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December 1, 2023

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Big Berlin Crowd: Thousands of locals and visitors came to Berlin last Friday for the annual tree lighting and to see the more than 30 ice sculptures on display.

Photo by Sara Hambury

OC Transfers Reserve Fund Dollars

Berlin Kicks Off Shopping Season

Annual Christmas Parades On Tap

See Page 18 • Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 6 • File Photo

See Inside For Details • Photo by Chris Parypa

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December 1, 2023

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Explicit Book Concerns Dominate School Board Meeting

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BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – Complaints about library books and subsequent discussion of potentially adding an “older teen” section to Worcester County Public Schools libraries is a cause for concern among some members of the community.

Following a contentious school board meeting last week, during which many people shared concerns with explicit library books and a Pocomoke High School senior emotionally asked the board to fight for students, the Maryland Association of School Librarians has issued an advocacy alert and a group of local residents has banded together to defend schools.

“I formed Worcester United after attending the November board of education meeting,” Berlin resident Tom Simon said

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this week. “There was an emotional, heartbreaking speech at the end by a student representative. I was so upset after leaving that meeting, I made a Facebook post about it the next day and then many of my friends spoke out about these issues facing our public schools. That’s when we formed Worcester United to start organizing to defend our schools, teachers and students.”

During the public comment portion of last week’s school board meeting, numerous citizens shared their thoughts. While some thanked the school system for the wonderful experiences their children were having in local schools, others expressed frustration that nothing was being done about the “sexually explicit” books in school libraries. Newark resident Pat Barbely said she’d attended several school board meetings to voice her concerns but nothing had been done to address them.

“I and many other parents have requested the board remove the sexually explicit books in our school libraries,” she said. “Books like ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ which is the story of a young male child who is taken advantage of by an older male family member. The child is then in an incestuous relationship with his cousin which propels him into numerous sexual encounters, all of which is graphically detailed in the book.”

She said the board’s explanation for retaining the books was so students in similar situations might be able to identify with what was in the book.

“I fail to see where reading these books offers hope, help or resources or solutions to a troubled student in this situation,” Barbely said.

Another speaker said the Worcester County “Moms for Liberty” group wanted parents to have the choice to assess

December 1, 2023

what their child was checking out from the school library.

“There are common sense policies we can implement together that recognize all these wonderful differences that make us the United States of America,” she said.

“Moms for Liberty Worcester County is concerned for all children without prejudice.”

Berlin resident Scott Taylor said that while his kids were no longer in school he had concerns about the books now available to students. He said there were firewalls on school computers to keep kids from accessing inappropriate content and said something similar should be in place for books.

“Kids don’t always have the greatest judgment,” he said.

Simon, who has a four-year-old student at Buckingham, was in attendance at the meeting and told the board he was upset about the non-inclusive agendas being pushed by members of the public at school board meetings.

“The only people trying to indoctrinate our kids are the people spouting this hateful rhetoric,” he said. “School should be an inclusive safe space for all kids to grow and learn. I’m confident right now in Worcester County they are. I urge you to listen to the actual parents of students in the schools and residents of Worcester County not the vocal minority. Banning books when kids have full access to the internet in their pocket seems like a futile effort.”

Girdletree residents Lorraine and Dan Barrett said they were upset about the fact that sexually explicit books were even available in local middle schools.

“I believe giving porn to minors is a crime,” Dan Barrett said. “Think it through.”

Another speaker suggested restricting access to certain materials in the library.

Stephen Decatur High School teacher Mary Hathaway said she’d intended to speak about the need for a fully funded school system but that she felt compelled to respond to the references to indoctrination.

“I am a proud Worcester County Public Schools graduate, educator and now parent,” she said. “I believe what our teachers are doing is not indoctrination but it is education. It is teaching our whole student and those books that people are so upset about, let me tell you from a high school teacher’s perspective I am not indoctrinating but every day those books help our students.”

Ocean Pines resident Kate McCloskey said her children had already graduated from local schools but that she regularly attended school board meetings. She said the board should be focused on improving students’ academic performance.

“We’re putting increased priority on social justice, on gender identity discussions and by the way parents don’t send their kids to school for any of this,” she said. “We want to get back to the basics of a fundamental high-quality education.

We’ve counted over 65 books in our libraries that have sexually explicit material. I’m talking hardcore sexually explicit material. Many of us are not wanting to SEE PAGE 54

Council Advances Code Amendments

December 1, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A request to move forward with code amendments that would allow habitable attic space turned into a deeper discussion this week about parking and rentals.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a favorable recommendation from the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission to approve code amendments that would allow habitable areas in the attics of residential dwellings.

While officials say the new provisions would address desires to build additional living space, some argued a larger discussion was needed on the impacts the amendments could have on parking and rentals.

“It’s almost like all of this needs to come together. We need to talk about garages, attics and rentals …,” said Councilman John Gehrig. “It’s all related. I think we need a holistic overview of what this means.”

In October, following a public hearing, the planning commission voted unanimously to forward proposed code amendments to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation. The changes would define dormers and habitable attics, revise the definition of building height to allow habitable attic space, and amend the minimum number of required off-street parking spaces.

In his presentation Tuesday, Planning and Community Development Director

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Bill Neville said under the current zoning code, attics could be used for non-habitable purposes such as closet storage and loft space but could not be used for sleeping. Oftentimes, however, those rooms are converted to bedrooms.

“Oftentimes some of these extra rooms are called libraries and studies and family rooms and that allows the project to move forward through the building permit process,” he explained.

The proposed code amendments, he said, would remove such restrictions and allow for habitable attic space. He said the change would also require one additional parking space for any habitable attic within single-family homes and an additional one-half parking space for any habitable attic in a multi-family dwelling or townhouse.

Neville told the council the amendments would not only address new construction, but renovations of existing structures. He said the change also ensured habitable attic space complied with the town’s building and fire codes.

“We see this as an opportunity to align the zoning ordinance with those other building codes and provide an opportunity for more living space that we can’t provide today given the restrictions,” he said.

For his part, Councilman Peter Buas applauded the changes but opposed the parking regulations associated with habitable attics. He said he believed other sections of the town code addressed SEE PAGE 52

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Visit the website for further information and photos.

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Berlin Merchants Enjoy Strong Start To Holiday Season

December 1, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Twenty-five of the more than 40 female business owners in Berlin gathered last week for a photo to kick off the holiday season.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BERLIN – Local merchants are hoping area residents will remember to shop small this holiday season.

Berlin, home to dozens of small businesses in its historic downtown commercial district, was a hive of activity Black Friday and Small Business Saturday as merchants pulled out all the stops to draw in customers. In the wake of a slow fall season, hampered by inclement weather cancellations of two key events, shopkeepers say a healthy holiday shopping season is critical to keeping their storefronts open.

“Supporting local businesses during the holidays is crucial for Berlin, especially when many of our events were canceled due to rain,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “It offers a much-needed boost to the local economy and ensures survival of cherished local establishments.”

While inclement weather prompted the cancellation of multiple special events in town, merchants were pleased with a strong kick off to the holiday shopping season this past weekend.

“We had lots of people,” said Olga Kozhevnikova of World of Toys. “Business wise we did little bit less than last year.

We are going around 6% down compared to last year. It’s not too bad at all! We are lucky!”

The Church Mouse saw $1,124 in sales on Friday and Saturday. The thrift shop’s earnings will allow it to support the Samaritan Shelter, Worcester GOLD, Toys for Tots and other causes this winter.

Emily Vocke, owner of Heart of Gold, said it was an awesome weekend.

“It’s always my favorite weekend of the year to kick off the holiday season and this year was no different,” she said. “It was great to see so many visitors to our sweet town as well as all of our locals that support us all year long.

Shopping small is essential for our community to thrive and I truly feel like our customers understand just how important it is.”

Vocke is also proud of the fact that Berlin’s business community is made up of so many women-owned establishments. Wells agreed.

“Our downtown thrives with the energy of diverse, women-owned businesses,” she said. “Women are the heart and soul of the downtown business community.”

One of those women is Larnet St. Amant, who experienced her first Black Friday as a shop owner last week. She opened British Rose on Main Street this spring after working 40 years in the retail business. She was thrilled when she found an opportunity to open her own shop in partnership with her sister.

“When you support small business SEE PAGE 50

Berlin Strategic Plan Moves Forward

December 1, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town’s strategic planning process will continue but not until January, officials decided this week.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council voted 3-2 to continue working with Salisbury University’s Business, Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) for phase two of the town’s strategic plan. Concerns about limited participation from residents so far, however, prompted officials to delay public input sessions until January.

“January is a much calmer time, we could market it better, get that date out there early,” Councilman Jay Knerr said.

In August, the town agreed to spend $9,300 with BEACON on the first phase of a strategic plan. John Hickman, director of BEACON, told the council at the time that the program had a dual mission of community outreach and experiential learning and that all projects are completed with teams of graduate and undergraduate students under faculty supervision. Hickman told the council the purpose of the town’s strategic plan was to look at Berlin’s strengths and weaknesses as well as its opportunities. He said BEACON proposed a three-part process for the town’s plan.

Hickman attended this week’s council meeting to share the results from the first phase, through which 111 citizens responded to a BEACON survey.

Councilman Dean Burrell said he was disappointed that BEACON had started the process from scratch and hadn’t used the town’s 2016 strategic plan as a base.

“We use it as context,” Hickman said, adding that his team didn’t want to ask leading questions related to a prior plan but rather open-ended questions.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said the 2016 plan hadn’t been created through the same process as the current plan was being created. Burrell said that plan had been citizen driven though.

“We have missed an opportunity to plot the town’s progress from then until now,” Burrell said.

Councilman Jack Orris questioned if 111 surveys could be considered “citizen driven.” Hickman said BEACON had also participated in a listening session with the town’s business community.

“Is that community listening to you or are you listening to community?”

Orris asked.

Hickman said BEACON was collecting feedback and asking how the town could be improved. When asked if he was surprised by the low number of responses to the survey, Hickman said that post-pandemic people were less willing to participate in surveys.

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“I’d like more citizen input,” Hickman said.

He added that BEACON hadn’t yet held a citizen listening session but that it was scheduled for Dec. 4 as part of phase two.

“This was phase one,” Tyndall said.

“Ultimately this body and the public will have the opportunity to comment multiple times as the plan moves forward.”

Councilman Steve Green said it was hard to be happy with a 2% response rate but that he did believe the responses the town received cited valid issues.

“I mean parking, we hear about it every day,” he said, referencing one of the items mentioned by respondents.

Orris said he wasn’t comfortable moving on to phase two with BEACON. He said there’d been very little advertising of the session set for next week and that he didn’t feel citizens were engaged and excited about the process.

Burrell asked how BEACON could ensure it reached a variety of residents.

“I’m trying to get those folks we might not regularly see,” he said.

Burrell said he didn’t want to belittle the responses the town had received but felt that more people should have the chance to weigh in on the town’s future. He added that different people were reached through different modes of communication.

“Some folks you can send written information, some folks you have to talk to, some folks you can put it on the internet, some folks you have to have somebody stand and provide the information,” he said. “We need to investigate other possible means of getting the information out.”

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols echoed Burrell’s concerns regarding the need for more public input. She added that the input session should be held somewhere other than town hall.

Tyndall said the input sessions could be moved. After some discussion, officials agreed that two input sessions should be held in January, after the holidays, with one being at a church and one being at the library.

One will be held in the evening and one will be held during the daytime.

Orris made a motion to not move forward with BEACON for the strategic plan.

“I think we can do better, no offense to BEACON,” he said.

The motion, which was seconded

by Nichols, failed with a 2-3 vote. A subsequent motion to approve moving forward with BEACON for the second phase of the plan, at a cost of $9,800, passed with a 3-2 vote. Orris and Nichols were opposed. The listening session initially advertised for Dec. 4 will be canceled and two listening sessions will be scheduled in January.

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Ocean City To Maintain Scooter Rental Restrictions

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Citing a downward trend in collisions, officials this week agreed to maintain scooter rental restrictions in Ocean City.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted to maintain restrictions it placed on rental scooters and to continue to monitor existing scooter rental activity. In an annual report this week, City Manager Terry McGean reported the number of collisions involving scooters had decreased since the restrictions were implemented in February.

“Last year there was talk of eliminating the license altogether,” he said. “Given the progress that’s been made, the staff would not recommend that.”

As part of a larger discussion regarding the rental of electric bikes, hover-

boards and the like, the council in February voted to freeze the issuance of new licenses and the expansion of existing licenses for the rental of Segways and small displacement vehicles, which include scooters and scoot coupes.

“The decision at that time was to freeze the issuance of all new licenses for the rental of, what they call in the code small displacement vehicles … and electronic personal mobility devices, better known as Segways,” McGean said Tuesday. “Second, the expansion of existing licenses would be frozen. In other words, a person who had a license could not increase their inventory of rentals.”

As part of that action, officials also set restrictions for the town’s sole scooter rental operator, Cycle City. McGean said the proprietor must maintain accident and incident logs, freeze rental inventory, restrict nighttime rentals, limit the age of

group riders and provide a map of restricted travel areas, among other things.

“In addition, the council voted not to authorize the rental of electric bicycles, electric scooters, hoverboards or onewheeled devices and also requested that the police department collect accident data and that once these actions were implemented that we would revisit the entire issue after the season,” he said.

In an annual update Tuesday, McGean said the town’s scooter rental operator had complied with restrictions set by the council. He noted the license holder had maintained a logbook and accident data, which were collected by the Ocean City Police Department, and did not expand their inventory or hours of operation.

“They did not rent scooters after sunset,” he said. “They increased their deposit amounts to over $150 for each renter and required a credit card. They did

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provide a map of travel area restrictions to each renter, and we did see that map.

They did make their scooters more visible. And then finally, they increased the minimum age for renting from 16 to 18, and that for groups the minimum age is 21.”

Police Chief Ross Buzzuro said the Ocean City Police Department also recorded fewer scooter accidents since restrictions were enacted earlier this year.

From 2022 to 2023, collisions decreased from 24 to 20.

“In 2020, we had a high in terms of scooter collisions at 53 …,” he said. “So far this year there’s been 20. As the data reflects, only a couple can be attributed back to Cycle City. It’s very good news that collisions have decreased, about 20% this year, and we’re just about finished up.”

Officials told the council a majority of scooter collisions in 2023 involved private vehicles, not rentals. McGean said he recommended the council continue to maintain its scooter restrictions.

“The staff recommendation would be to continue with the same restrictions, freeze the rental licenses, freeze the inventory expansion and provided the license holder continues to comply with the voluntary restrictions he set, that we move forward on that basis,” he said.

Councilman Will Savage said the topic of small displacement vehicles was just part of a larger discussion the council had earlier this year on e-bikes, Segways, scooters, one-wheels and hoverboards. He said incidents along Ocean City’s roadways have improved.

“We certainly eliminated 90% of the problem. It’s gotten better. The commercial operation of renting the scooters has gotten better …,” he said. “The main issue is we are trying to promote safety on Coastal Highway. The state’s given us grants for the Walk Smart program, there’s advertisements on buses, but yet we’re still allowing a thrill ride on Coastal Highway.”

Savage also recognized the owner of Cycle City for working with the town to address ongoing issues regarding the rental of small displacement vehicles.

“I appreciate that the vendor has come to us with some solutions,” he said.

“I agree that the solutions have worked.

