Dec. 21

The Dispatch December 20, 2019

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In The Spirit: Though closed for the season, the amusements at Jolly Roger at the Pier have been in a festive spirit this month.

OC Council Votes Unanimously In Support Of Pier Franchise Extension See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Charitable Souls Create Christmas Song With Proceeds Helping Thrift Shop See Page 34 • Submitted Photo

Annual Glick Award Presented To OC Restaurateurs For Charitable Support

See Pages 20-21 • Photo by Gregory Poulos

Worcester County Commissioners Vote 4-3 To Consolidate Three Departments See Page 15 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Photo by Chris Parypa

INSIDE PAGES

Cops & Courts PAGE 24

Editorial PAGE 42

Business PAGE 44

Sports

PAGE 46

Fatherhood PAGE 48

Things To Do

PAGE 50

Community

PAGE 51

Music

PAGE 52

Faces In Places PAGE 56

People In Society PAGE 58

Things I Like PAGE 59

Classifieds PAGE 62

Crossword PAGE 66

Vanishing OC PAGE 70

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 3

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Council Looks Beyond Concerns, Approves Pier Deal

Page 4

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week unanimously approved a historic Ocean City Pier’s 35-year franchise agreement after addressing some concerns about some of the elements in the deal.

Earlier this month, Ocean City’s elected officials announced they had reached an agreement with Charles “Buddy” Jenkins and his Synepuxent Pier and Improvement Company to extend the franchise agreement for the historic pier that juts eastward from the Boardwalk at Wicomico Street. On Monday, the Mayor and Council approved the ordinance codifying the extended pier franchise agreement, but not before addressing concerns from a former city councilman.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

About 18 months ago, Jenkins approached the city about renewing the franchise agreement for 25 years beyond the 10 years remaining on the existing agreement reached in 1978.

Jenkins and his representatives then negotiated the terms of the extension.

As a result, for Jenkins, the 25-year extension means he can confidently continue to make investments and improvements to the pier, including occasionally replacing it after storm damage, which has happened three times in the last five years. It also means he can continue to invest in the Jolly Roger amusement park and other amenities.

For the Town of Ocean City, the extension ensures continuity for what is perhaps the most iconic image of Ocean City. The renewed agreement, which will generate over $9 million in revenue, provides a dedicated funding

source for repairing and replacing the iconic wooden Boardwalk as needed over the next three decades-plus.

From a financial standpoint, the franchise agreement reached with Jenkins and his company includes a one-time, up-front payment of $1 million. In addition, when the new agreement starts in 2030, it will include an annual payment of $250,000 to the town in that first year. In each year after, interest will be compounded annually at 3%, meaning the annual payment to the town will grow to over $500,000 by the end of the 25-year deal.

However, before the council could vote on the ordinance formalizing the agreement on Monday, Caine Woods resident Vince Gisriel, a former city councilman, offered some reservations about some elements of the proposed deal. Before he started, however, Gis-

December 20, 2019

riel said he appreciated the concept of extending the partnership that has thrived for the last four decades.

“At first blush, it seemed like a good opportunity to put the franchise out to bid and see what other vendors might be interested,” he said. “The more I got into it and studied it, I understand your willingness to negotiate with the current vendor given the fact that obviously the Synepuxent Pier and Improvement Company has a long track record of a quality iconic facility. I’d be hard-pressed to find a company that could come and do this any better than they have for years and years.”

Gisriel then launched into a punch list of concerns with the agreement as proposed, not the least of which was the bottom line. With the agreement essentially worth about $9 million to the town over the next 35 years, he said he wasn’t certain the town was getting full value.

“There is no way that franchise is worth that little bit of money,” he said.

“I think you should have a true audit of that property to determine its value.

It’s your fiduciary duty to do that.”

Gisriel also raised concern the ordinance as written does not include any indemnification for the town, essentially an insurance policy that holds the town harmless in the event of litigation over a potential incident on the pier.

“The most significant thing is the absence of a hold-harmless clause that indemnifies the city,” he said. “It’s not in this ordinance or in the original agreement going back to 1978. It seems at the very least the town should have some evidence of insurance. The town requires that of everybody, even the guy who wants to have a wedding on the beach.”

Gisriel also raised questions about the $250,000 annual payment to the town over the life of the 25-year extension, which will be dedicated to funding future Boardwalk repairs and replacements. Gisriel questioned if the annual payment, even compounded at 3% annually, will cover the cost of future Boardwalk repairs.

“What’s $250,000 going to be worth 10 years down the road?” he said.

“Who knows what it will cost to fix the Boardwalk that far in the future? I’d like to see language in this ordinance that would allow for negotiations based on the cost at that time.”

For his part, Mayor Rick Meehan attempted to systematically address most of Gisriel’s concerns.

“As far as the financial return, there are 10 years remaining on the current contract and that $1 million that is being paid up front over that time span is money the taxpayers would not have received,” he said. “Being able to have that advanced funding when it was not required offsets some of those future revenues you referred to and allows us to immediately invest that money on the taxpayers’ behalf in the form of renovations and reconstruction of our Ocean City Boardwalk SEE NEXT PAGE

… Officials Vote 7-0 To Extend Pier Franchise

December 20, 2019

without any additional costs.”

Meehan said the agreement taken as a whole covered most of the former councilman’s concerns.

“You have to look at the big picture and the entire agreement,” he said.

“You have to look at the cost of operating that pier and the cost of replacing that fishing pier when it had to be done on multiple occasions over the last four or five years.”

Meehan said the agreement was carefully negotiated over 18 months to ensure it was mutually beneficial to both parties.

“The best relations between a landlord and a tenant are those that are mutually beneficial,” he said. “In this case, the tenant has the opportunity to thrive and grow and make a success out of his investment. We wanted that to be a consideration as well.”

Gisriel, however, said everything in it appeared to suggest the town owned the pier and urged the elected officials to add some kind of indemnification clause.

“Given the fact this has been described somewhat as a lease, my gut tells me the town owns the property,” he said. “God forbid there is an injury or some tragedy down on that pier. I think you ought to be protected and held harmless. I hope you will consider amending this for your own benefit and the benefit of the town.”

City Attorney Heather Stansbury expressed confidence the franchisee’s own insurance policies would cover any potential issues.

“This is similar to a lease, but it’s a different animal,” she said. “It’s not a lease. It’s an ordinance and we feel confident this is the right way to go and the town is protected.”

Councilman Dennis Dare pointed out the agreement provides Jenkins and his company with assurances they can safely and confidently continue to invest in the pier and its amenities. He also pointed out without an extension, there might be future changes to the iconic pier.

“We are renewing this with 10 years left,” he said. “Two years ago, the Ferris wheel had to be refurbished and it cost seven figures to do that. There is no doubt that Ferris wheel and those other amusements would need to be refurbished in the next 10 years because that pier is probably the harshest environment in Ocean City. Without this agreement, there is no guarantee the franchisee will invest in those improvements and there is a possibility those amusements go away and we end up with something less desirable up there.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the agreement extending the pier franchise agreement for an additional 25 years beyond the 10 years remaining on the existing agreement.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Dressed Up For The Season:

City Hall in Ocean City is a beautiful sight to beholdat night this time of year.

Photo by Chris Parypa

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

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Berlin Weighing Short-term rental regs For next year

December 20, 2019

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Officials in Berlin are drafting an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals following concern from residents.

Dave Engelhart, the town’s planning director, told the Berlin Planning Commission last week his department was working on an ordinance to limit short-term rentals in town. Members of the commission have expressed frustration in recent months about short-term rentals and the growing use of online platforms such as Airbnb.

“We’re very concerned,” commission member Ron Cascio said.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood told the commission he and Engelhart had been discussing various aspects of a potential ordinance to limit short-term rentals in most parts of town. Fleetwood said it was a difficult issue because there were two sides. Homeowners who rent out their space want to earn revenue, while homeowners who live next door to a property rented on a shortterm basis don’t want their quality of life impacted.

Commission member John Barrett, who acknowledged that he owns a lot of traditional rental properties, agreed that it was a complicated issue.

“It’s tough,” he said. “I don’t know what the right answer is.”

Engelhart said his current view was that short-term rentals in the town’s R1 residential district might be alright if the home was owner occupied. He said he also viewed short-term rentals as permitted in commercially zoned areas as well as areas with R-3 zoning.

Engelhart’s department still needs to decide what qualifies as a shortterm rental. He said the county regulations set anything less than 28 days as a short-term rental.

He added that the town did not currently have a huge number of properties being used as short-term rentals.

“We’re not overrun with it like some areas,” he said. “Not yet. We’re trying to react to it now so we can be ahead of the curve.”

Commission member Pete Cosby indicated he thought officials needed to ensure the town’s character was protected.

“I think Berlin’s biggest quality is its community, family oriented spirit,” he said.

Engelhart said his department should have a draft of the ordinance to regulate short-term rentals for review early in the new year.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 7

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Community Steps Up For OC Police Officer’s Family

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Kim, Emma and Ben Berry, a police officer in Ocean City, are pictured.

Submitted Photo

OCEAN CITY – As an Ocean City police officer contends with a recent cancer diagnosis, the local community has rallied to raise more than $20,000 for his family in less than two weeks.

On Nov. 23, Ocean City Police Department officer Ben Berry went to a local immediate care clinic for abdominal pain. Tests later revealed he had advanced stage testicular cancer that had metastasized to his abdomen and lungs.

Now on sick leave, Berry has undergone surgery and is completing his first round of chemotherapy treatments.

At the same time, Berry’s wife, Kim

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– a special education teacher at Showell Elementary School – is out of work on unpaid maternity leave. Until March, the family will be paying medical bills and pre-existing expenses on one income.

“My wife and I are expecting our second child this month and we have a four-year-old daughter …,” he said.

“In order to make ends meet, we had to reach out for assistance.”

Earlier this month, the Berry family started a Go Fund Me page seeking financial assistance during the holiday season.

“During the first quarter of 2020, medical bills and other care/treatment expenditures will need to be paid atop our pre-existing, regular bills,” the Berrys wrote online. “With only one income (a police salary not supplemented by any overtime or additional pay whatsoever) we will have to find a way to make ends meet. We ask that you bestow the blessing of financial assistance upon us this holiday season as we tackle the challenges of birthing and parenting a newborn and at the same time deal with this cancerous wild card.”

Berry said he initially set a fundraising goal of $5,000. And, with the help of social media, donations started pouring in to the family’s Go Fund Me page.

“I don’t have a Facebook page but my wife does, so she shared the Go Fund Me link,” he said. “Friends and family and coworkers and people I didn’t even know contributed. The response has been incredible.”

In less than a week, the family’s Go Fund Me campaign exceeded a new goal of $15,000. As of last Thursday, more than $16,200 had been raised by 198 people. As of Wednesday, Dec. 18, that figure has jumped to $20,565 with 256 donors.

“We are not in a position financially to handle the medical bills and the follow-up payments, all with one income …,” Berry said. “We reached out to the community that we serve with our blood, sweat and tears and the community responded with their love, prayers, time and financial support.”

Berry said he was humbled by the outpouring of support from the community.

“It restores my faith in humanity,” he said. “As a police officer it is my job to offer aid and assistance, and now the shoe is on the other foot. Being on the receiving end of assistance is not something I’m used to.”

Those interested in donating can visit www.gofundme.com/family-facescancer-with-baby-on-the-way.

Berry said updates on his medical treatments, as well as the arrival of their second child, will be shared on the Go Fund Me page.

“We are incredibly humble, grateful and appreciative for all the help, prayers and support,” he said. “We are going to pay it forward tenfold when I am healthy again.”

Agencies Partner To Apprehend Suspect Before Casablanca Flight

December 20, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Delaware guidance counselor is being held without bond this week after allegedly sexually assaulting a minor teenage boy in his care in Ocean City last month before almost fleeing the country to Casablanca.

On Dec. 2, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) detective was contacted by Delaware State Police (DSP) regarding an investigation into a sexual assault case involving a teenage boy that allegedly occurred in an Ocean City condominium late last month. The DSP detective informed the OCPD detective the suspect had been identified as Allen Harold Reese, 64, of Millsboro, Del. According to the DSP detective’s investigation, Reese works for Delaware Guidance Services and provides mobile counseling services and takes atrisk children with him to movies and other events as part of his counseling services. On Nov. 26, Reese allegedly picked up the victim in Lewes, Del., around 1:30 p.m.

According to police reports, Reese drove the victim to a townhouse near 120th Street in Ocean City where sexual acts took place. The police report includes graphic descriptions of the alleged sexual assault of the 15-yearold male victim.

According to police reports, a similar sexual assault occurred the next day on Nov. 27 when Reese allegedly assaulted the victim in a vehicle.

The OCPD detective ran a check through Ocean City’s license plate reader (LPR) systems at the entrances and exits to the resort and determined Reese’s vehicle came across the Route 90 bridge on Nov. 26, the date of the first alleged assault, at 2:32 p.m. and traveled north past the LPR at 140th Street at 5:30 p.m. Those entry and exit times are consistent with the victim’s version and timeline of the first assault.

In addition, a similar check on a vehicle belonging to Delaware Guidance Services and frequently used by Reese revealed the vehicle entered Ocean City via Route 90 at 5:11 p.m. on Nov. 25, the day before the first alleged assault, and traveled past the north-end LPR at 5:46 p.m. on the same day.

During the investigation, the victim was in the custody and care of Delaware Social Services and the OCPD detective arranged to have a social worker bring the victim to OCPD headquarters on 65th Street for an interview. The victim was delivered for the interview at the appointed time and place and traveled with the detective to the area behind the convenience store at 120th Street in an attempt to determine where the alleged first assault occurred. According

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

to police reports, the victim positively identified the Club Ocean Villas II condominiums as the site of the alleged sexual assault, but because the complex is large and the buildings all look relatively the same, the victim could not identify the specific unit.

The victim reportedly told the OCPD detective he had communicated with Reese via text in the past, which is how the OCPD detective determined his phone number. According to police reports, the OCPD detective made multiple attempts to contact Reese to no avail, instead getting a voicemail recording that positively identified Reese.

Meanwhile, the DSP detective attempted to set up an interview with Reese, but was reportedly told he would not be interviewed without his attorney. The OCPD detective feared Reese would attempt to flee the area.

The OCPD detective asked a task force officer with Homeland Security to check to see if Reese had scheduled any international flights. As of Dec. 6, Reese had not booked any flights, according to police reports.

On Dec. 10, the DSP detective had arranged to meet with Reese and his attorney to serve him with a DNA warrant. Reese did appear for that meeting without his attorney, during which buccal swabs for DNA were obtained.

That meeting occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 10 at the DSP barrack in Georgetown, Del. According to police reports, at 11 a.m. on Dec. 10, the Homeland Security task force officer contacted the OCPD detective and informed him he had just received notification Reese had scheduled an international flight from JFK airport in New York. The flight was scheduled to leave on Dec. 11 at 8:20 p.m. and was bound for Casablanca, Morocco. The Homeland Security task force officer did not find a return flight booked in Reese’s name, according to police reports.

The OCPD detective then contacted Ocean City Communications and requested a 48-hour temporary warrant for Reese to be entered into the NCIC system and Reese was located and taken into custody before fleeing the country. He was returned to Worcester County where he has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor, third-degree sex offense and perverted practice.

Reese had a bail review hearing in Worcester on Dec. 12 and was ordered to be held without bond. A preliminary hearing has been set for Jan. 10.

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Page 9

Park Board Confirms Support For County Enforcement

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – White Horse Park’s board of directors has now joined Worcester County in its efforts to end year-round occupancy in the community.

Attorney James Almand, representing the White Horse Park Community Association Inc., filed a motion to intervene Saturday in the lawsuit filed against Worcester County by some permanent residents of the park. While those residents believe they should be able to continue to live in the community because its occupancy restrictions

were never enforced, the association wants the park to remain seasonal.

“Everyone that owns a lot in the park took title subject to very clear and specific recorded restrictions against yearround occupancy,” Almand said in a statement. “Therefore, each owner knew or should have known that White Horse Park could not be used as a person’s primary and principal residence.”

Last month, a group of residents initiated a lawsuit against Worcester County over its plan to enforce decades-old occupancy restrictions at White Horse Park (WHP). Though some people have lived in the park

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fulltime for years, the county in 2018 began a campaign to bring the park into compliance with its zoning restrictions, which state that between Sept.

30 and April 1 units can’t be occupied for more than 30 consecutive days or an aggregate of 60 days.

Fulltime residents, many of whom are senior citizens, hired attorney Hugh Cropper to find a solution that would allow them to remain in their homes.

Though Cropper tried to address the situation with an amendment to the county’s code, the Worcester County Commissioners rejected it and issued a letter in October stating their plan to fine residents who didn’t leave during the winter. Cropper in turn filed an administrative appeal and a complaint for declaratory judgement. He contends that the county has waived its right to fine residents over fulltime occupancy since officials have been aware that people were living in the park year-round since the 1990s. The lawsuit filed in November points out that residents have been required to install sprinklers, which are only required in year-round residences, have HUD conforming mortgages consistent with year-round occupancy and pay property taxes consistent with yearround occupancy.

Almand, however, said the park’s board wants the community to remain the seasonal recreational campground initially created in the 1980s. He said the association wants the court to rule

December 20, 2019

occupancy restrictions are valid and to order the permanent residents of the park to cease principal residency. In the counter-complaint accompanying the motion he filed Saturday, Almand states that for most of the park’s existence, lots were occupied seasonally until a few lot owners began renting their lots to year-round tenants without the knowledge of the board. He said park property owners who did follow the occupancy rules eventually complained to the board and demanded enforcement.

“WHP is not set up for year-round occupancy, and the association’s budget is based upon WHP being used as a seasonal campground, not as a 12month community,” the complaint reads.

“Year-round occupancy in WHP adversely impacts on the quality of life in WHP, the value of lots and the assessments incurred by lot owners.”

Melissa Peters, acting president of the park, said the board unanimously agreed and felt it had no choice in the matter.

“Almost 80% of the 465 lot owners are in compliance with the recorded restrictions, and those lot owners do not want to incur the added expenses associated with turning White Horse Park into a year-round community,” she said. “On recommendation of our attorney, the board decided to join in the pending case to resolve the matter as soon as possible and to end the turmoil in the park over the issue.”

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

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PSC Agrees Hearing Needed On Larger Wind Turbines

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) last week ordered a public hearing on the ever-increasing size of the proposed turbines for two offshore wind energy projects, but the scope of the hearing will be limited and results are not likely to derail the projects.

In 2017, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved two offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Ocean City. Technically, the PSC awarded Offshore Renewable Energy Credits (ORECs) to the two companies seeking to develop wind farms off the coast of the resort including the US Wind project and the Skipjack project. The awarding of ORECs was a necessary first step in what has become a lengthy approval process.

However, with advancements in technology, the height of the proposed turbines has increased exponentially since the original PSC approval in 2017, prompting Ocean City officials and the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) to request a re-opening of the original approval proceedings. For example, Orsted’s Skipjack project has now committed to using 12-megawatt wind turbines described as the “world’s largest offshore wind turbine.”

For its part, US Wind has not finalized a decision on the turbines proposed for

its project, although the company has stated publicly and in written correspondence to the PSC it is considering turbines considerably larger than the four-megawatt units first proposed including, potentially, the same 12-megawatt turbines chosen by the Skipjack project. However, US Wind has also said going with the larger model would allow the company to reduce the number of turbines by half from 64 to 32, which, in turn, would give the company more leeway in the distance the turbines would be constructed from the shoreline.

Last week, the PSC agreed with Ocean City and the MEA, releasing an order opining the proposed dramatic changes in the turbine models and the potential impact on the viewshed off the coast of the resort warranted a public hearing. That hearing has been set for Jan. 18 at a location on the Eastern Shore not yet determined.

However, while Ocean City officials applauded the ruling establishing a public hearing, the PSC cautioned the scope of the hearing would be limited to the size of the proposed wind turbines and not the commission’s original approvals for the two projects.

From the beginning, Ocean City has not opposed clean and renewable offshore wind energy projects, but has continually voiced concern about the distance of the proposed turbines from the resort coast and the potential impact on the viewshed, tourism and even

property values. When the size of the proposed turbines continued to grow exponentially with advances in technology, resort officials urged the PSC to reopen the two approvals and hold a public hearing, a request that was granted in part and denied in part last week.

“We want to thank the Public Service Commission for granting our request for a public hearing on the increased size of Maryland’s offshore wind projects,” said Mayor Rick Meehan in a statement after the PSC order was announced last week. “We have always had concerns regarding the visual impact of the wind turbines even at the original size approved by the PSC. However, when the developers released plans to unilaterally double the size of these massive turbines without any public input of approvals, it was clearly time for the commission to step in.”

Meehan said the town and its citizens stood ready to make their case at the January hearing somewhere on the shore.

