Dec. 28

The Dispatch December 28, 2018

Priceless

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Recycling On Display: This pair of bald eagles made the best of some litter left behind, using a plastic sand shovel to stabilize their nest-build-

ing efforts in the coastal bays.

Ocean City Loses Boardwalk Property Case; Appeals Court Rules For Family

Citizens Organize Petition Drive To Put Land Purchase Before OC Voters

Assateague’s Federal Side Accessible, But Visitor Services Not Offered In Shutdown

Ball Drops, Penguin Swim Planned For New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day

See Page 4 • File Photo

See Page 10 • File Photo

See Page 6 • File Photo

See Pages 17, 22 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Photo by John Whaley

INSIDE PAGES

Cops & Courts PAGE 24

Editorial PAGE 43

Sports

PAGE 46

Fatherhood PAGE 48

Community

PAGE 49

Things I Like

PAGE 51

Music

PAGE 52

Faces In Places PAGE 56

Business PAGE 58

People In Society PAGE 60

Crossword PAGE 61

Things To Do PAGE 62

Classifieds PAGE 65

Vanishing OC PAGE 70

Page 2

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ocean City Loses Boardwalk Case

December 28, 2018

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The heirs of the historic Dumser’s Dairyland building on the east side of the Boardwalk got an early Christmas present late last week when a state appellate court ruled against the Town of Ocean City in its bid to potentially have it removed.

The state’s Court of Special Appeals last Friday reversed an April 2017 ruling by the Worcester County Circuit Court, opining the Town of Ocean City had not presented sufficient evidence to prove ownership of the historic building on the east side of the Boardwalk at South Division Street, which, for decades has been home to the iconic Dumser’s Dairyland. With essentially the mere formality of remanding the case back to Worcester County Circuit Court to adjust its 2017 opinion to reflect the state appellate court’s opinion issued last week, there was some measure of closure in the long-battled case for the property’s heirs, who, along with their legions of supporters, were grateful for the outcome.

“We are extremely happy that the Court of Special Appeals has reversed the prior opinion and we are also very grateful that the public reaction to this decision has been so overwhelmingly positive,” Nathans Associates spokesperson and family member Mona Strauss said in a letter to the editor to be published in this publication on Friday. “It is very gratifying to know that the public that had been so supportive of the Timmons and Rapoport families in the past is as pleased about this decision as we are. The appellate court has ruled in favor of Nathans and Dumsers.”

The landmark building on the east side of South Division Street near the south end of the Boardwalk has been home to different businesses and attractions over the last century-plus after an enterprising young man first built it in 1905. Since the 1970s, the iconic building has been home to a Dumser’s Dairyland ice cream parlor that has served the popular treat to generations of residents and visitors to Ocean City.

Ownership of the property was called into question in 2016 after the second of two 25-year agreements between the Town of Ocean City and the heirs of the original owner, Nathan Rapoport, who first built the structure back in 1905, expired. In April 2017, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge issued an opinion in favor of the Town of Ocean City. As a result of that ruling, the Rapoport heirs were temporarily enjoined from any use of the property and were given a timeline at that time to remove or demolish the SEE NEXT PAGE

… Circuit Court Must Alter Ruling

December 28, 2018

FROM PAGE 4 historic building.

Rapoport’s heirs, Nathan Associates, appealed the Worcester County Circuit Court decision to the state’s Court of Special Appeals, which, last Friday, issued an opinion in favor of the heirs of the long-time property owners and against the Town of Ocean City. The 27-page Court of Special Appeals opinion released on Friday is largely technical and full of legalese, but the long and short of it is, the Town of Ocean City during the appeal process failed to show the iconic Dumser’s property lies within the town’s dedicated public easement.

As a result, the original Worcester County Circuit Court decision issued in 2017 was reversed. The necessary next step is to remand the case back to Worcester County Circuit Court so that the opinion issued in 2017 can be properly amended to reflect last Friday’s ruling by the Court of Special Appeals.

“Ocean City failed to present sufficient evidence to support the circuit court’s conclusion that the property is located within the boundaries of the dedicated and accepted public easement of Atlantic Avenue,” the opinion reads. “Because of this, the case will be remanded to the circuit court for the limited purpose of issuing an order consistent with this opinion. The judgment of the circuit court for Worcester County is reversed. The case is remanded for entry of an opinion consistent with this opinion.”

The Nathans Associates’ appeal largely focused on four basic questions about the outcome in the circuit court trial, but answer to the first one, which reads “whether Ocean City presented sufficient evidence to support the circuit court’s finding that the property was physically located within the area of the dedication and public easement of the Town of Ocean City,” proved to be all the appeals court needed to render its opinion last Friday.

“We shall answer the first question in the negative and hold that there was insufficient evidence to support the circuit court’s conclusion that the property was physically located within the relevant area,” the opinion reads. “In light of this holding, we shall not address the second and third questions.”

In 1966, Rapoport, in declining health and desirous of retiring in Ocean City where he and his family operated different businesses over the years in the building, reached an “agreement” with the city to tear down the existing structure and build a new and improved building on the site with a commercial interest on the Boardwalk level, now Dumser’s, and living quarters above on the second floor.

The agreement expired in 1991 and Rapoport’s heirs, now Nathans AssoSEE PAGE 37

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Page 6

Petition Drive Underway To Stop Ocean City’s Property Purchase

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A petition drive is underway in an attempt to circumvent the Town of Ocean City’s attempt to acquire the World Gym property at 67th Street.

Last week, the Mayor and Council approved on second reading an ordinance that would authorize the city to purchase the existing World Gym property at 67th Street for a little over $1.2 million. The 18,000-square-foot parcel is one piece of a larger collection of properties sought by the city for a future water treatment plant.

The existing water treatment plant at 44th Street has been in service for over six decades and has outlived its useful life, according to city officials. To that end, the city has been piece-meal purchasing parcels in the area of 67th Street for the purpose of planning and ultimately building a new water treatment plant. The city has already purchased the old VFW Post property in the area of 67th Street for the same purpose.

During previous discussions about the property acquisition, citizen Tony Christ has made veiled threats to start a petition to attempt to stop the land purchase, pointing out the gym is an existing, taxpaying entity and a future water treatment plant would be better suited on a different piece of property.

Shortly after the council approved the ordinance authorizing the purchase of the gym property last week, Christ enlisted the help of former Councilman Vince Gisriel, a fiscal watchdog who has mounted successful petition drives in the past, to draft a petition for this situation.

Gisriel said this week he too had been watching the potential purchase of the gym property move forward and was happy to oblige with drafting a petition at Christ’s request.

“He asked me a while ago when he heard of the acquisition to draft a petition for referendum,” he said. “We’re of the same mindset on this that they are about to take a taxpaying entity off the tax rolls. We’re of the mindset that is the wrong approach and there are other properties and other alternatives to consider.”

Gisriel suggested it was shortsighted to take a viable business off the tax rolls for the acquisition of a piece of property that might not be needed, or even possible, for a number of years. It was a sentiment shared last week by some on the council, who expressed concern the property purchase could force the current tenant out of business before it was necessary.

However, it’s important to note the

December 28, 2018

current property owner fell in arrears on local and state taxes and ultimately foreclosed, which is how the situation got where it is now. Mayor Rick Meehan last week pointed out the town is purchasing the property now because it fell into foreclosure after not paying taxes for three years.

Nonetheless, the door remains open for negotiations to keep the gym up and running until the town needs the property for the future water plant.

Gisriel said this week a successful petition drive for referendum could stall or prevent the property purchase altogether.

“It’s part of the philosophy of trying to be conservative with taxpayer money,” he said. “What is the right thing to do? Maybe this is one way to save a viable entity as a gym or some other viable use.”

Gisriel said he submitted the draft petition to City Solicitor Guy Ayres last week for approval and he approved it the next day. That started a 40-day window for organizers to garner enough signatures to bring the question to referendum. The city charter requires signatures representing 40 percent of those who voted in the last election.

With 2,566 votes cast in the municipal election in November, that sets the target number for a successful petition at 1,027, a figure that could be challenging, Gisriel acknowledged.

Organizers have 40 days from the time of Ayres’ approval last week to garner the requisite number of signatures.

“By my calculation, that leaves until roughly the end of January to get enough signatures,” he said. “Getting enough signatures in the dead of winter is difficult, but it’s doable. The key is if there are enough people around who agree it would be better suited somewhere else.”

In September, the Mayor and Council voted to begin condemnation process for the gym property at 67th Street, which had been in foreclosure.

Later that month, Wells Fargo purchased the property for $1.13 million at a public auction on the site. Because the town as a municipality was not allowed to participate in the public auction during a trustee sale, the town took the pre-emptive step to begin the condemnation process for the property.