It’s not perfect. As you can see in the packet, there’s a lot of stuff that happened. But when you take the summer as a whole, it’s not egregious.”

Savage noted a majority of incidents occurred during senior week and the White Marlin Open.

“I think those are just attributed to the renters themselves,” he said. “Regardless of what the proprietor does, you are always going to have people that are acting up. I mean an umbrella renter on the beach can’t stop somebody from taking their umbrella and pulling a Mary Poppins and jumping off a balcony. Some people are just stupid.”

With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to maintain its current restrictions on small displacement vehicles and to have staff continue to monitor scooter rentals and report back to the Mayor and Council annually.

OC Staff To Review Airport Proposals

December 1, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials will review multiple proposals for projects at the Ocean City Municipal Airport following bid openings this week.

In a Mayor and Council meeting Tuesday, two bids were opened for the installation of a new roof at the Ocean City Municipal Airport maintenance hangar. A bid price of $592,300 from Willow Construction and a bid price of $706,000 from Tecta America will be reviewed in the coming weeks.

“We would recommend that you remand the bids to staff,” City Manager Terry McGean said.

Prior to bid openings this week, McGean told council members the town was seeking to replace a hangar roof that was blown off during a recent storm. He said the cost of its replacement would be covered by the town’s insurance carrier.

“We had difficulty getting bidders,” he said. “Until recently, we thought we were only going to have one.”

Councilman Peter Buas questioned the status of the hangar roof. McGean said it was currently covered by an old roof located underneath the damaged one.

“When it got blown off, there was actually an old roof underneath it,” he said.

Council President Matt James shared his concerns regarding the bids. He questioned why it would cost more than $700,000 to install a sheet metal roof.

Public Works Director Hal Adkins said several factors, including the size and age of the building, contributed to the higher installation cost. He said the contractor would also have to work on a building that was currently occupied.

“The biggest challenge with this – and yes, those prices are a little shocking – is that you have other tenants in the building who currently operate 365 days a year …,” he said. “It’s going to be a challenge.”

Officials noted, however, that the cost should be covered by the town’s insurance carrier. With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman John Gehrig absent, to remand the bids to staff for further review.

The council on Tuesday also received three bids for tree removal at the airport.

Officials say the airport has obtained a grant from the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) for the project.

“As a follow up to the City’s acquisition of Parcels 450A & B located on the northeast corner of MD 611 and Airport Road, the Airport has obtained a State MAA Grant to remove them,” a memo to the council reads. “The Scope of Work includes removal, to ground level, of designated trees and the planting of a Vegetative Buffer along a portion of the east side.”

Economy Tree Service submitted a bid of $183,037, RJO Services submitted a bid of $309,480 and Paul’s Landworks and Construction submitted a bid of $337,825. The bids were also sent to staff for review.

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Resort Planners, Staff Talk Parking Recommendations

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A member of a resort commission last week shared his growing frustration with the Mayor and Council regarding off-street parking recommendations, but officials say a joint meeting could address those issues.

In early November, the Mayor and Council voted to send the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommended code amendment regarding offstreet parking back to the commission for revisions. During last week’s commission meeting, Commissioner Palmer Gillis not-

ed it was the second such recommendation on off-street parking to be sent back.

“I guess the question is, after taking three years of testimony and public hearings and discussions and having two separate councils tell planning and zoning commissions to come up with similar recommendations, can they just tell us what they want us to do instead of us wasting our time?” he said.

Last year, the planning commission presented the Mayor and Council with a code amendment that would have, if passed, required developers to provide enclosed two-vehicle garages for each multi-family housing unit and require prop-

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erty owners to use those garage spaces for their intended purpose. Essentially, the goal of the code amendment was to address the lack of sufficient off-street parking and the proliferation of garage spaces being used as a storage area, necessitating more parking on the town’s public streets.

At that time, however, the council removed the commission’s proposed amendment without discussion, causing a rift between the two bodies. And at a joint session last December, the council ultimately agreed to remand the issue back to staff to explore and make recommendations on garage parking space sizes.

Last month, the commission agreed to forward a new code amendment on offstreet parking to the Mayor and Council with a favorable recommendation. As proposed, the amendment would change the dimensions of enclosed parking spaces on lots greater than 50 feet wide to 10-by21 feet deep. The amendment would also require a five-foot driveway apron and changes to off-street parking for multifamily dwellings. Two-and-a-half parking spaces would be required for each threebedroom unit, with a minimum of one space being unenclosed.

In the weeks that followed, however, the council voted to send the new code amendment back to the commission.

Councilman Peter Buas, who made the motion, argued the proposed changes went above and beyond what was instructed of the commission.

December 1, 2023

“Right now, the recommendation is very different from what the instructions were,” he said at the time.

Last week, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville told commission members their recommendations on off-street parking had been sent back. He said the council had shared concerns that the commission’s version of the code amendment did not align with what was discussed in last year’s joint meeting.

“There’s a specific request for the planning commission to perhaps reconsider the recommendation you had made at the time, to limit your recommendation only to the size and dimension of parking spaces and nothing else …,” he explained. “You might want to schedule that for further discussion at your next meeting.”

For his part, Gillis said two separate planning commissions had made similar off-street parking recommendations to the Mayor and Council. He argued the commission was wasting its time.

“Can they tell us what they want us to do, so they can rubberstamp what they want us to do?” he said.

Neville, however, encouraged the commission to keep going. He said ongoing issues regarding off-street parking recommendations could be discussed further at a joint meeting scheduled for January.

“I was pleased to see the city manager has thrown out a possible third joint meeting date at the end of January for consideration …,” he said. “I think there’s a desire and intent to schedule that.”

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

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Page 12

shore Gives more campaign sets new donor record Of $310K

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 1, 2023

2,200-plus participated in effort

Community Foundation representatives toured the shore visiting participating nonprofits, including new addition the Henry Hotel Foundation, which raised $1,000 through 17 donors.

Submitted Photos

SALISBURY – A day celebrating philanthropy for Lower Shore nonprofits culminated in a recording breaking $310,178 raised for participating organizations.

More than 2,279 donations were made during the 9th annual Shore Gives More Giving Tuesday campaign.

Since inception the campaign has raised more than $1.8 million to benefit local organizations.

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the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is an international 24-hour online giving movement. The local campaign, known as The Shore Gives More, is hosted by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and assists local nonprofits with the fundraising effort. By providing an online donation platform, marketing, and technical support, the campaign makes a significant impact through collective philanthropy.

“Nonprofits provide critical services to the local community, and fundraisers like Giving Tuesday help charities connect with donors,” said CFES President Erica Joseph. “Giving Tuesday has become its own holiday around the shore, and the local generosity really shines a spotlight on how wonderful our region is.”

The Shore Gives More was first launched as a Giving Tuesday campaign for the Lower Eastern Shore in 2015 and raised just under $4,285 in its first year.

“As the area’s leading philanthropic resource, the Community Foundation understands the complexities around charitable giving, and we work hard to simplify the giving process for both donors and nonprofits,” said Joseph.

“By giving through the Shore Gives More campaign, donors know their gifts will have an impact close to home.”

The campaign received sponsorships from 47 ABC and Shore United Bank which significantly increased the campaign presence.

To learn more about the “Shore Gives More” Giving Tuesday campaign for local nonprofits visit CFES.org or ShoreGivesMore.org to view individual nonprofit participants.

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December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Officials Discuss Step, Grade System For Town Staff

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Officials discussed plans for a step and grade system for municipal employees this week.

In a work session Monday the Berlin Town Council reviewed plans for implementation of a step and grade system.

The town has been moving toward a system since the spring.

“I think it would be a benefit to our employees knowing consistently what’s going to happen year after year,” Councilman Dean Burrell said.

In late 2022, the town hired a consultant to conduct a pay study. The results of that study, released in the spring of 2023, showed that town employees were underpaid. While elected officials agreed they’d like to bring municipal employees to 50% of the market rate, with budget constraints in mind they agreed to increase salaries to 35% of the market rate. At the same time, officials agreed they wanted to implement a step and grade system, which would classify the town’s positions and the salaries associated with them.

“When we’re looking at a step and grade system it’s two-fold,” Mayor Zack

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Tyndall said. “It’s one to make sure that our employees, the folks that we have currently as well as those that are looking to join the team, have a pathway for understanding where their financials could go with longevity with the town of Berlin….

Additionally, it’s designed to help the Town of Berlin from a fiscal planning standpoint, to be able to understand our costs as it relates to salaries before we enter into a budget cycle.”

Kelsey Jensen, the town’s human resources director, said she was seeking guidance from the council as far as whether the town would be bringing employees to what was considered 50% of market level as well as guidance on the salary scale.

She said bringing town staff to 50% of market level would cost about $370,000.

Tyndall added that bringing employees to the predetermined level wouldn’t factor in longevity.

Councilman Jack Orris said he felt the priority was to set up the step and grade system. Councilman Steve Green said he didn’t support moving to the 50% of market level this year. He noted that many employees got significant increases last year when the jump to 35% was made.

He said this year, he’d rather focus on the step and grade system.

“Last year a major investment was made,” he said.

Councilman Jay Knerr offered similar comments.

“Implementing this (step and grade)

December 1, 2023

program is a win for the employees,” he said.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols agreed and said the town needed to make sure it honored what was in the salary scale, as that hadn’t happened the last time the town had a salary scale.

While the town’s consultant recommended a scale of 16 grades and 21 steps, Jensen presented an alternative with more grades this week. The council indicated support for her version of the scale, which consists of 25 grades with 21 steps. She said the one she proposed had 5% between grades and 2.5% between steps. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said staff could come back to the council once positions were tied to the scale.

“Kelsey and I will have a lot of homework to do before that comes back to you,” she said.

Green said he wasn’t sure the council needed to review where positions landed on the scale.

“I disagree with micromanaging administration,” he said.

Tyndall said elected officials were involved because it was a new program that was being implemented. Burrell said he felt it was the council’s duty to set guidelines and oversee the process.

“It impacts our town dollars,” he said.

With this week’s input, Jensen is expected to spend the coming weeks setting up the salary schedule and placing positions at the appropriate grades on the scale.

Sports Complex Task Force Meeting Set

December 1, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Members of a resort task force will reconvene in December to discuss funding and legislation options for a proposed sports complex.

On Dec. 14, the Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force will hold its second meeting at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. City Manager Terry McGean said discussion topics will include funding and legislative options, as well as property acquisition.

“It will be open to the public for the first two items, funding/financing options and legislation options, then it will move to closed session to discuss property acquisition,” he said. “The goal will be to get recommendations from the committee regarding how the complex should be funded and what steps to take with the state legislature to accomplish that.”

In September, members of the sports complex task force convened in the first of what will be many meetings to evaluate plans for a new facility in Worcester County. As the resort takes the lead on the project, committee members have been tasked with determining the size, scope, location and funding mechanism, among other things.

“We look forward to working with everybody,” Mayor Rick Meehan told the task force in September. “We think together we can build what we think is a very important project for Ocean City and the surrounding areas.”

For years, resort council members have expressed their desires to develop a sports complex somewhere near Ocean City. And in 2019, the town commissioned the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and its consultant, Crossroads, to conduct a market and economic analysis for a proposed sports complex in the Ocean City area. When the pandemic hit, however, MSA officials were tasked with revising the study and producing a sitespecific assessment of a 95-acre site next to Stephen Decatur High School.

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

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

With nearly 30 members at the table earlier this fall, the task force kicked off the first meeting with a presentation from MSA and Crossroads. The consulting firm’s site-specific study of the property near Stephen Decatur High School estimates the project to total more than $153 million, not including the cost to purchase the land. Officials, however, report the state could potentially fund between $111 million and $132 million.

The next meeting of the Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force will be held Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon at the convention center, room 215.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

Resort Council Transfers $6.9M To Reserve Funds

Page 18

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City officials voted this week to reassign $6.9 million of the resort’s unassigned fund balance.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to transfer $6,943,000 from its unassigned fund balance to three reserve funds, a risk retention fund and a vehicle trust fund. City Manager Terry McGean said the transfers would put Ocean City in a better financial position in the coming years.

“We believe these recommendations are the prudent course of action,” he said.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“Ocean City is a tourism-based economy and, just as our business community has learned, we should prepare when times are good for the occasion when times are bad.”

In November, finance staff presented the Mayor and Council with a comprehensive financial report on the fiscal year 2023 budget, which ended June 30. At that time, officials learned the unassigned fund balance grew from $25.6 million in 2022 to $31.7 million in 2023.

“The increase was due to a combination of higher-than-expected revenues – mainly room tax and interest on investments – and lower-than-expected expen-

ditures, primarily in public safety, supplies and equipment,” McGean told the council Tuesday.

To that end, the city manager, Finance Director Chuck Bireley and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp met to discuss ways the town could reallocate some of its unassigned fund balance. In a presentation Tuesday, McGean said of the $31.7 million fund balance, $1.04 million was allocated to a fire apparatus fund, $1.5 million was allocated to a capital reserve fund, $794,000 was allocated to the Ocean City Development Corporation Parking Fund, and $18.3 million was kept in a rainy day fund, as required by the town’s 17% reserve fund policy.

“The remaining unassigned fund balance, unassigned and unreserved, is $9.9 million,” he said.

McGean told council members Tuesday the town has created three reserve funds – a capital reserve fund, which creates a funding source for large-scale infrastructure maintenance projects, a pension reserve fund, and a salary reserve, which covers anticipated cost-of-living adjustments. In fiscal year 2023, and in the current year, the town has had to use all three funds to absorb pension shortfalls, increased material costs and wage increases.

“The purpose of these three funds is to provide budget stability during this era of uncertainty,” he said.

To that end, McGean said staff recommended using some of the town’s unassigned fund balance to replenish those

December 1, 2023

reserves and plan for future cost increases. He recommended increasing the pension reserve fund by $2.5 million, increasing the salary reserve fund by $400,000 and increasing the capital reserve fund by $3 million.

“Total high priority capital projects estimated to come from that fund are about $2,242,000,” he said. “General fund street paving costs are forecasted to increase from $1.2 million to $1.8 million annually

by FY28. Therefore, we are recommending that $3 million of the fund balance be transferred to the capital reserve fund.”

McGean also recommended transferring $350,000 to the risk management fund and $684,000 to the vehicle trust fund, which will allow the town to cover increasing radio maintenance fees.

“Essentially, we either pay now or we pay later,” he said.

McGean told the council those allocations would leave $21.4 million in unassigned fund balance, or roughly 20% of operating expenditures. When asked if there was a desire to increase the reserve policy from 17% to 20%, McGean said there wasn’t.

“We increased it from 15% to 17%,” he said. “I think we’re pretty comfortable with where that is.”

After further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to transfer unassigned funds of $2.5 million to the pension reserve fund, $400,000 to the salary reserve fund, $3 million to the capital reserve fund, $350,000 to the risk retention fund and $684,000 to the vehicle trust fund.

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Town, Fire Company Disagree On Special Event Coverage

Page 20

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town could soon be issuing a request for proposals for ambulance coverage at special events.

A discussion at this week’s council

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

meeting highlighted the fact that the town and the Berlin Fire Company haven’t been able to come to an agreement regarding special event EMS coverage.

“It’s a difference of opinion on the placement of the apparatus,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “We as the Town of Berlin have de-

termined that the best place would be on site, that is a best practice. They believe the best placement would be at the firehouse. It’s a matter of agreeing to disagree but we’re not going to fund something that goes against what we’ve requested.”