“We want to thank the Public Service Commission for the opportunity to present our concerns and the concerns of our citizens, visitors and property owners regarding the impact of these giant structures on our town,” he said.

“As we have stated from the beginning, we support clean energy initiatives, but not at the cost of destroying the pristine viewshed off of our beach forever. We only get one chance to get this right

December 20, 2019

and this is our chance.”

It's important to note the PSC order does recognize the increased size of the proposed turbines for both projects warranted a new public hearing next month. It’s also important to note the original approval for the two ORECs was based on the “best technology available.”

“The commission finds that the proposed changes in turbine models and size by US Wind and Skipjack constitute material changes to both companies’ qualified offshore wind projects,” the PSC order reads. “Accordingly, the commission grants Ocean City’s request for a hearing to consider the impacts that may result from the change in turbine models announced by US Wind and Skipjack since their original applications were filed on November 30, 2016.”

The PSC order essentially acknowledges the ever-changing size of the proposed turbines could further impact the resort’s viewshed.

“The impact the turbines would have on the viewshed was a significant focus of the proceeding in case number 9431 and the commission determined that its approval of the projects was contingent on the applicants using the ‘best commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the daytime and nighttime viewshed impacts of their respective projects’,” the order reads. “The final turbines selected by US Wind and Skipjack will SEE NEXT PAGE

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December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

significantly increase the turbines’ rotor diameter, blade length, swept area, hub height and tip height.”

However, while Ocean City was celebrating the order last week, the PSC cautioned the ensuing public hearing in January will be limited in scope to issues germane to turbine size and the commission would not revisit the original OREC approvals for the two projects.

“This inquiry is limited to potential impacts related to a change in turbine size,” the order reads. “The commission will not consider issues extraneous to that topic, including whether to grant the ORECs. The commission does not find

it necessary or appropriate to reopen case number 9431 or reconsider order number 88192. Accordingly, Ocean City’s request to reopen case number 9431 or reconsider order number 88192 is denied.”

Meanwhile, Orsted, the parent company for the Skipjack project, said it was ready to defend the growing size of its proposed turbines and celebrated the element of the PSC order denying the town’s request.

“We are pleased that the Public Service Commission has rejected requests to reopen its proceedings related to the Skipjack wind farm,” said Orsted’s Joy

Page 13

Weber this week. “Orsted stands ready to participate in the PSC’s limited inquiry on its plan to use the best commercially-available turbine technology for Skipjack, a project that will bring millions of dollars in economic impact to Maryland and Delaware and result in the creation of thousands of local jobs.”

Skipjack’s project would include the first line of turbines set at a distance of just under 20 miles off the coast and that project is sited more to the north of Ocean City. The Skipjack project now proposes 12-megawatt turbines measuring 850 feet tall called the “largest offshore wind turbine in

the world.” By way of comparison, the Century I condominium building, the tallest building in Ocean City, measures 241 feet in height. The iconic Washington Monument is 555 feet tall, by way of further comparison.

The US Wind project includes a first line of turbines at around 17 miles from the shore and that project is situated more directly in front of Ocean City.

Again, for its part, US Wind has not reached a final decision on the height of the proposed turbines for its project, although the company has acknowledged the turbines will likely be considerably taller than what was first proposed.

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Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

Department Merge Divides Officials

December 20, 2019

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners approved the consolidation of three departments with a split vote this week.

The commissioners voted 4-3 to combine the departments of recreation and parks, economic development and tourism into one entity headed by Tom Perlozzo, who was hired by the county to lead recreation and TOM parks last year. Commissioner Chip Ber- PERLOZZO tino voiced strong objections to the consolidation, which he said was being rushed into for the wrong reasons.

“It has been hoisted high upon the shoulders of personality, but it fails to reach the bar of proper due diligence,” he said. “This proposal hasn’t been vetted, it contains no management measures to determine near- and long-term viability, it has provided no marketing, strategic or operational plan for review, discussion or approval by the commissioners. We haven’t even met with the directors of the departments involved.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins presented a draft resolution that would consolidate the three departments and set Perlozzo as the new department director. He said the department would consist of three divisions — recreation and parks, which would be under the direction of Kelly Rados; tourism, which would be under the direction of Lisa Challenger; and economic development, which would be under the direction of Kathryn Gordon.

Bertino said the proposed consolidation was a major change to government operations that was set to occur in the middle of the fiscal year.

“There has been a headlong rush to make this move without benefit of an objective assessment to determine need or value to taxpayers, nor an understanding of the long-term impacts this will have in the overall operations of county government — both positive and negative — nor has there been a discussion of strategic benefits,” Bertino said.

He pointed out that the county had relatively recently named Gordon as economic development director and had since then hired a deputy director of economic development.

“We have not had an opportunity to evaluate or assess the results of these moves,” Bertino said.

He said that the county’s human resources department regularly reported difficulties in attracting applicants to vacant positions. The county held a job fair earlier this month in an effort to fill more than a dozen vacancies.

“We have been told that the coun-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ty’s compensation scale is not adequate to retain needed and qualified employees …,” Bertino said. “How far would the tens of thousands of dollars that are embedded in this consolidation proposal to increase the compensation of a couple of employees personally affected by this change go to alleviate the recognized compensation concerns of current employees and bolster recruitment efforts? I don’t know because we haven’t had those conversations.”

He stressed that the consolidation proposal should not be discussed now, but rather during the next budget development process and should be based on more than just the “personalities involved.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting said he shared Bertino’s concerns. He said this was the first time a department consolidation resolution had been considered in his nine years as a commissioner.

“Not only is it a consolidation resolution it’s also approving new positions and naming the people,” Bunting said.

“I just don’t understand why the two are combined therefore I will not vote for it either.”

The motion to approve the consolidation resolution, made by Commissioner Josh Nordstrom, passed with a 4-3 vote. Bunting, Bertino and Commissioner Ted Elder were opposed.

In a press release issued after the meeting, Commission President Joe Mitrecic praised the consolidation.

“These are very important departments to our tax base, and this unification is exactly what is needed to move the county forward,” he said.

“Like other jurisdictions that have a similar structure, this restructuring is expected to generate a synergy that cannot be duplicated in standalone departments.”

In the release, Higgins cited Perlozzo’s experience.

“During his time with the Town of Ocean City, Perlozzo successfully managed eight separate divisions … simultaneously,” Higgins said. “His experience and connections will greatly benefit the three divisions and yield significant returns to the county.”

When asked about the financial impact the consolidation would have, Public Information Officer Kim Moses said there would be a “nominal savings (0.2%) based on shared personnel.”

“With an eye on the broader fiscal picture, we anticipate new revenues to be generated through the collaborative efforts of these professionals, all experts in their respective fields, as they work cooperatively to identify and attract new businesses, services and events to our area while also facilitating the growth of existing businesses and tourist attractions in Worcester County,” she said.

Page 15

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Positive First-Year Reviews For North OC Water Taxi

Page 16

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The future of a firstyear north-end water taxi service looks bright after resort planners this week glowingly applauded its first year in operation.

Last spring, amid some opposition from neighboring property owners, the Mayor and Council approved a conditional use request allowing for a water taxi service based at a canal adjacent to the Food Lion shopping center near 118th Street.

The approval came after a spirited public hearing during which several neighbors in the surrounding residential communities expressed concern about the potential boat traffic

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

on their otherwise serene canals, excessive noise, rowdy revelers leaving and returning at all hours and other general quality of life issues.

The council ultimately approved the conditional use request allowing the north-end water taxi service with several conditions attached including limits to drop-off and pick-up times, sound amplification and others. The conditional use was approved for two years with the caveat the Bay Hopper representatives make a mid-summer and end-of-summer report on any and all issues and complaints heard or reported.

Stephen Butz, one of Bay Hopper’s principal owners and captains, made the end-of-year presentation to the

Ocean City Planning Commission on Tuesday. Butz said there were three complaints all summer and each of them had been resolved quickly. Otherwise, the positive responses outweighed the negatives by a large margin.

One condition of the approval last spring was the service was limited to drop-offs and pick-ups only on private property and not at public city-owned facilities. Butz said one of the three complaints came even before Bay Hopper was officially open for business.

“It was before Memorial Day before we really even opened for business,” he said. “We volunteered to give rides to a fundraiser at the Art League and went into the canal there a couple of

December 20, 2019

times to drop people off and some people took exception to that. It was a case of the road to hell being paved with good intentions.”

In another of the three total complaints, a resident in the area reported the Bay Hopper shuttle was traveling at an excessive speed in the canal, but that turned out to be false because the shuttle was traveling behind a stand-up paddleboarder.

Another complaint was made regarding the excessive noise about the metal chain on the gate at the company’s facility, but staffers quickly went out and replaced the chain with a rope to prevent any further inconvenience.

“That is it,” he said. “That is the extent of what we heard complaint-wise.”

By contrast, Bay Hopper’s end-ofyear presentation to the planning commission on Tuesday included pages of positive reviews from users of the service and even many neighbors, many of whom strongly opposed the operation last spring.

“What we have heard loudly from our canal neighbors throughout the summer is that they love us, appreciate us cleaning up the canal on every trip and even that they are sorry for ever opposing us,” he said. “We have heard from two new homeowners that their decision to buy nearby was influenced by the proximity of our business and the perception that they will be able to get around town without driving.”

Perhaps the biggest turnaround from the controversial public hearings last spring came from those most strongly opposed.

“Maybe most importantly, we have had our staunchest opponents come by our headquarters and literally apologize for their opposition and commend us on how professionally we have run the business,” he said.

All in all, the numbers for the first summer season appear strong. Bay Hopper carried 4,000 people in the first year and ran more than 1,100 trips. Butz said the company was pleased with the first year and looked to improve next summer.

“The viability is still up in the air,” he said. “We had a good first year, but we could do better. We heard people say ‘see you next year,’ and ‘we’re glad we found you,’ so we know the potential to grow is there.”

At this time, Bay Hopper is limited to docking only at private commercial properties, but Butz said opening up drop-off points at city-owned docks could be beneficial for both parties.

“Frankly, it’s going to be important in the future to have some access to public docks,” he said. “We think it’s a good idea not only for the business, but for the city. We’ve had people ask us to take them up to Northside Park for events or to the convention center, but we stayed away from city property.”

SEE NEXT PAGE

Report Finds Solid OC Financials

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – A quick glimpse of the resort’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) presented this week revealed Ocean City is in an enviable financial position on several key indicators despite recent concerns raised about the need for more revenue.

Finance Director Chuck Bireley and staff presented the town’s CAFR during a regular Mayor and Council meeting this month, revealing the resort continues to thrive financially in several key indicators. For example, in a comparison of revenue and expenditures budgeted in fiscal year 2019, the town ended up with a positive variance of nearly $4.3 million.

The budgeted revenue was around $85.7 million, while the actual number came in at just over $87 million. Similarly, the fiscal year 2019 budgeted expenses were $80.5 million, while actual expenses came in at around $77.6 million, resulting in a positive variance of about $4.3 million. That is not to say the town suddenly has an excess $4.3 million to spend. That is merely the variance between what was budgeted for and what actually occurred during the fiscal year.

Another key indicator in the CAFR presented on Monday is a comparison between the town’s assets and liabilities. For example, the town’s total assets and deferred outflows came in at over $353 million, while the liabilities and deferred inflows totaled just over $192 million, resulting in a net positive position of over $161 million.

Perhaps the best barometer of the town’s overall fiscal health is the unassigned fund balance. It has been the town’s stated policy in recent years to maintain a fund balance, or rainy day fund of sorts, at 15 percent of the general fund balance, but that figure has continued to grow in recent years. For example, in fiscal year 2018, the unassigned fund balance as a percentage of expenditures was around 25.8%, or over 10 percentage points above the

stated 15% goal.

In the CAFR for fiscal year 2019 presented on Monday, that figure had risen to 27.5%. To be fair, maintaining a healthy fund balance is desirable considering the significant capital projects in the pipeline and the debt service on capital projects already completed. Paramount to Ocean City is maintaining clean beaches and the Boardwalk and ensuring the public safety of the countless visitors to the resort and there are significant costs associated with that.

No less important is going to the bond market to pay for significant capital projects and it has been argued, perhaps rightfully so, that maintaining such a healthy fund balance improves the town’s credit rating with the bond agencies, resulting in low interest rates for capital projects. Bireley explained the town currently has a AA bond rating from Moody’s, one of the major bond rating agencies, but has inched closer to reaching Moody’s perfect AAA rating.

“We’re now just two percentage points below Moody’s AAA rating of 29.4%,” he said. “As you can see, the town is in a very solid financial position.”

Councilman Dennis Dare pointed out maintaining a healthy fund balance has improved the town’s credit rating, which, in turn has only improved it financial standing.

“Rating agencies sometimes do deep investigations into financial situations,” he said. “Since we’ve had the AA rating, we have not had to buy insurance on any bond sales.”

With the town preparing to go to the bond market early next year, Dare suggested it might be time to increase the stated 15% threshold.

“Having a higher fund balance could result in lower interest rates on bond sales,” he said. “We need a work session as soon as possible to adjust that before we go to the bond market in February. There’s probably not a good reason to go immediately to 25%, but it’s worth exploring to see if we can get a lower interest rate before we go to the bond market.”

FROM PAGE 16 Planning Commissioner Peck Miller agreed.

“I think that would be a good idea,” he said. “I think taking people to the convention center would be great. The point of this is to provide a safe and alternative means of travel in Ocean City.”

Tuesday’s presentation was only a condition on a renewal for a second year next summer, but Butz said the company could ask for a longer extension in the future. The planning commission appeared poised to recommend a five-year

extension right then and there, but Butz said the company was content with just the second year for now.

Miller made a motion to forward a favorable recommendation for the second year and left the door open for a further extension in the future.

“We’re happy with your first year and look forward to seeing it in Ocean City for years to come,” he said. “I think we should recommend a longer period for the conditional use. This has proven to be an asset. I also encourage the city to expand areas where they can drop off.”

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

… Three Minor Complaints For Service

Page 17

Page 18

City’s FOP Lodge Celebrates 50th Year

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and Councilman Mark Paddack are pictured addressing members of the local FOP lodge in attendance at Monday’s council meeting.

Photo by Shawn Soper

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OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 10 was recognized this week with a special ceremony and proclamation at City Hall marking its 50th anniversary.

At the outset of Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, FOP Lodge 10, essentially the resort police department’s union, was honored with a special ceremony recognizing its 50th anniversary. Ocean City’s FOP Lodge 10 was one of the first in Maryland.

On Jan. 11, 1969, Ocean City FOP Lodge 10 received its charter at a special ceremony at the Ocean City fire station. State FOP President Bill Giffin officially swore in Lodge 10’s original board members. The very next day on January 12 at a ceremony at City Hall, then-Ocean City Mayor Hugh T. Cropper was sworn in as the first honorary member of FOP Lodge 10.

In 1969, Ocean City FOP Lodge 10 became only the fifth chartered FOP lodge in Maryland. Among those other early lodges around the state were Hagerstown, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Baltimore City, Cumberland and Frederick, all of which are celebrating their 50-year anniversaries. Today, there are 78 chartered FOP lodges in Maryland.

In October 2002, the citizens of Ocean City solidified the professional, mutually-beneficial relationship between FOP Lodge 10 and the town when it approved the union’s right to bargain collectively through a referendum vote after a protracted campaign.

In the many years since, town officials and the FOP Lodge 10 leadership have negotiated several successful labor contracts beneficial to both parties.

On Monday, with a dozen or so FOP Lodge 10 board members and past-presidents on hand, Mayor Rick Meehan read into the record a proclamation recognizing the 50th anniversary of Lodge 10 and all it has accomplished for the city and its citizens.

“We’ve been very fortunate in Ocean City to have Lodge 10 here,” he said. “We have certainly developed a great working relationship with the FOP in recent years in particular. It has served Ocean City well and the police department well and it certainly serves the citizens well.”

For his part, FOP Lodge 10 President Joe Bushnell, speaking on behalf of his colleagues in attendance, said the feeling was mutual.

“I just want to thank the Mayor and Council,” he said. “I believe we do have a very good relationship in this town and our lodge is strong. We want to continue that strong relationship in the future.”

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

Pictured, from left, are Steve and Dawne Pappas, Dara Pappas, Danielle and Stephen Pappas, Jason Pappas and Alison Clary.

Photos by Gregory Poulos

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Prior to receiving their award, Jason, Stephen and Dara Pappas spoke about their parents.

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

Glick Gala Held: The Hal Glick

Distinguished Service Award was presented to Steve and Dawne Pappas, pictured above and owners of the Original Greene Turtle, last Sunday at the Clarion. The award recognizes their many years of philanthropic service to the community and the gala event raised funds for area nonprofits.

Since its inception, the Glick Gala event has raised over $750,000 for nonprofits in the region. Above, Dawne Pappas speaks to the crowd last Sunday.

Among the many charities the Pappas family has donated to include the American Cancer Society, Atlantic General Hospital, Worcester County Humane Society, Believe in Tomorrow, Worcester County Education Foundation, Worcester GOLD, Diakonia and Ravens Roost 44. Above, Steve Pappas thanks the community for the recognition.

Pictured, back from left, are Glick award honorees Jack Burbage, Leighton Moore, Billy and Maddy Carder, Buddy Trala, Steve Pappas and Christine Glick (event co-chair representing her late husband Hal) and, front, Kim Messick and Dawne Pappas.

Photos by Gregory Poulos

OC Police Department Continues At Christmas To Expand Recruitment Efforts

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Someone Is Missing

Angelo Russo January 22, 1975 To August 20, 2003

ove We L gelo An You,

Let this be a loving reminder that someone is missing today, someone our hearts still hold onto as we travel along life’s way.

Someone who made life so special for all those who gather here, someone who won’t be forgotten, but cherished from year to year.

And now as we pause to remember, let us all fondly recall how dearly each of us loved him and, oh, how he loved us all.

Merry Christmas

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Discussions on monthly calls for service and seasonal recruitment efforts highlighted a meeting of the Ocean City Police Commission last week.

Ocean City Police Department Chief Ross Buzzuro presented the town’s police commission with a report on calls for service for the month of November.

While officer calls for service increased 2.4%, from 1,347 in November 2018 to 1,380 in November 2019, citizen calls for service decreased 10.7% in the same time period.

“On the citizen side, we experienced 170 less calls,” he said, “which gave us a 10.7% reduction from last year.”

Buzzuro noted that traffic stops had decreased from 536 in November 2018 to 358 in November 2019, suspicious person or activity calls decreased by a third, and calls for assistance from other agencies – including fire and EMS – were down considerably.

December 20, 2019

“We don’t see any type of variance from last year that would cause us concern overall,” he said. “Overall, we see a better November this year than last year in terms of safety on the law enforcement side.”

Buzzuro said the police department will spend the coming weeks finalizing its crime statistics for 2019.

“All throughout the year we have seen reductions in crime and our crime statistics,” he said. “So we look forward to reporting them in our annual report.”

Buzzuro last week also presented the police commission with an update on seasonal officer recruitment efforts for the coming summer season.

“We are experiencing less applicants that are coming through the door,” he said. “But once again the caliber of those applicants still remains at a high degree, more so than in years past. So that’s promising.”

Buzzuro said the police department would continue to evaluate the recruitment process moving forward into the new year. He said he expects more applicants throughout the months of January and February.

“We’ll get more of an idea of where we are at as we get into January and February,” he said. “But we are looking at this internally, and I don’t see any issues with us as we get ready to start the season. We would just like to see more folks come through the door. It’s a sign of the times.”

Council President Lloyd Martin, chair of the commission, applauded the police department for its efforts.

He noted that the police department had completed more than 70 recruiting events in eight states.

“That’s great,” he said. “That’s a lot, and more to come I’m sure.”

Buzzuro said the department would continue to be aggressive in its recruitment efforts ahead of the summer season.

Mayor Rick Meehan highlighted opportunities to partner with local universities, including the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

“I met with representatives from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, their criminal justice program about the availability of the partnership we can create with them for not just the police department but other departments in the Town of Ocean City, for part-time work …,” he said.

“Have we followed up with them?”

Buzzuro said he had already reached out.

“We are going to partner with them and work towards hopefully expanding that already existing partnership,” he said.

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

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Page 24

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Traffic Stop Nets Drug Bust OCEAN CITY – A Delaware man was arrested on drug possession charges this week after a routine traffic stop in Ocean City.

Around 2:10 a.m. on Tuesday, an Ocean City Police Department officer (OCPD) patrolling in the area of 100th Street observed a vehicle traveling over the speed limit and with its Delaware license plate partially obscured by a license plate bracket. The officer followed the vehicle before affecting a traffic stop in the area of 80th Street and Coastal Highway.

The driver was identified as Mark Gardner, 33, of Ellendale, Del., while the passenger was identified as Nicholaus Cirillo, 37, of Selbyville. According to police reports, Gardner and Cirillo were acting furtively, looking straight ahead as if they were nervous.