Once Wells Fargo bought the parcel at auction, the town was free to negotiate a fair market price for the property, which has led to the proposed purchase for $1.2 million initiated earlier this month. It’s important to note the roughly $1.2 million purchase price would be funded through the town’s water department enterprise fund, a self-sustaining fund generated by water system user payments.

December 28, 2018

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Page 7

Former NFL Kicker To Speak At Annual Prayer Breakfast

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – David Akers knows the meaning of perseverance.

Recognized today as a legendary placekicker, Akers didn’t begin his football career as a star. Akers was cut from three teams before he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, and even then nearly missed training camp after a bout of food poisoning left him in hospital quarantine for a week.

He never gave up, however, and today after more than a decade of play holds the NFL postseason record for consecutive field goals as well as just about every Pro Bowl kicking record.

“We all have our own journey,” Akers said.

He’ll talk about his next month at

the annual Ocean City Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 11. Akers is the keynote speaker at this year’s event, which is expected to bring 400 people to the Clarion Resort Fontainbleau Hotel.

“For him it wasn’t an instant football career,” said Lisa Layfield, event director at the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. “He had a lot of hurdles or different struggles personally and professionally. His story is about his faith, his yearning to move forward. He’s got a really great story.”

Layfield said the chamber took over as host of the popular January prayer breakfast a few years ago in an effort to keep the event going.

“Our goal was to give people from all parts of the community, all in one place, something to start the year on

a positive note,” she said.

Chamber officials put in plenty of research before selecting a speaker. Last year, Victor Mooney, the first African American man to row across an ocean, addressed attendees. This year, Layfield said the chamber’s board and an event committee selected Akers to be the main speaker. They were encouraged by the comments made by those who’d heard Akers before.

“Everyone said ‘you can’t go wrong,’” she said. “People are so moved by his story and he’s such a down-to-earth, people person.”

Akers was cut from the Atlanta Falcons, the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Redskins early in his career. Akers joined the Eagles in 1999, however, and went on to play 12 seasons for the team, becoming the fran-

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“Everybody overcomes. The reality is you don’t do it alone,” said David Akers, who will be the keynote speaker at next month’s prayer breakfast.

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chise’s all-time leading scorer. He was named to the Eagles 75th Anniversary Team, was voted onto the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s and set the NFL mark for most points scored in a decade (1,169 from 2000 to 2009).

Akers then spent two seasons playing for San Francisco, breaking the single-season records for field goals made, field goals attempted and points scored without a touchdown. In 2012, he tied the NFL record for longest field goal at 63 yards.

Akers, who is now a free agent, has played in two Super Bowls and is a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He’s also a minister and author.

“He just kept pushing forward,” Layfield said. “It’s such a positive story.”

In an interview this week, Akers said he handled his first speaking engagement in 2010 and knew then it was something he wanted to pursue. Though he had an idea of the message he wanted to share, he hired a speech coach to help him hone his communication skills and eventually launched a fulltime speaking career in 2014. He now speaks about 30 times a year at events like Ocean City’s prayer breakfast.

What Akers likes most about being an inspirational speaker is the way it allows him to meet people.

“I’ve always enjoyed getting to know people,” he said. “I think everybody has a story to tell.”

Akers loves to hear about people “grinding through the tough times,” particularly since perseverance is a biblical principle. “It’s a matter of figuring things out and pushing forward,” he said.

In Ocean City, Akers will talk about the importance of perseverance, perspective and personnel.

“Everybody overcomes,” he said.

“The reality is you don’t do it alone.”

He hopes to inspire listeners and remind them that the issues they’re forced to overcome often help define them.

“Sometimes people get focused on the ultimate goal of winning,” he said.

“A lot of it is about the journey.”

Tickets to this year’s Ocean City Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast are $20. For more information, visit chamber.oceancity.org or call 410-213-0144.

County Amends Utility Plan For New 589 Medical Center

December 28, 2018

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed last week to amend the county’s water and sewerage plan to allow a medical center on Route 589 to move forward.

Following a public hearing Dec. 18, the Worcester County Commissioners voted to approve an amendment to the Worcester County Comprehensive Water and Sewerage Plan that will enable Atlantic General Hospital to proceed with plans for a facility on Route 589. The nearly 100,000 square-foot facility will enable the hospital to bring several of its offices together.

“It’s going to allow the Atlantic General Health System to consolidate those into one piece of property,” said Hugh Cropper, the hospital’s attorney.

“It’s going to be very efficient which is going to be good for Atlantic General Hospital both in providing the services and in keeping costs down so they don’t have to lease a bunch of different offices all over the county.”

According to county staff, the proposed water and sewerage plan amendment would allow the property selected for the project to receive service in the immediate future through the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area.

The amendment would change the property’s designation from S-6, no planned service, to S-1, planned to be served within two years.

Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs, said the Worcester County Planning Commission had reviewed the proposed amendment last month.

“The planning commission found this consistent with the comprehensive plan,” he said.

Mitchell said the change would not require any upgrades to the county’s wastewater facilities.

“The treatment plant and water system have the capacity to serve this, to handle this, addition without any ex-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

pansions,” he said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked where the line would connect to the existing infrastructure. Mitchell explained that it would come in on the west side of Route 589.

“At this point do we know how this project is going to impact the foliage, the trees, that are there now?” Bertino asked.

Mitchell said the project would be subject to the usual forest conservation requirements.

“I can assure you they’ve made representations, you can ask the applicant themselves, but they want to be good neighbors and have as big a buffer as possible,” he said.

Cropper reiterated that.

“I assure you it’s going to be a very attractive building, sort of in the character of Atlantic General Hospital but keeping with the agricultural tradition under the design plan,” he said. “Every effort will be maintained to preserve existing forest on site.”

Cropper said the building would sit close to the road while parking would be in the rear. He added that the planning commission would approve the project’s site plan before construction began.

“The issue as it relates to our hearing today is that Ocean Pines does have adequate sewer and water capacity and we’re asking for water and sewer,” he said. “There are no upgrades required.”

He pointed out that the site where the project was being built was actually made up of two parcels, both of which had been approved for separate on-site systems.

“An owner could come in and put in an on-site septic system,” he said.

“This will take the place of that.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to support the amendment. A site plan for the project is expected to be considered by the planning commission in early 2019. The facility is being built by Sina Companies, a national medical campus developer, and will be leased to Atlantic General Hospital.

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Page 9

Assateague’s Fed Side Remains Open With Limited Services

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – The natural beauty and winter solitude can still be enjoyed at Assateague Island National Seahsore during the current federal government shutdown, but there are little or no services available on the barrier island.

National Park Service (NPS) officials announced last weekend that during the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks including Assateague will remain as accessible as

possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Park roads, boardwalks, trails, beach access and the Over-Sand Vehicle Route (OSV) will remain accessible to visitors, but services have been curtailed.

There will be no NPS-provided visitor services at Assateague Island National Seashore including public information, restrooms, trash collection or facilities and roads maintenance. Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS websites and social media platforms are not being monitored or updated, so the information on the sites may not be ac-

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curate and up to date.

The NPS will not be providing services for NPS-operated campgrounds including maintenance, janitorial, bathrooms, check-in or check-out services or reservations. However, visitors in NPS-operated campgrounds will not be asked to leave unless safety concerns arise. “… National parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures,” the NPS statement reads. “Park roads, beaches, trails and the Over-Sand Vehicle zone at Assateague Island National Seashore will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services will be limited.”

While it is December and the slowest time of the year, many enjoy the winter solitude at Assateague and they will be allowed to continue to do so, but visitors will notice some obvious consequences due to the government stalemate.

“There will be no NPS-provided visitor services as Assateague Island National Seashore, including public information at park visitor centers, restrooms, trash collection and facilities and roads maintenance,” the statement reads. “Because of the federal government shutdown, the NPS will not be providing services for NPSoperated campgrounds ...”

While there are no services being

December 28, 2018

provided on the federal side of Assateague Island, the Assateague Coastal Trust’s annual Ilia Fehrer-Judy Johnson Memorial Beach Walk scheduled for New Year’s Day next week is expected to go on as planned. ACT Communication Director Billy Weiland said this week while the shutdown will not likely be resolved before next week’s annual First Walk, the route could be amended to accommodate the event.

“As for the New Year’s Day hike, I don’t foresee the government shutdown righting itself in time, but we will certainly still be able to have the walk,” he said.

“Depending on the weather and turnout, I may walk folks along the southern portion of the state park behind the state park campgrounds. In years past, I believe the walk has moved from the state park beach access northward, which only extends about three-quarters of a mile before crossing into the federallyowned portion. By taking the walk south, we’ll have a bit more beach to cover for people.”

The first Assateague Beach Walk was held on Jan. 1, 1970. The newly formed Committee to Preserve Assateague Island hosted the inaugural event to draw attention to Assateague’s wild beauty. The Committee to Preserve Assateague Island was created by Ilia Fehrer, Judy Johnson and a few friends who had organized to rally against early plans for an Assateague development.