At the end of Monday’s council meeting,

December 1, 2023

Councilman Jack Orris asked for an update on EMS coverage during special events. In October officials agreed to spend about $8,000 to fund extra shifts for Berlin Fire Company EMS to ensure there was adequate coverage during certain special events—including Ice Ice Berlin and New Year’s Eve. Tyndall told the council that though they’d requested an ambulance on site during those events, the fire company indicated that wouldn’t be happening.

“The fire company believes that’s not something they can do,” Tyndall said. “With that we still want EMS coverage downtown for events. I think we’re at a point where we probably need to start looking at issuing an RFP to see if we can get some coverage for downtown.”

He said the best practice was to have EMS on site.

“For Ice Ice Berlin, there were a number of issues that were cited, one of which was medications getting exposed to the temperatures,” he said. “No matter where you look it is not a best practice to turn the unit off during extreme temperatures. They keep idle for that very purpose, whether it’s in the summer or the winter... With that being said, I even said to the fire company that in addition to the charges for staff time the town would pay reasonable fuel costs if they speculated how much that would be in advance and they said they couldn’t comply with that.”

When asked if the town had the extra shift requested during Ice Ice Berlin, Tyndall said it did not. He stressed that the town should have on site coverage during special events though even if proposals had to be sought.

“We just need on site coverage. It’s something we can work toward I hope.

But I think and RFP should and would be a prudent route to take for EMS coverage.”

Councilman Dean Burrell said he was sure the fire company had a professional reason for recommending the ambulance be stationed at headquarters rather than within the event space.

“Try to be just a little more gentle when you’re dealing with the fire department and expect they would use their professional expertise when they’re offering an opinion of this nature,” he said.

In an interview Wednesday, David Fitzgerald, president of the fire company, said there were indeed reasons for the ambulance crew to cover the shift from the station on Main Street.

“Mr. Burrell put it nicely,” Fitzgerald said.

“The mayor and council should be listening to the professional opinions of our EMS officers.”

He said the ambulance was stationed at headquarters, which was only 500 feet away from the event perimeter, so traffic and crowding didn’t impact service.

“We can provide a much better response from headquarters,” Fitzgerald said.

He added that the fire and EMS study the town commissioned several years ago supported that.

“This is the mayor interfering in the operations of EMS and not respecting the opinions of EMS officers,” he said.

Fitzgerald added that the extra crew had in fact been on duty, at the firehouse, during Ice Ice Berlin.

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Jolly Roger Amusement Parks partnered with local nonprofit Diakonia Inc. for Giving Tuesday to start the season of giving off on the right foot.

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"Each year our team rallies together to actively engage and make a positive impact in the local community where we live, work, and play."

The impact of Giving Tuesday goes beyond charitable donations, it inspires giving in all forms. People coast to coast embrace this day as an opportunity to raise money for local charities and nonprofit organizations, donate to food and clothing drives, encourage kindness, help a neighbor, and generally celebrate the power of generosity.

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December 1, 2023

Attempted Kidnapping OCEAN CITY – A man is facing serious kidnapping and assault charges after two disturbing encounters with young children in the downtown area.

On Nov. 8, around 3:30 p.m., an Ocean City police officer was dispatched to the 7-Eleven on N. Division Street for “a suspicious male saying he wanted to ‘buy children,’ according to the statement of charges. When police, the man, Claudio Martinez, 43, of Ocean City, was outside the store.

Two individuals were inside the store waiting to speak with officers. The male told police he was in the store with his 4-year-old daughter when Martinez approached and grabbed his daughter’s arm at the cash register, which was directly by the door. The man said he pushed Martinez away because he feared he was going to grab his daughter and exit the store.

The other individual in the store, a woman from Texas, told police she was on the Boardwalk with her 2-year-old daughter when Martinez, who she did not know, began following her. According to the woman, Martinez “physically grabbed and picked up” her daughter, according to police reports. The woman said she left the Boardwalk due to feeling uncomfortable and went into the 7-Eleven on N. Division Street for help because Martinez was following them.

While one officer went outside to address Martinez, another officer had a conversation with the store clerk. After asking Martinez to leave the store, the clerk told police he said, “me buy kids,” according to the statement of charges.

The officer had a conversation with

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

COPS & COURTS Martinez in Spanish and English. Martinez told police he was only trying to help people but later admitted at first to consuming “five” beers and later said, “twelve.”

Martinez was charged with two second degree assault counts as well as one attempted kidnaping child under 16 charge.

Weapon, Disorderly Charges OCEAN CITY – An Eastern Shore man’s aggressive response to police questioning led to multiple charges.

On Nov. 26, around 2 a.m., an Ocean City police officer driving in a marked police cruiser around 34th Street noticed a Dodge Ram making a U-turn without its headlights on. The police officer flashed his headlights to let the driver, Tresvante Bivens, 25, of Princess Anne, know his headlights were not on. Bivens then activated his headlights while the police cruiser followed the vehicle to a convenience store on 26th Street.

A computerized check of the vehicle’s Virginia license plate found the vehicle was registered to Bivens who had failed within 60 days to register the vehicle in Maryland after moving to Princess Anne.

The computer check found Bivens was stopped on Oct. 18 by Maryland State Police for failing to apply for vehicle registration with Maryland. After investigating the physical condition of the vehicle, the Ocean City police officer found the truck to be unsafe to operate.

When the officer approached the vehi-

cle, Bivens refused to roll the window down initially. Bivens did eventually cooperate and speak with the officer. While making a call, Bivens complied with the request to provide his license, registration and insurance. Bivens could only provide his license, saying his “registration had been taken away,” according to the statement of charges.

Bivens began speaking on his phone in a loud voice in front of the officer, ignoring requests for the remaining documents. Bivens refused to listen to the officer and was told eventually the truck was going to be towed because it was unregistered vehicle. The officer told Bivens

Page 23 he was free to go after being given multiple citations.

Bivens refused to the leave the scene and instead tried to enter his truck, which was blocked by another officer who had responded. Bivens began yelling and became agitated, repeatedly trying to enter his vehicle and hindering police from further evaluation of the vehicle. Due to his heightened disorderly actions, Bivens was placed under arrest but repeatedly resisted handcuffs. Inside the vehicle police located a large black spring assisted knife in the glove compartment.

Along with numerous traffic violations, Bivens is charged with intentionally resisting arrest, obstructing and hindering an officer, two weapons possession violations, disorderly conduct and a noise violation.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

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FENWICK ISLAND – A request to seek funding for an engineering study will advance to the Fenwick Island Town Council.

At a recent meeting of the Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee, members voted unanimously to forward a request to seek grant funding to the town council with a favorable recommendation. Councilman Richard Benn, committee chair, said grant funding would be used to develop an engineering study to make Fenwick Island more resilient.

“The deadline for these grants is February 1, so we don’t have a lot of time,” he told committee members. “My proposal is that we recommend to council that we seek out a grant to do a microlevel engineering study to make our town more resilient to sea level rise.”

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

In a recent update regarding the town’s resiliency efforts, Benn told the committee he and committee member Susan Brennan had met with the University of Dela-

December 1, 2023

ware’s grant assistance program regarding grant funds that had recently become available. He said that funding could allow the town to complete an engineering study.

“The engineering study will help us specifically,” he said. “When you read the four-foot recommendation for raising the bulkheads in the AECOM resiliency study, it’s kind of not a hard number … I really feel like we need to harden our infrastructure, harden us against this. So we really need a firm that has a lot of experience in sea level rise.”

In order to seek grant funding, Benn told committee members the town must first seek cost estimates from engineering companies. Committee members ultimately agreed to seek proposals from several firms, including AECOM, Stantec and Arcadin.

“We need a better estimate of the cost,” Benn said.

For her part, Brennan said officials with the grant assistance program were impressed with the town’s recent resiliency study and information session. She said those actions would help the town secure grant funding.

“All those pieces helped to put the town in a good spot for grant funding, especially for this particular situation,” she said.

With no further discussion, the committee voted unanimously to forward the grant funding request to the town council with a favorable recommendation.

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Pines Board Revises Violations Policy

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines officials recently voted to revise the association’s policy and procedures for violations.

At its most recent meeting, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt policy and compliance procedures for violations of the association’s declarations of restrictions and architectural review committee (ARC) guidelines. Officials say the revised policy not only streamlines the process for addressing violations but conforms with state homeowners association laws enacted in 2022.

“We’re having to come into compliance with the Maryland HOA Act,” said Director Elaine Brady, liaison for the ARC committee. “There were a lot of board responsibilities that were at some point handed over to the ARC committee, which really our DRs do not allow. So we’re just righting the ship on the violations and how they are processed and handled, along with the streamlining of that document.”

As proposed, the revisions to Resolution M-01 detail the procedures to be followed by the ARC committee, general manager and the board of directors when enforcing the association’s declarations of restrictions and ARC guidelines. The document essentially outlines the steps the association and alleged violator must take when addressing complaints and violations.

“It makes for a cleaner document,” Brady said.

The document also details notices that will be sent to alleged violators and the process for requesting a hearing. Director Steve Jacobs, however, said he was suggesting an amendment to the resolution.

He said he wanted to ensure any alleged violator is informed of their rights to have someone join them at the hearing and to request a closed meeting.

“All this is is information going to the lot owner,” he said. “I think it improves the process.”

December 1, 2023

Jacobs suggested the information be included in the second notice to lot owners.

Brady, however, said she believed such information should be presented after a hearing is requested.

“Once they do that, we will be notifying them of a date and time, and I feel it’s much more appropriate to be in that letter to them, or however we are communicating to them …,” she said. “I think the information is premature by being in the second letter.”

Bruce Bright, the association’s attorney, also took issue with some of Jacobs’ suggestions. While he agreed an alleged violator could have an attorney present at a hearing, he questioned the reasoning for having anyone else join them.

“If, because of a disability or language barrier, an alleged violator needs the assistance of a family member, a relative or even a translator, it can be dealt with on a case-bycase basis as these hearings are happening,” he added.

Bright also took issue with Jacobs’ suggestion regarding a request for a closed meeting. He argued that hearings should be open.

“My view is that these hearings should be, under the law, open …,” he said. “We don’t ever want to be suggesting to the violator that it is their choice whether to have these hearings in closed session or not.”

Ultimately, Bright said he wanted to ensure the procedures outlined in Resolution M-01 conformed with state law.

“My view is that the OPA should be as close to adherent with what the statute requires as possible and not go beyond that, and certainly not do less than that,” he said. “This should provide the rights that exist under the statute and really should do no more than that.”

After further discussion, Jacobs made a motion to amend Resolution M-01 to include his suggested revisions. The motion failed for lack of a second.

The board then voted unanimously to approve revisions to Resolution M01 as presented on second reading.

Rec, Parks Dept. To Support County Fair

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Fair is expected to benefit from increased county support moving forward.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week agreed they wanted to see Worcester County Recreation and Parks take a larger role in the production of the county fair.

“I do feel we could grow this event provided we have the right support and partnerships in place,” said Kelly Rados, the county’s director of recreation and parks.

In an effort to sustain and grow the Worcester County Fair, Rados spoke to the commissioners last week about ways her department could get involved in the event going forward. She told the commissioners that while the fair board had already voted to schedule the next fair for July 12-15 2024, there were still opportunities for her department to be involved in the process.

Commissioner Ted Elder made a motion to have Rados’ staff get involved in fair production.

“The county fair is a bright spot in our community,” he said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked what kind of budgetary support the department would need. Rados said the budget for Harbor Day at the Docks was $38,500.

“It would be slightly north of that,” she said.

Commissioner Eric Fiori asked what the fair board’s date decision meant for the event.

Rados said that if the fair was held during the July dates, it would have to be held at Byrd Park as it has been in recent years.

She indicated that the county would like to see the event moved to John Walter Smith Park but that that location wasn’t available for the July dates. As far as whether her department would change the dates of the event, Rados said that was to be determined.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he felt county staff needed to communicate with the fair board to determine the best course forward.

“I think it’s woefully underdone so to speak where it is now,” Mitrecic said.

Fiori said another issue that should be considered as far as location was the fact that Byrd Park was prone to flooding.

Commissioner Diana Purnell agreed a collaboration between recreation and parks and the fair board could lead to a successful event.

“We need to work together for the future,” she said.

Rados said that if the 2024 event was already in motion, her department could provide support for the event while planning for a larger role the following year.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 1, 2023

People in Society Ava Sharpe and Evelyn Nellans were among the many children in town for Berlin’s tree lighting ceremony.

by Charlene Sharpe Featuring ose Helping Causes In e Resort Area

Melissa and Ed Reid are pictured with Heather Nottingham selling hot chocolate to raise money for the Taylor House Museum.

Colorado residents Andrew, Kaitlin and Millie Nellans attended the tree lighting in Berlin.

Lt. Shawn Simmons, Captain Angel Simmons and their daughters ring the bell for the Salvation Army at the tree lighting in Berlin.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, pauses for a photo with Jack Orris, a town council member, at Ice Ice Berlin.

Danielle and Nathan Brunet attended a poker tournament to raise money for scholarships for local students to attend Space Flight Academy.

Jake Wootten and Jake Blazer are pictured at the poker tournament held annually in memory of fellow Decatur grad Kenny Polk.

Ben Groves and Margo Luke attended the Kenny Polk Memorial Poker Tournament on Nov. 24.

Jake Wootten is pictured after winning the Kenny Polk Memorial Poker Tournament, which raises money for scholarships for local students.

Brian Hooks and Matt Stoehr paused for a photo at the Kenny Polk Memorial Poker Tournament.

Worcester Tech Students Find Success

December 1, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – Local students are finding success after high school with the trade skills they’re honing in the classrooms at Worcester Tech.

Less than two years after graduating, 10 former Worcester Technical High School students completed welding and heavy vehicle technology programs at Advanced Technology Institute (ATI).

Worcester Tech instructors traveled to Virginia Beach to celebrate their success.

“They can leave Worcester Tech and go straight to work, but by going through a trade school like ATI it helps them expand their possibilities and their earnings,” said Rick Stephens, Worcester Tech’s welding instructor.

Stephens, the longtime welding instructor at Worcester Tech, gives students a foundation in welding, teaching the basics of building and construction technology as well as welding.

Students are taught the process of oxy-acetylene and shielded metal arc welding as well as other specific processes. The program is affiliated with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

“That certification follows them through life,” said Worcester Tech’s Tammy Hearne.

Though the size of the room limits the welding class size to 26 students, those who complete the year-long program are quickly finding success in the field, according to Hearne and Stephens.

Though they leave Worcester Tech capable of going straight into the field, Stephens encourages them to further their instruction.

In recent years, more and more alumni have been enrolling at ATI. Dylan Braica said heading to ATI after completing Stephens’ program was an easy decision when he realized there were several other Worcester Tech students enrolling.

“We all transitioned together,” he said.

“I couldn’t imagine going by myself.”

With his certification from ATI in hand, Braica is now ready to apply for a fulltime welding position at a local company. While some ATI grads are in the process of applying for jobs, others are continuing their studies. Matthew Burns is going to stay to earn a certification for welding involved with naval construction.

He credits Worcester Tech and Stephens’ program in particular with helping him choose a career path he enjoys.

“He gave us the under-the-helmet time and he let us venture out and do what we wanted,” Burns said.

