Dec. 16

Cutest Pet Of The Month

File Photo by Chris Parypa

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Giving Spirit: Through The CRICKET Center, 30 local students were recently matched with local law enforcement officers for the 10th Annual Shop with a Cop event. Agencies included Maryland State Police, Worcester County Sheriff ’s Office, Berlin Police Depar tment and Ocean City Police Depar tment. Each child toured the Berlin barrack before being sworn in as a Junior Trooper for the day Children and officers headed to Walmar t where each shopper hand selected gifts for their family After shopping concluded, everyone returned to the Berlin Barrack where volunteers helped wrap presents and enjoyed lunch with Santa Submitted Photos

Snow Hill Mulls Riverboat’s Future

See Page 13 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

Planners, Council Debate Parking Garage Amendment

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – It might not be what’s stored in a two-vehicle parking garage but rather the size of the parking spaces themselves, resort officials decided this week.

For several months, the Ocean City Planning Commission worked on a proposed code amendment that would require enclosed two-vehicle parking garages for new multi-family development projects. The issue arose out of concerns about the lack of sufficient off-street parking, or parking for units that is contained on the property.

In some cases, the lack of sufficient off-street parking has led to residents and visitors parking on the streets, causing a strain on the neighborhoods in which a

project is located. In other cases, a multi-family dwelling or townhouse project might have two garage spaces per unit, but at least one of the spaces becomes a storage area filled with lawn equipment, beach chairs, jet skis and the like, necessitating more parking on the town’s public streets.

To that end, the planning commission crafted a proposed code amendment that would have, if passed by the council, required developers to provide enclosed two-vehicle garages for each unit of a project, and to require the property owners use the garage spaces for their intended purposes and not park on the streets in their neighborhoods. However, when the proposed code amendment was presented to the Mayor and Council for approval earlier this fall, it was removed from the agenda without discus-

sion.

The result was an apparent rift between the planning commission and the elected officials over the elimination of that proposed code amendment and others without any discussion or at least lip service. During a second joint session between the Mayor and Council and the planning commission on Tuesday, the issue of the parking garage code amendment dismissal was broached by Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis.

“Our job is to protect the neighborhoods,” he said. “We’re volunteers and citizen planners, not development planners. The planning commissioners all agreed with enclosed garage parking for multi-family dwellings. When we see flaws and errors, our job is to look at solutions. I was a little upset when the council just dismissed it out of hand. We

spent months on that issue, and I encourage the Mayor and Council to take another look at it.”

Councilman Peter Buas, who has opposed the proposed code amendment from the beginning, said on Tuesday he did not believe the parking garage issue needed any more consideration.

“I don’t see it as a problem,” he said. “For years, we’ve encouraged townhouse projects. It’s what people want and there is a demand for them. I get that people fill their garages with other stuff, but that’s not a zoning issue, it’s an enforcement issue.”

Mayor Rick Meehan asked what the point was of requiring developers to provide enclosed two-space parking garages if they weren’t being used for their intended purpose.

“The bottom line is, if we’re building garages but they can’t be used for parking, why are we building them?” he said. “Parking is so important. In real estate, three questions potential buyers ask are how much is it, what are the homeowner fees, and do I have parking?”

Planning Commission Chair Pam Buckley agreed multi-family development projects such as townhouses, for example, were becoming increasingly popular in the resort, but questioned how the garage spaces were being defined in terms of meeting the town’s parking requirements.

“I completely support townhouse development,” she said. “It’s become a big issue on the appraisal side. Is it a onecar garage or a two-car garage? It’s come to the point people are now calling them a one-and-a-half-car garage.”

Gillis said the issue could be addressed through the code amendment process without putting the undue burden on staff to enforce how the garage spaces were being utilized.

“The staff doesn’t have the time to be garage police,” he said. “We have a changeover every week. It’s not the town’s responsibility to provide on-street parking for developers so they can meet the code. They will say they need this many spots to make a project work financially, but hardship is not a reason to allow them to build these so-called twocar garages and have people parking out on the public street when the garages are full or not sufficiently sized to hold two vehicles. If they have to, they can eliminate a unit or two to meet their onsite parking needs.”

Planning Commissioner Kevin Rohe said the two-car parking garage issue merited further debate without being immediately dismissed by the council.

“We need to pay attention to this,” he said. “I think we need to regulate this because we have a density issue. The town is approaching 97% built out. We have to look at this practically. If they have to lose a unit to meet their requirements, so be it.”

City Manager Terry McGean said it appeared to be a two-pronged issue. On the one hand, some are using designated garage space for storage purposes,

Former Berlin Administrator Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Berlin’s former town administrator apologized in Worcester County District Court this week after pleading guilty to embezzlement.

Jeff Fleetwood, the Berlin town administrator who retired this spring and now holds a similar position in Delmar, pleaded guilty to embezzlement Tuesday. He paid full restitution to the town in the amount of $17,520 and Judge Gerald Purnell sentenced him to six months in jail with all but one month, which Fleetwood will serve in home detention, suspended. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of community service.

“I’m truly sorry for being in this courtroom,” Fleetwood said.

Fleetwood, who served as Berlin’s town administrator from 2019 to the spring

of 2022, was charged last month with six counts of forgery of private documents, theft $1,500 to under $25,000 and theft scheme $1,500 to under $25,000. The felony charges related to discrepancies in Fleetwood’s leave balances, which he was paid for when he left Berlin.

“Investigators were advised that during a recent audit, discrepancies were discovered involving Fleetwood’s leave balances,” Assistant State’s Attorney Erin Smith said. “Fleetwood had a special clause in his contract that allowed him to be paid out for accrued sick leave. Investigators were advised that an additional 240 hours of sick leave and an additional 80 hours of vacation had been added to Fleetwood’s leave and earning statement.”

When he retired in May, Fleetwood was paid $98,942.96. Investigators determined $17,520 of that was fraudulently

Jeff Fleetwood was Berlin’s town administrator from 2019-2022.

obtained as it was tied to manual leave adjustments. There were six dates between Oct. 2021 and April 2022 when Fleetwood added hours of vacation and sick leave to his leave bank, according to the statement of charges.

Kelsey Jensen, the town’s human resources director, and Mayor Zack Tyn-

“I want to start by saying that I hate that I have been put in this position,” Jensen said. “I do not want to be here and I am uncomfortable. I never imagined in my time working for the Town of Berlin that I would be doing this.”

Jensen described how she’d viewed Fleetwood — who worked 12 years in Berlin including three as town administrator — as a mentor as she worked her way up through various town positions during the past six and a half years. She said his attitude had changed, however, when he became town administrator.

“After Jeff became the town administrator I noticed a difference in his personality,” she said. “He did not seem like his heart was in it and it was clear that he did not care for the mayor. The mayor was always the topic of conversation, which was taking its toll on me and the other staff members.”

She added that when Fleetwood put in his notice, he’d wanted to stay until June but was told to leave immediately.

Jensen said she was contacted by the town’s auditors in September regarding the amount of sick time paid out. Upon looking into the sick leave figures, she realized that Fleetwood has more than 317 hours of accrued leave when the maximum allowed for any employee is 95 hours.

“My gut knew what I was seeing was true, but I was hoping it wasn’t,” she said.

Jensen said there were six dates on which Fleetwood’s leave time had been adjusted. She reviewed the process involved in manually adjusting leave time and noted that it took eight steps from start to finish.

“For those individuals who think he was set up or didn’t do this, I was the only other one who could do this and I did not,” she said.

Jensen said she blamed herself for not noticing prior to the audit that leave figures were not in line with what they should have been. She added that she’d had to carry the weight of knowing about the issue long before it was made public.

“While I was not personally victimized by Jeff, I feel disappointed and taken advantage of by someone I learned from, looked up to, and considered a friend,” she said. “It also impacted internal relationships among staff that may never fully recover. It validated some citizens' existing distrust of government, which makes our jobs that much harder. We are already under scrutiny for every decision we make.”

Tyndall said he was speaking on behalf of the town’s residents and employees. He said Fleetwood had taken an oath office when he was appointed town administrator.

“Mr. Fleetwood not only violated the oath of office he violated the trust of the town’s 5,026 residents and 272 businesses…,” he said. “It will take the Town of Berlin years to rebuild the public trust.”

Tyndall said he supported the state’s request that Fleetwood serve jail time. Steve Rakow, Fleetwood’s attorney, highlighted his client’s lack of criminal history. He said Fleetwood, 64, was married with

dall read victim impact statements during Tuesday’s hearing.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

four grown children and had spent 20 years in the U.S. Army and worked in several local businesses before joining the Town of Berlin. He added that Fleetwood now worked for the Town of Delmar. He handed Smith a check for the $17,520 and asked that Purnell consider probation before judgement.

“This is his first offense,” Rakow said. “I don’t think he’s ever had a speeding ticket.”

He added that several individuals had come to court to show their support for Fleetwood. The group that raised their hands in a show of support included several citizens as well as former mayor Gee Williams, former Councilman Troy Purnell and sitting Councilmen Dean Burrell and Jay Knerr.

“Sometimes people make a mistake,” Rakow said.

Fleetwood apologized and said he was sorry to the citizens as well as Jensen and Tyndall.

“This is the first time in my life I’ve been in a courtroom,” he said.

He asked the judge to consider the fact that he’d made full repayment of the $17,520 and that he wanted to be able to continue to contribute to society.

Purnell subsequently sentenced Fleetwood to six months in the local detention center with all but 30 days, which will be home detention, suspended. He said Fleetwood also needed to do 40 hours of community service by March 1 and would be placed on probation for one year.

While the court did not grant Rakow’s request for probation before judgment, Purnell indicated he might consider a motion at a later date. When asked for a statement after the hearing, Rakow said Fleetwood wanted to move forward with his life and put this behind him.

“For 64 years, Jeff has never had so much as a traffic citation,” Rakow said. “He’s a retired army officer and served in several other positions with May Company, Perdue, and Piedmont Airlines before working for Berlin. His position with the Town of Delmar will be decided later this week. He’s honored to have the support of many local Berlin residents, present and past council members, and a former mayor. Those who know Jeff know he is a good man, but the evidence in the case led him to make the plea that he did. We respect the court’s sentence and we’re pleased that ASA Smith was agreeable to allowing Jeff to plead to embezzlement to avoid what would have likely been a fairly long and involved trial with the possibility of a felony on his record had the court found the state had met its burden of proof.”

The Town of Delmar held an executive session to discuss a personnel matter on Wednesday night. It’s unclear as of deadline Thursday whether it was to discuss Fleetwood’s future as the current town manager. Soon after retiring from Berlin, Fleetwood accepted Delmar’s town manager position. He has been a long-time resident of Delmar.

New Downtown Rec Complex Bids Remain Over Budget

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – New bids for site construction for the redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex remain considerably over what has been budgeted.

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

To that end, the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department two years ago initiated a process to begin redeveloping the complex. A consultant was hired to

redesign certain elements of the park and add new amenities. Those plans have been reviewed and tweaked at different levels during the process, but the town was ready to pull the trigger with funding included in a bond sale for the first phase of the project.

During a work session in July, the submitted contractor bids for the first phase of the project were opened with disappointing results. Just two bids were submitted for the budgeted $2.2 million project, and each were higher than expected. For example, one of the bids came in at around $3.8 million, while the second came in at nearly $5 million, or more than twice what was budgeted.

City Manager Terry McGean suggested adjusting the timeline for the downtown recreation complex redevelopment, putting the project on pause and rebid-

ding its first phase. On Tuesday, four new bids were opened with similar results, although at least one was fairly close to

the $2.2 million budgeted. Two of the bids were similar at around $3.9 million, while one was much higher at $4.7 million. The lowest among the four bids for the project came in at around $2.7 million, which was closer to the $2.2 million budgeted for the first phase of the downtown recreation complex redevelopment project. The council voted unanimously to remand the opened bids to staff for review and a recommendation.

The park redevelopment will eventually be done in phases, with the first phase covering the infrastructure for both the east and west sections. Included in the first phase will be paths, utilities, stormwater management, landscaping, lighting, the relocation of the basketball courts, the expansion of the Ocean Bowl skate park and the construction of a new skate park office and restroom.

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

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

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

A key element in the overall park complex redevelopment is the expansion of the decades-old Ocean Bowl skate park. The expansion will take the skate park from its existing 10,000 square feet to 17,000 square feet.

A rendering of the redeveloped downtown park is shown. Submitted Image

Council, Planners Hold Joint Meeting

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY –Just how much government input is too much for conditions of approval on a new business or development was the subject of a lively debate this week.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council met with the Ocean City Planning Commission for a second joint meeting to discuss a wide variety of issues related to comprehensive plans, zoning code amendments and the like. The two bodies met earlier this year for the first of what will likely be many joint sessions to clear the air over certain issues, and the second was Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.

One of the topics for discussion right off the bat on Tuesday was the planning commission’s frequent recommendations on conditional use requests. Developers or business operators frequently apply for a conditional use to allow their project to be located in an area where the existing zoning might not otherwise allow it.

There are many examples of a conditional use request for a business operation in an area otherwise zoned residential. By definition, a conditional use request is just that. The planning commission reserves the right to put conditions on their favorable recommendations that ultimately head to the full Mayor and Council for approval.

For example, the planning commission might ask for, and receive, from the developer conditions that might make a project more palatable for the neighborhood in which it is proposed. In one recent exam-

ple, the planning commission recommended a conditional use request for an axethrowing facility and conditions included a supervisor of a certain age must be on hand and the axes should be carefully stowed away when the business is not in operation.

In another example, a proposed uptown mini golf and laser tag operation was required to have a manager on duty of at least 25 years of age when the facility was open late at night. In some cases, the planning commission requires an on-site livein resident agent for a workforce housing project. In other cases, the planning commission might require certain ambient light or noise conditions to minimize the impact on adjacent residential neighborhoods.

In most cases, the business owner or project developer voluntarily agrees to the conditions imposed by the planning commission even if it is otherwise code compliant. In some cases, the planning commission can withhold a favorable recommendation if the conditions are not agreed upon.

The Mayor and Council ultimately make the final decision based on the recommendations of the commission. At the outset of Tuesday’s joint session between the two bodies, Councilman John Gehrig said some of the conditions recently have bordered on government overreach, especially those imposed on businesses regarding hours of operation or the age of supervisory employees, for example.

“I appreciate everything the planning

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… Officials Debate Gov’t. Overreach, Conditional Use

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commission does for Ocean City,” he said. “If there was one thing on which I’ve been relatively consistent is when we get these conditional uses, and it gets into business operations. I don’t think it’s our job to tell businesses how many employees they must have or how old they must be and that kind of thing.”

Gehrig cited the recent favorable recommendation for the axe-throwing competition venue and some of the conditions imposed on it by the planning commission.

“I look at the axe-throwing business or a mini golf or laser tag business,” he said. “I just think we need to stay out of busi-

ness operations. It’s not our job as elected officials to dictate those kinds of things. We have ordinances to cover those things. Whenever I disagree with the planning commission’s recommendations for conditional uses, it’s usually about that.”

However, Planning Commission Chair Pam Buckley said it was within the commission’s purview to seek as many conditions on a conditional use request as to make a new business or development the least impactful on the adjacent neighborhood, or perhaps more importantly, to ensure the safety of Ocean City residents and visitors.

“I disagree with your disagreement,” she

said “A conditional use is a use we feel is appropriate for Ocean City, but we’re allowing it somewhere located in an area where the zoning would not necessarily allow it. A conditional use is just that, it comes with conditions We have an express purpose in keeping residents and visitors safe and ensuring quality of life.”