The OCPD officer requested a K-9 unit to conduct a scan of the vehicle and asked Cirillo and Gardner to get out of the vehicle. A background check revealed Cirillo was wanted on two outstanding warrants, both for failing to appear for court, one of which was from the Maryland State Police and one of which was from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

The K-9 scan of the vehicle resulted in a positive alert, which provided probable cause for a search of the vehicle and the suspects’ persons.

During the search, officers located in the vehicle a rubber tourniquet consistent with intravenous drug use.

In Cirillo’s wallet, OCPD officers located small paper folds containing suspected heroin and fentanyl. Also, officers located on Gardner a replica handgun.

Cirillo was arrested on possession charges and the two outstanding warrants, while Gardner was charged with possession of a replica handgun.

Taxi Fare Theft OCEAN CITY – A West Ocean City man was arrested on theft charges this week after allegedly failing to pay a taxi cab fare in downtown Ocean City.

Around 1:50 a.m. on Monday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a bar on Wicomico Street for a reported individual refusing to pay a roughly $8 cab fare. The officer met with the cab driver, who pointed out the suspect later identified as Edwin Dougherty II, 30, of West Ocean City.

When the officer questioned Dougherty about the cab ride, he told police he did not know he had to pay for a taxi cab, according to police reports.

The officer reportedly told Dougherty he should have known if he used a taxi service, he would have to pay and asked him if he had any means to pay the fare. Dougherty told police he did not have any cash, but produced a debit card, according to police reports.

The officer instructed Dougherty to use the bar’s ATM to withdraw money and pay the taxi driver. However, Dougherty could not manipulate the ATM’s screen due to his alleged level of intoxication. The officer then assisted Dougherty with the ATM process, but the debit card was declined.

Dougherty then produced another card and a bar staffer walked him through the ATM process, but that card was declined multiple times, according to police reports. The bar manager determined the ATM was working properly and that card was not working because there was no money in the account.

The officer asked Dougherty again if he had any other means to pay the taxi fare, but he told police he had no cash, nor did he have any money in his bank account. At that point, Dougherty was placed under arrest for theft. According to police reports, he was not eligible to be released on recognizance because without cash or money in his account, a similar situation would likely occur if he attempted to go home via taxi.

Screaming Leads To Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Snow Hill woman was arrested on disorderly conduct charges last weekend after allegedly causing a scene outside a downtown Ocean City bar.

Last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area heard a loudpitched screaming from a female voice coming from a block away. The officer located a vehicle parked on Wicomico Street with a male standing outside and a female, later identified as Fidelia Kurtz, 30, in the driver’s side. As the officer approached, Kurtz could clearly be heard screaming “you picked them over me,” according to police reports.

The officer instructed the male to stand back and approached Kurtz in the vehicle. The officer instructed Kurtz to stop screaming and calm down so he could talk to her about what the problem was, according to police reports. Kurtz told police someone in a nearby bar had grabbed her, but her male companion standing by the vehicle did not come to her assistance.

Meanwhile, the male attempted to approach the officer and the vehicle, but was told repeatedly to stand back while the officer conducted his investigation. After refusing to comply with the officer’s directions, OCPD officers attempted to detain the man, who reportedly shouted expletives in the officers’ direction.

Kurtz then got out of the vehicle and attempted to approach the officers detaining the man, but was told repeatedly to stand back and not interfere with the arrest. Kurtz was ordered to stand back, but instead she attempted to make a furtive move past the officers to get to her male companion.

According to police reports, Kurtz was told to sit on the curb, but instead attempted to get back in her vehicle.

Kurtz did get back in her vehicle, but was ordered to get out and sit on the curb. When she refused to comply, the officer reportedly told her, “get out of

December 20, 2019 the car now or I am going to forcefully remove you from it,” to which she replied, “why can’t you ask nicely?” according to police reports.

By now, the bars along Wicomico Street had closed and a crowd had formed on the sidewalk to watch the scene unfold, according to police reports. Kurtz was told again to stop yelling and causing a scene and was warned if she did not, she would be arrested. Kurtz refused to comply and was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and other counts.

Probation For Destroyed Chair OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man, arrested in July after destroying a chair at a downtown hotel, was found guilty this week of malicious destruction of property and was placed on probation for one year.

Around 2:10 a.m. on July 10, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the downtown area observed a suspect later identified as Colin Rihn, 23, of Lancaster, Pa., sprint away from a convenience store on North Division Street. Following Rhin were two other men later identified as employees of a nearby motel.

The employees told police Rihn allegedly walked onto the motel property, picked up a plastic chair in front of one of the units and threw it, destroying it in the process. When the employees confronted Rihn about destroying motel property, he allegedly screamed an expletive at them and ran into the nearby convenience store, according to police reports.

A description of Rihn, who was reportedly highly intoxicated, was broadcast and he was located a short time later in an alley nearby. The motel employees were brought over and positively identified Rihn as the suspect who destroyed the chair. He was arrested and charged with malicious destruction of property. This week, Rihn was found guilty of malicious destruction of property and was placed on probation for one year.

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Sentence In Child Rape Case

December 20, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A Berlin man, convicted in September on two counts of second-degree rape of a child, was sentenced last week to life in prison with all but 30 years suspended and will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

In September, Keith Mariani, 61, of was found guilty by a Worcester County Circuit Court judge of two counts of second-degree rape for the sexual abuse of a child at his home over a two-year period beginning in 2017. Back in court last Thursday, Mariani was sentenced to life in prison for KEITH MARIANI one count of second-degree rape with all but 15 years suspended, and an additional 15 years for the second conviction of second-degree rape.

The Worcester County Circuit Court judge ordered the two sentences to be served consecutively and without the possibility of parole, meaning Mariani will serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in the Division of Corrections.

In addition, Mariani will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

The charges stem from a complaint of child sexual abuse received by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in February. The Worcester County Child Advocacy Center, or Cricket Center, along with Child Protective Services began a joint investigation that revealed from 2017

... Cops & Courts

arrest on the Boardwalk, pleaded guilty this week to disorderly conduct and was placed on probation.

Around 1 a.m. on Aug. 5, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling the Boardwalk in the area of 3rd Street when he observed a group of disorderly males screaming at people. The City Watch surveillance system showed the group of five males walking south on the Boardwalk and the OCPD officer attempted to detain them for questioning, according to police reports.

One of the suspects, later identified as Brandon Shirley, 20, of Kearneysville, W.Va., told police he was not stopping for them and launched expletives at the officers. When officers attempted to detain Shirley, he fled from them on foot shouting, “you’ll never catch me,” according to police reports.

OCPD officers did catch up to Shirley on a bus stop at 10th Street and Baltimore Avenue. When an officer approached Shirley, he reportedly assumed a fighting stance and shoved the officer in the chest in an attempt to

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

through February 2019, Mariani had repeatedly sexually abused a child at his home in Berlin.

Investigators recovered photographs and videos of Mariani engaging in the sexual abuse of the minor after a search warrant was executed on his three cell phones.

According to a release, Mariani’s cell phones also contained vast quantities of child pornography involving unidentified victims.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Cricket Center, Life Crisis and Detective Martin for their tireless work on the investigation and thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Karen Dean, who prosecuted the case and secured the sentence for Mariani.

“The Office of the State’s Attorney is committed to holding offenders accountable, especially those who target the most vulnerable in our community,” she said. “I am proud of the team that brought Mariani to justice and prevented him from further victimizing children and we will continue to remain diligent in our efforts to keep Worcester County safe from all predators.”

The mission of the Cricket Center is to create a community response in which abusers are held accountable and children and families experience hope and healing. The multi-disciplinary team is made up of law enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, lawyers, advocates, mental health therapists and medical personnel. Those who wish to learn more, or to report suspected child abuse, are urged to contact 410-641-0097. get away. OCPD officers were able to get Shirley on the ground and in handcuffs. He was charges with assault on an officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and other charges.

About a half an hour later, OCPD officers patrolling the Boardwalk in the area of North Division Street attempted to detain a group of disorderly individuals including Logan Shirley, 18, of Kearneysville, W.Va. Like his brother before him, Logan Shirley freed himself from the officers’ grasp and fled westbound from the Boardwalk on foot.

Several minutes later, OCPD officers located Logan Shirley walking north on Baltimore Avenue near 1st Street.

When Shirley noticed the officers behind him, he took off running again, cutting through a property and climbing a fence to avoid apprehension.

OCPD officers caught up to Shirley on private property near 2nd Street and he reportedly started walking toward the officers. When he refused to lay down on the ground as ordered, an OCPD officer pulled out his taser and Shirley complied. Logan Shirley was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and trespassing.

Page 25

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Revised Beach Event Approved OCEAN CITY – After being tabled earlier this month over concerns about its impact on a busy section of beach, a planned event for next June was approved this week by the Ocean City Mayor and Council at a new, lesscrowded location.

In early December, the council reviewed a request from the Best Day Foundation to hold an event on the beach at 94th Street next June 27-28, but sent the request back to the drawing board over concerns about the location. Resort officials raised concerns the beach at 94th Street is busy during late June, especially with one of the town’s largest residential communities, Little Salisbury, on the bayside.

On Monday, the request came back to City Hall with an amended location for the same dates. The event will now be held on the beach at 40th Street.

The Best Day Foundation provides children and young adults with special

needs with special days at the beach.

Participants enjoy a day at the beach including obstacle courses, surfing and boogie-boarding, for example.

The 40th Street location was chosen because it typically has less beachgoers than the proposed 94th Street site.

Fed Funding Boost For Bay BERLIN – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen this week announced they have secured a total of $85 million in federal funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program within the final fiscal year 2020 omnibus appropriations package.

This funding, an increase of $12 million from last year, is the largest amount the bay program has ever received. In addition to these funds, Cardin and Van

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Hollen also announced the passage of several bay priorities out of the key Environment and Public Works Committee.

“A healthy Chesapeake Bay means a healthy Maryland economy,” said Cardin. “It is a national treasure and our state’s most valuable natural resource. Robust federal investments have been crucial to sustaining and restoring its health. Working together and using all the tools of our Chesapeake Bay Program will have a ripple effect on clean water, jobs and protect our environment throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”

Van Hollen said federal funding will increase and enhance bay clean-up efforts.

“This increased funding will boost our clean-up efforts and allow our en-

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December 20, 2019 tire region to reap the economic dividends,” he said. “We fought hard for this investment, and I’m pleased that this effort succeeded, despite the administration’s continued attempts to slash this funding. I will keep working to provide the resources necessary to support the bay.”

Diabetes Prevention Programs Offered SNOW HILL – Lower Shore residents are encouraged to get fit, lose weight and improve their health with certified lifestyle coaches during a month-long diabetes prevention program set for next month.

Starting in January, the Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County Health Departments are sponsoring the National Diabetes Prevention Program.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program is a year-long, evidence-based program proven to delay or prevent the development of type-2 diabetes in individuals who have prediabetes or are considered to be ‘at risk’ for the disease.

The program includes 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly support meetings for the remainder of one full year. Participants learn about healthy eating, goal setting, physical activity, stress management, time management and so much more. All participants receive their own personal lifestyle change coach who will assist them with goal setting, progress, and overcoming barriers.

In Worcester County, the program will be offered at the Pocomoke Health Center on Wednesdays starting Jan. 15 from 1:30-2 p.m., and at the Snow Hill Health Center on Wednesdays starting Jan. 15 from 5:30-6 p.m.

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SALISBURY – Former Worcester County Economic Development Director Meredith “Merry” Mears has been commissioned as a member of the University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents.

Mears is a 2001 graduate of Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business with a B.S. in business administration and marketing. She is a licensed real estate advisor with NAI Coastal and chief development officer of Gillis Gilkerson Construction and Development Company. She also owns M3 investments, a company engaging in local real estate opportunities.

Previously, Mears served as the economic development director of Worcester County and has held positions with the Maryland Department of Human Resources and Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Currently, she is a board member for Maryland Capital Enterprises, 1 Year to Empowerment, the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation and Leadership Maryland.

“The career success Merry has earned with her SU degree is impressive,” said SU President Charles Wight. “She also has remained engaged with her alma mater and is very active in the community. I am excited that the USM Board of Regents will have the opportunity to benefit from her insight and expertise.”

Council Approves Parade Day Request

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week approved a partial closure of 48th Street to accommodate a midtown business’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade party, essentially the same closure approved last spring.

On Monday, the Mayor and Council had before them a request from the owners of Dry 85 and Red Red Wine in the Gateway Grand complex to close a portion of 48th Street closest to Coastal Highway to accommodate a St. Patrick’s Day Parade party in March. The Police Commission last week reviewed the request and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Council for approval on Monday.

The request includes a partial closure of 48th Street beginning at Coastal Highway and running eastward to the end of the Dry 85 and Red Red Wine property. The area, which includes 11 parking spaces, would be closed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, during the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Last year, after considerable debate, the council approved an almost identical request to close a portion of 48th Street for the private party during the parade. The approval was granted after the request was carefully reviewed by the police department and fire marshal and revisions were made to the plan.

For example, the fire marshal requested the travel lanes on 48th Street to remain clear of any obstacles and the temporary barriers cordoning off the party area be easily removed in the event of an emergency. When the same request was made, and ultimately approved, last year, Councilman Dennis Dare voted against it amid concerns about limiting access for police, fire and emergency services to such a vast area on one of the busiest days of the year and he reiterated his concerns this week.

“I voted against this before and I will again,” he said. “I think it is a liability to limit access to such a large building.

The liability outweighs the insurance.

It could result in litigation if something were to happen.”

However, Councilman Mark Paddack said the police and fire marshal had signed off on the proposal last year and not much had changed with this year’s request.

“When they came to us last year, we raised questions and sent it back to the fire marshal,” he said. “It came back with the appropriate changes and revisions. This is basically the same request this year. I don’t see any difference from when we close streets for other events such as the air show or even bike week.”

The council voted 6-1 with Dare opposed to approve the request.

Page 27

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

High Marks For County In Annual Audit Evaluation

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

HOLIDAY BREAK 12/23-12/25, REOPEN 12/26 REGULAR HOURS

SNOW HILL – Outside auditors gave Worcester County a clean opinion on financial statements for the fiscal year that ended in June of 2019.

On Tuesday, Chris Hall of TGM Group presented the Worcester County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to the county commissioners. He said the county had again received an unmodified opinion.

“That’s the highest level of assurance that any independent accounting firm can give on a set of financial statements,” he said.

Hall said the 175-page report was the most important financial document the county prepared.

It outlines the revenues and expenditures of the year and also includes information about capital projects and comparison data from years past. Hall praised county staff’s work in developing the annual budget. He pointed out that the county budgeted $176,704,171 in expenditures in fiscal year 2019. It actually spent $179,498,184.

“That variance really relates to additional money we put into other post employment benefits (OPEB) funds,” Hall said. “It was planned for … If you back that out you’re within $50,000 on a $177 million expenditure budget.

Pretty darn good.”

The entire financial report, and those of previous years, can be viewed on the county’s website. Hall said the document was broken into the opinion from his firm, a management discussion and analysis written by county staff, and then the financial figures themselves. The end of the report includes statistical information from years past.

“It’s a very useful tool,” he said.

Hall went on to thank staff for their work during the audit process, which takes months.

“I think I speak for the rest of the commissioners in saying we couldn’t be more proud of our staff and the job they do,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

The commissioners also congratulated staff on Tuesday for the county’s 11th consecutive recognition from the Government Finance Officers Association. The county received the “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” for its CAFR for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2018.

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

JA Inspire Event Expected To Attract 3,000 8th Graders

Page 30

SALISBURY – What if you could be the one person to truly make a difference in the future of local children?

Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES) hopes to do just that at its 2nd Annual JA Inspire event in February when they bring the entire eighth grade population of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot counties to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

JAES is expecting about 3,000 eighth graders in one place for the day.

“JA Inspire is not a career fair,” said JAES Development Manager Lisa Thornton. “It’s a career exploration event where kids can truly see handson, experiential displays from local businesses. The goal is for students to see what it’s really like to go into all these different careers. For example, what does a plumber really do, what does a nurse really do, what does that job look like day in and day out? Because, how can you truly choose a career, if you don’t know what that looks like?”

Many local students are not receiving career mentorship at home so JAES has made it its mission to expose all these students to the world of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

Roost Supports Family: Ravens Roost #58 helped provide a nice Christmas to a local family in need

through Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS). Pictured with a few of the many donations are, from left, Ravens Roost #58 Treasurer Jeanette Deskiewicz, incoming WYFCS Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Leggour and outgoing WYFCS Executive Director Steven Taylor.

Submitted Photo

work that exists right here on the Eastern Shore. The timing of the event is perfect as it occurs right before the eighth graders are picking their high school coursework. Then, if students want to pick a CTE program, they can do so. If they know their desired career requires strong geometry skills, they can pay careful attention during that class. It all helps make the student’s high school career more rele-

vant and more fruitful.

JAES is looking for 125 businesses to attend this event to show students about all of the high-wage, high-demand careers that exist right in their backyard. Local community colleges, universities and apprenticeship programs will also be present to help students connect the dots on what skills and education they need for their future careers.

“You don’t have to go to college to be successful,” said JAES President Jayme Hayes. “But you have to do something after high school. Our hope is that every student leaves this event with a game plan for their future.”

If you’re interested in attending this event, you can find out more on JAES’ website at https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-easternshore/ja-inspire.

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County, Resort Officials Will “GHOSTS IN THE SURF” Meet To Talk Tax Differential

December 20, 2019

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County representatives will meet with Town of Ocean City leadership in the beginning of 2020 to discuss the municipality’s annual request for a tax differential.

Following receipt of a letter from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan seeking a meeting to discuss the issue, the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday agreed to send a letter requesting a copy of the town’s operating budget and advising that a meeting date would be set in the near future.

“You’re required by law to do this every year,” said Maureen Howarth, the county’s attorney.

On Dec. 9, Meehan sent the commissioners a letter formally requesting a meeting to discuss a tax differential prior to the coming year’s budget process.

“This tax differential will recognize and credit the Ocean City taxpayer for services provided by the town paid for by town property taxes which the county does not provide to our taxpayers,” Meehan wrote.

Meehan referenced a 2013 study done by the town as well as a 2016 study conducted by the county. Meehan pointed out that while the county’s study agreed that resort taxpayers should receive a differential, it did not agree with the amount identified in the study done

by Ocean City. Past meetings regarding the issue have not resulted in a mutually agreeable solution but Meehan said he hoped that would change.

“We look forward to meeting and having a productive conversation,” he said. “We share many common inter-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ests as we all represent citizens and taxpayers in Worcester County. The continued development in West Ocean City has created the need for additional funding if Ocean City is to continue to provide EMS services to this area outside of our city limits…Currently the cost to Ocean City taxpayers to provide this essential service exceeds the amount of funding we receive from the county.”

Meehan said suggested the town and county find a way to partner.

“We would suggest that our discussions include ways to work together to develop an economic strategy, with an emphasis on sports marketing and the building of a first class sports complex to host major tournaments and sporting events,” he said. “We already have the necessary tourism related infrastructure in place to make this the catalyst for future economic success. The building of this type of partnership could also be the first real step toward resolving our tax differential issues.”

Now that Ocean City has submitted its request, the county is required by state law to meet with resort leaders at least 90 days before the county budget is required to be approved.

This year’s tax differential request comes as a legal battle on the issue continues. In 2018, after years of veiled threats, the Town of Ocean City and the majority of its elected officials filed a petition for declaratory judgment against Worcester County seeking judicial relief on the long-standing tax differential issue. After several rulings at different levels, the case is now back in the state Court of Special Appeals awaiting a ruling that could send it to the higher Court of Appeals for review.

Child Porn Distributor Sentenced

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A Worcester County man was sentenced last week to 30 years in jail with all but 20 years suspended after being convicted on three counts of distributing child pornography via the internet.

Last Wednesday, Darrell Richardson, 60, of Pocomoke, was sentenced to 30 years of incarceration with all but 20 years suspended after being convicted on three counts of distribution of child pornography. Richardson will also be on supervised probation for five years DARRELL upon his release and is RICHARDSON required to register as a Tier II sex offender for 25 years.

The charges stem from a cyber tip received by the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) from the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force last February. The cyber tip

involved child pornography videos which were traced by investigators to an IP address used by Richardson.

WCBI detectives obtained a search and seizure warrant for Richardson’s electronic devices and discovered he had been distributing pornographic images and videos involving children via email to other online users. Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended WCBI detectives and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation and thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Karen Dean who prosecuted the case.

“Law enforcement in Worcester County remain a constant online presence to pursue offenders participating in internet crimes against children and my office will continue to work diligently to hold them accountable,” she said. “Our prosecutors and police deserve recognition for these results, as these cases are very difficult and require a high level of specialization. We are fortunate to have such a strong and capable team.”

