Oct. 7

Cutest Pet Of The Month

Chris Parypa

Submitted

Talks Underway For Oceans Calling Festival Return

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Despite the disappointment of the cancellation of the threeday music festival last weekend, there appears to be mutual optimism in bringing the major concert series back next year for a second chance.

The stage was literally set late last week for what promised to be the biggest music festival ever in the resort.

The three-day lineup included several headliners including Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds on Friday night, the Lumineers on Saturday night, Alanis Mo rissette on Sunday and a couple appear ances by Maryland’s own O.A.R., along with numerous other bands practically around the clock all weekend on three stages in and around the Inlet lot on ei-

ther side of the pier.

Throughout last week, event crews were putting together the three-stage venue, including the main stage on the north side of the pier, along with grandstands, VIP areas and other amenities, all while keeping a watchful eye on Hurricane Ian, which made landfall and ravaged areas of Florida early last week be fore heading north.

By midday last Thursday, just about 24 hours before the first act was set to hit the stage, event producer C3 Presents, in conjunction with town officials, made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

The decision, although difficult, proved to be the right one. The remnants of Hurricane Ian did reach the resort area by Friday and eventually evolved into a full-blown classic nor’easter, bringing

heavy rain, high surf, beach erosion and flooding to the downtown area which continued into midweek.

While the cancellation proved to be the right call, it did little to mask the disappointment of the event producers, town officials and the estimated 40,000 fans who had purchased ticket packages.

At the close on Monday’s meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan said the outcome was disappointing, but the right decision was made. Meehan said even before the last vestiges of the storm left the area, the promoters were already working with the town to bring the Oceans Calling Fe stival back next year.

“We’re all disappointed that the concert was canceled for all of the right reasons as is currently evident after the dec ision was made,” he said. “I think C3 Pre

sents really became vested in our community and remains committed to putting on a concert here. They’ve already talked to us about coming back next year and planning ahead and meeting with our staff sometime in October to talk about next year, so that’s the good news.”

Meehan said the venues C3 Presents were putting together on the beach downtown were impressive and hinted at what could have been a major event for the resort. Early this week, crews were still battling high winds and heavy surf as they attempted to break down the concert stages and venues.

“If you looked out there and had the opportunity to see the city they were building on the beach, it was really incredible,” he said. “This is a first-class company and when they made the announcement, I think everybody knew right away they were going to do the right thing and ticket purchases would be refunded. I think that message was very clear right from the beginning, and it helped establish their credibility.”

Meehan said despite the event’s cancellation, many of those who had purchased tickets and made arrangements to come to Ocean City came anyway.

“What’s interesting enough is a lot of people still came to Ocean City,” he said. “They were planning to come, and they came from all over the country. I was on the Boardwalk a lot this weekend and I ran into them. They came from Baltimore and Virginia, of course, but they also came from places like Kansas. They all came anyway.”

Meehan said during his meetings with C3 Presents Principal Tim Sweetwood throughout the planning stages leading up to the event, he was told the company’s concert-going fans were a dedicated group willing to endure rain or other weather issues, but the hurricaneturned-nor’easter simply wasn’t safe.

He also referenced the potential logistic problems with moving thousands of concertgoers after the headline acts each night of the festival.

“It ties back to what Tim Sweetwood told us,” he said. “Most of these people are used to going to concerts and they know it might be backed up when they’re trying to leave and they know they can be canceled. A large percentage of them came anyway and made the best of it.”

Meehan said he spoke with Boardwalk business owner Greg Shockley of Shenanigan’s on Monday about the weekend crowds despite the weather and the concert cancellations.

“I spoke with Greg Shockley today and he wanted me to pass along he had a terrific weekend,” he said. “What he wanted to pass on was all of the people from other areas of the country that came to Ocean City and said they would be back next year. It was disappointing, but I think it really laid the groundwork for a great experience in the future.”

Photo by Sarah Zaia

Photo by Sarah Zaia

Photo by Sarah ZaiaPhoto by Sarah Zaia

Early Beach Assessment Reveals Minimal Damage

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While a final assessment has not yet been completed, it appears Ocean City’s beaches and dune system fared well throughout the storm.

Hurricane Ian did its worst in Florida last week before turning north and heading to the resort area. A typical hurricane, or remnants of a hurricane, pass through the area quickly, but coupled with a classic nor’easter, the storm lingered over the resort area for several days.

The storm, which by midweek had not entirely cleared out of the area, brought heavy surf, beach erosion and flooding of the streets through much of the downtown area for several days. Sand piled up in drifts on the Boardwalk and the Inlet area, which would have been host to the inaugural Oceans Calling music festival, was under water for much of the five-day-plus storm.

However, an early assessment of the erosion of the beaches in Ocean City revealed the damage was minimal and will likely repair itself over time without any emergency mitigation required. Last fall and early winter, the combined federal, state and local beach replenishment project was completed, and the resort’s beaches went into hurricane season in fairly good shape.

City Manager Terry McGean said this week it was a little too early to assess the actual damage to the beaches in Ocean City, but the early prognosis is positive.

McGean said a further evaluation would be completed when the storm subsided and the tides returned to somewhat normal, but he was confident no major mitigation efforts would be needed.

“It’s still too early to tell the full extent of the beach damage,” he said. “Right now, I would put erosion as moderate, but we really need the tides to come down for a better look. There is no dune damage, so at this point, I don’t see the need for any emergency repairs.”

At the close of Monday’s meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out the remnants of Hurricane Ian morphed into a nor’eas-

ter for the resort and the mid-Atlantic region. Meehan said town officials were monitoring Hurricane Ian late last week and did not anticipate it turning into a fullfledged multiple-day storm.

“We’re disappointed the hurricane had such an effect on us,” he said. “As we followed the track at the end of last week, we were told it was going to blow right by us and be out of here quickly. Like so often happens, when a storm turns into a nor’easter it can decide to stay out there and pound us for a few days. That’s unfortunate and I hope everybody is okay. There is flooding downtown, and you can

see it out there tonight.”

During Monday’s meeting, flood waters on downtown streets and around City Hall continued to rise in what turned out to be a continuing problem for the resort into midweek. Meehan said Monday’s high tide, which arrived right around the time of the meeting, was likely the peak of the storm.

“This is the high point, I believe,” he said. “The high tide right now is probably as high as it is going to get, and it didn’t reach the critical surge point that we were all watching so closely.”

Throughout the storm, the beaches at Assateague State Park remained closed and the Over-Sand Vehicle Zone at Assateague Island National Seashore remained closed. Certain areas of Florida were most devastated by Hurricane Ian and will likely take months to return to some semblance of normal. Meehan said the situation in Florida is an example of why an oceanfront community such as Ocean City prepares constantly for potential storms.

“It just shows when you look at what happened in Florida, it can happen anywhere,” he said. “It certainly teaches us you have to listen to what the officials say. When you’re told to evacuate, you need to evacuate because you just never know. It’s ironic that the focal point where it hit was Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. I go to Sanibel every year, but it doesn’t look like I’ll be going back there for a few years. Our thoughts and prayers really do go out to those in Florida and everyone else who was affected by the storm.”

The Inlet beach and fishing pier are pictured Monday during the nor’easter.

Photo Courtesy of Chris Parypa

Town, Bank Renew

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week renewed a revolving $2.5 million line of credit with a local bank as a rainy-day plan of sorts.

In June 2019, the council voted unanimously to approve the offered $2.5 million revolving line of credit from the Bank of Ocean City. The line of credit was extended by the Bank of Ocean City for a threeyear term with a fixed interest rate of 2.25%.

At the time, the Mayor and Council did not have an intended purpose for securing the $2.5 million line of credit but asserted it could be in place if needed for certain capital projects, budget overruns or property acquisitions if an opportunity presented itself. Finance Director Chuck Bireley explained on Monday the original three years agreed upon in 2019 has expired and the Bank of Ocean City was offering to renew it.

“The town established a line of credit with the Bank of Ocean City in 2019,” he said. “It has now expired, but the bank has offered to renew it for a three-year term. We didn’t ever have to draw on this during the prior three-year period.”

With little discussion, the council voted 4-0 with Councilmen John Gehrig and Lloyd Martin absent and Councilman Peter Buas abstaining to renew the line of credit agreement with the Bank of Ocean City. While the interest rate was set at 2.25% in the original agreement, the renewal approved this week comes with a 3.9% interest rate. The agreement includes a $50 annual fee.

Bireley explained the agreement includes interest-only monthly payments with the principal due if and when the $2.5 million is ever needed. He said going with the line of credit was advantageous to the town as opposed to a traditional bank loan because of lower financing costs.

Again, the town never had to borrow against the $2.5 million line of credit during the first three-year agreement with the Bank of Ocean City. The town generally pays for projects and other expenditures in different ways, including pay-as-you-go projects through the general fund, or by going to the bond market for major expenditures and projects.

It’s also important to note the town maintains a fund balance, or a source from which to draw money, for unanticipated expenditures. Earlier this year, the council voted to raise the fund balance to 17% of the general fund budget. Mayor Rick Meehan asked City Manager Terry McGean to explain the importance of having the Bank of Ocean City line of credit at the town’s disposal.

“It’s like an insurance policy,” McGean said. “For the $50 fee, we have access to this cash in case we have a bad storm or an emergency. If we had an emergency and we needed to make a payment or had to meet payroll or something else came up, we have this cash at our disposal. It’s not something we routinely would use. For lack of a better term, it’s an insurance policy.”

Tower Painting Bid Exceeds Budget

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY –Continuing a recent trend, resort officials this week approved the low bid to repaint and repair the water tower at 41st Street which came in at over $150,000 more than was budgeted for the project.

Last week, the Mayor and Council opened bids for the contract to repaint and repair the town’s water tower at 41st Street adjacent to the convention center. In an ongoing cycle, the town repaints and repairs the iconic blue water towers up and down the resort and the tower at 41st Street is the latest.

Just two bids were submitted for the painting and repair of the 41st Street water tower when they were opened last week. The project was budgeted for $700,000, but each of the bids came in significantly higher than that figure. One bid from K&K Painting came in at over $900,000, while the second bid from D&M Painting came in at over $852,000, including a base bid of $788,000 and an additional $63,000 for the accessory details of the project.

Par for the course, the bids last week were remanded to the staff for review and a recommendation. As part of the consent agenda on Monday, the staff recommended accepting the low bid from D&M Painting at $852,000, which is considerably higher than the $700,000 budget estimate for the project.

The council voted unanimously to ac cept the bid despite the budget overrun. Supplemental funding to cover the overage will be addressed by using money from the current water fund balance, an enterprise fund that is self-supporting through user fees.

While not a major expense, the 41st Street water tower painting project overage continues a recent trend of resort proj ects coming in well over budget. With inflation, the cost of materials and supply chain issues, practically every significant project tackled by the resort in recent months has far exceeded budget estimates.

For example, the first phase of the redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex between 3rd and 4th streets was budgeted at $2.2 million, but the bids for that project came in at around $3.8 million. Just last month, the Mayor and Coun cil accepted a low bid for a new pumping station at Montego Bay at $3.4 million for a project that was budgeted at $2.6 million.

The list goes on and on for the town facing the grim reality of the current economy. Perhaps the best example is the redevelopment of the Baltimore Avenue corridor from North Division Street to 15th Street. That project, which will include undergrounding utilities, widening sidewalks and streetscaping, was initially budgeted at around $20 million, which the town plan ned to bond. But the most recent estimate came at nearly twice that, at around $40 million.

“GHOS TS IN THE SURF”

BU NK MANN’S LAT ES T BO OK O N OCEAN CIT Y HIS TORY

• Companion to his best-selling “Vanishing Ocean City”

• Ocean City memories from the summer of 1945 to the spring of 2019

• Over 700 photos and 340 pages

• Hardbound coffee table book with cover art by Paul McGehee

• Special sections on the lost buildings of Ocean City, the March Storm of ‘62, Frontier Town, Trimpers Rides, Shanty Town, Hurricanes Gloria and Sandy, the White Marlin Open, Surfing, the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Phillips Crab House, the Commander Hotel, the Segregation Era, the Arson fires of the 1970’s, Characters and Personalities, and much more Ghosts in the Surf can be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.

Resort

OCEAN CITY – Resort planners this week approved a zoning map amendment that could lead to an expansion of the iconic Ocean City Fishing Pier.

The Ocean City Planning Commission on Tuesday had before them a request from the Mayor and Council to amend the zoning map for an expansion of the pier franchise district. The historic Ocean City Fishing Pier juts eastward from the Boardwalk at Wicomico Street and the town has a franchise agreement with the Synepuxent Pier and Improvement Company,

Recommend Pier Map Amendment

which, among other things owns and operates the Jolly Roger amusement park.

In 2019, the Town of Ocean City reached an agreement with the Synepuxent Pier and Improvement Company and its principal, Charles “Buddy” Jenkins, to extend the franchise agreement for the Ocean City Fishing Pier, which has largely been unchanged for decades. The agreement extension added an additional 25 years beyond the 10 years remaining on the contract at the time.

While there are no apparent immediate plans to alter the pier and its associated structures, a review of the zoning map for the unique pier franchise district revealed

a flaw in the way the pier area was platted. To that end, the planning commission on Tuesday had before them a proposed zoning map amendment that could lead to a future expansion of the iconic fishing pier.

The proposed zoning map amendment would include an additional 140,000 square feet to the pier franchise zoning district to the north and south of the existing pier and extend eastward beyond the Boardwalk tram lane and crossover for pedestrians. It would not include extending the pier beyond its current eastward end.

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville explained the intent of amending the pier franchise zoning map is to bring the boundaries into compliance with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommendations. The staff report recommended altering the zoning map for the pier franchise district to correct an error when it was last platted.

“The staff recommends a favorable recommendation of the proposed zoning map amendment, which is consistent with the purpose and extent of the pier franchise code and approved by the Maryland DNR for construction and maintenance of approved public facilities,” he said. “The zoning map amendment is necessary to address a mistake in the existing zoning classification.”

Neville said when the pier franchise was renewed, the plat included only the existing physical structures and not the entire area covered by the renewed agreement.

“The zoning maps should have included the entire franchise area as the pier franchise district and not just the physical pier structure,” he said. “Based on both, the newest 2019 pier franchise plat and the pre-2019 franchise plat, the pier franchise area was larger than what was mapped on the zoning map and the mistake should be corrected.”

The franchise plat, among other things, delineates the amusement pier, the pier building, the fishing pier, the fishing pier building and other existing structures. It also includes the parking lease area, easements for the town’s water main, the Boardwalk tram lane and the pier crossover easement, along with easements for the franchisee’s storage and outside dining areas.

City Manager Terry McGean, representing the town as the applicant for the zoning map change, agreed there was a clerical mistake when the pier franchise district was last platted.

“To me, this was a clear mistake in the zoning map,” he said. “The zoning map was adopted in 1999 and the pier franchise boundary, even though the franchise changed and was re-platted in 2019, the actual boundary has not changed since 1978. Therefore, I don’t know of any zoning districts in the Town of Ocean City that area based on the building and not the property boundaries. The franchise boundaries were established in the 1970s. With the exception of the amusements, the pier boundaries have not changed since 1978.”

SU Foundation Provides EMS Funds

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Local fire companies have reached an agreement with the organization behind a major bicycling event to ensure emergency service needs are met.

Fire companies in Worcester County will receive roughly $8,700 to provide emergency services during Saturday’s Sea Gull Century Tour. The agreement comes after the Worcester County Commissioners expressed concern last month that the tour wasn’t covering the cost of the fire and EMS services provided by local companies during the event.

“We’re going to monitor the event this year and see if this is a sufficient amount of funding to cover the impact to our fire and EMS services,” said Weston Young, the county’s chief administrative officer.

In September, the commissioners asked staff to begin developing a special event permitting process after being made aware of concerns regarding the fire and EMS cost of the Sea Gull Century.

The bicycling event, which includes a 100-mile course and a 63-mile course, is held each October. While the event is based in Wicomico County, about 60% of it occurs in Worcester and creates a significant impact on local emergency services. Last year, staff said call vol-

ume doubled the day of the event.

Representatives from emergency services told the commissioners last month that the SU Foundation, which puts on the event, had only agreed to provide partial funding for the cost of fire and EMS response by Worcester County companies.

In the weeks since, however, the fire companies have worked out an agreement with the SU Foundation, which will now provide $8,731 for emergency services. That will cover two ambulances and five staff at Newark, two ambulances and five staff at Snow Hill, one ambulance and two staff at Pocomoke and one ambulance and two staff at Berlin.

“Organizers will take the request for additional funding into account for next year’s ride, when they will have adequate time to consider that expense as it relates to the event’s overall budget,” said Jason Rhodes, public relations director and university spokesperson.

According to Worcester officials, fire companies were initially seeking more than $20,000 to cover the event.

Most were seeking the cost of providing 12 hours of coverage, while the Berlin Fire Company was also seeking a per diem allowance. The companies were able to reduce the estimated cost, however, by shortening the coverage period from 12 hours to 10 hours to more accurately reflect the timing of the event and by adjusting equipment fees.

Officials Advocate For Route 589 Work

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL –Local officials stressed the need for improvements to Route 589 during an annual meeting with Maryland Department of Transportation rep resentatives.

On Tuesday, officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MD OT) shared an annual update with the Worcester County Commissioners. The commissioners used the opportunity to advocate for long-needed Route 589 improvements.

“We’ve been waiting 20 years,” Com missioner Chip Bertino said.

Jim Ports, secretary of MDOT, thank ed the commissioners for the opportunity for the agency to provide an overview of its latest Consolidated Transportation Plan (CTP). He outlined major road improvements, including the work to Route 113, that had occurred in recent years and said that the latest CTP included the largest transportation budget ever at $19.9 billion.

Tim Smith, MDOT’s State Highway Administration (SHA) administrator, said the agency was focusing on asset management, accessibility and mobility. He said SHA had worked hard to finish the improvements at Route 376 and Route 113—the highway’s Assateague Road intersection—this summer.

“That added capacity to that intersec tion improves both traffic flow and safety on a major route to Assateague State Park,” he said.

