Dec. 23

A Memorable

Swell: Christmas came early last Friday for local surfers who were treated with an unusually big and clean swell for Ocean City Surfers pictured are Sam Deeley, above, and Vince Boulanger Photos by Ty Layton Photography, above, and Nick Denny Photographer, below

Phased Boardwalk Redecking Project On Schedule

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The second phase of a major Boardwalk re-decking project is ongoing and on target for a completion date in April ahead of the summer season.

The complete re-decking of the Boardwalk has been in the works for a number of years and the first phase was completed last spring in advance of the summer season. The second phase began in late October, not long after Sunfest weekend, and the project continues in earnest heading into the new year.

The first phase, which covered the north end from the Boardwalk’s terminus at 27th Street to 15th Street, as well as the south end from the Ocean City LifeSaving Station Museum to the north side

of the pier, was completed last spring. The second phase, which includes the section from 15th Street south to the pier, is well underway and on target for an April completion date, according to City Engineer Paul Mauser.

The entire cost of the two-phase Boardwalk re-decking project is around $2.2 million, which is spread over two years in the town’s capital improvement plan. In addition, there is funding made available each year for Boardwalk redecking from the pier franchise lease agreement.

The wooden sections of the Boardwalk were last replaced entirely in 2010 and 2011 with a life expectancy of 10 years, which put the project right in the window for replacement now. The urgency for the project first surfaced during strategic planning sessions over two

years ago and it was identified as a priority in the capital improvement plan, according to Mauser.

“This surface lumber naturally requires frequent cyclical replacement as it is exposed to the beautiful, yet harsh conditions of a coastal environment including constant exposure to UV rays, salt air, coastal storms, temperature fluctuations, and loading from maintenance vehicles, trams, car parades and several million visitors each year,” he said. “These conditions induce inevitable warping, shrinking, splintering and rotting, resulting in a maximum 10-year lifespan of the surface lumber.”

Naturally, during the lifespan of the second phase of the Boardwalk re-decking project, other elements of the historic promenade have been removed or displaced, only to be put back as a section

is completed, according to Mauser.

“Taking a closer look at the nuances of the Boardwalk re-decking project, the scope of work requires the temporary removal and staging of all Boardwalk amenities including trash cans, benches and bike racks,” he said. “Couple all of this with an extremely volatile market for lumber and this project is quite a challenge. Town staff was very diligent and kept a close watch of the lumber commodity and was able to bid, and ultimately purchase, the needed lumber close to the low point of the commodity.”

For example, Mauser explained the needed lumber was trading at over $1,300 per thousand board feet last March when the bids were first opened. The town rebid the project and was able to purchase the needed lumber at less than $600 per thousand board feet in late August due to good market timing.

That is no small feat considering the size and scale of the nearly three-milelong Boardwalk. Although the re-decking project was done in two phases, the amount of lumber needed is considerable. For example, the Boardwalk is comprised of over 80,000 individual pieces of 2-by6-inch decking boards and more than one million nails fastening the boards to the wood framing structure below. As such, removing and reinstalling 80,000 pieces of lumber is a significant effort.

The winning bid for the second phase included the use of the number-one prime grade of lumber, which Mauser has described as more aesthetically pleasing but not quite as strong as number-one dense. He explained the number-one dense grade is more durable but has supply chain issues and is barely available. He explained going with the number-one dense grade, even if it was readily available, would have brought the project in considerably over what has been budgeted.

There has been talk over the years of replacing the Boardwalk with some other, more durable and long-lasting material, but resort officials have said often there is no substitute for the genuine article. Plastic or concrete options were explored for cost and durability reasons, but in the end, it was determined the public would not sit still for anything other than southern yellow pine from a tradition standpoint, and that is what is being used for the replacement.

Naturally, there have been some detours and other inconveniences during the second phase of the Boardwalk redecking project. Mauser thanked residents and visitors for their patience during the project.

“Town staff appreciates residents’ and visitors’ patience during this very important project as there may be some detours off the Boardwalk during the weekdays,” he said. “However, the Boardwalk will be fully passable on weekends and holidays. In addition to replacing the Boardwalk surface lumber, the steel sheet piling that supports the concrete seawall will be recoated to protect the sheet piling and prevent the steel from corroding.”

Photo by Sarah Zaia

Photo by Sarah Zaia

Ocean City, Music Festival

Years

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A modified and potentially expanded contract with the Oceans Calling Festival is in the works, resort tourism officials learned last week.

The first-ever Oceans Calling Festival, a three-day music concert event scheduled for Sept. 30-Oct. 2, promised to be the biggest special event ever held in the resort with attendance of over 40,000 people. The three-day lineup included several frontliners, including Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds on Friday night, the Lumineers on Saturday night and Alanis Morissette on Sunday, along with a couple of appearances by Maryland’s own O.A.R. and numerous other bands on three stages in and around the Inlet parking lot.

Advanced ticket sales were robust and there was quite a buzz created by the inaugural Oceans Calling event. Beginning about 10 days before the event, the stages were installed, sound systems set up and vendors spread around festival grounds.

However, the remnants of Hurricane Ian, coupled with a classic nor’easter, forced event producer C3 Presents, in conjunction with town officials, to cancel the music festival the day before it was to begin.

Although difficult at the time, the decision proved to be the right one as the inclement weather reached the resort area with heavy winds, rain and flooding. While the cancellation proved to be the right call, it did little to mask the disappointment of the estimated 40,000 fans who had purchased ticket packages in advance. All ticket sales were refunded.

Almost immediately after the canceled event, C3 Presents and town officials began discussing a return of the event for next year. In November, the Mayor and Council approved a request from C3 Presents to hold the same weekend dates in 2023.

Last week, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said negotiations are ongoing for a new contract with C3 Presents to bring back the Oceans Calling Festival beyond 2023. Perlozzo said the ink was not yet dry on the contract for 2023 but the promoter and town officials have been in discussions about a multi-year contract along with some potential modifications in the staging format. There have also been discussions about potentially adding more dates on another weekend.

“We are currently making some changes in the contract dates and, potentially, additional needs based upon their requests,” he said. “It’s nothing major, but it could include multiple years as date-holds and potentially the exploration of a second weekend. Nothing has been firmed up with the latter though.”

Henry Park Lighting Installation Underway

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – New lighting at the Henry Park basketball courts should be operational next month.

Installation of lighting at the basketball courts at Flower Street park is underway and should be complete in January, according to town staff.

“The project is basically ahead of schedule right now and it should be done by the first or second week in January,” said Tim Lawrence, the town’s electric utility director.

The purchase of the lights was funded through a $111,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Community Parks and Playgrounds Program. Lawrence told the town council last week that the lighting equipment was delivered a week early and that the poles were already in the ground. He said the

lights should be operational by early January.

The lights, which are atop 60-foot poles, have been angled downward.

“The lights are LED and they’re actually focused downward so they don’t spread so much light outward, toward the highway or toward the playground,” Lawrence said. “It’s more focused down straight onto the court itself.”

Councilman Jack Orris asked if town staff would be able to replace lightbulbs on poles that high. Lawrence said they would not be able to and would likely have to call in a crane company.

He added, however, that these were similar to the lights at the tennis courts, and they hadn’t yet had a light go out.

“The lighting, it actually works the same way as the Decatur Park tennis court lights,” he said. “They monitor it remotely by satellite. If a bulb goes out they’ll contact me and tell me which pole is out and

which light head it’s on.”

He said he’d be seeking council guidance regarding the hours for the lights. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said neighbors had been consulted about the lights a few years ago when the town began planning the project.

“When we did the survey the time that was suggested was 10 p.m.,” she said.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said she felt that was too late. Police Chief Arnold Downing agreed.

“If you set it for 9 p.m. the lights would only be in use for a few months a year,” Bohlen said, noting that they wouldn’t be needed during summer months.

She said officials could formally set the hours for the lights in January when they updated the town’s ordinance related to basketball court hours.

Mayor Zack Tyndall suggested the town send something to the property owners directly impacted

Street Dedication Policy Voted Down

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials opted not to approve a street dedication program this week.

A motion to approve an honorary street dedication policy failed with just one vote of support at this week’s meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners. Those in opposition voiced a variety of concerns about the proposal.

“I think it puts us in a precarious position,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

On Tuesday, staff presented the commissioners with an honorary street dedication program for consideration. Kelly Henry, technical services division manager, told the commissioners she’d received a few requests over the years from people who wanted to rename county roads in honor of a community member. Currently, in order to do that everyone living on the street would have to change their address to the new street approved by the commissioners. As an alternative, Henry said she’d reviewed an honorary street naming policy in place in Wicomico County and was proposing something similar here. Instead of changing the legal name of the road, the policy would allow residents to request a secondary honorary sign that could be placed above the county road sign.

Henry said since 2014, she’d received three requests for road renamings.

“We don’t have a policy, so we haven’t been able to process these requests,” said Jennifer Keener, director of development review and permitting.

She said the policy as proposed would allow for street names similar to Corporal Glenn Hilliard Way in Pittsville.

“Main Street is still Main Street but it’s also Corporal Hilliard Way,” she said.

When asked if the applicant would be responsible for the cost of the honorary signage, staff said the petitioner would be responsible for all costs of mounting, installation and replacement.

Mitrecic said he did not think the commissioners should be deciding whose name should be on which road.

“I think it opens up a can of worms,” he said. “We found out with plaques in the past how it puts us in the middle of stuff … Something like this is very emotional for the people requesting it.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked how the county would decide what names were appropriate.

“Is there a way to determine… whether or not the request rises to a level we should do something like this?” he said. “We could be inundated. Are there levels? Are there tiers?”

Keener said applicants would describe the reasoning behind their request in the honorary street dedication application.

“That’s very subjective,” Bertino said.

The motion to approve the new program failed with six votes of opposition and a lone vote of support from Commissioner Diana Purnell.

Former OC Police Officer, Son Charged With Possessing Child Porn

Charles Zukas

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A former Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer and his son were arrested on Monday and charged with numerous counts of possession of child pornography.

Maryland State Police (MSP) troopers on Monday morning arrested the two men, including Charles Zukas, 60, of Berlin, who is a former OCPD officer, and Jodie Veter Orr, 25, also of Berlin. Orr is Zukas’s son, who changed his name two years ago, according to court records. MSP troopers arrested the two men on Monday after an investigation developed evidence of possession of child pornography in Worcester County.

Zukas has been charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography, while Orr has been charged with 33 counts of possession of child pornography. Both surrendered themselves on Monday at the MSP Berlin barrack where

they are being held pending an initial appearance in front of a District Court Commissioner.

Beginning in March 2022, the MSP Criminal Enforcement Division-Eastern Region initiated an investigation into possession of child pornography. On March 16, MSP troopers served a search warrant on the identified residence of Zukas and Orr. A preliminary forensic review of the suspects’ electronic devices allegedly revealed multiple child pornography files. The investigation is ongoing by the MSP.

Zukas was employed by the OCPD as a police officer from September 1994 until he retired in June 2014. Zukas went on to serve as a reserve officer with the OCPD after his retirement until March 2022. According to OCPD Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller, the OCPD is taking the matter seriously and is assisting the MSP as needed.

As of Wednesday, both Zukas and Orr were held after a bail hearing. Each suspect has a trial set for Jan. 27.

WCPS Building Upgrades Approved

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – Education officials approved building automation system upgrades for three schools at a meeting this week.

The Worcester County Board of Education voted 6-0 on Tuesday to spend $2 million in grant funding for building automation system (BAS) upgrades at Pocomoke Elementary School, Snow Hill Elementary School and Berlin Intermediate School.

“The BAS system upgrade will improve indoor air quality, save energy, improve occupant comfort and improve maintenance efficiency,” said Sam Slacum, the school system’s maintenance and operations manager.

Slacum told the school board he was seeking approval for phase one building automation system upgrades at three schools. Earlier this year, the school system received more than $6 million in Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Funding (ESSER). Slacum said $2 million of that would cover the BAS upgrades, which will be done utilizing the Omnia Partners contract awarded to Schneider Electric Inc.

School board member Todd Ferrante asked about the timeline of the project.

“We are obligated under the rules of

the ESSER funds to have them completely spent and unencumbered by the end of 2024,” Slacum said. “The process will begin almost immediately should it be awarded to enact these upgrades right away. We target to have them done in about 18 months.”

Superintendent Lou Taylor stressed that the upgrades were being paid for entirely with grant funding. School board member Jon Andes asked why just three schools, Pocomoke Elementary, Snow Hill Elementary and Berlin Intermediate, were having their systems upgraded.

“In Worcester County we’re very fortunate we’ve got some new buildings but some of our older facilities don’t have fully functioning and operational building automation systems,” Slacum said.

He said the county actually had four schools that needed BAS upgrades.

“We’re taking care of three of those,” Slacum said. “Funding didn’t allow Stephen Decatur, our largest facility, to be able to be captured in this phase.”

He said that with the funds Worcester County Public Schools did have, some retrofitting would be done on buildings that had operational BAS controls to ensure they were operating at peak efficiency and were tuned optimally.

The school board voted 6-0, with Nate Passwaters absent, to approve moving forward with the $2 million BAS upgrades.

Jodie Orr

Berlin Plans NYE Ball Drops, Music

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town will resume its tradition of ringing in the new year with a ball drop on Dec. 31.

Berlin will host two New Year’s Eve events, a kids ball drop and a midnight ball drop, to celebrate the arrival of 2023.

“Come on out and have a good time,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “We’re ready to ring in 2023 Berlin style.”

Last year, the town canceled its New Year’s Eve event the day before it was set to occur as a result of rising COVID19 cases. The event was canceled due to the pandemic the year prior. Wells said the town was ready now to host the festivities after missing out in recent years.

Families are being welcomed to Main Street at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 for music, a laser light show and ball drop. The town will be providing children with bubbles, glow sticks and cow bells to ring in the new year at 6 p.m. The laser light show, sponsored by Atlantic General Hospital, which is 30 minutes long, is set to music and leads right up to the ball drop.

As many young visitors head home, Callum Toner will be setting up to welcome the town’s later set of guests.

“The Berlin Arts and Entertainment District is sponsoring live music between both events,” Wells said.

The Rogue Citizens will perform later

in the evening and the town is set to begin selling beer and wine at 8 p.m. DJ Big Al Reno will help entertain until the 11:15 p.m. laser show that leads into the midnight ball drop.

