police reports. OCPD officers approached Kenney in the parking lot and attempted to place her under arrest for disorderly conduct, according to police reports.

Kenney reportedly resisted being placed in handcuffs and tensed her body and twisted her arms when they attempted to detain her. She reportedly

made statements such as “I will kill you” during the officers’ attempts to detain her. Once officers had detained Kenney and were attempting to get her into a patrol car, she kicked one officer twice and grabbed another officer’s penis while in handcuffs, according to police reports.

A search of her person revealed an amount of marijuana along with tablets of a known controlled dangerous substance. She was charged with seconddegree assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Disorderly Conduct Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A Delaware man was arrested last week after allegedly attempting to fight another man outside a midtown nightclub.

Around 1 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a report of a disorderly crowd at a midtown nightclub. Upon arrival, officers observed a fight break out involving multiple people. OCPD officers observed a male later identified as Tavon Guy 26, of Dover, Del., running toward another man in an attempt to assault him, according to police reports.

Bar security intercepted Guy to prevent him from reaching the other man and got him to the ground, according to police reports. A crowd of people had reportedly gathered around the incident outside the nightclub, according to police reports. Guy was ultimately arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and cited with a noise violation for yelling within an audible distance of 50 feet in violation of the town’s noise ordinance.

Tickets On Sale For Holiday Weekend Dreamfest Concerts

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City will present the first-ever Dreamfest on Martin Luther King weekend, Jan. 13-15.

The three-day music event will be held at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center, taking you through the decades of the '50s, '60s, and '70s with musical acts The B.B. King Experience featuring Claudette King, Thomas McClary's the Commodores, and The Spinners.

"We want to celebrate Rhythm and Blues while also honoring the civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr., along with the history this holiday weekend represents," said Tom Perlozzo, Director of Tourism and Business Development.

"Dreamfest will deliver the soulful sounds and rhythm of the voices of the past while also celebrating the dream of the late, great Dr. King."

Friday will kick off the weekend with The B.B. King Experience featuring

Claudette King. The daughter of a blues legend will take you back to the '50s while bringing her enthusiasm inspired by her father. Then, Saturday will surely get you grooving with the R&B funk of Thomas McClary's The Commodores. As an original member of The Commodores, McClary has been known to push the boundaries of genre and provide a live performance that is unparalleled with anything else today.

Last but not least, Dreamfest will conclude on Sunday, Jan. 15, with The Spinners. Henry Farmbrough will lead his original Philadelphia group into classics such as "Could it Be I'm Falling in Love" and "Working My Way Back to You." Decades later, this multi–Grammy Winning soul group will have you singing and dancing all night long.

Tickets for Dreamfest can be purchased at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center or by visiting https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com.

left, of the the Ocean City-Berlin

oP employees Recognized: The Ocean Pines Association on Dec. 16 honored 11 employees for their combined 150 years of service. The brief recognition ceremony occurred during the annual staff holiday party at the Ocean Pines Clubhouse Bar & Grille.

General Manager John Viola said such recognition is important because many workers fly under the radar. “These nine gentlemen and two ladies represent the backbone of this Association,” Viola said. “It’s thanks to their hard work that we’re able to continue to move forward on so many of our initiatives, and we wanted them all to know how much their work is appreciated. Thank you all for a job well done.”

Those honored were Travis Brittingham, five years; Kyle Dalton, five years; Anthony Howard, five years; Clarence Rounds, five years; Billie Tragle, five years; Matthew Wallace, five years; Josh Vickers, 10 years; Eddie Wells, 20 years; Ruth Ann Meyer, 25 years; Clint Parks, 25 years; and Lt. Greg Schoepf, 40 years. Submitted Photo

Faculty Recognitions

SALISBURY – This year’s Salisbury University (SU) Alumni Association Faculty Appreciation Award winners are “instrumental,” “left a lasting impression,” “taught with enthusiasm” and served as “a light to all,” according to their former students.

The association honored five with the accolade as part of SU’s annual fall commencement celebration. They include Drs. Deborah Mathews (Social Work) in the College of Health and Human Services, Larence Becker (Psychology) in the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, Jennifer Bergner (Mathematical Sciences) in the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology, Thomas Calo (Management) in the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business and Chin-Hsiu Chen (Early and Elementary Education) in the Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education.

“These faculty have made a lasting impression on students, have provided dynamic classroom instruction, exhibit attributes graduates can take with them into their careers, and have made a difference in the lives of their students,” said Dr. Lili Leonard, alumni association president.

In their nominations, alumni frequently gave eloquent and heartfelt praise to this year’s recipients, whom many said helped shape their experiences at SU.

“Dr. Mathews was instrumental in launching the M.S.W. program at SU. As a graduate of the very first M.S.W. class, I can’t begin to tell you how important she was to my years as a graduate student,” said one alumnus. “Dr. Mathews was always there to give us whatever we needed and help us become the best we could be.”

“Dr. Becker is the reason I work in psychology and neuroscience today,” said his nominator. “In his research methods class, we had a project to develop 10 steps to achieve our future goals in the field of psychology. Through this project, I realized I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. and subsequently applied to be a part of the SU Neuroscience Lab and the Cognitive Aging Lab.”

“Dr. Bergner went above and beyond in her service to students and their futures. She did whatever possible to help us succeed,” said a former student. “Dr. Bergner is also one of the few math professors who has the special skill of breaking concepts down to the most basic levels, making learning and retaining information that much more possible for students.”

BUSINESS

And Real Estate News

merous leadership roles in clinical management, strategy and development, analytics, and informatics.

Weisman received his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and his MBA from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts. Weisman is double board certified in internal medicine and informatics and recently completed his graduate level certificate in cybersecurity from the Harvard University Extension School.

Design Award

SALISBURY – Becker Morgan Group recently received a Citation Award, as well as the People’s Choice Award, from the American Institute of Architects Chesapeake Bay Chapter (AIA CBC) for their design of the Ferry Cove Shellfish Oyster Hatchery in Sherwood, Md.

The firm was recognized at the 2022 Excellence in Design Awards ceremony held in Annapolis.

Tasked with designing a new facility to aid in the production of oyster hatching for the commercial shellfish industry and the reviving of the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay, Becker Morgan Group designed Ferry Cove to become one of the largest hatcheries on the East Coast producing the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica).

“Dr. Calo invested in his students who truly wanted to learn and become better,” said an alumnus. “He left a lasting impression on me through his professionalism, kindness and dedication to teaching.”