Smith also brought up the $15 million announced by Gov. Larry Hogan that increased predevelopment efforts for Route 90.

“That decision allowed us to accelerate planning and fund the future design phase for that 12-mile stretch,” he said.

At that point work on a planning and environmental linkages study was already underway.

“So that preliminary planning allowed us to look at traffic operations, capacity, safety throughout the entire corridor as well as look at pedestrian /bicycle accessibility, economic development opportunities, as well as emergency evacuation…,” Smith said.

“We’ve developed some preliminary concepts for that corridor. The concepts are on a public survey and available on our website right now. I’d encourage you and your constituents to look at that.”

Bertino asked when the county could expect the planning work that began 20 years ago for Route 589 to move forward.

“There’s just not enough money to do every project for everyone throughout the state,” Ports said. “I hope you understand.”

Bertino said he did.

“It’s just very frustrating when my constituents hear that we’re moving forward on Route 90, which is certainly needed, but that Route 90 corridor impacts 589,” Bertino said. “And Route 589 impacts Route 90. We’ve had conversations over the past eight years every time that you’ve come down here … There has been no movement in eight years.”

Ports said state law stipulated how MDOT rated its projects.

“It really depends on where your proj ect rates with all the projects throughout the state,” he said.

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young told the commissioners staff has been working with MDOT to determine right-of-way needs for a Route 589 expansion. Ports said that would help smooth the way for future improvements. He added, however, the required environmental studies could also impact future improvements.

Ports noted that the county’s regular letter to MDOT identified Route 90, the Route 50 bridge and Route 589 as areas for attention.

Bertino stressed that the three were weighted equally.

“If you believe 589 should wait until those other two are completed there is not going to be any fix to 589 for another 50 or 60 years,” he said.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said the addition of a casino to Route 589 had significantly increased its traffic.

“When the state approved the casino, Ocean Downs Casino, they knew there’d be more traffic,” he said. “That project (Route 589) should have gone much, much higher on the list.”

Ocean City Offers Help To Pop-Up Rally’s New Destination

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While Ocean City was spared the brunt of the unsanctioned pop-up motor vehicle event last month, resort officials are reaching out to the New Jersey community that has apparently become the new destination.

For years, the last week in September has been known for the disturbing unsanctioned pop-up car rally and the illicit behavior of some of the event’s hangerson. At the event’s crescendo about two years ago, it reached the point town officials were discouraging vacationers from visiting the resort during the designated weekend and encouraging residents to simply stay home and avoid the roadways.

Over the course of time, town officials and their allied partners, including

the state, took measures to bring the chaos associated with the event under control. At the town’s request, state lawmakers passed a bill creating a special event zone in Ocean City during select motorized events including the unsanctioned pop-up event.

The special event zone, akin to a highway construction zone, includes reduced speed limits, higher fines, the threat of arrest for certain traffic violations and altered traffic patterns. The special event zone legislation was later amended to include the infraction of exhibition driving, which covered a large number of violations associated with the pop-up event.

The town also created a motor vehicle task force, which meets annually to address some of the issues associated with the events. Out of those discussions came more tools to ultimately weed out

the event. The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) took an all-handson-deck approach and allied law enforcement agencies came into the resort throughout the event to step up the police presence.

Other measures included creating a program allowing law enforcement officers to come onto private property when a business was closed to enforce the laws. The end result has been a pronounced decline in the number of unregistered and unsanctioned participants showing up in Ocean City each September for the event, which has now apparently moved on to the New Jersey shore community, Wildwood. The cumulative efforts of town officials, state lawmakers and the OCPD and its allied partners appear to have achieved the desired results although the resort is not letting its guard down for a potential re-

turn of the event.

Last week when the pop-up event materialized in Wildwood, N.J., that resort community experienced the same type of lawlessness associated with the event in Ocean City for years and then some. At the height of the event in Wildwood, two people were killed when one of the participating vehicles slammed into another and then hit two pedestrians, according to published reports.

Officials in Wildwood were aware of the pending event and made some preparations but were apparently not prepared for the sheer volume of participants and the lawlessness of many of them.

At the close of Monday’s meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan said Ocean City has been reaching out to Wildwood officials for possible solutions based on the town’s own experiences.

“I heard the mayor of Wildwood was going to contact me, but I didn’t wait for that contact,” he said. “I reached out and contacted him. He was very grateful for the call, and we had a long dialogue. I sent him information and I sent him copies of the legislation we got passed.”

Meehan said some of the solutions borne out of the motor vehicle task force and state legislation have achieved the desired results in Ocean City, including the special event zone and the Trespass Enforcement Authorization Program (TEAP). Meehan said he has shared that information with the mayor in Wildwood.

“The motor vehicle task force really helped us work through some of these issues,” he said. “I also sent him information about our TEAP program and anything that can assist his community. We hope to have a Zoom meeting with them later this week.”

Meehan said Ocean City officials would continue to work with Wildwood officials to work on solutions to some of the problems associated with the event.

“I think that dialogue will continue,” he said. “Our police department did reach out to them during the summer when they saw some of the intel circulating on social media and tried to give them a heads-up.”

The mayor said Wildwood was aware of the potential situation and took steps to prepare but appeared to be overwhelmed.

“I think they planned, but it’s the biggest weekend of the year for them with a big Irish festival and they had all of their public safety officials and law enforcement on duty,” he said. “I think they figured they had enough people, but as we know, it takes an army.”

Meehan said some of the steps taken in Ocean City to curb the pop-up event and similar events will be emulated around the state and beyond.

“What’s happening with this assault by vehicle is happening across the state in other jurisdictions,” he said. “I believe you’ll see the state of Maryland this year during the General Assembly enact new laws copying after our laws that we had passed including the special event zone. We’ll keep at it. We can’t let our guard down and we have to continue to hold the course.”

Pines Hand Count Reveals Vote Discrepancies

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – A hand count of votes from the 2022 board election revealed significant discrepancies in vote totals for the six candidates, but the Ocean Pines Elections Committee reports more information is needed to identify what went wrong during the tabulation process.

Last Friday, members of the elections committee met to hand count paper ballot votes for the 2022 Board of Directors election after it was learned there was an error in the number of reported votes.

The hand count, performed by committee members and volunteers, revealed totals were off by more than 100 votes for five of the six candidates and that 15 votes now separates the third- and fourth-place

candidates, Monica Rakowski and Amy Peck.

“The hand counting of paper ballots today verified the number of paper ballots received, including duplicates requested by owners of multiple properties and requests for other reasons,” a report from Ocean Pines Elections Committee Chair Carol Ludwig reads. “This hand count also verified that the tabulation program needs to be investigated to identify the reason for the reporting an excess of votes, above the maximum number of paper ballots, that were scanned on 8/11/22.”

She continued, “The failure to verify the information generated by the tabulation program resulted in an inaccurate report of results by Elections Committee Chair.”

Election results were first called into question last month when the committee

released its report on the 2022 election.

In August, the committee announced the six candidates – Steve Jacobs, Stuart Lakernick, Josette Wheatley, Paula Gray, Rakowski and Peck – received a total of 9,053 votes.

The report, however, states a total of 2,839 online and paper ballots were returned in the 2022 board election. With each property given the opportunity to vote for up to three candidates, that would mean a maximum 8,517 votes could be counted.

To that end, the committee announced plans to hold a hand count of paper ballot votes.

In a statement last week, Ludwig noted a preliminary count of paper ballots on Sept. 23 showed an error in tabulations.

“When the error in the number of ballots versus the number of votes tabulated

was identified, Elections Committee requested an opportunity to count the number of paper ballots …,” she said. “Verifying that the number of ballots in my report was very close, we were then able to separate the online results from the tabulated votes for each candidate and identified that the error was in the scanner/tabulations results.”

Following last Friday’s hand count, a report on the results show Gray received 836 votes (191 less than originally reported), Wheatley received 990 votes (313 less than originally reported), Peck received 1,348 votes (103 less than originally reported), Rakowski received 1,363 votes (240 less than originally reported), Lakernick received 1,682 votes (120 less than originally reported) and Jacobs received 1,894 votes (27 more than originally reported).

The difference between the third- and fourth- place candidates has narrowed from 152 votes to 15 votes, and the total number of votes has decreased from 9,053 to 8,113.

“In the coming months, the Elections Committee will review our processes, investigate glitches in the current tabulation/scanner programs, working towards the delivery of accurate information,” Ludwig said. “We offer our sincere apologies for two weeks of uncertainty as we moved cautiously towards what we felt was the most immediate resolution – to provide the correct results.”

CHARLENE SHARPE

BERLIN – Incumbent Dean Burrell will retain the District 4 council seat after defeating challenger Tony Weeg by just two votes in Tuesday’s municipal election.

Burrell, a 28-year incumbent, received 37 votes while Weeg received 35 in Berlin’s 2022 election.

“My heartfelt thank you for the voters that turned out to provide their support and those that provided prayers and best wishes,” Burrell said in a social media post following the election. “I cannot express with words how humbled I am for this opportunity to serve.”

Just 72 District 4 voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s municipal election. The vote was actually a tie—Burrell and Weeg each had 34 votes—until absentee ballots were counted. Burrell received three absentee votes while Weeg received one.

Weeg expressed disappointment in Tuesday’s voter turnout. The 72 people who voted represented just 8% of the 888 District 4 voters.

“Now that this election is over, I think the biggest takeaway is that we have a sleepy electorate,” Weeg said. “That less than 10% of our registered voters showed up is rather pitiful. Dean and I agree on most every big issue that faces the town today and for that I know he will continue to do a good job. He and I both have the town first in our heart with all decisions, and that is most important. In the wake of this cycle, I look forward to spending time with my family, future elections and figuring out ways to wake up our voters, and making progress towards our skatepark. Many thanks to those 72 who did show up, no matter how you voted, you decided to make a difference with your vote.”

Though the 2022 election was set to include voting for the District 1, District 4 and at-large council seats, District 4 was the only contested district.

In District 1, Steve Green (editor/publisher of this newspaper) was unopposed. In the at-large district, candidate Adrian Bowen dropped out of the race, leaving incumbent Jay Knerr unopposed.

In the weeks leading up to the election, Burrell said he was running for another term to continue to use his experience for the betterment of the town.

“I feel I am the best person for the job,” he said prior to the election. “I bring to the council great experience and an understanding of the operation and authority of the council. I also bring leadership, a valued opinion by the mayor, council membership and staff and above all a sense of fair play.”

Burrell, Knerr and Green will be sworn in at the next town council meeting on

Charges In Boat Attack

OCEAN CITY – Two people were arrested on assault charges last weekend after reportedly attacking a man on a boat at a downtown bayside marina.

Around 10 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a bayside marina in the downtown area for a reported assault. OCPD officers met with a female, identified as Heather Reed, 37, of Delmar, Md., who advised she had been visiting a friend on a boat with her husband, later identified as Gerald Pierson, 46, also of Delmar, when a fight broke out with a male victim.

Reed told police the couple was enjoying the evening on the boat when the male victim came aboard and became argumentative, according to police reports. Reed reportedly told officers the argument became physical when the male made derogatory comments and her boyfriend took offense to it. She told police a full drunken brawl then erupted with both males attempting to punch each other, according to police reports.

Reed reportedly told police the other male was on top of her boyfriend at one point with his arm on her boyfriend’s neck. Reed told police she interceded at that point and began choking the other male, according to police reports.

OCPD officers spoke with the male victim, who reported getting on his friend’s boat and not recognizing or knowing the other people on the vessel. When the argument ensued, Pierson began punching the male victim repeatedly. The victim told officers Pierson punched him at least five times while he was on the ground and unable to stave off the attack, according to police reports.

COPS & COURTS

The male victim reportedly told officers Reed held him on the ground while Pierson punched him repeatedly. The victim told officers Reed then began choking him by putting her hands around his neck. The victim told police his breathing was constricted while Reed was choking him. The victim had visible red marks on his neck and bruising on his cheeks and told police he believed he was going to die while Pierson was hitting him and Reed was choking him, according to police reports. Reed was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault, while Pierson was charged with second-degree assault.

Assault Over Toilet Paper

OCEAN CITY – A District Heights, Md., man was charged with assault last week after allegedly punching a female victim during a dispute about no toilet paper in their hotel room.

Last week, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a Boardwalk hotel for a reported domestic assault. Officers met with a female victim with whom they were familiar from previous domestic assault incidents in the resort area. The victim told police her friend, later identified as Joezer Boyd, 38, had been staying in Ocean City hotels off and on for a few weeks.

The victim said Boyd woke up that morning and immediately went into the bathroom in the hotel room and quickly left the room a few minutes later, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police she followed Boyd down the

hallway in the hotel, and when they got to the elevator, Boyd turned around and punched her in the face with a closed fist, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police Boyd was upset with her because there was no toilet paper in the bathroom and she had not gone to get more. OCPD officers viewed surveillance video from the hotel and observed Boyd walking down the hallway in an agitated state with his arms flailing, with the victim walking behind him, according to police reports.

When the couple reached the elevator, Boyd turned around and punched the victim in the face, according to police reports.

A short argument ensued and the couple disappeared from view of the surveillance cameras, according to police reports.

Based on the evidence and testimony, Boyd was charged last week with seconddegree assault.

Loaded Handgun Bust

OCEAN CITY – A Virginia man was arrested last week after driving the wrong way on two different major thoroughfares in the resort and being found with a loaded handgun in his vehicle.

Around 1:15 a.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area observed a vehicle driving south on Baltimore Avenue in the area of Wicomico Street in an area where Baltimore Avenue is oneway heading north. The officer reportedly observed the driver, later identified as Christopher Granger, 41, of Dumfries, Va.,

turn west on Worcester Street.

The officer activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop Granger, who then drove north the wrong way on Philadelphia Avenue heading north, according to police reports. The officer eventually stopped the vehicle on Philadelphia Avenue. The officer approached the vehicle and observed an open container of beer in the center console, along with a glass marijuana smoking device, according to police reports.

At that point, Granger was placed under arrest for an open container violation and traffic offenses. When asked if there was anything in the vehicle that he wanted to bring with him to the Public Safety Building for booking, Granger told the officer there was a loaded handgun in the center console and that he did not have a carry permit in Maryland, according to police reports.

OCPD officers then located a handgun in the console in a leather holster with a fully loaded magazine, although there was no round in the chamber. In addition to the initial counts, Granger was also charged with possession of a loaded handgun. A background check revealed the handgun had not been reported stolen and Granger was not a prohibited possessor, but the weapon had not been registered.

Jail For Spitting Suspect

OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man, arrested in August for obstructing traffic on Coastal Highway and later charged with multiple counts of second-degree assault after spitting on officers attempting to book him, pleaded guilty last week and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Around 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 27, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were patrolling in the area of 49th Street when they observed a male individual later identified as Michael Keener, 52, of Baltimore, standing in a travel lane on Coastal Highway. OCPD officers oberved one vehicle stopped on the highway in front of Keener with other vehicles beginning to stack up because of Keener’s obstruction in the roadway.

Once Keener moved out of the roadway, the first vehicle, and then the others behind it, began to move freely on Coastal Highway again. Keener then stepped in front of an OCPD vehicle with his arm extended in a motion to stop the officer’s vehicle, according to police reports.

Keener was advised to step out of the way and onto the public sidewalk, an order for which he complied. OCPD officers twice saw Keener obstructing traffic with a green traffic signal by standing in the highway. After he was asked multiple times to sit on the curb and cooperate and failed to comply, Keener was arrested for blocking free passage, according to police reports.

Keener was transported to the Public Safety Building for booking and when a public safety aide attempted to search him, he allegedly spit on the officer. The arresting officer pushed Keener against a wall and ordered a spit hood to be placed on him, but before that could happen, Keener allegedly spit on another booking officer, according to police reports.

Once finally in a cell, another booking officer attempted to take the handcuffs off

of Keener, but Kenner slammed her hands against the cell door, ripping her glove in the process and causing her to wince in pain, according to police reports. Essentially, Keener had allegedly assaulted three officers in a matter of minutes, according to police reports.

OCPD officers consulted with bar staff from whence Keener said he had come and staffers said he had been kicked out for spitting on a bartender. Last week, Keener pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

One Day For Replica Gun Threat

OCEAN CITY – A Salisbury man, arrested in July after allegedly threatening a couple on the Route 90 bridge with what turned out to be a replica handgun, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault and was sentenced to one day in jail.

Around 4:15 p.m. on July 14, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the midtown area received an alert advising to be on the lookout for teal-colored pickup truck driven by a suspect, later identified as Michael McGowan, 63, of Salisbury, who had allegedly pulled a gun on a couple, according to police reports. OCPD officers observed the vehicle driving north on Coastal Highway and pulled behind him as he entered the parking lot of the Gold Coast Mall.

McGowan eluded police uptown and drove south again on Coastal Highway. At 62nd Street, OCPD officers conducted a high-risk stop on McGowan’s vehicle. While being detained, McGowan reportedly told police “It’s a replica” asserting the weapon he pointed at the two individuals in an-

other vehicle was not an actual firearm.

Officers searched the vehicle and found in a zipped bag on the front seat a snubbed-nose revolver BB or pellet gun that was incredibly similar to a real Smith and Wesson snub-nose revolver, according to police reports. In the same bag with the gun replica, OCPD officers located an electronic weapon that looked like a large tactical flashlight. However, when activated, the weapon emitted a loud electrical arcing noise and a brilliant white light of arcing between two metal prongs of the flashlight near the lens, according to police reports.

Under the front edge of the front bench seat of the truck, OCPD officers reportedly found a sheathed tactical tomahawk axe, according to police reports. Also under the front bench seat of the truck, officers located a machete. OCPD officers al-

so located in the vehicle fragments of tablets identified as methadone hydrochloride.

Officers interviewed the couple, who were engaged. The male victim reportedly told police he was driving across the Route 90 bridge with his fiancé as a passenger when McGowan rapidly approached their vehicle from the rear and began making shooting “gun finger” gestures toward them, according to police reports.