Wells said the town considered fireworks as New Year’s Eve entertainment but in the end opted to try a laser show as something new.

“It adds a little excitement,” she said. “Laser shows are kid and pet friendly.”

Wells stressed that there was no cost to attend the ball drop and no cost to park in Berlin. There is no shuttle for the event, however, and those who live in town and plan to attend are encouraged to walk.

A variety of food, including popcorn and hot chocolate, will be sold by two food vendors — The Street Kitchen and Sessa’s Vending. While The Street Kitchen will offer things like blackened tuna, Cajun shrimp, quesadillas and pulled pork, Sessa’s Vending will offer hot dogs, Italian sausage, kielbasa and meatballs.

Wells encourages locals and visitors alike to come enjoy a festive evening in town.

“It’s been a couple of years since we had a New Year’s Eve celebration in Berlin,” she said. “Every year it gets better.”

Wells noted that there was no rain date for the event and said it would be canceled in the event of inclement weather.

kids ball drop in Berlin is pictured on Dec. 31, 2019, the last time the town celebrated the new year.

Photo by Steve Green

Berlin Spirit Kitchen Hosts Annual Holiday Meal

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Dozens of area residents enjoyed food and fellowship at Stevenson United Methodist Church as the Spirit Kitchen hosted its annual holiday meal.

The Spirit Kitchen, which has been providing free meals to the community each Wednesday since February 2011, welcomed local families this week for a holiday meal. More than 30 volunteers kept busy cooking, serving and handing out gifts to the array of people in attendance.

“Every person goes home with at least one gift,” said Vicky Nock, coordinator of the Spirit Kitchen. “This year we have turkeys to give out too.”

Nock, a member of the congregation at Stevenson United Methodist Church, helped create the Spirit Kitchen in 2011.

She still remembers serving 27 people at the first meal offered in February 2011.

“The Lord just kept telling me to feed his people,” she said.

During the height of the pandemic, when the Spirit Kitchen converted to drive-thru operations, there were weeks 200 families lined up for food. These days, the Spirit Kitchen feeds 60 to 80 families at the church each Wednesday. Organizers don’t ask for income verification but simply welcome anyone interested in a warm meal.

“Most of these people are here every week,” said volunteer Charlotte Powell.

Attendees filled the church’s fellowship hall Wednesday, catching up with friends and clearly enjoying the festive atmosphere. Berlin resident Connie Spence, who’s been attending the weekly lunches at the Spirit Kitchen since it opened, chatted with friends and joked with volunteers about the menu.

“I like coming for the friendship,” she said. “There’s a lot of connection here.”

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza spoke to Spence and several other attendees during Wednesday's lunch.

“The Spirit Kitchen is all about community spirit,” Carozza said. “It was so uplifting to spend time with both the volunteers and participants. Several of the people celebrating today have been coming together for more than 12 years and they support each other. I especially want to thank all the church volunteers and the Berlin Police Department for their caring and fun community service.”

Nock said that while the Spirit Kitchen is located at Stevenson United Methodist Church, it is entirely funded through grants and donations, not by the church.

The kitchen offers meals every week of the year except next week and anyone interested in attending or donating can find the Spirit Kitchen at 123 N. Main St., Berlin, Md.

Attendees are pictured this week at Stevenson United Methodist Church, where they enjoyed a holiday meal from the Spirit Kitchen.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Advocacy Group Seeks 10-Knot Rule Pause

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While a proposed rule to reduce offshore speed limits for recreational and commercial vessels to further protect endangered North Atlantic right whales continues to hang in the balance, a fishing advocacy group this week fired off a call to action for its members seeking a pause on the change.

In an effort to save endangered North Atlantic right whales, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed a 10-knot speed restriction for recreational and commercial vessels 35 feet in length or greater, down from the current 65 feet. The proposed rule change would expand the go-slow zones to include virtually the entire east coast out to a 90mile radius and extend the zone restrictions as long as seven months out of the year.

It's important to note the proposed 10-knot rule change, if implemented by NOAA, would be in effect off the midAtlantic coast, including Ocean City, from Nov. 1 to May 31, avoiding the height of the summer recreational fishing and boating seasons. However, provisions in the proposal allow for implementing the 10-knot rule in any areas where endangered right whales are detected at any time of the year.

Earlier this month, the environmental advocacy group Oceana filed an emergency petition with NOAA urging the federal government to implement the 10-knot rule immediately. This week, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) put out a call to action for its thousands of recreational boating and fishing members to contact their representatives in Congress urging them to pause any decision on NOAA’s proposed 10knot rule.

The local fishing and boating community has already weighed in heavily on the proposed rule change during the public comment period, which ended late last month.

“Thousands of anglers and boaters like you have voiced their concerns over the serious flaws of this proposal,” RFA’s letter reads. “Now, we need our leaders in Congress to help us turn the tide and pause this rule until reasonable solutions can be found. Please demand that they weigh in.”

According to NOAA, the latest estimate puts the entire North American right whale population at around 350, including fewer than 100 breeding females. The right whales migrate up and down the east coast and in and out of the fishing grounds and shipping lanes at different times during the year to their known calving grounds in more shallow and warmer climates.

However, locally and up and down the coast, fishing advocates have said the data doesn’t suggest vessel strikes are the primary cause of the whale’s mortality rates. For example, according

NOAA’s own data, there have only been 12 lethal right whale vessel strikes since 2008, five of which have come from vessel’s under 35 feet. From NOAA’s own data, the chance of a vessel striking a right whale, considering the sheer volume of boat traffic in the prescribed zones for the rule change, is about one in a million.

The RFA call to action to its members asserts NOAA’s proposed 10-knot rule was largely crafted without input from certain stakeholder groups, including the recreational and commercial fishing industries.

“Remember, if finalized, vessels 35 feet and larger would have to travel 10 knots or slower on essentially the entire Atlantic coast for as long as seven months of the year,” the letter reads. “This rule was developed largely behind closed doors without your stakeholder input up until the public comment period. It’s essential that we act now to oppose this ill-conceived rule that will cripple the recreational saltwater fishing and boating industry.”

The RFA letter cites potential risks to recreational anglers and boaters caused by the proposed 10-knot rule.

“The proposed speed restrictions will put human life at risk, devastate the recreational fishing and boating industry and threaten small businesses along the Atlantic coast,” the letter reads.

“Recreational anglers and boaters understand the need to safeguard America’s waters and endangered wildlife, including North Atlantic right whales. We agree that conservation measures must be developed with the best available science and that they are consistent with the magnitude of the risk a particular activity poses.”

The RFA letter suggests NOAA’s proposed 10-knot rule was crafted in a vacuum with little or no regard for the potential impact on the recreational and commercial fishing and boating industries.

“Unfortunately, NOAA’s proposed rule fails on these key principles in natural resource management,” the letter reads. “With less than a one-in-a-million chance a recreational vessel 35 feet to 65 feet will strike a right whale, the proposed restrictions are unnecessarily severe and effectively turn the entire Atlantic coast into a go-slow zone for much of the year.”

The RFA letter adds, “Vessel speed is a significant safety feature on a recreational boat, and the proposed restrictions will reduce the ability of boaters to outrun weather or otherwise safely operate their vessel in an appropriate manner for the given sea conditions,” the letter reads. “… Should NOAA’s proposed rule go into effect, not only will lives be jeopardized, but thousands of recreational boating and fishing trips will be cancelled, threatening a critical economic engine for Atlantic coastal communities and a major source of conservation funding nationwide.”

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Emergency crews responded to two serious motor vehicle accidents in Berlin last Friday.

Shortly before 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, the Berlin Police Department responded to the intersection of Route 50 and Route 818 for a motor vehicle crash. Less than three hours later, police were dispatched to Route 346 for a collision involving pedestrians.

“As you’re out and about on the roads this holiday season, please travel safely,” Mayor Zack Tyndall advised in a social media post over the weekend.

According to Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing, his officers were dispatched to the intersection of Route 818 and Route 50 for a collision with two motor vehicles, one of which was on fire.

Upon arrival, officers observed a 2000 GMC, which was attached to a camper trailer, engulfed in fire. The driver of the truck a 59-year-old male from Shirley, N.Y., was flown to Maryland Shock Trauma Medical Center by Maryland State Police Aviation Unit (Trooper 4). The passenger, a 63-year-old female also from Shirley, N.Y., was transported by ambulance to TidalHealth. The second vehicle, a 2022 F-150, was driven by a 43-year-old male from Delmar who was transported via ambulance to TidalHealth. The GMC truck with the camper

trailer was on Route 818 crossing Route 50 in the intersection and the Ford F-150 was travelling east on Route 50 when the collision occurred. The GMC truck caught fire after impact.

All involved have been released from medical care with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is being handled by the Berlin Police Department and preliminary results show that the

GMC truck drove in the pathway of the Ford.

Just a bit later Friday evening, at about 7:51 p.m., police responded to Old Ocean City Boulevard after a collision involving pedestrians in front of Burn Pizza. Upon arrival, officers observed a 2007 Jeep Cherokee and two pedestrians in the roadway. The pedestrians, a 55-year-old male and a 49-year-

old female, were both from Ocean Pines. The male subject was transported via ambulance to TidalHealth and later flown to the Maryland Shock Trauma Medical Center, and the female subject was flown directly to the Maryland Shock Trauma Medical Center by Maryland State Police Aviation Unit (Trooper 6). The male driver of the Jeep was medically assessed and released at the scene. Both pedestrians are considered to be in serious but stable condition. The investigation is ongoing and being handled by the Berlin Police Department. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Berlin Emergency Medical Services, and the Berlin Fire Company assisted with the incident.

Tyndall on Saturday morning urged motorists to be careful and said he’d been in contact with the Maryland State Highway Administration regarding the Route 818 and Route 50 intersection, as Friday’s accident was far from the first to occur there.

“I once again reached out to Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and our state delegation regarding the Town of Berlin’s request for a traffic light at this intersection,” Tyndall wrote on Facebook. “Understanding that a traffic light will take time to install, I have asked SHA to increase safety measures at this intersection, including ‘Look Again’ signs, a traffic camera, and more speed limit signs near the intersection.”

The pickup truck that was pulling a camper trailer is pictured after the accident at Route 50 and Main Street last Friday. Photo courtesy of Berlin Fire Company

Visitor Statistics Show Late October Sunfest A Success

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While most agree moving a modified Sunfest to late October this year was a critical success for a variety of reasons, statistics presented last week appear to bear it out.

The Ocean City Tourism Commission last week got a look at some of the visitation and visitor spending statistics from Sunfest, which was moved to the end of October earlier this year, and the numbers appear positive. Sunfest, created 47 years ago as a means to extend the summer season, has traditionally been held on the third weekend in September, providing a crescendo of sorts for the summer season.

Earlier this year, however, town officials approved moving Sunfest back to Oct. 20-23 for a variety of reasons, in-

cluding an already-heavy lineup of special events in September including the new three-day Oceans Calling music festival set for the traditional Sunfest weekend.

Moving Sunfest back to late October was met with some consternation from traditionalists, but the date change, at least for this year, proved prophetic. Oceans Calling, a three-day music festival featuring a strong lineup of national acts, was ultimately washed out by the remnants of a hurricane combined with a traditional nor’easter on the same weekend the town would have traditionally hosted Sunfest.

Instead, Sunfest was held in late October and opened amid crystal clear skies and warm temperatures for the most part. Sunday of Sunfest weekend was canceled because of the threat of heavy rain and high winds, but for the

first three days at least, the event drew near-record crowds and was well-received by residents and visitors alike. Heretofore, the success of the later Sunfest was largely anecdotal, but last week, the tourism commission got a look at some metrics that confirmed the date change was well-received. Last year, the town contracted with a private destination data collection software company, Zartico, to track visitation for various special events and throughout the year including where visitors are traveling from and what their spending habits are when they reach the resort. Zartico’s Chief Revenue Officer Dave Bahlman last week presented some of the company’s data collected during what would have been Oceans Calling weekend through other special event weekends in October including the modified Sunfest weekend, and the results were some-

what surprising.

For example, moving Sunfest to the late October dates resulted in a 153% increase in visitor spending for that weekend compared to the same dates last year. There was an overall increase in visitation to the resort of 12%, including a 22% increase in overnight visitation, according to the numbers presented by Bahlman.

“Moving Sunfest into October yielded strong year-over-year results,” he said. “There was a 153% increase in visitor spending compared to the same weekend in the previous year of 2021.”

In addition to the date change, the Sunfest format was modified significantly this year. After the pandemic, the annual event was modified to better spread out visitors and vendors, and the free live music elements were scaled back to an open-air stage featuring largely local and regional performers.

The end result was a three-day festival centered in the Inlet parking lot as always, along with numerous other events on the beach and Boardwalk associated with the annual fall OCtoberfest. Special Events Director Frank Miller said the traditional concept for Sunfest was not drastically changed this year, but simply moved later in the calendar in a modified format and the proof was in the pudding.

“Sunfest has been, and continues to be, an anchor event to our summer season,” he said. “Its history is rooted in the opportunity to extend the season in Ocean City and this year was no exception. What we saw from talking to patrons, vendors and through our research is that holding the event in October presented a weekend of visitation that was not likely considered before.”

Miller said the intent was to retain all of the elements of the traditional Sunfest event that visitors and residents have grown to love over 47 years, while creating new opportunities to enjoy late October in the resort. He said the modified format and date changes were highly successful for the most part, despite losing Sunday to bad weather.

“The new layout, combined with the addition of the OCtoberfest events, Dock Dogs and other added value events made Sunfest feel like a brand-new experience with the same classic charm,” he said. “The new dates and added elements did exactly what we hoped they would do and expanded the Ocean City experience and our shoulder season for residents and visitors alike.”

Based on the anecdotal evidence, and the statistics presented last week to the tourism commission, it appears Sunfest will be coming back on the same late October dates next year. Marketing and Communications Director Jessica Waters confirmed as much following Sunfest weekend in October.

“As always, we anticipate the evaluation of Sunfest and all of our events for future planning,” she said. “However, our plans are to continue with Sunfest on this weekend, October 19-22, 2023. A few tweaks here and there will improve the experience, but overall, patrons had a very positive experience.”

School Seeks Sponsors For New Scoreboard

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur High School’s stadium could have a new scoreboard by next fall.