Buckley cited an example of a conditional use request for an underage nightclub on which the planning commission recommended a 1 a.m closing time

“For one example, we have an underage club where people are dropping off their teens and leaving them there until 2 a.m.,” she said “That’s why we put a closing time on it. We don’t want 13-year-olds coming out and getting on the bus at the same time the bars are letting out. A condition could be facilities that allow kids under 16 have to be closed by 1 a.m People deserve to have us look out for them when recommending these things. We’re always looking at ways to keep people safe, because, frankly, a lot of people come across that bridge and take their brain out of their skull and put it in a box because they are on vacation.”

Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis said imposing conditions on a conditional use request was under the purview of the appointed body.

“It’s within the authority of the planning commission to look out for the health and safety of the neighborhoods,” he said. “Our standard is if it’s code-compliant, but there are certain things we can ask for if we think

it makes it better. There is nothing in the code requiring bike racks, but we ask for them and they comply. There is nothing about eight-foot sidewalks in the code, but we ask and they comply There is a certain amount of give-and-take, and when we ask for these things, it’s to make a project better.”

Councilman Peter Buas agreed with Gehrig and said there appeared to be some randomness to the conditions imposed by the planning commission on new businesses at times, particularly with age requirements or hours of operation, for example

“There’s a certain arbitrary element to it sometimes,” he said “A 24-year-old may not be any less capable of running a business than a 25-year-old I grew up in the family business and I was perfectly capable of running a miniature golf course when I was 16 years old.”

Mayor Rick Meehan suggested perhaps the issue needed more scrutiny. He said the current code does not appear to address some of the issues being discussed on Tuesday.

“Is there a line of demarcation?” he said “Is there a point when adult supervision should be required for a business open late at night? I’m not sure we have that in the code, and maybe it’s something we need to look into Conditional use is a valuable tool, but it comes with conditions It allows a use in a particular zoning designation in an area where it might not otherwise be allowed.”

Audit Highlights Enterprise Fund Losses

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – While enterprise funds continue to be a cause for concern, the town’s latest audit shows Berlin’s general fund trending in the right direction.

On Monday, Michael Kleger and Leslie Michalik of PKS & Company presented the Town of Berlin’s fiscal year 2022 audit. Kleger said the town’s financial statements presented fairly and offered a clean, or unmodified, opinion.

“We did not identify any material weaknesses in internal controls,” he said.

Michalik provided the council with an overview of the town’s various funds.

For the fiscal year that ended June 30, the general fund balanced increased $1.7 million. As usual, the bulk of the town’s revenue – 57% – came from property taxes.

Most of the town’s expenditures, 37%,

related to public safety, while 26% of expenditures related to general government and 15% related to public works.

General fund revenues totaled $7.7 million while general fund expenses totaled $6.2 million.

“General fund balance, it’s a key measure of the financial success of the town,” Michalik said.

She said the town’s unassigned fund balance, about $2.2 million, was available for emergencies and represented 4.3 months of operating expenses.

“Your fund balance is the highest it’s been over the last six years,” she said.

The town’s enterprise funds, however, continue to feature some losses. The electric fund’s revenues are down.

“I think it’s important to say we’re trending in the wrong direction,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said, adding that the town could be looking at a loss at the end of the current fiscal year.

He said that a rate study was being planned to get the utility back on track.

The town’s stormwater fund also continues to show a loss, though at $88,995 it was slightly less than the previous year’s $101,512 loss.

The sewer fund ended the year with operating income of $741,100, a positive change over the previous year, when it featured a loss of nearly $200,000.

Councilman Jay Knerr asked if the audit essentially showed that Berlin was on solid financial ground.

“The books and records of the town are in good order,” Michalik said.

Councilman Steve Green said the fact that the town’s general fund was the highest it had been in six years was worth noting.

He said the balance illustrated the healthier financial condition of the town.

“This council should be proud of that,” he said.

1st-Degree Assault For Pistol-Whipping

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Berlin man was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and other counts last weekend after allegedly pistol-whipping and beating a male victim during an altercation in the downtown area.

Around 10:20 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a residence on Robin Drive in the 28th Street area for a reported first-degree assault that had already occurred. The 911 caller advised a victim had been pistol-whipped and the suspects fled west on Robin Drive in a gray SUV, according to police reports.

Minutes later, OCPD officers observed a gray SUV traveling east on Bayshore Drive before turning south on Philadelphia Avenue. As OCPD officers followed, the vehicle turned into a hotel parking lot at 25th Street before crashing into a parked vehicle, according to police.

OCPD officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop because the 911 caller mentioned a handgun in the commission of the alleged first-degree assault. The front seat passenger was detained and identified as Dale Brown, Jr., 22, of Berlin. Officers detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and conducted a search, which revealed a box of .32caliber ammunition, according to police reports.

OCPD officers interviewed the driver, who advised a male had punched the front passenger side window of the vehicle he was driving. The driver reportedly told police Brown exited the vehicle and began punching a male victim in the face. The driver told police he got out of the vehicle and pulled Brown off of the victim. The driver reportedly told police he and Brown then both got back into the vehicle and drove away, which is when officers conducted a traffic stop, according to police reports.

OCPD officers located the victim sitting on the sidewalk near a miniature golf course at Robin Drive. Next to the victim, on the ground, OCPD officers located the upper half of a revolver and two .32-caliber cartridges. OCPD officers determined the ammunition was the exact make and model as the ammo found in the vehicle.

OCPD officers interviewed the victim who advised he had exited a nearby bar and was confronted by two male suspects, at least one of whom had assaulted him.

OCPD officers interviewed the witness who had called 911. The witness was brought to the area of the traffic stop and positively identified the driver, Brown and the gray SUV, according to police reports.

Based on the evidence, Brown was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault and possession of ammunition in the commission of a felony. Following a bail review hearing on Monday, Brown was ordered to be held without bond.

Council Considers Riverboat’s Future

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Municipal officials say the time has come to make a decision regarding the future of Snow Hill’s riverboat.

On Tuesday, the town invited the public to comment on the Black-Eyed Susan riverboat. Mayor Mike Pruitt said the council would soon need to decide whether the town should keep the boat, which needs significant repairs before it can be used, or dispose of it.

“We’ve got to do something with this boat,” Pruitt said.

The Black-Eyed Susan, purchased by the town in 2020, had a successful season running up and down the Pocomoke River in 2021. A mandatory inspection in Norfolk early this year, however, revealed that the boat needed extensive repairs in order to resume regular cruises. The inspection revealed issues with the hull, hydraulics system and paddlewheel frame. Initial repair estimates exceeded $600,000. As a result, the boat spent this past summer docked in Snow Hill.

Pruitt has spent the past several months gathering information from boat captains and maritime officials to help the town make a decision regarding the future of the Black-Eyed Susan. Though he initially wanted the council to vote on the issue this week, with the absence of Councilperson Regina Blake, Pruitt said Tuesday’s meeting would just be for discussion purposes.

“I think it’s only fair to Councilperson Blake that she be here,” he said.

Pruitt told the council that he’d consulted with a variety of boaters, including the owner of a trawler and the owner of Suicide Bridge Restaurant, which operates two paddleboats. Pruitt said Suicide Bridge had actually considered purchasing the Black-Eyed Susan at one point a few years ago. Pruitt said the restaurant’s owner estimated annual maintenance costs for a riverboat at $100,000 a year.

“He couldn’t believe a small town like Snow Hill got into the boat business,” Pruitt said.

He told the council he’d also had boat captains weigh in on the riverboat. They all echoed the rough annual maintenance estimate of $100,000. One noted that his company took boats out of service at 30 years, an age the Black-Eyed Susan has already surpassed.

Pruitt added that two bankers he’d spoken to had both suggested the town cut its losses at this point.

While there were several people in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting, only three shared views on the riverboat. John Paffrath and Roger Malik told the council they were part of a nonprofit interested in preserving railroads on the Eastern Shore. They said they’d come across the riverboat in their railroad work and thought it was a great tourism draw. Paffrath said something like a dinner train between Snow Hill and Berlin could pair well with a murder mystery cruise on the Black-Eyed Susan.

Another speaker, Bob Blevins, talked about his prior fundraising efforts and said he wanted citizens who supported the town’s ownership of the boat to brainstorm about ways to raise both interest and money. He pointed out that even if the boat was going to be sold, it was worth more if it was repaired first.

“We’re certainly wiling to listen,” Pruitt said. “We’ve just got to do something.”

Malik added that before getting rid of the boat the town needed to consider debt service and grants already associated with the riverboat.

Pruitt said he was in contact with county officials about the loan that had enabled the town to purchase the boat. He said there was a grant involved as well.

“We are aware there are some sticky issues,” he said.

Councilperson Janet Simpson said there was a lot of information to digest but that she agreed a decision needed to be made soon.

“We need to look at all options,” she said, adding that she was glad some citizens had weighed in. “I am very positive about the river being a focal point of our economic vitality and I think we need to concentrate on that.”

The Black-Eyed Susan, pictured above, has been docked in Snow Hill since an inspection revealed the boat needed extensive repairs. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Parents Outline Funding Priorities For County School Board

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – Competitive teacher salaries, small class sizes and technology highlighted the requests made by parents at the school system’s public budget input session.

The Worcester County Board of Education last week hosted a budget input session to hear from parents representing each of the local schools.

“We take your comments very seriously,” school board member Todd Ferrante said. “We try to do the best we can with the money we have.”

Superintendent Lou Taylor welcomed dozens of community members to the public budget input session held each December. He said he was always impressed by the level of support and engagement from parents and community

members.

“Both the board of education and our team place a high value on the feedback we receive no matter the topic, and this meeting tonight is a great example of just that,” he said.

Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief financial officer, provided a brief overview of the $123 million budget.

“As you can see Worcester County Public Schools continues to be very dependent on our county commissioners for our funding,” he said. “Almost 75% of funds come from local government.”

In many other counties, the state funds the majority of the school system budget. Tolbert said that poverty in Worcester County was above the state average but that because of a longstanding formula weighed heavily toward property values Worcester was ranked the wealthiest in the state.

“Because of the current state wealth based funding formula that looks at income tax and assessable base, we’re considered the wealthiest county in the state of Maryland …,” he said. “As a result of that wealth-based state aid formula, we receive the lowest state amount of aid at about $3,700 per pupil which is well below the state average of $6,600.”

Tolbert said one of the key considerations as the board developed its budget for the coming year would be teacher salaries, as the school system wanted to provide a step and cost-of-living increase. Another issue to be considered in future budgets will be the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, an extensive education reform plan.

“It’s going to be driving education for the next 10 years,” Tolbert said.

Among the changes required by the plan is an increase in starting teacher

salaries. Currently, Worcester offers pay of slightly more than $47,000 to starting teachers. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future will require that teachers’ starting salaries increase to $60,000 by 2027.

When asked for their input, parents representing each of the county’s public schools approached the board with funding priorities for their facilities. Most said they wanted competitive teacher salaries, small class sizes and a focus on technology and materials of instruction.

“Worcester County Public Schools prides itself on small class sizes,” Buckingham Elementary School parent Kimberly Jackson said. “We feel that having a manageable number of students in a classroom enables teachers to be more effective.”

Speakers also stressed their appreciation of high-quality educators.

“We are fortunate in this county to have great teachers which is why I believe we need to do our best to keep them here,” said Berlin Intermediate School parent Gerri Fentress. “It is difficult to recruit and retain high quality teachers without a competitive salary scale.”

The request for competitive salaries was one repeated throughout the meeting.

“Our schools are great because our local leaders understand the importance of quality schools and the impact that has on the local economy,” Cedar Chapel Special School parent Marie Swartz said. “Our children accomplish great things because of dedicated staff.”

Beth Shockley-Lynch, president of the Worcester County Teachers Association, also advocated for employees, as recruiting and retaining quality teachers is expected to be an ongoing challenge.

“There is now a national teacher shortage,” she said. “Right now we are not producing enough teachers to fill the need we will have in the future.”

Alan Hudson, president of the Worcester County School Bus Contractors Association, said bus drivers were seeking pay increases in the coming year as they faced rising costs in maintenance, fuel and supplies. They’re asking for increases in mileage and hourly rates, among other adjustments.

“Driving a school bus full of children, safely is a very serious responsibility…,” Hudson said. “We feel very strongly we have one of the most important jobs in the Worcester County school system.”

Parent Jackie Cutlip said that like each school’s representative, she too wanted to see the school system focus on things like teacher recruitment and small class sizes. She said there were other things she’s long wanted to see, however, including metal detectors to make schools safer and more bus drivers to reduce the sometimes excessively long bus routes.

School board members thanked speakers and said their requests would be considered as officials developed the coming year’s budget.

“We all took notes,” school board member Jon Andes said. “We all heard you loud and clear.”

State Grant To Fund County Projects

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – More than $3.2 million in grant funding will allow seven economic development projects to advance in Worcester County.

On Wednesday, Gov. Larry Hogan announced 114 projects throughout Maryland’s rural counties would be funded through a $50 million Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund.

Under the program, more than $3.2 million was awarded to seven Worcester County agencies to support bikeways, wastewater, broadband and dredging projects.

“Back in 2014, when I was first running for governor, I said that if I was elected the war on rural Maryland would be over, and that communities that had been ignored and neglected would no longer be forgotten,” Hogan said. “We have made good on that promise, delivering unprecedented investments to our rural communities.”

He continued, “These grants and the dozens of projects they support will have a lasting and transformative impact, helping to make these areas more attractive for tourism, jobs, and economic development. This is another shining example of how we are truly changing rural Maryland for the better.”

Earlier this year, five rural regional councils – representing the upper, mid, and lower Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, and Western Maryland – each received $10 million to fund key projects in their respective counties. And in September, each council submitted applications for review by Maryland Commerce, with 114 projects receiving approval.

Worcester County Government received a combined $2,999,333 in grant funding for four projects.

More than $200,000 will be dedicated to engineering and design services to expand and interconnect the Mystic Harbour and Riddle Farm water systems, while $275,000 will be used to dredge the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor.

The county also received $800,000 to provide fiber optic service to main street areas in Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke City and surrounding area.

“The county would run buried conduit throughout the areas allowing for every home and business to have fiber service with no large up front install fee,” the grant award reads. “The conduit would be co‐owned by the county allowing the county to utilize the network for any future expansions of their network or any new ideas this network can provide. This could include camera systems, Wi‐Fi for towns, internet for special events, etc.”

Worcester County will also utilize $1,719,333 in economic development funding to upgrade membranes at the

Riddle Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant. Earlier this year, county officials learned failing membranes at the plant had resulted in capacity and maintenance issues.

“We’ve had to pump and haul more than we would like to,” Public Works Director Dallas Baker told the commissioners in August.

Other awardees in Worcester County include Pocomoke City, which received $100,000 for pathway projects. For years, the city has explored infrastructure improvements relating to bikeways, walkways and paths.

“Creating strong pathways leads to positive economic impact,” the grant award reads. “This project will focus on three main factors: Infrastructure Feasibility (hardscape and environmental), Economic Development, and Intercommunity Connectivity.”

In Snow Hill, Lower Shore Land Trust received $100,000 to support trails and greenways connections, while the town received $100,000 to support a bikeways project within the community.

“The Snow Hill Bikeways Project will be the central link to various bikeways plans being developed by neighboring communities, positively impacting tourism, and economic development of the Town,” the grant award reads. “Economic impact studies by the Rails to Trails Conservancy show a correlation between trails and increased property values, business development, quality of life, and tourism.”

The Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund, which is overseen by the Maryland Department of Commerce and administered by the five rural regional councils, was announced by Hogan earlier this year to boost economic development activity, stimulate private sector investment, and create jobs in the state’s rural regions.

Some projects will enhance broadband access and workforce training across multiple counties, while others will support tourism projects, including visitor centers, walking and biking trails, event facilities, and feasibility studies and economic development strategies.