Shortly thereafter, McGowan pulled alongside the couple’s vehicle and targeted them with what appeared to be an authentic .357 Magnum. The couple told police they completely believed the gun was real and began praying, according to police reports. Last week, he pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault and was sentence to one day in jail.

park, playground improvements planned

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A $1 million grant is expected to fund several parks projects in Worcester County next year.

New playgrounds at two county parks and improvements at the Worcester County Recreation Center are planned for 2023 following approval by the Worcester County Commissioners Tuesday.

The projects will be made possible with $1 million in Local Parks and Playground Infrastructure funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Kelly Rados, the county’s director of recreation and parks, told the commissioners this week her department had been awarded $1 million in Local Parks and Playgrounds, Infrastructure funding from the state. She said she was seeking commissioners’ approval of the projects to be funded.

Those include a retractable batting cage at the Worcester County Recreation Center, estimated at $75,000; bleacher replacement at the recreation center, estimated at $450,000; playground replacement at Bishopville Park, estimated at $225,000; playground replacement at Newark Park, estimated at $200,000; and replacement of the volleyball court at Newtown Park, estimated at $50,000.

Commissioner Ted Elder said that in the future, he’d like to see the department consider adding more bleachers to the

Northern Worcester Athletic Complex near Berlin. He said he’d noticed that attendance had increased there.

“There are so many chairs you can’t hardly get through there,” he said.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom asked if the replacement of the concession stands in parks in Snow Hill and Pocomoke could be accomplished with future grant funding.

Rados said department staff were reviewing all of the county’s recreation and

parks facilities.

“We’re looking at all of our facilities… that way we can kind of build a timeline for when they’re due to be replaced,” she said.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the projects so they can be submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for approval.

Bid documents will likely be compiled this fall with project installation to take place in spring 2023.

hospital to hold drive-up Flu clinics

BERLIN – As a service to the community, Atlantic General Hospital/Health System is again providing community flu vaccinations with a series of free clinics for those ages 13 and older.

No appointment is required. Clinic dates are subject to change based upon flu vaccine availability. Upcoming are Oct. 7, 8 a.m. to noon, Ocean Pines Community Center (drive up), 235 Ocean Parkway, and Oct. 15, 8 a.m. to noon, James G. Barrett Medical Office Building parking lot (drive up), Atlantic General Hospital campus,Berlin.

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious virus spread by inhaling droplets from an infected individual’s cough or sneeze. Most symptoms emerge within 24 to 48 hours and are characterized

by fever, chills, sore throat, cough and headache.

Just one infected person can unknowingly pass on the flu to family members and loved ones because the virus can be transmitted 24 hours before symptoms appear.

Donations made during the Atlantic General Hospital flu clinics help offset the cost of future flu clinics.

For more information on the Atlantic General Hospital Community Flu Clinics, contact Atlantic General Hospital at 410-641-9FLU (9358).

Please visit www.agh.care/flu for updates, including new clinic dates and possible availability of high-dose flu vaccine in addition to the standard dose vaccine.

Commissioners Keep Advertising Practices

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners will continue to advertise legislative bills in newspapers following a discussion last month.

The commissioners voted 6-1 last month to approve an ordinance that will allow them to hold an additional legislative session each month but will not change the county’s practice of advertising bills in local papers. Commissioner Josh Nordstrom, who voted against the ordinance, advocated for eliminating the practice of advertising in newspapers.

“I don’t want the county taxpayers to pay one dime they don’t have to to advertise these things when we can put it on our website for free,” Nordstrom said.

Following an increase in advertising expenditures, the commissioners agreed to review the county’s existing requirements on advertising bills. As a result, staff presented an ordinance that would add a legislative session and modify the method for publishing notice of legislative bill introductions. The ordinance struck the reference to newspaper advertising and stated that a fair summary of each bill would be published on the county’s website at least seven days before a hearing.

Commissioner Chip Bertino was quick to express concern.

“I think notification still needs to be in the newspapers,” he said.

Nordstrom objected and said that continuing newspaper advertising would not save the county any money.

“I think there’s a portion of our population that is not internet savvy, who read the papers, and that’s how they get their news,” Bertino said. “Not by going on the website. I think we have a responsibility to our taxpayers to ensure we meet their needs as far as communicating what’s going on.”

When the rising rates of advertising in the Daily Times was brought up, Bertino said that the county could put the advertisements in OC Today or The Dispatch

Nordstrom stressed that he didn’t want to have advertising requirements cost the county money when he felt it was unnecessary, as the information could be shared on the county’s website.

Commissioner Ted Elder said that if newspaper advertising was continued, he wanted to see newspapers in southern Worcester County included. Bertino said there was no newspaper in Pocomoke anymore.

“I think that the two broadest circulated papers are The Dispatch and Ocean City Today and they’re quality newspapers so I think that they would certainly fall into the category for these advertisements,” Bertino said.

The commissioners voted 6-1, with Nordstrom opposed, to approve the ordinance that added an extra legislative session but didn’t adjust advertising practices.

Reserve

BETHANY

OCEAN PINES – Discussion over the county’s use of service area reserve funds to pay a $540,000 Bay Restoration Fee highlighted a recent meeting of the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors.

Last month, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 5-2, with Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting opposed, to use the Ocean Pines service area reserve fund to pay a $540,000 Bay Restoration Fee for failing to meet nitrogen limits. Officials at the time explained an unidentified county public works employee had clogged a pipe at the treatment plant with a rake head, causing crews to drain the tank and impact the plant’s nitrogen levels.

“We were not able to meet the 3 milligram per liter permit values,” Worcester County Public Works Director Dallas Baker said last month. “Our actual value is 4.3 for the year which then triggers Maryland Department of the Environment to charge the Bay Restoration Fee which is roughly $60 per EDU through the Ocean Pines district.”

The commissioners ultimately voted to pay the fee through the Ocean Pines service area reserve fund, rather than through a grant from the county’s general fund. During the recent Ocean Pines board meeting, Director Monica Rakowski provided community members with

an update.

“The money is coming out of a reserve from the county’s money that was earmarked for Ocean Pines,” she said. “There won’t be any rate increase. That’s the reason for paying it upfront.”

When asked how the reserves would be replaced, however, General Manager John Viola said it was an ongoing discussion with the county.

“The answer I received was they do have a plan to fund it …,” he said. “One of them was the waste they’ve carted off from Glen Riddle. That would replace it, by billing for that.”

In recent years, the county has been hauling wastewater from the Glen Riddle wastewater plant to Ocean Pines for treatment. Rakowski said discussions over compensation are currently being held at the county level.

“Since March, meetings and discussions have been taking place at the county level to see OPA is compensated for the processing of trucked-in sewage,” she said. “More details will be available in coming months, but at this time no further discussion is warranted until we get that additional information.”

Director Frank Daly, however, noted the association had no control over the county’s decisions.

“I don’t want anyone to leave thinking that the board is proposing to tell the commissioners to do anything because that ends up in a canyon with the rockslide falling on us,” he said.

Petition Seeks To Halt Abandonment

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Yet another potential referendum ballot question for the municipal election, now about one month away, has emerged with a petition to halt the town’s abandonment of a narrow portion of right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue to accommodate the proposed Margaritaville project.

Already on the municipal ballot in November are referendum questions on the proposed dedication of a certain percentage of collected room tax to tourism and marketing and the proposed increase in the Mayor and Council salaries. Now, former councilperson Margaret Pillas has launched an effort to petition for referendum the town’s abandonment and conveyance of a narrow strip of right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue between 13th and 14th streets to accommodate the proposed Margaritaville project’s planned overlay district (POD) requirements.

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-of-way 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 of 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 Margari-

taville project, a resort hotel and convention center with multiple restaurants 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-ofway along Baltimore Avenue conveyed by the town to the developer helps the project meet the requirements for a POD.

There have been other steps in the process during which the town has accommodated the project, including the granting of air rights over an alley that bisects the property to create a cohesive design for the project. There was also an ordinance that would have allowed for tandem, or stacked, parking with a valet system for the project to allow it to meet its minimum parking standards, but the mayor vetoed the ordinance and the council ultimately did not override the mayor’s veto. The developer has apparently since made other arrangements to meet the minimum parking requirements for the large-scale project.

With the air rights issue and the abandonment of the right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue issue essentially decided, Pillas has launched a petition drive seeking to bring the right-of-way abandonment question to referendum on the municipal election ballot in November. Again, while all of the properties along the Baltimore Avenue corridor slated for redevelopment have the opportunity to apply for the abandonment and conveyance of the narrow strip of right-of-way, Margaritaville is the first and Pillas’ 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 bulkmass 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

… Efforts Launched To Put Question On Ballot

in general. Resort officials learned last month 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.”

Resort officials have received the formal petition for referendum from Pillas and her supporters and formally acknowledged receipt. A letter from City Solicitor Heather Stansbury to Pillas acknowledges the petition for referendum has been recorded and outlines the requirements for successfully getting it on the ballot in November. For example, the letter explains in order to get the question on the ballot, the petitioners would need to get 40% of the number of voters during the most recent town election in November 2020 to sign the petition.

With 1,528 voters participating in the last election, 40%, or 612, of the voters would need to sign the petition to get it on the ballot. In addition, the receipt of the petition set in motion a narrow timetable in order to acquire the requisite number of signatures. The town received the petition on Sept. 25, putting the deadline at Thursday, Nov. 3, five days before the election.

Meanwhile, Margaritaville developers are aware of the petition for referendum attempt. In a statement from Kinsley Properties President Tim Kinsley this week, the developers continue to extol the virtues of the major redevelopment project.

“Margaritaville Ocean City will create hundreds of new jobs, including nearly 100 permanent, full-time jobs in the heart of downtown and $50 million in combined tax revenue to Ocean City, Worcester County and the state of Maryland,” the statement reads. “As we emerge from the pandemic, drivable vacations are more and more popular, particularly on the east coast. We have the opportunity to capture more vacationers to Ocean City with the addition of more hotel space, a destination amenity and support for more conventions.”

Kinsley’s statement points to the substantial investment the developers are planning to make in the downtown Ocean City area.

“Meet Margaritaville, Ocean City, a $192 million investment at 13th Street, Baltimore Avenue and the Boardwalk,” Kinsley’s statement reads. “Ocean City will be the mid-Atlantic Margaritaville, rivaling the Bahamas, Nashville and Florida resorts as the quaint beach town of choice. Plus, this new project will help Ocean City attract more and bigger conventions to our beautiful convention space with people spending more of their money in Ocean City all year-round, not just during the summer.”

According to the statement, the only thing that stands in the way of the creation of Margaritaville and the jobs, tax revenue and expanded tourism it promises is the allocation of the existing portion of abandoned right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue. While the petition is an attempt to halt that conveyance, the Margaritaville section between 13th and 14th streets just happens to be the first of what will be many.

“For years, the town has been planning to grant the narrow abandoned portions of Baltimore Avenue for better uses and return these small areas to the tax rolls to

generate money for the residents of Ocean City,” the release reads. “Margaritaville will provided 100% of parking needed for this project, proximate to the Boardwalk, plus there will be spinoff benefits to other hotels, restaurants and shops with the conventions and shows that this new project will bring to Ocean City. The town and the council have supported this project along the way. Downtown is the right place for a project of his scale and density. We have seen the overwhelming success of Margaritaville locations in other states to attract out-of-towners. Now is our chance.”

Nonconforming Signs Deadline Extended

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Six years after passing an ordinance requiring non-conforming business signs in the downtown area to be brought into compliance, resort officials last week extended the deadline for a variety of reasons.

During the Sept. 29 joint meeting between the Mayor and Council and the Planning Commission, the issue was discussed. The ordinance requires all business signs in the downtown area that are non-conforming to be brought into compliance by November.

The signs in question are not code compliant for a variety of reasons. Some do not meet the code in terms of height or size, while others infringe on roadway rights-of-way. The issue is further complicated by the pending redevelopment of the Baltimore Avenue corridor from North Division Street to 15th Street, an area where some of the noncompliant signs are located.

As part of that project, the town is in the process of abandoning and conveying an unused portion of the Baltimore Avenue right-of-way to the private sector property owners along the corridor. The original deeds show the right-ofway at 75 feet, but the current roadway only utilizes about 45 feet from curb to curb. That leaves an area of about 21 feet in some cases that has been uti-

lized by the property owners over the years for various purposes, including signs, for example.

With the town now in the process of conveying that no man’s land area to adjacent property owners, the non-conforming sign question has become an issue again with the November deadline for compliance looming. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville said the issue needed to be addressed with the deadline coming in about six weeks.

“We need some direction on this,” he said. “There is a deadline connected to it and it’s coming up.”

Neville explained the background on the non-conforming sign issue and reminded the council some of the affected non-compliant signs are in the project area.

“In 2016, an ordinance passed that all non-conforming signs in the downtown area need to be brought into compliance by November 2022,” he said. “What is the desire in terms of maintaining non-conformity? Keep in mind we have the Baltimore Avenue project coming up.”

Mayor Rick Meehan suggested the deadline be extended considering the upcoming Baltimore Avenue project.

“Wouldn’t we want the November deadline to coincide with the redevelopment of Baltimore Avenue?” he said.

“We wouldn’t want to make them do something twice. Maybe that should be extended.”

City Manager Terry McGean pointed out the non-conforming sign ordinance was not strictly related to the proposed project area.

“This just doesn’t cover Baltimore Avenue,” he said. “This covers the entire downtown overlay district. They’ve had six years to do this.”

The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) weighed in on the issue in the form of a letter to the Mayor and Council and recommended extending the deadline for one year.

“Knowing that the Baltimore Avenue streetscape project would address many of these nonconforming signs and that this project could be delayed, OCDC recommends that this November 22 amortization deadline be delayed one year in order to allow time for more consistent compliance,” the letter reads. “Now that property owners can request abandonment of unneeded Baltimore Avenue right-of-way, it will allow them to better plan for permanent sign location and compliance.”

While the OCDC letter referenced the pending Baltimore Avenue project, it recommended extending the deadline for signs throughout downtown.

“We are recommending this one-year extension to be applied to the full downtown area under the design standards requirements for consistency and fairness,” the letter reads. “Such time should allow the town of Ocean City to inform property owners throughout these design districts of their sign nonconformity and the need for compliance.”

River Run

Apple Recognizes County School

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Educators’ efforts to use technology to enhance instruction earned Berlin Intermediate School recognition as an Apple Distinguished School this week.

In a surprise announcement during a staff meeting Monday, Worcester County Public Schools shared Berlin Intermediate School (BIS) has been named an Apple Distinguished School for 2022-2025. The designation is given to schools who use Apple technology to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking in the classroom.

“This recognition is all about innovation,” Principal Amy Gallagher said. “Innovation is alive and well at BIS.”

According to Worcester County Public Schools, the selection of BIS as an Apple Distinguished School highlights the

school’s success as an innovative learning environment that engages students and increases academic achievement.

“You are the first in Worcester County to receive this,” Superintendent Lou Taylor told teachers. “I think it’s the start of something great and you’ll be a leader in Worcester County.”

Ryan Cowder, who served as principal at BIS from 2018 through this past school year, thanked school system administration, the school board and the Worcester County Commissioners for bringing Apple products to Worcester County’s schools in 2020.

“Who would say yes to a price tag that big unless they believed we were going to be good stewards of that money and those resources,” he said. “Our school system has the reputation for doing that day in and day out.”

He credited teachers’ desire to know more with leading to the school’s Apple recognition.

“The amazing thing is everyone was working together,” he said of each educator’s efforts to share the new tech skills they’d learned with their peers. “Being an Apple Distinguished School wasn’t a thought until we saw how fast this train was moving … It represents the fact we’re all committed to what we were doing all along.”

The three-year designation comes with the expectations BIS will continuously innovate and explore cutting-edge opportunities for using technology to design the future of education.

Former Berlin Intermediate Principal Ryan Cowder, who leads Showell Elementary now, is pictured at Monday’s surprise. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Raffle Winner Names New Foal ‘Maximus Murphy’

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

ASSATEAGUE – A new foal born into the herd of wild horses on the Maryland side of Assateague Island has a new name this week after another successful naming rights raffle.

The Assateague Island Alliance (AIA), the friends group of the Assateague Island National Seashore, which advocates on behalf of the island’s most famed residents, each year hosts naming rights contests for foals born into the herd on the Maryland side. Often, the contests are held as auctions through e-Bay or other creative contests such as raffles.

Such was the case for the new foal heretofore known only as N2BHS-MU born on the barrier island early this year. In the 1970s, the National Park Service began assigning alpha-numeric names to new foals on Assateague as a means to better track the bands to which they belong and the areas on the island they tend to frequent.

For years, the AIA, however, has been hosting naming rights contests for the new foals as part of their larger Foster Horse program. The contests achieve the parallel goals in assigning a familiar name to the horses by which supporters and advocates can identify them. The naming contests also help the AIA raise funds for its advocacy programs for the wild horses.

Last week, the AIA announced the winner of the most recent raffle was Claudia

A new foal, pictured on Assateague Island, received the name Maximus Murphy as part of a naming rights contest held by the Assateague Island Alliance.

Hollywood of Columbia, Md. Hollywood chose the name Maximus Murphy for the new foal born earlier this year. According to the AIA, Maximus is from the Latin meaning “greatest,” and Murphy is for its Irish meaning “sea warrior.” Murphy was also chosen as a tribute to the raffle winner’s Irish heritage.

Coincidentally, one of Maximus Murphy’s siblings, formally known at N2BHSMS, shares the raffle winner’s last same at

“TJ Hollywood.” The AIA expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the foal-naming raffle, which raised $4,550 for the direct benefit of the Assateague Island National Seashore. All financial contributions support the AIA’s mission to promote awareness, education and protection of the barrier island’s wildlife and natural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

Maximus Murphy now becomes the

newest addition to the AIA’s Foster Horse program. The symbolic foster of a wild horse on Assateague is an ideal way to support the horses living wild and free on the Maryland side of the barrier island.

By fostering a horse, one becomes directly involved in preserving the wild horse population and ensuring their survival in the fragile natural resources. For more information, visit www.assateagueislandalliance.org.