Braica agreed. He joined the welding program on a whim and enjoyed it so much he started having his dad drop him off at school early so he could practice.

“Mr. Stephens has one of the highest demand programs,” Worcester Tech Principal Tom Zimmer said. “There’s always a waiting list.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Zimmer said Stephens has developed a relationship with ATI so students can easily transition into the program if they want to further their welding education.

“It’s a win-win for everybody,” he said, adding that Stephens’ devotion to his students, as evidenced by his trip to Virginia to watch them graduate, was something that benefited them all. “The welding room quickly becomes a family.”

Murrie Wall, Burns’ mother, said she can’t thank her son’s Worcester Tech instructors enough. She believes the school offers students who are looking for hands-on jobs with a place to learn.

She says her son wouldn’t be where he is today without the school.

“He had mentors there,” she said. “It gave him the nontraditional outlook he needed.”

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Worcester Tech graduates who recently received certification at the Advanced Technology Institute are pictured with Worcester Tech teachers Tammy Hearne and Rick Stephens.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION

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

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

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

Christmas Parade Set For Ocean City

December 1, 2023

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City is adding to the holiday cheer with the 40th Annual Ocean City Christmas Parade marching along Coastal Highway on Saturday.

The holiday parade starts at 11 a.m. on Old Landing Road and marches northbound in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway to the judges’ stand at 120th Street.

The event will feature more than 60 units, including high school bands, antique cars, colorful holiday floats and more.

47 ABC WMDT Good Morning Delmarva Anchor Jordie Clark and DJ BK from Radio Ocean City will be the Masters of Ceremony. Professional judges will review bands and other units in nine categories, with trophies being awarded after conclusion of the parade.

Don’t miss the post-parade reception hosted by the Carousel Hotel, bringing additional family fun for participants and patrons alike. Festivities at the hotel will begin immediately after the parade conclusion and will include ice skating, a DJ playing continuous holiday music and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. In addition, complimentary winter refreshments will be available.

“We are really excited to continue the holiday celebrations and long tradition of the Ocean City Christmas Parade,” said Ocean City Special Events Director Frank Miller. “An extra special thanks goes out to our parade sponsors at Carousel Oceanfront Hotel and Condos, Coca-Cola, Dunkin Donuts and Food Lion, for helping us to continue this family favorite in Ocean City.”

OCPD Toy Drive Deadline Next Week

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has begun collecting new, unwrapped toys for its Annual Holiday Toy Drive.

This year, all toy donations will benefit Worcester County GOLD, a local nonprofit organization strives to promote dignity by providing financial aid to families in crisis, vulnerable adults, and children in foster care in Worcester County. This is the eighth year the toy drive has benefited Worcester County GOLD. All toys will be provided to Worcester County GOLD as part of their “Helping Hands for the Holidays” program. In 2022, Worcester County GOLD provided holiday gifts for over 550 children and 49 vulnerable adults.

New, unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the Public Safety Building, located at 6501 Coastal Highway. Worcester GOLD requests that all toys be valued at $40 or less, and not include jewelry, bicycles, electronics, video games, or toy weapons.

All monetary donations should be mailed to Worcester County GOLD, PO BOX 335, Snow Hill, Md. 21863 (Please put HHH on the memo line). Worcester GOLD can also accept monetary donations on their website, www.worcestergold.org/helping-hands-holidays/.

The deadline for all toy donations is Dec. 7.

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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COMMUNITY News In Photos

A horseback riding event held before Thanksgiving, the Turkey Trot Trail Ride, raised $360 for the Spirit Kitchen in Berlin. Kate Hulme, center, is pictured making the donation to Vicky Nock and Woody Wilson of Stevenson United Methodist Church.

Submitted Photos

The Republican Women of Worcester County recently held their annual dinner meeting at the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. Attending the meeting were, left to right, Delegate Wayne Hartman, Jean Delcher, newly elected president of RWWC, Sandy Zitzer, outgoing president of RWWC, U.S. Congressman Andy Harris and Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza.

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club conducted a youth identification project at Pocomoke Elementary School. Five classes of kindergarten students were fingerprinted on an identification form that will be given to their parents. Pictured, (left to right) in the front row are Michael Brown (former PES principal), Roger Pacella (former PES principal and Optimist member), Darlene Crippen (PES educational assistant), Sharyn O'Hare (Optimist member), Carole Spurrier (Optimist member), and Bill Hickey (Optimist member and youth ID chair). Pictured in the back row are Larry Campbell (Optimist member) and George Solyak (Optimist member).

Greg Goldman, regional vice president of Coldwell Banker Realty in the MidAtlantic, recently presented a check for $1,000 to the Ocean View Historical Society. Pictured, left to right, are Goldman, Irene Vrentzos, branch vice president, and Anne Powell, sales associate, with the Coastal Delaware office of Coldwell Banker Realty, and, Barbara Slavin, Ocean View Historical Society president.

Members of the Worcester County Garden Club were instructed on the basics of floral design from member Jackie Davies during a recent meeting. Davies is pictured with floral arrangements she created during her program.

Dion Jenkins and Lt. Shawn Simmons of Salvation Army received holiday gifts from Judy Davis, community service chair, Wicomico Retired School Personnel Association. WRSPA meets four times a year for fellowship, a speaker and lunch. The association works on legislative issues, including advocating for state pentions.

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Business and Real Estate News Promotions, New Hires BERLIN – Taylor Bank has announced a series of recent leadership promotions and new hires.

Debbie Rickards was promoted to branch operations manager. In this position, Rickards will oversee branch operations for multiple branches in partnership with our regional branch managers. In addition, she will assess and mitigate risk through inspection of our processes. Rickards has been a member of the Taylor Bank team since 2018.

Shawn Jacobs was promoted to branch manager of the South Ocean City branch.

Jacobs joined Taylor Bank in June of 2021 as customer service associate. He was promoted to team leader in 2022. In his new role, Jacobs will be responsible for oversight of the overall operation of the South Ocean City office.

Chris Murphy has joined the bank as branch manager of the North Ocean City branch. Murphy brings with her years of banking experience in Sussex County, where she has served in branch manager and relationship manager roles with Citizens Bank, County Bank and M&T Bank.

Kathy Warren was promoted to senior loan operations coordinator. A member of the Taylor Bank team since 2014, Warren previously served as senior loan processor and loan operations manager. In her new role, Warren will be the subject matter expert for the loan department, focusing on special projects, policy development, training, and processing complex loans.

Tammy Zink has joined the bank as loan operations manager. Zink brings with her 16 years of banking experience, where she has served in branch manager, loan officer, and loan processing roles. She will be responsible for loan closing and servicing functions, including leading the loan operations team.

Kristie Johnson has joined the bank as branch manager of the main office. Johnson brings with her 18 years of banking experience with banks including Wells Fargo, WSFS and Bank of America, formerly serving as senior branch manager for PNC in the Ocean City market.

Kayleigh Yarris has joined the bank as branch manager of the Ocean Pines branch. Yarris brings with her years of experience in branch management and personal banker roles with PNC Bank, Shore

Blue Water Development recently announced that its Sun Outdoors Frontier Town property has been named Mega Park of the Year Award at the 2023 Outdoor Hospitality Conference & Expo (OHCE), formerly known as the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) Awards. Above, Blue Water representatives are pictured with the company’s award.

Submitted Photo

Bank and Fulton Bank. She is active in the community, volunteering for such organizations as the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and Worcester Connects.

“It is a pleasure to congratulate Debbie, Shawn, and Kathy on their promotions and to welcome Chris, Tammy, Kristie, and Kayleigh to our team of outstanding banking professionals,” said Ray Thompson, president and CEO of Taylor Bank. “We look forward to the contributions their skills will provide to our banking operations, our customers, and our stockholders.”

Developer Recognized SALISBURY – Gillis Gilkerson Founder Palmer Gillis was recently presented with the 2023 Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame award.

The 2023 Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and Wicomico County Tourism Annual Awards Luncheon, held on Oct. 26, boasted nearly 200 attendees.

Each year, the awards luncheon acknowledges a variety of honorees for individual and professional achievements, however the Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for exceptional cases.

Recognizing the remarkable 40-year journey of Gillis Gilkerson in the business realm, the chamber found it fitting to confer the prestigious Hall of Fame honor upon Gillis in the same celebratory year.

The Hall of Fame award acknowledges an individual who has exhibited a history

of career achievement, a sustained commitment to the advancement of the region through unselfish leadership, a commitment to making a difference and unparalleled professionalism among their peers.

Gillis accepted the award from Maurice Ames, executive director for Maryland Capital Enterprises, an organization for which Gillis has a long history of fervent support. Community-minded with a pasPALMER GILLIS sion for economic development, downtown development, and the preservation of historic structures, Gillis has devoted much of his time and efforts to local community boards such as the Salisbury Wicomico Chamber of Commerce, the TidalHealth Foundation, Salisbury University Foundation, Greater Salisbury Committee, Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development, Salisbury Wicomico Planning and Zoning, and the Downtown Salisbury Committee, just to name a few.

“This community and its leaders made it possible for Gillis Gilkerson to succeed,” Gillis said, as he accepted the award.

“Having leaders who all pull in the same direction is what makes a community succeed.”

A graduate of James M. Bennet High School and Salisbury University, Gillis drafted a business plan in the back of his Printing Plus office in downtown Salisbury

in 1983 that would become Gillis Builders and soon broke ground on its first projects in Ocean City, Md. Gillis emphasizes that immediately upon obtaining his business license, his inaugural order of business was to become a member of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

Over 40 years and more than 2,000 major construction projects, Gillis, his partners, and team members transformed a small commercial construction firm into one of the largest, most versatile full-service general contractors on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Over the years, Gillis’ official role has changed from president to CEO, principal and now founder, but he has remained actively involved in many of the projects the company pursues.

College Unionizes SALISBURY – Empowering themselves to improve working and learning conditions, the full-time faculty at WorWic Community College (WWCC) have decided to unionize with the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA).

On October 27, the Public Employee Relations Board certified MSEA as the faculty’s bargaining agent.

“We advocated for years to give community college employees greater voice and strength,” said MSEA President Cheryl Bost. “Having union representation will improve their working conditions, economic livelihood, and the learning environment for community college faculty and their students.”

“I want WWCC to be the best community college it can be and that can only be done with a union helping to protect our rights and provide the unified voice we need to create an environment that professors will thrive in,” said WWCC computer studies professor and faculty organizer Kevin Justice.

Community college faculty obtained the right to organize through collective bargaining legislation, House Bill 894/-Senate Bill 746, that MSEA and other labor allies advocated to pass in 2021. The law allowed faculty to begin organizing in the second half of 2022.

MSEA has raised awareness about the power of union voice, the success of organizing to improve working conditions, and the benefits of membership in a union of 75,000 educators across the state and three million across the country who will support their colleagues.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 1, 2023

Each year, Ocean City Elementary School physical education teachers Tracey Drocella and Mark Engle take students in grades 2-4 to the Boardwalk for a five mile fitness walk. The walk helps to raise awareness of the importance of being physically active. After they've completed the walk, the Ocean City Beach Patrol teaches a lesson on beach and water safety. Fourth graders are pictured after their walk and lesson with their teachers.

Submitted Photos

STUDENTS In The News

Worcester Preparatory School’s ninth grade class embarked on an exciting adventure to the Iron Pony Adventure Park in Chincoteague, Va., last month. Students indulged in an array of activities, creating memories and building confidence on the aerial adventure course. The park offered more than 30 aerial obstacles spread across two levels, allowing students to push themselves to new heights. Students were fully secured with safety harnesses as they traversed ladders, tight ropes, and balance beams, crossed shaky bridges and cargo nets and finished with a daring, 26-foot-high, pony plunge. Following the ropes course adventure, students enjoyed lunch at Shad Landing in Pocomoke River State Park.

The students are pictured above. Above right, Ben Holloway tests his balancing skills on the course. Bottom right, freshman Emma Nordstrom made it look easy as she made her way through the aerial ropes course.

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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

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

TOWN OF BERLIN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITUNITIES VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS Current Open Positions: Special Projects Administrator, Customer Service Representative, Police Officers, and Police Communications Officers (dispatchers). Training opportunities available.

We are seeking motivated individuals to come work for the Town of Berlin. Overview of employee benefits: Members of the Maryland State Retirement System (LEOPS for Police Officers), a competitive health benefits package including a health reimbursement account, employer-paid life insurance, 100% tuition reimbursement, vacation accruals based on tenure, 12 sick days per year, 15 paid holidays per year, and two personal days per year, and much more!

Apply: Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a confidential Town of Berlin application for employment, a resume, and three professional references to the Town’s Human Resources Director at kjensen@berlinmd.gov. Applications can be found under our employment section at www.berlinmd.gov or you can call 410-641-2770 and arrange to pick one up at 10 William Street Berlin, MD 21811.

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

Call 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Dispatch Legal Notices

ROOMMATE HOUSESHARE: Full house privileges. $700 per mo. WiFi & util’s incl. except cable. In desireable Montego Bay, OC. Prefer to rent to male 20-30s.

Young man already on premises. No pets (cat on site) No smoking indoors. Bkgrnd, credit & income verification.

Call Mary Ellen 973-270-3613 –––––––––––––––––––––––– ROOM FOR RENT: Near 28th St, Bayside. $900 per month + security deposit. Please text: 443-614-4523.

–––––––––––––––––––––––– HOUSE SHARING: Nice house, 94th Street area. Enclosed hot tub room, other amentities. Nice pets considered. Seeking employed males 20-30 years old who have their life together. Winter or year round. $600/month plus utilities. Text Rob, 410-726-5200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

AIR B & B RENTAL IN WEST OC AVAILABLE DIRECT! NO EXTRA FEES 4 Bed 3.5 Bath Home Walking distance to all West OC restaurants!

Bring the family home this year for the Holidays and Winter fun in OC! Or rent until May! Fully furnished.

Only $199 a night and we allow Pets!

Email me direct at kimatdfg@aol.com for details!

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Third Insertion MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19966 To all persons interested in the estate of BARBARA BRENNAN CULHANE, Estate No. 19966. Notice is given that CRAIG J. CULHANE, whose address is 150 MAIN STREET, APT 2426, LONGMONT, CO 80501 and KATHLEEN E. CULHANE, whose address is 707 CARROLL STREET, APT 1 L,

BROOKLYN, NY 11215, were on NOVEMBER 7, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of BARBARA BRENNAN CULHANE, who died on OCTOBER 24, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of APRIL, 2024.

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 38

December 1, 2023

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

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 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

CRAIG J. CULHANE KATHLEEN E. CULHANE Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 11-17, 11-24, 12-1

Third Insertion VICTOR H. LAWS, ESQ. LAWS, INSLEY & BENSON, PA 209 E. MAIN STREET PO BOX 75 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0075

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19972

To all persons interested in the estate of BETTY JEAN POWELL, Estate No. 19972.

Notice is given that NANCY P. DONOWAY, whose address is 6679 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, NEWARK, MD, 21841 and BONNIE P. LEWIS, whose address is 6704 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, NEWARK, MD, 21841, and H. WATSON POWELL, JR. whose address is 6570 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, NEWARK, MD 21841 were on NOVEMBER 9, 2023, appointed Personal Represen-

tatives of the estate of BETTY JEAN POWELL, who died on OCTOBER 19, 2023, with a will.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 17, 2023 NANCY P. DONOWAY BONNIE P. LEWIS H. WATSON POWELL, JR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 11-17, 11-24, 12-1

Third Insertion STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN ESQ. SCALES LAW GROUP

11032 NICHOLAS LANE STE A202 BERLIN, MD 21811 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19957 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY KATHLEEN WARD AKA: MARY K WARD, Estate No. 19957.