“Dr. Chen was, by far, the best professor I had during my time at Salisbury,” said a former student. “She was understanding and caring, and taught with enthusiasm. She made class fun, and the projects she assigned were hard, but achievable.”

Learn more about opportunities to “Make Tomorrow Yours” at salisbury.edu.

Hospital Promotion

SALISBURY – Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, president/CEO of TidalHealth, has announced the promotion of Mark Weisman, MD, MBA, to vice president of information technology/CMIO & CIO.

Weisman, who joined TidalHealth in 2018 as its chief medical information officer (CMIO), has also been servings as the health system’s chief information officer (CIO) at

the senior director level since 2021.

“This promotion reflects the importance of Information Technology (IT) at TidalHealth in ensuring the correct data, including critical medical information, gets into the right hands of the right people at the right time to help them focus on what they do best,” said Leonard. “As we continue to navigate in a rapidly evolving digital health landscape, Dr. Weisman’s expertise and that of his IT team will play an essential role in helping our health system refine patient care, reduce errors, protect patient privacy and improve the overall healthcare experience.”

At TidalHealth, he is responsible for leading the development of information systems that assist clinicians and nonclinical team members in the delivery and continuous improvement of patient care and customer satisfaction, and for an ongoing multi-disciplinary quality and performance improvement program.

Weisman, an internal medicine specialist, has extensive experience in advancing clinical and technological opportunities to improve quality of care, cost effectiveness and to reduce waste and unnecessary workload. He has had nu-

Ferry Cove takes advantage of its location on the Chesapeake Bay, the nation’s largest estuary, to blend commerce, natural resource protection, education, and research on coastal resiliency-related issues.

The AIA CBC jury commented, “The project is an outstanding example of working with the site. The design worked with the site and let it offer the optimum site solutions. This is complemented by a strong interior design that incorporates the facility’s technical operations, as well as educational programs and visitations.”

The 20,483-gross-square-foot building was built from the ground up to be a multifaceted shellfish production facility.

The unique computer control systems enable the facility to manipulate water salinity, temperature, pH, and algae, thereby providing maximum flexibility to mitigate the many environmental conditions that could impact production.

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

MARK WEISMAN

Last month, the Salisbury Jaycees hosted its Annual Shopping Tour, during which volunteers purchased and distributed nearly $20,000 worth of Christmas gifts for children throughout Wicomico County. Volunteers gathered at Walmart to shop for nearly 180 Wicomico County students. They were joined by the Mountaire Cares team, which showed up in full force to help shop, sort, pack and distribute gifts. Above, volunteers are pictured with Mountaire Cares team members at the organization’s annual holiday event.

Submitted Photo

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Chase Ponton, Saylor Amos, Riley Wilson and Sadie Mathias volunteered at registration for the AGH Penguin Swim.

Patty Winward, Krissa Espey and Lisa McCray are pictured at registration for the Penguin Swim.

Among those volunteering on New Year’s Eve for AGH Penguin Swim registration were Steve Green, Charlotte Cathell and Michael Cylc.

Nancy Hendricks and Wendy Helmuth served food at a New Year’s Eve Goat Drop held for kids in Snow Hill.

Richard and Debbie Seaton are pictured at Snow Hill’s New Year’s Eve event.

Diana Nolte and Snow Hill Fire Chief Michael Creech paused for a photo at a kids New Year’s Eve event in Snow Hill.

Vianne Hudson and Gwen Beetle attended a New Year’s Eve Goat Drop in Snow Hill.

Wylita Whaley, Dru Mumford and Mary Smith checked in participants for the Atlantic General Hospital Pengiun Swim.

Allie, Maddie and Mckenzie Lampron were among the attendees at Snow Hill’s goat drop or New Year’s Eve.

Steven Tyson and Matt Butchbach helped with registration for the Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim.

OCEAN CITY – A new art show that explores the power and beauty of weather will be on exhibit at the Ocean City Center for the Arts from Jan. 6-28. Admission to the Arts Center and the “Force of Nature” show is free and open until 4 p.m. daily.

With the rise in extreme weather events, the Force of Nature exhibit seeks to highlight the effects of climate change through weather. Artists worked in all media and submitted scenes of stormy skies, heavy snow, heat waves, and other weather conditions as a reminder of the impact of weather on everyday lives and the world around us. Artwork from more than 50 artists who explored this theme is on exhibit at the Arts Center in January.

“We who live on Delmarva are especially conscious of the weather, be it the threat of hurricanes, flooding, and nor’easters,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City. “The weather affects our watermen, our farmers, our tourism industry – everything we do every day here on our fragile peninsula. This exhibit hopes to shine a spotlight on how the weather and ultimately climate change impacts us. We encourage everyone to come and see this show.”

Thaler added, “For those who have never visited the arts center, there is so much to see and do here. Admission is free, and we are open every day. Bring the family.”

The Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St. is open daily until 4 p.m., and admission is always free. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

School Holiday Spirit: Prior to holiday break, Ocean City Elementary School celebrated Holiday Spirit Day. Students, faculty and staff decked the halls of OCES with their school spirit. The day ended with their annual school-wide holiday sing along, complete with a performance by the OC Stars. Submitted Photos

COMMUNITY

News In Photos

The Ocean City Lions Club recently supported Coastal Hospice’s efforts to create a room honoring veterans that was made possible through contributions from the OC Lions Club and other local organizations. Lions Steve McMillan, left, and Chuck Becker display the Coastal Hospice “We Honor Veterans” plaque recognizing the contributions.

On December 14, 2022, not only did the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean PinesOcean City celebrate the holidays, but also the induction of its newest member, John Hulit. Membership Chair Lynne McAllorum inducted Hulit.

At the South Point Association's annual membership meeting in December, the community elected for 2023 the following association officers: front row, left to right, Jan Adamchak, director; Rick Martelo, director; Diane Stelzner, association secretary. Back row, left to right, Brian Julian, treasurer; Michael LeCompte, president; Roland J. Trottier, vice president. Submitted Photos

Lower Shore Land Trust recognized Laurie Lawton-Smith as its Stewardship Volunteer of the Year. Lawton-Smith spent 53 hours volunteering with the nonprofit to help monitor 42 properties. Pictured, from left, are Beth Sheppard, Kate Patton, Laurie Lawton-Smith, Frank Deuter, and Jared Parks.