The counties benefiting from the grant funds include Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Garrett, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester.

“We were very pleased to receive more than 100 applications for funding, with a wide depth and breadth of projects to review,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “From those that will help to attract new visitors to these areas, to others that will benefit the community and businesses with greater connectivity or upgrading necessary infrastructure, we look forward to these funds being a real boost to our rural counties.”

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials approved a text amendment this week that will in some cases allow grain silos at breweries.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday approved a text amendment proposed by Burley Oak Brewing Company that will allow grain silos at brewery operations on property zoned B-2 or B-3 as a special exception.

“The beauty of a special exception is it gives the public the opportunity to appear and either support the request, oppose the request or express any concerns,” said Mark Cropper, the attorney representing Burley Oak.

The text amendment Cropper presented this week would allow a grain silo not exceeding 35 feet as a special exception use on property zoned B-2 or B-3 as part of a brewery operation. The amendment received a favorable recommendation from the Berlin Planning Commission last month.

Cropper explained that with a silo as a special exception use, applicants would have to first approach the town’s board of zoning appeals to be granted the special exception. They’d then have to go to the planning commission for site plan approval for the silo.

“It’s enabling legislation only,” Cropper said.

While text amendments are not site specific, Burley Oak’s Adam Davis said in this case, the silo was being sought for a variety of reasons, ranging from worker safety to cost savings. Currently, he said brewery workers spent a significant amount of time unloading pallets of grain with forklifts. Augering the grain in from a silo would reduce the potential for forklift accidents and would cut back on the number of pallets needing to be broken down and bags needing to be thrown away. A silo would also reduce truck traffic on Old Ocean City Boulevard, as the brewery would need fewer grain deliveries since it would be arriving in bulk.

“It’ll be a greener means of brewhouse operations,” Davis said.

Councilman Jack Orris asked about lighting related to the silo. Cropper said details would be worked out when Burley Oak went to the board of appeals, and if the exception is granted, the planning commission.

Councilman Jay Knerr pointed out that while there would be less unloading with a silo, there could potentially be more noise as the brewery’s internal auger would be running more often as it moved the grain. He also asked how long it would take for a grain truck to fill the silo.

Davis said it likely wouldn’t take more than an hour and that grain deliveries would only be made during business hours.

storefront renovations planned For January

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Construction on the Main Street storefronts that are currently boarded up is expected to begin next month.

Samantha Pielstick, property manager for Jack Burbage, said this week that work on Burbage’s buildings in the downtown area – which include storefronts on Main Street as well as Pitts and William streets – should begin in January. Town officials have expressed growing frustration in recent months regarding the lack of progress on the renovation project.

“We’re all interested in getting to the other side of this,” Pielstick said.

Last week, members of the Berlin Historic District Commission told Planning Director Dave Engelhart they wanted an update on the revitalization of the structures from 19 N. Main St. to 7 North Main St. Commission members expressed frustration regarding the appearance of the buildings, which had their awnings removed prior to the summer season and continue to be covered in plywood.

“I think we ought to put their feet to the fire about getting the outside done by next spring,” commission member Carol Rose said. “It’s not fair that all the other merchants have to go through that horrible looking mess again.”

Other commission members agreed the project needed to get moving.

“We want to stay on top of this,” said Nornie Bunting, chair of the commission. “This is the heart of our town.”

While some work was approved in the spring, it was in September that Pielstick got approval for the portions of the project on Pitts Street and William Street. She said this week bidding had been underway all fall and that she’d just gotten permits for the project in the beginning of December.

“We’re looking at starting demolition in January,” she said, adding that there were a lot of shoppers in town leading up to the holidays. “It makes sense to keep

the streets open until January.”

She said she’d been working nonstop on the project, which is a large-scale renovation.

While she couldn’t say which portion of the work would be complete first, she said Main Street was the highest priority.

“How everything comes together is going to be as fast as we can move,” she said.

Pielstick is hopeful that construction will be done by summer but asks residents to be patient.

“Bear with us,” she said. “It’s going to be ugly before it’s pretty. We hope people understand we’re all working toward the same goal.”

Construction on the vacant storefronts along Main Street will begin in January.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A local physician, owner of six urgent care facilities on the Eastern Shore, faces a 30-day suspension and three years’ probation for engaging in sexual behavior with a patient.

Last month, a disciplinary panel of the Maryland Board of Physicians ordered that the medical license of Dr. Walter Gianelle – owner of six Your Doc’s In facilities on the Eastern Shore – be suspended for a minimum of 30 days beginning Nov. 15. The board also imposed a three-year probation with terms and conditions and a $15,000 civil fine, to be paid within two years.

The ruling comes nearly four years after the physician self-reported a twoyear sexual relationship with a female employee he had treated in his capacity as an urgent care doctor.

“He oversaw the medical complications that arose from her underlying serious health problems, played a role in her medical health and consulted with her primary care physician and kidney specialist,” the order reads. “He reviewed and commented on her lab work and x-rays and prescribed her medication even when she had not come to him for treatment. His intimate sexual relationship with her was completely intertwined with both her medical care and her employment in his practice.”

WALTER GIANELLE

“Based on the findings of fact and discussion of Dr. Gianelle’s exceptions … Disciplinary Panel A concludes that Dr. Gianelle is guilty of immoral and unprofessional conduct in the practice of medication, in violation of Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. Sections 14-404(a)(3)(i) and (ii),” the order reads. “The panel also concludes that Dr. Gianelle violated the Board’s sexual misconduct regulations … by engaging in a sexual relationship with a current patient, in violation of Health Occ. Section 14-404(a)(43).”

The order, issued last month, outlines the series of events that took place between Gianelle and the patient over the course of a relationship that spanned from October 2015 to December 2017. The order states Gianelle continued to treat the patient while engaging in romantic and sexual behavior.

“Their sexual encounters took place in hotels, her truck, her house, and in some Facility offices,” the order reads. “The ALJ (administrative law judge) found that throughout the duration of that sexual relationship, Dr. Gianelle treated her as a patient in his office six times – on January 2 and 11, 2016, June 8 and 22, 2016, October 12, 2016, and January 1, 2017 … and gave medical advice on numerous other occasions.”

The order also highlighted numerous texts between Gianelle and the patient that discussed her treatment and their sexual encounters, which on multiple occasions had occurred on or around the same day.

“On November 19, 2015, after Individual A completed diagnostic imaging studies, they had a sexual encounter in Room 5 at the Salisbury office location of Dr. Gianelle’s practice,” the order reads.

Ultimately, it was determined Gianelle continued to give the patient medical advice throughout their relationship.

The case was first brought to the attention of the state board in January 2019, when Gianelle self-reported his consensual, sexual relationship with a female employee while treating her as a patient. In May 2021, following an investigation, a disciplinary panel of the board charged Gianelle with immoral and unprofessional conduct and violating sexual misconduct regulations. And by May 2022, an administrative law judge recommended that the charges of the panel be upheld and that Gianelle’s medical license be suspended for three years, to be stayed pending completion of a three-year probation, courses in ethics and professional boundaries and payment of a $15,000 civil fine.

Gianelle, however, filed written exceptions to the judge’s findings, and both parties appeared before a new discipli-

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – An Ocean City restaurant will be able to add an outdoor bar following approval from local officials.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) last week approved a request by Shotti’s Point to add an outdoor bar on the restaurant’s rear deck. While the board granted the request, members encouraged the restaurant’s connections to heed concerns from neighbors regarding noise.

“Be careful,” said William Esham, BLC chair. “If they’re on you we’re going to be on you.”

Attorney Chris Woodley, representing Shotti’s Point, told the board the restaurant’s connections wanted to add a 16seat bar to the restaurant’s rear deck. They wanted to remove some of the existing 42 seats at tables and install a

16-seat bar. They said the bar would make it easier for servers, who currently have to go to the other side of the restaurant to get drinks for the customers on the deck.

Neighbors, however, said the restaurant, which is attached to K-Coast, already had a loud exhaust vent and they felt that a bar could increase noise further.

“How long before they put a band out there or a DJ?” a neighbor said.

K-Coast’s Chris Shanahan said he’d not been contacted directly with any concerns about the exhaust fan. Esham said the board’s hearing was to address the bar request, not the fan, but acknowledged that the neighbors were concerned about potential noise associated with the bar.

Connections of Shotti’s Point said it would primarily be a service bar but would provide seating for a patron that came in and wanted to sit alone, for example.

The tables currently on the deck are all

for parties of four.

“There’s a preponderance of people that prefer to sit at a bar,” Shanahan said.

Ocean City Restaurant To Add Outdoor Bar … State Board Orders Probation, Civil Fine In Misconduct Case

The board, noting that the restaurant had no violations so far, approved the addition of the bar but advised the restaurant to be cognizant of noise.

At last Wednesday’s meeting, the BLC also voted to approve a request for additional entertainment at Pizza Tugo’s in West Ocean City. Though owner Scott Heise asked to increase band size from three pieces to five pieces on the first floor and from two pieces to four pieces on the second floor, the board granted just the first-floor request.

BLC members said they were concerned about music on the second floor because of its deck near Route 50. The first floor of the restaurant is entirely indoors.

“I have a lot of concerns about Route 50,” BLC member Charles Nichols said.

FROM PAGE 21

nary panel in July of this year.

For his part, Gianelle argued that he did not engage in sexual behavior with the patient during times he provided treatment.

“As he did before the ALJ, he argues that the unique nature of his practice as an urgent care provider means that he does not have continuing physicianpatient relationships or patients in the ordinary sense, and that his provider relationship begins when a patient walks into the urgent care exam room and ends when the patient leaves,” the order reads. “The evidence in Individual A’s medical record, over 5,000 text messages between her and Dr. Gianelle, and his testimony before the ALJ, however, contradict Dr. Gianelle’s arguments.”

Gianelle also argued the administrative law judge used his marital infidelity as a supporting factor in their proposed sanction.

“Dr. Gianelle is incorrect,” the order reads. “Rather, the ALJ determined that Dr. Gianelle utilized his Facility to enable the sexual relationship. He engaged in sexual encounters with Individual A in the office during business hour, the encounters were known to Facility employees, and placed the reputation and professionalism of the Facility in an unbecoming light.”

After further review of the case, the panel ultimately denied Gianelle’s exceptions and accepted the judge’s recommendations, with some exceptions.

“The Panel has considered applicable and aggravating factors in its regulations,” the order reads. “Dr. Gianelle does not have a prior disciplinary history with the Board and cooperated with the disciplinary panel proceedings. With respect to his self-reporting and admission of his sexual relationship with Indivudual A to the Board in January 2019 … the Panel notes that he did so based partially on the public filing of Individual A’s EEOC complaint against him in October 2018.”

The order continues, “Aggravating factors in this case include not only the combination of factually discrete offenses adjudicated in a single action, but Dr. Gianelle’s deliberate and reckless commission of repeated sexual offenses over two years, and the potential for harm to Individual A.”

The panel ordered that Gianelle’s medical license be suspended for a minimum of 30 days and that he enroll in a professional rehabilitation program. The panel also issued a three-year probation and $15,000 fine and ordered Gianelle to complete courses in ethics and professional boundaries.

Gianelle’s urgent care practices are located in North Salisbury, South Salisbury, Easton, Cambridge, Pocomoke and West Ocean City.

Mayor, Council Salaries Increase

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With little discussion, resort officials last week approved an ordinance on second reading what will substantially increase the annual salaries for the mayor and councilmembers.

Late last year, it was brought up the salaries of the town’s elected officials should be increased, or the pay hike should at least be explored. At the time, councilmembers earned $10,000 per year, while the mayor’s annual salary was $30,000. The salaries of the town’s elected officials had not been increased since 1989.

The catalyst for the proposed increase was a belief in the increased workload for the Mayor and Council coupled with the assumption the enhanced salaries could attract more candidates for the town’s elected positions. For example, just four candidates vied for three open council seats and the mayor ran unopposed during the municipal election this fall.

The sitting council when the issue was largely discussed earlier this year decided the proposed salary increases should be put before the voters during the Nov. 8 municipal election in the form of ballot questions and not simply decided by themselves through the ordinance process.

For the mayor’s position, the proposed salary would increase from the current

$30,000 per year to $50,000 per year, representing a roughly 67% increase. The councilperson salary would increase from the current $10,000 to $20,000, representing an increase of 100%, while the council president’s salary would be set at $23,000 because of the added time commitment and responsibilities.

During the Nov. 8 election, the town’s voters solidly approved the proposed salary hikes for the elected officials. A total of 1,223 votes were cast in favor of increasing the mayor’s salary, while 823 were opposed. Similarly, 1,210 voted to increase the council and council president salary, while 845 were opposed.

With the endorsement of the town’s electorate, the Mayor and Council salary increase came before the elected officials last week for a second reading of the ordinance. The council voted 6-0 with Councilman Peter Buas absent to approve the salary increases as presented.

City Manager Terry McGean did careful research to arrive at the proposed salary figures. For research purposes, Ocean City’s average population size was assumed at 70,000 and the general fund budget was set at $88 million.

McGean said during earlier discussions those assumptions were modest, particularly on the average population side because of Ocean City’s uniqueness as a seasonal resort, the population of which often swells to over 200,000 during the summer months.

Resiliency Study Continues

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Town officials say they await updates as an engineering company continues a town-wide resiliency study.

In Tuesday’s meeting of the Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee, Councilman Richard Benn, committee chair, announced an update on the town-wide resiliency study has been postponed.

With grant funding from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the town has hired AECOM to complete GIS mapping of Fenwick Island and develop short- and long-term solutions to sea level rise and flooding. And while engineers agreed to come forward with recommendations for flood mitigation by the end of the year, Benn noted that company representatives would not be available to make a presentation.

“AECOM is not going to be able to give us any updates …,” he said. “The resiliency study is underway. I was hoping for a presentation at this meeting, but I’m hoping in January it is going to happen.”

In October, AECOM representatives presented the committee with water inundation maps, which showed 12% of bayside roads being inundated by 2060 and 33% of bayside roads being inundated by 2070.

The town’s most troubled areas, representatives explained, were North Schulz Road, South Schulz Road and Dagsboro Street, which could see the most flooding

in the coming decades.

“You’ll see in 2070 you start seeing large areas of the bayside starting to be impacted on a daily basis. Some of the areas are under two feet of water during the high tide cycle,” Project Manager Kyle Gulbronson said at the time. “You get to 2080, and you have significant impacts on the bayside, anywhere from a foot to two-and-a-half feet of flooding per day.”

At the close of the October meeting, AECOM representatives agreed to look at maps they produced for the resiliency study and make recommendations to mitigate flood damage. Officials noted that once recommendations are made, the town could seek grant funding to complete certain resiliency projects.

“We need to make plans now. We are only seeing the beginnings …,” Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said. “It’s scary to hear it, but there’s nothing like good planning to get us where we need to be.”

Last December, the town selected AECOM to complete a resiliency study funded by DNREC. The project, however, was brought to a standstill in recent months as officials awaited contract approval between the state agency and the engineering company.

AECOM has also been selected by the Delaware Department of Transportation to complete a resiliency study of Route 1, which runs through Fenwick Island. The goal of the study, the agency reports, is to examine the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on transportation infrastructure and to incorporate resiliency measures into projects.

OCPD Reports Summer Recruitment Efforts ‘Challenging’

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – While testing will continue throughout the winter months, Ocean City’s police chief told members of a resort commission this week that seasonal recruitment efforts remain challenging.

On Monday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on recruitment efforts for the coming summer season.

For decades, the OCPD has enhanced its workforce with seasonal officers and public safety aides (PSA) during the summer months. And while interest in the seasonal program gained some momentum two years ago, Buzzuro

told commission members this week that recruitment efforts ahead of 2023 were slow-moving.