On Tuesday, Stephen Decatur Principal Tom Sites outlined plans to seek community sponsors to fund the purchase of a new scoreboard.

“I’d love to have it ready to go for the fall sports season,” Sites said.

Sites approached the Worcester County Board of Education this week to discuss the need to replace the aging scoreboard at the school’s stadium. He said the stadium was a focal point for the community as countless residents attended games to watch the Seahawks. He said the current scoreboard was at least 18 years old.

“It’s older than 18,” interjected Superintendent Lou Taylor, a former Stephen Decatur principal.

Sites agreed and said it was in need of repair.

“I’m here to let you know Stephen Decatur High School is moving forward to obtain private community funding to purchase a new Daktronics LED scoreboard,” he said.

According to Sites, four anchor sponsors will fund the purchase of the new scoreboard. Currently, the school’s scoreboard is sponsored by Coca-Cola. He stressed that the school would not be seeking funding from the county or the school system for the new scoreboard.

“This new scoreboard will be fully funded by four anchor sponsors on display as well as a scrolling bar,” he said.

Sites said he’d explored Daktronics scoreboards and was impressed by the technology.

“This new scoreboard will enhance the experience in our stadium for our athletes as well as our spectators,” he said. “The

technology included in this scoreboard is truly incredible and everyone will benefit from this enhanced visual display.”

Taylor thanked Sites for seeking sponsors for the purchase.

“It’s very difficult during budget time to ask our local government for those types of items,” he said. “I want to thank you for going out and seeking help in the community and seeking donations to make this happen.”

Sites said the new scoreboard would be used for games but could also share information about various school programs

Taylor said he’d seen a similar scoreboard in Wicomico County that provided an enhanced experience during sporting events.

“It will be a nice addition to our already beautiful stadium,” Sites said.

Sites will approve the advertising sponsors before forwarding them to Taylor and the school board for review.

Fenwick Island Beach Renourishment Eyed

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – With a contractor selected, Fenwick Island Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said the town can likely expect beach renourishment work to begin early next year.

In a Fenwick Island Town Council meeting Monday, Magdeburger announced plans for beach replenishment in Fenwick Island. With a notice to proceed given to the contractor, she said work will continue throughout the first half of 2023.

“We haven’t heard if we will be the first or the last,” she said. “I suspect we will be the last.”

Earlier this month, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Philadelphia District awarded a contract to Weeks Marine for $23.8 million to conduct periodic nourishment on three dune and beachfill projects along the Delaware coast. Those projects will take place in Rehoboth and Dewey beaches, Bethany and South Bethany beaches, and Fenwick Island.

“Weeks Marine is expected to begin dredging and beachfill operations in the winter/spring of 2023,” a news statement reads. “Dunes and associated beach access points will be repaired in certain areas; however, most of the work includes widening the beach between the toe of the dune and the water line.”

The contract – a joint effort between the USACE and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) – calls for dredging sand from offshore borrow sites. Sand is then pumped through a series of pipes, placed on beaches, and graded into an engineered dune and berm template, which is designed to reduce damages from coastal storm events.

In Fenwick Island, USACE reports roughly 207,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed from James Street south to Lighthouse Road. While the goal is to complete the renourishment project before the start of the 2023 season, Magdeburger told community members this week some work could likely continue into the early summer months.

“We should probably anticipate having some of our beach days interrupted by beach renourishment,” she said.

The state, in partnership with the USACE, typically performs beach nourishment projects in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island, funded through a cost shared between DNREC and USACE.

The federal agency has developed a design that includes periodic nourishment at an interval between three and six years. Those projects, however, are dependent on the availability of funding at both the federal and state level.

According to USACE Philadelphia District, a scheduled replenishment project along Fenwick’s beaches was set to commence last year. But last February, town officials announced the Army Corps would not return in 2021.

Fenwick Council Amends Commercial Parking Ordinance

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – In an attempt to reach a compromise with the town’s commercial property owners, officials in Fenwick Island this week voted to introduce an amended parking ordinance.

On Monday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to introduce an amended ordinance that would address parking ratios in the town’s commercial district.

While the council was expected to pass a parking ordinance on second reading, Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said concerns voiced from Fenwick’s business owners prompted three significant changes to the legislation, which was brought back as a first reading on Monday. A public hearing on the amended or-

dinance will be held in January.

“I think this represents a good compromise,” she said.

Earlier this year, officials introduced an ordinance amendment that would, among other things, allow for new, more stringent parking ratios on new and redeveloped commercial properties.

In September, however, the town council voted to defer a second reading of the proposed ordinance to December after hearing complaints from members of the business community. Since that time, business owners have been working with town officials and residents within the town’s ad hoc parking committee to reach some sort of compromise.

As originally written, the proposed ordinance amendment would change, among other things, restaurant parking ratios from one parking space per 100

square feet of patron area to one per 50 square feet of patron area, and retail parking ratios from one per 300 square feet of floor area to one per 250 square feet of floor area. The amendment would also require designated delivery zones for commercial buildings and prohibit parking in setbacks.

“This proposed ordinance will not solve the problem today but will prevent these problems from increasing in the future …,” Magdeburger said. “The ordinance change will require businesses to have parking on their properties for their guests.”

From the outset, town officials have argued new parking ratios would address a growing parking problem in Fenwick.

In a presentation this week, Magdeburger noted that legislative changes made in 2013 had eroded the town’s park-

ing space requirements to the point they no longer met the needs of the business community. The proposed ordinance, she said, was meant to restore some of those parking requirements.

“We’ve heard numerous complaints from residents that included illegal parking, use of residential parking for turnarounds, garbage and public urination,” she said. “We’ve been hearing about parking problems for the better part of the year.”

Magdeburger told community members this week that police officers have issued 580 parking tickets this year, 78 of which being issued within a one-mile radius of a restaurant. She also highlighted parking issues at Matt’s Fish Camp, the first commercial property to be developed since ratios were changed nearly a decade ago. The parcel has 29 onsite parking spaces for the 212-seat restaurant.

“We’ve had subjective complaints from residents and objective documentation for the town’s parking problem,” she said.

To that end, town officials have proposed new parking ratios that are similar, but less stringent, to those found in Sussex County. Magdeburger reiterated that the new ratios would only apply to new or redeveloped commercial properties.

“The proposed ordinance will not be applicable to any existing businesses … ,” she said. “This is designed to plan for the future.”

Magdeburger noted, however, that the legislation introduced this week featured three changes. The ordinance will no longer restrict parking in the commercial setbacks or require designated delivery zones.

“You have to have a place to fit a tractor trailer, but it can be anywhere, in the aisles of the parking lot or on parking spots,” she said. “They just have to have space to come onto the property. That’s all we’re asking.”

Magdeburger said the proposed legislation would also include accommodations for shared parking.

“If you need a certain amount of spots, for 15% of those spots you can make an agreement with someone else to have spots on another property, so long as it’s within 500 feet the property it is intended to serve …,” she said. “It allows for another compromise for the business community.”

During council comments, Councilman Richard Benn said he supported the ordinance and the proposed changes.

“I think there are compromises here,” he said. “I’m still not sure we have enough parking, but I’m willing to go with it.”

Councilwoman Jacque Napolitano agreed.

“I’m not excited about the setback part of this, but I’m willing to do it,” she said.

Councilman Bill Rymer said his goal was to ensure businesses had more parking spaces on their properties. He said the proposed ordinance offered some compromise.

“This ordinance is clearly not the most restrictive …,” he said. “It doesn’t even take into account parking for employees.”

Fenwick Sets Timeline For Comp Plan

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A timeline for completing and approving the town’s comprehensive plan highlighted a meeting last week of the Fenwick Island Planning Commission.

Last Thursday, commission members continued their review of the Fenwick Island comprehensive plan. During the workshop, commission co-chair Julie Lee presented the group’s timeline for drafting, submitting and, ultimately, approving the new planning document.

“We can use this as a roadmap for mapping out our timeline and how we should be moving forward,” she said.

Earlier this year, the town council agreed to hire consultants to assist the planning commission in rewriting Fenwick Island’s comprehensive plan. And in the months since, officials have worked with University of Delaware advisors to collect data, maps and demographics and develop a vision for the town’s future.

Lee told committee members last week that the town would also be following the state’s PLUS process, which sets the timeline for reviewing and approving comprehensive plans. Once the Fenwick Island Town Council approves a draft plan, the document is sent to the state for review.

“Our goal is to ultimately have it prepared to go onto the agenda for the March 24 town council meeting to vote

to approve the draft …,” she said. “The following Monday, we will deliver the document to the state.”

Lee told commission members last week that the review and revision process would also be held in conjunction with public input.

“We’ll be taking input from the community during this PLUS process …,” she said. “It will give us an opportunity to share the document and give the community an opportunity to look over the document and share their input as we await review from the state.”

Lee said any revisions from the state will then be reviewed and addressed by the town.

“We update and revise our plan and submit it to the state,” she said.

Once those changes are approved, she said, the town council will adopt the new comprehensive plan as an ordinance.

“It’s an ambitious timeline,” she said. “But we’ve done a lot of work in the last couple of months.”

Commission members this week also agreed to gather public input before the group drafts a new comprehensive plan. Lee said the commission would send out a survey to community members in the coming weeks.

“I do also think it would be valuable, sometime in early January, to send out a survey to get feedback before we write the draft …,” she said. “This would give us an opportunity to ask them what they think is most important.”

… Public Hearing Set For January

Councilman Paul Breger agreed.

“I believe what you outlined here is a fair resolution to the town’s limited parking,” he said.

Business owners, however, have argued the proposed changes were onerous and limited redevelopment opportunities on commercial lots. A letter of opposition signed by the owners of 27 commercial properties in town was also submitted to the town council outlining their disagreements. Those sentiments continued to be shared at this week’s council meeting.

During public comments, Warren’s Station owner Paula Mumford voiced her objection to the ordinance.

“This ordinance upsets me to no end,” she said. “I feel like businesses are being punished because one restaurant has a parking problem. I’ll go on record saying there is no parking problem in Fenwick Island.”

Attorney Richard Abbott, representing local businessman Joe Balsamo, agreed.

“Most of what was given in the presentation is an excuse, not backed up by any comments at any meeting …,” he said. “This ordinance is anti-development, anti-commercial.”

Resident Jay Ryan, however, argued parking issues do exist in Fenwick Island.

“The summary of what I’ve heard is the commercial district wants to remain status quo …,” he said. “It’s very strange no one thinks there’s a parking crisis.”

While he acknowledged the town’s efforts to compromise, Southern Exposure owner Tim Collins said the proposed parking ratios did not account for the different types of food service operations.

“There doesn’t seem to be any consideration being made for the different types of restaurants that can come along …,” he said. “The so-called formula doesn’t fit all. I think it needs more finetuning to not make it so universal across the board.”

Commercial property representative Chuck Shorley added that the proposed ordinance did not account for a change of use within mixed-use buildings.

“I’m still not clear on what happens if there’s a change of use, say if a clothing store becomes a bagel shop,” he said.

Following public comments, the town council voted 7-0 to introduce the proposed parking ordinance on first reading.

Magdeburger noted the town council will hold a public hearing on the parking ordinance in January. In the meantime, she encouraged commercial property owners to address the town’s acute parking problems by establishing a Business to Business initiative, in which business owners would work together to share unused parking spaces.

“I really think we can get this resolved today if businesses were willing to help each other …,” she said. “We have 800 business spots. I want to see businesses helping businesses.”

OC Planning Comm. Chair Steps Down

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY –Longtime Ocean City Planning Commission Chair Pam Buckley is stepping down after threeplus decades and was recently feted during a joint session with the Mayor and Council.

Buckley was first appointed to the planning commission in June 1988. She was appointed chairperson of the commission in 2007 and has helped shepherd the town through a period of growth and development during her tenure. Buckley has decided to step down from the commission after 34 years.

At the close of last week’s joint session with the Mayor and Council, Buckley’s colleagues fondly recalled her leadership during her time on the commission, including 15 years as chairperson. Planning Commissioner Palmer Gillis, a developer himself who has served on numerous bodies in Worcester and Wicomico counties, praised Buckley for her steadfast leadership.

“I’ve worked with a lot of volunteer groups and a lot of committees and commissions, but you are really awesome,” he said. “You’ve done a great job. We disagree sometimes, but we’re supposed to do that. That’s our job.”

Gillis said Buckley has brought a great understanding of the history of Ocean City and its core values to the job as chair of the commission through a period of great change in the resort. He urged her to reconsider stepping down at a time when, perhaps, the commission needs her the most.

“Pam has done a great job,” he said. “She has a great grip on the history of the town and what’s good for the town. I keep trying to convince you to be Tom Brady and retire and come back.”

For her part, Buckley said she was confident the planning commission, which has seen a significant change in its makeup in recent months, was up to the challenge of filling her shoes and those with whom she has served with during her volunteer time.

“You guys are doing such a great job, you’re not going to need me to come back,” she said. “I know that, and I’ve seen that. This is a great commission.”

Buckley acknowledged there has been a significant period of development and redevelopment in the resort during her tenure on the commission, but encouraged her colleagues and the Mayor and Council and staff to hold true to the core values of Ocean City and preserve what makes it unique for much of the year.

“The one thing I’ve worked on this whole time, and I know you all are working on workforce housing, but remember the year-round people that live here, and that this is what Ocean City is,” she said. “It’s a community of people that really work together and

prescribe to a wonderful way of life.”

Like generations before her, Buckley has raised her family on the barrier island and urged the commission and the elected officials to continue that tradition. She said when traveling, people are often taken aback when they learn her family actually lives and works in Ocean City because the perception is it’s just a summer resort town with no real core year-round residents.

“I have three children I’m very proud of and they have all been raised and worked in Ocean City,” she said. “When we travel, people can’t garner that they grew up here and live here right on this little barrier island. The fact that we live in such a beautiful and entrepreneurial environment is nothing short of amazing.”

Maintaining that year-round core population has been a mantra for Buckley during her time at the lead of the commission, and she used her time on Tuesday to reiterate that point.

“It’s extremely important to me that we continue to have single-family neighborhoods on this island where people can live and flourish,” she said. “If we lose that, we lose an extremely important part of our town. I hate the fact that our property values have gone up so much and most of our staff and people that work here can’t live here. Our workforce cannot live here. I know we’re working on some of that, but we have to maintain the integrity of our single-family neighborhoods.”