Page 31

Makes A Great Christmas Gift

BUNK MANN’S NEW BOOK ON OCEAN CITY HISTORY

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

• Ocean City memories from the summer of 1945 to the spring of 2019 • Over 700 photos and 340 pages

• Hardbound coffee table book with cover art by Paul McGehee • Special sections on the lost buildings of Ocean City, the March Storm of ‘62, Frontier Town, Trimpers Rides, Shanty Town, Hurricanes Gloria and Sandy, the White Marlin Open, Surfing, the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Phillips Crab House, the Commander Hotel, the Segregation Era, the Arson fires of the 1970’s, Characters and Personalities, and much more Ghosts in the Surf is available for $54.95 at select locations in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and Salisbury.

It can also be ordered online at vanishingoceancity.com.

Visit the website for further information and photos.

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS: OC Lifesaving Museum Victorian Charm Donaway Furniture Ocean Gallery Kitty’s Flowers Mann Properties Art League Of Ocean City Ish Boutique Seacrets M.R. Ducks Park Place Jewelers

Crabs To Go Mann & Gray Insurance Copy Central OC Chamber Of Commerce Harpoon Hanna’s General’s Kitchen Southside Deli Malibu’s Surf Shop The Greene Turtle Apparel Shop 116 th Street Wockenfuss Candies White Marlin Mall

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Berlin Officials Begin Review Of Resiliency Plan

December 20, 2019

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

Successful Toy Drive:

Fager’s Island spent much of December hosting another successful collection for the Ocean City Police Department’s Christmas Food and Toy Drive. Pictured, from left with Santa Claus, are Malorie Fager, Frank Cascio, Gretchen Collins, John Fager and Taylor Fager, front.

Photo by Terri French

BERLIN – Town officials are in the process of reviewing the resilience element intended to serve as an addition to Berlin’s comprehensive plan.

Members of the town’s planning commission received a copy of the lengthy resilience element last week and are expected to discuss it in January. Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the commission would provide input on the document and how it should be worked into the town’s comprehensive plan as the town performed its review of the extensive document in 2020.

“This is the start of it,” Engelhart said.

Last January, the town hosted several community meetings to gather public input to be incorporated into the resilience element, which was to be drafted by the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center. Center staff spent the ensuing months drafting the plan, which was funded through a grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Engelhart said the town had just received the completed resilience element and was now in the process of going over it. He said the town was required to review its comprehensive plan in 2020 and wanted to work the new resilience element into it.

“We wanted to include this as another part of the comprehensive plan,” he told the commission.

He said the new element addressed the town’s assets and how to protect them in the event of environmental changes.

“Basically, it’s designed to take into account sea level rise and climate change and how it’s going to affect the town…,” Engelhart said. “It’s looking to the future.”

Commission member Pete Cosby expressed concern about incorporating the entire document into the comprehensive plan. Engelhart said the town wouldn’t have to include every page of it in the plan, and could just refer to parts of it.

Cosby said he didn’t want to incorporate the entire resilience element without sufficient review.

“It just seems to me this is an awful lot to digest in a month,” he said.

Engelhart explained that the town had all of 2020 to review the comprehensive plan as a whole.

“I don’t anticipate adopting it wholehog,” Engelhart said. “That’s why I gave it to you guys first.”

Cosby said the commission ought to use it as a guide.

“Just glancing at it, I don’t believe I’d want to incorporate all this,” he said. “There’s a lot of stuff in here.”

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 33

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December 20, 2019

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Charitable Souls Behind Song Robert, 10, and Zooey Davis, 8, are pictured recording an original Christmas song they created.

Submitted Photo

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A Berlin family is using a love of music to give back to a local charity this holiday season.

For the third year in a row, Berlin resident Josh Davis and his two children — Robert, 10, and Zooey, 8, — have written and released an original Christmas song. They’re donating all of the proceeds from the sale of the song, which is available for download on various platforms, to the Church

Mouse Thrift Shop.

“We’re donating to a charity that gives to the poor and that’s a great cause,” Robert Davis said. “After all, it is Christmas.”

According to Josh Davis, it was his acquaintance with Church Mouse volunteers Helen and Mike Wiley that inspired him to propose the idea of a family Christmas song to his kids in 2017. The Wileys are well-known for their giving spirit in Berlin.

“We started doing this three years SEE NEXT PAGE

… Family Creates Christmas Song With Proceeds Benefiting Charity

December 20, 2019

ago after I saw what people like Helen and Mike Wiley were doing for the community,” said Davis. “I didn’t have a lot of money or free time, but I knew we could record a short, simple Christmas song and hopefully raise a little money for a great cause. I also thought it would be a nice way to teach my kids about giving back during the holidays, so I got them involved and now they look forward to it every year.”

This year’s song, “All of us on Christmas,” recorded under Josh Davis’ band name Paper Scissors, originated with a piano tune Zooey Davis created during a visit to her grandmother’s house.

“I was playing a piano note and then dad came over and helped me and played some notes too, and then that became a part of the song,” she said.

They went home and built a song around the melody. Robert Davis said the actual recording process went pretty smoothly, since various takes were layered together to make up the finished product. He said the longest part of the process fell to his father, as he edited the song.

“It took a long time for dad but the finished product was amazing,” Robert Davis said. “I loved it.”

He said last year’s song was highlighted by a British podcast so he’s hopeful this year’s music will prove popular as well. He said he was happy to give the song’s earnings to the Church Mouse.

“We did that because the Church Mouse, I would say it’s like a big charity that feeds people all around and gives them clothing and presents because they’re really nice,” Robert Davis said.

“Dad thought of the idea, ‘let’s make some songs so we can raise money to donate to the Church Mouse so we can feed homeless people and give some pretty poor people presents.’ This Church Mouse, they donate to anywhere in the whole world.”

The Church Mouse, which is located at 101 N. Main St., is an outreach of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Thrift shop proceeds are used to support a variety of local, national and international causes. In December, the shop accumulates its funds for the year and gives to local homeless shelters, food pantries and Toys for Tots programs.

The shop also provides toys to children whose parents are incarcerated and even operates a meals on wheels program.

“December is about giving,” said Helen Wiley, coordinator at the Church Mouse.

She was thrilled to receive a donation for the shop the first year the Davis family wrote a Christmas song.

She was even happier to see them turn it into an annual tradition.

“Last year when they came in with a big check I burst into tears I was so happy,” she said. “And Josh did too. I just love what they’re doing.”

She applauded Davis for teaching his children the importance of giving back.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“We all have so much,” she said.

“We have too much sometimes. For him to teach his children, and his children to learn that, that’s a blessing in itself.”

Josh Davis said he was happy to contribute to a worthy cause like the Church Mouse. His son agreed.

“Another good thing about making these songs is we actually have a ton of fun doing it,” Robert Davis said.

“Last year we had one part where we were laughing in the background so we had this big tickle fight. True story.”

For more information, visit the Paper Scissors band page on Facebook or Bandcamp. “All of us on Christmas” is available for $2.99 on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube and Google Play.

Page 35

Pictured, from left, are Josh Davis, Robert Davis, Helen Wiley, Zooey Davis and Jan Bucciere.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

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Full Moon Rise:

Officially called the Cold Moon, December’s full moon is pictured last Thursday from a unique vantage point under the Wicomico Street Pier.

Photo by Jay Dickey

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

EST LE W !

IRAB CATION S E D C LO O

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Meticulously maintained 3BR/2BA home on piling foundation! New vinyl bulkhead with dock. Tankless water heater, 50 year roof, outside storage, under home parking, great West OC location! Close to beaches, low county taxes, NO HOA FEES! MLS# MDWO108798 $425,000

Fantastic 3BR/2.5BA townhome with gorgeous pond views from your back deck!

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Nestled among Southpoint Peninsula! Welcome home to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Coastal Dream Living with this one of a kind, custom built home of transcending beauty, distinction and quality construction on 3.4 acres of its own.

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MLS# MDWO108186 $325,000

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ADAGIO #208 5901 ATLANTIC AVENUE, OCEAN CITY 3BR/3BA. Oceanfront Building. Ocean and Beach Views with Southern Exposure. Completely Updated, Excellent Condition! New Stainless Steel Appliances in Kitchen, Washer/Dryer, Flooring, Coastal Beach Furniture, Water Heater, More! $45K+ Rental Income 2019. Indoor Pool, Workout Room, Meeting Room, Pet Friendly. Convenient Mid-Town Location.

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1 On eligible fixed-rate and adjustable rate first mortgages, PenFed will give a promotional credit of .50% of the loan amount not to exceed $20,000. To receive the maximum amount offered of $20,000, the loan amount must be $4 million. The average promo savings is $1,416 as a lender credit. Available when obtaining an eligible mortgage through PenFed, using a network real estate agent and using our affiliated title providers. In states where PenFed does not have an affiliated title company, and in Florida, New York and Texas, members can choose their own title company and still be eligible for the promotion. The application of additional loan level pricing adjustment will be determined by various loan attributes to include but not limited to the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, credit score, transaction type, property type, product type, occupancy, and subordinate financing. Promotion available for the purchase of a primary residence, second home or investment property only. The promotional credit cannot be used for the downpayment. Other restrictions may apply.On eligible fixed rate VA mortgages, PenFed will give a promotional credit of 0.50% of the total loan amount. Loan amounts available up to Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) 2019 loan limits for the One-Unit Limit. While a veteran may use the promotion to acquire a property up to 2-units in size, the total loan amount will be based on the One-Unit (single-family residence) limit for the county in which the collateral is located. Veteran may finance the funding fee and still be eligible for the promotional credit even if the addition of the financed funding fee exceeds the county loan limit. Available when obtaining an eligible mortgage through PenFed, using a network real estate agent and using our affiliate title providers. In states where PenFed does not have an affiliated title company, and in Florida, New York and Texas, members can choose their own title company and still be eligible for the promotion. Promotion available for the purchase of a primary residence. Applicant is responsible for VA funding fee. Lender credit cannot be used for downpayment. Other restrictions may apply.

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Page 38

AGH Foundation Busy Prepping For 26th Penguin Swim

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Some of the hundreds of brave souls are pictured running toward the Atlantic Ocean during last year’s swim.

December 20, 2019

File Photo

BERLIN – It’s almost time for Atlantic General Hospital’s 26th Annual Penguin Swim to be held on New Year’s Day. As always, the swim will be held at the Princess Royale Hotel, located on the oceanfront at 91st Street in Ocean City.

The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation is inviting individuals and teams to join in the fundraising. All penguins will receive an official 2020 AGH Penguin Swim short-sleeve T-shirt for their $25 registration fee. Additional incentive prizes can be earned based on individual fundraising efforts. Individual and team participants can register online now to start collecting donations.

To view this year’s shirts and prizes, or to register, visit www.aghpenguinswim.org or text PENGUIN to 51555.

Event day registration will begin at 10 a.m., ending promptly at 12:30 p.m., with the main event at 1 p.m. on the beach. The time in between will be chock full of fun activities the whole family will enjoy including carnival games, face painting, mermaids and more. The Bull on the Beach team will parade down the beach at 12:45 p.m. from 94th Street to the swim area in front of the Princess Royale. Spectators are welcome.

Participants are encouraged to come to pre-registration and advance check-in at the Princess Royale in the Premier Lobby from 2-4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to avoid long lines on event day and pick up wristbands, shirts and prizes early. Those registering early will also receive an additional incentive prize. All participants are required to register either online or in person and check-in on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to receive a wristband to gain access to the swim area.

Special recognition awards will be given to the oldest and youngest penguins. Trophies for first, second and third place will be awarded to those who raise the most money in divisions for individuals, adults and 18 and under, and teams, businesses, community groups/organizations, and youth/family.

There will also be prizes awarded for the best costumes. Be sure to sign-up for the costume contest in the atrium at the Princess Royale before the swim.

Find the event on social media using #OCPenguinSwim, like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/penguinswim, or call the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation office at 410-6419671 for more information.

Expanding Our Reach.

Broadening Our Commitment.

The Dispatch Is On The Web: www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Ocean City To Start 2020 With Bond Sale

December 20, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Shortly after the end of the year, Ocean City will go back to the bond market to sell $17.3 million in general obligation bonds for various projects after the sale was approved this week.

The Mayor and Council reviewed Monday a request to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $17.3 million. The council unanimously approved the bond sale with little discussion.

By way of background, almost every year, the city sells general obligation bonds to pay for major capital projects and other significant expenditures.

Selling general obligation bonds allows the city to pay for major expenditures over a long period of time with attractive low interest rates rather than taxing the general fund.

The $17.3 million bond sale approved on Monday will fund a handful of capital projects and also allow the town to refinance other outstanding debts at lower interest rates. For example, included in the bond package is $4.25 million for a new wastewater secondary clarifier project at the town’s facility at 14th Street. The existing system is 27 years old and is in danger of failing and needs to be replaced.

The bond package also includes a water filter project at the town’s facility on Gorman Avenue to the tune of $1.95 million. That facility was built in 1972 and many of its components are using outdated technology that needs to be upgraded.

In addition, the bond package includes $1.1 million for the purchase of the Sandpiper Energy property at 67th Street. The parcel is the next piece of a larger property purchase puzzle in the 67th Street area for a future stateof-the-art water treatment facility.

Sandpiper Energy has owned the property as part of its ongoing conversion in town from propane to natural gas. With that project nearing completion, the utility company no longer has use for it and the town needs the parcel to complete its future water treatment plant goals.

The existing water treatment plant at 44th Street has been in service for over six decades and has outlived its useful life. To that end, the town has been piece-meal purchasing parcels in the area of 67th Street for the purpose of planning and ultimately building a new water treatment plant.

In addition, on the advice of the town’s financial advisors, two outstanding debts will be refinanced through the bond sale. One is a loan to pay for the new Jeeps and trams for $1.3 million and the other is $8 million in 2010 general obligation bonds. Refinancing the two existing debts with the upcoming bond sale will save the town roughly $1 million.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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OC Committee Eyes Action Steps For Bike Friendly Nod

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – After learning that the town had received an honorable mention for its Bicycle Friendly Community application, a resort committee got to work last week developing action steps for seeking the coveted designation again next year.

Last week, the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee reviewed the town’s report card for its Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) application.

“There were a lot of communities that applied for this designation that don’t actually receive it,” said Paul Mauser, president of the committee.

“Ocean City received an honorable mention.”

In August, the town submitted its application to become a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC), a national designation program spearheaded by the League of American Bicyclists to honor cities and towns taking steps to develop bikeable communities.

Late last month, however, officials in Ocean City learned the town did not secure a Bicycle Friendly Community designation in the Fall 2019 cohort. Instead, the resort earned an honorable mention for its efforts.

Communities that earn an honorable mention are recognized for start-

Report Card Provides Guidance

ing efforts to address the need of bicyclists in their community, according to the League’s website. Over 100 communities that originally earned an honorable mention have gone on to be awarded a bronze designation or better in the BFC program.

To that end, the committee wasted no time last week in identifying areas of improvement in its BFC application.

The town plans to submit another application in August.

“I got to tell you I am really, really disappointed we didn’t get it,” Councilman Tony DeLuca, liaison for the committee, said. “And for this year, I’d really like to focus in on what specifically we need to do to get it. What two, or three, or four things do we need to attack to get the award next year?”

For Ocean City, the BFC designation aligns with its efforts to establish a continual bike route along the resort’s side streets and minimize the need for bicycles to interact with vehicles on major roadways throughout town.

Since Mauser first presented the program to resort leaders last year, of-

“Your Friends At The Beach”

ficials have taken necessary steps to achieve the BFC designation. They argued the designation could enhance the town’s ability to secure grants for bike-friendly projects, as well as benefit tourism and the town’s reputation as a green community.

But gaining entrance into the program is challenging.

Since the creation of the BFC program in 1995, the League has processed more than 1,500 community applications. To date, 488 have been recognized as Bicycle Friendly Communities and nearly 100 have earned an honorable mention.

“That leaves about 1,000 that haven’t received anything,” Mauser said. “So our first time at least we got an honorable mention, and we got some comments we can use to proceed forward and receive that bronze level designation.”

The committee last week reviewed its report card, which provides action steps the town will need to complete to receive a BFC designation. From that report card, the committee identified five areas that needed improvement.

DCMA PCAM® AMS® CMCA Certified MHIC #68055

410-213-7144 9923 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Suite D-6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Steve@OceanPointLtd.com • www.OceanPointLtd.com

“That’s four or five takeaways we really need to attack,” DeLuca said.

“We need to have it all done by next July really.”

Members agreed to identify bikefriendly businesses in Ocean City, research active bicycle advocacy groups, reevaluate what portion of the town’s transportation budget is spent on bicycling, establish Bike Month and Bike to Work events, and create a bicycle master plan.

Nearly two years ago, the town identified the need for a bicycle master plan. But efforts to secure a $80,000 grant to finance the project fell through.

With time to spare until the application deadline in August, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville told the committee last week he could help develop a master plan for the town.

“Knowing that our next deadline is now August, I’m happy to work with you to do an in-house master plan,” he said. “If we got six months to work on it, let’s do it … Tell the council we saved $80,000.”

With assignments doled out to various committee members, Mauser said the group would begin working on action steps for next year’s BFC application.

“We’ve already made great progress on this just today,” he said.

this week’s

open houses

CALL AGENTS FOR DIRECTIONS

Resort Property Management •Administrative Management •Financial Management •Building Maintenance Service •Custodial Services •Pool Services •24-Hour Emergency Service

December 20, 2019

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

SELBYVILLE 30068 Sanctuary Dr The Overlook Tues-Sat 10-5 Sun-Mon 12-5 New Construction Single Family Homes Bayfront Community NV Homes 302-988-2185

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

WEST OCEAN CITY Spy Glass Cove #204 9742 Golf Course Rd Sat 12-2 3BR/2BA Condo Great Location Near Marinas Tennis, Pool Rob Bouse Berkshire Hathaway 443-783-6655

OCEAN VIEW Lord Baltimore Ln Sat 12-2 4BR/3.5BA/3,269SF Less than 3 miles From Bethany Beach Spacious 1st flr MBR Christine McCoy Coldwell Banker 302-339-5368

Open Skates Offered At Synthetic Ice Rink

December 20, 2019

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Recreation & Parks Department has announced December hours for open skating on the new synthetic ice rink at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill.

The first open skate will take place at Elves on the Loose, a free, familyfriendly event that is open to the public on Friday, Dec. 20, from 6-8 p.m. This evening of skating will be free of charge.

“We invite all in the community to come out and celebrate the holiday season and all things elfish with us at Elves on the Loose,” Marketing Program Manager Brianna Dix said.

“There will be skating, ELF movie on the big screen, pictures with Santa, the Great Elf Hunt, elf inspired games, crafts, and more.”

After Dec. 20, the cost per person will be $2, which includes skate rental and unlimited skating for the day. All ages are welcome. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children age 6 and under are not permitted to skate without an adult on the ice with them.

Other open skate sessions are planned for Saturdays, Dec. 21 and 28, from noon-7 p.m.; Sundays, Dec. 22 and 29, from 1-6 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 23, from noon-7 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 26, from noon-7 p.m.; and Friday, Dec. 27, from noon-7 p.m.

For more information, contact Allen Swiger at 410-632-2144 ext. 2520 or aswiger@co.worcester.md.us.

Obituaries Kirk Douglas Carey

BERLIN – Kirk D. Carey, age 59, of Berlin, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. He was the son of the late Dale Carey and Patricia Hadder.

He leaves behind his son, Alex Carey of Snow Hill and, his significant other of more than 15 years, Judy Collins of Berlin. He is also survived by his uncle, William Hadder, and aunts, Shirley Aydelotte, Gladys Aldridge, Dorian Littleton and, Kathleen Mitchell, as well as several cousins.

Kirk was the owner of Carey Sheet Metal KIRK DOUGLAS CAREY and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at the Boggs Disharoon American Legion post in Berlin on Jan. 4, 2020 from 2-5 p.m. Condolences may be sent via: w w w. b u r b a g e f u n e r a l h o m e . c o m .

Arrangements are in care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch

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

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

NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER Managing Editor

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

No Major Changes To Offshore Wind Farms Likely HOW WE SEE IT

Expectations for any significant changes to the proposed wind farms offshore should not be elevated based on the Maryland Public Service Commission’s order for a public hearing on the wind turbines’ changes in height. In fact, the commission made that clear in its order.

“This inquiry is limited to potential impacts related to a change in turbine size,” the order reads. “The commission will not consider issues extraneous to that topic, including whether to grant the ORECs (Offshore Renewable Energy Credits). The commission does not find it necessary or appropriate to reopen case number 9431 or reconsider order number 88192. Accordingly, Ocean City’s request to reopen case number 9431 or reconsider order number 88192 is denied.”

The case numbers referred to are the specific ORECs granted to the two wind farm developers by the commission two years ago. The ORECs are the key financial piece required for the offshore wind farm. Without them, there would be no assurances the projects could be financially beneficial to the companies developing them.