“As I have stated previously, it is a challenging environment to not only attract, but to hire,” he said. “So we are doing our very best moving forward.”

Through the November testing process, the police department reported 25 seasonal officer applicants, with four failures and 19 candidates remaining in the hiring process.

Last year, OCPD had 115 total applicants and 42 hires, five of which were returning to the force.

“Last year, to give you an idea, we had a total of 115 that came through … ,” Buzzuro explained. “We do have at least four more testing dates, including this weekend.”

Buzzuro added that PSA recruitment

also appeared to be sluggish.

To date, the department has had 10 applicants. In comparison, the department received 50 applications last year and had hired 48 public safety aides, 20 of which were returning.

“In July and October, we weren’t able to attract anyone for that position,” he told the commission. “In November, we did have 10 that came through. All 10 are still in the process.”

He acknowledged, however, that the department would continue to hold testing throughout the winter months. The next testing dates will be held Dec. 1718.

“We need to increase those numbers,” he said. “And we can start this weekend and move through January, February, March, April until we have our final count.”

When asked about last year’s testing dates, Buzzuro noted that they were consistent and were typically held at the same time each month.

“Sometimes, as we move into the winter, unfortunately we set things up and then we have bad weather that doesn’t make it easy for us to get people here,” he added.

The police commission this week also reviewed police activity for the month of November.

Last month, the department reported officer calls for service increased from 1,230 in November 2021 to 1,334 in November 2022, while citizen calls for service increased from 537 in 2021 to 558 in 2022.

“It seems that across the board we’re rather consistent,” Buzzuro told commission members.

In the top 25 calls for service, citizen assists increased from 93 to 117, EMS assists increased from 36 to 99 and traffic stops increased from 490 to 559.

“This year, there were more people in town …,” he explained. “So 559 is a higher number than we usually see.”

However, Buzzuro noted that most other calls for service remained consistent throughout the month of November.

“There’s nothing real glaring or jumping out to us as far as police activity in town,” Buzzuro said.

Annual Bazaar Held: Worcester Prep community turned out earlier this month in support of this year’s Holiday Bazaar, a large fundraiser for the private school. Above left, Upper School Choral Ensemble performing are, from left, Natalie Chadwell, Sara Freih, Will Mumford, Lorelei Campbell, Chris Todorov, Meeta Agarwal, Will Wells, Moorea Phillips, Madilyn Nechay, Izzy Huber, Elaina Elrick and Middle and Upper School Choral and Instrumental Music Director Chris Buzby. Above right, pre-kindergarten student Paislynn Hutchins ran to give Santa a hug upon his arrival, with Head of Lower School, Dr. Timmons by his side. Below left are volunteer parents Kim Fernley, left, and Jenna Hoch, right, with eighth graders Meredith Walston, Olivia Soares, Isabella Fernley and Laney Hoch. Below right, volunteering in the the Duckin’ Coffee and Cocoa stand were Sophia and Seva Nistazos, Georgia and Kourtney Duffie, Isabella Rice, Alena Nistazos and Lauren Hanna. Submitted Photos

OCEAN CITY – There will be two opportunities to ring in the New Year in Ocean City with fireworks and fun for all ages at two locations.

Uptown residents and visitors can enjoy Winterfest of Lights, with a countdown and fireworks at midnight. Northside Park Winterfest of Lights will stay open until 11:30 p.m. for the last walkthrough of the season. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and toast to the new year over fireworks at midnight. Come out for a fun New Year's Eve experience you and your family will enjoy.

Taking place downtown, visitors can relive the enjoyment of drive-in movies at the Ocean City Inlet parking lot. The doubleheader movies include a children's show, Encanto, at 7 p.m., followed by a kid-friendly countdown at 9 p.m. Immediately after the children's film, visitors can enjoy Top Gun: Maverick at 9:30 p.m. with the grand finale fireworks at midnight to ring in 2023. Refreshments will be available for purchase from local vendors and food trucks.

"We can't think of a better way to ring in the new year than offering our residents and visitors two great fireworks shows," said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. "Families can enjoy counting down to the new year with fireworks at midnight, whether you enjoy a final stroll through Northside Park or opt for the nostalgia of a drive-in movie. All through the comfort of your vehicle.”

The Town offers free bus service on New Year's Eve. Bus services will be free starting at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, until 3:00 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Bus service will run approximately every 30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 and approximately every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 – 3 a.m. Jan. 1. At all other times following 3 a.m. New Year's Day, bus service is available daily from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m., running every 30 minutes, $3 “ride-all-day” per person.

Winterfest holiday hours will be standard operating hours. Open Wednesday, Dec. 21 to Sunday, Dec. 25, 5:309:30 p.m. (please note: Santa will be preparing his sleigh for Christmas and will not be at Winterfest on Dec. 24 and 25). Winterfest will have regular operating hours from Wednesday, Dec. 28 to Friday, Dec. 30. Winterfest of Lights will be open one more night, Saturday, Dec. 31, from 5:30-11:30 p.m.

The Winterfest Train Garden at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Visitor Center will stay open until Dec. 31, Wednesday to Sunday, 5:30-9 p.m. The train will not run Saturday, Dec. 24, and Sunday, Dec. 25.

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People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church volunteers are pictured at the church’s latest all-youcan-eat fried chicken buffet.

Jack Orris, pictured with Kim Halligan and Debbie Winter, hosted charity bingo at The Sterling Tavern that raised nearly $1,400 for the Worcester County Humane Society.

Jennifer and Josh Goodman were among the vendors at the Christmas Bazaar at Stevenson United Methodist Church.

Patsy Bell and Jill Green paused for a photo at the annual Stevenson United Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar.

Hollie Studds and Tiffany Little played charity bingo at The Sterling Tavern to benefit the Worcester County Humane Society.

Keira Budd sold handmade items at the Stevenson United Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar.

Barbara Devenport and Lois Davis paused for a photo at the holiday bazaar at Stevenson United Methodist Church.

Bootsie Fletcher, Scottie Watson and Bonnie Bunting are pictured at Stevenson United Methodist Church.

April Imparato and Tracy Schwartz attended a charity bingo to benefit the Worcester County Humane Society. Nate Cobb and Brian Winter are pictured at a charity bingo night at The Sterling Tavern.

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Tuesday: Dancing

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

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo

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

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.

Dec.

16, 30, Jan. 6, 13: Bingo

Knights of Columbus Bingo on Friday nights at 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. Building behind St. Luke's Church. Refreshments for Sale Doors open at 5 p.m.; games begin at 6:30 p.m. 410-5247994.

Dec. 16-Dec. 31: Winterfest of Lights

The 2022 Winterfest of Lights will be an expanded walking tour that takes you through thousands of sparkling holiday lights and many animated light displays located along a paved path in Northside Park. Sip hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa, visit our gift shop and enjoy the array of holiday exhibits –including many surprises. Come see the 50-foot Christmas tree put on a show for you and soak up all of the holiday spirit at Winterfest of Lights.

Dec. 16: Christmas Concert

The Arlene Reichert Memorial Concert Series presents Annual Christmas Concert and Carol Sing-Along at 6:30 p.m. at

Things To Do

Stevenson United Methodist Church featuring SUMC Director of Music/Organist Ty Thompson, SUMC Handbell Choir, SUMC Praise Band and singing duo Selah Wilson and Amanda Jones. Free admission. An offering will be taken for HALO (Hope and Life Outreach).

Dec. 16: Harry Potter Event

The Pocomoke Library is hosting "A Hogwart's Holiday" for wizards, witches, and Muggles alike from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join for Harry Potter themed games and crafts and immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season. Families are welcome to attend this free event and costumes are encouraged. Please register at WorcesterLibrary.org under “Events.” For more information, contact the Pocomoke Branch at 410-9570878 or visit us at 301 Market Street, Pocomoke, Md. 21851.

Dec. 22: Support Group

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets from 3-4 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library. Monthly meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

Dec. 24: NOEL Dinner

The N.O.E.L. (Nothing Other than Eating and Loving) Community is excited to be able to provide food for locals for Christmas again this year on Christmas Eve between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon. Hot breakfast food will be provided along with some sweet treats and some festive Christmas music. N.O.E.L. volunteers will distribute bags of non-perishable foods filled with some traditional food items to prepare at home. These bags will be distributed at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church on 3rd Street. In addition to Christmas outreach, N.O.E.L. supports many local social service programs and food pantries throughout the year. If you would like to make a donation to the N.O.E.L. Community, please send donations to The N.O.E.L. Community c/o St. Paul's by the Sea at 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Dec. 24: Candlelight Service

The Board of Directors invites the community to join for An 18th Century Candlelight Christmas Eve Service at Historic St. Martin's Church, 11413 Old Worcester Highway, Showell, at 3 p.m. with guest officiant The Rev. Carl Mosley, from St. Paul’s Berlin Parish. Complimentary parking.

Dec. 24: Musical Presentations

Christmas Eve services at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will feature a musical presentation at 6:30 p.m. followed by a service at 7 p.m.

Dec. 30: Mayor’s New Year Event

Live music at 7 p.m. at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center, featuring the Greatest Piano Men celebrating the songs of Beethoven, Billy Joel, Elton John, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and

more. Tickets at www.ocperformingartscenter.com.

Dec. 31: OC Fireworks

Bundle up and enjoy New Year’s Eve fireworks on the beach at N. Division Street.

Dec. 31: NYE Ball Drop In Berlin

5 p.m.-midnight. Laser light shows 5:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Kids ball drop at 6 p.m. Live music, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dance party, 10 p.m.-midnight. Ball drop midnight. www.berlinmainstreet.com.

Dec. 31: OC NYE Events

North Ocean City residents and visitors can enjoy Winterfest of Lights, with a countdown and fireworks at midnight. Taking place downtown, visitors can relive the enjoyment of drive-in movies at the Ocean City Inlet Parking lot. The doubleheader movies include a children's show, Encanto, at 7 p.m., followed by a kid-friendly countdown at 9 p.m. Immediately after the children's film, visitors can enjoy Top Gun: Maverick at 9:30 p.m. with the grand finale fireworks at midnight to ring in 2023. Refreshments will be available for purchase from local vendors and food trucks.

Jan. 9-15: Berlin Restaurant Week

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

Jan. 11: AARP Meeting

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

Jan. 13-15: OC Dreamfest

The three-day music event will be held at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center, taking guests through the decades of the '50s, '60s and '70s with musical acts

The B.B. King Experience featuring Claudette King, Thomas McClary's the Commodores, and The Spinners. Tickets for Dreamfest can be purchased at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center or by visiting https://ocmdperformingartscenter.com.

COMMUNITY

News In Photos

Wicomico Retired School Personnel Association (WRSPA) shared gift cards and socks with twelve homeless adolescents from the Fenix Youth Project Inc. Pictured is Amber Green, Fenix Youth Project Inc. director, receiving the holiday gifts from Judy Davis, community service lead for WRSPA.

The First State Detachment of the Marine Corps League recently welcomed two new officers, as Tom Redding was sworn in as Senior Vice Commandant and Al Soto took the oath as Junior Vice Commandant. Pictured are Soto, left, and Redding being administered the oath by former Commandant Frank Del Piano.

Local artist, illustrator and cartoonist Jim Adcock, known for his Ocean City and Eastern Shore art, was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City. Kiwanis Club President Bob Wolfing is pictured with Adcock. Submitted Photos

On November 29, five Worcester County Garden Club members traveled to Annapolis and decorated a holiday tree using horticulture grown in member gardens and deer antlers found in Worcester County. Pictured from left to right are Jan King, Pat Arata, First Lady Yumi Hogan, Suzy Young, Joanne Kirby and Mary Ellen Jefferson. Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of the Governor

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club presented a check for $5,000 to Toys for Tots in Worcester County. Pictured is Bill Hickey, past president, Dena Holloway, coordinator, Maryland Lower Eastern Shore Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, and Christina Dolomount Brown, president.

Musician 3rd Class Daniel Caton, from Berlin, assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Band, attached to hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) for Continuing Promise 2022, practices music at the Mauricio Baez Cultural Center with students from the National Conservatory of Music and the National System of Free Schools in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Dec. 1, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy

Testing Available

OCEAN PINES – TidalHealth and its lab team are pleased to announce that EKG testing is now available at TidalHealth FamilyLab, Ocean Pines at 11101 Cathage Road.

EKG testing records electrical signals from the heart to detect a variety of different conditions. It is often included with lab testing for pre-surgical purposes, meaning a physician order is required. Most insurances are accepted, but can be verified in advance by calling 410-912-6106.

Lab staff are available to perform EKG testing Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 to 11 a.m.

Rig Rides

SALISBURY – Perdue truckers and associates joined community volunteers Saturday, Dec. 3, to renew a 37-year Operation Teddy Bear tradition to deliver a little holiday cheer to residents of the Holly Center, a state of Maryland residential facility for people with mental and physical disabilities.

The event aligns with the company’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors outreach focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities.

Operation Teddy Bear enables Holly Center residents to take a ride in a big rig with one of Perdue’s professional truck drivers. The caravan of trucks, adorned with holiday decorations, navigates residents on an 11-mile loop in Wicomico County, beginning and ending at the Holly Center.

“Operation Teddy Bear really serves to kick off the holiday season for Perdue and its drivers,” said Chairman Jim Perdue. “Events like this really showcase the heart and soul of our drivers, and illustrate a commitment to giving back, including those members of the community who volunteer their time each year to help make this event possible.”

Operation Teddy Bear was inspired by the 1976 song “Teddy Bear” recorded by country music artist the late Red Sovine. The song tells the story of a CB radio conversation between a trucker and a housebound disabled boy who desperately wants a ride in a rig after his father, a trucker, had been killed. At the end of the song the trucker goes to pick up the boy to give him a ride and finds the boy’s street clogged with rigs and drivers who heard the conversation over the radio.

After hearing Sovine’s song, two Per-

due associates were inspired to launch the Operation Teddy Bear program at Perdue to help the residents of the Holly Center. Since the program’s inception, Perdue associates and truck drivers have been volunteering every year to provide rides to residents.

“There’s nothing better than seeing the smiling faces of the residents during their rides,” said trucker Hal Belote, who looks forward to the event each year.

Center Dedication

SALISBURY – For many of today’s students, World War II is something they’ve seen in movies.

For Dr. Maarten Pereboom, dean of Salisbury University’s Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts, it was an event that changed his family forever.

During the early hours of April 13, 1945, during an operation intended to guard a canal bridge pending the arrival of Canadian troops, German soldiers attacked a contingent of the Dutch underground in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands. Twelve resistance fighters were killed, including Pereboom’s uncle, 22-year-old Herman van Apeldoorn.

Though Pereboom and Apeldoorn never met, the latter’s death had a lasting familial impact.

“Members of my generation, the children of his three surviving sisters, know him as Oom Herman, our uncle, even

though none of us were born when he died, and we are all much older now than he lived to be. We are proud that he fought an occupying power that violated every value of human goodness, while the immediate circumstances of his death also illustrate the war’s cruel senselessness and irrevocable consequences.”

Pereboom recently honored his late uncle by sponsoring SU’s Fulton Film Center in his memory. The dedication commemorated the 100th anniversary of van Apeldoorn’s birth: November 25, 1922.

“World War II was a global event, and the tragedy that befell our family is but one example of the tens of millions of lives lost through combat, famine and violence against civilian populations on multiple continents, including the genocide of the Jews and other targeted groups,” said Pereboom.

“We struggle to understand that experience also as it relates to big and enduring questions about the human condition. The medium of film, which emerged in the 20th century, documented the war itself and ever since has been a vehicle for people, as makers and viewers, to illuminate and interpret its many facets.