Buckley acknowledged the great changes to the resort under her watch as chair of the commission but encouraged those in position to continue to maintain what she believes makes Ocean City the community that it is.

“I’ve lived in Little Salisbury for 40 years and obviously we’ve seen some changes,” she said. “We didn’t even have sidewalks when I first lived there. There are two brand new houses being built within a street of me, and they are both quintessential beach houses as opposed to some of the things we’ve seen built that are monstrosities that don’t fit. You can’t zone everything, and you can’t zone taste. I learned that early on. You all have a very precious thing you’re responsible for and thank you for allowing me to be a part of that.”

Mayor Rick Meehan took the opportunity to praise Buckley for her leadership on the commission.

“I want to thank you for your commitment to the Town of Ocean City,” he said. “There was something said not long ago by someone who was retiring from an office, and they said ‘I just hope I made a difference.’ Pam, you have made a difference. You really have over the years. You’ve stayed the same, but you’ve also changed as the community has changed. You brought forward many ideas to the commission to help us grow and prosper and really become a better community. You really did make a difference Pam.”

Ocean Pines Schedules Annual Budget Review

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – As association officials prepare for the coming year’s budget, Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola says the community will continue to face financial challenges.

In January, the Ocean Pines Association will kick off its annual review of the proposed budget. Viola told the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors last week the spending plan for 2023-2024 will be distributed to the governing body and the association’s budget and finance committee in the coming days.

“Per our scrolls, our governing documents, we worked with all the department heads, from the bottom up …,” he said. “Linda [Martin] and Steve [Phillips] have been the leaders on this. We have actually completed everything as we speak, and Steve, our senior lead, is crunching numbers. But we will have an estimate to the board and budget and finance before the holidays.”

The association’s fiscal year begins on May 1 of each year and ends on April 30 of the next calendar year. In preparation for the coming year’s budget, Viola said the budget and finance committee will hold a review Jan. 4-6, while the board will hold a review Jan. 18-19.

“We’ve already received guidance from budget and finance,” he said. “The team reviewed all of that.”

Viola told board members last week the budget process will also include a review of the association’s reserve study.

“We have discussed it with budget and finance, and there will be an update on December 28,” he said. “The team has done a thorough review of the next five years on that, which we will present to budget and finance. This will tie into the budget.”

Viola, however, noted that the association continues to face financial challenges – including inflation and minimum wage increases – as it prepares for a new fiscal year.

“Obviously, there are headwinds in anything that is financial …,” he said. “What we have that affects us the most is minimum wage inflation.”

Viola also highlighted the limited labor pool.

“Labor pool has been tight, and, no pun intended, especially with our lifeguards,” he said. “We are looking at that. You will see in the budget that we’ve addressed that financially.”

Lastly, Viola told board members that insurance premiums were also increasing.

“This all comes, unfortunately, right after we finished the budget,” he said. “So we have put in estimates there, but they are big numbers as far as the assessment.”

Viola noted, however, that there was some good news as officials prepared for the coming budget process.

“The tailwinds are improved performance in amenities and departments,” he said. “I can tell you overall we have an invigorated staff.”

Pines Group Shares South Station Fundraising Plan

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Discussion on fundraising efforts and timelines related to the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department South Station project highlighted last week’s meeting of the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors.

Last Saturday, General Manager John Viola and representatives of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) workgroup presented board members with an update on the South Station capital campaign. As the department looks to construct a new firehouse, a workgroup has been established to kickstart fundraising efforts.

“We recommended a fundraising program to bridge the gap to fund a new building,” Viola said. “We received endorsement from the board on July 27 to

move forward and form a workgroup with individuals who I believe are professional and constructive, including OPVFD. One of the objectives was to hire an individual or firm with knowledge of this area with a proven track record of fundraising.”

During last week’s presentation, workgroup leader Ted Moroney said team members had three goals: to develop and execute a fundraising plan; examine location options, construction plans and department needs; and present a framework to the OPA and OPVFD boards.

“All we are talking about today is task one,” he said.

This fall, the workgroup issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking consultants for the creation of a feasibility study that would be used to launch a capital fundraising campaign. And in the weeks since, the group has received six proposals, with prices ranging from

$28,000 to $60,000.

Moroney, however, told board members that the workgroup has changed course. He said the group is now looking to hire a local fundraising expert.

“Our in-depth review indicated an alternate path to success, and we requested a formal proposal from a respected fundraiser who has raised millions of dollars for the Salisbury Zoo and Delmarva Discovery Museum,” he explained.

The workgroup, Moroney added, is also exploring a three-pronged fundraising approach. The first prong, he said, would involve finding key donors, with a portion of funds raised dedicated to paying the fundraising consultant.

“Firm fees are typically 10% of the amount you expect to raise with no guarantee of success …,” he explained. “We will pay 8% of the amount actually collected and in the bank.”

Moroney said the second prong would involve seeking grant funds. While the OPVFD currently has $1.7 million in state funding, the workgroup has entered into an agreement with a local grant writer to find additional grant money.

“That report and the next phase of decision making should be completed no later than the end of this month,” he said.

The third and final prong, Moroney told board members, would involve community fundraising events, such as bake sales, silent auctions and fundraiser runs.

“From our status as a workgroup, this is the part that is a little nebulous because this requires community volunteers to help with the organization and execution of a community-based fundraising effort,” he said.

Officials told board members each of the three fundraising phases were expected to begin in January.

“OPA and OPVFD will continue to jointly partner through the execution of this fundraising program,” Moroney said.

While last week’s presentation focused on the fundraising aspects of the South Station project, Director Stuart Lakernick questioned the potential location of the new firehouse.

“I know at the beginning you talked about location,” he said. “Are we looking to move the firehouse to a different spot?”

Viola noted that all options were being explored.

“Obviously we are looking at all options,” he said. “When it comes time for the building, we will present that. But not necessarily.”

Association President Doug Parks questioned the association’s working relationship with the grant writer.

“As far as the grant writer, do you see that as a one-time event, or will that individual continue to work with the association as this project moves forward?” he said.

Officials noted the grant writer would continue to work with OPA.

“I think this is the beginning of a longterm relationship …,” Moroney replied. “We’re not a municipality, and that does have an impact on what grants we are eligible for across state and federal.”

When asked if the workgroup had an estimate for how much money could be raised through the capital campaign, Moroney said it did not.

“Because we don’t have the history, we don’t have the analytics you would have if you were at a college, for instance …,” he explained. “We don’t know what they can raise through this.”

Earlier this year, OPVFD leaders held a town hall meeting to discuss proposed South Station renovations, and the funding needed to make the project a reality.

Officials are proposing an $8.6 million renovation that calls for a demolition of the station’s living and administrative quarters, the addition of a two-story building, and a new bay. With $1.7 million in state funding and $1 million in department reserve, the department and association are now seeking community support to fund the remaining costs.

Scout’s Service Project Helps Feral Cats

BY CHARLENE SHARPE STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – An Ocean Pines teenager partnered with a local nonprofit to build shelters for cats.

Ocean Pines resident Christian Martin, 16, worked with the nonprofit Town Cats to build 18 outdoor cat shelters for his Eagle Scout service project.

“It worked out well for him and us,” said Susan Mohler, president of Town Cats.

Martin worked with volunteers last Saturday to build cat shelters for Town Cats to use and provide to those in need. Martin, a longtime scout, was interested in completing an Eagle Scout project –which demonstrates leadership and benefits the community –when he spoke with Mohler, his neighbor, about the work Town Cats does. Town Cats was founded in the 1990s to address the feral cat population in the Ocean City area. Each winter, Mohler said Town Cats needs shelters for outdoor cats.

“Every year people are asking for them,” Mohler said. “They’re not hard to make but they are time consuming.”

For his Eagle Scout project, Martin decided to help Town Cats build the shelters. He created an online sign-up sheet, recruited volunteers, reserved space at the Ocean Pines Community Center and then guided volunteers through making the boxes last Saturday. A roomful of volunteers, some longtime Town Cats supporters and others simply community members, turned storage boxes into shelters insulated with foam and Mylar film.

“It’s going to be a tiny cat apartment,” Martin said, adding that once the shelters were outside straw would be added to serve as bedding. “It has an emergency exit hole and an entry hole.”

Mohler said Town Cats was grateful for Martin’s efforts spearheading the project, which will provide the nonprofit with 18 much-needed shelters.

“The project was a huge success,” Mohler said. “Chris did a lot of work.”

Martin, who currently holds the “Life

Scout” rank, says scouting has taught him a lot and that he was eager to show his leadership skills through an Eagle Scout project. He said scouting had not only given him the chance to participate in a variety of fun activities such as camping and volunteering but had also made him a better person.

“It shows you have dedication,” he said. “It can help you with college, the military or getting a job. It can benefit your social skills. It can help you better prepare yourself for the future.”

Christian Martin is pictured with Town Cats volunteers helping to build outdoor cat shelters. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Scholarship Campaign

The

Launched: The Ocean City Surf Club, a local 501c3 nonprofit all-volunteer organization, is launching a Kids In Need Education Scholarship Campaign for a local student to afford a college or trade school education. The club is challenging area businesses to donate and create a $100,000 scholarship for an economically disadvantaged student in the area to achieve his or her dreams. The club is reaching out to corporations, businesses and/or individuals to be part of Kids In Need, by making a donation to fund this campaign supporting local students.

club is looking to grow its impact beyond current scholarships, youth mentoring and environmental programs. The club is looking to provide financial assistance to those who need it most. The community wants to make sure local students have financial access to a world-class education. So far the Deeley Insurance Group and RJB LAW, LLC have provided generous $10,000 donations to the new Kids In Need Education Scholarship. To learn more about this campaign or to make a donation in any amount please contact the Ocean City Surf Club at info@ocsurfclub.org.

Above left, from left, are OC Surf Club Secretary Kevan Thomson, Sandy Deeley, Deeley Insurance Group President Laura Bren, OC Surf Club President Tommy Vach and OC Surf Instructor Bill Thomson. Above right, from left, are Rich and Lauren Brueckner of RJB LAW, LLC, Vach and OC Surf Club Vice President Rusty Ruszin. Submitted Photos

Input sought on Wicomico’s Proposed school Year calendars

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF

SALISBURY – Community members are invited to provide their input on two draft school calendars.

The Wicomico County Board of Education voted unanimously this month to approve the first reading of the pre-Labor Day and post-Labor Day school calendars for 2023-2024. Kim Miles, assistant superintendent for student and family services, noted that while both versions were similar, they proposed different start dates, end dates and professional days.

“With your approval today, we’ll be able to post these calendars in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole along with a survey …,” she told the board. “And it will be posted on the website, wcboe.org, through Jan. 4.”

In the pre-Labor Day calendar, the academic year would begin on Aug. 28 and end on June 12. It also proposes a spring break from March 27-April 1 and three professional days in which students will be off.

In the post-Labor Day calendar, the academic year would begin Sept. 5 and

end on June 13. Spring break would run from March 28-April 1, and three professional days will be considered early dismissal days for students.

“The Thanksgiving and winter breaks are the same on both drafts,” Miles added.

Miles told board members this week both calendars would be posted on the school system’s website. An accompanying survey will ask respondents their preferred calendar choice.

“It’s open for all persons to respond,” she said.

When asked if there was an option for those without computers to respond to the survey, Miles encouraged those individuals to contact her directly. She added that families will be sent message reminders in the coming days.

Board member Allen Brown questioned if the calendars included inclement weather days.

“In years past, we added additional days for inclement weather,” he said. “I don’t see it in this calendar.”

Miles noted that the school calendar is required to include three inclement

weather days. Miles added that the school board had also approved an instruction plan earlier this year that would allow for virtual learning on inclement weather days.

“We do have an allowance for a number of days of virtual learning, with a limited number of asynchronous days …,” she said. “We will stay in accordance with the plan that was approved by the board and submitted to the state.”

Miles told board members survey responses would be presented to the board after Jan. 4.

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Chip Bertino is pictured with Helene Bertino and Becky Jones at his book launch in Ocean Pines.

Danelle Amos, Lauren Taylor and Stephanie Meehan are pictured at the Ocean City Development Corporation holiday celebration.

Glenn Irwin, Mary Ann Manganello, David Noonan and Joslyn Harman attended the Ocean City Development Corporation holiday celebration.

Police Chief Arnold Downing and Public Works Director Jimmy Charles are pictured at Berlin Town Hall.

Sam Widgeon and Kalli Rathel paused for a photo at the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Dept.

Judy Giffin is pictured with Chip Bertino at his book signing at reading at the Ocean Pines library.

Joe Wilkinson and Dan Robson are pictured at an open house at the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Dept.

Rob Eicher and Nicholas Helias showed off the fire trucks at an open house hosted by the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Dept.

Sandy Cohn and Michael Ann Birckner sold raffle tickets at a fire department open house.

Chip Bertino signed copies of his new book, “It’s All About…Some of My Favorites,” at the Ocean Pines library.

BERLIN – The 29th Annual Penguin Swim is set for Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 and will take place once again on the beach at The Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street in Ocean City.

Individuals and teams are invited to join in the fundraising. Participants who register on or before Dec. 10 will receive an official 2023 AGH Penguin Swim short-sleeve T-shirt for their $25 registration fee. Shirts for participants who register after Dec. 10 will be available while supplies last. Individual participants who raise or donate $100 or more will also be eligible to receive an official 2023 AGH Penguin Swim long-sleeve T-shirt while supplies last. Participants can register online now to start collecting donations. To view this year’s shirts, or to register, visit www.aghpenguinswim.org.

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. Advance online registration is recommended.

Participants are encouraged to come to pre-registration and advance check-in at the Princess Royale from 2 - 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Avoid long lines on event day and pick up wristbands and shirts early. Participants will also receive an additional Penguin Swim item during advance check-in.

Event day registration and check-in will begin at 9 a.m., ending promptly at 11:30 a.m., with the main event at noon on the beach at 91st Street. The time in between will be chock full of fun activities the whole family will enjoy like costume contests, face painting, mermaids and more. The Bull on the Beach team will parade down the beach at 11:45 a.m. from 94th Street to the swim area in front of the Princess Royale. Spectators are welcome.