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Commissioners OK Financing Plans

December 28, 2018

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners formalized their plans to go to the bond market in 2019 with a resolution last week.

Last Tuesday, the commissioners approved an intent resolution regarding plans to finance the new Showell Elementary School, as well as a few other projects, through general obligation bonds. Kelly Shannahan, the county’s assistant administrative officer, said the county’s capital improvement plan included a handful of projects that would be funded with general obligation bonds.

While the largest of those is Showell Elementary School, others include a new turf athletic field and track at Stephen Decatur High School, completion of a cell at the central landfill and various water and wastewater projects.

Commissioner Chip Bertino was quick to question why the proposed cost of the new elementary school had increased by nearly $1 million to a projected total of $48 million.

Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins explained that the increase in funding would allow for the addition of four pre-kindergarten rooms to the building. He said those had been suggested by school system officials because they expected the state to mandate full-day pre-kindergarten in the near future.

“It may well be appropriate to include that now rather than later,” Higgins said.

Bertino also asked about the more than $3 million in wastewater projects that the bond would help fund. Public Works Director John Tustin said they included a new filter press for the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area, a new operations center for that area as well as the painting of the water tower and pump station upgrades.

Commissioner Jim Bunting said education officials had convinced him that it would be less expensive to incorporate the additional classrooms during construction of the new Showell Elementary School than after it was built.

“This does make sense,” he said.

“It’ll save us a lot of money.”

He added, however, that he hoped the school system and county government could work together to bring more state education funding to Worcester.

“It’s not fair,” he said of the current state formula used to allocate state education funds.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic agreed and referenced a recent visit to Wicomico County.

“They were renovating a school and were getting more for the renovation of an elementary school than we were getting for the complete building for a whole new school,” he said Superintendent Lou Taylor agreed that the funding formula was unfair to Worcester and said the situation was no better now than it had been 35 years ago.

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 28, 2018

Nonprofit Opens Office In Snow Hill

December 28, 2018

Telamon Wants To Build Partnerships

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 15

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BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – An organization known for decades for serving those in need now has a location in Snow Hill.

Telamon, the nonprofit founded in 1965 to help migrant workers in North Carolina, opened an office on River Street in Snow Hill in late 2018. Staff there are eager to connect area residents with the services offered by Telamon, which range from a career program to housing assistance.

“Telamon is all about empowerment and community enrichment,” said Erika Uebel, program development specialist for Telamon. “We want to build a partnership so people realize we do have resources.”

While Telamon has offered services to Worcester County residents in the past, those residents had to travel to the organization’s Salisbury office.

With the new space in Snow Hill, Uebel is hopeful awareness of Telamon’s services will grow.

“We really want to be a part of the community,” she said. “We want to make sure people know we’re here.”

The nonprofit offers early childhood and family support, workforce and career services and housing and financial services. The organization is working especially hard to publicize its work readiness program, which is funded in part through a grant from the local management board.

Robert Fairbank, workplace readiness specialist for Telamon, said the program was geared toward those between the ages of 16 and 24 who needed support in finding a job or finishing their education.

“The goal of the program is to connect them with services they may need,” he said, adding that those services could range from counseling to job training.

Fairbank said the program had recently connected a youth in Berlin with mental health services and that he was now successfully taking part in job training. In another instance, the program helped a young mother of four enroll in certified nursing assistant training.

“She wants a better life for her children than she had,” Fairbank said.

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West OC Bike Path Review Raises Bridge Questions

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A review of the proposed bike-friendly trail along the Route 50 corridor from Route 611 into Ocean City raised some eyebrows this month for its apparent design flaw that has it crossing the busy highway.

During last Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, Councilman Tony DeLuca briefed his colleagues on some of the highlights from a recent Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee including an update on a proposed bicycle and pedestrian-friendly trail along the Route 50 corridor in West Ocean City. Bicycle traffic along the section of Route 50 from Route 611 to the bridge has created challenges for years, but the issue has exacerbated recently with

the proliferation of new hotels and shopping in West Ocean City.

Perhaps more importantly, more and more J-1 visa summer workers are living in West Ocean City where housing is often more available and more affordable and are commuting to jobs on the island on foot and on bicycles. To that end, the State Highway Administration (SHA) has been developing plans for a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly path along the Route 50 corridor in West Ocean City. There is some existing bike-friendly infrastructure along that section of highway, particularly in front of the outlets on the north side, but SHA is planning on tying the existing paths together with a more comprehensive system.

Ocean City’s bike and pedestrian advisory committee has been privy to

the plans and got a review during a meeting this month. As chairman of the committee, DeLuca updated the Mayor and Council on the proposed plans during last week’s regular meeting.

“From Route 611 to a block before the bridge, the bike lane will be on the south side of Route 50,” he said. “It’s going to be in the ditch or grassy area off the roadway. It will then cross at the light at Hooper’s and will continue in the grassy area along the north side until you get to the bridge. In both situations, it will be in the grassy area.”

However, Councilman Matt James questioned the wisdom of having the bike-friendly trail along the south side of Route 50 and then crossing over to the north side just before the bridge, pointing out the north side of the Route 50 bridge has steps going down

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to the street level while the south side has an existing bike and pedestrianfriendly ramp.

“So, when they come across the bridge, they will have to go down the steps on the north side rather than the ramp on the south side?” he said.

“Does that make sense?”

DeLuca said the same thought occurred to him, but that proposal was not included in SHA’s update on the project.

“I hear what you’re saying, but that didn’t come up at the meeting,” he said. “This is going to take a year to complete, so now is the time to ask these questions.”

James continued to emphasize the importance of directing bicycle traffic to the south side of the bridge.

“It’s really none of our business, but I would think with the infrastructure already in place along the outlets on the north side of Route 50, it would be easier to add the bike lane there in the grassy area and switch over to the south side of Route 50,” he said. “If a bicycle is coming into town, they would have the ramp to walk down instead of steep stairs.”

DeLuca agreed and said he would emphasize that scenario in future discussions with SHA on the proposed West Ocean City bike-friendly path. In either case, DeLuca said bicyclists would be encouraged to dismount and walk their bikes over the bridge. There is existing signage encouraging bikers to do that, but at certain times of day or at certain times of year, many bicyclists continue to ride across in the travel lanes.

“I thought of that too when I was reviewing the notes, but it never came up at the meeting,” he said. “Let me find out the reason why. Regardless of the reason why, we know a bicyclist is always going to continue along the south side or they can dismount and walk across.”

Council Secretary Mary Knight said she hoped any solution would include requiring bicyclists to dismount and walk their bikes across the bridge.

“I hope we stress to people to please not ride their bike across the bridge,” she said. “A lot of the J-1 students do that in the morning and it stops traffic. It is very, very unsafe.”

It’s no secret dismounting and walking a bicycle across the Route 50 bridge creates challenges. There is almost always an in-kind amount of pedestrian traffic, not to mention numerous fishermen on both sides of the span depending on the tides. While many will continue to ride bikes across the bridge in the travel lanes to avoid the morass of pedestrians and anglers along with other obstacles including trash cans, DeLuca said the committee would continue to push for requiring bikers to dismount and walk across.

“The easiest and safest thing to do is dismount and walk your bike across the bridge whether it is north or south,” he said. “We will emphasize that regardless of what the final configuration is.”

two Ball drops planned in Berlin

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town will once again ring in the new year with celebrations for both children and adults Dec. 31.

Berlin will host a New Year’s Eve ball drop for kids at 6 p.m. followed by a second ball drop at midnight as the town celebrates the official start of 2019.

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said the addition of the event for children has expanded the success of Berlin’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

“The kids ball drop was so well received last year,” she said. “It gave parents the chance to celebrate with their kids without having to keep them up until midnight. Berlin is one giant family and families celebrate together.”

From 5-6 p.m. on Dec. 31, Berlin invites local children to gather downtown and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate. At 6 p.m., one of the town’s bucket trucks will drop a ball – the design of which was still in the works this week – and kids will be able to do their part in ringing in the new year by stomping on sheets of bubble wrap municipal officials will provide.

“The kids loved it last year,” Wells said.

The event, which was held for the first time in 2017 at the urging of Councilman Thom Gulyas, is meant to cater to the array of families with young children in town.

“There were several hundred kids there last year even though it was so bitter cold,” Wells said, adding that she expected the event to be even more popular this year.

Several hours after the children have gone home and the bubble wrap has been cleaned up, the town will host another ball drop geared toward adults. Starting at 10 p.m., visitors can gather in front of the Atlantic Hotel.

Food vendors and Burley Oak Brewery will offer refreshments throughout the event while DJs and a lightshow provide entertainment. A countdown clock will be projected onto the side of Town Center Antiques as attendees count down the final seconds until the ball is dropped.