Photo Courtesy of Janis Wilde

New Under Armour Film Features White Marlin Open

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A new short film featuring the 49th annual White Marlin Open can now be found on social media accounts as part of a national sports apparel brand campaign.

As hundreds of anglers descended on Ocean City this summer to participate in the White Marlin Open, a film crew representing Under Armour Fish climbed aboard two participating boats to gather footage for the company’s new short film, “Wide Open.”

While Under Armour Fish has been a corporate sponsor of the tournament in recent years, Zac Fox, marketing manager for the outdoor brand at Under Armour, said the Baltimore-based company was looking for more ways to get involved with the sportfishing community.

“A lot of what we’ve been working on as part of the outdoor brand is trying to integrate ourselves within the culture of sportfishing,” he said. “A lot of that entails getting a lot more up close and personal with the actual captains, mates and anglers on each boat. That’s sort of where the idea for the film came about.”

Working with Idea Ranch, the marketing agency for Under Armour Fish, a film crew followed two teams, PYY Fishing and Payload Sportfishing, as they battled it out for a chance to win big at this year’s White Marlin Open.

“For people that are at the tournament,

watching at the scales, or for people who have no idea what the tournament is or live halfway across the country, it’s almost like a first-person view into what it’s like and what goes into a tournament,” said Jake Poplin, social/PR account manager for Idea Ranch.

The 13-minute film, Poplin said, not only features the fishing action offshore, but the preparation that goes into the tournament.

“Overall, I think it’s a different viewpoint into what it’s like,” he said. “Everyone else knows it as just them bringing fish back to the scale. But there’s a lot of hard work, grit and determination that goes into actually being able to catch a fish.”

Fox said the goal of the film is not just to promote the Under Armour Fish brand, but to highlight the high-stakes environment of the White Marlin Open and the 400-plus boats, big and small, that enter the tournament.

“I think this past year was the highest purse that the White Marlin Open has seen, something like $9 million,” he said. “I don’t think I can visualize what $9 million looks like, but I’m sure a lot of these anglers can.”

He continued, “They see it in the fish they are able to pull up, or the lack of fish they are able to pull up. It’s such a gamble that these guys will hang out five days on the water … It’s heightened tension, it’s heightened excitement. There’s a lot more thrill to it than we actually see.”

Poplin agreed.

“This is the pinnacle of sportfishing, to say you won the White Marlin Open,” he said. “I think for a lot of these anglers, captains and mates, there’s nothing better. It’s like winning the Super Bowl.”

Last Friday, Under Armour Fish shared “Wide Open” to its social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The film has also been shared by the Maryland Food Bank –which receives thousands of pounds of fresh fish through the annual tournament – and sponsored athletes.

“It’s the championship to watch for all of these anglers,” Fox said. “It’s such an interesting crowd of people, from amateurs with these small boats … to professionals who have multimillion dollar boats. We really want to make sure we showcase the people in between that spectrum. I think PYY and Payload are good examples of this, where you don’t need an $18 million boat to be successful …There is a chance that anyone has a shot at winning that $9 million.”

A film crew followed two teams in this year’s White Marlin Open to gather footage for a new short film by Under Armour Fish. One of the boats featured in the film is pictured above.

Submitted Photo

Ocean City Prepares To Update Comprehensive Plan

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s required comprehensive plan update will largely be done in-house, resort officials decided last week.

During last week’s joint session between the Mayor and Council and the Ocean City Planning Commission, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville provided an update on the state-mandated comprehensive plan update. Ocean City’s comprehensive plan, a road map of sorts for the future direction of the resort, was last updated in 2017.

All jurisdictions across Maryland are required to update their comprehensive plans every five years in keeping with state guidelines, and the clock is ticking on the resort to begin its revision. Neville explained the process during last Tuesday’s joint session. He said Ocean City is somewhat unique in that the 10mile barrier island is already largely developed, compared to a rural area for example wrestling with land-use issues between increased development or preserving agricultural land, for example.

“Our general characteristics haven’t changed,” he said. “We’re essentially a built-out community so what we largely look at is redevelopment.”

Neville said the state requires all communities to update their comprehensive plans every five years. He said because of the length of the process, not all jurisdictions are on the same page in terms of the timing of their updates. Neville said for that reason, the state has altered its timeline for all jurisdictions to update their plans.

“We are under this timeframe,” he said. “My understanding is the state target date is 2023, but the state changed the window to 2025. The planning commission will discuss every chapter of the comprehensive plan at its regular meetings.”

Neville said the process is tedious, but necessary. Much of the work can be done in-house, although there could be a possibility to bring in an outside consultant to assist with the finished product. The question raised was does the council want the planning commission to embark on the process at the beginning of the year.

“It took two-and-a-half years to do that in-house review,” he said. “Would you like to begin that process on January 1, or would you rather put out a request for proposal for a consultant and create a whole new plan?”

Neville said while not much has changed since the town’s current comprehensive plan was adopted in 2017, there are certain requirements from the Maryland Department of Planning (MDOP) that need to be explored in the updated plan, including the growing affordable housing issue.

“There are two new elements that must be included,” he said. “There is a

renewed focus on the housing issue. Every community should have a variety of types of available housing and a variety of affordability. Ocean City for the most part is already doing what MDOP is asking for.”

When asked if he preferred the planning commission and staff begin working on an updated comprehensive plan or recommended hiring a consultant to complete the task, Neville said he preferred the former.

“I would recommend the first option,” he said. “I think it would provide a steady hand on the ship’s wheel. We can use the same framework and add new ideas.”

Planning Commission Chair Pam Buckley agreed the town’s planners and staff might be better equipped to com-

plete an update of the town’s comprehensive plan.

“It’s the timing the staff has to do it,” she said. “I like working with the staff on this. We are basically built out, so this is more like a fine tuning. An outside consultant might not understand those nuances.”

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis said not all of the goals in the 2017 update have been accomplished and those leftover items should be key components of the plan as it is updated.

“In the 2016-2017 update, we had a laundry list of priorities,” he said. “We’re looking for some guidance from the council because on some of the items, we really haven’t scratched the surface. It’s not a bad thing, because that means we’ve all been busy. Maybe we need to

move some of these things forward in the updated plan.”

Gillis said code changes, including a series of ongoing and pending code amendments should be part of the comprehensive plan update process.

“We see flaws in the code and we see gaps and we try to address them in a positive way,” he said. “I still think we need to keep trying to address them.”

After some debate, the consensus was to proceed with the plan and for the planning commission and the staff to begin working on an update to the comprehensive plan in advance of the state’s deadline, with the option to consider a consultant on certain elements. Councilman Peter Buas made a motion to that effect and it passed 6-1 with Councilman John Gehrig opposed.

Pines Considers Electronic Signage

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Discussions on the purchase of an electronic sign for the north gate entrance highlighted a list of new business items at last week’s Ocean Pines board meeting.

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors agreed to consider a proposal to retrofit the north gate sign and make it electronic. The project, expected to cost the association roughly $21,000, could now advance to a town hall meeting for a formal presentation and further discussion.

“At this point, all the committee is seeking is an opportunity to make a suitable presentation, with the appropriate expertise, to the board,” said Director Steve Jacobs, board liaison for the Ocean Pines Communications Committee.

For a number of years, the communications committee has been actively working on plans to upgrade the association’s information boards with electronic signs. The group has even gone so far as to seek a county text amendment to permit on-premises electronic signs within an established residential community.

Back on the agenda for discussion this week, Jacobs told board members the committee was seeking a retrofit of the north gate sign.

“I am told this issue has come up before the board in the past and the primary issue was relating to county zoning and county regulations …,” he said. “From what I’ve been told those issues with the county have all been resolved with the help of Commisioner [Chip] Bertino, among others.”

While the communications committee has received two bids from electric sign companies, Jacobs said the group was simply seeking an opportunity to present their plans to the board.

“This is one sign that would be installed with the approval of the board,” he said. “The committee does have an interest in getting this on the radar for the upcoming budget, which is why we have the charging document today.”

Director Frank Daly said while he understood the desire to replace the informational boards with electronic signage, he did not support the expenditure request.

“These electronic signs are like an expenditure in search of a mission … ,” he said. “It looks like nothing more than ‘we don’t like the old and we want something new,’ which I perfectly understand.”

Daly noted, however, that the money could be spent to support other projects, including an effort to rename the Ocean Pines skate park in honor of Gavin Knupp, a local 14year-old killed in a hit-and-run accident in July.

“Someone is talking about renaming the skate park. Put the $21,000 into renaming the skate park. Because I can see people use it and I can see more benefit to it …,” he said. “The sign, I don’t see any of that.”

Director Colette Horn argued that the use of an electronic sign could not only provide community members with timely information, but address safety issues.

“The most important thing to me is staff safety …,” she said. “I don’t like seeing our staff members out there with traffic going back and forth.”

She encouraged a town hall meeting to present the committee’s plans to the public.

“I think we have 13 signs,” she said. “I think the idea here was to eliminate some of those signs and have timely messaging in key areas in a medium that doesn’t pose safety hazards to our staff.”

For his part, Director Stuart Lakernick disagreed with the purchase.

“I think we’re looking at a want versus a need …,” he said. “I don’t personally see the need.”

Daly and Association President Doug Parks said they supported having further discussions regarding the proposed signage.

“The notion of a town hall meeting is intriguing,” he said. “We had committed to having town hall meetings this year, hopefully at least two. Perhaps that’s one of the items we can have as a potential topic.”

Mini Golf Tourney To Honor Scunny

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A miniature golf tournament, organized for a great cause, is set for Monday at the Embers Island mini-golf course at 23rd Street.

The inaugural Scunny McCusker Memorial Mini-Golf Tournament in honor of a long-time local and later Baltimore area restaurateur, will begin at 4 p.m. McCusker perished in August 2012 when he was struck by an Ocean City bus while riding his bicycle in the uptown area.

His passing sent shock waves through the resort area where he lived and worked in the hospitality industry for several years, and through his native Baltimore area community where he owned and operated multiple restaurants with the same flair for which those in Ocean City remembered him. His legacy lives on with the Nacho Mama’s restaurants in Canton and Towson, and Mama’s on the Half Shell also in Canton.

McCusker’s charitable nature was well-documented and his pet charity of choice was the Believe In Tomorrow Foundation and its respite vacation housing for ill children and their families, including multiple locations in Ocean City and the surrounding area. From his Baltimore restaurants, he donated tens of thousands of meals to the beneficiar-

ies of the program over the years.

He once paddled a kayak from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to a Believe in Tomorrow benefit at Seacrets in Ocean City, raising over $100,000 for the foundation in the process. Ten years after his passing, Believe in Tomorrow Foundation founder Brian Morrison and friends have organized the mini-golf tournament in Ocean City at the Embers Island minigolf course on 23rd Street beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday.

For years, McCusker and his restaurants hosted the Elvis Open Golf Tournament each year in Baltimore with the proceeds going to Believe in Tomorrow. His vision was always to have a similar miniature golf tournament for charity with everything downsized and Morrison and long-time friends are picking up the ball and running with it in his honor with the tournament in Ocean City next week.

The idea is to celebrate the life and legacy of McCusker, while raising funds for a great cause in the process. The event will feature fun, food, drinks and, of course, multiple stories about the late local legend. The party will go on at the course and continue with an after-party at the Blu Crabhouse and Raw Bar. There will be 36 foursomes first come, first served at a cost of $200 per foursome. For more information or to register, visit ocevents@believeintomorrow.org.

Loan Program Offered

SALISBURY – Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services (SNHS), a local nonprofit serving community members through partnerships to increase home ownership and cultivate sustainable neighborhoods in Salisbury and surrounding areas, is pleased to announce the availability of closing cost loans for residents of Worcester and Somerset counties.

“We launched the closing cost loan program in our neighboring counties in 2020,” said Jane Hoy, assistant director, Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services. “This loan offering can help people manage the up-front cost of buying a home. It is a challenging time for first time home buyers right now because inventory is low, and demand is high which drives prices up. We want to help people get over the “closing cost hurdle” and keep moving towards home ownership.”

The maximum loan amount is $15,000. Income restrictions are based on the area median income. Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services will match the lender’s interest rate for the loan.

Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services also provides homebuyer education and credit restoration services to residents of Worcester and Somerset counties. Free homebuyer education classes are offered quarterly and eHome America online courses are offered for $100. Coupons for the online course are available to offset the cost.

The course walks people through each step of the home buying process, prepares them for home ownership expenses, provides financial management information, resources, and post purchase tips.

Credit restoration counseling is offered to customers who are not ready to purchase a home because of credit or budgeting issues and those who are delinquent on existing mortgages. It includes instruction on how to read a credit report and address any credit challenges to help repair a poor credit score.

Counselors can pull three-tier credit reports to better assess specific credit needs. A report for an individual is $32 and $50 for couples.

For more information about Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services, visit salisburynhs.org or call 410.543.4626.

Airport Expansion

BERLIN – Ocean Aviation Flight Academy, a world-class flight training institution on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announced it is expanding to Delaware.

Ocean Aviation opened a new flight

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

The FTC estimates that consumers lost $5.8 billion to phishing and other fraud in 2021, an increase of more than 70% compared to 2020. To combat phishing, the #BanksNeverAskThat campaign uses attention-grabbing humor and other engaging content to empower consumers to identify bogus bank communications asking for sensitive information like their passwords and social security numbers.

“We are proud to partner with the ABA to promote this important awareness campaign,” said Ray Thompson, president and CEO of Taylor Bank. “Fraudsters are becoming more and more sophisticated, and our goal is to help empower our customers and community with the knowledge they need to protect their data.”

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening of Delmarva Design Center’s new location in Selbyville. The new facility will sell cabinets, countertops, appliances, tile and flooring. Above, representatives with the chamber and Delmarva Design Center are pictured at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the new storefront. Submitted Image

training facility at Delaware Coastal Airport near Georgetown, Delaware (GED) on Oct. 1, 2022.

“This has been a work in progress over the last five months,” said Michael Freed, Ocean Aviation founder and president. “The expansion allows us to better serve new and existing students in Sussex County and surrounding areas farther north and west of our main campus in Ocean City, Maryland. The facility includes new offices and a corporate aircraft hangar to accommodate up to seven training aircraft.”

In June, Ocean Aviation signed a longterm lease agreement after submitting the winning proposal to Sussex County officials to base a flight school/training academy at Delaware Coastal Airport, a general aviation facility serving a mix of corporate and small private aircraft in southern Delaware. County and company officials said the partnership will allow for expanded flight training opportunities for the flying public, while giving Ocean Aviation the chance to expand its footprint in the growing Delmarva market.

“Sussex County is excited to welcome Ocean Aviation as our newest aviation service provider here at Delaware Coastal Airport,” Airport Manager Bob Bryant said. “Along with plans to extend the main run-

way, adding hangar space, and making numerous other improvements, attracting a top-tier pilot and flight training school has long been on our list of top priorities for growing this airport. Bringing Ocean Aviation onboard checks one of the boxes on that list, and we believe their presence will enhance the airport and all it has to offer the flying public here in southern Delaware.”

For more information about Ocean Aviation, visit flyoceanaviation.com or call 302-515-1177.

Ocean Aviation is a full-service pilot and flight training academy based in Ocean City, winner of the AOPA Top Flight School Award in 2019 and recognized in 2022 as a Top Hawk Cessna Pilot Center. Founded in 2007, Ocean Aviation is an appointed Cessna Pilot Center and FAA-approved Flight Academy providing training to aviators at two campuses in Maryland and Delaware.

Campaign Launched

BERLIN – Taylor Bank this week joined the American Bankers Association and banks across the nation to promote an industry-wide campaign educating consumers about the persistent threat of phishing scams.

“Phishing attempts are at an all-time high and scammers are targeting consumers from every direction—by text, phone and email,” said Paul Benda, senior vice president, operational risk and cybersecurity at ABA. “Education and awareness are key to helping consumers spot a scam, and with help from participating banks like Taylor Bank, we’re able to reach bank customers across the country so they can stay one step ahead of the scammers.”

Taylor Bank, along with more than 1,000 banks from across the U.S. and ABA, are kicking off this year’s updated campaign on Oct. 3 to mark the beginning of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Throughout the month, Taylor Bank will share eye-catching and engaging short videos and consumer tips on social media and in bank branches designed to highlight common phishing schemes. Because cybersecurity education and fraud awareness can often be dull and forgettable to many consumers, the campaign is designed to be bright and bold with a bit of comedy.

“Do you prefer boxers or briefs? Do you believe in aliens?!,” one of the campaign’s animated GIFs asks social media users. “Banks would never ask you these questions. Here’s another question a real bank would never ask: We’ve spotted some unusual activity on your account, can you please verify your username and password?”

The campaign’s short videos offer similarly ridiculous scenarios like wallpapering a room with cash, roasting marshmallows over a cash fire and recycling cash on garbage day. Consumers are directed to BanksNeverAskThat.com where they will find an interactive game, videos, phishing red flags, tips and FAQs.

For more information about phishing scams and how to stop fraudsters in their tracks, visit www.BanksNeverAskThat.com.

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Republican Women of Worcester County invited the president of the Salisbury University College Republicans, Patrick Kerr, to their board meeting on Sept. 6. President Sandy Zitzer, right, and 1st Vice President Liz Mumford, left, presented Kerr with a $500 donation for the Salisbury University College Republicans.

Jeremy Goetzinger of Ocean Pines Aquatics presents a $1,550 check to representatives of the Worcester County Humane Society. Proceeds were raised during the annual Doggie Swim event, held Sept. 10 at the Sports Core Pool in Ocean Pines. Also pictured are Worcester County Humane Society Manager Jessica Summers, left, dog care giver Gabrielle Belka, and Moo the dog.

The Wicomico Retired School Personnel Association (WRSPA) holds four yearly luncheons with a community service project for each meeting. Fall donations of school supplies benefited the Salvation Army tutoring program and Salisbury Urban Ministries. Pictured are Judy Davis, WRSPA community service chair, Kevin Kreutner, Salisbury Urban Ministries Kid’s Cafe coordinator, and Debbie Donaway, Salisbury Urban Ministries executive director.