“Naming a film center in memory of my uncle appropriately underscores the serious purposes of film study, but that need not be at the expense of understanding film’s cultural rule as a medium of entertainment, fun and escape. My mother recalled happy memories of going to the

movie with her family in the 1930s. For them and us, film can inspire hope for a better world.”

Physician Welcomed

SALISBURY – TidalHealth recently welcomed Scott Kaufman, DO, to TidalHealth Cardiology.

Kaufman specializes in electrophysiology, which is used to diagnose and treat heart conditions that affect the electrical activity of the heart muscle.

Kaufman received his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Mo., and completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry School of Medicine in Stratford, N.J. He completed a fellowship in cardiology at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Chicago, Ill., and an electrophysiology and pacing fellowship at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Ill.

Kaufman has participated in many clinical research projects focused on the study of electrophysiology and authored a publication about the incidence and recurrence of atrial fibrillation following a successful catheter ablation. He is board certified as a diplomat in internal medicine, cardiology, and cardiac electrophysiology with the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

SCOTT KAUFMANN

Program Offered

BERLIN – Food and beverage businesses will have an opportunity to win cash prizes through Cureate Courses’ free 10-week small business accelerator program.

Two businesses will have the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize. Businesses must be based in Anne Arundel County, Harford County and the Eastern Shore. A simple online application is open now at http://cureate.co/courses-md.

Applications must be received by Jan. 18.

Cureate Courses is made possible by visionary leadership at the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), Baltimore Community Lending, and Cureate. The vision is to build a more resilient, local, diverse supplier network of food and beverage businesses throughout the state of Maryland, generating economic impact in every community.

Zoom Car Wash held a flag-raising ceremony this week at its new facility off Route 50 in Berlin. The Salisbury-based car wash is expected to open its second location in Berlin later this year. Above, members of the Berlin American Legion joined with Zoom Car Wash representatives to raise the American flag in front of the company’s new facility.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

The Dispatch’s Pets of the Month

Pet’s

Pet’s

Pet’s

Pet’s

STEVE GREEN EDITOR

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

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Lucy, owned by Cindy Dennsteadt.

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

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on Jan. 20.

Pet’s

Pet’s

Pet’s Name: CiCi

Age/Breed: 6-year-old Saluki/lab mix

Owner: Janet Dickey

Pet’s Name: Mick

Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old Australian Shepherd

Pet’s Owners: Ron & Jayme Bohm

Pet’s Name: Tequila

Pet’s Age/Breed: 15-year-old chihuahua/miniature pincher mix

Owner: Nadja Brueck

Pet’s Name: Marcellus Wallace

Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old German shepherd

Pet’s Owner: Emily Righter

Pet’s Name: Rufus

Age/Breed: 4-month-old Mix

Owner: Grason Schmidt

Pet’s Name: Annie Mae

Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-month-old cockapoo

Owners: Judy & Bob Murphy

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Your work on a recent job assignment is impressive and sure to be noticed. Meanwhile, expect to receive news about an upcoming holiday event you won't want to miss.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Saving the world one person at a time is what you were born to do. So accept it when people ask you for help, especially during the holiday season.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Now that you've resolved all doubts about an important decision, you can surprise a lot of people by defending your stand with strong and well-reasoned arguments.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): The holiday mood stirs your need to nurture everyone, from the family cat to great-grandma. But don't overdo it, especially with teens, who like to feel grown up.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Enjoy basking in the warm love of family and close friends this holiday season. But don't fall into a prolonged catnap yet. There's still much to do before you can fully put up your paws and relax.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Avoid pushing others to work as hard as you do on a common project. Instead, encourage them to do their best, and they might well reward you with a pleasant surprise.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Like the sensible Libra you are, you no

doubt already started your holiday shopping. But be careful to keep within your budget. Shop around for the best buys.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Love and friendship remain strong in your aspect over the next several days. This is a good time to develop new relationships and strengthen old ones.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): A beloved family member has news that will brighten your holidays. Also expect to hear from friends who had long since moved out of your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Family and friends are in for a surprise when you accept the need to make a change without being talked into it. (Bet it surprised you, too, didn't it?)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Restoring an old friendship might not be as easy as you had hoped. You might want to explore the reasons for your former buddy's reluctance to cooperate.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Your party-going activities pick up as the holiday season takes off. Enjoy your plunge into the social swim as you make new friends and renew old friendships.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are caring and considerate -- two wonderful attributes that endear you to people of all ages.

© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

By Steve Green

World Cup soccer passion

What my wife brings home from a Christmas cookie party

My son’s excitement for ringing the church bell

Photos of past vacations Thick socks on cold days

The railroad era in Ocean City began in 1876 and lasted for 57 years. During this time passenger train service played a major role with nearly all the summer visitors prior to the 1920s arriving by rail.

The original terminal was located on Baltimore Avenue at S. Division Street but was moved to Philadelphia Avenue and Wicomico Street in 1903. The trains entered town over a wooden trestle bridge; it had planks which allowed pedestrians and vehicles to cross after paying a small toll. This was the only bridge into Ocean City prior to 1919.

During the pre-WWI period as many as eight passenger trains crossed the bridge each day in the summer but by the mid-1920s the automobile had caused passenger rail service to decline. A hurricane on Aug. 23, 1933 destroyed the trestle bridge ending rail service to Ocean City forever.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Postcard circa 1921 from Bunk Mann’s collection

WITH BUNK MANN

SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC:

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

Worcester County Health Department

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE SUPERVISOR- Full Time, State Benefits. Occasional weekends & evenings and on-call rotation required. This position supervises the nursing services related to overall vaccine preventable diseases for children and adults. Duties include, but are not limited to planning, scheduling and reviewing the vaccine delivery services provided by health department nurses, working with community partners to assure vaccine services are available, including school services for specific needs (back to school immunizations, seasonal influenza, public health emergency vaccines, etc.) & compiling and providing data for performance measures and vaccine preventable disease reports. This position provides nursing services including health promotion, health maintenance, health education and management, coordination, and continuity of care in a holistic approach to the management of the health care of individuals, families, and groups in a community; provides vaccine delivery, support of disease investigations, and other clinical services as needed. Home visits are required as is travel to state and regional meetings and trainings. This position supports incident command during emergency events including shelter operations. Must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland State Board of Nursing. Valid driver’s license required. Background check & drug screening required. APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md

NOW HIRING CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

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

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

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

Email resume to: Lwatson@worcesterprep.org

ROOMMATE: Shared house. Private BR & BA., Selbyville. On canal, 10 min to beach. Comm. pool, lg covered porch, shared Kit, Dining, Liv, W/D, $850/mo. Inc’l WiFi & util’s. 240-372-5944.

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

Third Insertion

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

P.O. BOX 3307

OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000190

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

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307

Plaintiff vs. JOVITA BAINO, et al. Defendants

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 29TH day of NOVEMBER, 2022, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings,made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 2ND day of JANUARY, 2023 provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 26th day of DECEMBER, 2022.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval:

TIMESHARES SOLD:

BC = BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC.

PP = PARTHENON PROPERTIES, LLC

DBC= DELMARVA BEACH CLUB, LLC

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 02, 2022

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 12-02, 12-09, 12-16 PETER S. BUAS

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME-SHARE INTERVALS IN THE PRINCESS ROYALE

the aforesaid Land Records.

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

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

19478

ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-09, 12-16, 12-23

Date of Publication DECEMBER 09, 2022

Personal Representative True Test Copy

RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-09, 12-16, 12-23

RESORT & CONDOMINIUM OCEAN CITY,

MARYLAND

By virtue of the Statements of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland (Case No. C-23-CV-22-000254) the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Princess Royale Resort & Condominium, located at 9100 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on

DECEMBER 28, 2022, AT 11:30 A.M.

TIME INTERVAL WEEK 40, UNIT NO. 101

Each time interval being one week per year of the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Princess Royale Resort & Condominium, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions as to each condominium unit, and recorded among

TERMS OF SALE: Payment by cash, certified check or cashier’s check equal to the amount of the purchase price shall be paid at the time and place of sale. Final settlement shall be within 10 days after final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, unless said period is extended by the Trustee, for good cause shown, time being of the essence. The property will be sold subject to all restrictions, liens, covenants and encumbrances of record. In the event that the Purchaser fails to go to settlement as required, the property shall be resold at Purchaser’s risk and expense. The Maintenance Fee, which includes taxes, water, sanitary charges and all other municipal, county and State charges to which the property may be subject to, will be adjusted at date of sale. Should a secured party be unable to convey the property, Purchaser’s sole remedy shall be a refund of money paid. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and documentation preparation and title fees and insurance shall be borne by the Purchaser.

The improvements are being sold in an “AS IS” condition, without warranties, express or implied. Risk of loss passes at date of sale. For further information, please contact the Trustee.

Name of Newspaper:

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 09, 2022 3x 12-09, 12-16, 12-23

To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE E. HOLLENDERSKY. Estate No. 19478 Notice is given that BETH ANN MOUNT, 322 BARBARA COURT, SAYLORSBURG, PA, 18353 and JAMES RUFFIN, 2906 WEST FARVIEW STREET, ALLENTOWN, PA 18103, were on DECEMBER 01, 2022, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of GEORGE E. HOLLENDERSKY, who died on OCTOBER 30, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of JUNE, 2023.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 09, 2022

JAMES A. LIST, ESQ THE LAW OFFICE OF JAMES A. LIST 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 100 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

ONE W MARKET STREET

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19468

To all persons interested in the estate of SHIRLEY BOWDLE TRUITT,Estate No.19468. Notice is given that JENNIE T. KNAPP, 25 MORNING MIST DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on NOVEMBER 30, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SHIRLEY BOWDLE TRUITT who died on OCTOBER 13, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30TH day of MAY, 2023.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

DON E. RICHARDSON, ESQ P.O. BOX 258 SALISBURY, MD 21803

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 12938

To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES GIBSON WRIGHT, Estate No. 19490. Notice is given that DON E RICHARDSON, whose address is P O BOX 258, SALISBURY, MD 21803 and SANDRA TRUITT, whose address is 33708 GLASS HILL ROAD, PARSONSBURG, MD 21849 were on DECEMBER 12, 2022 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of CHARLES GIBSON WRIGHT who died on NOVEMBER 30, 2022 with a will.

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

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the

BETH ANN MOUNT JAMES RUFFIN

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

JENNIE T. KNAPP

creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication

DECEMBER 16, 2022

DON E. RICHARDSON SANDRA TRUITT Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE ONE W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 1x 12-16

ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 8TH day of DECEMBER, 2022, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceedings,made and reported by Ayrika Fletcher, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 9TH day of JANUARY, 2023 provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 2ND day of JANUARY, 2023.

The Report of Sale filed in the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share interval: TIMESHARES

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000161

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307

Plaintiff vs. NORMAN ELLIS, et al. Defendants

and ANDREW L HARTMAN, Assignee Plaintiffs vs FAITH M. THOMAS Defendant

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby issued by the Circuit Court for Worcester County this 7th day of December, 2022, that the sale of the property located at 503 CEDAR ST.,

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, made and reported by Andrew L. Hartman, Assignee, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 9th day of January, 2023 provided, a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said county, once in each of three successive weeks, before the 2nd day of January, 2023 .

The Report of Sale states the amount of sale to be

One

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 16, 2022

True Test Copy Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk Circuit Court for Worcester County 3x 12-16, 12-23, 12-30

Assault, Theft Charges

OCEAN CITY – A local man is being held without bond on first-degree assault after allegedly punching and strangling his girlfriend during a domestic dispute at a downtown apartment.

Around 4:40 p.m. Dec. 6, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to an apartment complex at 12th Street for a reported domestic assault that had resulted in a call for service. Upon arrival, officers met with a female victim who reported she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, later identified as Jeffrey Randall, 31, of Ocean City, who advised she had accused the suspect of infidelity and an argument had ensued, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police during the argument, Randall had struck her in the head, nose and body multiple times with a closed fist. Officers observed the victim’s injuries included a bloody nose and bruising to her right eye, according to police reports.

The victim told officers Randall then grabbed her neck with both hands and strangled her, according to police reports. The victim advised Randall had applied so much pressure that she “felt like her head was going to explode,” and she thought she was going to die, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told officers she felt like she was going to go unconscious, but Randall then released his grip. The victim told officers she began to cry, and Randall covered her mouth so no one could hear her, according to police reports. The victim was transported to At-

COPS & COURTS

lantic General Hospital for treatment of her injuries and was released and sent home, according to police reports.

The victim owned two cellular phones, including a flip phone which Randall reportedly broke in half. Randall also took the victim’s iPhone and had not returned it. The victim advised she attempted to leave the residence to get help, but Randall would not let her exit. In the process, the victim’s cellphone was destroyed.

Randall was charged with first- and second-degree assault, malicious destruction of property and theft. He was initially ordered by a district court commissioner to be held without bond. Following a bail review hearing Dec. 12, he was ordered again to be held without bond.

Downtown Assault Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore woman was arrested on assault charges last week after allegedly punching her former boyfriend during an argument over money at a downtown motel.

Around 6:10 p.m. last Tuesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel at 2nd Street for a reported domestic assault. The officer arrived and met the complainant, a male victim, sitting outside a unit on the first floor. The victim reportedly told police he had been arguing with a female friend, later identified as Tammy Becker, 57, of Baltimore, for the past few hours over money.

The victim reportedly told police he and Becker had been lying in bed and he turned the other way to separate himself from the argument. The victim told the of-

ficer Becker then began punching him in the ribs and back, according to police reports. Becker then punched the victim with a closed fist in the right side of his face, according to police reports.

The officer noted the victim did have red marks on the side of his face consistent with getting punched. He also had red marks in his rib cage area, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told the officer the marks on his face and ribs were caused by Becker hitting him.

The OCPD officer interviewed Becker inside the unit. Becker confirmed she had been arguing with the victim over money he had owed her for years, but said she never struck the victim and that his red marks were self-inflicted. They observed a fingernail on Becker’s right hand was broken off, but she claimed the broken nail was not sustained on that day. Based on the evidence, Becker was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Traffic Stop Nets Heroin

OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested for alleged possession of heroin last week following a routine traffic stop in the uptown area.

Around 11:25 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer observed a vehicle allegedly roll through a stop sign in the area of 94th Street. The officer observed the vehicle’s driver, later identified as Michael Neill, Jr., 32, of Baltimore, not wearing a seat belt. The officer observed the vehicle head south on Coastal Highway and conducted a traffic stop in the area of 85th Street. The vehicle pulled into a convenience

store at 85th Street and the officer conducted a traffic stop. Neill reportedly advised the officer he did not have a valid driver’s license and presented a Maryland identification card. Neill also advised the vehicle was a rental truck and he did not have a registration card for it, according to police reports.

Utilizing Neill’s identification card, the officer determined through a background check his driving privileges were suspended in Pennsylvania. The background check also revealed Neill was on probation in Maryland from a prior drug offense in Washington County, according to police reports.

The officer returned to his vehicle to issue the appropriate citations and advised Neill his vehicle was not going to be towed because it was in a valid parking space. Before the officer released Neill, however, he asked Neill if he could search his vehicle, a request to which Neill consented.

During the search, the OCPD officer located on the floor on the front passenger side a clear capsule containing suspected heroin. At that point, Neill was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Uptown Condo Assault

OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on second-degree assault charges last week after an alleged domestic incident at an uptown condominium.

Around 2:20 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) SEE NEXT PAGE

officer responded to a reported assault in the area of 65th Street. The officer arrived and met with a male individual, identified as Stephen Quinn, 50, of Ocean City, who advised he wanted to report an incident, but did not want it to cause his wife to get into trouble, according to police reports.