The OC Lions supported the District Charitable Foundation with a $1,000 check. OC Lions President Norm Cathell, left, and member Steve McMillan, right, are pictured presenting the check to Past District Governor Dave Studley, chair of the District 22B Charitable Foundation.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines - Ocean City presented a $500 donation to the Stephen Decatur Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club. Pictured receiving the check from the Kiwanis Club are (left to right) SDMS Advisor Mindy Ouellet, SDMS Principal Lynne Barton, Builders Club President Julia Park, Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing, Secretary TJ Jacobs, SDMS Kiwanis Club Advisor to the Builders Club Sarah Walker, Treasurer Brycen Pendleton, Vice President Lily Sperry, and Co-Advisor Kathy McDaniel.

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443-880-8444.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410-629-9383 or Carol 302-2427062.

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:304:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410-2894725.

Every Tuesday: Dancing

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

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City. Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410-2502645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577 or BeachSingles.org.

Jan.

6, 13: Bingo

Knights of Columbus Bingo on Friday nights at 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Building behind St. Luke's Church. Refreshments for Sale Doors open at 5 p.m.; games begin at 6:30 p.m. 410524-7994.

Jan. 6: CASH Bingo

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Dept. Auxiliary will be holding its annual CASH Bingo on at the main station. $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Four early bird games (beginning at 5:45 p.m.), 20 regular cash games, two specials, jackpot, 50/50. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early bird begins at 5:45 p.m. Food and beverage available for purchase. Call 619-922-9950 for early reservations.

Jan. 6-7: Moana Production

The Ocean Pines Children’s Theater announces its upcoming production of

Things To Do

the musical, “Disney’s Moana, Jr.,-The Musical” to be performed in the Performing Arts Center, located in the Ocean City Convention Center on 40th Street on Friday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. Tickets ($15 each) may be purchased online at https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com/upcoming-events or at the Ocean City Convention Welcome Center, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jan. 9-15: Berlin Restaurant Week

Dine three times for a chance to win restaurant gift cards and $100. Pick up an entry card at the Berlin Welcome Center, dine at three different participating restaurants and get your card stamped. Drop off card in the entry box at the Berlin Welcome Center. Random drawing for the winner. Participating restaurants will be 410 Social, Atlantic Hotel Bistro Bar, Baked Dessert Café, Berlin Pizza, Blacksmith Restaurant, Boxcar on Main, Burley Cafè, Burn Brick Oven Pizza, Gilbert's Provisions, J&M Meat Market & Grille, Jun & Juice, Mandala Pies, On What Grounds?, Pop's Kitchen, Rayne's Reef, The Globe Gastro Theatre, Rusty Anchor Seafood & Sushi and The Sterling Tavern.

Jan. 11: AARP Meeting

Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City Senior Center located on 41st Street and Coastal Highway. Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will discuss diabetes. New members are welcome.

Jan 12: Luncheon Meeting

The Republican Women of Worcester County announce its first luncheon meeting of the new year at the Ocean City Golf Club. Guest speakers will be new Worcester County Commissioners Caryn Abbott and Eric Fiori. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 11 a.m. To make a reservation or for more information email gopwomenofwc@gmail.com.

Jan. 13-15: OC Dreamfest

The three-day music event will be held at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center, taking guests through the decades of the '50s, '60s and '70s with musical acts The B.B. King Experience featuring Claudette King, Thomas McClary's the Commodores, and The Spinners. Tickets for Dreamfest can be purchased at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center or by visiting https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com.

Jan. 18: AGH Open House

From 1-3 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria, those individuals interested in learning more about volunteering at Atlantic General Hospital are invited to an information session. Opportunities include assis-

ting patients, clerical work, thrift shop shifts and more.

Jan. 25: Monthly Meeting

The First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League meets the fourth Wednesday each month at the Ocean City American Legion Post 166 on 23rd Street and Coastal Highway at noon. Any Marines and Navy Corpsman who have served in our Corps, living in Worcester and Sussex Counties, are welcome to join us to meet their fellow veterans and consider joining the Detachment and support our mission for community service through camaraderie and volunteerism. You can contact us by phone at 410430-7181 or email websergeant@firststatemarines.org.

Feb. 3-5: Wool, Fiber Expo

A show to promote the fiber industry through vendors, classes and art at the Ocean City convention center. Admission $4. Hours are Friday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 4, 8 a.m.5 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.3 p.m.

Feb. 7-9: Safe Boating Crouse

It’s never too early to plan for boating season. The first class of 2023 will be held virtually, making it possible for anyone to attend from anywhere. The Virtual course is taught by the same US Coast Guard Aux. instructors as the inperson class. All the required material is covered along with time for questions. Classes are 6-9 p.m. The Maryland Boating Safety Education Act requires that anyone born after July 1, 1972 must possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state of Maryland. Those attending the class and passing the test will receive a Maryland Boating Certificate which is NASBLA approved and valid in all states. A fee of $20 covers the cost of the course and materials. Checks should be made payable to USGCAUX 12-05 and mailed to PO Box 1682 Berlin, Md. 21811. Payment via paypal is also accepted. For more information or to register contact Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807 or email CGAUXOC@Gmail.com

Feb 17-19: Seaside Boat Show

Over 350 boats and associated dealers will be on hand for the 40th annual event at the Ocean City convention center. Admission. Adults $10; under 14, $1; and weekend pass $15. Hours are Friday, Feb. 17-18, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ocboatshow.com.

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

COINS PUB

410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, Jan. 13: Lennon LaRicci Saturday, Jan. 14: First Class

CORK BAR Saturday, Jan. 7: TBA

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Jan. 6: Carley Twigg Wednesday, Jan. 11: Blind Wind

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Jan. 20: Rogue Citizens Saturday, Jan. 21: Shots Fired FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Jan. 6: DJ RobCee Saturday, Jan. 7: DJ Groove

GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Saturday, Jan. 7: TBA

DJ

KARAOKE

CARLEY

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, a local group of students called the Frosty Friends prepared to take the plunge on New Year’s Day for AGH. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Make a start on that new workplace challenge. But get more information before you find yourself too deeply involved without knowing in which direction you should go.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You might find things becoming tedious as your schedule slows down after the holidays. Use this time to get information about a possible post-New Year job change.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): The creative Twin finds outlets for his or her ideas in the early part of the week. The practical Twin takes it a step further and rallies support to turn the ideas into reality.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): It's time to stop being intimidated by someone's negative behavior. Start taking positive steps on your own to help strengthen your position down the line.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Look closely at that so-called golden opportunity. Best to be a cautious Cat who approaches things slowly, rather than one who pounces without knowing where you'll land.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Your apology can resolve that personal situation before it overshadows the start of your new year. You'll feel better, even if you're only partly to blame for what happened.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Avoid overtaxing yourself, even if your en-

ergy levels are high and you feel that you can do it all. Best to pace yourself so you won't run yourself down.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): sense of humor helps get you through a stressful period. Some of your quick quips can take the edge off any remaining negativity being aimed at you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Your artistic talents not only help you express yourself these days, but they also set up a line of communication between you and someone very special.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): It's fine to appreciate the importance of having a "proper form" for doing things. But relax a bit in order to allow newcomers on the project to feel less intimidated by you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Use your boundless reserve of optimism to persuade others to work with you so that you can resolve a difficult workplace problem before it ruins the dynamics in place.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You brim over with self-confidence as you begin to tackle a new challenge. And, before you know it, you're not alone: Others have taken the plunge with you.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a highly defined sense of commitment to others. You would make a fine social worker.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

By Steve Green

WITH BUNK MANN

This aerial photo shows the creation of the Inlet in August 1933 and the separation between Ocean City and Assateague Island from the most historic storm to ever hit the region.

The photo clearly shows the existence of a new 50-foot wide, eightfoot deep Inlet at the south end of town. The huge waves that pounded the east side of the resort combined with the massive amount of water that built up in the back bays conspired to cut the Inlet and separate the southern end of the town from what is now Assateague Island.

The Inlet has widened considerably in the past 90 years while the Assateague shoreline has eroded and drifted westward. The creation of the Inlet was one of the most important events in the history of Ocean City.

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

Photo from The Dispatch’s files

EXPERIENCED MAINTENACE

TECH: needed for two apartment complexes in Pittsville, MD. 410835-3560 Equal Employment Opportunity.

SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC:

Small Engine mechanic, Year round, Competitive Wages. Call 443-754-1047.

NOW HIRING CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

The Curriculum Coordinator will be responsible for organizing, implementing, and supervising curricula and educational programs. The Curriculum Coordinator will examine the current course offerings and work closely with department chairs to ensure the Worcester Preparatory School is maintaining the highest quality curriculum in order to meet its college preparatory mission.

The applicant must have a master's degree or higher, preferably in administration, supervision, or curriculum and instruction. A minimum of 5 years teaching experience, ideally in an independent school, is required. Employee must be legally qualified to work in the United States. Employees must pass a background check.

Worcester Preparatory School is a Pre-K-12 independent school located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, just miles from the resort town of Ocean City. Founded in 1970, Worcester Prep has a proud history of providing a rigorous and high-quality college preparatory education to students from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.

Email resume to: Lwatson@worcesterprep.org

ACRE FOR SALE:

Beautiful parcel Safe, quiet area. Minutes from everything, OC & DE beaches! Zoned A-1.

Build or mobile/modular. Well & septic in place. Griffin Rd, Berlin, MD. Call for more info & price. 410-726-6387.

MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19496

To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA ANN GREINER,Estate No.19496. Notice is given that JOHN FRANCIS GREINER, 318 NORWOOD AVENUE, NEWTOWN, PA 18940, was on DECEMBER 16, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA ANN GREINER, who died on SEPTEMBER 06, 2022, 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 16TH day of JUNE, 2023.

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

within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 23, 2022

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-23, 12-30, 01-06

R. HEWITT,

HWK LAW GROUP, LLC 1447 YORK ROAD SUITE 800 LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093

ESTATE NO. 19494

To all persons interested in the estate of BETUL AKCAM,Estate No.19494.

is given that ALI ONDER DENIZ ACKAM, 12 STILLWOOD CIRCLE, NOTTINGHAM, MD 21236, was on DECEMBER 15, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BETUL AKCAM, who died JUNE 13, 2021, 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 repre-

JOHN FRANCIS GREINER Personal Representative True Test Copy

NICOLE

ESQ.

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

sentative 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 15TH day of JUNE, 2023.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 23, 2022

TRACE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 19, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JACQUELINE S. LANDON, who died on DECEMBER 04, 2022, 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 19TH day of jUNE, 2023.

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19491

Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of YORK COUNTY, PA, appointed DANIEL L. HYATT, 5136 GLENVILLE ROAD, GLEN ROCK, PA 17327, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of JACKIE A. HYATT, who died on DECEMBER 20, 2021, domiciled in YORK COUNTY, Pennsylvania, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is KATHRYN A. WHITEHEAD, 109 CAMDEN AVENUE, SALISBURY, MD 21801. 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:

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC.

P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000280

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307

Plaintiff vs. POORMAN TIMESHARE SERVICES, LLC, et al. Defendants

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

sequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

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

the estate of EUNICE S. POGUE,Estate No.19503. Notice is given that WILLIAM ROBERSON POGUE, III, 8684 SPUR LANE, EASTON, MD 21601, was on DECEMBER 22, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EUNICE S. POGUE who died on MAY 29, 2021, with a will.

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-23, 12-30, 01-06

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 23, 2022

(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 DECEMBER 23, 2022

By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000280 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842, the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on Saturday, January 14, 2023, 11:00 AM, the following timeshare intervals:

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2023 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443.672.8107.

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 JUNE, 2023.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 30, 2022

REENA J. PATEL. ESQ 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY SUITE 112

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

ESTATE NO. 19497

To all persons interested in the estate of JACQUELINE S. LANDON,Estate No.19497. Notice is given that RICHARD HARRISON LANDON, 28 HARLAN

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

DANIEL L. HYATT

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTOCTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-23, 12-30, 1-06

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

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

To

ROBERSON

Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-30, 01-06, 01-13

ALI ONDER DENIZ AKCAM Personal Representative True Test Copy

RICHARD HARRISON LANDON

Personal Representative True Test Copy

WILLIAM

POGUE, III, Personal Representative True

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 19484

To all persons interested in the estate of BARBARA HAINES,Estate No.19484.

Notice is given that NANCY MOORE, 3019 ACTON ROAD, BALTIMORE, MD 21234, was on DECEMBER 21, 2022, appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of BARBARA HAINES, who died on NOVEMBER 05, 2022, 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 21ST day of JUNE, 2023.

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

ing dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

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 DECEMBER 30, 2022

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-30, 01-06, 01-13

NANCY MOORE

Personal Representative True Test Copy

In The News

Decatur Wrestlers Shine At Damascus Tourney

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN –Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team added another feather to its growing hat with a team win in the Damascus Holiday Invitational Tournament last week to remain unbeaten on the season.