Thousands are expected to attend the annual event, which has proven successful year after year. Wells said that while there was some discussion of foregoing it this year, conversation with community residents prompted officials to stick with it.

“The outcry from residents was no,” she said. “Everyone loves it.”

She added that as they did last year, town trucks would be parked at the ends of Main Street, around the section closed for the event, to help ensure the crowd’s safety.

“We’re definitely mindful of safety concerns,” Wells said.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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SALISBURY – School improvements, investments at the Salisbury airport and funding for a new public safety building topped the county executive’s list of capital improvement projects in the coming fiscal year.

Last week, county staff presented the Wicomico County Council with County Executive Bob Culver’s proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2020-2024.

The CIP, a planning document which outlines major projects in the coming years, includes $222.5 million in proposed capital projects in the next five years, including $88 million for the Wicomico County Board of Education, $64 million for the Salisbury airport and $35 million for Wor-Wic Community College.

In fiscal year 2020, the planning document includes $49.2 million in proposed capital projects, including $20.4 million for school planning and construction projects, $18 million for airport improvements and $945,000 for roads projects. The plan also includes nearly $5.2 million for a new public safety building, which will house the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the emergency services department.

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“The Capital Improvement Plan embodies the long-range strategic vision for the county. It should be affordable but also aspirational,” Culver wrote in the planning document. “To this end, we are proposing projects that will maintain or enhance core services of education public safety, roads and general government while supporting and promoting community quality of life and economic development.”

Weston Young, the county’s assistant director of administration, told the council last week less than half of total projects costs in fiscal year 2020 will be funded through general obligation bonds and pay-go (or pay-as-you-go) funding.

“Of that, $20.9 million comes from a combination of a proposed $12 million bond and $8.9 million in pay-go,” he said. “The balance of that … will primarily come from state and federal grant sources.”

Young added that the county would retire $11 million in debt in the next fiscal year.

“So the incremental debt will rise by $1 million with our $12 million borrowing proposal,” he said. “Our total debt burden will remain at approximately 51 percent of the charter limit.”

In the coming fiscal year, the county executive has proposed nearly $10 million in funding for the school system’s three priority projects, which include the replacement of Beaver Run Elementary School, planning and studies for the replacement or renovation of Mardela Middle and High School and a roof replacement at Westside Intermediate School.

“They are within budget and it is a good plan,” Wayne Strausburg, the county’s director of administration, said.

Young added the executive’s proposed plan also includes $855,500 for maintenance projects at various county-owned buildings and the second half of funding for a new public safety building.

“On the public safety building, are we going to receive a more in-depth briefing on the plans of that before we approve the CIP?” Councilman Marc Kilmer asked.

Strausburg explained county staff will have a better understanding of where the project stands once they select an architectural engineering firm.

“The first thing we have to do is get this project within the limits we put in the CIP,” he said. “So we have quite a bit of work to do internally so we can give direction to the architect.”

Strausburg said he anticipates the design and construction process to take two years.

In the coming weeks, the council will review the proposed CIP and hold work sessions with county departments.

Commissioners To Workshop With Strategic Planner

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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SNOW HILL – Elected officials are expected to work with a strategic planning consultant next month in an effort to define their vision for Worcester County.

At a meeting Dec. 18, the Worcester County Commissioners approved a proposal for a strategic planning retreat from The Novak Consulting Group. The retreat, which is set for Jan. 29-30, will take place at the Berlin branch of the Worcester County Library.

According to Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins, the commissioners in the past have conducted a strategic planning session during their Maryland Association of Counties winter conference. This year, however, they opted to do something more formal.

“Over the past six months events have shown the strategic planning process needed to be changed,” Higgins said. “During this time the commissioners determined that they needed to collectively define their vision for Worcester County.”

Higgins said that led staff to investigate various options.

“As part of our investigation, we were aware that the Town of Ocean City conducted a successful Strategic Planning Retreat (in September 2017) facilitated by Catherine Tuck Parrish of The Novak Consulting Group,” Higgins said.

In response to the county’s inquiry, The Novak Consulting Group submitted the proposal reviewed by the commissioners this month. The proposal outlines the various services that will make up the process, including phone calls to each commissioner and an online survey that will be completed by the county’s department heads that will help Parrish develop the agenda for the retreat itself.

According to the proposal provided to the county, the entire process will cost $10,000. Following the initial phone calls to commissioners and survey of department heads, facilitators will meet with the commissioners on Jan. 29 and 30.

“This session will include exercises and discussion,” the proposal reads.

“The purpose of the workshop would be to clarify expectations between the governing body and staff; set a vision and goals for the county commission; and set a path for the county staff to achieve those goals.”

A week after the session, the consulting group is expected to provide a summary report documenting its results.

Page 19

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Resort Seeking Talks With County On Tax Differential

December 28, 2018

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While Ocean City’s appeal of a ruling in the controversial tax differential issue continues to run its course, town officials this month extended an olive branch of sorts to Worcester County for continued discussions in the coming months.

A Worcester County Circuit Court judge in October issued an order granting the county’s motion for summary judgment in the civil suit filed against it earlier this year by the Town of Ocean City over the tax differential issue. Shortly thereafter, the town filed an appeal the case at the state’s Court of Special Appeals.

In the meantime, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan earlier this month sent a letter to the Worcester County Commissioners requesting an open dialogue on the tax differential issue in the weeks or months leading up to the next budget cycle. For years, Ocean City has requested tax differential from the county in the form of a tax setoff, or a county tax rate for property owners in the resort different from the tax rate paid by residents in the county at-large.

The reasoning is the property owners in Ocean City already pay taxes to support certain services and programs, such as police and emergency services, recreation and parks and public works, for example. These are services the county does not necessarily need to provide in the resort. Each year, Ocean City requests the tax setoff from Worcester County and, for the most part, the request is denied each year. Instead, the county makes unrestricted grants to the resort for a variety of uses in an attempt to offset the cost of tax differential.

After years of veiled threats, Ocean City last January filed a petition for declaratory judgment against Worcester County seeking judicial relief on the long-standing tax differential issue. In October, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of the county and against Ocean City on the most salient aspect of the suit, and Ocean City quickly filed an appeal with the state’s Court of Special Appeals.

While that appeal continues to make its way through the court system, the town has again reached out to the Worcester County Commissioners seeking an open dialogue on the tax differential issue heading into the next budget cycle. While former overtures have often been adversarial, the tenor of Mayor Rick Meehan’s letter sent to the commissioners earlier this month seeks a mutual agreement on the tax differential and encourages the two entities to work together on a mutually-beneficial solution.

Meehan’s letter references a pair of SEE NEXT PAGE

… OC Hoping For Partnership

December 28, 2018

FROM PAGE 20 studies on the tax differential commissioned by both entities that each agreed there should be some resolution but differed widely on the actual amount of tax setoff that should be afforded to Ocean City taxpayers.

“The Worcester County study on tax differential in 2016 concluded that Ocean City taxpayers should receive a differential, although the amount of tax differential did not agree with the amount that Ocean City identified in its study,” the letter reads. “There have been meetings in the past with town and county staff members, but they did not determine a mutually agreeable model to formulate a fair tax differential.”

Meehan’s letter suggests the two local governments work together to resolve the issue once and for all. However, the letter is quick to point out rapid development of hotels in West Ocean City that benefit from the town’s marketing and advertising efforts.

“We hope this year’s discussion will be more productive,” the letter reads.

“We share many common interests as we both represent the citizens and taxpayers of Worcester County. The development of over 600 hotel rooms in West Ocean City has placed additional emphasis on the importance of the advertising and marketing we do to bring visitors to the resort area.”

The letter points to the shared inter-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

ests of both entities as reason enough to resolve the tax differential dispute. For example, a shared sports complex somewhere in the county’s north end has been discussed by both parties and could provide some common ground.

The majority of the former slate of commissioners was against the county being involved in the sports complex idea, but Commissioner Josh Nordstrom could see the issue differently than his predecessor and shift the majority opinion.

“The success of our local businesses is crucial to the economic success of both Ocean City and Worcester County,” the letter reads. “We would suggest this year’s discussions include ways to work together to share additional expenses and develop an economic strategy with an emphasis on sports marketing to grow our economic future.”

Partnership and not division is the essential tenor of Meehan’s letter to the commissioners.

“Building this type of partnership could be the first real step in resolving our tax differential issues,” the letter reads. “We believe working together is the future.”

For its part, the county acknowledged receiving the letter and vowed to schedule meetings between the two entities in the weeks and months leading up to the next budget cycle in a rather terse draft letter in response to the town’s request.

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AGH’s Penguin Swim To Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Event organizers with the 25th Annual Penguin Swim say it is not too late to register for next week’s fundraising event.