Quinn reportedly had abrasions and swelling on his forehead and told the officer the injuries were caused by his wife throwing a phone at him within the last hour. Quinn told the officer the incident happened at an uptown condominium at 115th Street. Quinn provided a unit number at the condo and OCPD officers responded to check on the welfare of his wife and child, according to police reports.

OCPD officers met with the condominium’s management staff who advised they did not know Quinn, but the unit number he provided was the only one in which they did not know who resided. While OCPD officers were on scene, Quinn walked through the parking lot and escorted the officers to a unit on the second floor.

Officers responded to the unit and met with Quinn’s wife, who advised she had been in an argument with Quinn while she was holding the couple’s three-month-old child. The victim reportedly told police Quinn hit her hand, causing her to drop her phone, according to police reports. The victim advised she picked up her phone and threw it at Quinn and retreated to a bedroom and locked herself in with the child.

The victim advised she feared for her life because of a repeated course of ac-

tion with Quinn while they lived in California, according to police reports. Officers interviewed Quinn, who concurred the couple had been in an argument and he hit the victim’s phone out of her hand. Quinn repeated the victim had thrown the phone at him, striking him in the forehead. Based on the evidence, OCPD officers determined Quinn was the primary aggressor in the altercation and he was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Malicious Destruction Probation

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man, arrested in September after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and then trying to kick in the door to a motel room, pleaded guilty to malicious destruction of property this week and was sentenced to 30 days, all of which was suspended.

Around 4:30 a.m. on Sept. 17, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a reported domestic assault and malicious destruction of property at a downtown motel at 5th Street. Officers met with the front desk clerk who reported a male in the parking lot, identified a Christopher Doyle, 47, of Palmyra, Pa., had been in an argument with his girlfriend and had kicked the door to their unit multiple times, according to police reports.

OCPD officers reportedly located Doyle in the parking lot. Doyle told police he had been in an argument with his girlfriend because she was jealous because he was talking to some other female and he left the room. When he returned to the room to retrieve his belongings, she had locked him out, which is when he kicked the door. Doyle denied any physical assault had oc-

curred, according to police reports.

OCPD officers then spoke with the female victim, who advised she had been sleeping in the room and when she awoke, she went to the balcony and observed Doyle speaking to another female on the Boardwalk five floors below their room.

The victim told police an argument ensued when Doyle returned to the room. The victim told officers during the argument, Doyle grabbed her by her arms and pushed her on a bed, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police she was able to leave the room and went to the front desk where the night clerk called the police.

The clerk also issued the victim two new coded room keys so Doyle could not return. The victim then went back to the room on the fifth floor and locked the door.

She told officers Doyle returned, and when he found the door locked, he began kicking it hard multiple times. The front desk clerk told officers she could hear the noise from Doyle kicking the door from five floors below, according to police reports.

OCPD officer checked the door and found severe damage to it in the area on the handle side. There was also damage to the paint and surface of the door, according to police reports. The clerk estimated the value of replacing the door at around $2,500. Based on the evidence and testimony, Doyle was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property. After pleading guilty to malicious destruction of property, he was sentenced to 30 days, all of which was suspended. He was then placed on probation for 18 months.

Serving most states

Best Beats

On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG

410-289-0973

28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 16: TBA

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve: First Class

CORK BAR Saturday, Dec. 17: Going Coastal

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Dec. 16: Fitzkee Brothers Wednesday, Dec. 21: Monkee Paw

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Dec. 16: Rogue Citizens Saturday, Dec. 17: Marlin City Madmen

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay Friday, Dec. 15: DJ Hook, DJ Greg Saturday, Dec. 17: DJ Groove, DJ Greg

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Saturday, Dec. 17: TBA

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, Dec. 17: Rogue Citizens, DJ Jeremy Sunday, Dec. 18:

Opposite Directions Thursdays: DJ Billy T

Who’s

Where When

OC EATERIES

443-252-3700

12849 Ocean Gateway, Rte. 50, West OC Friday, Dec. 16: Karaoke w/Kennedy Wednesdays: Trivia w/ Kennedy

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Deogee Saturday, Dec. 17: Rogue Citizens Sundays: Beats By Deogee Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 16: DJ Magellan, DJ Tuff, The Benderz Brandon Hardesty, Rogue Citizens, Funk Shué, Howi Spangler, Higher Education Saturday, Dec. 17: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Cellar Sessions, Late Last Night Thursday, Dec. 22: Opposite Directions, DJ Connair

MARLIN

In The News

Worcester Boys Enjoy Solid 2-1 Week

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN –Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team had a solid week, first losing to Greenwood Mennonite in a close one before rebounding with wins over Chincoteague and Gunston.

Against Greenwood Mennonite, the Mallards led 16-1 after one quarter and 24-22 at the half. The two teams played even in the third, but Greenwood Mennonite outscored Worcester, 16-8, in the decisive fourth quarter to pull away for the 49-44 win. Jack Gardner led the way with 22 points, while Harrison Humes scored 11 and Ashton Barnes added seven.

Against Chincoteague, Worcester led 17-10 after one quarter, but pushed the lead to 31-18 by halftime. Chincoteague outscored the Mallards, 22-9, in the fourth quarter, but the dam-

age had been done and Worcester hung on for the 54-51 win. Gardner scored 19 in the game, while Jeffrey Hamer scored 11, Michael DePalma added 10 and Griffin Jones scored seven.

Finally, Worcester beat Gunston, 43-32, in the low-scoring conference game. Worcester trailed the Herons, 1110, after one, but outscored Gunston, 17-6, in the decisive second quarter and pulled away for the 43-32 win. Hamer led the way with 16 points, while Jones scored 11, Gardner scored eight and Browne added six.

The Worcester boys played Salisbury Christian in another Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) battle on Tuesday in the last game before the holiday break. The Mallards will be back in action on January 6 in a rematch of the season opener with Salisbury School.

Mallards Split Pair Of Games This Week

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN –Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team split a pair this week, losing to Greenwood Mennonite, 38-25, before rebounding with a 32-21 win over Chincoteague.

Against Greenwood Mennonite, the Mallards trailed 15-8 after one quarter, but cut the lead to 18-15 by halftime. After a fairly even third quarter, Greenwood Mennonite outscored Worcester, 16-4, in the decisive fourth

to pull away for the 38-25 win. Worcester got six points each from Esther Mehilli, Anne Carter and Caitlyn Hoen, who also grabbed 14 rebounds in the contest.

The Mallards followed that loss with a 32-21 win over Chincoteague. Worcester led 18-12 at the half and outscored their opponents 10-3 in the third to pull away. Mehilli led the way with 11 points, while Sydney Mize scored nine and Anisha Batra added six. Hoen grabbed eight rebounds in the contest.

Decatur Boys Fall To Snow Hill In A Close One

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN –Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team dropped a close one to Worcester County rival Snow Hill on the road on Monday to fall to 1-2 early in the season.

Decatur opened the season with an 81-73 loss to Bayside South rival Bennett at home in the season opener last Tuesday. The Seahawks bounced back with a win over North Caroline, 62-53, in

the Peake Tip Off at Chesapeake College last Saturday.

On Monday, the Seahawks faced Snow Hill on the road in an early showdown and the game lived up to the hype. Snow Hill led 22-19 after the first quarter and maintained a twopoint lead at 39-37 at the half. Decatur outscored the Eagles, 22-17, in the third to take its first lead of the game. However, Snow Hill outscored the Seahawks in the fourth to hang on for the 78-75 win.

Wrestlers Sweep Pair Over Colonel, Easton

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team split a pair of matches last week to remain unbeaten on the season.

The Seahawks beat Colonel Richardson in a rout, 78-6. Elijah Collick won his match at 106, Juan Hinojosa won at 113, Liam Hugues won at 120 and Aaron August won at 126. It was Reid Caimi winning at 132, Logan Intrieri won at 138, Z.J. Lyons won at 145 and Brady Marshall won at 152. Gavin Solito kept it go-

ing with a win at 160, Evan Haworth won at 170, Parker Intrieri won at 182, Kole Kohut won at 195 and Nate McDaniel won at 220.

Decatur’s next win was a 76-6 rout of Easton. Collick won his match at 106, Jake Saullo won at 113, Hugues won at 120 and Caimi kept it going at 132. After wins by Decatur at 138 by Logan Intrieri and Lyons at 145, Haworth won at 160, Solito won at 170, Parker Intrieri won at 182, Brooks Kendall won at 195. Kohut won at 220 and Garrett Maloney won at 285.

A contingent of Stephen Decatur varsity football players turned in strong performances for the South team last week in the Eastern Shore Bowl. Established in 2008, the Eastern Shore Bowl is a showcase event for senior players from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Pictured above are the Decatur representatives in the game with their coaches. For the record, the North team beat the South team, 20-17, in overtime.

Photo by Bayside Sports-Vince Risser

Carl Edward Prager

SALISBURY – Carl Edward Prager, fondly known as Ed, 82, of Salisbury, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, at Wicomico Nursing Home.

Born in St. Michaels, Md., he was the son of the late Carl Edward and Mary Lou (Isner) Prager. He graduated from St. Michaels High School in the class of 1958 before going on to four years in the United States Air Force. After completing his time in the Air Force, he earned a degree from Towson University in Educational Organization and Administration and worked primarily for the Worcester County Board of Education. He will be remembered by many as the principal of Berlin Middle School. He enjoyed his son’s athletic activities. He also enjoyed RVing, meeting new people, visiting parks, museums, plays, concerts, and reading nonfiction. He also enjoyed Bible study, fishing and eating out with friends.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; his three sons, Mark Prager and his wife Liezel of Seminole, Fla., Eric Prager of Skaneateles, N.Y. and Kurt Prager of Severna Park; a stepson, Andrew Brittingham and his wife Ashley of Vicksburg, Mich.; and grandchildren Bear, Aiden and Gavin Prager and Ashden Brittingham. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret “Jean” and her husband Bruce of Felton, Del.; a cousin, Terry Greenwood and his wife Rosemary of Salisbury; three nephews and one niece.

In addition to his parents, he was pre-

OBITUARIES

ceded in death by his first wife, Carol Prager, in 2008.

A memorial service was held at Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. Interment was held at Olivet Cemetery in St. Michaels. A brief service of remembrance was also held at at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in St. Michaels.

Memorial donations may be made to Women Supporting Women, 1324 Belmont Avenue, Salisbury, Md. 21804.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A. Visit www.HollowayFH.com to send condolences to the family.

Gertrude

Georgeanna Russo

OCEAN CITY – Gertrude “Trudy” Georgeanna Russo, 79, of Ocean City, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late George Sajdak and Gertrude Yeager.

While working at Squires in Baltimore, Trudy met the love of her life, Antonio “Tony” Russo. They began their first business, Tony’s Pizza on Wise Avenue in Baltimore before heading to Ocean City where they successfully opened several businesses. For over 60 years, Trudy worked faithfully along-

side Tony as they built their legacy together, from owning and operating the Roosevelt Hotel to Tony’s Pizza and Tony’s Casa Di oPasta, and more recently The Rideau Oceanfront Hotel.

Besides being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Trudy was an excellent cook; her family in Sicily taught her some of Tony’s favorite meals from family recipes. She loved country music and thrill-seeking adventures, like riding roller coasters with her granddaughter. Trudy spent many wonderful winter months in her Florida home where she was happiest entertaining family and friends. Her loyalty and devotion to others was immeasurable. She enjoyed the finer things in life and shopping with her friend and caretaker Leticia.

She is survived by her husband, Tony Russo; her children, Lisa Russo (Rich Angelo) Tony Russo Jr. and Cristina Russo (Mark Bitzel); two sisters, Vicky Gaydos (Paul) and Marge Harris (Charles); four grandchildren, Chelsea Andresen, Jeffrey Andresen, Aleksandra Russo and Antonio Russo; a great-granddaughter, Brayleigh Andresen; and many relatives who live in Ocean City, Baltimore, and Sicily. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Anna Gordnier and Janice Kenny, as well as her beloved son, Angelo Russo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1705 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842, or Johns Hopkins Hospital at

https://secure.jhu.edu/form/physmed, and make the gift “In Memory of Mrs. Gertrude Russo.”

Services were held this week at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City including a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

David Paul Mulkay III

BERLIN – On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, David Paul Mulkay III, 71, of Assateague Pointe, Berlin, formerly of Lutherville, Md. and of Ft. Pierce, Fla., left us following a prolonged illness.

Son of the late John and Ann Mulkay of Lutherville-Timonium, Md., he is survived by beloved brothers Jack Mulkay and wife Leslie (Bauer) of Flower Mound, Texas, Barry Mulkay and wife Peggy (FitzGerald) of San Clemente, Calif.; many nieces and nephews; and best friend Bruce Liebert and wife Cindy (Bauer) of Ocean City.

A private ceremony and celebration will take place in Ocean City during summer 2023.

Mary Anna Weber

BERLIN – Mary Anna Weber, age 97, passed away at her home in Berlin on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022.

Born in Baltimore, Md., she was the daughter of the late Joseph T. O’Leary and Theresa M. Everett.

A born educator, Mary was happiest when surrounded by the students she taught. Her patience and enthusiasm inspired not only the children she taught, but also her colleagues. Though retired for many years, the friendships forged during her tenure at Cromwell and Hilltop Elementary schools sustained and were cherished through her entire life.

Mary was a deeply spiritual woman whose love of God was evident in her love of friends and family. She was an anchor in times of distress and a comfort in times of sorrow. Her love of life and people brought joy to the ordinary and an appreciation of every circumstance.

An exceptional and experienced force in the kitchen, everyone who knew Mary looked forward to her culinary treats. “Always save room for dessert” was a favorite maxim, and her contributions to “Fat Fridays” are legendary.

It is impossible to fathom the many lives that were enriched by Mary; from the children whose love of learning blossomed in her care to the family and friends who learned what it means to be loved deeply. The lives of those who knew Mary are forever changed and her memory will remain to encourage us throughout our lives.

She is survived by her son, George A. Weber, III; two grandchildren, Rick (Shrebia), and Jeff (Michelle); her caregiver Maureen Thompson; her favorite nurse, Mackenzie Lane; and numerous great grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of

CARL E. PRAGER

TRUDY RUSSO

DAVID PAUL MULKAY III

MARY A. WEBER

OBITUARIES

friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Maureen West; a brother, Lawrence O’Leary; and a sister, Dolores Farley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mary’s name to Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1705 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Services were held, including a viewing at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin and a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. Interment will be at Meadow Ridge Cemetery in Elkridge at a yet undetermined date in the spring. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Alva Richard Cummings

BERLIN – Alva Richard Cummings, age 91, of Berlin, formerly Collingswood, N.J., passed peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022.

Born in Merchantville, N.J., he was the son of the late Wesley Cummings and Esther Doron.

Alva was an Army Korean War Veteran serving in the 5th Regimental Combat Team. He was retired from the US Postal service (VOMA) in Camden, N.J. and from the New Jersey Racing Commission.

He was the beloved husband of Barbara A. Cummings (nee Hood) for 56 years; dear father of Linda Breslin (Brian), Darren Cummings (Heather) (Nicole Apple), Richard Cummings (Carole) and Stacey Ludwick (Paul); and dear brother of Robert Cummings and sister Shirley Ann Cox and the late Maurice “Buck” Cummings, Bill Cummings, Esther Irvins, Doris Delowery and Betty Lou Sikora. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Brian and Colin Breslin, Meghan, Samantha and Andrew Cummings, Hayden, Will and Aly Ludwick, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was held at Garden of the Pines Cemetery, 11227 Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, Md. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Frank Louis Krach Sr. OCEAN PINES – Frank Louis Krach Sr., Ocean Pines resident from 2002-2019, passed away on Nov. 18, 2022, in Dallas, Texas, at his daughter Kathleen’s home, where he received loving care in his final days.