The Seahawks won the team championship at the Damascus Holiday Tournament with 128.5 total team points and placed seven wrestlers in the top four in

their weight classes. Gavin Solito won the belt at 152 and Logan Intrieri won the belt at 138.

Elijah Collick finished second at 106, Aaron August was second at 126 and Reid Caimi was second at 132. Juan Hinojosa was third at 113 and Jake Saullo was fourth at 120. The Seahawks will compete in the Iron Horse Duals at C. Milton Wright this weekend against some of the top programs in the area. Decatur will host its annual War on the Shore tournament next weekend.

Seahawks Rout WiHi After Tournament Setbacks

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN –After taking a couple of losses during the Governor’s Challenge Holiday Tournament last week, Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team rebounded this week with a big win over conference rival Wicomico.

The Decatur girls lost to Poly from Baltimore in their Governor’s Challenge opener. The Seahawks trailed 18-4 after one quarter and 33-14 at the half. Mayah Garner led the way with 11 points, while Sam Boger added nine. In their second game in the tournament, the Decatur girls fell to Sanford, 80-18. Garner scored six points, while Boger, Shelby Rosemond and Jozlyn Tyre each scored four.

The Decatur girls entered the holiday tournament with a perfect 5-0 record before the pair of losses. On Monday, the Seahawks were back in action in a regular season contest against Bayside South rival Wicomico and cruised past the Tribe, 71-37.

Decatur Boys Drop Two In Governor’s Challenge

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN –Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team dropped two games during the Governor’s Challenge Holiday Tournament last week to fall to 3-5 overall on the season.

The Seahawks entered the Governor’s Challenge on a mini-win streak, having beaten Crisfield and county rival Pocomoke heading into the holiday break. The Decatur boys ran into a couple of tough opponents during the Governor’s Challenge last week, however. Decatur first lost to Dover, 71-54, before falling to Seaford, 88-66, just three days later.

Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestlers last week captured the team championship at the Damascus Holiday Tournament and placed seven in individual weight brackets including two individual titles. Pictured above, the Decatur wrestlers and coaches show off their tournament hardware. Submitted Photo

New Year Expected To Bring New Businesses To Berlin

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The new year is expected to bring several new businesses to downtown Berlin.

In 2023, the town is set to welcome a slate of new enterprises, including a brewery, distillery, restaurant and printing business.

“We support local here, especially in Berlin, and it shows,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “That’s why businesses want to be here.”

Roadie Joe’s, a well-known Salisbury eatery, is set to open a Berlin location later this month in the space formerly occupied by Crush-N-Crab. Owner Jeremy Norton said the new location was just waiting on final health department approvals before opening.

“We’re going to everything just like Salisbury,” he said. “We’re going to have fresh daily specials that we’ll be changing all the time.”

Norton said the business already did a significant amount of catering in Berlin and a location in the town made sense.

“The notion of America’s Coolest Small Town was an allure to us,” Norton said, adding that Chef Jason Myers was also a Berlin native. “It was really a good opportunity for us to take an older restaurant and make it our own.”

Another locally known eatery, The Street Kitchen, will partner with brewer Adam Davis to open in the former location of Broad Street Station. Davis, who has served as head brewer at Burley Oak Brewing for many years, is opening his own brewery at 115 Broad St. The Street Kitchen, in what will be its first non-mobile location, will serve food in the space.

“They’re going to open before the brewery does,” Wells said.

On Old Ocean City Boulevard, Forgotten 50 Distilling should open by St. Patrick’s Day, according to connections. The distillery is the joint effort of Eric Fiori, Cody Miller and Jeff Phillips. Miller, after years of working at Seacrets Distilling Company, wanted to establish his own operation when he saw that Fiori was looking to find a use for the former Chesapeake Utilities property he’d purchased. They started renovating the building, which was originally constructed in the 1940s as a Plymouth dealership, in 2020. Midway through the renovations, Miller and Fiori decided food would complement the distillery. They’ve partnered with Jeff Phillips, the grandson of Brice and Shirley Phillips, to craft a food element for Forgotten 50.

While there have been various challenges throughout the renovation process, Fiori said this week he was hopeful the distillery could be open by St. Patrick’s Day if not sooner.

Just down the street, Wyatt Harrison, owner of Plak That, purchased two acres near the railroad tracks. Harrison plans to build a new Plak That headquarters as well as a mixed-use project.

“We’ve outgrown the space we’re in and we don’t have the opportunity to expand here,” Harrison said of Plak That’s current Sunset Avenue location.

He spent months looking at commercial properties before settling on the one in Berlin.

“Who doesn’t want to be in Berlin?” he said.

Harrison said the B-2 zoning of the Old Ocean City parcel was what caught his interest.

“We can put our business there, with its small bit of retail and production, and with it being B-2, it gives us other opportunities,” he said.

While he’s not yet sure what else he’ll construct on the site, he says he wants to create something that will complement the area. He added that he’ll focus on developing the west side of the site first, as the future of Heron Park, which is on the other side of the site, remains unknown at this point.

Harrison, who settled on the property just last week, said he doesn’t have any formal plans yet but is hoping to get things moving as soon as possible.

“I’m really hoping we are at least shovels in the ground in 2023,” he said.

Development on a new business headquarters for Plak That is expected to begin this year. Above, owner Wyatt Harrison, right, and artist Reeves Dark are pictured. Submitted Photo

Route 90 Survey Results To Be Released

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – State officials say the latest phase in the redevelopment of the Route 90 corridor will conclude later this month.

In November, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) concluded its public survey to gather input on the proposed alternatives currently being considered for the Route 90 improvement project. Those results, the agency reports, will be available in the coming weeks.

“The survey is still under review and we are targeting the end of the month to release the results,” said Shanteé Felix, MDOT SHA media relations manager. “The survey data will be summarized in the MD 90 study report.”

For years, local officials in Ocean City and Worcester County have advocated for improvements to the Route 90 corridor,

including an expansion of the current highway and its two bridges from two lanes to four. Officials have argued those changes would not only ease access in and out of the resort for members of the public but would improve travel for emergency service vehicles.

In August 2021, Gov. Larry Hogan announced funding would be included in the state’s Consolidated Transportation Plan for the planning phase of a Route 90 improvement project. As part of that effort, MDOT SHA initiated a MD 90 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study to identify long-term transportation needs, including traffic operations, capacity, safety, economic development, pedestrian and bicyclist accessibility and emergency evacuations.