Though Ocean City was rightly excited the request for a new public hearing was granted to further discuss the larger height of the turbines, we think the chances of any major changes occurring to the turbines are minimal. We expect the wind farm companies’ representatives to easily be able to refute any of the commission’s concerns with their assurances less turbines will need to be used with the larger, more effi-

cient technology associated with the enlarged turbines.

Many of the same arguments about economic development, renewable energy and job creations will be used at the commission’s public hearing. These statements were successful in securing the pivotal ORECs two years ago. We suspect the outcome will be the same when the commission reviews the plans and the comments made at the public hearing, but we agree it was a wise course to have the companies present their case for why they feel expanding the size of their turbines is the proper direction. In turn, Ocean City officials and other opponents to the wind farms as currently planned will be given their chance to articulate their concerns directly to the state’s decision makers.

ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com

CHARLENE SHARPE Staff Writer/Copy Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com

BETHANY HOOPER Staff Writer bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com

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The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.

The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year.

Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months.

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Board’s Actions Not Voted On By Owners Editor: This is regarding the recent story about the board of White Horse Park Community Association filing a Motion to Intervene on behalf of the members of the park. No one had any idea this was going to happen – not the seasonal owners, not the year-round owners until it was disclosed in a recent community newsletter. This was not a decision voted on or approved by the White Horse community.

To have the public see that the park’s own board members are willing to work against the elder ly and sick homeowners is appalling and they should be ashamed.

White Horse Park is a great community overall. Yes, we have been enmeshed in controversy over the full-time residency issue. The misstatements of the issue that the board, the park attorney (James Almand, Esq.) and the Worcester County Commissioners have been spreading are ridiculous. None of the full-time residents want to have the park re-zoned to be a yearround residential community. Rezoning was never mentioned in any of the information given to the county.

Unfortunately, the Board of Directors have not taken the time to sit with the full-time residents to find out exactly what we want/need. This is a temporary situation and all that is being asked for is enough time to live out what is left of our lives in peace.

Believe me, we are not talking about a long period of time here. Two fulltime residents have passed away this

week alone. Eventually, all the property in the park will be used as seasonal lots again. Remember, we are talking about approximately 60 residences out of 465. White Horse Park is a beautiful, quiet community sitting on the St. Martin river. The people who have called this lovely, peaceful place home for so many years should be allowed to live the rest of their lives taking care of themselves and their neighborhoods without being harassed and frightened by the county or their own board of directors.

Betsy Metzger Berlin

Giving Tuesday Appreciation Editor: Even though the giving season is still in full swing, the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum staff and board of directors have taken a moment to stop and reflect on this year’s Giving Tuesday campaign.

Giving Tuesday The Shore Gives More is a campaign organized by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore that allows community members to give back to local organizations of their choice.

The money raised from this year’s campaign will help fund our free educational summer programs. Our summer programs run six days a week during the months of July and August and are at no cost for visitors.

This campaign gives us the opportunity to reflect and be grateful for our supporters. We thank all who took the time to donate. With your support the museum can offer not

only our free summer programs, but a wide range of events and exhibits that foster an appreciation for the cultural and natural history of Ocean City. We would also like to thank the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore for organizing a campaign that has strengthened not only the museum but many other local organizations.

Christine Okerblom Ocean City (The writer is the assistant curator of the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum.)

Commission Failed By Not Addressing Formula Editor: In a letter to this newspaper, in response to my commentary about Kirwan Commission funding recommendations and their impact on our county, retired teacher Debra Fisher wrote that I “misstated” our school system successes. That is not the case. As I wrote “there’s always room for improvement.”

Worcester County could benefit from many of the academic recommendations of the Kirwan Commission. However, the intent of my commentary was to confront the Commission’s failure to address the lopsided and unfair funding formula upon which its recommendations are predicated and for which Worcester County taxpayers have long been unduly burdened.

Chip Bertino Ocean Pines (The writer is a Worcester County commissioner.)

SEE NEXT PAGE

December 20, 2019

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Opposition To Impeachment Inquiry Not Appropriate Editor: (The following letter was submitted to Congressman Andy Harris with a copy forwarded to this publication.)

Once again, I feel compelled to write to you regarding your recent vote in the House of Representatives to oppose authorization of an Impeachment Inquiry into President Donald J. Trump’s action to withhold almost $400 million in military aid to Ukraine that had been approved by Congress in return for a “favor”. Your vote tells me that you did not have any interest in learning the facts of the case and, as such, you acted like the ostrich that sticks its head in the sand hoping that the problem will be gone by the time it takes its head out of the sand.

As I understand the “favor” that President Trump was seeking from the Ukrainians was to investigate Bursima and the Biden’s as well as to investigate possible interference in our 2016 election by the Ukrainians and not the Russians not to mention the “missing Democratic server”. With regard to the latter, it has been fully debunked by all of our intelligence agencies as well as a bipartisan report issued by the Senate Intelligence Committee that it was Russia that actually interfered in the 2016 election.

As for me, I watched many, many hours of public testimony from perhaps as many as a dozen creditable and compelling witnesses such as Marie Yovanovitch, Dr. Fiona Hill, Gordon Sondland, William B Taylor, Jr., Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, etc. Some witnesses even had firsthand knowledge of the President’s actions including listening in on the infamous July 25, 2019 telephone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A few testified that they were immigrants and felt that it was their patriotic duty to tell what they knew. In fact, Col. Vindman served in the U.S. Army and was wounded in battle for which he received the Purple Heart. A number of these witnesses testified that they had served under four or even five Presidents from both major political parties and that their mission was to protect the national security of the United States.

When Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee had their turn to give opening statements or question witnesses, the Rep. Devin Nunes “circus” began in earnest. Because the facts were not in their favor, they resorted to a “smoke and mirrors” defense of President Trump which included an all-out effort at character assignation of the witnesses. They argued that because President Trump did finally release the military aid on Sept. 11, 2019 (55 days after a hold had been put on it and, subsequently, he had been caught “red handed”), there was “no harm, no foul.” My question is, can we honestly say that the holding up of

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

this military aid did not cause additional harm to the Ukrainian defense efforts against the Russian aggression. Is it possible that the Ukrainians suffered more casualties than they otherwise would have because they lacked this additional military aid?

I have seen pictures of supporters of President Trump wearing T-shirts that read “read the transcript.” While I know what the transcript of the July 25th call said, I want to see the documentation of that call that was almost immediately placed in a top-secret server at the White House that might preclude it from ever seeing the light of day.

As I understand the facts in this case, President Trump has apparently broken two laws. They are: 1. Even though Ambassador Sondland testified that there “was a quid pro quo and that everyone was in the loop,” it is simply illegal for the President to solicit foreign aid relative to a domestic issue.

2. The military aid in question had been appropriated by Congress and President Trump was obligated to release it to Ukraine. If the President subsequently believed that there was a valid reason not to release these funds, then he was required to go back to Congress and state his concerns. Obviously, this did not happen.

I might add that, in order for this scheme to continue, the President replaced Mark Sandy (a career Federal employee) with Michael Duffey (a political appointee) because Mr. Sandy questioned the legality of withholding of these funds.

As the impeachment hearing nears a conclusion, I believe that if President Trump had any factual evidence that would be to his benefit, he would personally drive that witness(s) to Capitol Hill to provide that testimony to the Intelligence/Judiciary Committee.

When the full House of Representatives considers Articles of Impeachment against President Trump, I would urge you to consider all of the facts gathered in the inquiry and make an informed and intelligent decision to uphold your oath of office as well as upholding the Constitution of the United States and do what is in the best interest of the national security of the United States.

Harry W Yeich Ocean City

To Our Readers: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority.

Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.

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By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

When I first heard about the county planning to consolidate three departments into one, a cost-cutting budget move came to mind. I figured budget savings in the face of ever increasing expenses led to the change.

It turns out the exact opposite is true in the short term, and there appears to be a lot more to it. The bottom line is it’s going to cost Worcester County more immediately – at least “tens of thousands” according to Commissioner Chip Bertino due to raises going to personnel involved in this “consolidation,” as the county’s press release calls it. When asked the day after the meeting merging three departments into one in a 4-3 vote, Public Information officer Kim Moses said the county expects, “nominal savings (.2%) based on share personnel.” She added, “… we anticipate new revenues to be generated through the collaborative efforts of these professionals, all experts in their respective fields, as they work cooperatively to identify and attract new businesses, services, and events to our area while also facilitating the growth of existing businesses and tourist attractions in Worcester County.” Until that’s a reality, which is anything but a certainty, this move is costing the county money.

There seems to be underlying political reasons for this realignment.

It’s evident Tom Perlozzo, as director of recreation and parks, seeks more responsibility and authority in the county. It’s clear he’s looking for more than researching and recommending a portable synthetic ice rink for the county to purchase. This is understandable for a man of Perlozzo’s background, which includes 13 years as Ocean City’s recreation and parks director and 15 years in private marketing and sales.

Back when Perlozzo was hired last March, I opined in this space he’s a professional who will want to be a part of big efforts and projects, such as the growth and development he spearheaded at Northside Park in the 1990s. Managing recreation leagues and minor efforts, like crafting a purchasing proposal for the commissioners to review for an ice rink is not tapping into his expertise. I believed then and still do now he’s looking to be involved in a public-private partnership for a north-end sports complex. The Ocean City Mayor and Council is interested in this as well, while the Worcester County Commissioners have been hesitant to date.

None of this background was obviously included in the press release from the county announcing the formation of the new Worcester County Department of Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Economic Development. Instead, the county maintained through Commission President Joe Mitrecic, “These are very important departments to our tax base, and this unification is exactly what is needed to move the county forward. Like other jurisdictions that have a similar structure, this restructuring is expected to generate a synergy that cannot be duplicated in standalone departments.”

Though there are precedents to show other governments blend recreation, tourism and economic development into one department, it’s usually a move with positive budget savings. Even if the county’s projection of .2% in budget savings is a reality at some point, there’s good reason to think it would be at least a couple years since that’s true. This is happening mid-fiscal year. It’s doubtful the money spent on raises will be balanced by any new revenues in six months.

In the end, the majority votes were there to push ahead with this merging of departments. I think Bertino was right to cry foul over the move. It was clearly a rush job. The resolution naming individual people rather than job titles confirms that as well. It’s highly unusual for personnel to be named in a resolution. The people can change from year to year. The job titles should be in the resolution but not the individual people. As it stands now, if one of the department leaders named in the legal document exits the county, a new resolution will need to be approved. It was an odd oversight.

Bertino, the commissioner representing Ocean Pines, was right when he said at this week’s meeting, “It has been hoisted high upon the shoulders of personality, but it fails to reach the bar of proper due diligence.

This proposal hasn’t been vetted, it contains no management measures to determine near- and long-term viability, it has provided no marketing, strategic or operational plan for review, discussion or approval by the commissioners. We haven’t even met with the directors of the departments involved. There has been a headlong rush to make this move without benefit of an objective assessment to determine need or value to taxpayers, nor an understanding of the long-term impacts this will have in the overall operations of county government — both positive and negative — nor has there been a discussion of strategic benefits.”

In response, the county will point to its claim the merge will save “.2%” in the budget. The problem is that was not shared at the meeting when it was approved. In fact, the commissioners didn’t even know what the cost consequences of this move would be when they approved it. Is that good governance? It’s clearly not and confirms to me there was more at play here requiring unnecessary haste.

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Business

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

And Real Estate News Housing Market Recap

BERLIN – The Lower Eastern Shore saw a dip in activity in November, according to the latest numbers from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (Coastal).

In all three counties throughout November, new settlements were down 11% compared to the same time last year and year-to-date (YTD) settlements were up 0.1%. Individually, new settlements throughout November were down by 13.4% in Worcester and by 16.2% in Wicomico, and were up by 100% in Somerset. YTD settlements were up by three percent in Worcester and by 7.6% in Somerset, but were down by 7% in Wicomico.

Inventory remained down in November, as the tri-county area as a whole saw a 29.2% decrease in active listings and a 16% decrease in new listings compared to the same time last year.

Individually, active listings were down by 25% in Worcester, by 38.3% in Wicomico and by 32% in Somerset.

New listings were down by 7% in Worcester, by 30% in Wicomico and by 33.3% in Somerset.

The average list price for the shore was $222,035, which is 9% higher than this time last year. The average sale price was $224,121, which is 11.2% higher than this time last year.

The average Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) for November was 127, or 25.3% lower than the same time last year. Individually, CDOM increased by 9.1% in Worcester, and decreased by 5.3% and 52% in Wicomico and Somerset, respectively.

“We continue to see our settlement and listing numbers decline, but it’s a good sign that prices are up and homes are moving off the market faster, as per the lower CDOM,” said Coastal Presi-

The graphic details real estate activity for the month of November. Image by Coastal

dent Joe Wilson.

Agents Ranked In Region OCEAN CITY – Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Ocean City Offices recently had several agents ranking in the November for the Greater Baltimore region.

The agents were Whitney Jarvis, six; Nancy Reither, 24; Maryellen Rosenblit, 28; Shawn Kotwica, 62; Dennis Medlock, 68; Tammy Medlock, 86; Kim Collins, 87; Michael Nolen, 88; Cyndie Hollowell, 90; Chelsea Tull, 93; Shari Poliak, 98; and Dave Barnett, 99.

The top teams ranking included locals McNamara & Associates, first; The Noyes Team, six; Katy Durham/Rick Meehan, eight; and Cain Team of OC, nine.

New Foundation Board Members SALISBURY – The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore recently announced Ed Barber, Dean Lewis and David Mitchell have joined the foundation’s Board of Directors.

Barber retired in 2011 as Assistant Superintendent for Administration of Worcester County Public Schools. He has 37 years of experience in education, starting as a school ED BARBER psychologist and then school principal and supervisor in Somerset County.

Lewis is the Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer of Calvin B. Taylor Bank. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a master’s degree in taxation.

He currently serves on the DEAN LEWIS board of directors for Taylor Bank and the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation. He is also a member of the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees of Atlantic General Hospital, Franklin P. Perdue School of Business Career Advisory Board at Salisbury University and the Investment Committee of the Community Foundation.

Mitchell retired as an Associate Judge of Baltimore City Circuit Court. He was appointed to Maryland’s Eighth Judicial Circuit in 1984 and served until his retirement in 2001. He DAVID has served on the board of directors of the Na- MITCHELL tional Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and The Peddie School.

“We are looking forward to the contributions Ed, Dean and David will make in Foundation leadership, coupled with their strong passion for philanthropy and the local community,” said Erica Joseph, CFES president.

Wicomico Executive Recaps Year, Looks Ahead To 2020

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Quality of life, strong financial conditions and future funding challenges highlighted a report this week on the state of Wicomico County.

On Monday, County Executive Bob Culver presented his 2019 report on the state of Wicomico County at a town hall meeting in Salisbury.

The report, which focused on all departments of county government, reflected on initiatives, events and projects accomplished in the last 12 months.

“I’d like to sum up this year more than anything by saying the quality of life is what we worked on more in 2019 than we have been,” Culver said.

“We are financially in a very good condition. Our savings account is doing well, our day-to-day operations are doing well. We feel good about all of those, but the quality of life is something we need to work on.”

In 2019, the county announced the launch of “Warming Up Wicomico” – a program that allows individuals to drop off donated outerwear, socks and blankets at local businesses – as well as “Wicomico Goes Purple,” a campaign to reduce the stigma and highlight the dangers of opioid abuse.

Culver also noted the county’s efforts to fund a shortfall in the Meals on Wheels program.

In his state of the county address, Executive Bob Culver said, “… the quality of life is something we need to work on.”

Photo by Bethany Hooper

“Wicomico County stepped up and brought our share of Meals on Wheels [funding], $35,000, and the council moved it forward,” he said.

Culver also highlighted the county’s strong financial position in 2019. In fiscal year 2019, projected income tax revenue exceeded last year’s total by $5.4 million and projected property tax revenue exceeded last year’s total by $1.55 million.

“Our unemployment went down to its lowest, 4%, this year,” he said. “Our

December 20, 2019

property tax, we raised it by $1.5 million. That was done not by tax rates, but by assessments of all the houses.”

Culver said county employees this year received a 2% cost of living adjustment. And pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) were funded at 86.3% and 124.9%, respectively.

“A lot of counties throughout the state, a lot of governmental organizations, are way behind on their OPEB,” he said. “But Wicomico County has concentrated on it since I took over as executive, and we’ve become 124% funded. We are not going to slow up on that.”

Despite the county’s sound financial position, Culver noted uncertainties related to the Kirwan Commission’s funding recommendations and the $15 minimum wage.

“We’ve got some big things facing us this year,” he said.

Culver also highlighted capital projects that took place in Wicomico County this year. In the public works department, for example, the roads division resurfaced 89.5 miles of road and trimmed more than 40 miles of roadside trees. And under the recreation, parks and tourism department, the county made improvements to the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium – including the construction of a 360-degree deck – and launched its Project 7.5 initiative for the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex.

“We are excited about and looking forward to what’s going to happen down the road,” Culver said. “We have a lot of things going on, and we’re excited.”

Officials noted that the fiscal years 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), submitted to the county council on Dec. 16, includes funding for three school projects, a new public safety building and improvements at the airport.

“It’s a fairly aggressive CIP,” Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg said. “We have a lot of needs in the county. The question remains are we going to have the resources and the funding available to fulfill those needs. And we can’t honestly answer that question until we see what comes out of Annapolis this upcoming session.”

Strausburg said the county continues to keep an eye on the Kirwan Commission’s proposed spending, as well as other state mandates that could impact the county’s planning document.

“We have to determine how we absorb those costs,” he said. “And until we know what those costs are going to be and how we can absorb them, it’s going to be difficult to make longterm capital spending decisions.”

Culver’s full presentation of the 2019 State of the County report is available at www.wicomicocounty.org.

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Sports

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

Decatur Girls Sweep Pair, Remain Unbeaten In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team swept a pair of games this week to improve to 4-0 on the season.

After opening the season with a pair of wins over Kent Island and Snow Hill, the Seahawks faced a pair of teams from the south end of the Bayside South this week and swept both in impressive fashion. Last Thursday, the Decatur girls routed Washington at home, 68-27. Jessica Janney led the offense with 14 points while Nadia Bullock and Mayah Garner each scored 12 and Summer

Vorsteg added eight.

The Seahawks were back in action on Tuesday with a road game against Crisfield and pounded the Crabbers, 59-9. Bullock led the way with 15 points, while Shelby Rosemond added 12. Janney and Garner each pitched in nine against the Crabbers.

With the pair of wins this week, the Decatur girls remained unbeaten on the season at 4-0. The Seahawks played county rival Pocomoke at home on Thursday in a game played too late to be included in this edition.

The Seahawks will compete in the North Caroline Holiday Tournament next week with a pair of games on December 26 and December 27.

Worcester Boys’ Skid Hits Four Games

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team’s early season losing streak hit four last week including a tough loss to Gunston on the road last Friday.

The Mallards opened the season with an 83-40 win over St. Thomas More, but have since dropped four straight including two at the Tip-Off Classic. Back in Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) action last Wednesday, the Mallards faced old rival Saints Peter and Paul at home and fell to the Sabres, 52-38.

The streak continued last Friday with a tough loss to Gunston on the road. Worcester trailed 8-6 after one quarter, but rallied in the second to take a 20-18 lead into halftime. Worcester continued to build its lead through the third quarter, which finished with the Mallards ahead, 31-25.

However, Gunston outscored Worcester, 19-9, in the decisive fourth quarter to pull ahead for the 44-40 win.

With the loss, the Mallards dropped to 1-4 on the young season. Worcester will be back in action in the Governor’s Challenge next week with its first game against the Frederick Force on Thursday at 3:15 p.m. at UMES.

Mallards’ Win Streak Halted At Five

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team’s early season winning streak was halted at five games this week with a 66-47 loss to Delmarva Christian on Monday.

The Mallards had been red-hot to start the season, reeling off five straight wins starting with a 66-1 rout of St. Thomas More in the season opener, followed by a pair of wins in the Tip-Off Classic. The streak continued last Wednesday with a 48-8 rout of familiar foe Saints Peter and Paul at home.

Last Friday, the Mallards faced Gunston on the road and won, 50-13.

Worcester led 21-0 after one quarter

and 38-8 at the half against the Herons and never looked back on their way to the 50-13 win. On Monday, the streak ended with a 66-47 loss to Delmarva Christian on the road.

Worcester uncharacteristically fell behind early against Delmarva Christian and trailed 22-8 after one quarter and 43-17 at the half. The Mallards did battle back, outscoring Delmarva Christian in the third and fourth quarters, but the damage had been done and Worcester fell, 66-47. Next up for the Mallards is the first game of the Governor’s Challenge holiday tournament in Salisbury. Worcester will face Boonsboro in its opener on December 30 at 6:45 p.m. at Wicomico High School.

Decatur Wrestlers Cruise In Opener

Decatur’s Noah Reho ties up Mardela’s Clay Cox last week during the Seahawks’ 83-0 rout of the Warriors.