On Tuesday, Jan. 1, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) will host its 25th Annual Penguin Swim at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel on 91st Street in Ocean City. There, swimmers will brave the chilly conditions and frigid ocean waters to raise money for health care services at the facility and in the community.

“The penguin swim is a fun, annual event to support our not-for-profit community hospital,” Special Events Coordinator Joy Stokes said. “Each year,

hundreds of penguins raise funds to help the hospital provide the excellent quality care our community depends on. Individual and team fundraising efforts by Penguin Swim participants enable Atlantic General to continue to provide that care.”

Last year, the event attracted hundreds of participants and raised $78,000 for AGH. Since its inception, the event has raised nearly $1.1 million.

This year, the 25th Annual Penguin Swim concludes a year-long celebration of AGH’s 25th anniversary. Stokes encouraged community members to come out and watch the penguin swim or sign up to participate.

Online registration is open until 7 a.m. on Jan. 1, and walk-in registra-

December 28, 2018

tion is open from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the premier lobby, lower level of the Princess Royale.

At 12:45 p.m., teams from Crab Alley and Bull on the Beach – the event’s legacy sponsor – will parade to the beach from 94th Street to the swim area on 91st Street.

The Penguin Swim will then kick off at 1 p.m.

Special recognition awards will be given to oldest and youngest participants. Trophies for first, second, and third place will be awarded to those who raise the most money in divisions for Individuals – Adults and 18 & under, and Teams – Businesses, Community Groups/Organizations, and Youth/Family. There will also be prizes awarded for the best costumes.

The annual event will also offer carnival games, face painting, mermaids and more.

Participants are encouraged to come to pre-registration and advance check-in at the Princess Royale in the premier lobby from 2-4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. All penguins will receive an official 2019 AGH Penguin Swim short-sleeve T-shirt for their $25 registration fee.

Additional incentive prizes can be earned based on individual fundraising efforts.

Stokes said the hospital hopes to net more than $85,000 from next week’s event, and she encouraged anyone to join in the fundraising efforts.

“It’s a great event that brings together our community and visitors to have fun doing something a little silly and unique, as well as help one of the most important assets in our community,” she said. “It’s a fun family event that has become an annual tradition for many participants and spectators.

It’s a great way to ring in the New Year while supporting Atlantic General Hospital.”

For more information or to register, visit www.aghpenguinswim.org or text PENGUIN to 51555. Individuals can also call the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation office at 410-641-9671.

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LPR Alert Results In Vehicle Theft Arrests OCEAN CITY – Two Pennsylvania women were arrested on motor vehicle theft and other charges this month after a license plate reader (LPR) on Route 50 entering Ocean City detected the stolen car they were allegedly driving.

Around 7:45 a.m. on Dec. 18, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was alerted by an LPR on the Route 50 Bridge that a vehicle reported stolen in Pennsylvania was crossing the span into Ocean City. The OCPD officer first observed the suspected stolen vehicle at 27th Street and Philadelphia Avenue with a female driver and passenger inside and stopped the vehicle at 54th Street.

The driver, identified as Courtney Knight, 30, of Spring Grove, Pa., and the passenger, identified as Shawna Beard, 32, also of Spring Grove, were taken into custody while the officer checked the status of the stolen vehicle.

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCPD officers spoke with law enforcement in York County, Pa., and learned the vehicle had reportedly been stolen from a gas station the same week.

According to Pennsylvania law enforcement, a female suspect entered the gas station on Dec. 15 with a red clipboard and informed the store clerk she was there to perform a night audit.

The suspect then entered the office area of the store and took the employee’s car keys from a lock box, according to police reports.

The suspect then told the clerk she had to go out to her own vehicle to get a scanner to check on the pricing of some merchandise. A short time later, the victim saw her vehicle driving out of the store parking lot. OCPD officers spoke

December 28, 2018 with the victim in Pennsylvania who provided a description of the suspect and confirmed her vehicle had been stolen.

Meanwhile, in Ocean City, Knight agreed to speak with the OCPD officer.

When asked why she was driving a stolen vehicle, she told police Beard had borrowed the vehicle from a friend in Pennsylvania two days earlier in order to drive both of them to Ocean City.

When OCPD officers spoke with Beard, she reportedly told police she had gone to the gas station in Pennsylvania with another friend to borrow a vehicle.

Beard said her friend told her to go into the gas station and get the keys from the victim. When asked why she allegedly made up the ruse about conducting a night audit at the store, Beard told police the ruse was made up in case the store manager was there because they did not want to appear suspicious and that it would “look less weird.”

Beard reportedly told police they borrowed the vehicle because their own vehicle would not have made the trip to Ocean City. At the time the stolen vehicle was pulled over in Ocean City, the suspects were wearing the same clothes reported by the victim back in Pennsylvania. Beard also admitted entering the gas station, retrieving the keys and driving away with the vehicle.

The investigation revealed the two suspects drove eight hours from Pennsylvania to reach Ocean City. When questioning Knight further, OCPD officers asked her if she thought she should have known the vehicle did not belong to Beard based on the duration of the trip and the expectation someone wouldn’t loan a vehicle for that amount of time if they did not know them. Upon further investigation, it was learned Knight was with Beard when she allegedly took the stolen vehicle and not back at the hotel as she originally stated.

It was also learned during the investigation Beard and Knight were partners and had been together for eight years. Based on the evidence and testimony, Beard and Knight were each charged with motor vehicle theft.

Assault Charges Filed OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man was charged last week with two counts of second-degree assault following two alleged incidents a week apart late last month and in early December involving his live-in girlfriend.

Around 6:40 p.m. on Dec. 7, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on Sunset Drive for a reported domestic assault that had already occurred.

Upon arrival, the officer observed Craig Powell, 33, of Ocean City, and a female victim arguing at the top of the stairs.

Powell and the victim were separated by officers who got each party’s version of what had occurred.

According to police reports, the female victim told officers she and Powell were dating and lived together at the unit. The victim told police she works at a north-end hotel and text messages Powell when she leaves for work, when she takes her lunch break and when she is coming home, according to police reports.

The victim told police when she left SEE NEXT PAGE

... cops & courts

December 28, 2018

FROM PAGE 24 for work that Friday, Powell was sleeping and she neglected to text him as she typically does. When she arrived home that night, Powell was reportedly angry that she had not texted him and an argument ensued. The victim told police she was in the kitchen and was pouring laundry detergent into a large plastic baggie when Powell came in and grabbed the bottle of liquid laundry detergent and poured it all over her. According to police reports, the victim told officers when she threw the bag of detergent at Powell, he allegedly hit her over the head two times with the bottle.

The victim told officers of an alleged separate domestic assault on her by Powell a week earlier on Nov. 28. The victim told police she had taken a shower and brushed her hair before exiting her bedroom. According to police reports, Powell was home and had several friends over and became angry because he did not want her to be seen by her friends.

An argument ensued again, and Powell allegedly grabbed the victim by the hair at the base of her neck. According to police reports, the victim’s sister was on hand and attempted to intervene in the physical altercation. The victim did not report the incident that night but later completed a witness statement.

According to police reports, the OCPD officer advised the victim that she could get a protective order against

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Powell, but the victim said she did not have a vehicle and could not drive to the courthouse to fill out the paperwork. The OCPD officer transported Powell to the Public Safety Building where she was successful in obtaining a protective order. Based on the evidence and testimony, officers charged Powell with two counts of second-degree assault.

Page 25

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Last Monday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched for a reported disorderly person at a residence on Canal Street. The officer recognized the address because he had been sent there two times earlier in the night for reports the suspect, later identified as Carrington Porter, 18, was fighting with his parents. During those early visits, Porter reportedly agreed to leave for the night and his parents refused to press charges.

However, when the officer was called back for the third time around 9 p.m., the officer observed Porter attempting to fight his brother in the front yard of the residence on Canal Street.

According to police reports, Porter assumed a fighting stance and screamed obscenities at his brother. Also, according to police reports, the officer observed the mother begging him to intercede and stop the fight. At that point, Porter was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

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Federal Grant To Help Wicomico Develop Public Park

Page 26

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County have agreed to accept a federal grant to develop a public park.

Last week, the Wicomico County Council voted to accept an $820,000 grant from the National Park Service through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to develop a public park at Pirate’s Wharf, a 340-acre property located along the Wicomico River.

In October, County Executive Bob Culver announced the county had received an $820,000 federal grant to develop Pirate’s Wharf, a property the county purchased in 1997. County officials said the goal of developing Pirate’s Wharf is to provide trails, gathering space and water access to the Wicom-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ico River.

But despite support for a low-impact recreational park on the property, members of the county council shared their concerns for accepting the grant.

Councilman Ernie Davis pointed out that the grant required $820,000 in matching funds from the county. He and Councilman Joe Holloway questioned how the county would spend a combined $1.6 million to develop a low-impact park.