MDOT SHA also opened a public survey last October on preliminary improvement concepts, which include proposals for three-lane, four-lane, and reversible-

lane corridors. And while the survey was set to close on Nov. 10, local officials worked with the state agency to extend the deadline another 20 days.

“Improvements along the MD 90 corridor are vital for all stakeholders, and input from the community and those who travel this corridor will be critical to help us develop a strategy to address current and future needs,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Tim Smith.

MDOT SHA said community feedback from the survey will be included in its study report, which will summarize analyses and recommendations.

Those findings will then be used for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for future potential projects along the corridor.

Design concepts, planning timelines and other project details can be found on the MDOT SHA website, under the project portal page.

Bull Riding Event Returns To Ocean City Inlet In June

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After a successful inaugural season, the professional bull riding event is set to return to Ocean City in June.

Resort special events staff this week confirmed the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) will return to Ocean City in June after a successful inaugural event around the same dates last year. The PBR has filed an application for a three-day event from June 2-4.

On its own social media outlets, the PBR this week announced the return of the bull riding event from June 2-4 at the Inlet lot adjacent to the beach, and that tickets were going on sale in February. The PBR social media outlets also advised to “look for a big announcement coming soon.”

The PBR application is just that and there are likely details about the event and each party’s roles and responsibilities to work out. That will likely come in the form of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the town and the PBR at a later date as the event draws near.

In advance of last year’s inaugural event, the arena at the Inlet was constructed with truckloads of dirt loaded onto a portion of the Inlet lot. The event, produced by Triple Creek Events, got started with early rounds of competition on Friday evening, followed by more qualifying events on Saturday. The professional bull riding competition culminated with the championship finals during a matinee on Sunday.

While no final details on ticket sales were provided, anecdotally the first-ever bull riding rodeo in Ocean City was a success, prompting an anticipated return this year and perhaps an annual tradition. Attendance on Friday appeared to be the lightest of the three days, likely due to the late arrival for many weekend visitors to the resort area. Saturday night’s event was sold out and attendance on Sunday was strong.

Again, truckloads of dirt were hauled to the Inlet lot to create an eight-inch surface on which the competition was held. Bleachers were installed with general admission areas and VIP sections, each of which were generally full during at least two days of the competition. When the event was over, the bleachers were removed and the dirt surface was hauled away, returning the Inlet lot to its previous condition.

Last year, in advance of the bull riding event, the Mayor and Council approved a request from Triple Creek for a $75,000 contribution for the town to offset some unanticipated upfront costs to produce the event in exchange for a revenue-sharing plan from the ticket sales. The town contributed the $75,000 in exchange for 10% of the revenue from ticket sales, or $5 per ticket, whichever was greater. Again, those details will likely be worked out through an MOU in advance of the 2023 event.

Thomas Edward Yarko

OCEAN CITY – Thomas Edward Yarko, age 91, passed away at his home in Ocean City, on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022.

Born in Bakerton, PA, he was the son of the late John Yarko and Mary Kutchman and one of sixteen siblings.

Tom served in the Korean war and had worked as a project manager and master plumber for Federline and Masters in the DC metro area. He was involved with the planning and builds for commercial buildings such as TOR and Hammond High in Columbia, Md. and numerous housing projects. He loved the challenge and complexity the job offered but was happy to leave it all behind to move to Ocean City with his late wife of 57 years, Dorothy Yarko. Tom enjoyed many years of fishing in his retirement.

He is survived by his sons, Thomas Yarko (Mary) of Ellicott City, Md. and Timothy Yarko (Christine) of Delta, Pa.; his daughters, Amy Majors (Charles) of Pickens, S.C. and Sharon Stamer of Reisterstown, Md.; his brother Bobby Yarko; two sisters, Roselyn Sabella and Veronica McGinty; six grandchildren, Chris Lapole, Kimberly Holloway, Victoria Yarko, Jonathan Yarko, Corey Yarko and Katherine Stamer; and a greatgrandchild, Robert Lee Paul Holloway. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the

OBITUARIES

Burbage Funeral Home, 108 William Street, Berlin, Md. 21811. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Eileen Rothschild

BERLIN – On Friday Dec. 30, 2022, Eileen Rothschild, loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away at the age of 80.

Eileen was born in New York City to Jack and Jean (Fox). She married Vernon Rothschild and they raised five children. Early in her career she worked with her husband in starting what became the family business. In 1992, she received her early childhood education degree from Chesapeake College and worked for and started Head Start programs in Maryland and Delaware. Eileen loved to travel, home design/decorate and could easily be persuaded to join her sons and family on a fishing excursion offshore.

Eileen was preceded in death by her mother Jean and father Jack, and her brothers Eugene, Kevin, John and Joseph.

She is survived by her husband Vernon; her brother Timothy’ her five children Russell (Martha), Elizabeth, Jen-

nifer (Tony Wilson), Kelly Ann, and Phillip (Whitney). She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Jack Henry Tucker, and Charlie Clarissa Rothschild, as well as many nephews and nieces including Michael and Mathew Fox.

A visitation was held at the Burbage Funeral Home, 108 William Street Berlin, Md. 21811 on Thursday, January 5, 2023. A service will follow at St John Neumann Catholic Church on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Robert Anthony Fisher

SNOW HILL – Robert Anthony Fisher, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. Born in Salisbury, he was the son of the late Robert Harold Fisher and Violet Watson Fisher.

He graduated from Wicomico High School in 1958 and attended Salisbury State College where he earned a Master’s Degree. He was an Assateague Park Ranger for the National Parks as well as a teacher at Snow Hill Middle School. He also served in the United States Navy from 19611966 and was stationed in San Diego, California. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Snow Hill, where he served as a Past President. He was also the Treasurer of the Worcester County Historical Society. He was a very active member of the community participating in many local organizations such as the Worcester County Economic Development Committee for over 30 years, Furnace Town, Captain of TillieThe Tug, booth holder at Antique Collectibles, and was an Eastern Shore local post card collector. He had formerly owned and operated along with his wife and in-laws Scotty’s Market in Ocean City and was co-owner with his wife of the Store Next Door in Ocean City for 10 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Katherine Fisher “Kathy”, as well as his son, Robert Thomas Fisher and his girlfriend Michelle Townsend of Berlin. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Patricia Ann Parker of Salisbury, and his beautiful granddaughters, Cassidy Katherine Fisher (Gina), Ashlea Elizabeth Fisher and beloved Madyson Townsend.