Photo courtesy Culling Innovations Photography

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team cruised in its first conference match of the year last week, routing Mardela, 83-0.

At 106, Decatur’s Teddy Sites beat Mardela’s Sam Ortiz, while Logan Intrieri beat Gage Daniel at 113. Shamar Barnes beat Mardela’s Cole Hodgdon at 120, while Jagger Clapsadle won by forfeit at 126.

Decatur’s Dustin Morrow beat Logan Bails at 132, while Nico D’Amico won by forfeit at 138 and Noah Reho beat Clay Cox at 145. Kyle Elliott beat

Wesley Price at 152, while Alex Koulikov beat Grason Schmidt at 160.

In the 170 bout, Darren Taylor defeated Mardela’s Jonathan Hagy, while Micah Bourne beat Nicholas Smithhart at 182. John Hofman beat Aiden Gregory at 195, while Jonathan Church beat Aaron Smith at 220 and T.D. Ortega beat Tanner Bails at 285.

Decatur had a dual meet scheduled this week on the road with Kent Island and Cambridge-South Dorchester in the last match before the holiday break.

Right after New Year’s, the Seahawks will compete in the prestigious Iron Horse Duals.

Seahawks Solid In Second Conference Meet

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams were solid in the second conference meet of the season last week at Snow Hill.

The Seahawks turned in good performances in terms of team scores on both the boys’ and girls’ sides, along with several top individual outcomes.

In the 500-meter dash, Mary Mergott finished eighth, while Julia Carson was 31st. Mergott also finished seventh in the 800, while Caroline Gardner was 10th, and Carolina Novelli was 31st.

Devon Kramer finished 11th in the 1,600, while Carson was 17th and P.J. Venezia-Westphal was 32nd.

In the 55-meter hurdles, Jabria Lewis was 18th, Alexandria Urbanski was 23rd and Summer Brenner was 25th. In the 55-meter dash, Skylar Griffin was 31st, Ava Becnel was 45th and Summer Banks was 46th. Amelia Kemp was 22nd in the 300-meter dash, while Audrey Grace Mumford was 33rd and Rachel Peretz was 44th.

The Decatur girls finished 14th in the

4x200 relay, 13th in the 4x400 and fifth in the 4x800. In the field events, Mia Andersen finished ninth in the high jump, while Taya Price came in 13th. Zoriah Shockley finished ninth in the shot put.

On the boys’ side, in the 55-meter dash, Jaden Holland was 46th and Gavin Weeks was 50th. Raul Gault finished 22nd in the 300, while Riley Calloway was 28th and Garrett Herr was 36th. Gault came in 11th in the 500, while Gavin McCabe was 26th and Rife Leonard was 50th.

Sam Rakowski was 19th in the 800, while Samuel Woodley was 21st and Philip Becnel was 33rd. In the 1,600, George Cheynet came in 11th and Grant Cheynet finished 33rd.

Liam Foley came in 13th in the 3,200, while Jake Gillespie was 31st.

Samuel Oates was 12th in the 55meter hurdles, while Zachary Fuchsluger was 20th. In the relays, the Decatur boys finished 12th in the 4x200, 10th in the 4x400 and sixth in the 4x800. In the field events, Fuchsluger was 12th in the high jump, while Oates came in 14th and Zach Hickman was 25th in the shot put.

Seahawks Suffer First Loss Of Season

December 20, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team’s early season winning streak came to a halt this week with a 78-53 loss to Crisfield at home on Tuesday.

The Seahawks came out of the gate fast with a dramatic 58-56 overtime win over Kent Island in the season opener, followed by a 64-56 win over county rival Snow Hill last Tuesday. Last Thursday, the Decatur boys continued their winning ways with a

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

75-62 win over Washington on the road to improve to 3-0 to start the season.

Something had to give when the Seahawks faced also unbeaten Crisfield at home on Tuesday, and for one day at least, the Crabbers held the upper hand. Crisfield beat Decatur, 78-53, on Tuesday. Decatur played Pocomoke on Thursday in a game played too late to be included in this edition. After the Governor’s Challenge next week, the Seahawks return to regular season action on January 7 against Bayside South rival Wicomico.

Swimmers Make Splash In First Meet

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity swim teams dominated in its season-opening meet last week against Pocomoke, taking first in the team competition and sweeping first place in every individual race.

The Decatur boys outscored the Warriors in team points, 109-20, while the Decatur girls rolled past Pocomoke, 136-7. Both teams took first place in every individual event and in the relays.

On the boys’ side, Richard Poist took first in the 100-yard butterfly and in the 500-yard freestyle. Caleb Vaxmonsky also swept two individual events, taking first in the 200yard freestyle and the 200-yard individual medley. Gavin Stearn took first in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle, while Nick Cardamone took first in the 100-yard backstroke and Jack Slaysman took first in the 100-yard breaststroke.

In the relays, the Decatur boys team including Vaxmonsky, Poist,

Slaysman and Stearn took first in the 200-yard individual medley. The Decatur boys team of Vaxmonsky, Patrick O’Halloran, Jonathan Franklin and Luke Bahlman took first in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Poist, O’Halloran, Slaysman and Stearn took first in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

On the girls’ side, Gracie Coker took first in both the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly. Farrah Brown took first place in the 500-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. Mikayla Denault took first in the 200-yard freestyle, Natalie Canham took first in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard breaststroke, while Kayden Hamby won the 100-yard freestyle.

In the relays, the Decatur team of Denault, Canham, Coker and Emma Sperry took first in the 200-yard individual medley. Hamby, Sperry, Coker and Emma Coyman won the 200-yard freestyle relay, while Brown, Canham, Coyman and Denault won the 400-yard freestyle relay.

Governor’s Challenge Returns Next Week

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SALISBURY – The 39th Governor’s Challenge, billed as the “largest holiday basketball tournament in the country,” gets underway next week.

Now entering its 39th year, the annual Governor’s Challenge holiday basketball tournament will feature 120 of the top high school teams from all over the country in a five-day showcase event from December 26 through December 31 at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center and other venues in and around the Salisbury area.

Boys’ and girls’ high school basketball games will be played practically around the clock at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, UMES and various high schools in the area featuring 120 of the best high school programs in the country. Teams from Maryland, Delaware, Washington,

D.C., Florida, New Jersey, New York, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia and Canada will compete over the five-day event.

The format will include a DMVElite Showcase Division featuring 26 of the top teams from around the region and beyond, along with a girls’ showcase division. The tournament also features a varsity boys’ division and a varsity girls’ division.

Locally, most of the boys’ and girls’ team from the Bayside Conference and the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference will be competing along with many schools from across neighboring Delaware. The Stephen Decatur boys will face Georgetown Day in its opener on December 26, while the Worcester Prep boys will face the Frederick Force, also on December 26. The Worcester Prep girls will face Boonsboro on December 30.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

PUZZLE ON PAGE 66

T

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

he last week of school before holiday break is the best and the worst.

It reminds me of a recent “Saturday Night Live” skit featuring Matt Damon and Cecily Strong. The skit portrays the two as a couple finally sitting down to some peace and quiet on Christmas night for a conversation about their hectic day.

They remark how it was the “best Christmas ever” and the “perfect day” multiple times, rehashing their anything but lovely day, including being woken up at 5 a.m. by kids jumping on their beds, the frenetic pace that is opening Christmas gifts, the frustration that comes with putting gifts together late on Christmas Eve, the stress of hosting family members and a house full of kids, funny and unneeded gifts and the exhaustion that comes with it all. It’s a short three-minute skit full of satire. It’s worth checking out online if you haven’t seen it. It hits home to me.

I would not change life with my kids for anything, but to say every single moment is enjoyable would be a lie. It’s mostly because it’s so incredibly busy. This past week had me shaking my head multiple times and wondering whether the holidays are truly fun or just dreadful.

This sounds cold, I know. I don’t intend to be a Grinch. I do love the Christmas season, but it was a lot easier as a kid to truly enjoy everything about it. Santa and his elves were magical. All the meals were amazingly prepared by people I didn’t appreciate at that time. There wasn’t any stress on my end from attending chorus and band concerts and basketball games on the same night. I don’t remember anything unpleasant in the least bit about the holidays as a kid. I give credit to my parents for all that because I know better now than to think there was no pressure on them.

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The last week has been a blur.

Beckett sang at two Christmas concerts last weekend. He had a big band and chorus concert at his school on Tuesday night. He also had a few basketball games mixed in and a soccer practice. Carson’s special event calendar wasn’t full, but he had his usual battery of therapists and doctor’s appointments to work through as well as the nightly battles over homework.

There seems to be a mounting bewilderment with him over why he should have to do any school work in the first place since Christmas lights are up.

Add these daily challenges with working a full-time job and planning for Christmas (most of which must be done late at night or during work hours because of the inquisitive nature of the children) and life is chaotic. I know there are many others who feel the same way. I can see it on my friends’ faces. We smile “good morning” as we pass, but I know we are all feeling the pressure.

Add to all this my birthday was this week and I couldn’t help feel sorry for my wife and family for having to remotely worry about that aspect.

Perhaps the greatest example of how harried things have been of late is I told everyone in church on Sunday I was 45 years old. When it came time to my coins in the cake (a tradition at our church for birthdays), I dropped in an even 45 cents in change. It wasn’t until the next morning when I actually subtracted 2019 from 1975 (the year I was born) when realized I was just 44 years old. Though I should certainly know how old I am, I found it hilarious none of my family members had their thinking caps on either and corrected me.

As we look ahead to Christmas next week, Beckett’s wish list is long but highlighted by two big things. He wants a phone and a full basketball court. The boy has high aspirations for certain.

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t church last weekend, Beckett leaned over to Pam during the song, “Mary, did you know?” He whispered something, and she tried her best to hold in a laugh.

While the vocalist did a wonderful job singing the song, I couldn’t help but wonder what tickled her. I learned later it was a good idea I didn’t ask at that time because I probably would have laughed out loud because I’m immature. She told me later.

During a long pause after the lyrics, “Mary did you know?”, Beckett whispered in her ear, “15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance.”

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

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Fortunately, Carson’s wish list is just as long, but there are no major requests that involve asphalt or the psychological battle that comes with weighing whether an 11-year-old needs a phone (even if every single one of his friends does).

Please excuse this vent session this week. Believe it or not, I am looking forward to Christmas. I love the excitement that comes with it. I enjoy surprising my kids with gifts. I embrace the true reason for the season. I am constantly amazed at the generosity that’s exhibited in our schools and across our community this time of year.

I just also really look forward to the couple days of downtime that follow Christmas with no work and no commitments. I think that makes me normal, but at this point (five days before Christmas) I am not sure. I can’t give it a lot of thought anyway because there’s much to do.

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Ocean City To Dive Deeper On Bus Shelter Lighting

December 20, 2019

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Officials in Ocean City last week agreed to have staff revisit efforts to install lighting at bus shelters in town.

Last week, the Ocean City Transportation Committee voted unanimously to have town staff research options for installing lights at otherwise dark and shady bus shelters throughout the resort.

“I do think it’s a program we ought

Wicomico Seeking Input On Calendars

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

to try to begin to initiate,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

Last year, resort officials presented the committee with the idea of installing lighting at bus shelters throughout town. From those discussions, staff gathered price estimates and lighting options with the hopes of implementing a pilot program at select locations.

When asked about the status of the project last week, however, Transit Administrator Brian Connor told the committee efforts to install lights at the bus shelters were brought to a standstill.

“We were stepping back to reassess the needs and the applications,” he said. “We were waiting for direction on how we would want to proceed.”

Meehan said he wanted the town to continue exploring options for bus shelter lighting. He said staff could begin at

shelters with easy access to electricity.

“I drive down the highway and look at some of those bus shelters at night,” he said. “They are dark, and light is your friend. To be able to light up those bus shelters would help encourage people to feel safer just riding the bus. And it’s a way to recognize where those shelters are. I think it’s something that we should consider.

We should move forward with this.”

Councilman Dennis Dare agreed.

He made a motion to have staff investigate bus lighting options, including solar applications, ahead of the annual budget process.

“I’d add not just where electric is available to do it, but also look at the solar application,” he said. “You are looking at shelters that have room for a solar panel on the roof, and some of the new LED lighting in that is pretty

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Parents of students in Wicomico County’s public school system will be asked to comment on two proposed school calendars for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Last week, the Wicomico County Board of Education approved on first reading two proposed school calendars for the 2020-2021 academic year.

“I would like to share with you some of the similarities and some of the differences between the two,” said Kim Miles, assistant superintendent for student and family services, “just as points of focus.”

In the first version of the school calendar, Draft A, the academic year would begin on Aug. 31 and end on June 9. In the second version, Draft B, the academic year would begin on Sept. 8 and end on June 14.

“The similarities exist in the Thanksgiving break – a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – and in the winter holiday, December 23-31,” Miles said.

She noted, however, that the two proposed calendars had varying professional days and different spring breaks.

“In Draft A, the pre-Labor Day start, the spring holiday break is four school days in total,” she said. “That would start with a professional day on March 31 followed by the spring holiday for April 1, 2 and 5. The spring holiday in Draft B is a two-day holiday on the 2nd and the 5th.”

Miles said both versions of the school calendar would be posted online for public comments. She encouraged parents to provide feedback.

“We want to hear what is wanted for our schools,” she said. “Please keep in mind that each of these drafts have been developed with a focus on what is best for our students. That would be in relation to academics, social activity and the attendance.”

The school board voted 7-0 to approve both versions of the academic calendar on first reading.

“We are very much interested in the feedback that we receive,” Miles said, “not only for this calendar but for other calendars as we move forward.”

CHRISTMAS DAY PLAY FREE AT 68TH STREET 11AM-4PM

Page 49

efficient.”

Meehan agreed, but said he considered electric lighting at certain locations to be “low-hanging fruit.”

“There are some applications that could be done sooner rather than later,” he said.

Dare’s motion passed unanimously.

Public Works Director Hal Adkins said he would add bus shelter lighting to his list of projects for the winter months.

“On that is enhancing lighting at some of the Parkeon machines …,” he said. “So we’ll add that to the conversation to see if there’s some level of technology that we can use in both locations.”

Meehan said the town could implement a pilot program for the summer season and expand lighting to additional bus shelters moving forward.

Page 50

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Every Wednesday: Delmarva Hand Dance Club Dance To Sounds of ’50s And ’60s Music 5:30-9 p.m. Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. $5 donation per person to

Things To Do The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

benefit veterans and local charities in the Delmarva region. Members and guests welcome. dance@delmarvahanddancing-.com or http://delmarvahanddancing.com. 410208-1151.

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

Second Wednesday: Polish American Club Of Delmarva Meeting 2-4 p.m. Columbus Hall. Anyone of Polish or Slavic descent is welcome. No meetings June, July, August. 410-723-2639 or 410-250-2548.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles 45 Plus, happy hour 4-7 p.m., Clarion Hotel, 10100 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City. 302-4369577, 410-524-0649, beachsingles.org.

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

Visitors and new members welcome.

Every Friday: Knights Of Columbus #9053 Bingo

Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo at 6:30 p.m. 9901 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City. Possible to win the $1,000 big jackpot each week. 410-524-7994.

Every Friday: FORGE Contemporary Youth And Family Ministry 6:30-8:30 p.m. FORGE Center, 7804 Gumboro Rd., Pittsville. Designed for kids ages 565, the program provides a meal, music, games, activities and a life lesson that can be of use to anyone. Christian-based program but does not require the practice of faith to attend.

443-366-2813.

First Saturday Of Month: Writers Group 10 a.m.-noon. Berlin branch, Worcester County Library. Anyone interested in writing is invited to join the group and share a story, poem or essay or just come and enjoy listening to others. This is a free activity. New members are always welcome. The group is comprised of amateur as well as professional, published writers willing to share their knowledge and offer tips on being creative with words.

December 21: Advent Organ Recital Series

December 20, 2019 Organ concert at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in downtown Salisbury at 4 p.m. Admission is free. 410-742-5118.

December 28: Breakfast Buffet Whaleyville United Methodist Church will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet from 7-10 a.m. Adult, $8; child, $4.

December 31: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop Berlin hosting two NYE ball drop events, first for the kids from 5-6 p.m. (ball drop 6 p.m. outside Heart of Gold) with adult event from 10 p.m.-12:30 with DJs Big Al Reno and Schwab with dancing, beer and food vendors (ball drop midnight).

January 1: New Year’s Day Walk Public invited to join Assateague Coastal Trust to celebrate Assateague Island’s legacy at 1 p.m. at Assateague State Park.

Event will be held rain, snow or shine. Meet at the concession building.

January 3: Cash Bingo The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will host with doors opening 5 p.m. and early birds beginning at 5:45 p.m. Regular games begin at 7 p.m. Food and beverages available for purchase. 619-922-9950 to reserve tickets.

January 11: Spaghetti Dinner ABATE of Sussex County is hosting an allyou-can-eat spaghetti dinner 3-7 p.m. at East Sussex Moose Lodge in Frankford. Door prizes available every hour. Cost is $10 per person; $5 for children (ages 4-12).

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Community

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 51

News In Photos

Ocean City Lions Club Past president Norm Cathell welcomed Joe Gahm this fall with a Certificate of Membership to the Lions Club.

The Democratic Central Committee of Worcester County attended the Maryland State Democratic Central Committee Meeting at the IBEW Local 26 Union Hall in Lanham. Pictured are DCCWC members Laurie Brittingham, Vice Chair Whitney Palmer, Tim Tarr and Chair Dr. Roxie Dennis Acholonu. In the back was Justin Butler, Maryland Submitted Photos Democratic Party Lower Shore Lead.

Stephen Decatur Middle School’s Builders Club received a $500 check from the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City through its Kiwanis Student Leadership Program. Pictured, from left, are Stephen Decatur Middle School Principal Lynne Barton, Kiwanis Club President Roy Foreman and Kiwanis Club advisor to the SDMS Builders Club Jackie Todd.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City presented a check to Norbert Violante, an Ocean Pines employee, for his work supporting set-up of the club's weekly meetings and other club events held in the Community Center. Also pictured are Kiwanian Ralph Chinn and Club President Roy Foreman.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City had Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli as its guest speaker earlier this month. Crisafulli spoke about "Senior Scams." Crisafulli is pictured with Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Roy Foreman.

Page 52

Best Beats

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

on the beach

Who’s Where When

oTTo GRunDMan crabcake Factory: Thursdays

28TH/127TH sT. piT & pub 410-289-2020 • 443-664-7482 28TH sT. & coasTal HWy. & 127TH sT. & coasTal HWy. Wednesdays: DJ Wax (28th St.) aTlanTic HoTel 410-641-3589 2 noRTH Main sT., beRlin Friday, Dec. 20: Zander Jett Mondays: Earl Beardsley Tuesdays: Bob Miller on Piano

buxy’s salTy DoG/ DRy Dock 28 410-289-0973 28TH sT. & coasTal HWy. Friday, Dec. 20: Jimmy Charles Sunday, Dec. 22: West King String Band claRion HoTel 410-524-3535 10100 coasTal HWy. Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, Dec. 20 & 21: First Class Fridays & Saturdays: DJ Dusty

cRabcake FacToRy baysiDe 302-988-5000 RT. 54 FenWick islanD, De Friday, Dec. 20: Poole Brothers FaGeR’s islanD 410-524-5500 60TH sT. in THe bay Friday, Dec. 20: DJ Greg, DJ Hook, Saturday, Dec. 21: DJ Groove Wednesday, Dec. 25: DJ RobCee

GReene TuRTle noRTH 410-723-2120 11601 coasTal HWy. Friday, Dec. 20: Kevin Poole, 3 p.m., The Bills, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21: Low Tide Lovers

DJ Robcee Fager’s island: Wednesday, Dec. 25

DJ DusTy clarion/ocean club: every Friday & saturday

anDReW RobeaR pickles pub: saturday, Dec. 21

zanDeR JeTT atlantic Hotel: Friday, Dec. 20

DJ billy T Harborside: Fridays

JiMMy cHaRles Dry Dock 28: Friday, Dec. 20

kevin poole Greene Turtle north: Friday, Dec. 20 Harpoon Hanna’s: Thursdays RanDy lee asHcRaFT & sWc Johnny’s pizza & pub: Wednesdays smitty McGee’s: Thursdays & Fridays

GReene TuRTle WesT 410-213-1500 RTe. 611, WesT oc Tuesday, Dec. 31: Lime Green Band

HaRboRsiDe 410-213-1846 souTH HaRboR RoaD, WesT oc Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, Dec. 21: Chris Button/

beaTs by Wax 28th st. pit & pub: Wednesdays pickles pub: Thursdays

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

Who’s Where When Side Project, DJ Jeremy Sunday, Dec. 22: Opposite Directions, 2 p.m., Chuck D, 7 p.m.