“When you applied for this grant, where did you come up with the $1.6 million that was needed to develop this property?” Holloway asked.

Steve Miller, the county’s director of recreation, parks and tourism, said county staff estimated the budget needed to potentially build a boat ramp, wi-

den the access road, create parking and more.

“We felt like it was going to be in that ballpark,” he said. “With the federal grant opportunity, part of why we came up with that number is we felt we could comfortably match it without having to ask the council for additional funding, which is where we are today.”

Miller said the county had applied for $515,000 in state grants to offset the majority of the county’s $820,000 obligation. A remaining $354,758 would come from money already in the county’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and the recreation and parks fund balance.

Specifically, $100,000 in the CIP will be used to develop a master plan for the park, while the remaining $254,758 generated from hunting leaes on the property will be used for the develop-

December 28, 2018

ment of Pirate’s Wharf.

“We’ve invested $100,000 and the return will be $1.6 (million),” Miller said. “So we feel good about developing a significant park without asking the county for additional dollars.”

Holloway questioned how the county secured the federal grant.

“You had to have some kind of plan to give to the state or federal government to get the grant,” he said, “but we’ve not seen that plan.”

Miller said the county is currently in the process of developing a master plan for the property, but said the National Park Service supported concepts – such as water access and low-impact activities – presented for the park.

“Those are big initiatives at the state and federal level,” he said. “They gave us $800,000 because of what they saw in that plan … The concepts are solid. What we are trying to do now is to put it on paper and visually see what this thing is going to be.”

Davis said he was concerned the county would commit to matching the grant without having a master plan in place. He added the county would have to foot the bill if construction costs exceeded $1.6 million or if it didn’t receive the state grants.

Officials, however, explained the county was not obligated to spend the entire $1.6 million. Pam Oland, the SEE NEXT PAGE

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December 28, 2018

FROM PAGE 26 county’s deputy director of recreation, parks and tourism, said the county could choose not to exceed $354,000 in matching funds and could defer projects that exceed the budget.

Councilman Josh Hastings said he supported the development of Pirate’s Wharf, so long as the public was involved in the process.

Miller explained that the public would be asked for input as the master plan is developed. “Within the next few months as this master plan goes down the road, we would present various concepts on paper for people to see,” he said. “It’s not going to be ‘here is the plan, take it or leave it.’ We are going to engage the public.”

Miller added that declining the grant could harm the county’s relationship with the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Holloway said he supported the development of Pirate’s Wharf, but not without additional information.

“You are coming to us with no real plans other than asking us to authorize using $1.6 million and we don’t know what we are getting,” he said.

Davis agreed and made a motion to table the decision until the council had a better understanding of what would go into the park and how much it would cost. Holloway seconded the motion.

“I would like to see us table it to get a little more information,” Davis said.

Councilmen Bill McCain, Marc Kilmer, Larry Dodd and Hastings, however, opposed tabling the decision and discussion continued.

McCain said he was comfortable moving forward with a decision and supported the conceptual plans and budget estimates for the park.

“I think this is great for the community and I think it needs to move forward,” he said. “This is a property we’ve had for two decades and we find out we have this opportunity to turn this into a great asset for our county.”

While he said he understood his colleagues’ concerns, Dodd said he supported moving forward with the project.

“I think we’ve been dragging this out,” he said, “but I’m hoping our confidence in our director will help move this forward and keep us informed.”

Hastings agreed but pointed out the need for public input.

“I don’t want to harm our relationship with the Land and Water Conservation Fund,” he said, “but I do think we need a good public process.”

With no further discussion, the council voted 4-3, with Davis, Holloway and Council President John Cannon opposed, to accept the $820,000 grant.

The council last week also agreed to amend the fiscal years 2019-2023 CIP and capital budget to include $820,000 in grant funding and to increase the fiscal year 2019 general fund “pay-go” to $354,758 for the Pirate’s Wharf project.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Women Unfazed

By Topless Ruling

December 28, 2018

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Undaunted by last week’s ruling by a federal judge in favor of the Town of Ocean City in the female topless suit, the plaintiffs’ attorney quickly asserted the outcome was just one last battle in the larger war.

Convinced Ocean City officials have a better understanding of the public sensibilities of its residents and guests than the plaintiffs in the case, a federal judge last week ruled against a preliminary injunction that would have allowed women to go topless in the same areas as men. Shortly after the judge’s ruling was issued, attorney Devon Jacob, who represents resident Chelsea Eline and four other plaintiffs in the civil suit filed last January, said his clients were not taken aback by the apparent setback.

“My clients are not discouraged,” he said. “A preliminary injunction is an extraordinary remedy that is rarely granted.”

U.S. District Court Judge James Bredar’s ruling on the requested preliminary injunction came after a hearing on Dec. 7 when Mayor Rick Meehan, Council Secretary Mary Knight and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melanie Pursel testified on behalf of the town. The town’s witnesses each testified they were better suited to judge the public’s sensibilities on the topless issue, at least in Ocean City.

However, Jacob said there was ample time to change the judge’s opinion when the larger suit came to trial.

“The fact that the court denied the request on a very limited record is not at all surprising,” he said. “Once discovery is completed, plaintiffs will have no problem addressing the court’s concerns, so that the court will be able to issue a final decision that recognizes that men and women are equal under the law, and that a person’s civil rights do not yield to the sexist ideology of 150 people and their government representatives.”

The plaintiff’s lone witness during this month’s hearing was noted University of Indiana professor Dr. Debra Herbenick, who testified at length about the changing public sensibilities regarding female bare-chestedness in public.

However, in his ruling against the preliminary injunction, Bredar opined town officials were more successful in presenting evidence the sensibilities of town’s residents and were by and large more offended by the notion of female toplessness in the resort than the plaintiff’s expert witness.

“Public sensibilities, or moral sensibilities, are inherently somewhat impressionistic,” the opinion reads. “That does not mean they cannot be measured, but assessment of public sensibilities does not require scientific sampling. The question is more whether Ocean City’s SEE NEXT PAGE

… ‘Plaintiffs Will Have No Problem Addressing’ Judge’s Concerns

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

From Page 28 witnesses, by virtue of their roles and positions, are equipped to ‘take the pulse’ of the community and its visitors and the court finds they are.”

By way of contrast, in his ruling denying the preliminary injunction, the judge opined Herbenick’s lengthy testimony about the public’s changing sensibilities to female toplessness was general in nature and not specific to Ocean City.

“The court does not find Dr. Herbenick’s opinion persuasive,” the opinion reads. “More important, it is not strictly relevant to the issue at hand.

Instead of her testifying as to what Ocean City’s citizens’ public sensibilities are, she testified as to what she thought they should be.”

Bredar’s ruling asserts the town’s witnesses, at least in the context of the preliminary injunction request, achieved the goal of showing the emergency ordinance met the standard of governmental interest.

“Through this evidence, Ocean City has shown its ordinance is substantially related to an important governmental objective, the protection of public sensibilities,” the opinion reads.

“Equal protection has not been denied here because any gender discrimination implicit in the subject ordinance is substantially related to an important governmental interest.”

In his ruling, the judge essentially opined public sensibilities on female toplessness could well be changing, but likely not in Ocean City at this time and at this place, based on the testimony of the town’s witnesses.

“Although the plaintiffs believe public sensibilities have changed to the point of ready acceptance by the public of bare-breasted females in public, other than for breastfeeding infants, they failed to counter the quite convincing evidence presented by Ocean City to the contrary,” the opinion reads.

“That does not mean the public sensibilities recognized today will always be regarded as inappropriate, but for now, the court has seen no evidence that the public sensibilities are not what Ocean City’s representatives say they are in the ordinance.”

By contrast, Bredar opined the plaintiffs had not successfully argued their position on public sensibilities, at least at the preliminary injunction level.

“Consequently, the plaintiffs have not shown they are likely to succeed on the merits of this case and, therefore, they are not entitled to the extraordinary remedy of preliminary injunctive relief,” the judge’s order reads.

The judge’s ruling outlines some of the testimony from the Dec. 7 hearing.

For example, Meehan testified Ocean City has for a long time nurtured its family image, which would likely be

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tarnished by the allowance of female toplessness on the beach and boards.

“He said that, for a number of years, Ocean City has positioned itself as a family vacation destination and has marketed itself accordingly,” the judge wrote of Meehan’s testimony.

“Meehan said that tourism surveys of visitors to Ocean City overwhelmingly support its goal of being a familyfriendly destination.”

The judge’s ruling retells Meehan’s testimony about the public backlash when the issue first arose in 2016.

“Meehan testified that people who contacted the city government were upset and concerned and said they would not return to Ocean City if female toplessness were allowed,” the judge’s order reads. “He said the issue was marked by the passion of those who were concerned about whether to keep their Ocean City properties or even visit Ocean City.”