The awards ceremony will take place in the atrium immediately following the swim. Special recognition awards will be given to Oldest and Youngest Penguins, and the Penguin who traveled the furthest. Trophies for first, second and third place will be awarded to those who raise the most money in divisions for: Adults (19 & Over); Youth (18 & Under); Teams/Businesses; Community Groups/Organizations; Youth/Family.

The 1 p.m. Ravens-Steelers game will be on a big screen in the atrium. Food and drink specials at the atrium bar may include beer, wine, soda, wings, chicken tenders, pizza, soups, and sandwiches.

If you’re unable to attend, you can still participate in the cyber swim. Register online, then take an ice-cold dip wherever you are and post a photo or video of your personal virtual Penguin Swim on social media using #OCPenguinSwim. Participants can register for the cyber swim on the event website and pay an additional $10 fee per participant to cover costs to have their T-shirts shipped to them.

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COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Worcester County Commissioners recently presented commendations to members of the Worcester County 4-H Robotics Intermediate Team for taking first place in the Maryland 4-H State Robotics Challenge at the 2022 Maryland State Fair. Those pictured include (front row from left), Elianna Fiori, Riya Patel, Scott Wainwright, and Nidhish Gupta; and (second row, from left), team coach Mendy Fiori Barbara Barga, of the Extension Office, and team coaches Gira Patel, Amanda Wainwright, and Shriya Gupta; and (third row, from left), Commissioners Caryn Abbott Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting, Joe Mitrecic, Ted Elder, Diana Purnell, and Eric Fiori.

The Republican Women of Worcester County members are pictured attending the American Cancer Society Fashion Show at the Ocean City Convention Center on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum recognized Joanne Guilfoil with its annual Spirit Award. Guilfoil received the award for her work during the month of March repainting the early 20th century Art Nouveau ticket booth at Trimper’s Rides. Guilfoil is pictured being presented the Spirit Award by Hunter “Bunk” Mann, the 2019 Spirit Award recipient. Submitted Photos

Ocean City Lioness Lion Michele Lewis is pictured presenting a check to Lions Vision Research Foundation Chair Heather Connors for $500.

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club donated $3,500 to cover expenses for 22 school counselors to attend the National Center for Youth Issues, Maryland School Counselors Conference, in Cambridge this coming March. Pictured in the front row, left to right, are Linda McGean, Denee Bowen, Tammy Funk, Stephanie Zanowic and in the back row, left to right, Lauren Williams, Val Riley, Staci Aperance, Michelle Bankert, Marcea Redden, Josh Horsman, Ari Johnson, Veronica Hayes, Stephanie Covington and Erica Hensley.

The "Books By the Bay" book club of Ocean Pines is shown enjoying a holiday luncheon at the Victorian Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Customer Appreciation: The Greene Turtle North hosted a customer appreciation happy hour last Friday evening featuring Carmel’s dessert table and a Toys for Tots drive. Among those enjoying the holiday festivities

Photos by Steve Green

Proclamation Presentation

BERLIN – Ocean Aviation Flight Academy, a world-class flight training institution on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announced it received a proclamation from the Town of Ocean City, Mayor Rick Meehan, and the City Council, to honor its accomplishments and success over the first 15 years at the Ocean City Airport.

Meehan’s comments from the proclamation read, “Their everyday commitment to excellence and safety is an inspiration to aviation businesses everywhere and we are proud that they call the Ocean City Municipal Airport home base.”

“We wouldn’t be here without the dedication and hard work from my team,” said Michael Freed, Ocean Aviation founder and president. “This recognition means a lot, and I am grateful to all who contributed to our success over the past 15 years.”

The proclamation was presented the same week Ocean Aviation held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new Georgetown, Del., location at the Delaware Coastal Airport. Ocean Aviation has nine training aircraft in its fleet, including a Redbird AATD full motion flight simulator, nine flight instructors and 14 on staff.

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

Ocean Aviation is a full-service pilot and flight training academy based in Ocean City, Md., winner of the AOPA Top Flight School Award in 2019 and recognized in 2022 as a Top Hawk Cessna Pilot Center.

Founded in 2007, Ocean Aviation is an appointed Cessna Pilot Center and FAAapproved Flight Academy providing training to aviators at two campuses in Maryland and Delaware.

New Board Chair

BERLIN – Calvin B. Taylor Bankshares, Inc., parent company of Calvin B. Taylor Bank announced that the Board of Directors has elected Thomas K. “Tom” Coates as chair of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Bank.

Coates first joined the Board of Directors of the company and the bank on May 14, 2014. He is a member of Coates, Coates, and Coates, P.A., and has practiced law in the Berlin and Ocean City area since 1985. He is admitted to practice law in the state of Maryland, the United States Tax Court, and is a retired certified public accountant.

In 1994, he was appointed court audi-

tor by the judges of the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Coates is a member of the Worcester County and Maryland Bar Associations. He is past president of the Worcester County Bar Association, a past member of the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners and previously served as chair of the Board of Trustees for Atlantic General Hospital. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for TidalHealth and the Humphrey’s Foundation.

In addition to serving as chair of the Board of Directors of the company and the bank, Coates is chair of the bank’s Governance Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee.

Raymond M. Thompson, president and chief executive officer commented, “Mr. Coates’ legal and accounting background and previous Board leadership positions provide him the skills and experience to be an effective Board Chair. As we look to the future, it is important that our Board composition continues to align with the community banking industry and stockholder expectations. Mr. Coates understands community banking and is highly respected by his Board colleagues and our bank employees. He is well-qualified for this important leadership role.”

Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company, the bank subsidiary of Calvin B. Taylor Bankshares, Inc. (OTCQX: TYCB), founded in 1890, offers a wide range of loan, deposit, and ancillary banking services through both physical and digital delivery channels. The Company has 12 banking locations within the eastern coastal area of the Delmarva Peninsula, including Worcester County, Sussex County, Delaware and Accomack County, Virginia.

Donation Announced SALISBURY – Salisbury University students will have an opportunity to receive more scholarship funding in 2023 thanks to Delmarva Power.

The company, a division of Exelon, recently donated $5,000 to the SU Foundation, Inc. through its 28th annual Delmarva Scholarship Golf Classic tournament.

“Delmarva Power has long been a proponent of education,” said Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre. “Each year, we are fortunate to partner with the company to host the Eastern Shore High School Mathematics Competition, which not only celebrates academics, but provides area students with what is sometimes their first experience on a college campus.”

She continued, “This generous gift not only extends that affiliation, but also provides assistance for SU students from the

Renovation Grant

SALISBURY – Mayor Jake Day is pleased to announce that the City of Salisbury and partners Evolution Craft Brewing Company have been designated to receive a total of $500,000 in grant money for the renovation and rehabilitation of Union Railway Station, located at 611 Railway Avenue in Salisbury.

The grant was awarded through the state’s Strategic Demolition Fund, a program designed to catalyze projects and activities that accelerate job production and economic development. Union Station was one of 22 projects in the state awarded from this fund.

Constructed in 1913, the station requires significant improvements to the main slate roof, gutter system, windows, doors, structural framing, and more to position the space for reuse. Development of the project will be spearheaded by project partners and Evolution Craft Brewing Company owners John and Tom Knorr, who have a long history of transforming vacant local properties into thriving commercial businesses, including the Red Roost, SoBos, Evolution Craft Brewery, and others.

“We are thrilled to work in conjunction with the City of Salisbury again on an important local project,” said developer John Knorr. “The commitment of state investment to renovate this unique historic structure provides a real opportunity for a significant impact in the neighborhood.”

Located in Salisbury’s Church Street Historic District, Union Station will become a vital hub directly along the Salisbury Rail Trail and will serve as an exciting place to rest or convene for locals or visitors alike.

“Not only is this grant going to transform Union Station, but it’s going to transform the Church Street neighborhood, our Rail Trail, and our City’s commercial landscape,” said Day. “This building has sat empty, crumbling, and unsightly for decades, and we’re here to breathe new life into it. Through this support from our governor and our partnership with the Knorr family and Evolution Craft Brewing Company, we have the unique opportunity to transform one of our City’s historic greyfields and make it into something that unites our residents.”

Renovations of Union Station are expected to begin in early 2023.

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy recently received a proclamation from the Ocean City Mayor and Council to celebrate the business’s 15 years of operation at the Ocean City Municipal Airport. Ocean Aviation Founder and President Mike Freed, above left, is pictured receiving his commendation. Submitted photo

Delmarva Peninsula, furthering that commitment to young people in our area.”

THOMAS K. COATES

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, north Ocean City is pictured in the fall of 2013. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

EXPERIENCED CUSTOM

PAINTER: Transportation and tools necessary. Call Tom at 443497-0010.

SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Small Engine mechanic, Year round, Competitive Wages. Call 443-754-1047.

Happy Holidays

NOW HIRING CURRICULUM COORDINATOR

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

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

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

Email resume to: Lwatson@worcesterprep.org

COMMERCIAL

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

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

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

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

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

TIME INTERVAL WEEK 40, UNIT NO. 101

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no war-

ranties or guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

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

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

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

12-09, 12-16, 12-23

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal

is

THE LAW OFFICE OF JAMES A. LIST

5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 100 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 19478

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

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

DECEMBER 09, 2022

BETH ANN MOUNT JAMES RUFFIN Personal Representative

per

True Test Copy

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

3x 12-09, 12-16, 12-23

Third Insertion

RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., ESQ.

COATES, COATES, & COATES, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19468

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

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

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

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

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

forceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

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

JENNIE

BC = BAY CLUB TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. DBC= DELMARVA BEACH CLUB, LLC

T. KNAPP

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-09, 12-16, 12-23

Second Insertion

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307

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

BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs. NORMAN ELLIS, et al. Defendants

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

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

TIMESHARES SOLD:

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

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 12-16, 12-23, 12-30

Second Insertion

BRADFORD I. WEBB, ESQ., 305 W. CHESAPEAKE AVE, SUITE 105, TOWSON, MD 21204

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-19-000371

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

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice is hereby issued by the Circuit Court for Worcester County this 7th day of December, 2022, that the sale of the property located at 503 CEDAR ST., POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, made and reported by Andrew L. Hartman, Assignee, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 9th day of January, 2023 provided, a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said county, once in each of three successive weeks, before the 2nd day of January, 2023 . The Report of Sale states the amount of sale to be

One Hundred Nine Thousand Three Hundred FiftySeven Dollars and No Cents ($109,357.00).

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

True Test Copy

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk Circuit Court for Worcester County 3x 12-16, 12-23, 12-30

First Insertion

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19485

To all persons interested in the estate of PAMELA WARD MCCABE, Estate No. 19485. Notice is given that CHRISTOPHER R. MCCABE, whose address is 3210 NOBLE FARM ROAD, EDEN, MD 21822 was on DECEMBER 13, 2022 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of PAMELA WARD MCCABEwho died on OCTOBER07, 2022 with a will.

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

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

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

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

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the 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 23, 2022

CHRISTOPHER R. MCCABE 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 12-23

First Insertion

To all persons interested in the estate of KATHLEEN ANN HARDESTER, Estate No. 19487. Notice is given that SHANNON MARIE HARDESTER, 7293 JAKE STREET, WILLARDS MD 21874, was on DECEMBER 09, 2022 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of KATHLEEN ANN HARDESTERwho died on NOVEMBER 30, 2022 with a will.

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

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

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

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this pub-

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

lished 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 23, 2022

SHANNON MARIE HARDESTER 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 12-23

First Insertion

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

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

their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of jUNE, 2023.

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

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

DON, who died on DECEMBER 04, 2022, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19TH day of jUNE, 2023.

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

TO

NATALIE HELEN WOODWARD

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

(ADULT) (MD. RULE 15-901)

The above petitioner has field a petition for Change of Name to change their name from NATALIE HELEN MCLAIN to NATALIE HELEN WOODWARD.

The petitioner is seeking a name change because: GO BACK TO MOTHERS NAME.

GO BACK TO NAME I WAS BORN WITH.

domiciled in YORK COUNTY, Pennsylvania, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is KATHRYN A. WHITEHEAD, 109 CAMDEN AVENUE, SALISBURY, MD 21801. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-23, 12-30, 01-06

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 19496

To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA ANN GREINER,Estate No.19496. Notice is given that JOHN FRANCIS GREINER, 318 NORWOOD AVENUE, NEWTOWN, PA 18940, was on DECEMBER 16, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA ANN GREINER, who died on SEPTEMBER 06, 2022, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16TH day of JUNE, 2023.

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

NICOLE R. HEWITT, ESQ. HWK LAW GROUP, LLC 1447 YORK ROAD SUITE 800 LUTHERVILLE, MD 21093

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19494

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

Notice is given that ALI ONDER DENIZ ACKAM, 12 STILLWOOD CIRCLE, NOTTINGHAM, MD 21236, was on DECEMBER 15, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BETUL AKCAM, who died JUNE 13, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file

ALI ONDER DENIZ AKCAM Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-23, 12-30, 01-06

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

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

RICHARD HARRISON LANDON

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT,

Any person may file an objection to the Petition for Change of Name on or before JANUARY 27, 2023. The objection must be supported by an affidavit (written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation) and served on the Petitioner (Md. Rule 1-321). If no timely objection is filed, the court may issue a judgement or grant the name change.

A copy of this notice must be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to fine an objection.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECERMBER 23, 2023 SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD Room 104 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 12-23

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

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

DANIEL L. HYATT

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTOCTT

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

9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19497

To all persons interested in the estate of JACQUELINE S. LANDON,Estate No.19497. Notice is given that RICHARD HARRISON LANDON, 28 HARLAN TRACE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 19, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JACQUELINE S. LAN-

Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-23, 12-30, 01-06

KATHRYN

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CIVIL CASE NO. C23-FM-22-000443

IN THE MATTER OF NATALIE HELEN MCLAIN FOR CHANGE OF NAME

NOTICE

Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of YORK COUNTY, PA, appointed DANIEL L. HYATT, 5136 GLENVILLE ROAD, GLEN ROCK, PA 17327, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of JACKIE A. HYATT, who died on DECEMBER 20, 2021,

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307

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

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

JOHN FRANCIS GREINER Personal Representative True Test Copy

REENA J. PATEL. ESQ

MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ.

LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307

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

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

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

same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

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

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443.672.8107.

NAME OF NEWSPAPER

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 23, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 12-23,12-30, 1-06

whose address is 33708 GLASS HILL ROAD, PARSONSBURG, MD 21849 were on DECEMBER 12, 2022 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of CHARLES GIBSON WRIGHT who died on NOVEMBER 30, 2022 with a will.