A memorial service will be held at All Hallows Episcopal Church in Snow Hill on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at 2 p.m. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Furnace Town at 3816 Old Furnace Rd, Snow Hill, Md. 21863, the Worcester County Historical Society at P.O. Box 111, Snow Hill, Md. 21863, or to All Hallows Episcopal Church at 109

W. Market Street, Snow Hill, Md. 21863.

Letters of condolences can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Snow Hill.

Howard Douglas Trainer, III

OCEAN CITY – Howard Douglas Trainer, III, age 54, passed away at his home in Ocean City on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Howard Doulgas Trainer, Jr and Carol Escavage.

Howard was a very outgoing man with a huge personality who loved joking around. He enjoyed country music, singing karaoke, and watching the Baltimore Ravens win football games. He worked in home improvements most of his life, which he had passion for and loved teaching others along the way. His laugh was contagious, and his smile could light up a room. Out of everything in life, though, there was nothing he loved more than his family and friends. He truly loved people and people loved him. He was not only a great son, brother, and uncle he was also a very dear friend to so many. Howard will forever be remembered in our hearts; never forgotten.

He is survived by his mother, Carol Trainer, his brother, William Trainer, his sister, Donna Ray, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Howard was preceded in death by his father, Howard Douglas Trainer, Jr.

A Celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Shari Lynn Bloum-Poliak

BERLIN – Shari Lynn Bloum-Poliak, age 61, passed away on Monday, Dec/ 26, 2022, in Berlin.

Born Nov. 5, 1961, in Takoma Park, Md., she was the daughter of the late Donald Bloum and Carol Stone.

She is survived by her mother, Carol Bloum; daughters Brittney and Lindsey Poliak; brothers Stephen and Terrence Bloum; sister Nicole Bloum; and former husband Albert Poliak.

Shari will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. She will be remembered as a woman of strength and honesty, a caring, and humorous friend, and a loving and dedicated mother and sister.

She was preceded in death by her father Donald Bloum.

A visitation will be held, private for the family, at The Burbage Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers or sympathy cards, donations in Shari’s name can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network via (pancan.org).

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home.

THOMAS EDWARD YARKO

EILEEN ROTHSCHILD

ROBERT ANTHONY FISHER

HOWARD DOUGLAS TRAINER, III

SHARI BLOUMPOLIAK

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

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How We See It

Special Election Over Long Wait

With a petition drive recently verified as successful, the Ocean City Mayor and Council will have a decision to make – a special election soon or include a referendum with the 2024 election?

At issue is a 20-foot conveyance of the eastside of Baltimore Avenue to the Margaritaville property to allow it to meet the planned overlay district requirement. The conveyance of the property was deemed necessary for the project to move forward, and the Mayor and Council swiftly granted the property transfer.

Ocean City’s move to give the property to the Margaritaville project will most likely be the first of many, as part of the massive Baltimore Avenue corridor reconstruction project has always been to abandon and convey the unused right-ofway along Baltimore Avenue back to the property owners. Margaritaville happened to be the first. There will be many more eventually as property owners learn about the city’s intention.

The petition challenged the specific ordinance that conveyed the property to Margaritaville. Along with her concerns the city has approved numerous exceptions for the Margaritaville property, petition coordinator Margaret Pillas feels, “parking is greatly needed for the downtown area. The highest and best use for these 16 blocks where the easement allows would also be to provide additional needed parking. Why prematurely abandon this city property when we do not even know when the enhancements to Baltimore Avenue will be done due to the exorbitant cost estimates.”

The petition needed 612 qualified signatures to be successful and place the matter on the ballot before voters. There were 825 signatures turned in by petitioners with 639 of those deemed valid.

No decision on what to do next was made at this week’s council meeting after the petition results were verified. There are essentially only two options – allow voters to let their voices be heard on the matter through a special election or hold the decision until the next municipal election in 2024. There is precedent for the city holding a one-referendum special election. Turnout was low and that would surely be the case again this time around.

No matter, we favor a special election over waiting until the 2024 election. There will be increased costs associated with holding an election, which will most likely be mired in poor turnout as all special elections are. We think two years is too long to wait to decide the issue.

If a special election is the chosen course, the timing of when it’s held will be key for the best possible turnout. We favor a spring vote in April over pushing it to the fall. Early May is an option as well.

We think delaying to the fall or waiting until 2024 would be the wrong call in this case.

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

It was surprising and impressive to see the increasing value of Ocean City’s beach stands.

In today’s world, it would stand to reason the beach stand business would not be what it was once was, considering beach equipment is widely available at dozens of stores in Ocean City as well as big box outlets everywhere. Many beach-goers simply buy their equipment when they arrive in Ocean City and leave it behind after their visit. The equipment is cheaper, but the price represents the quality as well.

After this week’s auction, it would appear the quality of the provided goods at the beach stands and the service provided continues to be valued by visitors to Ocean City. There may not be as many competing parties for the stands, but the dollars the blocks are fetching remains high.

On Dec. 7, the city held a public auction for 34 parcels in the south end of town from the Inlet to 24th Street and another three-block parcel from 57-59th streets due to a default from a previous franchise holder. Of the 34 parcels, 14 areas were auctioned because businesses having rights to the other 20 parcels opted to extend for a second, three-year term.

Overall, the 15 parcels auctioned brought the city $418,500, a 24% increase over the previous three-year agreements. Overall, the south-end parcels and the one mid-town parcel will have an annual fiscal year impact of $1 million, according to city records.

A deeper dive into some of the individual parcel auctions confirms the demand remains high. The Inlet beach stand increased 61% to a $82,000 bid from a prior bid of $50,820. Additionally, the 3rd Street parcel jumped by 63%, from 42,900 to $70,000. On the flip side, there were a few parcels that saw lower bids, but by and large beach stands evidently remain viable despite the rising competition.

On New Year’s Day, 959 individuals jumped into the Atlantic Ocean to help raise money for Atlantic General Hospital. In the end, more than $110,000 was donated to the community hospital with more counting to be done. It appears to be the most successful penguin swim in the event’s 29-year history.

It's been amazing to watch this event grow from 100 swimmers in its first year to 959 this year. This year’s turnout was up 9% from last year and the second highest number of swimmers in the event’s history. It’s a tremendous success story.