He was a member of St. John Neumann Church, an Ocean Pines Realtor and a member of the Delmarva Irish American Club.

Frank was born on July 1, 1935 to Jacob and Theresa Krach. He grew up in the Hamden neighborhood of Baltimore,

along with his three brothers, John, Joe and Tom. Frank was a proud graduate of Calvert Hall College High School, class of 1953, and a proud U.S. Army Veteran, serving with honor in Korea from 1955 through 1956. Frank married his high school sweetheart, Margaret ‘Peg’ Mary Quinn, in 1958, and they would later become the parents of four children, Frank Jr., Kathleen, Michael, and Tracy.

To his children, their “Dad” was a gentle and kind father, who always supported his family. He worked in the insurance field and ultimately retired from NRECA after more than thirty years. Dad was a supportive husband to Peg, our mom, for 57 years. He lovingly cared for our Mom during her long decline with cancer, and we are so very proud of and thankful for Dad’s dedication to keep her home until her last day. Frank’s life was blessed with a growing family to include two daughters’-in-law, Sally (Frank’s wife) and Trish (Mike’s wife) and a son-in-law Joe (Tracy’s husband).

To his nine grandchildren, Katie, Jake, Julia, Annie, Thomas, Gracie, Josh, Jon and James, their “PopPop” was a fun and giving grandfather, and they will forever love the ocean, Assateague, poker and Tastykakes because of all their joy filled visits to Granny and PopPop’s beautiful home in Ocean Pines. Frank and Peg welcomed many of you, friends and family, with their generous hospitality. You all will remember our Dad as a kind and loving gentleman. He gave his family all that he had. We are grateful for our Dad, may he know God’s mercy and salvation, and rest in eternal peace.

Frank Krach’s life will be celebrated with a funeral Mass and his cremains will

be placed alongside his wife’s ashes, at the Columbarium, Arlington National Cemetery, in 2023, date to be determined.

We gratefully ask, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Surpassing Grace Ministries, in memory and celebration of our dad. Your full donation will go to support orphans in Southeast Asia. Please send your donation to Frank’s daughter, Tracy, 155 Steely Hill Rd. Easton, Pa. 18042, payable to “Surpassing Grace Ministries.” Contact the family for more information about this ministry.

Charles Ronald Gosser, Jr.

OCEAN PINES – Charles Ronald Gosser, Jr. “Ron”, 77, of Ocean Pines, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022 while under Hospice Care in Salisbury, just three months after the passing of his loving wife of 35 years, Deborah Marie Gosser.

Born on June 17, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pa., Ron was the only son of the late Charles Simon Gosser and the late Ruth Lefferts Gosser. Ron and his parents moved to Baltimore where he graduated from Brooklyn Park High School, in the class of 1963.

In the summers of 1962 and 1963 Ron was a lifeguard for the Ocean City Beach Patrol, where he found his love for the beach and met his first wife, Dale Petrarca. Ron later graduated from the University of Baltimore in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. Ron worked over 32 years at Hoechst Roussel Vet in sales

for human pharmaceuticals as well as the poultry industry. Ron was a huge inspiration to many while in the poultry industry, he traveled and entertained many customers who soon became some of his best friends and comrades in the business.

Ron was part of the Salisbury Rotary Club from 1987-2003 and sat as a board member of the Salisbury YMCA from 2001-2003. Ron enjoyed his retirement working on the Ocean City boardwalk renting bicycles for Eden Roc at the Beach Plaza Hotel. Ron enjoyed going to the gym, biking, boxing, golfing, hunting, shooting, and boating. Ron loved traveling with his wife, Debbie to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, and see the world.

Charles “Ron” Gosser is survived by his three daughters, Debbie Davis and her husband Dan of Leesburg, Va.; Tammy Stanard of Leesburg, Va.; Kathryn Suzanne Gosser, of Ocean Pines; five grandsons, Will Davis of Leesburg, Va., Charley Davis of Leesburg, Va., Jack Davis of Leesburg, Va., Logan Stanard of Leesburg, Va., Franklin Gosser Stockett of Ocean Pines; and two granddaughters, Emily Stanard of Leesburg, Va. and Magnolia Stockett of Ocean Pines.

A Celebration of Life will be held in June of 2023 in correspondence with the Ocean City Beach Patrol, more information will be coming at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ocean City Beach Patrol Surf and Rescue Association, 109 Talbot Street, Ocean City, Md. 21842. A letter will be sent to the family thanking you for your donations.

ALVA R. CUMMINGS

CHARLES R. GOSSER, JR.

FRANK L. KRACH SR.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With the deadline for bringing non-conforming signs in the downtown area into compliance already extended, resort officials continue to examine which are still subject to modification, and letters will soon be sent out to property owners explaining their options.

During Tuesday’s joint meeting between the Mayor and Council and the Ocean City Planning Commission, the issue of non-conforming signs in the downtown area was broached yet again. In 2006, the council passed an ordinance asserting all non-conforming signs in the downtown area should be brought into compliance by November 2022.

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

Street, an area where some of the noncompliant signs are located.

As part of that project, which includes the undergrounding of utilities, widening of sidewalks and an overall streetscape design, the town is in the process of abandoning and conveying an unused portion of the Baltimore Avenue rightof-way to the private sector property owners in that area. Many of the noncompliant signs downtown are located within the project area.

However, projected costs and other issues related to the redevelopment of Baltimore Avenue have pushed that timetable for the project back. To the end, at a joint meeting between the Mayor and Council and the planning commission in late September, it was decided to push the deadline for bringing non-conforming signs into compliance back one year.

In the months since, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville and staff have been exploring non-compliant signs in the downtown area south of 3rd Street. The concept is a comprehensive approach to addressing all non-compliant signs in the down-

Non-Conforming

town area and not limiting the scope to just the section of Baltimore Avenue slated for redevelopment. During Tuesday’s second joint session between the Mayor and Council and the planning commission, Neville explained his staff has been directing efforts at the area south of 3rd Street, and letters to the property owners whose signs are in question are pending.

“In our last meeting, we discussed the non-conforming signs in the downtown area below 3rd Street,” he said. “We’re in the midst of a comprehensive review of the entire downtown area.”

Neville said on Tuesday each situation is unique and letters to property owners in the downtown area with non-conforming signs will not likely be cookiecutter.

“What we’ve learned is we really need a specified letter to property owners over the non-conforming signs,” he said. “Some are oversized, some are too high, and some are just in the wrong area. We just had a meeting with the OCDC (Ocean City Development Corporation) this morning about digital signs, and that’s another whole issue. Everything

south of 3rd Street is being considered. It’s a difficult process.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said the process to bring non-conforming signs in the downtown area into compliance has been a long one and predates the council’s latest ordinance passed in 2006.

“In 2002 when we first explored this, we put everybody on notice the sunset date was approaching,” he said. “That was 20 years ago. It was difficult. It came down to each individual case and each individual sign. There are some cases where businesses found loopholes and have taken advantage of the opportunity.”

With the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project stalled, Councilman Peter Buas suggested the one-year extension to bring non-conforming signs into compliance for those property owners in the downtown area with non-compliant signs.

“Now that the Baltimore Avenue project is four years in, is a one-year deadline extension long enough?” he said. “Maybe we should take a closer look at this, and the extension should be four years.”

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week signed off on a new computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) for the town’s police department after learning the existing system was nearing the end of its useful life.

During Tuesday’s work session, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Communications Division Manager Glen McIntyre presented a proposal for an upgraded CAD and records management system (RMS). McIntyre explained the last time the OCPD’s CAD-RMS system was upgraded was in 2005, but a variety of mergers among the industry’s leading providers has necessitated an upgrade now.

“We’ve been talking for a long time about the CAD-RMS,” he said. “The last time we upgraded was in 2005. Following several major acquisitions and mergers, our existing CAD-RMS product was decommissioned by our vendor. While end-of-life or end-of-support dates have been set, the vendor definitively ceased

development and enhancement of the product nearly 24 months ago.”

McIntyre said the department is already seeing appreciable decline in its ability to utilize the new technologies on the market and even rather mundane tasks such as in-house maintenance are becoming problematic with the existing outdated program.

However, McIntyre said the news was not all bad. For example, because of the mergers and acquisitions of the industry’s leaders, a better product is now available.

In addition, the new vendor is offering a subscription model that includes an upfront payment for the system along with an annual fee that will be locked in for the life of the contract.

“We’ve been with our current vendor since 2005 and have undergone a series of spinoffs and acquisitions over the past 17 years,” he said. “Fortunately, the latest acquisition and merger saddled our vendor with three of the top tier CAD-RMS systems on the market.”

McIntyre said the transition to the new system should be expedited and

seamless. He said neighboring Wicomico County has already made the transition to the new system.

“In essence, our proposal is simple,” he said. “We can migrate from our existing CAD-RMS suite to another featurerich product offered by our current vendor. In so doing, we stand to save an inordinate amount of time and money, as all aspects of the transition are under the control and supervision of one company. The move immediately puts us back in a product being promoted, developed and enhanced to meet the rapidly changing needs of public safety, and ensures we have the opportunity to take advantage of emerging technologies.”

McIntyre said if the new CAD-RMS system was approved, there would an out-of-budget expense of around $214,000, which would cover the cost of all services, development, data migration, training and implementation. He said the $214,000 out-of-budget expense could be covered by existing public safety grant funds.

The current fiscal year 2023 budget includes annual CAD-RMS maintenance

fees of around $190,000, a number that increases annually. However, the budgeted amount would cover the cost of the subscription fees each year for the new vendor.

“From a cost perspective, moving to a subscription model dramatically reduces our implementation costs, which could easily exceed a million dollars if we opted to purchase traditional perpetual licenses,” he said. “Qualifying grant funds are available to cover our development costs and fixed pricing in the contract means we’ll pay virtually the same amount for a new subscription as we would for legacy maintenance fees over the next five years. When considering our current situation, the question of whether or not to abandon our existing CAD-RMS suite becomes rhetorical.”

With little or no discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the new CAD-RMS system.

With the approval, McIntyre said it would take 12 to 15 months to fully go live, do the training and have it ready to go prior to the summer of 2024.

Army Corps, DNREC Sign Cost-Sharing Agreement

FENWICK ISLAND – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District has signed a feasibility cost sharing agreement with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to initiate a new study for the Delaware Inland Bays.

The agreement, signed by USACE Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Ramon Brigantti and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, formally kicks off the Delaware Inland Bays and Delaware Bay Coast Coastal Storm Risk Management Study.

“Our District has a long history of supporting the First State and I’m proud to continue that tradition,” said Brigantti. “We know there’s considerable risk along our nation’s coastlines and back bay environments, and so it’s important for us to study ways to help manage that risk – that will be our focus with this effort.”

“This study presents us with a great opportunity to investigate flood risk and to develop mitigation solutions in areas that are seeing greater impacts from climate change,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “Through Delaware's vital partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we will be able to capitalize on the experience the Corps has gained performing similar studies throughout the northeast United States.”

He continued, “With Delaware being the lowest-lying state in the nation, and with us already seeing and feeling the impacts from climate change, this collaboration with the Corps will allow us to explore creative solutions to help us manage these impacts.”

The study will evaluate various alternatives to manage risk from coastal storms that impact the Delaware Inland Bays and Delaware Bay coast.

Alternatives must be technically feasible, economically justified, and environmentally acceptable. The final product of the study will be a decision document in the form of a chief’s report, which may authorize design and construction opportunities.

The study area includes the Delaware Inland Bays (the set of interconnected bodies of water that are separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a spit of land) and the Delaware Bay coastline in the state of Delaware in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. The Inland Bays coastline area is approximately 77 square miles, and the Delaware Bay coastline is approximately 145 square miles.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, a meeting will be held within the first several months of the study, to present the scope of the study and to solicit initial comments from the public, agencies, and stakeholders.

USACE Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Ramon Brigantti and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn M. Garvin signed a feasibility cost sharing agreement for the Delaware Inland Bays Study on Nov. 29, 2022. Submitted Photo

… Council Dismissive Of Amendment

which would be an enforcement issue, while the other was the size of the spaces in the garages allowed under the current code.

“I don’t know what was most objectionable for the council,” he said. “For me, the biggest was probably how we enforce that the space inside a garage is usable. I do think there is merit to ensuring the garage spaces are the size appropriate to meet the code. Maybe it’s worth having those two issues separated.”

Councilmember Carol Proctor said the garage parking issues were not limited to new multi-family development projects.

“Look at Ocean City as a whole,” she said. “What about a three-bedroom condo that only has one designated parking space. There has to be a point when we have to let people make their own decision if they want to buy a threebedroom that only has one parking space.”

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, who chaired the joint session, said there appeared to be three options on the table. The code amendment regarding garage parking in multi-family projects was dismissed by the council earlier this year and removed from the agenda without discussion. One option was determining if there was a will among the council to have the planning commission revisit the

issue and come back with a recommendation, or simply let it go without any more discussion.

There was a motion made to not consider the code amendment related to garage parking for townhouse projects at all. Council President Matt James suggested a solution could be requiring a developer to provide an enclosed parking garage with the spaces sized to actually accommodate two vehicles as the code requires. He said as it stands, the allowable width of the two parking spaces in a two-vehicle garage were often not sufficient to accommodate two vehicles whether was it was filled with other things or not.

“I don’t support the current motion, and I don’t support the ordinance as presented,” he said. “Can we change the size requirements for garage spaces? That seems like it would solve a lot of these issues.”

James called for a vote on the motion to not have the staff direct any more time on the garage parking issue. The motion failed 3-4 with James and Councilmen John Gehrig, Frank Knight and Will Savage opposed, and Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, Buas and Proctor in favor. A second motion was then made to remand the issue back to staff to explore and make recommendations on garage parking space sizes and that motion passed 4-3 with the same breakdown among the councilmembers.

The Dispatch

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

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How We See It

Parents Maintain Similar Education Concerns

It seems in the world of education everything is always changing with the exception being parent concerns. The top priorities expressed last week during a public budget input session all sound familiar – small class sizes, competitive teacher salaries and modern technology options. A review of articles from 10 and 15 years ago on the same type of meeting confirms similar priorities.

When the fiscal year reaches the halfway point at the end of this month, governments will begin immediately working on their budgets. In fact, many financial officers are already working on the next year’s budget process.

The public school system is a critical part of the process in Worcester County, as more than half of the county’s total spending goes to schools. The county funds nearly 75% of the school system’s $123 million budget with 17% of funding derived from the state and about 9% from the federal government.

Worcester County taxpayers bear an incredible burden when it comes to funding public education. Worcester currently receives the least amount of aid

from the state compared to other Maryland jurisdictions. Worcester’s current per pupil aid from the state of $3,783 is far below the state average of $8,000. Over the last five years, the slightly good news is per pupil state aid has increased 25%, from $3,029 in fiscal year 2019, but it remains unfair. A silver lining is the five-year percentage increase in Worcester is slightly higher than the average increase of 23%.

According to the Maryland State Department of Education, no other jurisdiction in Maryland receives less than $4,000 in state aid per pupil. For what it’s worth, Talbot County is the next lowest to Worcester at $4,053. Neighboring Wicomico County receives $12,405 and Somerset County gets $14,659 as a comparison.

Worcester’s elevated property values crush it as far as state funding, and there’s no change coming soon with the new Blueprint for Maryland’s future legislation. It’s expected the local funding burden will only increase in future years, as the state legislative package includes numerous unfunded mandates like the

requirement starting teacher salaries increase to an average of $60,000 in five years (from the current in Worcester of about $48,000).

While the winds of change continue to swirl around public education, troubling local officials, the concerns and priorities of parents remain relatively unchanged from year to year. Familiar statements were made by parents representing local schools at last week’s budget input sessions. The most discussed topics were once again competitive teacher salaries, small teacherto-student classroom ratios and focuses on technology and materials of instruction.