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

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

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

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

Best Beats

On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 23: TBA

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Dec. 31: First Class

CORK BAR Saturday, Dec. 31: TBA

BEATS BY WAX

Fager’s Island: Sunday Dec. 25

Pickles Pub: Saturday, Dec. 24 Tuesdays & Thursdays

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the

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

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the 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

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Dec. 23: Rick & Regina Wednesday, Dec. 28: Bilenki Duo

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Dec. 23: Ramble On

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

To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES GIBSON WRIGHT, Estate No. 19490. Notice is given that DON E RICHARDSON, whose address is P O BOX 258, SALISBURY, MD 21803 and SANDRA TRUITT,

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Dec. 23: DJ Greg, DJ RobCee Sunday, Dec. 25: DJ Wax Monday, Dec. 26: Bryan Clark

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500 Rt. 611, West O.C. Saturday, Dec. 31: Rogue Citizens

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 23

DJ GREG

Fager’s Island: Friday, Dec. 23

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Dec. 23

BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Monday, Dec. 26

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Thursdays & Fridays

JOHN MCNUTT DUO

Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 23

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Thursdays: DJ Billy T OC EATERIES 443-252-3700 12849 Ocean Gateway, Rte. 50, West OC Friday, Dec. 23: Karaoke w/Kennedy Wednesdays: Trivia w/ Kennedy

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Deogee Saturday, Dec. 24: DJ Wax Sundays: Beats By Deogee Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax

SEACRETS

410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 23: DJ Tuff, John McNutt Duo Thursday, Dec. 29: Opposite Directions, DJ Connair

RICK

BILENKI DUO Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Dec. 28

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Tuesday: Dancing

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

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

Beach Heroes, a volunteer Ocean City group, holds cleanups 9-10 a.m. yearround. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page

Things To Do

"Beach Heroes-OC" for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

Every Wednesday: Bingo

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302436-9577 or BeachSingles.org.

Dec. 23-Dec. 31: Winterfest of Lights

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

Dec. 24: NOEL Dinner

The N.O.E.L. (Nothing Other than Eating and Loving) Community is excited to be able to provide food for locals for Christ-

mas again this year on Christmas Eve between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon. Hot breakfast food will be provided along with some sweet treats and some festive Christmas music. N.O.E.L. volunteers will distribute bags of non-perishable foods filled with some traditional food items to prepare at home. These bags will be distributed at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church on 3rd Street. In addition to Christmas outreach, N.O.E.L. supports many local social service programs and food pantries throughout the year. If you would like to make a donation to the N.O.E.L. Community, please send donations to The N.O.E.L. Community c/o St. Paul's by the Sea at 302 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Dec. 24: Candlelight Service

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

Dec. 24: Musical Presentations

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

Dec.

30: Mayor’s New Year Event

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

Dec. 30, Jan. 6, 13: Bingo

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

Dec. 31: OC Fireworks

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

Dec.

31: NYE Ball Drop In Berlin

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

Dec. 31: OC NYE Events

North Ocean City residents and visitors can enjoy Winterfest of Lights, with a countdown and fireworks at midnight. Taking place downtown, visitors can relive the enjoyment of drive-in movies at the Ocean City Inlet Parking lot. The doubleheader movies include a children's show, Encanto, at 7 p.m., followed by a kid-friendly countdown at 9 p.m. Imme-

diately after the children's film, visitors can enjoy Top Gun: Maverick at 9:30 p.m. with the grand finale fireworks at midnight to ring in 2023. Refreshments will be available for purchase from local vendors and food trucks.

Jan. 1: Beach Walk, Cleanup

Assateague Coastal Trust New Year's Day Beach Memorial Walk and Coastal Clean-Up will take place from 10 a.m.noon. Meet at Assateague State Park, Day-Use Lot. The walk will be led by the Assateague Coastkeeper and partnered with Assateague State Park employees, with details and history about Assateague Island. Hot chocolate will be served. You may participate in the cleanup if you wish. Please bring work gloves or just hike and partake in the beauty and splendor of the Island. No registry required and please dress according to the weather. If you have any additional questions, please contact Debbi Dean at outreach@actforbays.org or 443-8569309.

Jan. 6: CASH Bingo

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Dept. Auxiliary will be holding its annual CASH Bingo at the main station. $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Four early bird games (beginning at 5:45 p.m.), 20 regular cash games, two specials, jackpot, 50/50. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early bird begins at 5:45 p.m. Food and beverage available for purchase. Call 619922-9950 for early reservations.

Jan. 6-7: Moana Production

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

Jan. 9-15: Berlin Restaurant Week

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

Jan. 11: AARP Meeting

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

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You've let yourself get distracted from what's really important. But love finally gets your attention this week. However, it comes with a challenge that could create a problem.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Be careful not to bully others into following your lead. Best advice: Persuade, don't push, and you'll get the cooperation you need to move forward with your plans.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Resist the urge to gloat now that you've proved your detractors wrong. Instead, charm them back into your circle. Remember: A former foe can become your best ally.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You might want to claim all the credit for making this holiday season special. But is it worth producing a lot of hurt feelings by rejecting offers of help? Think about it.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Ignore a co-worker's questionable behavior. Instead, put your energy into making your own project special. Then sit back and purr over your well-deserved applause.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): You might not want to accept those suggested changes in your workplace, but don't chuck them out before you check them out. You could be happily surprised.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Your

plans might have to take a back seat for a bit so that you can handle a problem with a friend or family member. Your schedule will return back to normal in a few weeks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Relationships in general are beneficial during the early part of the week, including in the workplace. Also, expect some overdue changes in a personal situation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): "Prudence" should be your watchword this week. Best not to be too open about some of the things that are currently happening in your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Money is on your mind, so you'd best mind how you're spending it. Take another look at your budget and see where you can make adjustments.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Resolving to revive an old friendship could open some old wounds. Are you sure you want to risk that? Think this through before making a commitment.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Your need to know more about a new friend could lead to some startling revelations. Best advice: Keep an open mind about what you learn until all the facts are in.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your loyalty to friends makes you a very special person to those whose lives you've touched.

© 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

By Steve Green

WITH BUNK MANN

Shantytown Village was developed by Daniel Trimper IV and opened in 1976 next to the Route 50 Bridge in West Ocean City. It was designed to resemble a New England fishing village and was modeled on photos taken by Trimper during a visit to Nantucket Island.

It was a popular attraction for Ocean City’s visitors and people came to eat and shop, often tying their boats to the dock area on the bayside. Shantytown contained over 30 small but unique shops including the Shell Shack, the Kite Loft, Donald’s Duck Shop, the Shamrock Shanty, Mason’s Books and the Dockside Deli.

After 27 years as a West Ocean City landmark, the Shantytown Village was razed in 2003 to make way for a residential development.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo from The Dispatch’s files circa 1996

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Holiday travelers crossing the Bay Bridge this weekend will likely notice a new innovation along the westbound approach to the span in the form of an automated gated lane closure system.

It’s not unusual for one or both spans of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge to have lane closures at different times of the day or different times of the year depending on traffic flows in either direction. Motorists crossing the bridge from the Eastern Shore to the western shore are certainly familiar with the orange barrels, cones and overhead directional signals advising which lanes on a particular bridge are open for travel with either a red “X” or a green arrow.

However, starting this past Tuesday, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) rolled out an innovation on the westbound approach to the Bay Bridge, the latest phase of a project designed to improve safety and accelerate the process of opening and closing lanes on the bridge. Drivers heading westbound on Route 50 approaching the Bay Bridge from the Eastern Shore will be among the first to witness the use of the new gates as part of the Automated Lane Closure System (ALCS), which will replace the existing and time-consuming use of barrels to close off lanes.

In addition to the new horizontal gates to mark lane closures, the ALCS also includes illuminated pavement markers, full-color dynamic message signs and overhead lane-use control signals to alert and guide motorists when lanes are opening and closing to accommodate two-way traffic operations on the westbound span of the Bay Bridge.

The new gates and the entire ALCS helps protect MDTA employees by replacing the current manual system with automation. It also improves safety for drivers by giving them more time to move into the correct lanes, allowing for safer lane changes, and helping to prevent secondary crashes during incidents. The ALCS also enhances incident response, enabling crews to switch between lane closure scenarios more rapidly during incidents or periods of heavy traffic.

MDTA began to implement the system in November, when new overhead lane-use control signals and full-color dynamic message signs – the first in Maryland – became available on the Eastern Shore. Starting one-and-a-half miles before the westbound span of the Bay Bridge, the devices give drivers more notice than ever before of bridge lane closures ahead.

This week, the new lane closure gates were deployed on the westbound approach to the Bay Bridge from the Eastern Shore. The project is being phased in to allow motorists to get used to the new system, and barrels will still be deployed during the transition period.

The Maryland Transportation Authority has deployed a new automated lane closure system, pictured above, along the westbound span of the Bay Bridge. Submitted Photo

COPS & COURTS

First-Degree Assault Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A local woman was arrested earlier this month for first-degree assault and other charges after allegedly barging into a male victim’s downtown apartment and punching and strangling him over a dispute about a cellphone.

Around 12:25 a.m. Dec. 11, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a residence on 8th Street for a reported domestic assault. Officers met with a male victim who advised he had gotten into an altercation with Julie McCabe, 43, of Ocean City, who had accused him of taking her phone, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told officers he had not taken McCabe’s phone and that it was sitting on a chair outside of her apartment, according to police reports. The victim told officers McCabe “walked into the [expletive deleted] house and started pounding on my face,” according to police reports.

The victim advised he had met McCabe at a downtown bar at 8th Street earlier in the day and had been drinking all day before going back to his residence, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told officers McCabe came into

his residence and asked where her phone was before starting to punch him as many as 10 times, according to police reports.

Officers observed he had abrasions on his left eyebrow and cheek. The victim told officers McCabe then began strangling him with both hands around his neck, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told officers his breathing was restricted, and McCabe told him, “I’m going to kill you.” The victim told officers he lost consciousness and was out cold, according to police reports. When the victim regained consciousness, he was able to push McCabe away from him and leave the unit, according to police reports. The victim reportedly had red marks and bruising on both sides of his neck, corroborating the alleged strangling.

When interviewed, McCabe reportedly told officers the victim had taken her cellphone and she went to his residence to retrieve it. McCabe reportedly told officer when she went to the victim’s unit, she was punched in the face and the victim had thrown her phone down the stairs.

However, a witness advised officers she was home at her residence in the same building and had heard loud foot-

steps coming up the stairs. The witness told officers she heard the victim yelling at McCabe and telling her to get out of his apartment. The witness said she went outside and found McCabe crawling on the ground and crying.

The witness advised McCabe’s phone was sitting on a bench outside her unit and was not damaged. The witness was able to get McCabe into her unit. Based on the evidence and testimony, McCabe was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault, breaking and entering, home invasion and obstructing and hindering for not providing her identification information to officers.

Scrapping With First Responders

OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on multiple charges last week after allegedly assaulting police officers and a paramedic attempting to assist his mother.

Around 11:10 p.m. Dec. 12, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a residence on Oyster Lane to assist with an EMS call. Ocean City Communications advised a male had called 911 asking for assistance for his mother. According to police reports, the male caller was not at the scene, but reported his mother had fallen in the bathroom and needed EMS.

Ocean City Communications advised there were alerts on the residence for a male named Matthew, who was mentally unstable, according to police reports. Communications requested the OCPD respond to ensure the safety of the responding EMS staff, according to police reports.

Upon arrival, OCPD officers encountered a male later identified as Matthew Gruber, 38, of Ocean City, who walked out of a room and told officers to “get the [expletive deleted] out of my house,” according to police reports. Ocean City EMS personnel reportedly asked Gruber where his mother was, and he responded by saying, “She’s on the floor,” according to police reports.

Gruber requested only two individuals go back to assist his mother because she was afraid of people. Due to Gruber’s heightened agitation, just one paramedic and one police officer went to a back room to assist with the female victim, who was observed lying on the floor next to a bed, according to police reports.

Gruber continued to yell and did not allow more than one paramedic to assist with his mother. He remained in the kitchen area with an OCPD officer before moving into the bedroom area and continuing to yell, interfering with a paramedic’s attempt to speak with his mother about her possible injuries from falling, according to police reports.

At that point, Gruber approached an OCPD officer and ordered him to get out of his house, raising his arms and forming his hands into fists, according to police reports.

The OCPD officer reportedly pushed Gruber back in an attempt to gain some space and de-escalate the situation. An OCPD officer and a paramedic were walking out of a bedroom in an attempt to leave after checking on the welfare of Gruber’s mother, but Gruber was standing in the doorway, according to police reports.

The officer pushed Gruber out of the way with one hand and continued to walk toward the door when Gruber allegedly approached him from behind with his hands up, according to police reports. The officer again pushed Gruber back to gain some space, but Gruber reportedly pushed the officer with two hands.

Concerned Gruber was going to assault him again, the officer again pushed Gruber in an attempt to gain some space, but Gruber shoved the officer with two hands. OCPD officers attempted to arrest Gruber at that point, but he reportedly resisted and braced his arms in an attempt to avoid being placed in handcuffs, according to police reports. He was ultimately detained in handcuffs.

After being placed in handcuffs, Gruber sat on the ground and would not walk outside of the residence, according to police reports. Gruber did stand up eventually but leaned his body weight forward and dragged his legs, making it difficult to get him out of the residence, according

to police reports.

After getting Gruber outside, he reportedly refused to get into a patrol car voluntarily and attempted to kick a paramedic and threatened to bite an OCPD officer, according to police reports. A later review of body camera footage revealed Gruber attempt to kick a paramedic and threaten to bite a police officer.

Gruber was taken to the Public Safety Building for booking, and while in a holding cell, he allegedly smashed his head, hands and feet against the window of the cell, causing it to crack and be replaced. He was charged with multiple counts of second-degree assault on police officers and paramedics, obstructing emergency services personnel, resisting arrest, obstructing and hindering a police officer and other counts.

Replica Handgun Arrest

OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested last week after a replica handgun was allegedly located in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop.

Around 12:55 a.m. last Monday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer observed a vehicle with a rear tag light not operating and conducted a traffic stop at the base of the Route 90 bridge at 62nd Street. The officer approached the driver of the vehicle, identified as Edward Cook, 23, of Berlin, who presented an order of suspension temporary license form, according to police reports.