Notice is given that TONI KNOBLOCH, whose address is 10212 WILLOWBROOK DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on NOVEMBER 8, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARY KATHLEEN WARD, who died on SEPTEMBER 15, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of MAY, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 17, 2023 TONI KNOBLOCH Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 11-17, 11-24, 12-1

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19962 To all persons interested in the estate of GAIL LYNN BISHOP, Estate No. 19962.

Notice is given that BARBARA BISHOP JANKIEWICZ, whose address is 37305 HIDDEN BAY DRIVE, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975, was on NOVEMBER 8, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of GAIL LYNN BISHOP, who died on OCTOBER 17, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of MAY, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 17, 2023

BARBARA BISHOP JANKIEWICZ Personal Representative True Test Copy

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 24, 2023

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 11-17, 11-24, 12-1

KIMBERLY A. KOCHERA Personal Representative True Test Copy

Second Insertion COATES, COATES & COATES, PA RAYMOND D. COATES, JR, ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19950

Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of WESTMORELAND, PA, appointed KIMBERLY A. KOCHERA, 46 BEL AIRE DRIVE, DELMONT, PA 15626, as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of JUDITH V. CYMEK, who died on JANUARY 9, 2023, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300,OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND coun ties: 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, 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 11-24, 12-1, 12-8

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19981 To all persons interested in the estate of NAOMI ETHEL SMITH TAYLOR, Estate No. 19981. Notice is given that KENNETH TAYLOR, whose address is 10441 NEW QUAY ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on NOVEMBER 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of NAOMI ETHEL SMITH TAYLOR, who died on NOVEMBER 5, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of MAY, 2024.

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

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com 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 NOVEMBER 24, 2023 KENNETH TAYLOR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 11-24, 12-1, 12-8

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19965 To all persons interested in the estate of LIDIJA ULDRIKIS, Estate No. 19965.

Notice is given that KAREN ADCOCK, whose address is 41 GLOUCESTER ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on NOVEMBER 17, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of LIDIJA ULDRIKIS, who died on 0CTOBER 22, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17th day of MAY, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication NOVEMBER 24, 2023 KAREN ADCOCK Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 11-24, 12-1, 12-8

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19868 To all persons interested in the estate of LAWRENCE JOSEPH MCCARTY, Estate No. 19868. Notice is given that MICHAEL L. MCCARTY, whose address is 145 S. HAVILAND AVENUE, AUDUBON, NJ 08106, was on NOVEMBER 21, 2023, ap-

pointed Personal Representatives of the estate of LAWRENCE JOSEPH MCCARTY, who died on JULY 22, 2023, with a will.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 1, 2023

MICHAEL L. MCCARTY Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-1, 12-8, 12-15

Do You Know 9,000 People Get The Dispatch’s Daily Buzz Every Day?

Any person having a claim

Sign Up At www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Page 39

Tourism Officials Honored At Annual Maryland Summit

Page 40

ANNAPOLIS – Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) received top accolades for making major contributions to state tourism during the 42nd annual Maryland Travel and Tourism Summit.

WCTED Director Melanie Pursel was named Tourism Advocate of the Year.

Pursel and her team earned the prestigious Office of Tourism Development (OTD) Leveraging Partnerships Award for their Maryland’s Coast Adventures project. They also received the Cooperative Partnership Award and three additional awards for excellence during the summit.

"We are especially excited to be recognized by the OTD for Maryland's Coast Adventures, which is a strategically crafted video series to lure visitors to explore the hidden gems and small businesses within the region,” Pursel said. “The series attracts enthusiastic viewership on social channels, such as Facebook and YouTube. It also runs out of market weekly on the Mid Atlantic Sports Network as well as on AT&T Sports Net. You can also find us four times daily on the Resort Video Guide in both Ocean City and Rehoboth via Comcast and Mediacom. The impact of this partnership transcends state lines, resonating with audiences in neighboring states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, New York, Ohio, and North Carolina, with the goal of generating overnight room stays, multiple and longer visits, introduc-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 1, 2023

During the 42nd Annual Maryland Travel and Tourism Summit, Maryland Tourism Coalition Board member Sara Simon presented several awards to local individuals, including, from left, Melanie Pursel with the 2023 Tourism Advocate of the Year Award; Brianna Dix with the New Professional of the Year Award; and Michele Burke with the Ambassador of the Year Award.

Submitted Photos

ing new audiences to our amazing assets, and boosting revenue to the county.”

Pursel received the Tourism Advocate Award for her numerous contributions to furthering local and state tourism, to include successfully leading legislative initiatives and maintaining an unwavering commitment to heightening the awareness of the tourism industry and its impact on the economy.

In addition, Brianna Dix, WCTED advertising and destination marketing spe-

cialist, earned the New Professional of the Year Award, as a newcomer to Maryland tourism whose spirit and commitment exemplify the ideal of the tourism profession.

Michele Burke, WCTED business development and retention specialist, earned the coveted Ambassador of the Year Award. Her achievements in the field of tourism, including increasing members, promoting, and cheerleading to grow the Maryland Tourism Coalition’s efforts statewide, exemplify the mission

of the Maryland Tourism Coalition.

The coalition also crowned the Maryland's Coast 2023 Official Visitors Guide with the Best Printed Promotional Material Award for promoting tourism in Worcester County.

WCTED also earned the Cooperative Partnership Award for the Chesapeake Country All American Road Byway Alliance, a touring campaign that promotes multiple destinations, businesses, and organizations.

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

SPORTS In The News Decatur Earns State Title Bid: The Stephen Decatur football team

won a thriller over Milford Mill Academy last Friday at home, 35-34, to earn a championship game bid against Huntingtown last night. The game ended too late to include in this edition. Left, senior Careen Bolden, who played quarterback in the second half, was a star in the game, scoring two touchdowns including this 14-yard scoring reception. Above, senior quarterback Brycen Coleman secures the key first down with under a minute left in the game. Below, senior Gavin Solito makes a tackle.

Photos by J.P. Cathell Photography

WPS Fall Sports Awards:

Worcester Prep recently announces its fall varsity sports award winners. Cross country winners, pictured above left, were as follows: Boys MVP/ESIAC Honorable Mention: Jake Timmons; Coaches Award: Jackson Fernley; and Most Improved Player/ESIAC All-Conference: Paxton Mault; Girls MVP/ESIAC All-Conference: Ayla Yonker; Coaches Award: Catherine Cullen; MIP: Angie Todorov; ESIAC Honorable Mention: Anisha Batra. Above right, varsity boys winners included: MVP, ESIAC All-Conference & ESIAC Player of the Year: Dylan McGovern; Coaches Award/ESIAC All-Conference: Cole Campbell; MIP/ESIAC Honorable Mention: Max Carpenter; ESIAC All-Conference: Ben McGovern, Hunter Simons and Connor Ferguson.

Below left, varsity girls soccer winners were as follows: MVP/ESIAC All-Conference: Claire Windrow; Coaches Award/ESIAC All-Conference: Abby Ament; MIP: Emma Nordstrom; and ESIAC Honorable Mention: Danielle Carr. Below middle, varsity golf MVP, ESIAC All-Conference & ESIAC Player of the Year: Mike DePalma; Coaches Award/ESIAC All-Conference: Aleksey Klimins; MIP/ESIAC All-Conference: Owen West; ESIAC All-Conference: Vanesska Hall, Karrigan Russell-Wood, and Kain Crossett. Varsity volleyball winners, below right, MVP/ESIAC All-Conference: Natasha Richter; Coaches Award/ESIAC Honorable Mention: Esi Mehilli; MIP: Haven Harrison; and ESIAC All Conference: Sara Freih.

Submitted Photos

Busy December Planned At Arts Center

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Author Featured:

Local author Hunter “Bunk” Mann recently presented a copy of his latest book Ocean City Chronicles to John King, president of the Lower Delmarva Genealogy Society, at its November meeting.

Mann spoke on the important contributions to Ocean City and Worcester County of three former mayors Hugh Cropper, Jr., Harry W. Kelley and Roland “Fish” Powell.

Submitted Photo

December 1, 2023

OCEAN CITY – First Friday, Dec. 1, celebrates the holidays at the Ocean City Center for the Arts with two group shows, a small works show, plus an artisan fair. The First Friday event is free and runs from 5-7 p.m., and all are welcome.

Complimentary refreshments, courtesy of PKS Investments, will be served, and Michael Castoro of Ocean Pines, Md., will play the bagpipes.

The Thaler Gallery at the Arts Center features the Annual Members Group Show featuring artwork in all media by members of the Art League of Ocean City. David Smith, the Art League’s Orem & Harriet Robinson Fellow for 2023, will jury the exhibition and award cash prizes. The Sisson Galleria features the Best of 2023, artwork that won awards during exhibits of the past year. Studio E features Small Works, small in size and affordable in price for holiday giving.

The annual Artisan Fair fills the Arts Center for two days with handcrafted items made by local and regional artists. The artists will display their creations during the First Friday art open-

ing and also on Saturday. Items offered include one-of-a-kind jewelry, ceramics, fiber art, and more.

On Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the fair continues with the artisans, plus book signings by local authors, a bake sale, and a community weaving project.

Natalie Blanton of Berlin exhibits her paintings in the Spotlight Gallery in December. The power and purity of water inspires her, and her goal is to evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility through her paintings. Blanton also runs her own candle-making business, Honey Water Candles.

Svetlana McCoy-Rusanova of Linden, N.J., is the artisan for December.

The jeweler works in silver, gold, and copper and sets them with precious and semi-precious stones. She is inspired by the beauty and energy of stones, crystals, and natural materials including sea glass, shells, pearls, and amber, and by her experience as a gardener and flower arranger.

All shows will be on display until Dec. 30. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-5249433.

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cannabis law sets locations, Bans on-site consumption

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County officials approved emergency legislation that will govern the locations of future cannabis dispensaries.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week voted unanimously to approve legislation that will require dispensaries to maintain a minimum separation distance of 2,000 feet from a pre-existing primary or secondary school, a licensed childcare center, a playground, recreation center, library or public park, and from other licensed dispensaries.

The commissioners have been working toward the new regulations since statewide cannabis changes were implemented earlier this year. Jennifer Keener, the county’s director of development review and permitting, approached the commissioners this summer seeking guidance regarding the county’s zoning approach to cannabis.

The elected officials made it clear they wanted larger separation distances than those permitted by the state.

Keener used the commissioners’ input and worked with the county attorney to draft a bill addressing cannabis establishments. When she presented it this fall, she also provided the commissioners with a map showing the distances between the two existing dispensaries and local schools and childcare facilities.

The ordinance presented includes provisions for dispensaries permitted after July 1, 2023, that requires them to maintain a minimum separation distance of 2,000 feet from a pre-existing primary

Page 43

or secondary school, a licensed childcare center, a playground, recreation center, library or public park, and from other licensed dispensaries.

“This Public Health Article bill sets forth the dispensary separation distances we discussed at your September meeting,” she said. “The state automatically opted us in based on state law for certain distances. You recommended to enhance those. So this bill does that. A new dispensary shall maintain a separation distance of 2,000 feet from primary, secondary schools, daycare cen-

ters, registered family daycare homes, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, public parks and other licensed dispensaries. The bill also establishes a prohibition on on-site cannabis consumption establishments.”

Following a public hearing during which no one commented, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve the bill.

As emergency legislation, which requires a 6/7 commissioner vote, the bill takes effect on the date of its passage.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 1, 2023

Best Beats On The Beach Who’s Where When CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Dec. 2: No More Whiskey

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

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

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Dec. 1: Keith White Duo Wednesday, Dec. 6: Carley Twigg CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Dec. 1: Rogue Citizens Saturday, Dec. 2: Risky Business FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Dec. 1: DJ RobCee, DJ Greg Saturday, Dec. 2: DJ Stinson, DJ Greg

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

CARLEY TWIGG Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Dec. 6

KARAOKE W/ WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday & Saturday, Dec. 1 & 2

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

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

Who’s Where When

ROGUE CITIZENS Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Dec. 1

POP STEREO Purple Moose Saloon: Saturday, Dec. 2

KEITH WHITE DUO Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Dec. 1

THE DUNEHOUNDS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Dec. 2

DUST N BONES DUO Cork Bar: Saturday, Dec. 2

KONO NATION Seacrets: Saturday, Dec. 2

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 1

NO MORE WHISKEY Coins Pub: Saturday, Dec. 2

BOY SCOUT TROOP 2173

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR SAT., DEC. 9TH 10AM-3PM • SELBYVILLE B.P.O. ELKS LODGE

VENDORS • AUCTIONS • BAKE SALE PRIZES • FOOD • FUN • UNIQUE GIFTS HOMEMADE SCENTED CANDLES & JEWELRY FOOD MADE & SOLD BY THE ELKS LODGE

PLUS - TROOP 2173 IS PREPARED TO RESPECTFULLY RETIRE ANY FLAGS BRING THEM TO THE EVENT

13308 WORCESTER HWY/RT. 113 BISHOPVILLE, MD FREE PARKING For additional information, call Eileen Dudley 443.880.7180

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Dec. 2: Dunehounds Sundays: Beats By DeoGee Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Saturday, Dec. 2: Pop Stereo SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 1: DJ Tuff, Full Circle Duo, Starlight Anthem Saturday, Dec. 2: DJ Tuff, DJ Cruz, South Penn Dixie, Kono Nation Thursday, Dec. 7: Blake Haley, DJ Connair

Page 46

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

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

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

Call 410-459-9100.

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

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

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do locations. All are welcome.

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

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting The Caregiver Support Group will continue to meet on the second and fourth Thursdays in the Ocean Pines Library.

Meetings will run from 3-4:30 p.m. The meetings are private and confidential.

Dec. 2: Cookie Walk Christmas Cookie Walk and Crafts, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin. Cookies and other sweets sold by the pound. Christmas wreaths and other craft items for sale. For more information call 410-641-2186 or email Bethany 21811@gmail.com.

Dec. 2: Christmas Bazaar Stevenson UMC will host on 123 N. Main Street, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Vendors, bake table, silent auction and white elephant sale. Lunch will be available includ-

ing vegetable beef soup and pulled pork sandwiches.

Dec. 2: Fried Chicken Buffet An all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet will be offered from 11 a.m. until at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 36540 Mt Pleasant Road, Willards, Md. 21874.

Vegetables, beverage and dessert included with dine-in Carryout platters available. No pre-orders. Adults $15, children $7.50, kids under 6 are free. 410-8358340.

Dec. 2: Winter Ball Randy’s Crew, a nonprofit aiming to provide charitable support to the local community, will present a Victorian Christmas Winter Ball at The Globe in Berlin from 6 p.m. until. Event will feature a Victorian dinner buffet, butlered appetizers, cash bar, entertainment by DJ Magellan, silent auction, raffles, horse and carriage rides through Berlin and more. The event will honor Randy’s Rock Star Award Winners Mike and Susan Reynolds of Northern Building Restoration, Inc. Tickets required at $75 person. www.randycrew.com for tickets or contact Wayne Littleon at 443-978-0680 or email randyspaw99@gmail.com.