The challenge moving ahead will be for Worcester officials to continue to meet its requirements of funding education at the maintenance of effort level while growing the commitment to meet the new challenges of the legislation and growing needs inside the classrooms. The year after an election is typically the time when property tax increases are most considered. The subject will be discussed early and often next year.

Letters To The Editor

Challenges For Worcester County

Editor:

Elections were recently completed in Ocean City, and Worcester County and the contrast between the two remains starkly in my mind. Although I got in Ocean City in 1954 this past election was the first time, I was directly involved with county politics and politicians. The petition on the sports complex put me in direct contact with all the county politicians and I was so impressed and with their contested elections. There were at least two, and in some cases more than four contestants in every race. In a democracy it takes at least two in order to have a contest and the public always benefits, even if the discourse is not savory. Each candidate will expose the weaknesses of the other for the public to make a better informed decision. The county elections were so exciting, they embodied the essence of the Democratic process.

In Ocean City, where much of the county’s wealth originates the elections lacked candidates. Of six electable positions in OC only one had a contest. Mr. Ferrante ran unopposed for the school board, Mr. Mitrecic once again ran unopposed for County Commissioner, Mr. Meehan once again ran unopposed for mayor and of three council seats there were only four candidates, so two seats for council were also uncontested. In total five out of six elected officials were not contested. This is not healthy nor does it reflect the dem-

ocratic process. The apathy of Ocean City elections stands in sharp contrast to the total involvement of county contests. Politics in Ocean City has been this way for the better part of this century.

When over time individuals are anointed or appointed repeatedly to public office without the accountability of a competitive election, their behavior changes. They become less sensitive to the electorate. More on this later. The county is dependent on Ocean City for over 60% of its revenues. The lack of accountability in Ocean City for the citizenry is a problem for the County going forward.

From 2011 through 2015 before starting my children’s Christmas Concert I used to volunteer at Sonspot, preparing food for the hungry and the homeless. As the apathy in Ocean City politics increased so did the numbers of hungry and homeless that frequent Sunspot. Last century we never had a hungry or homeless problem in Ocean City! The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer and nowhere is this difference greater than in Ocean City itself.

In 2012 I had a number of conversations with Mr. Andes, the then superintendent of schools, who made himself very accessible. Worcester County along with Montgomery are two of the richest counties in the state. During those conversations I was concerned that achievement was declining and costs for public education were out of control. I compared Worcester County

HS graduates in 1970 with Worcester graduates in 2010. I found that over 40 years after inflation the county is spending 300% more to educate a Worcester County public school student. Why? I also found that four-year college enrollments had significantly declined. My hope was to persuade Mr. Andes to not take the Maryland state money and not abide by the state education mandates, instead focus on reading, writing, arithmetic and history. Although Mr. Andes was amicable and accessible, I made no progress. It seems the more we spent on public education the dumber the students get.

This is confirmed by the International PIA tests, administered to 15-yearold’s the 2015 results placed the US 37th in Mathematics. We used to be first in the world, pierless. This failure of public education nationally is reflected in the county where it is an unnecessary tragedy. Although the administrators/educators today will always find other education systems in the US that are worse to compare us too, they fail to compare us to ourselves, years ago. The tallest midget in the forest is still a midget. I have met so many single moms in the county who have to work at least one job and feel so badly when I see their total reliance and dependance on the county’s failed public education system.

In my opinion these are the County Commissioners’ two biggest challenges – 1. dealing with a political class that is unelected and controls the majority

of the money in the county and 2. fixing the failed public education system.

In closing I left the United States two times in my life, once was to Tanzania, where I observed a class of 50 students in a village, ages 8-12 talk in English, do numerous math problems and remain quietly attentive all day. They were all dressed in white shirts with blue shorts for the boys and skirts for the girls, many had no shoes. It’s not about the money.

Tony Christ Falls Church, Va. Ocean City

Opposition Shameful

Editor:

On Nov. 10, it was shameful to see that our State Senator Mary Beth Carozza went before the Maryland Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board to advocate against vital education funding for the Lower Shore.

To start, Senator Carozza advocates against raising salaries to properly pay our teachers a $60,000/year starting wage. The Lower Eastern Shore has struggled to recruit and retain high quality teachers in our school system because we have some of the lowest pay rate for teachers in the state, despite having a premier university for educating teachers in Salisbury University. The result is Salisbury training some of the best teachers who then have no choice but to leave for living wages elsewhere. Senator Carozza’s opposition to paying our teachers a decent wage will result in detrimental consequences of continuing the vicious cycles of our area of losing qualified teachers to other areas and being unable to attract quality educators to teach our children.

The second concern is Senator Carozza’s rants against National Board Certification. National Board Certification provides national standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do and receiving this certification is no small feat. We should be encouraging and incentivizing our teachers to get the skills needed to be world class teachers. That is a key step in ensuring our students get the best education possible.

Finally, Senator Carozza advocates against expanding pre-kindergarten on the Lower Shore. This unreasonable opposition is reckless and will delay the development of children in our region. A recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research showed that kids who attended preschool were: less likely to get suspended from school; less likely to skip class; less likely to get in trouble and be placed in a juvenile detention facility; and they were more likely to take the SATs and prepare for college.

The study also shows that kids who got accepted into preschool ended up having a high-school graduation rate of 70% — six percentage points higher

than the kids who were denied preschool who saw a graduation rate of only 64% and 54% of the preschoolers ended up going to college after they graduated — eight percentage points higher than their counterparts who didn't go to preschool.

The benefits of preschool are overwhelming and Senator Carozza’s opposition is nonsensical. Any state senator worth their salt would be working to get more funding to improve school construction and make it easier for our local daycare providers to provide services for our community, not attempt to exclude us from the project.

Throughout her career in Annapolis, Senator Carroza’s entire schtick has been advocating for the Lower Eastern Shore to have less than the rest of the state. She advocates for Lower Shore educators to be paid less than the rest of the state for the same work despite having inflation and other bills hurting their families’ bottom line. She advocates for Wicomico children not receiving Pre-K education. We need representatives that when they see a problem, they work to fix it, not advocate our region go without and get left behind.

Jared Schablein (The writer is the chair of the Lower Shore Progressive Caucus.)

Christmas Carnival Success

Editor:

Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) would like to express our appreciation to Trimper Rides, Worcester County, Funny Farm Petting Zoo and all the business and volunteers who helped make the Christmas Carnival on Nov. 19-20 a success.

The Ice Rink, donated and set up by Worcester County Recreation and Parks, was a huge success, allowing many kids the opportunity to try out their ice skating skills for the first time. Thank you to Dough Roller Restaurants for proving the food and keeping the pizza and the hot chocolate flowing.

Thanks to the following business for decorating trees and wreaths and donating gift cards for our raffle: Atlantic House Bed & Breakfast, Big Wave Marketing, Cambria Hotel, Cork Bar, Crawl Street, Dandy Dons Bikes, Kohr Brothers, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Nicks Mini Golf, OC Beautification Committee, OC Florist, Ocean Pines Chamber, Oceans East, Park Place Hotel, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Tides & Vine. And, a very special thanks to Alan Beres (aka Santa) for helping hundreds of children get their Christmas list on the way to the North Pole and making memories for hundreds of families with Christmas photos by the carousel.

We truly value all the community support we receive for our downtown events and wish you and yours the merriest of holidays and a happy healthy new year.

OCDC Board and Staff

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

As of last summer, there was hope Ocean City could land the U.S. Navy Blue Angels demonstration team for the 2024 Ocean City Air Show. With the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds already secured for 2023, the focus was on 2024 for the first Blue Angels show since 2019. Those hopes were dashed this week when the Navy’s jet team released its 2024 schedule. The Blue Angels will be in La Crosse, Wis., on June 15-16, 2024, the dates of the resort’s annual show.

During a council meeting last summer, there was much discussion about the air show, future preferred dates and what the city considers a headline act. While reviewing a proposed terms sheet, city officials stated they consider a headline act either the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels. There was a reluctance to call two single military jets performing as headline acts as the terms sheet had initially considered. The item stated, “no less than one of the following: the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds; the U.S. Navy Blue Angels; the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds; or two or more U.S. military single ship jet demonstrations.”

The consensus seemed to be Ocean City wanted to return to previous years when the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels rotated each year. “The headliners are the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels,” Mayor Rick Meehan said last June. “Those are the acts that make the air show go. I think we need to have one or the other to do the air show. That’s just me. They make it a patriotic American air show. That’s the draw. To have them in conjunction with these other teams, that’s even better.” The mayor’s opinion here represents most folks’ hopes. It seems as far as the Blue Angels are concerned the hard feelings from 2019 when a police escort to and from Wallops Island was not provided persist. The hope remains time will do its thing and the team will eventually return to Ocean City.

As far as scheduling the event itself, Father’s Day weekend is also a big point for air show organizers. Paid event attendance was down about 30% last summer when it was held June 11-12, a week before Father’s Day. The ideal weekend for attendance and the demo teams coincides with Father’s Day, according to the promoter. From a spectator standpoint, the last performance day of air show weekend falling on Father’s Day is a good thing.

Complicated is a suitable way to describe the riverboat situation in Snow Hill.

Two years ago, the Worcester County Commissioners approved in a 4-2 vote (Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting opposed) a $400,000, no-interest loan to Snow Hill to buy the 149-passenger Black-Eyed Susan riverboat. At that time, the county estimated the boat could generate revenues between $250,000 and $3 million each year. It was an asinine scale of potential earnings that should have been dismissed outright when discussed. Fast forward to the spring of 2022, after a handful of cruises in 2021, the boat was found to be in disrepair, requiring about $600,000 to regain operational capacity. A statement from the Town of Snow Hill at the time read, “Preliminary reports indicate that a wide range of issues have been discovered covering the boat’s structure and engines, many of which would not have been found when the boat was inspected in the water prior to purchase.” The boat never was used in 2022 as a result.

This is an unfortunate problem borne out of a reasonable approach to economic development. The problem is the boat is essentially a lemon at this point and Snow Hill does not know what to do at this point. This week the Snow Hill Council held a public input session on what to do next with the boat. No decisions were made but Mayor Mike Pruitt acknowledged two bankers advised the town to cut its losses. He also reported even if Snow Hill could foot the repair bills needed now the town could be looking at annual repair bills of $100,000 based on research.

The council is expected to soon reconvene on the boat. None of the options look good and unfortunately today this purchase looks like a terrible mistake for all involved.

There was a lot of blunt talk between the Ocean City Mayor and Council and the Ocean City Planning Commission this week. Though there was some friction on some issues, all seemed to agree Ocean City needs to do something about exterior LED lighting on buildings. The Cambria Hotel north of the Route 50 bridge best epitomizes the concerns, but there will be more projects in the future using similar lighting.

After a long conversation this week, it appears the city could begin approaching the problem of ambient light as it does noise complaints. The city has purchased light meters to determine some potential code changes to address the issue moving ahead. Staff was asked to return with suggestions as to next steps. On the topic, City Manager Terry McGean said, “I think we’ve all heard the complaints. We’ve heard about the Cambria, and we’ve heard about Rivendell. We all agree we have a problem. If the Mayor and Council and the planning commission believe there is a problem, staff can work on it and come back with a solution.”

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville added, “It might follow a similar path as the noise on the Boardwalk issue. We have to measure the ambient contributors and not just the single source. There are three options, really. We can acknowledge we are aware of the issue and do nothing, we can acknowledge we are aware of the issue and direct staff to look at the problem, or we can move forward and draft an ordinance to address the problem.”

Puzzle Answers

PUZZLE ON PAGE 35

The Adventures of Fatherhood

Dentist appointments with Carson are always interesting.

As far as Monday went, there was some good news and bad news for Carson.

The good news was he had a half day of school. The bad news was it was due to a teeth cleaning. His facial expression when he learned about his Monday told the story. He had mixed emotions. A smile came when he was told he would be picked up early. The grin went away, and his head went down when he learned why.

As timing would have it, his appointment was right at lunch. He was not flexible on one point – he was going to eat some of his lunch on the way to the dentist. I find it safe to assume the poor hygienist would prefer this not be the case. We compromised on half of his lunch because he would have been irritable otherwise.

On the way to the Seaside Smiles office, I reminded Carson every dentist appointment he has ever had to date involved him literally laying on my lap in the chair. Considering he’s about 130 pounds and well over five feet tall now, I thought it was a good idea he be in the chair by himself with me nearby. He seemed agreeable until we walked into the dentist’s office. He froze when his name was called, pointing to me. I knew what was on his mind, replying, “okay yes I will get in with you.” I’m not sure he would have moved from the waiting room otherwise.

Brushing aside my serious concerns over the chair’s weight limit, my 13year-old hopped on my lap and the appointment began. I can only imagine how absurd this had to look. There was my middle schooler laying atop me in the dental chair getting his teeth cleaned and examined. I wish I had gotten a photo in hindsight.

No question, Carson did need me. He held my hand the whole time and was comforted by repeated encourage-

ment from me and especially the kind and patient hygienist named Jeanna.

As I have lived through this journey of raising a special needs child, I have come to appreciate and value the kind souls we have met along the way. Pam and I remember every single teacher, educational assistant, principal and therapist Carson has ever had. We remember them for their support of us and Carson as well as their positive attitudes throughout the ups and downs of this life. We do not take kindness and patience for granted because not everyone has the empathy and understanding to grasp disabilities and unique challenges posed. For the most part, Carson has been blessed with caring and understanding educators and therapists along the way. We feel fortunate to live in this empathetic community.

I put the kind Jeanna in this category. She has worked with Carson in the past, and I have no doubt her patient, caring ways made the appointment the best possible experience it could be for him this week. Some dental appointments in the past have lasted just a few minutes. Anxiety won and it wasn’t safe for anyone to be in Carson’s mouth. As he’s gotten older and more familiar with the sounds and equipment, it has gotten better. No doubt there are still challenges and there’s not much about it he likes. The difference is he tolerates it now, even if it involves me as a support cushion.

It’s interesting to see what challenges Carson. He still has no concept of spitting out the water sprayed into his mouth during a cleaning. In fact, on this particular visit, he refused to let Jeanna put the sprayer (for lack of a better term) into his mouth, insisting he drink out of the cup. He would then swallow the dirty water with tooth paste and all. Of course, most of us allow the hygienist to use the little sucker (again lack of the appropriate term) to remove the

rinse liquid.

Jeanna tried repeatedly to use the sucker, even modeling on his skin how low pressure it was. It might have been the sound, but more likely just the unfamiliarity. I tried to tell him it will be a lot better than swallowing the nasty toothpaste. He would have none of it. He did eventually move away from having to use the cup and allowed her to spray into his mouth. That’s a win. It’s progress.

When it comes to the actual cleaning, Carson doesn’t like the sound of the toothbrush. It’s uncomfortable for him. Jeanna did a masterful job saying we will clean in five-second increments, which were more like 12-15 seconds really. She did a really good job counting slow and maximizing her time. I liked that approach because Pam and I use similar creativity daily with Carson.

During this visit, after his comfort level grew, Carson even let Jeanna truly clean between his teeth with her scalers. This took several minutes, and I was incredibly impressed with him. It surely was helped by her idea of putting on his favorite current show, Dr. Pol, on the television overhead.

This is a considerable win in Carson’s world. It was essentially his first full cleaning appointment. I was incredibly proud of him but equally impressed by Jeanna’s compassion and understanding with him. She did a great job with him, and we are so grateful for her patience, creativity and kindness. She made an unpleasant experience for him tolerable.

The only negative takeaway for me was a sore neck all week from contorting myself in the chair. Whatever it takes will always be the rule.

(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.)

by Steve Green