Cook reportedly told the officer he knew the rear tag light was inoperable and that he was going to have it replaced in two days. When asked if there were any weapons in the vehicle, Cook told the officer there was a BB gun in the center console cupholder between the driver’s seat and the rear passenger seat.

The officer reportedly detained Cook in handcuffs and conducted a search of the vehicle, during which a black replica handgun was located in the center console. The replica handgun was marked Glock 19 Austria, and had a similar size, shape, design and weight of a real firearm. The officer determined the weapon was capable of firing a projectile. Cook was arrested and charged with possession of a replica handgun.

Someone IsAtMissingChristmas

25 Sea Turtles Under Aquarium Care

Merry Christmas

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Frigid temperatures forecasted for this weekend will likely only contribute to a cold-stunning season for sea turtles and marine mammals already in full swing with 25 already admitted to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for rehabilitation.

Each year, hundreds of sea turtles and other marine mammals suffer from coldstunning when they hit patches of extremely cold water during their typical migration patterns to warmer climates. The cold water literally stuns the creatures to the point their bodies start to shut down.

It's not unusual and it happens every year around this time throughout the midAtlantic and up and down the east coast but early this season, the problem appears to be particularly acute. The National Aquarium’s Animal Health and Rescue teams are already busy caring for 25 coldstunned sea turtles that were rescued along the east coast, including 13 Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and 12 green sea turtles.

“While cold-stunning is a natural occurrence, reporting incidents can help protect these animals and the public,” said Maryland Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program Coordinator Amanda Weschler this week.

The rescued turtles have been transferred to the National Aquarium’s Response and Rehabilitation Care Center in Baltimore for treatment and, hopefully, a future release back into the wild. Because of its close proximity to the aquarium in Baltimore, rehabilitated sea turtles and other marine mammals including seals are often released from the beaches in Ocean City and Assateague Island.

Each of the 25 sea turtles currently under care at the National Aquarium has received a number and a corresponding name to track their individual progress toward eventual release. As part of an annual tradition, the aquarium chooses a theme for naming the rehabilitating sea turtles and this year’s theme is a reminder of somewhere warm – beach destinations.

For example, the green sea turtle names include Siesta, La Jolla and Carmen, while the Kemp’s ridleys names include Dewey, Waikiki and Juno.

In addition to preparing the recently named sea turtles for release in the coming months, the aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team is also providing long-term rehabilitation to a loggerhead turtle nicknamed Glockenspiel, which was rescued in August. Glockenspiel is being treated for pneumonia and is being encouraged to learn natural foraging.

The majority of the rescued turtles are recovering from ailments commonly associated with cold-stunning including pneumonia, respiratory distress, dehydration, infection and emaciation. As their rehabilitation continues, the Animal Health and Rescue teams are providing around-theclock care to each of the turtles, all working toward the greater goal of returning the sea turtles back to their natural habitat. Some could be ready to be released as soon as February.

The National Aquarium's Animal Rescue program is responsible for responding to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles along the nearly 3,190 miles of Maryland coast and works with stranding partners throughout the Greater Atlantic Regional Stranding Network to help respond, rescue and release animals year-round. The aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team continues to remain on call to provide care to stranded marine mammals throughout Maryland year-round. Cold-stunning can be lethal to both marine mammals and sea turtles, so rehabilitating them and releasing them back into the wild are always considered success stories.

Since 1991, National Aquarium Animal Rescue has rehabilitated and released 363 animals including 300 endangered sea turtles.

Anyone who sees an unresponsive or lethargic sea turtle or marine mammal in Maryland waters or on shore is urged to contact the Maryland Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 800-628-9944. The hotline is manned around the clock, 365 days a year.

The National Aquarium’s Animal Rescue program continues to care for 25 cold-stunned sea turtles, like the one pictured above. Photo Courtesy National Aquarium

Online Island OSV Sales Offered

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – National Park Service (NPS) officials announced this month Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) permits for the Assateague Island National Seashore will go on sale early next year.

Assateague Island National Seashore (AINS) Superintendent Hugh Hawthorne reported online purchases for the OSV permits will go on sale Jan. 4. The online purchase option for the OSV permits is new for 2023 and visitors are welcomed to take an early tour of the streamlined process, which is now open on the www.recreation.gov website.

The online option will help streamline the OSV sales process for visitors to the barrier island. Permits may be purchased in advance online and then picked up at the park office within 10 days of the purchase. OSV permit sales for the upcoming season will continue to be possible in person via online computer stations at the North Beach Ranger Station on the Maryland side, and the Toms Cove Visitor Center in the Virginia district.

Obtaining an OSV permit for the

2023 season is an easy process that can be accomplished in two ways and should only take minutes. Starting Jan. 4, the OSV permits can be purchased online or by visiting the above-listed sites on the barrier island at either the North Ranger Station in Maryland or the Toms Cove Visitor Center on the Virginia side.

The OSV permit at a cost of $110 allows 24-hour access to the Maryland OSV area, although permittees must be actively fishing from midnight to 5 a.m. with no camping or overnight sleeping. On the Virginia side, the OSV permit allows access during regular business hours for the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

There is also a Bullpen OSV permit available at $200. That permit allows 24-hour access to the Maryland OSV area. Permittees must have a hardshelled, slide-on camper with an enclosed toilet with a permanently-installed waste storage tank capable of holding two days of waste water. Permitted vehicles may park overnight in the Bullpen area. For more information about OSV permits at Assateague Island National Seashore, visit www.nps.gov/asis under the Plan Your Visit tab.

Our First Christmas Without You Mom

We will feel like not celebrating, but we will go along with it for the kids, for the family. It will hurt.

Trudy Russo November 1, 1943December 6, 2022

The presents not bought. The chair not sat in. The memories of past Christmases that threaten to suck the joy out of the whole day. But we will get through it, we may even raise a smile between the tears. If you can, thank God for the Christmases you had with them.

Light a candle. Cry. Start a new tradition in their memory.

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

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

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

"We can't think of a better way to ring in the new year than offering our residents and visitors two great fireworks shows," said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. "Families can enjoy counting down to the new year with fireworks at midnight, whether you enjoy a final stroll through North-

side Park or opt for the nostalgia of a drive-in movie. All through the comfort of your vehicle.”

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

Winterfest holiday hours will be standard operating hours. Open Wednesday, Dec. 21 to Sunday, Dec. 25, 5:30–9:30 p.m. (please note: Santa will be preparing his sleigh for Christmas and will not be at Winterfest on Dec. 24 and 25).

Winterfest will have regular operating hours from Wednesday, Dec. 28 to Friday, Dec. 30. Winterfest of Lights will be open one more night, Saturday, Dec. 31, from 5:30-11:30 p.m.

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

Decatur’s Mergott Heading To Duke University SPORTS In The News

Worcester Boys Drop Pair, Fall To 2-5

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team dropped a pair of games last week to close out the first part of the season with a 25 record.

Last Tuesday, the Mallards fell in a close one to Arcadia at home, 5149. The two teams played relatively even through three quarters, but Arcadia had the edge, 15-11, in the decisive fourth quarter to pull out the narrow two-point win. Jack Gardner led Worcester with 20 points, while Harrison Humes added nine.

Last Thursday, Worcester fell to Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) rival Salisbury

Christian, 43-40, in another close game. Worcester trailed at the half but outscored Salisbury Christian, 17-10, in the third quarter to pull even. However, Salisbury Christian outscored the Mallards, 12-5, in the final quarter to pull out the threepoint win.

Griffin Jones led the way for Worcester with 16 points, while Humes scored seven and Gardner and Ashton Browne each scored six. With the pair of tight losses, the Worcester boys fell to 2-5 on the season although they have been in every game down to the finish. Worcester is now off until after the holiday break and will resume conference play on January 6 against Salisbury School on the road.

Worcester Girls Sweep Two, Improve To 4-3

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team won two games last week to improve to 4-3 on the season.

Last Tuesday, the Mallards beat Arcadia, 33-23, at home. Worcester got out to an early lead and played Arcadia about even the rest of the game on its way to the 33-23 win in a low-scoring contest. Caitlyn Hoen led Worcester with eight points

and 10 rebounds. Esther Mehilli scored nine points, while Sydney Mize and Anne Carter scored six each.

The Worcester girls were back in action last Thursday and cruised past Salisbury Christian, 34-10. The Mallards led 22-6 at the half and never looked back. Hoen led the way with eight points and eight rebounds, while Mehilli, Carter and Lilly Phillips each scored six points. The Mallards now have a 4-3 record heading into the holiday break.

Decatur Wrestlers Sweep Dual, Remain Unbeaten

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team swept a dual meet last week, beating CambridgeSouth Dorcester, 77-0 and Kent County 66-6 to remain unbeaten on the season.

Against Cambridge-South Dorchester, Juan Hinojosa beat E’Jabrion Manokey at 113, Aaron August beat DeOntie Haigler at 126, Logan Intrieri beat George Spry at 138, and Alex Reihl beat Jamal Wallace at 145. Amarian Manuel beat Jasiy Molock at 152. The Seahawks won

most of the middle weight classes by forfeit. Kole Kohut beat Jai’Tyrese Brown at 220 and Chris Cherry beat Nate Knor-Schum at 285.

Against Kent County, August beat Noah Iacona at 126, Logan Intrieri beat Brady Sutton at 138, and Manuel beat Nick Price at 152. Parker Intrieri beat Dylan Schauber at 195, Nate McDaniel beat Kamryn Greene at 220 and Chris Cherry beat Anthony Wilson at 285.

The Seahawks will compete in the Damascus Holiday Wrestling Tournament next Tuesday and Wednesday against some of the top programs in the area.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur standout student-athlete Luke Mergott this week signed a national letter of intent to continue his football and academic career at Duke University.

The versatile Mergott, who excelled on both sides of the ball for Decatur’s highly successful varsity football program as a linebacker, defensive end, running back and pass receiver, signed a letter of intent on Wednesday to continue his career at Duke. He will start attending classes at Duke and playing spring football this spring. Decatur Principal Tom Sites emceed the signing ceremony at Decatur on Wednesday, which was attended by teachers, school administrators, his coaches in various sports at different levels, and his teammates.

“Today, we’re going to hear a lot about hard work,” said Sites. “That’s why we’re here today.”

Sites said he recalled taking notice of Mergott at a very young age.

“When my own kids were involved in youth football and I was coaching, I saw something special in Luke,” he said. “He stood out, even as an eight-year-old. I saw his intensity and his tenacity even then. I knew we would be standing here today celebrating his next accomplishment, I just didn’t know where.”

Sites said Mergott exemplified a student-athlete and was a major contributor to Decatur’s deep run in the state playoffs this year. The Seahawks won three playoff games and reached the state Final Four before bowing out.

“He led our team on both sides of the ball,” he said. “It was a fantastic run for our team and all of the players and Luke was a big part of that. He is the definition of a student-athlete.”

Head Coach Jake Coleman said he came to Decatur during the height of COVID and challenging times for high school sports, but Mergott kept working out and getting better during those challenging times.

“If you know Luke well, he can be difficult at times, but in a good way,” he said. “At the end of the day, he always

does what you expect him to do.”

Coleman said Mergott always strived to get better, which is how he has ended up heading to Duke.

“Luke came up to varsity and became our lockdown cornerback,” he said. “I don’t think he ever even gave up a pass. He would come running up to me after practice and ask ‘What can I do better?’ That was repeated every day. When your best player is a kid like Luke, it makes coaching easy.”

Coleman said by Mergott’s junior year, his phone was blowing up and people were saying he needed to leave Decatur. Coleman said Mergott had a goal of playing Division I football and he fielded as many as 25 offers or more, but the one school he wanted the most was Duke. He said Mergott had offers from Navy, West Point and Ivy League schools among others, but the one he coveted most was Duke. Coleman said Mergott knew he would have to run a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash to get a look from Duke, but he typically ran a 4.7.

“He kept working at it,” he said. “In my heart, I didn’t think he could run a 4.5 because that time is pretty high, but he did it. He went out there and earned it.”

Coleman said Mergott’s contributions to the Decatur football team and school community went beyond the field. He related a story about Mergott’s last game at Decatur to illustrate his point.

“After his last football game, he’s waiting around to leave like the rest of us,” he said. “He gets a broom and starts cleaning up the field house. He wanted to make sure he finished it.”

Mom Amy Fenzel-Mergott had a long list of coaches past and present and teachers and school administrators to thank.

“Luke’s success is Stephen Decatur’s success and Worcester County’s success,” she said. “This is an exceptional environment. We’re blessed to be part of this village.”

For his part, Mergott was emotional and said there would be more Decatur student-athletes to follow his lead.

“I have cried about three times in my life, and this is one of those times,” he said. “I just know Decatur is going to keep having days like this.”

Stephen Decatur standout student-athlete Luke Mergott this week signed a national letter of intent with Duke University to continue his academic and football career. Pictured above, from left, are mom Amy Fenzel-Mergott, Luke Mergott, dad Dan Mergott and sister Mary Mergott.

Photo by Shawn Soper

STUDENTS

In The News

Worcester Preparatory School students gathered this month to load a truck with gifts to be donated to Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity) during this holiday season. Above, students and staff stand behind a mountain of gifts and blankets to be donated to a local nursing home. Picture, from left, are Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School Mike Grosso, Claire Windrow, Elaina Elrick, Caitlin Williams, Vanesska Hall, Laney Hoch, Ronen Poddar, Bella Fernley and Upper School teacher Linda Bragg.

Fifth grader Lea Jaoude, above, “starred” in the annual holiday WPS Lower School show playing the role of Esther. Below, second graders, from left, are Zia Salem, Emery Anthony, Emma Abbott, Hannah Giardina, Grace Hornung, Ethan Arnold and Kamden White.

Families and students of the Lower School enjoyed kicking off the holiday season with a beloved Worcester Preparatory School tradition, the annual Holiday Performance, directed, choreographed and written by Lower School Music Director Joanie Brittingham. Above, pictured from left, are fifth grade students Sadie Kremer, Elena Kappes, Vivi Grinestaff, Keller Hoch, Taj Sands and Lea Jaoude. Below are pre-kindergarten students, from left, Matias Escamilla-Aliullov, Tuck Padgett, Paislynn Hutchins, Skylar Marsh, Will Rafinski and Harper Hunt.