Dec. 2-3: Christmas Carnival Trimper Rides will host from noon-5 p.m. Unique vendors/activities, indoor rides and access to Black Friday sales for deals. Meet Santa in person for free and share your holiday wishes. $2 indoor rides trimperrides.com.

Dec. 3: Frosty Family Festival The Wicomico Civic Center will deck the halls and the arena for the inaugural Frosty Family Festival from noon-4 p.m.

The Civic Center will transform into a winter wonderland for the day, courtesy of Delmarva Christmas Lights. Attendees can enjoy festive live music, craft vendors and wandering holiday characters.

Tickets include unlimited access to the Water Boyz Inflatables bounce house village and the opportunity to create an ornament and write a letter to Santa. For an additional fee, families can take photos with Santa or warm up with a festive drink at the hot cocoa bar. Food, drinks and adult beverages will also be available for purchase.

Dec. 3: Holiday Joy Concert Mid-Atlantic Symphony will perform at Performing Arts Center at 3 p.m. Featuring Claire Galloway, Soprano and Rob McGinness, Baritone.

Dec. 8: Christmas Concert Hosted by Stevenson United Methodist Church, the Arlene Reichert Memorial Concert Series presents Community Christmas Concert and Traditional Carol Sing-along at 6:30 p.m. Featuring Stevenson UMC organist Ty Thompson, S. Paul UMC Concert Choir, Buckingham Elementary School Choir, Whatcoat UMC Chancel Choir and Stevenson UMC Praise Band. A love offering will be taken to benefit St. Paul UMC Stained Glass Restoration Fund. Fun

December 1, 2023 for the entire family.

Dec. 9: Cookies Sale St. Mary's Episcopal Church Annual "Cookies By the Pound" Sale, 9 a.m.noon at 18 Third Street, Pocomoke City.

We will have loads of beautiful and tasty homemade cookies, candies and other treats for sale for only $8 a pound. We do the baking, all you have to do is select which cookies you want for only $8 a pound. Perfect for gifts or for yourself.

Be sure to come early for the best selection. We will also hold a basket silent auction during the sale.

Dec. 9: Holiday Craft Show From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Selbyville Elks 2173, 13308 Worcester Highway, Bishopville, Md. 21813. There will be 15 different vendors. There will be a bake sale table, Chinese Auction and the Elks will have burgers and hotdogs for sale. If you are interested in becoming a Boy Scout with Troop 2173 you must be 11 years old or in the fifth grade. If you wish to donate or have any questions about this event, call Eileen Dudley at 443-880-7180.

Dec. 9: Ocean City Comic Con Convention Center 40th St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Features hundreds of guests, vendors, exhibitors, cosplayers, and artists on the show floor. Kids 10 & older $12, kids 9 & under free. oceancitycomiccon.com.

Dec. 9: Anglers Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library.

There will be a summary of this year’s kids fishing events, Teach A Kid To Fish and The Youth Fishing Contest. Also the Walt Boge Memorial Fishing Contest awards will be presented and all things fishing discussed. Members are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or donation for Diakonia shelter. All welcome.

Dec. 12: Feast Day Celebration St. Paul’s by-the-Sea will celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe and invite the community to a special Holy Eucharist service at 6 p.m., which will begin with a procession outside following the statue of the Virgin Mary into the church through the red doors. Bulletins will be provided with English and Spanish translations, side by side so everyone will be able to follow the service.

After the service, there will be a celebration in the church hall which will include Mexican music and food that is traditional for the occasion.

Things To Do activities are printed free of charge. To ensure that an event is listed in a timely manner, please submit information as early as possible, since all items will be listed in advance as space permits. Be sure to include the date, name of event, time, location, address and a contact number. Email to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com; fax to 410-6410966; or mail to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 48

Things I Like...

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

December 1, 2023

WITH BUNK MANN

By Steve Green

Holiday toy drives for needy kids

Teens who take their shoes off at the door The post-floss feeling

A fake Christmas tree that looks real Crying kids with Santa pictures Sundays of chili and football Jeffrey Auxer’s ornaments

Blowing a pile of big orange leaves

Working out on Thanksgiving morning

A heated steering wheel in the morning Silly beer commercials

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 58

Ocean City looked much different in this aerial photo taken in 1946 between 14th and 15th streets.

The large building in the center was the original Commander Hotel before its second wing was added and the vacant space to its left is today the site of the Beach Plaza Hotel and its adjoining parking lot. The building to the left of and behind the Commander was the old “Catholic Home” — originally the St. Rose’s Summer Home for Orphans built in 1898. The Boardwalk ended at 15th Street where Harrison Hall would be built in 1951. The long black structures leading into the ocean were wooden jetties intended to stabilize the beach from erosion.

The most noticeable change is the look of the bayside, which was almost completely empty of development in 1946.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishinPhoto from Bunk Mann’s collection goc.com.

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A project benefits from your organizational skills, which get it up and running.

Your success leaves a favorable impression. Don't be surprised if you get some positive feedback soon.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Spend time on practical matters until the end of the month. Then begin shifting your focus to more artistic pursuits.

Resist being overly self-critical. Just allow yourself to feel free to create.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Restarting those creative projects that you had set aside for a while will help provide a much-needed soothing balance to your hectic life. Besides, it will be like meeting with old friends again.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): A change in plans could make it tough to keep a commitment. But stay with it.

You'll get an A-plus for making the effort to do what's right and not taking the easy way out by running off.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): The Lion's enthusiasm for a workplace policy review is admirable. But be sure you know who is really behind the resistance to change before pointing your finger at the wrong person.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): You can expect to have a lot of work through the end of the month. Devote the rest of the week to checking your plans in case some need to be adjusted to accommodate changes.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Try to avoid signing on the dotted line in the

early part of the week. You need time to study issues that weren't fully explored.

The first week of next month might be more favorable for decision-making.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A new development could snarl travel schedules or other holiday projects.

Some flexibility might be called for to deal with problems before they get too far out of hand.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Relatives seek your advice on a matter that you'd rather not be involved in. If so, use your sage Sagittarian tact to decline the "offer" so that no one's feelings are needlessly hurt.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): A shift in planning direction might help you speed up your progress toward achieving that long-planned goal. Trusted colleagues are ready to offer some valuable support.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): An unexpected demand for the settlement of an old loan could create some holiday anxiety. But you might not really owe it.

Check your records thoroughly before remitting payment.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): It's a good time to get into the social swim and enjoy some well-earned fun and games with those closest to you before you have to resume more serious activities next week.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your ability to sense the needs of others makes you a wise counselor for those seeking help with their problems. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

9925 Stephen Decatur Highway, Suite #4 • West OC 21842 aharrison@mainstreethl.com www.AshleyRHarrison.com 443-614-5742

… Berlin Welcomes Holiday Season With ‘Shop Small’ Message

December 1, 2023

FROM PAGE 6 you’re supporting someone’s dream,” she said.

She said what makes Berlin so special is the fact that its merchants work together to ensure shoppers, whether they’re visitors or locals, have an experience every time they come to Berlin.

“I love our business community,” she said. “It’s a group of hardworking women who all support each other.”

This year, businesses banded together to extend shopping hours for the holiday season with the new “Sip & Shop” promotion on Fridays. Shops have extended Friday evening hours until 8 p.m. to give visitors more time to enjoy the town’s festive holiday atmosphere while exploring the downtown’s array of shops. Within their shops, merchants are offering free tastings of local wines, mead and craft beers.

“We hope this will bring even more joy to the holiday shopping experience and encourage shoppers to explore the magic of downtown,” Wells said.

Ryan Nellans, executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, said another cooperative effort meant to support local businesses was a new display in the “Garrett Journal” window across from the Atlantic Hotel. The display features products made by 30 different artists, authors and craftsmen in Berlin. The window display contains spirits from Forgotten 50 Distilling, mead from the Buzz Meadery, clothing from Heart of Gold, olive oil from Una Bella Salute and dozens of other products made in Berlin.

“Not everyone has a storefront on Main Street,” Nellans said. “This is just a celebration of what small businesses in Berlin can do.”

He believes both merchants and shoppers are looking forward to December in Berlin.

“The holiday season for merchants today is exactly what it was for people that celebrated similar holidays hundreds of years ago,” Nellans said. “It’s the last big push before we all hide away and hibernate through the cold, slow winter months.

It’s something bright and happy to look forward to in the cold gloom, and an opportunity to fortify those social bonds with friends and family that carry us through to spring.”

For the month of December, Berlin will celebrate the season with a variety of special activities. In addition to Sip & Shop on Friday evenings, Merry Marketplace will feature vendors on Artisans Green Dec. 2, Dec. 9 and Dec. 16. The town will also offer free horse-drawn carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23. In addition, children can visit Santa at Kringle Kottage between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each weekend through Dec. 23.

The town will host its Christmas parade on Dec. 7 and a Hanukkah celebration at The Inn Berlin on Dec. 14.

Berlin Delays LDC Letter

December 1, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Officials opted to delay approval of a motion addressing concerns from the board that monitors how casino impact grants are spent.

The Berlin Town Council this week tabled a motion acknowledging the Local Development Council (LDC) desire that the town work toward funding LEOPS (the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System) with more than just casino impact grants.

“The language of this motion does not commit you to anything, it simply makes public that you’re acknowledging the concerns and the request of the LDC,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “I don’t see any harm in holding off on this.”

Last month, when Berlin officials presented the LDC with a multi-year plan for casino revenue spending, LDC officials made it clear they didn’t think the town should depend on casino impact grants as the sole source of funding for LEOPS. The LDC approved the town’s fiscal year 2024 -2026 plan but made it clear that the town should work to decrease the Local Impact Grant (LIG) funding being used to pay for LEOPS over time.

“They approved our FY 24, 25, 26 plan and that that request was for us to

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

acknowledge that we understood that the group, the LDC, would like to see the town phase out LEOPS payments using the LIG grant,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

He said the town needed to be careful with the wording of its motion, however, because officials couldn’t bind future councils with it.

“I think we need to acknowledge the request of the LDC and I think we need to make a good faith effort to comply with the things we said we would comply with but we cannot bind the future council to certain things,” he said.

Councilman Jay Knerr asked if there was any harm in submitting a revised multi-year plan that showed the reduction in reliance on LIG funding for LEOPS. Tyndall said that wasn’t necessary because the LDC had approved the plan the town had submitted.

“There’s no need right this moment but for FY27, we may, in order to get consensus of the LDC, have to begin moving some things around,” Tyndall said.

Knerr said he felt the council should get the wording of the motion right the first time. Tyndall agreed.

“We have time,” he said.

The council voted unanimously to table the motion to finalize the best language for it.

“I don’t see any harm in holding off on this,” Bohlen said.

Page 51

Mayor Zack Tyndall and the Berlin Town Council tabled a motion acknowledging concerns from the Local Development Council and are expected to approve it at a future meeting.

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… Officials Debate Parking Impacts Federal Grant To Fund Water Project

December 1, 2023

FROM PAGE 5 parking.

“Reading the transcript and listening to the hearings, the concern of the planning commission was that the space could ultimately become a bedroom, which would maybe require more parking, but the code already provides for additional parking if it’s a bedroom,” he said. “So I don’t know if we should really be punishing a bonus room or rec area that’s not a bedroom with additional parking requirements. I think the planning commission’s concern about parking is already well established in the code by requiring a half space for a bedroom if it's a bedroom.”

With that said, Buas made a motion to approve the planning commission’s recommendations and move it to a first reading, but with the omission of the proposed parking regulations. Mayor Rick Meehan, however, said parking needed to be addressed.

“I think that’s part of the problem is the fact these areas are built and later turned into living spaces, that there is a lack of parking,” he said.

Neville explained that the proposed parking regulations were meant to set parking requirements for habitable attics in single family homes, which was not addressed in the town code. He said omitting that proposed code amendment would essentially eliminate additional parking requirements for single family homes.

“In concept that might not be a problem because a single family dwelling typ-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ically is on a larger lot, has a driveway, and it’s easier to accommodate parking requirements for single family dwellings,” he explained. “So it’s not the biggest issue.”

Gehrig, however, shared his concerns that the proposed code amendments could encourage rentals and impact parking.

“The reason I bring this up is because at some point we are going to have hotels in neighborhoods, and they will be parking all over the streets,” he said.

Gehrig also noted that items initially stored in an attic could move to the garage, further impacting parking. He said he believed the council needed to have a more comprehensive discussion on habitable attics, rentals and parking.

While the planning commission had forwarded proposed code amendments related to off-street and garage parking in residential districts, the council in early November sent those revisions back to the commission for review.

“That’s the other recommendation the planning commission is reconsidering,” Neville said.

After further discussion, the council voted 5-2, with Gehrig and Council Secretary Tony DeLuca opposed, to approve the planning commission’s recommendations and to move the code amendments to a first reading with the omission of the proposed parking requirements.

“I really think it’s time we address all aspects together …,” DeLuca argued.

“And I don’t see a sense of urgency.”

Page 52

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Homes in the St. Martins by the Bay community are expected to benefit from a water project approved last week by local officials.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week voted unanimously to move forward with plans to connect homes in the St. Martins community to the Ocean Pines water system. The project is being funded with a loan and grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“This project proposes to replace the St. Martins by the Bay community’s private supply well and distribution system by connecting the community to the Ocean Pines water system,” said Chris Clasing, the county’s deputy director of public works. “The connection would ultimately alleviate concerns with saltwater intrusion into the private well, provide fire flow protection, including new fire hydrants, and eliminate water shortage issues that have occurred since the system was originally installed in 1984.”

According to Clasing, an eight-inch water main along Beauchamp Road will be extended to serve the community. The connection will provide 54 homes with water service. The change is expected to alleviate con-

cerns about saltwater intrusion, eliminate water shortage issues and will also give the community new hydrants.

The $2.5 million project is being funded with a USDA grant of $1,024,000 and a USDA loan in the amount of $1,495,000.

“The estimated quarterly water bill at this time with the current USDA loan terms would be $392 per quarter,” Clasing said. “It should be noted that during the public hearing held for this project in May 2022 the estimated quarterly bill was $358. That has since increased due to interest rate increases and terms associated with the USDA loan.”

Parsonsburg resident Chris Shook, a former St. Martins resident, spoke in support of the project. She said her husband had been president of the community’s homeowners association and had fielded countless complaints about water quality in the neighborhood.

“The water was not clear, it was yellow,” she said. “It had odors to it. It was a horrible living condition. That’s one of the main reasons we moved… I’m here for those people that live there now, they definitely need this.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with the project.

(410) 641-2200 3 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OBITUARIES

Page 53

Santacon Kick-Off Party Friday, Dec. 8

Joseph A. Wojciechowski OCEAN CITY – Joseph A. Wojciechowski, age 86, of Ocean City, died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, at home.

He was born in Baltimore and was the son of the late Joseph Wojciechowski and Sophia (Keifer) Wojciechowski.

He was a retired Realtor for Moore Warfield and Glick, a past Exalted Ruler of Ocean Cit- JOSEPH WOJy Elks Lodge, and life CIECHOWSKI member of Ocean City Pleasure Club.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene P. Wojciechowski; three children, Joseph Wojciechowski and Michele Brown of Abington, Deborah Cobern and husband Alex of Millersville, Michael Wojciechowski and wife Lori of Parkville; two brothers, Robert Wojciechowski (Lillian) of Crossville, Tenn. and Patrick Wojciechowski of White Hall; four grandchildren Mike Wojciechowski (Molly), Ronald Goetzke (Rebecca), Sarah Cobern and Meghan Kane; and three great grandchildren, Joseph Geotzke, Sophia Wojceichowski, and Rhylie Kane.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on December 2, 2023 at Bishop Hastings Funeral Home, 19 S. Main Street, Selbyville, Del. Friends may call one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elk's National Foundation at https://secure.elks.org/site/Donation.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Ruth Fisher Hall BISHOPVILLE – Ruth Fisher Hall, 96, of Bishopville, died on Nov. 25, 2023.