A voter registration drive was hosted by Worcester County NAACP on August 28 at Tyree AME Church in Berlin. Dr. Jaques Conaway and Linda Hilliard, Worcester NAACP members, greeted Wicomico County NAACP President Monica Brooks (center).

The Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 welcomed a number of new members at its Sept. 17 meeting. Submitted Photos

Ali Jacobs of TC Studios recently completed the painting of two colorful utility boxes in the downtown area of Ocean City. Both boxes were painted as part of the Ocean City Development Corporation’s Public Art program.

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

John Schisler, Maggii Sarfaty and Rhonda Ford are pictured at the reception for Paint Worcester County, the plein air event sponsored by the Worcester County Arts Council.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall is pictured with artist Judith Showell Loeber, who won the mayor’s award for her painting of Merry Sherwood.

Artist David Simpson is pictured with Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, who presented him with the legislator’s award at the art reception.

Gregory and Cynthia Cannizzaro are pictured enjoying the festivities at Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill during Blues on the Bay.

Musician Everett Spells performed during Blues on the Bay benefitting Coastal Hospice.

Pam and Macky Stansell hosted Blues on the Bay to benefit Coastal Hospice’s Stansell House.

Ryan and Cate Nellans helped organize the Berlin Fiddlers Convention.

Linda and Joe Marsiglia are pictured enjoying the music at the Berlin Fiddlers Convention.

Todd Ferrante and Rick Meehan are pictured at Coastal Hospice’s Blues on the Bay.

Rick Meehan, Joe Mitrecic and Jay Knerr paused for a photo at Blues on the Bay at Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill.

Endless Summer Cruisin Celebrates 25 Years This Weekend

OCEAN CITY –The weather is expec ted to improve just in time for the 25th an niversary of the Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show, which began yesterday and runs through the weekend.

This four-day automotive event continues to be one of the eastern region’s most popular fall car shows with hot rods, cool classics, customs and more. The ep icenter of the event will be the Inlet parking lot with activities at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street as well as businesses around town.

Scheduled to appear at Endless 2022 is Ian Roussel from the hit car show “Full Custom Garage.” He will be at the convention center on Friday, Oct. 7 and at the Inlet Saturday, Oct. 8. Also joining the fun will be television and movie star Morgan Fairchild, who has been featured in numerous hit shows including “Dallas,” “Flamingo Road,” “Happy Days” and “Friends.” She will be at the Inlet Friday, Oct. 7 and at the convention center on Saturday, Oct. 8. In addition, get in the Halloween spirit and check out the Halloween movie show car plus meet Sandy Johnson, who played Judith Myers in the horror film.

Some of the top national names in the country will be on display at Manufacturer’s Midway located at the Inlet including Advance Auto Parts, Advantage Lifts, AMSOIL, Bruno’s Classic Muscle, Carroll Shelby Racing, Classic Auto Mall, La fayette Federal Credit Union, National

Parts Depot, One Off Rod & Custom, QA1, Summit Racing, Sundance Vacation, T-Mobile and many more.

Also make sure to check out Gateway Classic Cars along with the vendor show room and swap meet plus jewelry, arts and crafts and more inside at the convention center.

Another Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show highlight are the special Boardwalk parades that will take place Friday and Saturday mornings. Parades begin at 8 a.m. leaving 27th Street and cruise

south along the Boardwalk to the Inlet.

Being held in conjunction with Endless Summer Cruisin is the Hot Rod & Custom Car Show taking place indoors at the convention center Oct. 6-8. See some of the hottest show cars on display competing for cash and trophy awards.

Friday evening cruise down to the Inlet parking lot for a drive-in movie on the big screen. Thursday night featured the Ghostbusters and Friday night will be Grease. Movies start at 7 p.m. While they are free to watch, make sure to pay for

parking on Friday night.

On Sunday, the Grand Finale Awards will take place at 2 p.m. on the Inlet stage. Before Endless Summer Cruisin comes to an end, there will be more than 500 trophies, plaques and awards presented plus thousands of giveaways over the four-day event.

Spectator tickets for Endless Summer Cruisin are $10 per day Thursday and Sunday and $15 per day Friday and Saturday. Four-day event passes are also available for $35 at the event. For more information on Endless Summer Cruisin visit www.EndlessSummerCruisin.com.

“Endless Summer Cruisin has always held safety as our number one priority,” said event organizers in a statement. “The event does not tolerate unlawful activities or the disrespect of Ocean City. During Endless Summer Cruisin the Town of Ocean City and Worcester County will be classified as a Special Event Zone where there will be increased fines for speeding, negligent/reckless driving, spinning wheels and alcohol related offenses. We encourage everyone that comes to Ocean City for Endless Summer Cruisin, both participants and spectators, to respect the town and abide by the rules. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to a wonderful and safe Endless Summer Cruisin for 2022 as we celebrate 25 years and for many years to come.”

Boardwalk parades of Cruisin participants are planned on Friday and Saturday mornings beginning at 8.

Photo by Chris Parypa

with Scott Lenox

So long Ian and good riddance. As I write this on Monday morning Ocean City and the surrounding area is being battered by a strong northeast wind, rain and heavy surf. We’ve had some down trees, some coastal flooding and minor power outages so far, but that pales in comparison to what Ian did to the western coast of Florida. Ian is a storm that many Floridians will never forget so we should consider ourselves lucky.

With a front one weekend and the remnants from Ian the next, the ocean was not a welcoming place most of last week. The offshore fleet got out for a day and caught some tilefish and stuff, but most of the marlin fleet opted to either head south for the winter or stay tied to the dock. Hopefully when we get back to fishing this weekend there are some tunas starting to show up and the sword fishing gets even better. We can have some very good yellowfin tuna fishing in October and sometimes into November and hopefully that’s what we see this year. I know after almost two weeks of bad ocean weather that most of the big boys are going to want to get after something.

The ocean calmed down enough inshore for the middle of the week that the

ocean going bottom fishing fleet was able to get out to the wrecks and reefs of Ocean City. They found decent fishing for sea bass and good fishing for flounder with a few triggerfish mixed in. Captain Kane Bounds and Captain Kevin Twilley of the Fish Bound have been on absolute fire with the flounder over the past several trips. They are putting their anglers on limits of flounder on pretty much every trip with some fish to over 7 pounds. Captain Kevin had a day last week where he had a limit of four fish per person on board and then released another 50 fish. Flounder should stick around on our ocean bottom structure at least through November and I’ve seen some double digit flounder caught even in December. There has been some terrific back bay fishing when the weather cooperates thanks to the cooling water temperatures. The jetties have been producing sheepshead, tautog, flounder, rockfish, bluefish, triggerfish, drum and even trout and that has kept inshore fisher folks happy and fed. Live sand fleas have been the bait of choice for sheepshead, tautog and drum while Gulp or live bunker have been catching flounder, rock, bluefish, trout and more.

48

Captain Kane Bounds of the Fish Bound has been crushing the ocean flounder recently with limits for most of his parties.

Submitted Photos

Fish In OC

FROM

Fish a moving tide for ambush predators like rockfish, bluefish, flounder and trout and fish a still or slow moving tide for scavenger fish like sheep and tautog. The Route 50 Bridge was a hot spot once again last week with several big bluefish and some keeper sized rockfish being caught both from the bridge and from boats under it. Live bait like bunker, spot and mullet are still working, but lots of the bigger bluefish and rockfish are being caught on artificial lures like jig heads with soft plastic bodies or with hard bodied “Stretch” type lures. One ounce to two-ounce lead head lures like our Big

Thing A Ma Jig and the Roy Rig are producing plenty of nice fish and diving crank baits that get down 20’ to 25’ are catching some big fish. Big Bird Cropper and Shawn Flaherty “dredged up” a couple of limits of bluefish last week and some keeper rockfish. Morgan Mericle and other bridge fishermen fished from the Route 50 Bridge where they caught keeper sized fish in the “slot” and some that were over and had to go back. Morgan had his biggest striper from the bridge ever when he caught and released a huge 40” beauty. Remember, currently Maryland coastal rockfish regulations are one fish per person from 28” to less than 35”. Less than 28” or over 35” have to go back.

The remnants of Ian are probably going to dirty the water for a few days, but flounder fishing was pretty good in the

clean water before the blow. The east channel and Ocean City inlet were the best spots for keeper sized fish over 16”, but there are still fish all over the bay. That will be changing soon as flounder stage up toward the inlet before making their way to the offshore spawning grounds. We can see some of the best fishing and some of the biggest fish of the season in October as flounder feed up before heading out. Live bunker, spot and mullet in deeper water will give you your best shot at landing an Ocean City fall doormat.

Our Ocean City Inshore Classic Tournament is this weekend and we’re expecting a great turnout with the good weather forecast. We’ll be awarding prizes in rockfish, flounder, tautog and open categories and we’ll be writing some big checks on Sunday night at the Ocean City

Marlin Club. Last year with just 31 boats we paid out over $16,000. Next weekend is the 3rd Annual Bishop Broadbill Bash swordfish tournament put on by Sunset Marina in West Ocean City. Registration takes place Thursday Oct. 13 starting at 4 p.m. with fishing days and scales Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Scales action will take place Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15 from 5:30 until 8 p.m. and Sunday Oct. 16 from 5:30 until 7 p.m. This is an awesome tournament in memory of our amazing friend Rena Bishop. Call 410-213-9600 for more information. Until next week, tight lines.

(The writer is the owner of Fish in OC and host of Ocean City’s fishing television show Hooked on OC. He has worked in the fishing industry and been fishing the waters in and around Ocean City for over 25 years.)

Above top left, Shawn Flaherty landed some nice bluefish off the Route 50 Bridge. Above top center, Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star has been putting folks on some sea bass when the weather cooperates. Above top right, Jordan Hallowell had a big flounder and a big triggerfish on his trip aboard the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak. Above left, Morgan Mericle landed this 40” rockfish from the Route 50 Bridge that was too big to harvest. Above right, I got in on the fishing action last week and caught some nice stripers at the bridge.

Opposite page, top left, Captain Marc Spagnola of Dusk to Dawn Bowfishing put this group some snakehead and big catfish. Opposite page, top right, these guys found a couple of keeper flounder over 20” with Captain Wayne Blanks of Bayside Guide Service. Opposite page, middle left, Big Bird Cropper and Shawn Flaherty had a beautiful sunset and two beautiful rockfish of 29” and 31”. Opposite page, middle right, Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters put this group on some trout and a big triggerfish. Opposite page, bottom left, this lucky lady had three keeper flounder on the Ocean Princess with Captain Victor Bunting. Opposite page, bottom right, Mike G. of Pancho & Leftys, Jeff Porter and Jake Fitzsimmons had nine keeper flounder up to 22” on live bunker.

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. The site, pictured above in 2015, looks much different today, as a new Cambria Hotel sits on the property formerly home to Cropper’s Concrete plant. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

Crossword Puzzle

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Your ideas earn the respect of your colleagues. But, you'll have to present some hard facts and figures if you hope to persuade those who make the big decisions to support you.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Keep those bright Bull's eyes focused on the project at hand. Avoid distractions. There'll be lots of time for fun and games later. Expect to get welcome news this weekend.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You soon might have to decide about moving a relationship from its current status to another level. Don't let anyone influence your decision. It must be yours and yours alone.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You finally can get off that emotional roller coaster and get back to focusing on your goals without interruptions through the rest of the week. A nice change is due by the weekend.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Trying to make an impression on some people runs into a bit of a snag at first, but it all works out. An old and almost forgotten personal matter once again needs attention.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): A rise in your energy level helps you finish an especially demanding task. Take some time now to spend with family and friends before starting a new project.

LIBRA

This

is a good time to re-establish contact with trusted former associates who might be able to offer good advice regarding that career change you've been contemplating.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Your resourcefulness combined with a calm, cool approach help you work your way out of a knotty situation, and avoid a potentially serious misunderstanding.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): A calm, quiet period allows you to recharge your energies. But, you'll soon be ready to saddle up and gallop off in pursuit of your goals.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Family matters need your attention. Check things out carefully. There still might be unresolved tensions that could hinder your efforts to repair damaged relationships.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18):

It's a good time to take a stand and show as much passion on your own behalf as you do when arguing for the rights of others. You might be happily surprised by the reaction.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You bring sense and sensitivity to a confusing situation. Things soon settle down, leaving you free to enjoy a weekend of fun and relaxation with friends and family.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a talent for being able to perceive possibilities where others only see problems.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Laughing with friends

Edgewater Avenue during a storm

Pasta leftovers for lunch

What sleeping in means now compared to when I was younger

Admiring a butterfly through a window Fish cooked on a grill Wings with football

Remembering conversations with people no longer here

When a small steamed crab surprises Seacrets by boat once a year

A good first drive in golf

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITYWITH BUNK MANN

This postcard image (circa 1909) shows an Ocean City in the time before paved streets and traffic jams. Photographed from the old water tower on Somerset Street the view looks east across Baltimore Avenue toward the ocean.

The tall brick chimney in the foreground was part of the town’s electric power plant while the original Atlantic Hotel took up the entire block across the street. The Pier Building can be seen behind the Atlantic Hotel with the pier stretching out into the ocean. The small building on the end of the pier contained a roller skating rink.

All these buildings plus Dolle’s Candyland, the Casino Theatre, and the Seaside Hotel were destroyed in a huge fire that began in the power plant on Dec. 29, 1925.

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

The Dispatch Classifieds

INFORMATION

HELP WANTED

CARPENTER: Needed for OC Condo renovations. Call for information. 443-783-1966.

KITCHEN : Cooks, Kitchen Help, Food Runners wanted. Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment.Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment. American Legion Post #166.

Sam Wiley 443-235-0876

PIANIST/ORGANIST

Part-Time 6-8 hours per week

hymns, special music, & accompany the choir.

submit a cover letter, full contact info, resume, and three references to:

Matthews By the Sea UMC

SPRC

Coastal Hwy

Island, DE

The Town of Fenwick Island is currently seeking applications for a in the Public Works Department. This position would require performing semi-skilled and manual labor work to maintain Town buildings, property, parks, and equipment. The applicant must have the ability to lift (50) fifty pounds, work outside for extended periods of time and during inclement weather. The applicant would also be considered essential personnel and would need to be available for emergency offhour work as needed. Also required:

•Must be 18 years of age

•High School Diploma / GED / vocational school or equivalentwork experience

•Valid driver’s license

•Minor electrical, carpentry, mechanical

•Be able to operate Town

•Pass pre-employment drug screening test and background investigation including driving record investigation.

The Town of Fenwick Island offers an excellent total compensation package which includes competitive salary, health insurance, a pension plan, and paid vacation.

Applications are available on the town website at: www.fenwickisland.delaware.gov or at Town Hall, 800 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944

Applications must be submitted to the Town Manager by 4pmFriday, October 14, 2022 at Fenwick Island Town Hall, 800 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE 19944 or email to: townclerk@fenwickisland.org.

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER III

Full Time, State Benefits. This position manages the Office of the Health Office by staffing, coordinating work flow, tracking projects, establishing work plans and creating timelines for all programs operated by the Health Department and by organizing an efficient operations system. This position participates in the strategic planning process to create plans and follow up with quarterly reports. In addition, this position assists the Health Officer and Director of Administration with monitoring and maintaining the Core Funding budget of the health department, conducting program services, including the development and execution of administrative policies and procedures for programs, staff and health department operations. Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at: www.jobapscloud.com/md by October 12, 2022.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR IV, HEALTH SERVICES

Full Time, State Benefits. This position provides management and direction of the Planning and Quality Department. Responsibilities include but are not limited to, department wide development of quality improvement tracking, Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP), oversight of the Local Management Board (LMB) and Local Behavioral Health Authority (LBHA), ongoing Public Health Accreditation (PHAB) activities, data management and ongoing Joint Commission (JC) activities. This position serves as the lead for agency activities such as Risk Management, Grant Writing, Management Information, Strategic Plan Development and monitoring, conference planning and research coordination.

Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by October 11, 2022.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.

SNAP-ED NUTRITION EDUCATOR/LEADER

The University of Maryland Extension SNAP-Ed program

to fill a full-time

Project Leader

Nutrition

position

Paramount Construction Services is seeking experienced professionals to join our organization in Ocean City MD. Applicants should have several years of experience with knowledge of kitchen and bathroom remodeling for residential homes and condominiums. Paramount is currently looking for Project Managers, cabinet installers, tile setters, painters / drywall, electricians and plumbers.

call 410-390-5773

send resume

TOWN OF FENWICK ISLAND Full-Time Maintenance Tech Position Public Works Department

HOUSE FOR RENT

Currently Hiring Manpower For: Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work

WINTER WEEKLY RENTALS

ROOMMATE

ROOM(S) FOR RENT: Seeking Roommate(s). YR or Seasonal. Indoor Hot Tub. Non smoking, pets welcome. Single Family Home, 94th St. area. Rent negotiable. Call/text for more info. 410-7265200.(Job inhibits phone calls, text if can’t reach by calls).

REAL ESTATE

FSBO: 4BR/3 Full BA. Nice home in desirable community of Deer Point. $479,500. Appointment only. Call for details between 6am-5pm only please. 443-614-3185.

POSEIDON PLUMBING & HOME SERVICES NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS

We offer paid training, vacation, and personal days, as well as a quality benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Wage is BOE from $15-$30/hour. Based in the Berlin/OC area.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS

GREAT-GREAT-GREAT OPPORTUNTIES!!!

Full Service automotive center, now has openings for Technicians

Must be dependable.

Fast paced, energetic atmosphere with advancement opportunities!

Call Matt 302-344-9846

If you feel that you can fill one of these positions, please call us to set up an interview. We can be reach at 410-251-1096. POSEIDON PLUMBING & HOME

Excellent Pay & Benefits !!