As far as Knight’s testimony, the judge said the apparent volume of calls, emails and texts illustrated all of the responders had a negative opinion of allowing female toplessness in Ocean City. The same can be said of the testimony of Pursel, who said in court the Chamber of Commerce had received no less than 150 emails on the issue.

“No one expressed to her a desire for allowance of female toplessness in

Ocean City’s public spaces,” the judge’s order reads. “She testified that the ordinance reflects the public sensibilities of people, both those in town and those who visit from out of town.”

The judge’s ruling last week cites a case from Virginia – United States v. Biocic – in which the courts ruled in favor of the defendant, in this case Accomack County.

In that case, a plaintiff claimed constitutional injury because of a county code that prohibited indecency in public areas of national parks and wildlife refuges. The particular law at issue in that case prohibited public nudity, defined in part as the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering on any portion thereof below the top of the nipple,” which roughly follows the language in the Town of Ocean City’s ordinance.

“The court identified the important governmental interest as protecting the moral sensibilities of that substantial segment of society that still does not want to be exposed willy-nilly to public displays of various portions of their fellow citizens’ anatomies that traditionally in this society have been regarded as erogenous zones,” the judge’s order reads “These still include, whether justifiably or not in the eyes of all, the female, but not the male, breast.”

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Ramadan Held On $2.5M Bond After Court Appearance

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

laundering and tax-related crimes.

Basel Ramadan, who was taken into custody along with his brother Samir Ramadan, was indicted in New York as a result of the investigation. The local brothers had been arrested and ultimately convicted of the same crimes in 2013. Basel Ramadan had an initial appearance in Kings County Supreme Court last Wednesday and was ordered to be held on a $2.5 million bond, or a $1 million cash bond, neither of which had been posted as of late last week. Basel Ramadan’s trial has now been tentatively set in for Feb. 13. The disposition of Samir Ramadan’s case is not known at this time.

The 21-count indictment charges the Ramadans and their alleged co-conspirator, identified as Fahd Muthana, also known as “Ahmed Abdullah,” 39, of

December 28, 2018

Brooklyn, N.Y., in the three-person cig- It is alleged that a total of approximately arette trafficking ring allegedly respon- 1,255,000 cigarettes were smuggled sible for distributing over 1.25 million into Brooklyn, evading a total of cigarettes and evading nearly $430,000 $426,700 in tax liability due to New York WEST OCEAN CITY – One of two in tax liability.

State and New York City. local brothers indicted again in October During the raids at the RaCode-named Operation Sidefor his role in a vast cigarette trafficking madans’ West Ocean City homes step, federal, state and local law and tax fraud scheme appeared in a in October, federal, state and enforcement agents concluded a New York court Dec. 19 and remains local authorities seized three months-long investigation into a held on a $2.5 million bond. handguns, one shotgun, three network that allegedly evaded Basel Ramadan, 47, of West Ocean vehicles and over $312,000 in New York state and New York City, appeared in Kings County, N.Y., cash. In addition, over 341,000 City excise and sales taxes by Supreme Court on Wednesday for a untaxed cigarettes were seized trafficking more than 1,500 carpreliminary hearing. Ramadan’s West BASEL RAMADAN from the suspects’ storage locatons of untaxed cigarettes per Ocean City home was raided for the tion in Brooklyn. week from Virginia to be sold in retail second time in five years in October by In May 2013, federal officials conshops in Brooklyn. The investigation Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was led by the New York State Attorney cluded an investigation into a multiand Homeland Security (HSI) officials General's Organized Crime Task Force million cigarette smuggling operation with support from local law enforcement in partnership with the Intelligence Bu- with raids on two locations in and agencies as part of Operation Sidestep, reau of the New York Police Department around the resort area including the a months-long investigation into criminal and Homeland Security Investigations. West Ocean City homes of Basel Racigarette smuggling and various moneymadan and Samir Ramadan. Federal officials on the same day raided the Ramadans’ offices over the Subway restaurant they owned at Sunset Drive near 26th Street in Ocean City.

At the Ramadans’ West Ocean City homes in the Oyster Harbor community, $1.4 million in large black bags was recovered, along with 20,000 cartons of untaxed cigarettes. Also seized were numerous vehicles and other property belonging to the Ramadans. The Ramadans allegedly conducted the vast cigarette smuggling operation out of their Ocean City properties, but 14 other co-conspirators, from transporters to distributors to resellers, were also rounded up.

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Following the raids in May 2013, a New York grand jury handed down formal indictments against the Ramadans and their alleged 14 co-conspirators. According to the indictment, the Ramadans were successful in disguising the illicit proceeds and funneling through local banking institutions and allowed them to continue to finance the purchase of thousands of cartons of cigarettes from a Virginia wholesaler.

In that case, Basel Ramadan ultimately pleaded guilty to all 198 counts in the indictment against him and was sentenced to four to 12 years and was also ordered to forfeit $1.2 million in illgotten gains. Samir Ramadan pleaded guilty to enterprise corruption in 2014 and was sentenced to a maximum of four years and a minimum of two years.

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BAY FRONT ~ OC EMERSON TOWERS #304 on Wicomico Street $725,000 • MLS #1001953136 3 bed, 3 bt, 1,785 sqft, built 2006 Condo Fee $398/m, RE Tax $535/m Gated Parking, 545 Sqft Wrap Balcony, 2 Deep Water Slips - 35’ & 50’ with Lifts

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC 10 92nd Street $650,000 • MLS #1001563118 5 bed, 2 full + 2 half bt, 2,240 sqft NO HOA Fee, RE Tax $650/m 60’x100’ lot, 1964 Coastal Cottage, ½ Block to Beach, Lots of Parking

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC CORAL GRAND #2 at 70th Street $550,000 • MLS #MDWO100442 3 bed, 3 bt, 1,818 sqft Condo Fee $378/m, RE Tax $429/m Hot Tub, 2 Fireplaces, 3 Levels, 2 Balconies, Low-Density Beach

BAY VIEW ~ OC EMERSON TOWERS #402 on Wicomico Street $525,000 • MLS #1001564166 3 bed, 3 bt, 1,835 sqft, built 2006 Condo Fee $400/m, RE Tax $436/m Deep Water Slip - 15.6’ x 34.5’, Gated Parking, Secure Lobby, Views

BAY FRONT ~ OC MARESOL #310 at 56th Street $335,000 • MLS #1002104726 3 bed, 2 bt, 1,309 sqft, built 2004 Condo Fee $400/m, RE Tax $346/m Amazing View, North Corner Condo, Pool, 1½ Blocks to Beach at Light

OCEAN SIDE ~ OC PHOENIX ATLANTIC #403 at 94th Street $330,000 • MLS #1009950752 2 bed, 2 bt, Den, 1,227 sqft, built 1975 Condo Fee $313/m, RE Tax $308/m Big Space, Big Value, Great View, Wrap Balcony, Ready for Updating

CANAL FRONT ~ OC WESTPORT #B at 94th Street $315,000 • MLS #1002243590 2 bed, 2 ½ bt, 1,332 sqft, built 1983 No Condo Fee, RE Tax $242/m 2 Boat Slips, 18’ X 100’ Lot, Fireplace, Updated Appliances

OCEAN PINES ~ SEC #10 12 HICKORY WAY at South Gate $310,000 • MLS #1002078722 3 bed, 3 bt, 1,439 sqft, built 1978 HOA fee $80/m, RE Tax $141/m Renovated & Expanded 2003, Backs to Parklands, Unique

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC CARIBBEAN #2W at 78th Street $299,900 • MLS #1001560770 2 bed, 2 bt, 784 sqft, built 1965 Condo Fee $225/m, RE Tax $250/m Traditional Beach House Charmer, Sunny Top Floor, Exceptional Updates

OYSTER HARBOR ~ WEST OC 10246 BENT CREEK ROAD $290,000 • MLS #MDWO101610 3 bed, 2 bt, 1,617 sqft, built 2000 HOA fee $107/m, RE Tax $171/m Sun Rm, Morning Rm, Fenced Yard, Hardwood Floors, Community Pool

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC PRINCESS IRENE #302 at 58th Street $250,000 • MLS #1001563732 3 bed, 2 bt, 1,215 sqft, built 2004 Condo Fee $450/m, RE Tax $335/m Facing East with Great Ocean Views, Top Floor, Locker, Long Balcony

MYSTIC HARBOUR ~ WEST OC 18 COASTAL DRIVE $250,000 • MLS #MDWO101612 3 bed, 2 bt, 1,648 sqft, built 1990 HOA fee $78/m, RE Tax $133/m Water Front, Family Rm with Fireplace, 3-Season Rm, Chair Lift, Community Pool

CANAL FRONT ~ OC BLUE MARLIN #404 at 120th Street $230,000 • MLS #1003796856 2 bed, 2 bt, 1,128 sqft, built 1985 Condo Fee $367/m, RE Tax $206/m Top Floor Sunny with Vaulted Ceilings, Pools, Community Boat Slips, View

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC AHOY #304 at 137th Street $185,000 • MLS #MDWO101478 1 bed, 1 bt, 525 sqft, built 1978 Condo Fee $167/m, RE Tax $187/m Sunny Top Floor, Replaced Kitchen, Great Ocean View, 100’ to Beach

OCEAN BLOCK ~ OC ATLANTIC COURT #303 at 72nd Street $170,000 • MLS #1001560000 2 bed, 1 ½ bt, 594 sqft, built 1972 Condo Fee $284/m, RE Tax $159/m Sunny Top Floor, Quieter Mid-Building, Lots of Updates, ½ Block to Beach

No Enforcement Action Likely For Project’s Scattered Debris

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After a local surfer and environmental advocate documented significant beach and ocean pollution from an oceanfront roofing project last weekend, clean-up is underway but it doesn’t appear there will be any enforcement action taken.