Born in 1927, Mrs. Hall was the daughter of Robert Jennings Fisher and Nannie Gibbs Fisher. She was the youngest of eight children raised on Holly Grove Farm a few miles west of Ocean City.

RUTH HALL Ruth was married to her late husband, Darrell H. Hall, for 50 years, until his death in 1995. Together they farmed Hall Farms on Campbelltown Road in Bishopville. In their retirement, they enjoyed traveling and camping as far away as Alaska. In 1986, they became charter members of Avion Palms Resort in Bowling Green, Fla., where they and a group of camping friends bought property and created a resort

that Ruth enjoyed for 30 years.

Ruth retired from the U.S. Postal Service, where she worked from 1964 to 1987. She began her career with the Post Office in the Bishopville location and retired from the Berlin post office.

After her retirement, she also worked as the innkeeper at Merry Sherwood in Berlin. She was a member of the Holly Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Ruth was the mother of four children, Suzanne Timmons (Dale) of Berlin, Ellen H. Lang, Berlin, Raymond H. Hall, Bishopville and the late David H. Hall, of Whaleyville. There are four grandchildren, Denise Venable, Jennifer McCabe, Raymond Hall, Jr., and Emily Hall. Great grandchildren include Maddie Farlow, Savannah McCabe, Clayton McCabe, Odelia Elliott, and Coralee Hall. She is also survived by daughterin-law Diane Hall and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was predeceased by brothers Everett Fisher, Harold Fisher, Joe Fisher, and Jack Fisher, as well as sisters Helen Innocenti, Mary (Pat) Sipple and Nellie Whithoff.

Graveside services were held at Dale Cemetery in Whaleyville on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. Reverend Terry Fort officiated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Showell Volunteer Fire Co., 11620 Worcester Hwy, Bishopville, Md. 21813 or Whaleyville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 6, Whaleyville, Md. 21872.

Joan Marie Miller BERLIN – Joan Marie Miller, age 82, passed away on Monday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Berlin.

Mrs. Miller retired from the Ocean City Police Department in 2003, after 28 years of service. She began her career as an office clerk, working her way up, holding several supervisory positions, and served her last 14 years as executive secJOAN retary/assistant to the MILLER Chief of Police. Joan always thanked June and Jack Fisher for convincing her to move to Ocean City from Baltimore. She worked as the Fisher’s barmaid at the Jackspot Lounge for five years before going to the OCPD in 1975.

Joan was a member of the Berlin American Legion Auxiliary Post #123 Boggs Disharoon. She enjoyed reading,

gardening, playing the slots, and her faithful cat, Sophie.

She leaves behind her special friends and caregivers for the last 20 years, Rich and Patty Currence. Joan was predeceased by her mother, Florence Ebbert, her father George Ebbert, Jr., and her husband, Alfred Miller.

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, Route 50 Berlin, on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at 11 a.m.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary Boggs Disharoon Post 123.

Linda Ilene Melson BERLIN – Linda Ilene Melson (Nikazy), age of 84, of Berlin and formerly of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on Saturday Nov. 4. She rejoins her husband Clayton H. Melson, Jr. who died March 2017 and is in God’s loving arms.

Linda was born in Philadelphia, Pa. on Jan. 18, 1939, daughter of the late Paul S. Nikazy and the late Marie D. Nikazy.

She was a graduate of LINDA Haverford High School MELSON Class of 1956.

Linda was primarily a home maker however she worked for several years at WPEN, American Can Corporation where she met Clayton and eventually got married.

Linda was known for infectious smile, outgoing personality and she loved to Laugh and was a social butterfly among family and friends. Linda always looked forward to spending time with her family, friends and Fur Babies, especially during the holidays.

She was a huge Philadelphia Eagles Fan and always looked forward to watching them during the football season.

Linda leaves behind four children, Andrew C. Melson (Michelle), Nancy Vandergrift, Clayton H. Melson III (Arlene), and Faith Johnson; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

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…School Librarians Object To Idea Of ‘Older Teen’ Section

Page 54

FROM PAGE 4 stand for this.”

Another Ocean Pines resident brought up the issue of liability.

“My concern is if we keep these books in our schools you’re setting yourself up for a lawsuit…,” Scott Wilkins said. “Let’s keep our schools clean and keep focused on what the last lady spoke about, our testing and our scores. What are our kids here for in the first place? Are they here to read porn or are they here to get their math and history and spelling, their English?”

Ocean Pines resident Grant Helvey said he had no problem with books but did not feel schools had the right to provide access to them to other people’s children for the purpose of indoctrination.

“Your neighbors from whom you draw authority no longer trust those of you who

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

support certain books in our school libraries or who give tacit approval by your silence,” he said. “Neither does the community approve of your fascination with LGBTQ and the socialist ideologies hidden behind diversity, equity and inclusion.

Mankind has evolved for 192,000 years without accommodation for the inner feelings of boys who wish they were girls or girls who wish they were boys.… I applaud the commissioners’ decision to fund the system at only maintenance of effort level. I hope they will cut the school budget every dollar that they legally can until certain books are removed and LGBTQ and DEI becomes as scorned as slavery was in the 18th century.”

Pocomoke High School student Treston Melvin, one of three board of education student representatives, suggested the board listen to students, as they knew what was best for them.

“I would like to say that I, as a student, am appalled by the things I have heard tonight,” Melvin said. “I am hurt, and I can say that every student over there is hurt too. If we as a community are focused on education, why aren’t we listening to the students who are hurting, who are crying because of what you guys are saying.

I am sick and tired of you talking about indoctrination just because people want to live freely. I am sick and I am tired and I can see why some of you wanted evening meetings because these people will be here, because you get the people who hate. I am a student and I am a human and I was sexually assaulted at 15 years old and ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue,’ that book, to see someone who was like me, that saved my life.”

Melvin asked the board to fight for students.

“Look at the students that are in front

December 1, 2023

of you,” Melvin said. “You have to see that we’re in pain because the people we have to fight are the people that say they love us and are here for us. I want to encourage you as the board of education to please fight for us because what they want is not what is best for us.”

At the end of last Tuesday’s meeting, school board member Katie Addis brought up the fact that the school system’s policy only allowed a parent, guardian, employee or student to lodge a formal complaint about books in school libraries. She made a motion to broaden that to allow county residents to file complaints.

“With the current definition we are leaving out the largest group in our county who needs to have a voice and that’s the stakeholders of Worcester County,” Addis said.

She made a motion, which was seconded by school board member Jon Andes, to revise the policy to allow county residents to file complaints.

“I’d really like to think this one through,” board member Elena McComas said.

Addis said she brought up the issue in September but agreed to table the motion until the December meeting. Staff pointed out that would give educators the chance to provide a presentation on current book review procedures.

Andes suggested another alternative as well. He said books with a “cringe factor” could be put in an “older teen” collection.

“That older teen collection would be available only if the parent gave permission for the student to have access to the older teen collection…,” he said. “Parents would have the final choice.”

The board agreed to resume the discussion in December. Within days of Andes’ suggestion, however, the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL) issued an advocacy alert asking people to express their concerns to the school board. The group said Cecil County recently implemented a similar policy.

“MASL is committed to safeguarding the rights of students to access information, explore ideas, and engage with literature freely,” an advocacy alert from the MASL reads. “Currently, Cecil County requires students to have a signed permission slip to access the ‘Older Teen Collection.’ Worcester County is also exploring this model. The practice of using permission slips and prejudicial labeling as a mechanism for controlling access to certain titles is based on value judgements amounts to censorship. MASL is concerned that using permission slips to access restricted titles will spread to other districts in Maryland.”

Meanwhile, Simon created Worcester United to address what he sees as multiple issues facing the school system.

Simon said it was Melvin’s plea that led him to act. The group held its first meeting in Berlin this week and he believes it will likely focus on three issues – advocating for more than maintenance of effort level funding, seeking the necessary funding to build a new Buckingham Elementary School and “stopping the Moms for Liberty crowd from dictating what our kids can read.”

Playground Build Fenwick Island Scores Bike Patrol Grant Moves Forward In OC

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The construction of a new playground at Little Salisbury Park will advance following the approval of a bid award this week.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted 6-0, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent, to approve the award of the Little Salisbury Playground project to GameTime, through the OMNIA Partners contract, at a total cost of $215,574. Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito said she was seeking the council’s approval to move forward with the award before pricing increased.

“Approval today will not only save us a lot of time but most importantly it will save us about 30% of the overall pricing costs,” she said. “The price increases tomorrow, which is why I tried to get it on tonight’s agenda.”

Petito told the council Monday her department had $216,000 budgeted to replace the aging playground in Little Salisbury Park, located at 94th Street. She said the proposed playground would include a new swing set and other inclusive play elements.

“It will include a swing set as well as an expression swing, which is a feature I’ve been wanting to put in our playgrounds for a really long time,” she said. “It’s a swing where a parent and child could sit opposite one another and swing together and look at each other’s faces.”

In her memo to the council, officials noted Petito had recently attended a National Recreation & Parks Convention, during which she was given the opportunity to purchase a GameTime play structure at a reduced price of $114,398. She told officials this week an additional $100,000 was added to the project cost for related work such as delivery, installation and surfacing.

Petito ultimately asked the council to approve the award of the Little Salisbury Playground to GameTime, combined with the OMNIA Partners purchasing contract, at a total cost of $215,574. Councilman John Gehrig added that the town’s parks and recreation committee had forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Council.

“The Little Salisbury Playground is over 20 years old and is scheduled for replacement this fiscal year,” Petito said. “It is actually in our budget to replace for $216,000.

We have an opportunity to get what I call some really good bang for our buck with the approval of awarding the project tonight to GameTime through the OMNIA Partners contract at a price that’s within budget, at $215,574.90.”

After further discussion, the council voted to approve the bid award. Petito said the new play structure would be relocated to the west of the existing playground.

“It’s got a big visual impact,” she said.

“It’s a tall structure, it has a lot of play value, and as a modular structure it can be tweaked to fit our challenging footprint, which we’re actually pushing the footprint of the playground a little bit to the west to avoid the occasional painting of the water tower there on that particular site.”

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials have agreed to continue discussions on a new bike event to celebrate the launch of Fenwick Island Police Department’s bicycle patrol.

Mayor Natalie Magdeburger told members of the Fenwick Island Pedestrian Safety Committee that the Fenwick Island Police Department recently received grant funding to launch a bicycle patrol in town next year. To celebrate its launch, she told members she was seeking volunteers to organize a bike ride that would showcase the town’s bike safety initiatives.

“The idea is to highlight bicycle safety in town by bringing a whole bunch of bicycles into town and use it as a kickoff,” she explained.

Magdeburger said Fenwick Island Police Chief Michael Morrissey was moving

forward in forming a bicycle patrol after learning the town had received grant money that would pay for the program. She said she had approached the chief about holding a bike event in conjunction with its launch.

“He was very excited about it …,” she told the committee. “It would require some work and some planning to put together.

So I put that out there as a new idea.”

Magdeburger suggested a bike ride from the Fenwick Island Lighthouse to the Indian River Inlet and back. Magdeburger proposed sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and partnerships with the Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse and the local bike shop, to name a few.

She said the bike ride could attract visitors and support Fenwick Island businesses.

“I think businesses would love to have people come into town …,” she said.

When asked about the logistics of a bike

Page 55

ride, Magdeburger said it could be held at the beginning of June, at the start of the summer season. She noted the event could be staffed with volunteers and officers that are part of the bike patrol. She noted the bike patrol grant would cover overtime.

“The bike patrol would primarily be run through overtime, funded by grants,” she explained.

After further discussion, Magdeburger agreed to reach out to members of the beach and business committees, as well as avid bicycle enthusiasts within the community. She said she was seeking a volunteer group that was willing to plan the event.

The town’s bike patrol is one of many ongoing efforts to address bike and pedestrian safety along Route 1. Earlier this year, for example, the town installed new sidewalks along five bayside blocks of Coastal Highway.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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

December 1, 2023

Letters To The Editor School Board Flirting With Concerning Changes Editor: This letter is written with all due respect to Editor Steve Green and in response to the editorial he penned in “Between the Lines,” The Dispatch, November 24. Editor Green writes of a proposal made by BOE member Dr. Jon Andes that the BOE consider requiring school media specialists to create an “older teen collection for ‘cringe-worthy’ books.” This collection would, presumably, have to be shelved separately from the main library stacks and would require parental permission for access to them.

Dr. Andes’ suggestion came at the end of a long and horrendous public comment section of the November meeting of the Board of Education, during which one parent expressed strong feelings that his four children should not have to attend a school with trans or LGBTQ students. Grant Helvey, former candidate for County Commissioner, District 5, made a remark that he hoped the Board of Education would soon lose its “fascination” with LGBTQ issues and begin to “view those issues the way we now view slavery.” (A transcript of his remarks is available online as is the livestream video of the Board of Education meeting.)

At one point the public comments became so disturbing that student Board Rep Treston Melvin, a trans and LGBTQ student from PHS, left the room. Treston must certainly have felt targeted by many of the cruel and debasing comments.

Many accusations were made by that evening’s speakers: some accusing teachers of indoctrinating students, some accusing the Board of Education of promoting pornography. Some were diatribes against inclusion, equity, and diversity. Some showed disdain for socialemotional learning, as well as for a modern curriculum. The extent to which commenters, in praise, mythologized the segregated public schools of the 1950s was astonishing. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the US high school graduation rate in 1950 was 34.3%. In 2019, the last year for which statistics are available, that number had grown to 90.1%.

Significant progress has been made in the area of public education. I am not certain that progress is what the book banners want. Nor do they want compromise. Segregating books about LGBTQ issues, and referencing them as “cringe-worthy,” will not satisfy those who spoke at that meeting. The gesture of segregating books will only serve to embolden a very vocal and persistent minority to further push their agenda, which probably looks a good deal like what is happening in Florida.

My view on the dangers of this suggestion was strengthened by a motion made by Board member Katie Addis after the majority of the public had left the meeting. The motion would give ALL “stakeholder/taxpayers” in Worcester County the privilege of challenging any

book in any school in the county. Dr. Andes, asking for clarification, did extract from Mrs. Addis the assurance that the motion would be limited to “residents” of Worcester, then seconded the motion.

To me, red flags were flying everywhere and yet not a single member of the BOE seemed to see them. That motion should have been immediately shut down. If passed, it will allow “residents” who send their kids to Worcester Prep or The Salisbury School, to local Christian schools or who homeschool their children, the same privilege as parents and grandparents of kids who actually attend a Worcester County public school: the privilege of challenging any book in any school in Worcester County.

That motion is like a ‘Welcome’ mat to Moms for Liberty. That the motion was tabled for discussion did little to assuage my fears that the common tactic of conservative extremists to beat the rest of us down into an exhausted submission just might be working in Worcester County. For all of our sakes, I hope not.