Locations in Long Neck, Ocean View & Ocean Pines

RENTALS

WINTER RENTALS

WEEKLY/MONTHLY

AVAILABLE

NOV 1ST TO MARCH 31ST

YR RENTAL, HOUSE, WEST OC:

BR, 2 1/2 BA House in nice neighborhood Nice porch overlooking pond Community pool. Families preferred $2,800 per mo

util,’s. 443-880-5323

OC WINTER RENTAL: Downtown

Apt. Furn Central

COMMERCIAL

WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 2 Office/Retail Spaces for Lease. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

WINTER RENTAL: 3BR/2BA

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: Available immediately, Approximately 1300 +/- sq ft. $2,200 mo. + util.’s, Please call / text 443-754-5605 or email johanna@ocrooms.com

YARD SALE

YARD SALE: Sat. 10/15 & Sun 10/16. 8am-1pm. Misc. household items. Some collectibles. 10016 Blue Marlin Dr., West Ocean City.

Now Hiring For: EXPEDITORS FOOD RUNNERS

1 BR, 1 BA $800 monthly/$300 weekly

3 BR, 2 BA $1200 monthly/$500 weekly

All utilities cable & Wi-Fi incl’d.

Pets welcome

Call Gary or Meghan 410-289-9103

Second Insertion

NO. 19393

To all persons interested in the estate of RALPH W. DENSTON, ESTATE NO. 19393. Notice is given that GREGORY WAYNE DENSTON, 212 WALNUT STREET, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND SUSAN DENSTON HITTE, 6819 JACKRABBIT COURT, WALDORF, MD

20603,were on SEPTEMBER 22, 2022, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of RALPH W. DENSTON, who died on JANUARY 19, 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 22ND day of MARCH, 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:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims

of Wills for

County

Check Here First!

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19375

To all persons interested in the estate of MILTON LEONARD, JR., ESTATE NO. 19375. Notice is given that RUFUS JOHNSON, 6599 BONITA AVENUE, SALISBURY, MD 21801, was on SEPTEMBER 22, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MILTON LEONARD, JR.,who died on JANUARY 30, 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 22nd day of MARCH, 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:

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

“Thank you so much for keeping us aware for those of us not in Ocean City.”

LEGAL

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

RUFUS JOHNSON Personal Representatives True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

3x 09-30, 10-07, 10-14.

tor 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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

JAY WILLIAM BOSLEY

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT

JOHN B. ROBINS, IV, ESQ. ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A. 128 EAST MAIN STREET PO BOX 506

SALISBURY, MD 21803-0506

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19392

To all persons interested in the estate of ROBYN F. BOSLEY, ESTATE NO. 19392. Notice is given that JAY WILLIAM BOSLEY, 12845 FOX RIDGE COURT, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on SEPTEMBER 21, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBYN F. BOSLEY,who died on SEPTEMBER 02, 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 MARCH, 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: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the credi-

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

3x 09-30, 10-07, 10-14.

fore the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

OCTOBER 07, 2022

ELIZABETH JOHNSON

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy

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

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

Name of Newspaper:

Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

OCTOBER 07, 2022

LINDA CAROL CROSBY TAYLOR

Personal Representatives

True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County

Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

3x 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

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

OCTOBER 07, 2022

PAMELA H. DALTON Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County

Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

3x 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

First

ECKELL SPARKS

JONATHAN E. BECKER ESQ.

300 W. STATE STREET

SUITE 300 MEDIA, PA 19063

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 19385

JOSEPH W. CHUPEIN, JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

First

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307

OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000005

VERONICA HANSLEYDEAN, ESQ. ORLANS, PC 1602 VILLAGE MARKET BLVD. SUITE 310 LEESBURG, VA 20175

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19189

To all persons interested in the estate of G. JEFFREY KNEPPER, ESTATE NO. 19189. Notice is given that ELIZABETH JOHNSON, 409 WASHINGTON AVE, STE 1000, TOWSON, MD 21204, was on SEPTEMBER 28, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of G. JEFFREY KNEPPER, who died on FEBRUARY 12, 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 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 28TH day of MARCH, 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 be-

TERRI WESTCOTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

3x 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

First Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19384

To all persons interested in the estate of HELEN CHILCOAT CROSBY, ESTATE NO. 19384. Notice is given that LINDA CAROL CROSBY TAYLOR, 3863

STATE ROUTE 90, UNION SPRINGS, NY 13160, was on SEPTEMBER 30, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HELEN CHILCOAT CROSBY, who died on AUGUST 29, 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 30TH day of MARCH, 2023

Any person having a claim

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19401

Notice is given that the SURROGATE COURT of CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ, appointed PAMELA H. DALTON, 1 CHRISTIAN STREET, UNIT 21, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19147, as the ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of CINDY K. SUPPA MALEC, who died on AUGUST 05, 2022, domiciled in NEW JERSEY, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is PETER S. J. LEES, 4415 UNDERWOOD ROAD, BALTIMORE, MD 21218-1151. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the

Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of DELAWARE COUNTY, PA, appointed JOSEPH W. CHUPEIN, JR., 25 W. SECOND STREET, MEDIA, PA 19063 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of KATHLEEN A. BASCELLI, AKA: KATHLEEN ANNA BASCELLI, who died on MARCH 29, 2022, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MATTHEW J. COLFLESH, 394 OCEAN PARKWAY, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. Box 3307 Ocean City, Maryland 21842-3307 Plaintiff vs. GROUPWISE INC., et al Defendants

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 28th day of SEPTEMBER, 2022,that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 31ST day of OCTOBER, 2022 provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 24th day of OCTOBER, 2022. The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval:

TIMESHARES SOLD: BC = BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC.

of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication OCTOBER 07, 2022

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 10-07, 10-14, 10-21

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Monday: 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 302-242-7062.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly sup port and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410-289-4725.

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, an 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 Tuesday: Tango Practice

Argentine Tango practice 7-9:30 p.m. Experienced dancers and anyone interested in watching or learning more are welcome. No partner required. More information at TangobytheBeach.com.

Every Wednesday: Bingo

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

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

Every Friday: Bingo

Knights of Columbus hosts with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Play every game for just $24. Light refreshments available. Call 410524-7994 with any questions.

Oct. 7: Meet And Greet

The Republican Women of Worcester County will be on hand in Snow Hill for the First Friday event at their mobile unit. Information on Republican candidates and campaign signs and materials will be avail able.

Oct. 8: Temple Celebration

Temple Bat Yam is hosting a community celebration to honor the 25th anniversary of its permanent House of Worship from 6-9 p.m. at The BLU Mezzanine overlooking the bay on 24th Street and Coastal Hwy. in Ocean City. The temple invites its members and the surrounding Eastern Shore communities to join the celebration.

The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit temple and will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, plus gifts from the orga-

Things To Do

nization’s supporting sponsors including silent and live auctions, a treasure chest of jewelry and a wingspan 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $50 per person. Tickets to the event and more information are available at www.templebatyamoc.org, by emailing Temple Bat Yam at TempleBatYam97@aol.com, or by calling 410-641-4311.

Oct. 8: Baskets, Bags, Bucks Bingo

Willards Ladies Auxiliary’s 14th annual event will be held at the Willards Lions Club.

Doors open at 4 p.m. and bingo starts at 6 p.m. $25 in advance; $30 at the door. For tickets, call 410-726-1583 or 410-8352285.

Oct. 8: Chicken, Dumpling Dinner

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a chicken and dumpling carryout from noon-2 p.m. at the main station. Chicken, dumplings, green beans and sweet potatoes, $14 per dinner. Extra pint of Dumplings is $7 per pint. Call 619-922-9950 to reserve your dinner and pint by Oct. 3.

Oct. 8: Anglers Meeting

The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library. Dean Lokey from OC Kayak will talk about the kayak lifestyle and its endless bounties. Club members will provide updates on fishing regulations, charter trips and more. All welcome.

Oct. 9: Barks & Boards

Bring your best friend to the Castle in the Sand Hotel/Coconuts Beach Bar & Grill (37th Street and the beach) from 1-4 p.m. and get a photo of your dog or puppy on a surfboard either riding a wave on a board in the water or on a board on the sand. A $25 Registration donation fee to the OC Surf Club gets you some photos, some food and two drink tickets. Register on site before 3 p.m. All dogs must be on a leash and owners prepared to clean after your dog. All dogs in the ocean will be required to wear a provided safety harness.

Oct. 9: Youth Film Festival

Wild and Scenic Film Festival, 'Wild Child', youth film fest featuring 16 inspiring, adventurous, outdoorsy, thoughtful and funny films from world renowned filmmakers. Additional activities include building birdfeeders with Coast Kids, live animals with Scales and Tales, gift basket raffles, food from The Street Kitchen, and so much more. This is an outdoor event, so bring a blanket. The rain location will be at MacMullin Hall at Assateague Coastal Trust's office building on 10959 Worcester Hwy. in Berlin. Individual tickets $5 each or bundle tickets of 6 for $25 (bundle also includes a complimentary, eco-friendly water bottle.) Tickets are available for purchase at the door or in advance by visiting www.actforbays.org/wildchild.

Oct. 11: Animal Blessing

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who loved all animals and whose feast day, the Church of the Holy Spirit in Ocean City will hold a Blessing of the Animals ceremony from 11:30 a.m. till 1 p.m. in the church parking lot. The church is located at Coast al Highway and 100th Street. Pets should be on leashes or otherwise under their

owners’ control. Any size, shape or type of pet is welcome.

Oct. 11-13: Basic Boating Course

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course virtually. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or Email: CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

Oct. 12: Book Discussion

Worcester County Library will present a special community book discussion, "The Art of Reading Book Club," at 6 p.m. at the Berlin Branch. The discussion will focus on James Reston Jr.'s "A Rift in the Earth: Art, Memory, and the Fight for the Vietnam War Memorial." The program will be facilitated by Poet Laureate Nancy Mitchell and is sponsored through a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council. Books are available at the Berlin Branch circulation desk. This November marks the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam War memorial installation. This memorial was con troversial at the time because of the choice of artist and the design, the first of its kind. Today it represents one of the most powerful memorials in our history. To register, Visit worcesterlibrary.org and click on 'Events,' or by calling Adult Program Manager Elena Coelho at 443-783-6164.

Oct. 12: 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 (behind the Dough Roller restaurant). Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments. Our guest speaker will be provided by Tidal Health. New members are welcome. Call Bob McCluskey at 410-250-0980 with questions.

Oct. 14: Crab Cake Dinner

Stevenson United Methodist Church will host from 4-6 p.m. Carryout but can eat in side. Bake table available. Cost is $14 for crab cake sandwich, green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; $24 for two sandwiches, green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; and $10 for sandwich only.

Oct. 15: Cruizers For Christ

From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the 16th Annual Cruiz ers for Christ Car/Bike Show will be held at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road. Entry fee is $12. Trophies will be given to the Top 20 and "Best in Show." There will be vendors, a silent auction, gospel music and food for purchase including scrapple sand wiches, hamburgers, hot dogs and baked goods.

Oct. 15: Gospel Music Festival

The Germantown School Community Heritage Center announces the return of its annual Tindley Gospel Music Festival from 1:30-4 p.m. Tindley, known as the godfather of Gospel Music, wrote more than 50 hymns during his lifetime. The event will not only celebrate the Berlin native’s music, but will also offer storytelling and historical contexts of his music, storytelling and food vendors. Health vendors and voter registration will also be provided. The event is free.

Dedicated tours of the Taylor House Mu seum exhibit will be offered on the morn

ing of Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Oct. 15: World Singing Day

The Delmarva Chorus of Sweet Adelines

International, along with event sponsor Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks, invites singers of any age to gather at noon in the White Horse Park pavilion to just sing for World Singing Day, a joyful comm unity experience for musicians and nonmusicians alike, from shower singers to celebrities, as they gather in their communities and sing together without the pressure of performing.

Oct: 15: Fried Chicken Dinner

New Hope United Methodist Church in Willards will host from 11 a.m.-until. Cost is $15 per adult and carryout available. 410-543-8244.

Oct. 15: Mobile Headquarters

The mobile headquarters of the Republican Women of Worcester County will be on Route 50 in front of Sherwin Williams from 1-3 p.m. Information on Republican candidates and campaign signs and materials will be available.

Oct. 19: Fundraising Dinner

Bethany United Methodist Church on Stephen Decatur Highway in Berlin is hosting a fundraising dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill from 4-7 p.m. The fundraiser is part of the Carrabba's Cares Event where a percentage of each check goes to Bethany Church when you mention that you are there to support the church. It may be used for dining in or carryout. Proceeds will benefit the programs and missions of the church.

Oct. 20: Furnace Town Tour, Lunch

The Ocean City 50-Plus Center is planning a trip to Furnace Town in Snow Hill and lunch at Blacksmith Gastropub. Call 410-289-0824 for information.

Oct. 20: Farm-To-Library Event

The Friends of the Ocean Pines Library will present as part of the organization’s semi-annual membership meeting. Local farmers will share their stories. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be served. The membership meeting begins at 10 a.m., followed by the Farm-ToLibrary event at 11 a.m. The general public is welcome and there is no charge. Guest speakers will be Matthew Harhai, Goat Plum Tree Farm, Berlin; Nancie Corbett, Bluebird Farms, Berlin; and Carol Cross, Cross Farms, Berlin.

Oct. 22: Chicken, Dumplings

Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, will host Pre-Homecoming Chicken n Dumplings Dinners "to go" sale. Starting 10:30 a.m. until sold out. Platters are $12 and comes with two sides and roll. Sides include macaroni and cheese, greens, potato salad and string beans. Drinks and dessert table items available for sale.

Oct. 22: Knupp Event

The Ocean Pines community is coming to gether to honor Gavin Knupp by renaming the skate park. Gavin was passionate about skateboarding along with many more outdoor activities. He loved encouraging others to #doitfortheskateedit. Event at the Sinepuxent Brewing Co. is for the first ever benefit in honor of Gavin Knupp. Good food, beverages, giveaways, 50/50 raffles, silent auction items and more.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Oktoberfest returns to Berlin next weekend with traditional German food, beer and music.

Berlin will welcome visitors Saturday, Oct. 15, for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and fall sidewalk sale.

“It’s Oktoberfest in Berlin,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “Where else are you going to experience authentic food, beer and music other than Berlin — on this day also known as Beerlin.”

On Saturday, Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Berlin will host its annual Oktoberfest celebration. Vendors will line Main Street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic, and musicians will be set up at each end of town. The Edelweiss Band, sponsored by Burley Oak Brewing Co., will perform on the town’s stage while The Dunehounds, sponsored by Sterling Tavern, will perform outside Sterling Tavern.

The event will feature the Scales N Tales Reptile Show and facepainting for children, while numerous food and drink vendors will be catering to the adults.

“We have more food choices this year

because of the increase in restaurants,” Wells said.

Gilbert’s Provisions is offering handmade brats, Baked Dessert Café is serving pretzel twists, apple hand pies and German chocolate cake, Pop’s Kitchen is offering pizza slices to go and Stevenson United Methodist Church is offering homemade vegetable beef soup. In addition, J&M Meat Market will serve bratwurst, Island Creamery will feature German chocolate cake ice cream and The Sterling Tavern will serve up bratwurst sandwiches, hot dogs, German potato salad and even pretzels and beer cheese, among other items.

As for the beer, Burley Oak will have beer stations set up at the corner of Pitts and Main streets and in front of The Globe.

Wells recommends that attendees park at Berlin Intermediate School, as a shuttle sponsored by the Ocean Downs Casino will bring them to Main Street. The shuttle will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information on this year’s Oktoberfest in Berlin, visit the event page on Facebook or go to berlinmainstreet.com.

Local Man Charged With Assault

SHAWN J. SOPER

OCEAN CITY – A local man was charged with first-degree assault last week after allegedly attempting remove his vehicle from the town’s impound lot and then threatening to ram a police officer closing the gate.

Around 10 p.m. last Tuesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to the town’s towing impound lot for a reported incident. The officer arrived and observed another OCPD officer standing in front of the impound lot gate and holding it shut, according to police reports.

The officer also observed a silver Volvo stopped about 30 feet from the impound lot gate pointed directly at the other officer, according to police reports. As the officer approached the scene, he heard a long continuous horn blaring from the Volvo. OCPD officers approached the vehicle and identified the driver as Chett Bland, 41, of Berlin, whom they had identified earlier in the night in reference to a theft from a local surf shop.

During that earlier incident, the manager of the surf shop had the Volvo towed off the property when Bland had abandoned it after fleeing from the scene. Bland was attempting to retrieve his vehicle from the impound lot without paying the fee, according to police reports.

OCPD officer reportedly told Bland to place his hands behind his back in order to handcuff him and take him into custody. Bland reportedly resisted the arrest, but

after a brief struggle, OCPD officers were able to take him into custody. He was eventually placed under arrest and charged with disorderly conduct, attempting to take his vehicle from the impound lot without paying the fee and operating a motor vehicle to create excessive noise during a special event zone.

The arresting officers attempted to escort Bland to the Public Safety Building nearby for booking, but he continued to yell and scream expletives at the officers, according to police reports. At one point, Bland kicked one of the officers, and after a brief struggle, including pulling Bland by his ear, he was led into the booking facility, processed and placed in a holding cell, according to police reports.

The initial officer interviewed the OCPD officer at the gate of the impound lot. That officer reportedly was assisting Bland with retrieving his driver’s license from the impounded Volvo. Bland got into the vehicle and started the ignition. The officer ordered Bland to deactivate the ignition and then ran to the gate to prevent him from leaving the impound lot, according to police reports.

The officer was reportedly at the gate when Bland rapidly accelerated toward the gate and the officer. The officer reported he was in fear for his life and fear of serious bodily harm as Bland accelerated toward the gate he was holding closed. Bland was charged with first-degree assault for charging toward the officer at the gate and second-degree assault for kicking another officer, all over a $385 impound fee.

OC Man Sentenced In Bank Robbery

Local Connected To 2020 Incident

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – An Ocean City man, convicted of armed robbery and other charges for his role in a bank hold-up in 2020, was sentenced last month to 20 years in prison.

Worcester County Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation revealed that a male suspect, later identified as Miller, had entered the lobby and handed the bank teller a handwritten note on a plain white envelope that stated, “I have a gun put 7K in the envelope no marked bills.” The suspect then whispered to the teller, “time’s ticking.”

The suspect fled before police arrived. However, investigators were able to collect evidence, including surveillance video of the suspect and DNA evidence, and in March 2021 were able to match the DNA recovered at the scene to Miller.