Students in Jennifer Fohner’s PreK-4 classroom from Ocean City Elementary finished a writing activity where they had to write two things they wanted their elves to share with Santa. Above, Naisa Kc, Tucker Coates and Chloe Ask are pictured with their elves. Submitted Photos

Gabrielle Dolansky’s second grade class at Ocean City Elementary School was able to celebrate students’ reading accomplishments by wearing their comfy pajamas all day on Friday, Dec. 16. They are pictured next to their completed light bulbs containing titles of books they have read. Standing, from left, are Annabelle Willard, Nyah Lopez and Charlie Ward; and, kneeling, August Ryan, Austin Starkey and Alexander Balassone.

Warren

G.

Harding Merling

OCEAN PINES – Lefty Merling, aged 101, was called home to be with Our Lord Jesus on Dec. 14, 2022.

He died peacefully surrounded by children and several grandchildren at the Stansell House of Coastal Hospice in Ocean Pines. A lifelong Maryland resident, Lefty was born March 4, 1921, in Baltimore, son of Anthony and Ida Merling.

Lefty knew how to work hard and play hard. His long successful career included work as a master plumber in Baltimore as well as a Deputy Sheriff in Baltimore City, from where he retired in 1985. He enjoyed fishing, attending Baltimore Colts (and eventually Ravens) games and socializing with family and friends. He spent the last 12 years of his life living in Ocean City with his wife of 49 years, Joan, until her passing in 2021.

Lefty was a decorated WWII veteran, receiving an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and WWII Victory Ribbon. Lefty and Joan were long time active members of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Baltimore. He is survived by daughter, Sharon Stewart and her husband John; son David Hartman and his wife Marie and children Ryan and Lauren of Annapolis; and son Delegate Wayne Hartman and his wife Sharon and their children Alyson and Trent (wife Miranda) of Ocean City. Wayne and Sharon have been loving caregivers for their dad and mom for the past several years.

Besides wife Joan and his parents, Lefty is preceded in death by his daughter, Pat Andrews and husband Don; son, Richard Merling; and sisters Ruth Chambers, Sophia Druery and Theresa Druery

OBITUARIES

and their husbands. He is survived by grandchildren Greg, Donny and Scott Andrews and Michelle Parsons and their spouses, as well as many great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.

Services were held followed by a Christian burial at Oaklawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in Lefty’s name to the Stansell House of Coastal Hospice in Ocean Pines.

Bette Phillips

OCEAN CITY – Bette Phillips passed away peacefully at 3:31 a.m. on Dec. 16, 2022.

She was born on March 31 in Salisbury the daughter of the late Orlando M. Bailey and Frederica D. Bailey. She is survived by her husband, J. Harrison Phillips, III of Ocean City and a close family.

A private graveside funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society P.O, Box 48 Berlin, Md. 21811 or to the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department 10124 Keyser Point Rd. Ocean City, Md. 21842. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Benjamin W. Shockley

SNOW HILL – Benjamin W. Shockley, 79, of Snow Hill, passed away Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born Dec. 28, 1942, he was the son of the late Arthur and Eloise (Bradford) Shockley.

League. Benny enjoyed playing softball in many local leagues and had been a longtime high school soccer referee.

Survivors include three children, Dwayne Shockley and his wife, Cindy, of Snow Hill, Lisa Gebhardt and her husband, Tim, of Snow Hill and Kim S. Donoway and her husband, Tommy, of Newark; a brother, M. Edwin “Buddy” Shockley and his wife, Gail, of Snow Hill; eight grandchildren, Jessica Chew and her husband, Brandon, of Delmar, Del., Travis Shockley and his wife, Samantha, of Snow Hill, Curtis Shockley and his wife, Kristen, of Snow Hill, Collin Shockley and his wife, Stacey, of Millington, Timmy Gebhardt and his wife, Nicole, of Snow Hill, Colby Gebhardt and his wife, Trudy, of Snow Hill, Jason Donoway and his wife, Haley, of Newark and Melissa Donoway of Snow Hill; 14 greatgrandchildren; and numerous extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Arthur, Jr. and Tommy Shockley, and his sister-inlaw, Joan Shockley.

BETTE PHILLIPS

In her early years, she was a Brownie and Girl Scout Troop Leader, a teacher at Head Start and Buckingham School in Berlin, then working many years for Worcester County Social Services, later retiring as the Assistant Director. After retiring, she helped her husband in his law practice. She was President of the Little Salisbury Civic Association, a board member for Cedar Chapel in Snow Hill, a member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Ocean City Noise Board.

The holiday season provides us with the unique opportunity to express our gratitude and best wishes to those who make this community newspaper relevant - our faithful readers and dedicated clients. You are the pillars of our success and we thank you for helping make the last year a memorable one.

No matter what holiday you are celebrating over the next couple weeks, our sincere wish is for everyone to take a few moments from the inevitable hectic pace that comes with these occasions to enjoy some quality time with those close to your heart.

These are special times to share with your loved ones. At least for a day or two, remember to put aside all the worries of life and make some fresh memories. Rather than obsess on the uncontrollable, we owe it to ourselves to live in the moment, and there’s no better time than the holidays to kick back and reflect on all that’s good in our lives. There’s plenty for all of us to be thankful for, and it’s incumbent upon us to recognize what’s cherished in our lives, particularly during this blessed time of the year.

After graduating from high school, Benny served in the US Army. He then attended barber school and worked in barber shops in Berlin and Snow Hill. He also worked for Lance Incorporated for over 30 years retiring as a Senior Manager. His love of cutting hair continued for friends and family until recent years.

Benny was a member of Spence Baptist Church. He was a life member of the Snow Hill Fire Department, member of the Snow Hill Lion’s Club and had been a past president of the Snow Hill Little

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. in the Spence Baptist Church Family Center, 4814 Pawpaw Creek Road, Snow Hill. Md. 21863. Private burial is at Snow Hill, Christian Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Snow Hill Fire Department, 4718 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill, Md. 21863 or to Spence Baptist Church, ATTN: Youth Ministry, 4824 Pawpaw Creek Road, Snow Hill, Md. 21863

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

BENJAMIN W. SHOCKLEY

Forever In Memory

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

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

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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 $260 per year.

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How We See It

A Lesson In Work Ethic For Students

Hard work pays off. It’s the takeaway message we hope for young studentathletes in attendance at college signing ceremonies for athletes like Stephen Decatur High School senior Luke Mergott.

During this week’s celebratory event, every speaker praised Mergott, who will attend Division I’s Duke University in the fall and play football, for his incredible work ethic, internal drive to be great, and passion. It’s not every year a local student-athlete signs to play a Division I sport. It’s rare a student-athlete commits to play a Division I sport at a school with the academic caliber of Duke University.

This week’s solo gathering was indeed deserved and Mergott’s signing was right to be separated from the other seniors who signed their letters of intent earlier in the fall. This was a different level for an athlete who has distinguished himself during his four years at Decatur.

Kudos and congratulations also to the other student-athletes who recently signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic pursuits at colleges of their choice. The common denominator for Mergott and these other student-athletes is a burning self-motivation to be exceptional. It all starts and ends with a strong work ethic, grounded with an internal desire and dedication to excel. Not all athletes have it. Many are naturally gifted, but most do not have the rare combination of athleticism, talent, coachability, dedication, leadership and the ability to endure the adversity and the grind.

Mergott is one of those rare studentathletes who possesses all these key traits and then some. He is the son of two outstanding Division III athletes at Salisbury University. His mom was an acclaimed basketball player and his dad a talented lacrosse player. Both were AllAmericans in their chosen sports in college. Members of Salisbury University’s Athletics Hall of Fame, Dan and Amy Fenzel-Mergott are public school teachers in Worcester County. Luke Mergott’s sister, Mary, was also an outstanding student-athlete at Decatur, being named Best All Around Student for the Class of 2021 and an accomplished runner who went on to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy to participate in cross country and track.

Surely, Mergott came from solid athletic genes. However, Duke University requires the total package and Mergott is that. The pride of the community was on full display this week during the signing ceremony. He grew up here playing youth sports. He’s well known to many. His mom said during the ceremony he was blessed to be raised in this community, which she referred to as a village. She said, “Luke’s success is Stephen Decatur’s success and Worcester County’s success. This is an exceptional environment. We’re blessed to be part of this village.”

It’s a success story worth celebrating.

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

It’s the week in the year to take a few moments and look back at the predictions I made for the news in 2022. Here’s how I fared:

RIGHT ON THE MARK

•It was the right call when I predicted Worcester County Public Schools would not follow other school systems and start the new year virtual due to rising case numbers over the holidays.

•At the close of 2021, it looked like the Margaritaville redevelopment project was on the rocks after plans were tabled. I surmised the project would return in 2022 for consideration. It did and appears to be on track.

•I hit big on my prediction Ocean City would not conduct a national search for its next city manager after Doug Miller announced his resignation. I suggested the city would promote a current department head to the position, thinking it would be Public Works Director Hal Adkins or City Engineer Terry McGean. It turned out to be McGean who was named in January.

•On the election front, I was right when I suggested two new individuals would be elected to the Ocean City Mayor and Council after Councilman Lloyd Martin retired after 20 years. New Council members sworn in last month were Carol Proctor and Will Savage, who replaced Martin and Mark Paddack.

•Also, in election news, I predicted one new face would join the Berlin town council in 2022. The new person turned out to be me as I was unopposed. Re-elected to the council were Dean Burrell, who defeated Tony Weeg by two votes, and Jay Knerr, who was unopposed.

•In other election happenings, I was right four individuals would file for the seat held by retiring County Commissioner Bud Church. I thought it would be three Republicans and a Democrat, but it turned out to be four Republicans battling out in the primary with Eric Fiori elected in a tight race.

•A major snowstorm did hit the area for the first time in several years. My timing was off, however. I thought it would be mid-February. It turned out to be late January when a foot of snow dropped.

•Former County Commissioner Virgil Shockley did file for the District 4 Commissioner seat, but he and two others lost to incumbent Ted Elder in the primary.

•Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who represents Ocean City, was unopposed for his seat.

•State Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Delegate Wayne Hartman were both unopposed in their primaries, but only Carozza was opposed in the general election. I thought Carozza and Hartman would face opposition in the general election. It turned out Hartman was unopposed for his re-election bid, while Carozza defeated Salisbury Council member Michele Gregory in November.

•I was on the money when I predicted a local developer would “submit a purchase offer for Heron Park.” A proposal by Palmer Gillis has in fact been identified as the favored project, but negotiations continue.

WAY OFF THE MARK

•I was wrong when I suggested Worcester County would purchase land on Route 50 for a sports complex. In fact, earlier this month, the county officially ended the real estate contract for land along the highway west of the high school.

•Saturday mail service was not nixed by the United States Postal Service as I predicted.

•I completely missed on the governor’s race in Maryland. I had Democrat Peter Franchot defeating Republican Kelly Schulz. In fact, neither survived the July primary. It was Democrat Wes Moore winning the primary and then easily defeating Republican Dan Cox with 65% of the vote.

•I thought booming assessments coupled with an election year might lead the Worcester County Commissioners to lower the property tax rate. It stayed the same.

•I wrongly thought 2022 would be the year development plans move forward at the intersection of Route 50 and Main Street in Berlin. Nothing has materialized.

•It was predicted Ocean City would finalize the specifics of the Baltimore Avenue reconstruction project with a timeline in place for 2023 construction. It appears soaring costs have it on the backburner for now.

•While Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan did file for re-election, he did not announce any intention for it to be his final two-year term. He has said candidly he still enjoys the work after 37 years in elected office.

•The Big Wheel did return to Trimper Rides this summer, proving me wrong as I thought it would not be around.

•Contrary to what I predicted, there was no talk between State Highway Administration and Berlin officials about making Main Street in the downtown area a pedestrian-only plaza.

•I predicted Berlin and Ocean Pines would pass short-term rental ordinances in 2022. Only Berlin did over the last year.

•Only twice in 20-plus years of making these predictions have I gotten the Super Bowl right. Last year I whiffed again, picking the Packers to beat the Chiefs. It was the Rams who downed the Bengals.

•The Royal Farms planned for Route 589 did not open this year, but construction is underway.

•Because a date had not been announced for the annual fall event this time last year, I predicted Sunfest would be held the last weekend of September. Due to the Oceans Calling Festival, the event was pushed back a month to Oct. 20-23.

REMAINS IN LIMBO

•It’s unknown if Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan will opt against a presidency run and instead go for a Senate seat.

Puzzle Answers

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

It’s the small things that get you sometimes.

Due to a school construction project, the last several weeks Carson has been bringing home some things stored in his locker. At one point, we noticed many things did not appear to belong to him, such as a bag full of soft, squishy toys and about 10 books, all of the Guinness Book of World Records variety. While he likes these sorts of things tremendously, we knew they were not his.

When we pointed out these were not his belongings to Carson’s teaching team, it was reported back something along the lines of, “Oh the other kids brought them in for him along the way.”

This was one of those special moments, which serve as further realization there is so much good in this world including in middle school. For middle school kids to gift these items to Carson is special. There is a meaning behind these gifts.

When we opened the bag and found two large soft, squeezable pencils, Pam and I had to laugh. There have been several instances over recent months when Carson finished his assignment in class and began tapping his pencil on his desk. When asked to stop, he refused, tapping harder on his desk. Things escalated from there with unfortunately a couple instances when our kid lost his cool and the room having to be cleared for safety. It’s tough to hear. For an impacted kid or two to either buy or hand down these soft squeezable pencils to Carson is an incredible gesture.

Additionally, for weeks to help Carson get through his day, we would send him to school with some of his favorite books. He likes the Guinness Book of World Records and other books along those lines. After school one day, I was

wondering why his book bag was so heavy. I pulled out six of these types of books including a 2007 Guinness Book of World Records. When we asked his teachers, it was the same answer – kids had passed them along to him because they know he enjoys them.

This is generosity, understanding

and empathy at its greatest. The mantra of “choose kindness” appears to be alive and well with our kid’s classmates.

(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.)

For many years it was tradition to get family pictures with Santa. Thanks to puberty and other changes with our boys, we stopped a few years ago. Last weekend, above, we were able to pick up the tradition. Below is my favorite Santa picture of all time from 2010. Merry Christmas to all.