Thursdays: Opposite Directions

FIRST CLASS Clarion/Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, Dec. 20 & 21

WEST KING STRING BAND Dry Dock 28: Sunday, Dec. 22

HARPOON HANNA’S 302-539-3095 RT. 54 & THE BAY, FENWICK ISLAND, DE Friday, Dec. 20: Dave Hawkins, Kaotic Saturday, Dec. 21: Dave Sherman, On The Edge Thursday, Dec. 26: Kevin Poole HOOTERS 410-213-1841 12513 OCEAN GATEWAY, RTE. 50, WEST OC Friday, Dec. 20: TBA

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sundays & Thursdays

ON THE EDGE Harpoon Hanna’s :Saturday, Dec. 21

JOHNNY’S PIZZA & PUB 410-723-5600 RT. 54 FENWICK ISLAND, DE Wednesdays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8TH ST. & PHILADELPHIA AVE. Friday, Dec. 20: Beats By Jeremy Saturday, Dec. 21: Andrew Robear Mondays: Karaoke W/ Jeremy Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax

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THE BILLS Greene Turtle North: Friday, Dec. 20

THE POOLE BROTHERS Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Dec. 20

SMITTY MCGEE’S 302-436-4716 37234 LIGHTHOUSE RD., WEST FENWICK IRELAND, DE Thursdays & Fridays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49TH ST. & COASTAL HWY. Friday, Dec. 20: DJ Tuff, Flowers For Taco Saturday, Dec. 21: Jon Maurer, Nowhere Slow DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff

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Page 54

Students

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

In The News

Students in Faith Murray's fourth grade class at Ocean City Elementary School constructed gingerbread houses during their geometry unit in math. They used their knowledge of area, perimeter, lines, angles and symmetry to build their houses and write about the attributes of each element. Pictured, back from left, are Ricky McFarland, Jayden Ye, Gabe Rodriguez, Payton Oates, Arriana Dempsey, Mrs. Murray, Mekayla Copenhaver, and Samantha Chavarria-Aguilar; front are Sage Sturgis, Vincent Zheng, Ana Gigauri, Israel David, Gabriel Harkness and Aiden Wilk.

Submitted Photos

Stephen Decatur High School recently hosted dozens of performances of “Hansel and Gretel” through its annual Children’s Theatre production. Thousands of students from Worcester County visited the high school on field trips through their schools. Above, senior Devon Ross poses with Showell Elementary School second grader Paige Swift. Below, senior Eliza Siegel, who was the witch, shows a softer side as she hugs Showell Elementary School second grader Seaira Carven.

Stephen Decatur High School student Erika Holdren displays some of the 50plus pajamas collected in the annual Connections-sponsored pajama drive benefiting Diakonia families.

The student council at Berlin Intermediate School coordinated the third annual pajama drive collecting over $650 and 85 pairs of pajamas to donate to local shelters this winter.

Horoscopes

December 20, 2019

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Your love of the holidays creates a special bond between you and the people in your life. Use this as a way of building stronger relationships that will carry over well beyond this time.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A new approach could go a long way toward resolving a painful estrangement, especially at this holiday time. And since your aspects favor friendship this week, why not go ahead and try it?

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your positives continue to dominate, and any negative factors that squeeze in can be dealt with easily. The secret is to tackle them at once and not allow them to benefit by your neglect.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Good news: A colleague's remarks could help you move toward ultimately resolving that persistent workplace situation. Meanwhile, enjoy the holidays with loved ones.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): No one reflects the bright holiday more than all you Leos and Leonas who love the shimmer and glimmer of the season.

P.S.: There just might be a very special something from Santa.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Celebrate the holidays by being more receptive to new experiences. Overriding the Virgo reluctance to try new things could be the best gift you've given yourself in a long while.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Good news about a loved one makes the holidays even more festive. Expect some unexpected gifts, so be prepared with a few nicely wrapped packages of goodies to offer in return.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): The holiday season provides an opportunity to meet new people, some of whom you might even consider "worthy" enough to join the Scorpio's select group of friends.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): You always bring your own wonderful sparkle and light to the holidays, and don't be surprised if this year someone special reaches out to respond to your warmth in kind.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Togetherness is the dominant theme for the Goat's holiday celebrations this year. That means reaching out to bring everyone you care for into your very own special circle of light.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): A reminder of a very special moment from the past makes the holidays more memorable for the romantic Aquarian. New friendships hold the promise of a romantic future as well.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Getting into the swim of things for all you party-loving Pisceans is easy enough this holiday season. And, of course, you can expect to impress people wherever you go.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your dedication brings you the success you strive for, and your generosity impels you to reach out and help others on their way up. © 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy New Arthritis Workshop Find Out The Answers To The Following:

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Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

It’s been a fun couple weeks of Christmas and holiday appreciation parties, including at Buxy’s Salty Dog, Dry Dock 28, Seacrets and Bad Monkey.

Dry Dock 28: Peyton & Ed Townsend, Kevin & Pam Houck and Logan & Cherie Townsend

By Terri French

Faces

SPOTLIGHT ON THE REGIONAL RESTAURANT AND BAR SCENE

Buxy’s Salty Dog: Jrey & Jeffrey Jackson, Cynthia & Jason Clem, Michelle Ellinger and Peter Lee

In Places

Buxy’s Salty Dog Staffers: Janene Keay, Goody, Tiara Estrella, Crystal Kirven and Owner Doug Buxbaum

Bad Monkey OC: John Campbell, Janet Bollinger, Mark Myers and Nick French

Seacrets: Ocean 98 Radio Personalities, Coach & Big Al

Bad Monkey OC: Steve Kiggins, Jamie Davis and Joe Koziol

Buxy’s Salty Dog: DJ Wax, Carol & Michael Tanuto

Seacrets: Ocean 98 Radio Personalities, Magellan & Tuff

Seacrets: Michelle Thawley, Ryan Watkins and AC McCabe

Seacrets: Mother & Son, Gussie Sholtis & Kyle Hill

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

Page 58

Lower Shore Land Trust Flannel Formal generous sponsors Jack Burbage, Virginia Pappas and JL and Hugh Cropper were “plaid” they came out to the fundraising event.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Having a great time playing pin the tail on the donkey were Bobbi Sample, Karen Hammond and Ashley Furbay at the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group Taco & Tiara fundraiser.

In Society

December 20, 2019

AGH Vice President of Patient Care Services Colleen Wareing introduced nursing scholarship recipients Nancy Holland, Heather Dennis and Alexis Seldon at the Junior Auxiliary Group Taco & Tiara fundraiser, which benefits the program.

Checking in checkered attendees to the Annual Flannel Formal were Marianne Pettis, Suzanne Ketcham, and Taylor Carty of the Lower Shore Land Trust.

C+C Craft Factory’s James and Christiana Hansen sold candles and soaps at the Ocean Pines Holiday Vendor Fair.

Ayers Creek Adventures’ Steve and Suzy Taylor are always happy to support the Lower Shore Land Trust Flannel Formal with donations and by serving on the board.

Joining in on the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group Taco & Tiara festivities were Julie Gittelman and piñata winner Ella Davis.

At the Ocean Pines Holiday Vendor Fair, Joe and Lorrie Latchford of L and J Crafts had their glycerin soaps for sale, perfect for stocking stuffers.

Brooklyn Meadows team member Alyson Kendall assisted Windmill Creek Winery owner Brittany Mariner with serving refreshments at the Lower Shore Land Trust Flannel Formal.

At the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group Taco & Tiara fundraiser, Mike Keiser and Jim List got into the spirit with some fun headdresses.

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things I Like ...

By Steve Green

Halsey’s voice

Memorable holiday commercials Watching a snowy football game in the comfort of my home Clever social media campaigns

Warm Christmas days so the kids can enjoy outside gifts The Hippodrome in Baltimore Comedian Trey Kennedy

Giving time off around the holidays A full moon over an ocean Skiing at least once a year

Funny touchdown celebrations

WEST OCEAN CITY

e ave save save save ave sav save s s e sav e sav e sav e sav e sav

Page 59

e sav ve sa e sav e sav e sav e sav e sav e e sav sav e e sav sav 2500 PAIRS e sav Discontinued Styles ave s e sav Sperry • Sebago • Docksides • New Balance e sav Naturalizer • Grasshoppers • Clarks Women’s e sav MEN’S & LADIES’ SHOES save e SIZES ve sav N: 9-12, 13; M, W:MEN’S 7-12, 13, 14, 15; WW: 8 1/2-13 sa WOMEN’S SIZES e sav save N: 7-10; M: 5-10, 11; W: 6-10, 11 e Located At Rte. 1 At West Virginia Ave. sav ve (4 Streets North Of MD Line, Ocean Side) a e s v sa Fenwick Island, DE • 302-539-4599 e e e sav save savOPEN DAILY 10 A.M.save sav save

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MONDAY TACO NIGHT 5 P.M.-10 P.M.

TUESDAY FAJITA NIGHT 5 P.M.-10 P.M.

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Student Behavior, School Climate Concerns Discussed

Page 60

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Concerns surrounding student behavior and school climate highlighted a school board meeting in Wicomico County last week.

In a meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education last week, James M. Bennett Middle School parent Michele Schlehofer shared her concerns regarding student conduct and school climate.

“As you know, there have been several incidents in recent weeks regarding physical altercations and a threat of a school shooting that left students, regardless of the credibility, pretty frightened, and parents as well,” she said.

“As a social psychologist, I’m pretty well aware that perceptions of the environment as unsafe can negatively impact learning. And that’s regardless of whether or not the perceptions are actually legitimate.”

Schlehofer urged school officials to address school climate issues. She said poor school climate affected grades, absenteeism and dropout rates.

“It’s really concerning, I think, that

school climate is being compromised,” she said, “and we really need to address that.”

Schlehofer told the board social workers were underutilized in the school system.

“The National Association of Social Workers has standards for the number of social workers in public schools,” she said. “The recommendations are one full-time social worker to every 250 students. If you have a student population with high trauma, that ratio is recommended to be one in 50. Currently we have one full-time social worker for 1,000 students at Bennett Middle School. I’m significantly concerned about that.”

Schlehofer also encouraged the school system to train faculty and staff on de-escalation techniques and took a stance against additional disciplinary actions.

“I’m not the only parent that is concerned with additional crackdown disciplinary procedures and would like to instead see increased supports for students in the school, to mitigate issues before they begin,” she said.

December 20, 2019

Superintendent Donna Hanlin highlighted several efforts to address student behavior and school climate. In addition to creating a Youth Safety Task Force, she said the school system was also working with an organization to review supports that are in place to address social, emotional and behavioral issues.

“We did add social workers to our budget last year, as well as counselors, school psychologists, those supports for students in our schools, beginning early on in our elementary schools through our high schools,” she said.

“This will be an opportunity for this organization to come in and work with us and focus groups within the community, gathering feedback and coming up with a very specific plan for what’s working and where we can do better.”

Hanlin said the school system was also re-evaluating disciplinary measures. She said officials were looking at options for increasing seats at the alternative school, as well as creating an intermediary step within the schools.

“We are also having in-depth conversations internally about discipline

for our most egregious students,” she said. “Yes, intervention is what we want to do in most cases. But there are cases where we have to intervene in a more aggressive way.”

Lastly, Hanlin said the school system was working alongside the Eastern Shore delegation, as well as community groups, which have introduced mentorship programs in certain schools.

“I think it’s important for the community to be aware of the very focused attention that is being placed in this area, and not just on interventions, as our speaker has discussed, but also holding our students and parents – quite honestly – accountable for student behavior,” she said. “It’s finding that balance that’s critically important.”

Hanlin also recognized the parents, teachers, school administrators and school system officials for their efforts to improve student behavior and safety.

“Everyone is focused hard on this issue, and I’m hearing feedback that we’re seeing a difference,” she said.

“But we know we are far from taking our foot off the pedal in terms of making some changes.”

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Resort Committee Outlines Bike, Pedestrian Goals

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Encouraging bike events, developing a bike master plan and continuing the Lights on Bikes program are just a few of the goals a resort committee hopes to accomplish in 2020.

Since last January, members of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee have focused on several initiatives in an effort to make the town a more bikeable community.

In 2019, for example, the committee applied for the Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designation, established a solution for the bike route between 60th Street to 64th Streets on Coastal Highway, and developed a bike route on 141st Street.

“That added another mile to our bike routes in town,” said Paul Mauser, president of the committee.

The group also focused on J-1 student outreach, completed GIS mapping of current and proposed bike routes, and witnessed the distribution of 864 lights through the Lights on Bikes program.

Mauser also credited the committee with

the idea for installing bike racks at the oceanside street ends and creating a shared use path along South Philadelphia Avenue, among other things.

“If we didn’t have this group, that never would have been thought about,” he said.

But as the committee reflected on its achievements last week, it also highlighted several goals for the coming year.

In 2020, the committee wants to encourage a Bikes on the Beach special event during the shoulder season, de-

Page 61

velop a bike path connection to Delaware through 146th Street, create a bike master plan, and have seven bike racks installed at the oceanside street ends.

The committee also identified plans to secure a BFC designation in 2020, eliminate bike route impediments, and establish a Bike to Work day.

While many of the committee’s goals would benefit the town as it reapplies for a BFC designation later next year, Councilman Tony DeLuca – committee liaison – said the focus would continue to be bike and pedestrian safety.

HERE’S MY CARD

“It’s more important to do things for the town, for the safety of Ocean City, than for this report card,” he said.

DeLuca said he also wanted to expand the Lights on Bikes program. In the coming year, he said the goal would be to purchase and distribute 2,000 bike lights.

“We have to go after it a little more organized this year …,” he said. “We don’t want to use taxpayer money.”

The committee agreed to prioritize its goals for 2020 at the next meeting scheduled in January.

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The Dispatch Classifieds

Page 62

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

December 20, 2019 PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

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

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

LACROSSE COACHES Worcester Preparatory School, a coeducational college preparatory day school serving over 500 students in grades PK-12, is currently seeking an Assistant Coach for Boys Varsity and Head Coach for Boys Middle School. Minimum of 2 yrs. experience and CJIS Background Screening required.

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HELP WANTED YR MAINTENANCE: 32-40 hrs/week. Handy in all areas. Must be dependable. Have own tools and trans. Send resume to: fred@paradiseoc.com or call 410250-1111.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CENTURY TAXI: Now hiring Taxi Driver. 443-235-5664.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– RENTAL ASSISTANT: Must have good customer service skills. Good benefits. Knowledge of Ccean City a must. Send resume to: keti@shorepro.com.

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

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52nd Street, Bayside, OC.

sales & DesIGn COnsUltant

Be the next Designer to bring a customer’s vision to life! Every person, home, and space have their own story. California Closets has built exceptional design transformations for people’s lives. A home is more than a place – it’s a source of comfort and refuge, a space for connection and celebration. Do you have a PassIOn for DesIGn? Are you ready to DesIGn BetteR lIVes? We’ll provide: autonomy – Work-life balance and flexible work schedule Ongoing support – extensive new hire training and inv estment with on-going future training programs technology – Ipad, CaD program, laptop and more Generous Compensation package – Performance-based compensation, commission, and bonuses Benefits –Medical, Dental, Vision after 30 days of employment and 401(k) after 1 year Qualifications: •Design education, direct industry experience, or proven passion for home décor preferred •Outside sales experience with a proven track record of meeting metrics and known as a “closer” •Valid Driver’s License to commute to customer’s homes for appointments •Ability to kneel and stoop for on-site measuring with measuring tools •Detail Oriented in handling multiple projects at one time •Experience with computer software and the ability to learn California Closets Proprietary Design Software. salary: $40,000.00 to $100,000.00 /year Commission Please email your resume to tyoast@calclosets.com

FT Administrative Assistant / GlenRiddle Community, $15 hr.

Must be well-spoken, customer service-oriented, reliable and able to multi-task at a quick pace. Off Season hrs are 8:30am to 5:00pm, Mon–Fri. Week prior to Memorial Day through Labor Day, hrs are 10:00am to 8:00pm Wed – Sat. Call 410.213.1554 to schedule an interview.

Visit legumnorman.com/careers/job #3219 to download resume.Background check and drug screen required.

Currently hiring manpower for

•stUCCO & eIFs MeCHanICs • CaRPenteRs •COnCRete BlOCK • Flat COnCRete •COnCRete RePaIRs •COMMeRCIal CaUlKInG •COatInGs sPeCIalIsts •DelIVeRY DRIVeR •WInDOW & DOOR InstalleRs Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus.Competitive benefit package available.

Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Year Round - Full/Part time ~HOST/HOSTESS ~BANQUET SERVER ~SERVER ~BARTENDER ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNER ~LINE COOKS ~FRONT DESK ~LOBBY ATTENDANT ~POOL ATTENDANTS ~MAINTENANCE ~SECURITY GUARDS ~WASH ROOM ~HOUSESTAFF ~ROOM ATTENDANTS

FREE EMPLOYEE MEALS AND EXCELLENT BENEFITS! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

Ride the B in OC!

Atlantic Physical Therapy

11070 Cathell Rd, Ocean Pines, MD

Now Hiring / Full Time

Mature, Clean Cut, strong, & Drug Free Individual for a wide variety of tasks and errands.

Clean driving record required.

Please fax resume to 410-208-3633 or email atlanticptrehab@aol.com

Rentals

YEAR ROUND TOWNHOUSE: 3BR 2.5 BA, Furn. Modern appl’s, W/D, 117th ST. Bayside on canal. $1500. per mo. No pets, call 410-848-1767. dougherty35@aol.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WINTER RENTAL: WEEKLY OR MONTHLY: CUTE 2BR, 1BA Condo.

28th St. area. Avail. 12/15-4/15/2020.

CALL 443-812-8409.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FURNISHED WINTER RENTALS 2BR, 1BA Bayshore Dr. $900 per mo.

3BR, 2BA Jamestown Rd. $1,100 per mo. Tenant pays elec. & cable. 410202-2632 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Dispatch Classifieds

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

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

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

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

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

3 BR Suite $400.

Burgundy Inn

ROOMMATES

REAL ESTATE

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FSBO-LOT-FENWICK AREAKEENWICK SOUND: Lot on Roy Creek, adjacent to golf course.

Water & sewer. $89,900. Call 302270-1894.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

410-289-8581

SERVICES J-N-J PAINTING: Free estimates.

Residential and light commercial.

Joe 443-610-4644.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Baybridge Construction, LLC.

ROOFING SIDING GUTTERS

LOOKING EVERYWHERE? CHECK HERE FIRST!

1210 Philadelphia Ave.

WINTER-SHORT TERM RENTALS until April 15, 2020 SUNSET Dr: 2BR 1.5BA, Apt $700.mo TIBURON 139 St: 3BR, 2BA, Condo $900.mo GOLF COURSE Rd, WOC: 2BR, 1BA, Apt $600.mo SILVERPOINT LANE, WOC: 3BR, 2BA, Hm. $950.mo ALL units are fully furnished, include cable & TV, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer ALL units require: Sec. dep., electric, references 410 213-8090 email: events@oceanpromotions.info

The Dispatch

Affordable pricing!

MHIC #132729.

COMMERCIAL

Call 410-430-5907

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

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

OCEANFRONT STORE FOR LEASE 1,100 sq. ft. with patio Space is immaculate!

7th St. & Bdwlk.

Avail. now or for 2020 season

443-880-5323

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Legal Notices

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

FIRST INSERTION

B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18091 To all persons interested in the estate of LESSIE MAE

FOR SALE VINTAGE MAGAZINES: 50’s & 60’s magazines. Great/good condition. Most kept in sleeves. Life, Look, Womans Day, Good Housekeeping, Playboy and many more.

Call for more info. 410-251-1098.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COSTON. Notice is given that SANDRA L. COSTON, 266 S WASHINGTON ST. APT. 203, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on DECEMBER 06, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: LESSIE MAE COSTON, who died on APRIL 29, 2005 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills

within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. 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 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, ex-

cept if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the 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:

LOOKING EVERYWHERE? CHECK HERE FIRST!

DO YOU KNOW ... 15,000 PEOPLE RECEIVE THE DISPATCH’S DAILY BUZZ EACH WEEK? SIGN UP NOW: MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 20, 2019

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEEKLY RENTALS

Page 63 A/C WINDOW UNITS : 3 available (2 5000 BTU, 1 8000 BTU). GE Brand. Good working condition. $50/each. Will make deal on all 3.

302-270-3653.

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

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

SANDRA L. COSTON 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 12-20

THIRD INSERTION HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. 313 LEMMON HILL LANE SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18082 To all persons interested in the estate of CHRISTOPHER M. TRIMPER. ESTATE NO. 18082. Notice is given that MICHELLE A. TRIMPER, 10708 PAR 5 LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on NOVEMBER 27, 2019, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of CHRISTOPHER M. TRIMPER, who died on OCTOBER 24, 2019, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of MAY, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 06, 2019 MICHELLE A. TRIMPER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-06, 12-13, 12-20

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18078 To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH H. MAYCOCK, ESTATE NO. 18078. Notice is given that WILLIAM E. MAYCOCK, 31901 SHAVOX RD, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on NOVEMBER 25, 2019, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of JOSEPH H. MAYCOCK, who died on OCTOBER 26, 2019, 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 25th day of MAY, 2020.