CHRISTOPHER DALE MILLER, JR.

In a hearing held Sept. 8, Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau Oglesby sentenced Christopher Dale Miller, Jr., 38, of Ocean City, to 20 years in prison, with 406 days credited as time served, for his involvement in a West Ocean City bank robbery that occurred in 2020 and ordered him to pay $5,190 in restitution to Calvin B. Taylor Bank.

On Oct. 27, 2020, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Calvin B. Taylor Bank on Golf Course Road in West Ocean City for a reported bank robbery in progress.

After the scene was secured with assistance from the Maryland State Police and Ocean City Police Department, the case was assigned to the

Miller was found guilty of armed robbery and other related charges by a Worcester County jury following a trial held on April 12 of this year.

Last month, Miller was sentenced to serve 20 years in the Division of Corrections, with 406 days credited as time served.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser thanked the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation for its tireless investigation, and commended Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Haskell, who prosecuted the case.

Adopt A Pet From The Shelter

STEVE GREEN EDITOR

The Dispatch presents the latest edition of its Pets of the Month Contest. Each month one special animal, or two, in some cases, is picked as the cutest photo of the bunch through a private vote of our staff. Here we present this month’s pets, submitted by our readers.

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Duke, owned by the Haughs.

Those interested in participating in future months’ contests are invited to send their lovable pet photo to us at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com (preferred) or to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 or drop it off at our office in Berlin at 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on Nov. 4.

Pet’s Name: Gamble Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-month-old Australian Labradoodle mini Pet’s Owners: Cindy & Steve Giannini

Pet’s Name: Boba Fett Pet’s Age/Breed: 16-month-old Labrabull Pet’s Owner: Bobby & Sotha Camilleri

Pet’s Name: Barley Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old English bulldog Pet’s Owner: Gordo Seeber

Pet’s Name: Ollie Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old mini golden doodle Pet’s Owners: Terri & Bruce Lipson

Pet’s Name: Ace Pet’s Age/Breed: 17-year-old long-haired dachshund Pet’s Owner: Sandra Hoffman

Pet’s Name: Hazel

Age/Breed: 5-year-old blue tick beagle

Owner: Marilyn Glaser

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG

410-289-0973

28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Oct. 8: TBA

COCONUTS BEACH

BAR & GRILL

Oceanfront

Castle In The Sand

37th & 38th St. 410-289-6846

Friday, Oct. 7: Lime Green Band

Saturday, Oct. 8:

Dave Hawkins & Joe Mama, Kevin Poole & Joe Mama Sunday, Oct. 9:

Shortcut Sunny, Lauren Glick Band

Thursday, Oct. 13: Monkee Paw

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza

On Coastal Hwy. Friday, Oct. 7:

Lennon & The Leftovers Saturday, Oct. 8: Tear The Roof Off

CORK BAR

Saturday, Oct. 8: TBA

CRABCAKE FACTORY

BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Oct. 7: Uncle Ward Wednesday, Oct. 12: Monkee Paw

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Oct. 7: Rogue Citizens Saturday, Oct. 8: Ramble On

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay

Friday, Oct. 7: DJ RobCee, Diamond Alley, It’s All Good Saturday, Oct. 8:

DJ Hook, Blue Miracle, Jumper Sunday, Oct. 9:

Garrett Anderson Benefit Monday, Oct. 10: Tranzfusion, DJ Hector

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C. Saturday, Oct. 8: Stringbuzzards

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, Oct. 8:

The Dunehounds, DJ Jeremy Sunday, Oct. 9:

Opposite Directions Thursdays: DJ Billy T

Best Beats On The Beach

DJ

LAUREN

TEAR

KAROAKE

DYLAN

DJ

TIM

MORE

BEATS

DJ DEOGEE

THE STRINGBUZZARDS

Who’s Where When

OC EATERIES

443-252-3700

12849 Ocean Gateway, Rte. 50, West OC

Friday, Oct. 7:

Reform School

Saturday, Oct. 8:

Dylan Bryan

Wednesdays: Trivia w/Kennedy

Thursday, Oct. 13:

DJ Karaoke w/Kennedy

OC FONTAINEBLEU RESORT

410-524-3535

10100 Coastal Hwy.

In The OC

Friday, Oct. 7: Whiskey Graves

Saturday, Oct. 8: Tim Cooney

OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB

410-641-7501

1 Mumford’s Landing Road, Ocean Pines

Saturday, Oct. 8: Boombox 80s Party

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee Saturday, Oct. 8: Dust N Bones

Sundays: Beats By Deogee

Mondays:

Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

Between Talbot & Caroline Sts.

On The Boardwalk

410-289-6953

Friday & Saturday, Oct. 7 & 8:

More More More Saturday & Wednesday, Oct. 8, & 12:

DJ Adam Dutch

RAMBLE

REFORM SCHOOL

SEACRETS 410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, Oct. 7:

DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, The Way Outs, High Five Swan Dive Trio, Kristen & The Noise

Saturday, Oct. 8:

DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, John McNutt Band, Element K, Coming Alive

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Harborside:

Thursday, Oct. 13:

DJ Connair, Opposite Directions

MONKEE

LENNON

DUST

KEVIN

Bikers Without Borders Group Continues Charitable Outreach

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – While a love of motorcycles brought them together, a desire to support their community is what keeps members of Bikers Without Borders busy.

Bikers Without Borders Foundation is a community of motorcycle riders and like-minded citizens that strives to support first responders, police and the military as well as other charitable efforts. The group, based in Berlin, was formed four years ago and has been supporting local causes ever since.

“We’re an organization that is really focused on helping our community,” said Tim Lawrence, president of the group. “There’s always people in need of help.”

When the nearly 60 members of Bikers Without Borders aren’t on motorcycle road trips throughout the Eastern Shore, they’re busy raising money for various local causes. In its brief history, the club has raised money for autism, cancer patients, youth engagement, veterans and first responders. While the group’s initial focus was on supporting first responders, in recent years it’s branched out. When someone in the club had an autistic rel-

ative needing support, the club stepped in.

“We consider our bike group a family,” Lawrence said.

Bikers Without Borders now donates to four core causes — first responders, autism, cancer patients and Special Olympics. The group recently completed its biggest fundraiser of the year, a raffle during Bike Week in Ocean City. This year the club raffled a stay in a condo for Bike Week in 2023 along with a cooler and camping gear. The raffle raised $7,500 — a good chunk of the roughly $16,000 annually the group gives to charity. Club members are proud to share that 100% of the money they raise throughout the year is used to support causes in the community. Just this week, the club donated $1,500 to the Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County.

“The foundation was formed on the premise of Doctors Without Borders as we know no boundaries and we go where we can be of assistance,” said James Walsh, vice president of the club.

For more information on the group, including an Oct. 22 blood drive in Dagsboro, visit its Facebook page.

Members of the Bikers Without Borders group are pictured during OC BikeFest. Submitted Photo

Harbor Day set

next saturday

OCEAN CITY – Worcester County Recreation and Parks invites to the community to Harbor Day at the Docks on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place along Sunset Avenue in the West Ocean City commercial harbor.

Entrance to this family-friendly, maritime heritage festival is free, and complimentary bus service will be available to shuttle patrons to and from the Park N’ Ride to the event parking lot.

Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with the Blessing of the Fleet, followed by a performance from Trinidad and Tobago. At noon, there will be a crab cake eating contest sponsored by Captain’s Galley Crab Shack. The first 12 individuals to sign up will be invited to partake in the contest. The Permilla Project will take the stage from 1-3 p.m.

Other highlights of the day will include local fisherman displays, vendor demonstrations, nautical artisans, educational exhibits, and activities galore for children.

There will be plenty of vendors selling scrumptious foods and refreshing beverages and those seeking a unique water experience will have opportunities to tour the harbor on the Sail Alyosha catama-

ran or the OC Bay Hopper. Harbor Day at the Docks is an annual festival that celebrates the rich history, culture, and heritage of both the sport and commercial fishing industries.

For more event information, visit www.harbordayoc.com, visit the social media pages @harbordayoc, or contact Tyler Keiser at 410-632-2144, ext. 2505 or tkeiser@marylandscoast.org.

The entrance to Harbor Day at the Docks is pictured during the 2020 event.

Fille Photo

SPORTS In The News

Mallards Snuff Dragons, End Two-Game Skid

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity soccer team rebounded from a two-game skid with a 6-0 win over Salisbury School last week.

The Mallards were 3-0-1 heading into last week before dropping a pair of non-conference games against Cape Henlopen and Sussex Central. The Wor-

cester boys ended that brief skid with an impressive 6-0 win over Salisbury School last Thursday.

The Mallards led 2-0 at the half, but really poured it on in the second half with four unanswered goals to pull away for the 6-0 shutout. Monday’s game against Gunston was postponed because of the lingering storm. Worcester takes on Salisbury Christian on Saturday on homecoming at the Berlin prep school.

Seahawks Beat Bulldogs For Third In Row

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team beat North Caroline, 6-1, last week to improve to 6-1 on the season.

The Seahawks have now won three straight after suffering their first and only loss to Kent Island back on September

19. The three-game streak includes wins over Snow Hill, Wicomico and now North Caroline.

Seahawks Dominate Rams At Home, 28-7

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team continued its winning ways with a dominating 28-7 win over Bayside South rival Parkside at home last Thursday.

With the pending arrival of the remnants of Hurricane Ian, the Seahawks’ game against Parkside was moved up a day earlier to Thursday last week. The change did not affect the Seahawks, who rolled to the 28-7 win over the Rams.

Decatur scored early and often and led 21-0 at the half. Parkside scored the lone touchdown in the third quarter and cut the lead to 21-7. The Seahawks add-

ed a late score in the fourth to pull away for the 28-7 win over their rivals. With the win, Decatur improved to 4-1 on the season, their lone blemish a 31-14 loss to Bayside North power Kent Island in week three.

Against Parkside, quarterback Brycen Coleman completed nine passes in 20 attempts including a touchdown. Coleman also ran for 120 yards on nine carries. Luke Mergott had two catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Mergott also had a rushing touchdown. Caden Shockley had 11 carries for 64 yards, while Nathan Tapley also had a rushing touchdown. Next up for the Seahawks is a home game against 2-3 North Caroline on Friday.

Worcester Golfers Run Win Streak To Six

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s golf team ran its win streak to six matches with a convincing win over Gunston last week.

The Mallards shot a match-low 163 to run its regular season win streak to six. Michael DePalma shot a team-low

38 and was the medalist in the match. Vanesska Hall and Harrison Humes each shot a 40 in the win over Gunston, while Aleksey Klimins finished in 45. The Mallards faced Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference rivals in a match on Thursday at Glen Riddle played too late to be included in this edition.

Decatur’s Luke Mergott plunges in for one of his three touchdowns in the Seahawks’ 28-7 win over Parkside last week. Photo courtesy of Vince Risser- Bayside Sports

Tough Guy Of The Week: This week’s Hammond family “Tough Guy of the Week” award was shared between Gavin Solito and Luke Mergott. Pictured above from left are Bobby Hammond, Solito, Mergott and Coach Jake Coleman. Submitted Photo

Nesting Platform Provides Habitat For Endangered Birds

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

OCEAN CITY – Endangered birds are once again nesting off Ocean City thanks to an innovative project piloted by a conservation partnership.

For the second year in a row, a floating, wooden-framed platform in the bay provided a popular nesting site for common terns, an endangered colonial nesting waterbird. The project, a partnership of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Audubon Mid-Atlantic and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, is working to address the 9095% decline of endangered colonial waterbirds.

“This project is important to provide critically needed nesting habitat to retain populations in this area,” said Archer Larned, coastal bird habitat conservation coordinator for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. “The number of

terns is decreasing along the Atlantic coast due to losses of nesting habitat

because of sea level rise, so we are providing a temporary solution to the lack

of nest sites.”

The nesting platform was initially launched last year in an effort to provide habitat for colonial waterbirds, which have declined significantly since the 1980s due to sea level rise and the erosion of their natural sand nesting islands in the coastal bays. In its first year, the platform, which consists of paired sections bolted together and connected with locking hinges to allow the raft to flex during high waves, was successfully used by 23 pairs of common terns. Encouraged by the success, organizers expanded both the raft and the project team. The Maryland Coastal Bays Program, with funds provided by US Wind, hired Larned to serve as coastal bird habitat coordinator. They also enlarged the platform, and as a result 155 pairs of common terns used the manmade island this year.

Gov. Larry Hogan had the chance to see the project in early summer.

“This June I had the great pleasure to ride out with the partners to view this island from a safe distance, and I applaud the ingenuity behind this important effort,” Hogan said in a news release. “Watching as the birds adopt this island was an incredible experience and offers hope for the future of these species.”

Researchers, who were surprised by how readily the terns took to the raft, discovered it is actually being used by terns from various locations. They identified banded terns from Poplar Island in Maryland, Hampton City in Virginia, and two terns from Argentina. Most of the birds who nested there last summer also returned. The island did not, however, attract any black skimmers, the other species the project was meant to target. Nevertheless, the project was deemed a significant step toward increasing common tern nesting in the area.

“This summer’s highly successful breeding colony on the habitat raft demonstrates the value of providing emergency critical artificial breeding habitat as a temporary solution to maintaining a breeding population of common terns in the Maryland coastal bays,” said Dave Brinker of DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service, who’s been monitoring colonial nesting waterbird populations since 1985. “But in order to fully recover and sustain populations of terns and skimmers in the coastal bays it is essential that we restore and maintain former sand islands that have been lost to erosion. To achieve that we will need a long-term strategy that allocates locally dredged sand for island restoration.”

The platform is expected to be put out again next spring but Larned, like Brinker, said the long-term goal was to restore the natural sand islands so they could again be used for nesting.

“The plan is to provide this artificial island as an interim solution before all the common terns leave the area,” Larned said. “If there are no suitable nesting sites, they have no reason to stay here.”

This floating platform provided nesting for 155 pairs of common terns, an endangered colonial nesting waterbird, in 2022. Photo courtesy of Archer Larned

First-Ever Youth Film Festival Planned For Sunday

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A new kids film festival is expected to offer families a night of fun while raising money for Assateague Coastal Trust and its programs.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, Assateague Coastal Trust (ACT) and its Coast Kids program will hold its inaugural Wild Child Youth Film Festival. Held at Burley Oak Brewing Company, the event will feature kids activities, auction items and showings of kid-friendly films.

“This Wild Child collection is specially curated for kids,” said Verena Chase, ACT’s Coast Kids director. “Many are fun and light, but some are really thoughtful and definitely face serious issues such as wildfires, plastic pollution in oceans and things of that nature.”

While ACT will host its 12th annual Wild and Scenic Film Fest in November, organizers say they are eager to add a kids component to this year’s program. The Wild Child Youth Film Festival will feature 16 short films, including “Cracked,” which documents a little girl trying her best to help nature in a drought-stricken village, and “Maneuvers,” a funny, experimental film that combines skiing with stop motion animation.

“This year, the Wild and Scenic Film Fest offered the Wild Child film festival as an addition,” Chase said. “We thought

OBITUARIES

Lemuel B. Cropper, III

BERLIN – Lemuel B. Cropper, III, age 83, died on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 at his home in Ocean Pines.

Born in Long Island, N.Y., he was the son of the late Lemuel B. Cropper, Jr. and Frieda (Kurtz) Frost. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn (Simone) Cropper and daughter Jennifer Cropper- Rines and her husband George Rines. Also surviving is his brother Timothy Cropper and his wife Rosalie, sister-in-law Marietta Bosco and her husband Andy, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

it was a great opportunity because there are some really awesome films that are perfect for kids in the Wild and Scenic Film Fest selection.”

Chase said the inaugural event will be held outside at Burley Oak Brewing Company. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the first hour dedicated to kids activities, Scales and Tales live animal exhibits, a Lucky Chance auction (with gift baskets

and goodies from numerous local businesses) and a raffle. The Street Kitchen food truck will also be selling tacos.

“The films start at 6:30,” Chase added. “The films take about an hour and a half, so the festival will be done by about 8 p.m.”

For more information on the Wild Child Youth Film Festival, or to purchase tickets, visit www.actforbays.org/wildchild.

Tickets are $5 per person, or $25 for a bundle of six tickets plus a free 30 oz. eco-friendly water bottle.

Additionally, the 12th Wild and Scenic Film Festival will be held on Nov. 17 at Seacrets. Doors open at 6:30pm and films start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 apiece, $100 bundle gets five tickets plus one free 16-ounce stainless steel beer cup.

Lemuel had served in the United States Navy. Later in life he owned a business that manufactured rubber candy molds in Newark. He was an avid fisherman and commercially crabbed for many years. He was happiest on his boat. He was a loving, protective, husband, father, and friend offering quiet strength and a level head always. He was a fabulous cook and generous spirit. Above all else, he loved his girls. Cremation followed his death. Services will be private for the family. A donation in his memory may be made to: Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, MD 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

LEMUEL B. CROPPER, III

Town Updates Flood Mitigation Plan

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Against the backdrop of the remnants of Hurricane Ian and the rising floodwaters on many downtown Ocean City streets this week, resort officials approved an updated floodplain management plan, or hazard mitigation plan.

Every five years, the Town of Ocean City updates its floodplain management plan, or hazard mitigation plan (HMP), which outlines strategies for managing rising floodwaters and their potential im pacts on properties in low-lying areas. The HMP is used by the federal Community Rating System (CRS) to help de termine which properties are required to carry flood insurance, and a town such as Ocean City’s ability to assess areas prone to flooding are used to determine flood insurance rates and premium levels for property owners.

Each year, the town’s planning staff presents a report on the status of the HMP, which occurred on Monday. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville told the Mayor and Council the review of the town’s plan by the CRS resulted in stabilized flood insurance rates for resort property owners required to carry flood insurance.

Neville said the CRS’s most recent review of the town’s plan resulted in the retention of Ocean City’s Class 6 rating, which provides a 20% discount in the premium cost of flood insurance for all property owners required to carry flood insurance. As a result, all National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy holders in the resort will continue to get the 20% reduction in their premiums do to the actions taken in the town’s HMP.