I have made the plunge the last two years with my son, as I am involved with the hospital’s foundation. In the past, I was just a spectator and marveled at the spirit and costume creativity of all the participants. The energy and excitement for the event is a sight to behold. I recommend taking in the day at some point even if you don’t take a chilly dip. It’s incredible more than 950 people pay money and donate to the hospital for the right to jump into the ocean on Jan. 1.

Summing up the event, Penguin Swim co-chair Ryan Kirby hit a home run, saying, “This community is incredible with their support of all local charities and civic events. And the AGH Penguin Swim is just one of the many this area supports with all their heart. They, once again, went above and beyond to support the swim financially and with their time.”

Labor issues continue to be a major problem in the area, especially in the law enforcement industry where most police forces in the area are working understaffed.

In Ocean City, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro discussed a gloomy outlook for seasonal cops, reporting 25 applicants (19 in the vetting process) through November, compared to 115 applicants last year (42 being hired). It’s important to note the 25-applicant figure is through November and surely there will be more coming along, but it’s far cry from last year’s 115 total, which was down from previous norms.

Ocean City Councilman Tony DeLuca questioned the chief a bit on the low numbers wondering just how far off pace the department was in recruiting and asking, “Do we have some kind of plan in place if we fall short?” He added, “We’ve seen this in some of our other departments. Maybe it’s better salaries and benefits, or maybe we need to reach out to colleges and universities outside of our zone. Maybe we can sell the quality of life. We just need to have some kind of plan.”

In what just appears to be a sign of the times, Buzzuro defended his department’s recruitment efforts, saying, “we do have a plan and we’re using that … It remains challenging but I don’t want you to think we don’t have a plan in place.”

The chief added, “We’ve been busy recruiting at colleges and universities, and we’ve been looking at salaries and a number of other things. As I’ve reported again and again and again, this is tough environment. It’s hard to get full-time police officers let alone part-time officers … When you include the vetting process just to get them through the door, and see them go through the academy and matriculate into the field, that’s what we’re dealing with right now. It’s a little discouraging, but I’m cautiously optimistic right now.”

Puzzle Answers

PUZZLE ON PAGE 35

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

Beckett has been at boarding school in Virginia for five months now.

I will never get used to him not being home. He’s home typically one weekend a month and longer for holidays, as the boarding school models provides long breaks for travel as the students come from 27 countries. We usually visit him once a month as well for a sports game, parent-teacher conferences or other organized activities. We are in constant communication with him, mostly through text, but we speak when he can squeeze us in. There’s still a lot of parenting to do. It’s just different and far beyond anything I would have ever imagined in this journey.

When he’s not home, the family is not whole. There is something missing. There is a constant curiosity as to what he is doing at certain times. He’s always on our minds. We know his schedule so we know most of the time what is happening, and we can see from his phone where he is at any given time. It’s more about knowing what’s happening with his overall wellness. Is he stressed over school? Is he getting enough sleep? Did his team win or lose? Does he need anything? A lot more texts are sent seeking details than received back, but we know from other boarding school parents this is common. The same goes for collegeage students’ families.

It’s funny when he’s home everything slides right in as if he never left. When he comes home, he is excited to be here. We are anxious to get him home as well. After a few days, though, we all seem to slide back into our typical space and routines, circling back to topics that have always brought angst. It appears he will never understand why he can’t spend the night with friends we have never met It also seems he will never accept the fact we are not okay with him leaving his room in a disastrous state. He can’t do it at school and the same goes at home. His life at boarding school involves a lot

of rules. When he comes home, he seems to want a break from all that. It’s just not that simple.

Nonetheless, despite all these anxious moments, life feels right and normal when he’s home. It’s certainly a lot louder and busier, but it’s good. We enjoy the time we have with him, but we are now at the stage when it’s time for him to head back to school we all seem ready. It’s a new normal that will probably never feel comfortable, but it’s our life right now.

t was 9:05 Monday night. Pam, Carson and I had just gotten home from taking Beckett to his school after holiday break.

While Pam got Carson ready for bed, I flipped on the Bills vs. Bengals game. The crowd was silent, and the commenters were saying how they had never seen anything like what had just transpired. Since they did not want to replay what happened, a quick web search showed Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapse lifeless to the ground after making a routine tackle. It was later learned CPR had to be performed.

After an hour, I grew weary of the commenters repeating the same statements. Throughout the night, I woke up several times to check my phone for an update on Hamlin’s status. Slowly news started to surface he suffered cardiac arrest, and his status was improving gradually but he remained in critical condition.

On Tuesday, the day after the incident, sports talk radio was full of some heartfelt comments from former players who were clearly touched by the situation, particularly the uncertainty of the player’s welfare and outlook. Former quarterback Dan Orlovsky’s take on ESPN hit me hard when I saw it later online.

In an unprecedented fashion, Orlovsky prayed aloud on national television with two of his colleagues. As a former player and father, he was clearly im-

pacted. Surely all of us were, whether we are parents or not. As is human nature, we all tend to personalize situations. When I heard later about the player’s mom being in the stands for the game, I could only imagine the panic as she raced to be near her son in a stadium of 70,000.

Orlovsky’s live television prayer was a beautiful thing and I thought I would share it here. I recommend giving the video a search online but here’s the full text.

"I heard the Buffalo Bills organization say that we believe in prayer, and maybe this is not the right thing to do, but it’s just on my heart and I want to pray for Damar Hamlin right now,” he said. “I’m going to do it out loud, I’m going to close my eyes and bow my head, and I’m just going to pray for him. God, we come to you in these moments that we don’t understand, that are hard because we believe that you’re God and coming to you and praying to you has impact. We’re sad. We’re angry. We want answers, but some things are unanswerable. We just want to pray, truly come to you and pray for strength for Damar, for healing for Damar, for comfort for Damar. Be with his family to give him the peace God, we come to you in these moments that we don’t understand, that are hard because we believe that you’re God and coming to you and praying to you has impact. We’re sad. We’re angry. We want answers, but some things are unanswerable. We just want to pray, truly come to you and pray for strength for Damar, for healing for Damar, for comfort for Damar. Be with his family to give him the peace. If we didn’t believe that prayer didn’t work, we wouldn’t ask this of you, God. I believe in prayer. We believe in prayer. We lift up Damar Hamlin’s name in Your name. Amen.”

(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.)

Penguin Swim Raises $111K:

On New Year’s Day, 959 individuals took a chilly dip in the Atlantic Ocean to support Atlantic General Hospital’s 29th Annual Penguin Swim. Pictured are scenes from the event, which took place on an unseasonably warm day. Photos by Chris Parypa