Any person having a claim

The Dispatch

Page 64

Legal Notices

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before tha date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 06, 2019 WILLIAM E. MAYCOCK Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-13, 12-20, 12-27

SECOND INSERTION B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18095 To all persons interested in the estate of KATHLEEN GAIL BEEBE, ESTATE NO. 18095. Notice is given that MATTHEW ROBERT BEEBE, 303 COULBOURNE LANE, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 , was on DECEMBER 10, 2019, appointed Per-

ESTATE NO. 18086

sonal Representatives of the estate of KATHLEEN GAIL BEEBE, who died on AUGUST 14, 2019, 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.

To all persons interested in the estate of JEANETTE ELLA MCCULLEN, ESTATE NO. 18086. Notice is given that TIMOTHY WALTER MCCULLEN, 3311 ALLEN ROAD, EDEN, MD 21822, was on DECEMBER 02, 2019, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of JEANETTE ELLA MCCULLEN, who died on NOVEMBER 14, 2019, 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 10th day of JUNE, 2020.

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 2ND day of JUNE, 2020.

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

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before tha date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER13, 2019 MATTHEW ROBERT BEEBE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-13, 12-20, 12-27

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 13, 2019 TIMOTHY WALTER MCCULLEN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-13, 12-20, 12-27

SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ COATES, COATES, &

COATES P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18088 Notice is given that the SUPERIOR COURT of OCEAN COUNTY, NJ, appointed ROSANNE O'DONNELL, 1746 WHITCOMB ROAD, FORKED RIVER, NJ 08731, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARIE G. TAGLIALAVORE, who died on JULY 21, 2019, domiciled in NEW JERSEY, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is B. RANDALL COATES, whose address is PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice.

Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 13, 2019 ROSANNE O'DONNELL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-13, 12-20, 12-27

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18092 To all persons interested in the estate of MARIAN M. DORE, ESTATE NO. 18092.

Notice is given that PATRICIA LYNN DUNKLIN, 413 LYNCH DRIVE, BULLARD, TX 75757, was on DECEMBER 09, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of

December 20, 2019 the estate of MARIAN M. DORE, who died on NOVEMBER 30, 2019, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9TH day of JUNE, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before tha date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 13, 2019 PATRICIA LYNN DUNKLIN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-13, 12-20, 12-27

FIRST INSERTION SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 15908 To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM H. RITTER, JR. . Notice is given that WILLIAM H. RITTER, III, 933 HOSTETTER ROAD, HANOVER, PA 17331, was on DECEMBER 11, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ES-

TATE of: WILLIAM H. RITTER, JR, who died on JULY 26, 2014 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. 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 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the 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 20, 2019 WILLIAM H. RITTER, III 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 12-20

FIRST INSERTION

ROBERT A. BENSON 209 EAST MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18098 Notice is given that the COMMONWEALTH COURT of YORK COUNTY, PA, appointed ELIZABETH P. EDELEN, 110 N. CONSTITUTION DRIVE, NEW FREEDOM, PA 17349, as the EXECUTRIX of the Estate of ELEANOR C. EDELEN, who died on

The Dispatch

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

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

JULY 29, 2019, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is ROBERT A. BENSON, whose address is 209 E. MAIN STREET, SALISBURY, MD 21801. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice.

Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 20, 2019 ELIZABETH P. EDELEN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-20, 12-27, 1-03

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18103 To all persons interested in the estate of KIRK DOUGLAS CAREY, ESTATE NO. 18103. Notice is given that ALEXANDER WILSON CAREY, 6112 LAWS ROAD, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on DECEMBER 12, 2019, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of KIRK DOUGLAS CAREY, who

died on DECEMBER 07, 2019, 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 12TH day of JUNE, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before tha date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 20, 2019 ALEXANDER WILSON CAREY Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-20, 12-27, 1-03

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-20, 12-27, 1-03

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 18094

ESTATE NO. 18099

To all persons interested in the estate of RUTH ELIZABETH PRUITT MURRAY, ESTATE NO. 18094. Notice is given that GAYLE AUGUST RATAJCZYK, 4043 SHERWOOD LANE, VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23455, was on DECEMBER 12, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RUTH ELIZABETH PRUITT MURRAY, who died on DECEMBER 06, 2019, 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.

To all persons interested in the estate of GLENN A. HALL, ESTATE NO. 18099.

Notice is given that GLENN A. HALL, JR., 12427 CAMPBELLTOWN ROAD, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 and GREG A. HALL, 12519 CAMPBELLTOWN ROAD, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 and SUSAN R. HOLLOWAY, 8951 LIBERTYTOWN ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811 were on DECEMBER 12, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GLENN A. HALL, who died on AUGUST 12, 2013, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12TH day of JUNE, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before tha date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 20, 2019 GAYLE AUGUST RATAJCZYK Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for

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 12TH day of JUNE, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before tha date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Page 65 True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-20, 12-27, 1-03

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18102 To all persons interested in the estate of ARTHUR HANCOCK, ESTATE NO. 18102.

Notice is given that VICKI HANCOCK DREWER, 219 E. FEDERAL STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on DECEMBER 10, 2019, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of ARTHUR HANCOCK, who died on DECEMBER 06, 2019, 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 10TH day of JUNE, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before tha date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 20, 2019

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 20, 2019

VICKI HANCOCK DREWER Personal Representative

GLENN A. HALL, JR. GREG A. HALL SUSAN R. HOLLOWAY Personal Representative

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County

Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-20, 12-27, 1-03

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18100 To all persons interested in the estate of DARLENE MAE HALL, ESTATE NO. 18100.

Notice is given that GREG A. HALL, 12519 CAMPBELLTOWN ROAD, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on DECEMBER 12, 2019, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of DARLENE MAE HALL, who died on NOVEMBER 12, 2019, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12TH day of JUNE, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before tha date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 20, 2019 GREG A. HALL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-20, 12-27, 1-03

Page 66

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 48

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 67

Page 68

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

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

BlaCKSmitH reStauraNt & Bar 104 Pitts St., Berlin • 410-973-2102 Located in the heart of America’s Coolest Small Town, Berlin, Md., Blacksmith has established itself as one the area’s most loved dining and drinking destinations for foodies and wine, spirt and craft beer enthusiasts. Chef owned and locally sourced, Blacksmith keeps the main focus on Eastern Shore tradition. Everything here is homemade and handmade. Cakes and baked goods are delivered daily from down the street.

Cozy and modern, traditional and on trend; Blacksmith has risen to the ranks of the area’s finest casual eating and drinking establishments.

Visit and see why folks from Baltimore, D.C., Chincoteague and locals alike think Blacksmith is worth the trip. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, dinner and bar snacks. Closed Sunday.

BreaKfaSt Cafe Of OCeaN City 12736 Ocean gateway, West Ocean City 410-213-1804 Open 7 days a week between Sunsations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family owned for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice atmosphere makes a meal. I like to think we have many “House Specialties” which include our Crab Omelet, real crab meat, cheddar cheese and mushrooms, our Sunfest Omelet, Swiss cheese, ham and mushrooms; Cafe or French Sampler, pancakes or French toast, with eggs, bacon and sausage.

Homemade creamed chipped beef on toast and sausage gravy on biscuits with browned potato home fries, with onion, excellent cheesesteak subs and fries and more! We use Rapa Scrapple fried on the grill the way you like it for all our breakfasts, sandwiches and sides. Summer hours, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Come enjoy!

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

CraB alley golf Course rd., West Ocean City Head Of Commercial fishing Harbor 410-213-7800 • www.craballey.com Just close enough to be out of the way-located at the head of the commercial fishing harbor in West Ocean City, Crab Alley has it all! Spectacular view, casual and fun atmosphere, super service and mouth-watering food combine to make “The Alley” a true locals’ favorite. Enjoy our light fare and full menu of unbelievably fresh seafood, chicken and steaks indoors or on our upper deck. We offer appetizers, sandwiches and a children’s menu too. Our name says it all -”crack’em and attack ‘em”. Big Fat Crabs both by the dozen and all you can enjoy specials. Check out our website for our fantastic happy hour food and drink specials or find us on Facebook. Having a special affair? We can handle your group, large party or special occasion. Make Crab Alley your first stop! tHe DOugH rOller West Ocean City, 410-213-7655 S. Division St. & Boardwalk, 410-289-3501

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

3rd St. & Boardwalk 410-289-2599 41st St. & Coastal Hwy • 410-524-9254 70th St. & Coastal Hwy • 410-524-7981 Ocean City’s favorite family restaurant for 40 years! Open 8 a.m. breakfast, lunch and dinner, great kid’s menu. Breakfast and lunch specials offered during the week at WOC, 41st Street and 70th Street locations. At same locations, Tuesdays are half-price pizza nights; Wednesdays are Dollar Days with special offers for breakfast and dinner. Thursdays are half-price Italian dinner nights. Order online DoughRollerRestaurants.com

DumSer’S DairylaND West Ocean City, Boardwalk locations, 501 S. Philadelphia ave., 49th St. & 123rd St. www.dumsersdairyland.com This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.'s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser's is celebrating 80 years of serving the shore, and the ‘40sstyle décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats. You’ll find an impressive array of kid-favorites, along with fried chicken and seafood options, wraps, subs, sandwiches, salads and sides like sweet potato fries and mac-and-cheese wedges. fOx’S Pizza DeN 11328 Samuel Bowen Blvd., West Ocean City 410-600-1020 • www.foxpizzamd.com Enjoy a brand new, spacious dining room.

Happy hour every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with $5 food specials and awesome drink specials. Enjoy incredible weekly chef specials along with our extensive regular menu. Check out foxspizzamd.com for a list of our regular menu items

full mOON SalOON 12702 Old Bridge rd., West Ocean City 443-664-5317 Locally owned and operated, this moderately priced casual restaurant/bar has freshly caught seafood, BBQ, and pork entrees, giant sandwiches as well as a variety of homemade soups.

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

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

With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out. Something for everyone! Voted best sports bar, wings and burgers in West OC. Great happy hour and plenty of parking.

HarBOrSiDe Bar & grill South Harbor rd. • 410-213-1846 They take their mantra, “Where You Always Get Your Money’s Worth,” seriously here with daily food and drink specials during happy hour as you watch the boats come in from a day offshore. Delicious daily chef specials are always worth a try or stay with any of the house favorites, such as the calamari and ahi bruschetta for appetizers or any of the homemade tacos and fresh off the dock seafood selections as

sandwiches or entrees. It’s the home of the original fresh-squeezed orange crush, of course.

HOOterS reStauraNt rt. 50 & Keyser Point rd., West Ocean City 410-213-1841 • www.hootersofoc.com New mouthwatering smoked wings with half the calories. Traditional wings and boneless wings with 12 sauce selections. Burgers, quesadillas, tacos, and healthy salads. Extensive seafood selections with raw bar and Alaskan crab legs.

Children's menu and game room. Apparel and souvenir shop. Sports packages on a ton of TVs and live entertainment. Wing-fest every Tuesday from 6 to 8 with 50 cent wings. And of course, the world famous Hooters Girls. Large parties welcome. Call for private party planning.

ligHtHOuSe SOuND St. martin’s Neck rd. • 410-352-5250 Enjoy the best views of Ocean City at the newly renovated, Lighthouse Sound. Come relax and dine overlooking the bay and the beautiful Ocean City skyline. Savor entrees such as local rockfish, tempura-battered soft shell crabs, char-grilled filet mignon and jumbo lump crabcakes. Open to the public, we serve Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. One mile west of Ocean City, Md., just off Route 90 on St. Martin’s Neck Road. Reservations recommended. rutH’S CHriS Within the glenriddle Community 410-213-9444 • www.ruthschris.com Ruth’s Chris specializes in the finest customaged Midwestern beef. We broil it exactly the way you like it at 1,800 degrees to lock in the corn-fed flavor. Then we serve your steak sizzling on a heated plate so that it stays hot throughout your meal. Many of our recipes were developed by Ruth, favorites such as shrimp Remoulade, Crabtini and Ruth’s chop salad. Located five miles west of Ocean City in the GlenRiddle Golf clubhouse. Extensive wine list. Reservations recommended.

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

Taste the difference. Open Daily Year Round, Monday through Saturday for Lunch & Dinner and Sundays for Brunch, Lunch & Dinner.

Reservations suggested. iNlet tO 94tH Street

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

32 Palm 32nd St. Oceanside in the Hilton 410-289-2525 • www.32palm.com Executive Chef Rick Goodwin has introduced an exciting new menu. A favorite among many is the Bermuda Triangle, featuring cinnamon seared scallops finished with an ancho mango coulis along with house broiled crabcake with a sweet chili remoulade and finally, applewood smoked bacon wrapped around jumbo shrimp, grilled to perfection with jalapeno barbecue

December 20, 2019 sauce. Other wonderfully delicious dishes cover the land and sea as well and each have a special touch that makes this restaurant unique among its peers. Children’s menu available.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

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

Pair your craft brew with our award-winning wings or even our brand new breakfast menu. Anyway it’s served, come get tapped with us.

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

The service, the atmosphere and the finest, freshest food available. Fresh seafood, snow crab legs, prime rib, BBQ ribs, raw oysters, raw clams, steamed shrimp, fish, homemade soups & salads. Decadent dessert selection – homemade donuts & bread pudding, soft serve ice cream with hot fudge topping and lots more!

Large selection of children’s favorites – chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, macaroni & cheese and pizza. A la carte menu available featuring fresh cut steaks and seafood. Open Friday, December 27 through Tuesday, December 31 Plenty of free parking.

Buxy’S Salty DOg 28th St. • 410-289-0973 • www.buxys.com Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, piero-gis,egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Don’t miss our daily specials.

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

Special kids menu. Lots of free parking.

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

Dry DOCK 28 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-289-0973 The new kid on the dining scene in Ocean City features eclectic pizzas, delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and hot steamers in a modern, nautical themed atmosphere. A beautiful boat bar is featured inside and features craft cocktails and brews. Outdoor seating is available. Carry out available and beer and wine to go. Live music is also offered in this kid-friendly establishment. fager’S iSlaND reStauraNt & Bar 201 60th St. On the Bay 410-524-5500 • www.fagers.com Fager’s Island is an award-winning popular bay-front restaurant where lunch is a forgivable habit, dinner an event and sunsets unforgettable. Lite fare lunch served from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m., famous raw bar, festive Sunday Jazz Brunch, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and children’s menu. Complete house wine list and award-winning proprietor’s list available upon request. Outdoor decks and bar. Nightly enterSee Next Page

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019

tainment in-season, Friday-Saturday, off-season. Open every day, year-round. A Fun Place!

HOOTERS RESTAURANT 5th St. & The Boardwalk Ocean City 410-289-2690 • www.hootersofoc.com Mouthwatering traditional and boneless wings with 12 sauce selections. Burgers, quesadillas, tacos, and healthy salads. Extensive seafood selections with Alaskan snow crab legs and Maryland steam pots. Kids’ menu. Pet-friendly oceanfront patio. Official Hooters merchandise and of course, the world-famous Hooters Girls.

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

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

RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th St. • 443-664-6801 • redredwinebar.com Steps from the beach. Fresh coastal cuisine with a focus on locally sourced seafood and hand tossed pizzas. Artisanal cheeseboards. 35+ Wines By the Glass. Full bar. Craft beer. Late night bar. Luxurious colors and custom built couches. Casual atmosphere. Seasonal outdoor seating. Named Best Wine and Beverage Program in Maryland by the Restaurant Association.

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

There are numerous unique craft pizza options to choose from as well with the house favorite here being the blackened shrimp and arugula.

SEACRETS • On The Bay At 49th St.

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

94TH ST. NORTH-FENWICK-BETHANY

ABBEY BURGER BISTRO 410-250-2333 • 12601 Coastal Hiwy.

An enticing selection of flavors are offered for any burger palate, from rotating exotic meats like antelope to locally raised Dry Aged Black Angus to Delicious Handmade Vegetarians and even Vegan options. All are hand-pattied and made to order. If you’re feeling creative, you can build your own using our signature ‘Build A Burger’ checklist, or simply choose one of the tested and proven classics and leave it to the chef. A wide selection of local, domestic, and imported beers and micro-brews as well as an expansive bar are featured. Also offered are adult and children’s arcade games as well as a children’s play area.

CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th St. & the Beach • 410-524-1000 Reef 118 Oceanfront Restaurant located in the Carousel Hotel offers beautiful oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet or try one of our specialty omelets including lump crab and asparagus. Our menu offers a wide variety of Succulent Seafood along with steaks, pastas & ribs. $5.95 kids’ menu available. Stop by the Bamboo Lounge serving happy hour daily 4-6 p.m. with super drink prices and $4.95 food specials. Visit the Carousel and get served by the friendliest staff in OC! THE CRABCAKE FACTORY USA 120th St./Beachside (Serene Hotel) 410-250-4900 Voted “Best Crabcakes in Maryland, DC and Virginia” by The Washington Post. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar.

Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. The Crabcake Factory started out as a breakfast house in 1996 and still serves one of the best and most creative breakfast menus in Ocean City. Try Eastern Shore favorites prepared daily by Chef-Owner John Brooks including a chipped beef, skillets, omelettes and their famous lump crab creations. World-Famous

Come Join Us On Sunday

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, December 22, Children’s Christmas Program 9 a.m. Service Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve Services 7 p.m. & 11 p.m.

Stevenson United Methodist Church

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

EVERY SUNDAY

8:30 a.m.: Fellowship 9:00 a.m.: Worship Service 9:30 a.m.: Sunday School

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Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast. Try Sue’s Spicy Bloody Marys to start the day with a kick. Full breakfast menu available for carry-out. Online at: www.CrabcakeFactory-USA.com. See other listing (Crabcake Factory USA). Open year-round.

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE Rt. 54, Selbyville, DE • 302-988-5000 Under new ownership but SAME award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys! Enjoy WATERFRONT dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available.

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

FENWICK CRAB HOUSE 100 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island, DE 302-539-2500 Along with all-you-can-eat crabs every day, the full menu is available daily for eating in or eating out. Daily dinner specials are offered along with favorites such as fried chicken and baby back ribs. Check out the new lunch menu, which is available until 3 p.m. daily. A fun and popular happy hour is also offered daily until 6 p.m. with food and drink specials.

GREENE TURTLE-NORTH 116th St. & Coastal Hwy • 410-723-2120 www.facebook.com/OriginalGreeneTurtle This is the Original Greene Turtle, an Ocean City Tradition, since 1976! A fun and friendly Sports Bar & Grille, where every seat is a great spot to watch sports with 50+ High Def. TVs up & downstairs! Menu favorites include homemade crab cakes, kids’ menu, salads, burgers, wings and more! Join them for weekday lunch specials 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and happy hour 3-7 p.m. Popular features are game room, gift shop, carry-out, party trays, nightly drink specials, MD Lottery-Keno, Powerball and DJs with dance floor. Something for everyone! Open 11 a.m-2 a.m., year-round.

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

HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT Located Inside The Clarion Resort 101st St., Ocean City • 410-524-3535

1 OFF

$ 00

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

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

NANTUCKETS Rte. 1, Fenwick Island • 302-539-2607 Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 20 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty. There’s the memorable steaks, fresh seafood, famous quahog chowder and the chef’s daily specials, just to name a few.

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

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

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

Children’s menu, take-out and delivery available.

TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island • 302-436-2305 www.twiningshanty.com “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England Fare, Lobsters, Steaks & Burgers, Children’s menu. Bird watching, magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 1-31-20 • MCD

15% OFF Any Case Of Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 1-31-20 • MCD

10% OFF

750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 1-31-20 • MCD

Cheers!

BEER • WINE • SODA Open 7 Days A Week

Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Gas • Ice Cigarettes

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

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY vanishing

December 20, 2019

WITH BUNK MANN

Assateague reached its peak as a sportsman’s paradise in the years immediately following World War II. During this period, the only access to the isolated barrier island was by boat with duck hunters and surf fishermen as the most frequent visitors.

Local kids often accompanied their fathers to Assateague and collected shells that had washed ashore during winter storms. These shells were later sold to tourists on the Boardwalk and provided spending money for a generation of Ocean City youngsters.

Another quaint and fading vision from the past were the “beach buggys,” which sportsman would leave on the island during the surf fishing season. In the 1950s, the area near the South Point Ferry’s landing resembled a parking lot from the Great Depression with dozens of rusting but drivable antique vehicles waiting for their owners to arrive for another fishing trip. These old cars navigated the uncrowded beach until the opening of the Verrazano Bridge in 1964 made Assateague accessible to everyone and brought crowds to the previously remote island.

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

Photo courtesy David Cropper

December 20, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 20, 2019