Gwen Lehman Ocean Pines

Assateague Gateway Needs Protection Editor: I was delighted to read in your newspaper (Open Invitation to Discuss, Nov. 24, 2023) that Mr. Todd Burbage now wants to publicly discuss what he intends to do if his request to remove environmental restrictions limiting further development of his Ayres Creek property is approved by Maryland’s Critical Areas Commission.

Unfortunately, instead of telling readers about his intentions, he opted to muddy the conversation by attacking the messenger. Yes, I have publicly pointed out he is not entitled to develop the property commercially or even more intensely than he has already done. And, that he can’t develop further unless he gets a public subsidy in the form of an extension of the County’s wastewater treatment facilities.

The development limitations he wants eliminated were put in place in 2002, long before Mr. Burbage purchased the old, bankrupt golf course.

His plan for a new campground failed, and all we know about his current plan is he wants to make more money than is possible with the development restrictions in place.

The site isn’t scheduled for sewer service now, but there is ample evidence publicly funded sewage treatment service is extended by Worcester County when prominent developers ask. Already, a budget request––$6 million and more—is being presented to the County Commissioners for Mystic Harbor sewerage system upgrades needed to fuel development along the Rt. 611 corridor.

The taxpayers, not the developers, will pay.

I welcome Mr. Burbage’s recent offer to talk, but I must say he is simply wrong when he claims those opposed to his re-

quest have not asked what his intentions are. We asked when his application went before the County Commissioners in 2021. They mumbled he doesn’t have to disclose.

We asked again when Worcester County submitted the application to the Maryland Critical Area Commission, pointing out that the County could not do a valid environmental assessment without knowing what was being proposed. We asked again after the application was withdrawn and quickly resubmitted because the resubmission said nothing more than the original.

I also asked Mr. Burbage in an email on October 30, suggesting he attend the Critical Area Commission’s public hearing that evening in Snow Hill “and tell your neighbors about your plans.” I haven’t seen the email Mr. Burbage quotes in his letter. However, the whining email I refer to was sent October 30 by Mr. Burbage to one of his friends. A copy was forwarded to the South Point Association. It reads: “Remember when we could ride 3 wheelers and dirt bikes from the Golf Course to the boat ramp unobstructed? I happy that all these people are here, but Jesus Christ, they sure don’t remember when they built their houses Additionally - not one has ever asked what I want or why. Never-zero. Not one.”

I think those words meet Webster’s definition of whining.

Mr. Burbage didn’t attend the public hearing and his attorney did not elaborate on his intentions. At the recent fundraiser honoring his attorney, Mr. Burbage did proclaim he will prevail, predicting that when the full Critical Area Commission meets next month in Annapolis its subcommittee's recomendation to reject his request will be overruled. Perhaps.

The facts we know are these: Mr. Burbage’s supporters in Worcester County already gave him special legislation so he could lease the shuttered golf club, a maneuver that gave him the opportunity to use the old septic system for the homes he has and is building on land that won’t perc. The septic system has no more capacity. His attorney said it is likely he will seek zoning for more intense commercial development if environmental restrictions are eased.

Gambling your name alone can get a rule change doesn’t mean Mr. Burbage is entitled to do or build whatever he wants. He needs the limits on development removed so he can increase the return on his speculative investment.

And he needs a wastewater solution.

We have never been unwilling to meet and listen if Mr. Burbage wants to publicly disclose his plans. This should be a public conversation, because the conservation protections are a promise made to the people by the government.

The promise is what Mr. Burbage wants reversed.

Most if not all of us residing on the peninsula south of Mr. Burbage’s property live here because we prefer natural, SEE NEXT PAGE

December 1, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor open space to the concrete, traffic and congestion in West Ocean City. We are taxpaying residents, not tourists. We like the gateway to Assateague as it is now.

Stephen Katsanos South Point

School Safety Suggestions Editor: (The following was addressed to Worcester County Board of Education members.)

I know you are all engaged in one of the, if not the, most important undertakings that you can do -- securing our schools, protecting our most treasured loves, our children. Options have been considered but allow me to offer another. To some of you this option will be abhorrent and too emotional to consider.

I think it will be the most effective.

Try to get in the very disturbed, sick mind of a would-be assassin. For reasons only known to him or her, they have a desire to kill and maim and bring misery to as many people as possible with as little risk to themselves as possible. They look for an easy target that will offer no opposition. I think we can safely assume they have thought the assault through and calculated the risks to themselves. They fully understand that a school is a “gun-free-zone”. This means that the bullets they project will not be returned to them. They know that the overwhelming number of people are good, law-abiding citizens and will not violate a gun-free zone. This will give the would-be perpetrator a secure, enabling feeling and will enable them to feel the horrendous act will probably go down unopposed. When you think about it, this line of security and reasoning is quite realistic. Who will stop them or even slow them down, reducing the carnage? As things are right now, no one.

Posting a sheriff or an armed guard in the school will be known to the assassin. The inherent problem with this is that the killer will know his first target.

Kill the guard and he is home free among “gun-free-zone” law abiders.

The next thing I am going to suggest will immediately illicit a negative emotional response from some, due to the fact that they have a distorted, unrealistic notion of what the organization is, its history and what it stands for. The National Rifle Association, the oldest civil rights organization in America, has a program to train school personnel in the safe and proper handling of a fire arm in schools. The cost effective training course is dedicated to those schools that want to harden their resistance to mad killers and effectively protect their students. The operative term here is “effectively”!

I propose the board solicit school staff personnel who volunteer to be li-

censed and trained in the safe proper use of a concealed weapon. These weapons will be concealed on these staff members at all times that they are on school grounds. The names of these staff members, (Notice I did not say teachers?) will be kept as confidential as possible. The would-be gunman will know that he or she stands an excellent chance having fire returned to them from defenders he has no way of determining. Some will say, “So we are going to have a “shoot-out”? Yes, but this time the bullets will be going the other way and not last very long for a trained gun user will also be trained in accuracy.

Just think how the carnage can be reduced.

Remember the adages: “A good man with a gun always stops bad man with a gun,” This applies to law enforcement and the military. Also, “when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.”

I know some will call me a nut and say that this is ridiculous. I will call you a shallow thinker who allows emotions to control your ability to think logically.

Consider this, how many school shootings do you hear about in Israel who are surrounded with thousands who want to annihilate Jewish children? Some will say that this is a poor analogy and their situation is different. Think about it deeper, both there and hear we have killers that want to kill as many as possible. In Israel the teachers are armed.

Also consider how many American facilities are protected with armed guards but our children in schools are not. Why is that? Some will say that there are too many guns we don’t need more. Yes we do, we need them in the hands of good people that will use them to protect you.

Now we have the good people, AKA law abiding, who are not armed, which leaves the bad people, AKA outlaws to carry them. People are too emotional about guns and fail to read how many people are saved from death and destruction each year because a good person had a gun to protect themselves and others?

Guns are tools for protection not just tools for killing. There very possession, not firing, deters crime. This is a statistic you don’t hear about.

In conclusion can I suggest the Worcester County Board of Education, maintaining an open mind, contact the NRA and learn what they have to offer in terms of training for school personnel. You will be surprised.

God forbid we have a school shooting. But if we do, would any of you who oppose this solution and stopped it implementation feel any guilt? If not so much for the actual incident but for the extent of the carnage which could have been lessened?

Dennis W Evans Berlin

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

Page 57

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green At last week’s Worcester County Board of Education meeting, board member Dr. Jon Andes, the former 16-year superintendent of schools, suggested a potential compromise measure after hearing from citizens concerned about some books available to students in libraries. Andes suggested the school system consider creating “an adjustment to the policy” to have media specialists create an older teen collection for the “cringe factor” books. The collection would only be available to students who have parental permission.

I opined here last week the idea had merit for consideration. While still applauding the effort to seek a middle ground on the controversial nationwide topic of book bans, the concept of separating out certain books, such as those discussing and featuring alternative lifestyles, is going too far. I have heard the criticism of the position and agree it’s wrong for the school system to create separate areas. A standalone section of books on LGBTIQA+ issues will unnecessarily separate the interested students, leading to even more alienation of those whose lives are different. It also could be argued it’s censorship, a claim the Maryland Association of School Librarians made in a statement after Cecil County adopted a similar policy. A statement read, “Currently, Cecil County requires students to have a signed permission slip to access the ‘Older Teen Collection.’ Worcester County is also exploring this model. The practice of using permission slips and prejudicial labeling as a mechanism for controlling access to certain titles is based on value judgements amounts to censorship. MASL is concerned that using permission slips to access restricted titles will spread …”

I do not think books should be banned in public school libraries. There are safeguards available to parents who do not want their students reading about certain things in books from libraries. However, the irony is the majority of today’s teens unlikely seek out a book on a topic they want to learn more about at their school libraries. They will first privately turn to their phones and computers and investigate themselves.

At last week’s school board meeting, it was disturbing to hear a few speakers maintain there is some sort of indoctrination taking place inside public schools because certain books are available to students. The claim is not accurate and lacks evidence to prove there is some sort of liberalizing and brainwashing of kids taking place in local classrooms. In the week since the board meeting, a new group of concerned citizens has been formed called Worcester United. An organizational meeting was held this week and the intent seems, at the most basic level, to offer some balance to the school board. On its Facebook page, Worcester United says, “the primary purpose of this group is to support all students by ensuring an inclusive school environment.”

Media specialists are fully capable of handling these decisions under the current protocols in place. There is a system in place that’s fair and should be allowed to continue. The school board is wise to follow its earlier decision to not engage in book banning and be weary of any changes to current policies.

The judicial process continues to play out in Gavin Knupp’s 2022 death by hit and run.

Last August the case was dismissed by a visiting judge in Worcester County Circuit Court because he believed the case should have first been heard at the district court level. State’s Attorney Kris Heiser immediately filed an appeal to the Appellate Court of Maryland The appellee, Tyler Mailloux, is now represented by the Office of the Public Defender. The public defender filed a response to the Office of the Attorney General’s brief last month. With both briefs now filed, the Appellate Court of Maryland can schedule oral arguments before a written decision is issued.

In a statement, Heiser explained her reasoning for filing charges against Mailloux at the circuit court level.

“We appealed the judge’s decision in the Mailloux case because we think it is incorrect (and so does the Attorney General, as you can tell from reading their brief) and we believe the circuit court is the most appropriate court to hear the case,” she said. “We have always charged these types of offenses in the circuit court, and have continued to do so since the judge’s decision in Mailloux was handed down. Charging in circuit court is not a new legal theory – it is something prosecutors across the state in every single jurisdiction use every day. One of the main reasons prosecutors charge in circuit court is so that the victim’s family is not subjected to two trials. Defendants have an automatic right to appeal district court cases to the circuit court if they don’t like the outcome, and so the result can often be two bites at the apple for the defense. You can imagine how much more traumatizing two trials would be for witnesses and the victim’s family.”

It’s good news the Worcester County Fair could be getting funding and manpower support from the county government in future years. The Fair Board does a great job with its limited resources pulling off this event each year, but the county and board collaborating could greatly improve and grow the event.

How much money the county will devote to the fair is unknown, but it was stated this week the funding ask would be more than the $38,500 the county allocates to the Harbor Day at the Docks event each year. With the commissioners support last week for a partnership, county staff will now engage with the Fair Board, starting with whether the approved date of July 12-15, 2024 is flexible as there was some initial comments the John Walter Smith Park may be better than Byrd Park, used this year.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

W

December 1, 2023

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 48

St. Paul’s

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

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP In Person Services 8:30 a.m. (no music) 10:30 a.m. (with music) With Livestream On Our Facebook Page St. Paul’s Episcopal Church - Berlin, MD www.stpaulsberlin.org

hen it comes to special needs students, inclusion is an important concept.

As a father to a special needs eighth grade student in the local public school system, inclusion is forefront in my mind when I think about school and my kid.

For Carson, who is nonverbal with Autism, inclusion provides him a chance to be in the general education classroom being taught the same as others, while also providing opportunities to socialize with other students. There’s not a ton of connecting among peers with Carson, but I also know there’s a “lunch bunch” of kids with similar backgrounds who eat together and have been joined by other kids who are neurotypical. It’s important for him to feel like a normal student.

Carson is aware he’s different than his peers, but we are blessed he has significant cognitive abilities and can work his way through the curriculum.

While adjustments and modifications are made by the teachers, Carson has shown an aptitude to succeed. He has always been a hard worker in school and loves a task or job. His work ethic will serve him well throughout his life.

When it comes to school, there are laws under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requiring least restrictive environments being provided to students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The concept is kids with special needs should be in the same general education classroom as neurotypical kids as much as possible. For Carson to function well, he requires the assistance of a one-on-one educational assistant. This has been the case since he entered school at 3 years old.

Our 14-year-old needs an educational assistant to guide him through the day.

These one-on-one men and women become and remain like family members to us. We can remember every single one’s name, and they will forever hold

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special places in our heart. These folks possess the best qualities humanity has to offer, and we have been blessed by their sincerity and understanding of our son. We have always tried to support them and do whatever we can to hand over a happy, ready to learn and work student at school drop off each morning.

A friendly conversation with another curious parent about what school looks like for Carson got me thinking on a deeper level about my kid’s life. The mom’s son was often in Carson’s classes in elementary school, and they were curious what school was like for him now. It struck me some of the comments she made. She referenced everyone knowing Carson. It was almost as if he was a celebrity. I assume it’s because he's so different and carries a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal into school each day. She hit my heart when she said everybody recognizes Carson’s special needs but supports him.

She said all the kids are impressed by him.

Our Carson requires many things, starting with just the general concept of a lot of support. He’s the most inspirational person in my life but there are daily challenges in our journey. He has made me a better person because he has taught me about key life components like patience, empathy and perspective.

I want to share a story to show his progression, thanks to the value of inclusion. Carson is now taking part in a robotics after-school academy at Stephen Decatur Middle once a week. He is participating without a dedicated one-onone and rides the bus from the middle school to the high school each Tuesday.

I have to admit the thought of this worried me, but Pam pushed for the opportunity, and I am glad she did. He is thriving and enjoying the program. It’s his involvement and ability to be included that’s making a difference in his life. The opportunity will serve him well by building confidence through inde-

pendence. Without a commitment to inclusion by his education team, he would be missing out on something important to him.

Though inclusion may be a controversial topic for some, it means everything to us. During our years in the public school system, we have found the teachers, administrators and staff embrace and encourage inclusion. An Education Week article hit home as to why it’s important. The headline read, “Students With Disabilities Deserve Inclusion. It’s Also the Best Way to Teach.”

The 2019 piece was by Hannah Grieco, a certified teacher and freelance writer.

“Empathy – which cannot be measured quantitatively – matters, too. How children view peers who look and learn differently from themselves is also a consideration as they grow to adulthood and become members of their communities, and as they live and work alongside a diverse array of citizens. It’s a critical factor in whether communities and workplaces are able to function and thrive. … disabled students can achieve.

Their talents and gifts are varied, as are the talents and gifts of all students. They are legally entitled to an appropriate public education, but they also have so much to offer their non-disabled peers, teachers, and schools.

Inclusion works when educators collaborate, get the support they need, and believe in the value of all students. … Inclusion is the least expensive, most effective method of teaching students. It starts from the top, with administrators making this a priority. When administrators model inclusivity and support teachers in its implementation, the entire school (and school system) culture changes. … More importantly, children become better citizens.”

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

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