It's no secret certain areas in Ocean City continue to flood in even a modest rainfall event or high tide cycle as evidenced last week when the remnants of Hurricane Ian combined with a classic nor’easter continued to pound the resort. Many of the downtown streets continued to be under at least a foot of water during high tide throughout much

of the week. However, a continual review of the HMP, which was last updated in 2016 and identifies flooding problem areas and allows the town to take mitigation measures, provides resort property owners with the discount on flood insurance premiums. Neville told the Mayor and Council most of the action items in the plan had been completed.

“This is the last report for the 2016 plan,” he said. “All of the action items in the 2011 plan have been retired and most of the action items in the 2016 plan have been completed.”

Neville explained how the town’s par ticipation in the CRS provided insurance discounts to residents.

“It’s one of those things where we get rated on a points system to qualify for the 20% discount on flood insurance premiums for our property owners,” he said. “It’s one of the measures of success for our program.”

He said a progress report on the implementation of the credited plan is required to review each action item and describe what was implemented, or in some cases not implemented, and recommend changes to the action plan as needed. The progress report is then submitted to state and federal agencies for review, and the results of that review are used to determine which properties are required to have flood insurance, and ultimately what the rates should be. Neville said a review of the town’s 2016 updated plan has been received positively by state and federal officials.

“The message we’re hearing nationally is we’re doing a great job with this,” he said. “The flood insurance rates for our property owners did not increase and even declined in some cases because of the action items completed in this report.”

With that said, the council voted 5-0 with Councilmen John Gehrig and Lloyd Martin absent to approve the presented final progress report for the 2016 HMP, which will be published on the town’s website and distributed. An updated draft 2022 HMP is currently in

What remained of the stage setup for the Oceans Calling Festival is pictured Monday as the remnants of Hurricane Ian lingered over the resort. Photo by Chris Parypa

STUDENTS In The News

During last month’s annual Stand Up, Speak Up assembly, fourth grade students at Ocean City Elementary presented a skit to teach strategies for dealing with bullying situations. The skit was presented to the entire school and students had the opportunity to sing and dance to the Stand Up, Speak Up song. Pictured with school counselor Linda McGean are 4th grade students, front from left, Afua Agyei-Mensah, Emily Pennington, Diana Rosamilia, Thiago Tirado and Yahya Ramadan, and, back, Jayden Contreras, Owen Lehman, Maleah Maness, Macie Hill and Hans Knauff.

Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) students and volunteers helped clean areas of Assateague Island National Seashore on Saturday, Sept. 24. Teacher Amanda Netting, in partnership with the Volunteer Club, gathered a crew of students and families to help clean campgrounds, trails, picnic areas and the parking lots at Assateague Island. Pictured, above from left, are Abby Ferguson, Emily Ferguson and their dog Lily, WPS teacher Mrs. Linda Bragg, Mike and McKenna DePalma, Assistant Head of School/Head of Upper School Mike Grosso, Ayla Yonker, Summer Vent, Ava Conaway, Caitlyn Hoen, Vanesska Hall, Jenna Hess, Reed and Vivi Grinestaff with their mom, Sharon Grinestaff, Isabella Rice, James Haley, Travis and Tyler Netting and Sydney Tingle. Below, from left, are Mike DePalma, Caitlyn Hoen, Summer Vent, Jenna Hess, Ava Conaway, Sydney Tingle, Vanesska Hall and Assistant Head of School/Head of Upper School Mike Grosso. Bottom, Reed and Vivi Grinestaff are pictured with classmate Isabella Rice.

Elaina Elrick, left, and Lebby Becker were selected to represent Worcester Prep at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminars last summer. During the four-day seminar, the students interacted with distinguished leaders in the business, governmental and educational arenas to discuss topics including global education, volunteerism, media literacy, entrepreneurship, world hunger, goal-setting, leadership and motivation. Since the summer they both have been working to complete a goal of 100 hours of community service before the end of the year.

Book

greed and folly.

writing style and twists remind me of John Grisham novels.”

the author and get a signed copy.

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Letters To The Editor

From Commercial Fishing To Offshore Wind Career

Editor:

After years of working in commercial fishing in Ocean City, I chose this summer to join Ørsted to lead the company’s outreach to the maritime community in Maryland and Delaware. Ørsted is building Skipjack Wind off the Maryland-Delaware coast.

As a commercial fisherman, I spent six nights a week in the Atlantic, catching and releasing horseshoe crabs for biomedical purposes. When that season ended, we would put our round net on and attempt to catch our federal flounder and striped bass quotas.

Working the ocean at night gives you a deep appreciation for this ecosystem and both its vitality and its fragility. I came to appreciate that sustainable sources of energy, just like sustainable fishing practices, are vital to the long-term health of the ocean and the people who depend on it for recreation or their livelihoods.

I joined Ørsted because the company values the cultural and economic importance of our fishing grounds. I have never seen a company more compassionate for the commercial fishing industry and communities in which we live and work.

I want commercial fishermen to know we will be in constant and transparent communication about the timing and location of our ocean activities as we develop Skipjack Wind. Commercial fishing

boats should review our weekly online Mariners Briefings, which can be found at https://us.orsted.com/wind-projects/mariners. The briefings include information on Ørsted survey vessel schedules and maps and are distributed via email to the local fishing community.

We support commercial fishing within our lease area. We want offshore wind survey activities to occur without any interaction with fishing gear and will work closely with the fishing community to ach ieve that goal.

I encourage local mariners to contact me with questions they have about our plans and schedules for Skipjack Wind.

While we are not conducting ocean surveys at this time, we have and will continue to keep our survey areas as small as possible and to complete surveys as quickly as possible. We have a Fisheries Liaison Officer assigned to survey operations to communicate with com mercial fishermen and advise mariners of the location of our activities. Survey ac tivity will only be conducted during daylight hours and in fair weather.

Skipjack Wind will create thousands of jobs in our region, power nearly 300,000 homes with clean energy, and usher in a new American industry in our community. But we are also committed to honoring those who have fished our waters for generations and ensuring their livelihoods remain strong for decades to come.

Dana Nelson

(The writer is the Mid-Atlantic Marine

Reasons To Vote Against

Editor:

Worcester County voters who have requested mail-in ballots may start to receive them any day. I encourage all those voting by mail, as well as those voting in person and by absentee ballot to Vote against Question A.

Vote against:

- The use of public funds for the construction and operation of a Sports Complex in the north end of the County

- Traffic congestion.

- A facility with no business plan.

- The disrespect conveyed to the people of Berlin.

- The oversaturation of sports facilities in the mid-Atlantic region.

- A project in which participation rates in most sports have shown a decline.

- A fast tracked sports complex that never appeared in our County Capital Improvement Plan until less than a year ago.

Vote against Question A. Thank you.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr.

Ocean City

A Call For Honest Help

Editor:

What do you do when you find something that someone lost? Do you try to find the owner of the item, or do you

keep what you found? Well, if you keep it; it is the same as stealing. You don’t know how important that item was to the someone who lost it.

Here is my story. My husband and I shop at the Walmart store off Route 50 in Berlin. My husband has dementia and uses a cane. Well, this past week Sept. 28, he left his cane in the electric chair that the store provides for the handicapped. Like I said he has dementia, which is short term memory loss. I was unloading the shopping cart with groceries into the back of our car. He parked the electric chair in the aisle and got into the car. I didn’t realize he didn’t have his cane until we got home about 10 minutes later. We rushed back to the store and the cane was gone. Yes I checked with the lost and found but it hadn’t been turned in. I continued checking with the store the rest of the day.

So now to the person who has the cane, are you a good person or a thief? You can return the cane to the Walmart, I’ll keep checking to see if it gets turned in.

My husband purchased the handmade cane at a Springfest or Sunfest five years ago, before he started with memory issues. He thinks his father made it for him.

A loving wife.

(Editor’s Note: The name has been withheld due to the letter writer’s security concerns.)

Affairs Specialist for Ørsted, developer of Skipjack Wind.)

The Dispatch

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

The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly

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How We See It

Officials’ Salaries For Voters To Decide

It was a good public policy call by the Mayor and Council to allow the registered voters of Ocean City to decide whether their elected officials should get considerable pay increases.

The issue will be in the form of a referendum on the municipal ballot for Ocean City citizens next month. The specific recommendation to increase salaries came from City Manager Terry McGean after research of municipalities with similar sized budgets and populations.

On the table is a proposal to increase the mayor’s salary from the current $30,000 to $50,000 (a 66% raise); adjusting councilmember salary from the current $10,000 to $20,000 (100% jump); and the council president’s salary from $11,000 to $23,000 (109% increase). Annually, as proposed, the budget impact of the eight elected officials’ annual salaries would jump 91%, from the current $101,000 to $193,000. It’s worth nothing the compensation package also includes generous health insurance coverage if accepted and entrance to the state retirement program.

In the past when Berlin increased its council and mayor rates to the current $7,500 and $15,000, respectively, the change did not go into effect until after the next election. This way it was not the current council giving itself a raise. The same approach was recommended in Ocean City or for the issue to get on the ballot. The council unanimously supported the referendum route, while offering support for the measure last month.

The issue of elected officials’ compensation has come up several times in recent years in Ocean City. Back in 2010, a proposal was floated to bring the compensation for elected officials in Ocean City in line with the Worcester County Commissioners’ rate of $25,000 a year plus $3,000 for expenses. The measure was ultimately tabled as the city was going through a “right sizing” process of cutting spending.

It will be interesting to see where the citizenry falls on this matter. The residents will likely find the increases to be too significant. We agree on the surface, but there’s a point to consider for the residents. For many years, Ocean City has suffered from a severe shortage of qualified candidates for public office. Running for elected office comes with certain negatives, such as criticism and time away from work and family. There is a cost associated with it. Some interested candidates find the balance too much and the juice not worth the squeeze.

These are points for the citizens to consider. If it’s voted down, it will be because it’s too much of an increase at one time. This will be an understandable rub for the voters, but we think letting them make the ultimate call is the right move.

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

As soon as talk of a game changing concert festival began in Ocean City, there was tremendous excitement. I admit to initial skepticism about the concept of the Oceans Calling Festival until I researched the C3 Presents company, which was to handle booking of the bands. It was clear this event was going to be different than other attempts at music festivals here. Months later came the lineup and the advanced discussions and predictions played out – the Oceans Calling Festival was going to be a major draw with a huge economic impact for Ocean City and surrounding areas. Even without the festival and the terrible weather, business reports were strong from most in the Ocean City area because crowds of concertgoers – many for the first time – still came to the area.

The concern from day one was the weather. All officials could do was hope Mother Nature would cooperate. Unfortunately, the nightmare scenario played out for the festival’s first year. It was unfortunate, but the right call to cancel the festival. Saturday turned out to be the best day of the weekend, but the winds were too high. Friday night was a washout and Sunday was a mess. The conditions on the beach would have been horrible for the artists, the attendees and the workers behind the scenes. As someone who had splurged for the platinum three-day passes, I was relieved to not endure the nasty weather and look forward to the refund. It would not have been worth it.

The decision turned out to be a no brainer, but I’m thinking there were things learned along the way as far as safe stage locations and properly securing equipment left behind. One criticism, seen online often over the past week, not warranting consideration is changing the date from the fall. The hurricane and its impacts were simply horrible luck and timing. Every other weekend in the month of September would have been ideal. While setup during the early part of this week would have been stalled by the storm conditions, this weekend looks fine as well. It was just bad luck and should not lead to officials considering the month of May, for example, as some have pushed online. Ocean City’s special event calendar in May is busy, and the promoter appears to already have several festivals and events on the calendar.

The good news is the festival is likely to return next year. The thought is the same today as it was when the topic was first broached – let’s just hope the weather cooperates. Such is life in our beachfront resort community.

As the temperatures cool and the fall turns to winter, it’s expected COVID-19 numbers will likely spike again. The flu will also play a role with illnesses as it does most years. The assumption is this is the new normal, but it’s been encouraging to see the progress organizations and school systems are making on this front.

For instance, when a cohort at a local school recently had three positive cases within two weeks, constituting an outbreak, the policy was for each kid to be sent home with a test kit. The parents were asked to test the child before returning to school. There was no negative test proof needed from the parents the next day, but the expectation was parents would be responsible and keep their kid at home if he or she tested positive or developed symptoms.

It’s anyone’s guess how many kids were tested, but it seems like a sound policy moving forward. The protocol speaks to the logic the virus, like the flu, is part of life and continuing to move forward in a responsible fashion is the only option.

For many years, Ocean City resisted the call from some to hold its municipal election on the same day as the November general election. Several years of low turnouts and some cost savings ultimately convinced city officials in 2012 to hold their election the same day, resulting in Ocean City citizens actually voting twice on election day, once for the municipal races and another time for the larger ballots. Though there was some initial confusion, the change worked, as turnout jumped significantly.

It might be time for Berlin to consider the change as well. Though it was an unusual election Tuesday, the voter turnout in the contested District 4 race was a paltry 8% – with just 72 of the 888 registered voters letting their voices be heard. This is a disappointing turnout. In 2020, on the heels of an 18% property tax increase, voter turnout hit a record 36%. There was robust interest in the election, thanks to citizens being upset about the tax increase, the mayor’s seat being open with five candidates and two contested council races.

Maybe it’s not something that has to be done in reaction to this week’s poor turnout, but a deeper dive on holding the town’s election on the general election date should be considered if another poor turnout is seen in 2024. It worked in Ocean City despite initial reluctance.

Fair or not, Worcester County needs to accept only one major road project will get the state’s attention at one time. Route 90 is currently the long-range focus. After the county ranked Route 90 as its top priority, followed by Routes 50 and 589, the state allocated $15 million to early Route 90 design work.

Questions were raised this week why Route 589 improvements have not been made after 20 years of requests. There was some tough talk from Commissioner Chip Bertino in defense of his constituents, but the state has clearly focused on Route 90. It will be years before major changes are made to Route 589.

Puzzle Answers

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

Parenting a special needs kid can be at times like walking cautiously through a minefield. What’s key through the navigation is optimism.

The trouble is not always visible. The route previously deemed safe one day can be disastrous on another. What brought on anxiety and peace once may not always and vice versa. Every day truly is different, no matter if the same routine is followed throughout. The best way to get over a bad day is to move on to the next one, hoping and praying lessons were learned when unfortunate behaviors and lapses in judgments occur.

There are so many motivational sayings that go along with raising special needs kids. Because I think these are healthy to retain, I have many of these saved on my work computer. One I like is, “Once you accept that your child will be different, not better or worse, just different, that’s the first step.” Another is, “Until you have a kid with special needs you have no idea of the depth of your strength, tenacity and resourcefulness.”

Another is, “Children with special needs come into our lives, leaving footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” Perhaps my all-time favorite is, “Sometimes angels are disguised as kids with special needs to teach us how to be better people.”

Maintaining these sorts of positive perspectives keeps me level-headed, but there are times when there are challenges to staying optimistic. As we tell the volunteers at our TOPSoccer program for special needs kids, the key traits needed are compassion, patience and a flexible brain. It’s a matter of picking the right battles and simply letting some things go from time to time.

Some examples on the topic.

•If Carson wants to wear his favorite Berlin Intermediate sweatshirt every day of the week, I will only fight it so much. If he is so insistent that it brings him to

tears at 7 in the morning when I try to encourage a different shirt, I cave.

Each day starts with a different outfit in mind while hiding the sweatshirt. What worked years ago no longer does, however. He’s too smart for it. He remembers now. There are many mornings I find him standing in his room and the shirt his mom laid out for him on the floor. He’s waiting and thinking. The anxiety is building.

What I do know is it’s not worth a meltdown if it brings him some sort of peace. We just need to remember to wash it each night and hide it nearby in the hopes he forgets.

•Carson’s necessity for a routine has rubbed off on me, ramping up my own obsessive and compulsive tendencies more than normal.

I spend a lot of time laughing at myself. Pam often joins in as well. I can be ridiculous, and I know it, but I come from a good place with my weirdness.

Carson enjoys my odd quirks each morning. I joke with him, “let’s go, okay it’s 7:12 a.m., we have to get to Dunkin, have our coffee, eat your breakfast and then to school by 7:30.” It works and gets him laughing. Meanwhile I’m sweating.

•The smallest things bring me joy when it comes to Carson, especially when he walks into school with a smile.

His favorite morning thing currently is to listen to the Los Angeles traffic report on the way to school. He laughs out loud over it for some reason, especially when I remind each day it’s over 3,000 miles away and it’s 4 in the morning there. Yet, there is some lady in a helicopter talking about expressway traffic and the likelihood of fog rolling in at sunrise. He loves it.

When we arrive at school, he then sets my navigation for a point of interest in Los Angeles. Yesterday it was the airport. The day before it was a gas station. He gets a kick out of my arrival time. Whatever it takes.

•I think way too much about my son not having friends. Growing up, friends were everything to me. Many of these individuals remain great friends today. I get sad when I wonder how Carson will make friends in his life.

What’s interesting is Carson doesn’t seem to care. He’s content doing his own thing and seems to embrace solitariness, but it’s always on our minds.

It’s why it warms our heart when we hear he has a little lunch table of special friends he sits with now.

•One of the ills of society with young people today is the sense of entitlement. The victim card is one I see thrown around a lot by kids, including my neurotypical older son. With Carson, none of this is a problem. He doesn’t seem to expect anything. In some ways, he’s more laidback about things than his big brother. This sounds contradictory with some of the things I have written about in this space today.

However, it’s true because his expectations are different. He doesn’t expect when he goes to Walmart to grab all the candy he wants or get the new video game or soccer cleats even though he has perfectly fine ones at home.

When he doesn’t do well on a test, Carson shrugs his shoulders and moves on. When Beckett doesn’t do well on a test, he makes excuses and blames a teacher for not providing sufficient review or a friend for keeping up too late the night before. There’s not a lot of ownership on his part.

Matthew McConaughey put it well, saying, “Life is not fair, it never was, it isn’t now and it won’t ever be. Do not fall into the trap. The entitlement trap, of feeling like you’re a victim. You are not.”

(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.)