Last Saturday, local surfer and Assateague Coastal Trust Communications Manager Billy Weiland was checking the waves at 46th Street when he observed thousands of pieces of construction foam and other Styrofoam debris blowing from an oceanfront condominium roofing project. Weiland captured still images and video of the debris blowing from the building rooftop and across the dune and beach and into the

It ’s

ocean.

“I was up there to check the waves and noticed huge sheets of white Styrofoam blowing over top of me, across the beach and out into the water,” he said. “I turned around and couldn’t believe the ridiculous amount of construction material blowing off the oceanfront condominium on 46th Street.”

Weiland quickly captured still images and video of the roofing debris blowing across the dunes and beach and into the ocean. He reported the apparent pollution violation to Ocean City officials.

“I mean, this wasn’t a couple of pieces of foam,” he said. “We had a 20- to 25-knot offshore wind that was sweeping this stuff from the roof and out onto the beach. I know some of my friends out in the water were paddling

through all of the chunks of foam that ended up there.”

Weiland reported the incident to town officials, who arrived on site and inspected the situation. City Engineer Terry McGean said this week it was a roofing project and not an Exterior Insulated Finish Systems (EIFS) project.

Debris from roofing work is pictured in a grass area and EIFS, most comSubmitted Photo monly known by the the dunes near 46th Street last weekend. trade name Dryvit among others, is commonly used on tractor quickly responded and began construction projects. cleaning up the debris, at least what McGean said this week the con- was still on site, and that relatively quick response would likely preclude any further enforcement action provided the contractor follows up with more extensive remediation efforts.

“They cleaned most of it up the same day,” he said. “They still need to come out and rake. It was a roof replacement, not the normal EIFS install.

The wind got away from them during the tear-off process. Given the fast response, I do not envision any additional enforcement provided they complete the cleanup that was required.”

EIFS are desirable in the construction industry because they can easily be adapted to fit unique architectural features on new buildings and are generally the most cost-effective insulation systems. What is not desirable, however, are the frequent “snowstorms” of plastic pellets that carry through the air and settle on adjacent properties, the dunes, the beach and in the waterways.

To that end, Ocean City officials in 2017 passed an ordinance in an effort to contain EIFS pollution beyond the previously existing littering ordinance.

The amendment to the town’s building code requires contractors to use best management practices to contain snowstorms of Styrofoam pellets or run the risk of having a project shut down until in comes into compliance.

The incident last week was the result of the roofing project and not an EIFS insulation project under which the fairly new ordinance would apply.

Nonetheless, despite the contractor’s willingness to quickly clean up the debris, the damage to the surrounding environment might have already been done according to Weiland, who said he observed one roofing company employee picking up debris and putting it into a trash bag on that same day.

“At that point, that kind of response was not really going to do much,” he said. “Based on the amount of foam that had blown off the roof, it was beyond the ability of somebody to simply go out and clean up the beach. That foam scatters everywhere once it’s out in the open, and in just the short time I witnessed this, much of this was already blowing down the beach and out into the water.”

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Council President: ‘Proper Planning’ Critical For OC

December 28, 2018

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Council President Lloyd Martin was in a decidedly reflective mood at the Mayor and Council’s last meeting of 2018.

With the calendar getting ready to flip over to 2019, the Mayor and Council met for the last time in the current calendar year on Dec. 17. The typically stoic Martin took advantage of the meeting comment period to reflect on 2018’s achievements and challenges and set the table somewhat for what is to come in 2019.

“This council is going in the right direction,” he said. “We have a great council here. I think that we get a lot done with proper planning and I think we need to stay on that.”

While the fiscal year 2020 budget cycle is still months away, Martin said the pillars of the town’s spending plan next year and beyond are already being put in place. Earlier this month, the Mayor and Council got a rather rosy presentation on the town’s overall fiscal health heading into the new year with rock solid bond ratings, a healthy fund balance and a strong debt-to-revenue ratio.

However, there are fiscal challenges on the horizon. The Mayor and Council recently reviewed the proposed five-year capital improvement plan including hundreds of millions of dollars in major projects. The council is currently trying to prioritize those capital projects and come up with creative ways to fund them. Nonetheless, Martin said with proper planning, many of those projects will get done over time while maintaining the town’s solid fiscal position.

“We’ve been working on a five-year financial plan and that is ongoing,” he said. “Our plan continues to evolve.

We’re making the town better every year, every day really.”

The challenge going forward will be continuing to provide amenities to attract the millions of visitors to Ocean City each year while maintaining the quality of life for its year-round residents. Added to the challenges are remaining fiscally conservative and keeping the tax rates stable for resident and non-resident property owners. Martin said all those factors are in consideration as the calendar flips to 2019 and the fiscal-year budget cycle and the five-year capital plan move forward.

“This council has its best foot forward and its head in the right place,” he said. “We’re looking out for all of the taxpayers and we’re looking out for our children. Whatever we’ve done in the past is all about planning for the future of our children and our grandchildren.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

berlin proclaims ‘year Of the bird’

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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BERLIN – Town officials proclaimed 2018 the “Year of the Bird” in a ceremony this month.

At the last meeting of the town council, Mayor Gee Williams presented Dave Wilson of Conservation Community Consulting with a proclamation marking 2018 as the Year of the Bird in Berlin.

“The Berlin area is home to one of North America’s largest migrations when we host thousands of songbirds, raptors and waterfowl throughout the region, which is part of the Atlantic flyway,” Williams said. “From Berlin’s town parks to the majestic stands of bald cypress to our south and the Atlantic barrier islands on the east and every area in between, Berlin’s rich, natural resources support more than 200 bird species.”

The proclamation coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In Berlin, osprey, great egrets and wood ducks are often glimpsed nesting or migrating. Green herons are common at Berlin Falls Park during the summer.

Ducks, including northern shovelers, hooded mergansers and buffleheads, fill the park during the colder months.

The town’s proclamation recognizes the fact that Americans spend $41 billion a year on birding trips and equipment. Locally, birdwatchers participate

December 28, 2018

in an annual Christmas bird count and the MD/DC Breeding Bird Atlas Project.

In addition to Berlin, Talbot County, the Maryland State Senate and Gov. Larry Hogan have made efforts to celebrate the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. “The Year of the Bird is an opportunity for Maryland citizens and tourists alike to celebrate the educational and recreational role of birds that live and migrate through our state, as well as a great reminder of the importance of conserving our natural resources,” Hogan said. “I want to thank the National Audubon Society for their efforts to protect birds and their habitats in Maryland and beyond.”

The state is home to 42 “Important Bird Areas” and more than 400 observed species as well as the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which is a breeding and stopover area for millions of migrating birds each year, according to Audubon.

“Year of the Bird is an easy way people can take small, everyday actions to help birds along their journeys,” said David Yarnold, president and CEO for National Audubon Society. “Maryland's Chesapeake Bay provides wintering grounds for approximately one-third of the Atlantic coast’s migratory population, including iconic waterfowl species like the Tundra Swan, Canada Goose, Northern Pintail and Green-winged Teal.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

Residents Express Support For Wicomico Nursing Home

Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Community members called on county officials last week to support a county-owned nursing home.

Last week, several county residents came before the Wicomico County Council to advocate for the Wicomico Nursing Home after learning the facility was experiencing financial issues.

In November, representatives of the Wicomico Nursing Home came before the county council to request a $489,320 loan to sustain operations through fiscal year 2019. At the time, officials attributed financial woes at the facility to low occupancy, personnel costs and write offs of bad debt.

At the recommendation of staff, the county council earlier this month approved a loan that would keep the facility afloat through June 30, 2019.

That decision, however, also included a discussion on possible personnel changes and capital improvements to the nursing home, as well as the need for an advisory board that would provide guidance to the enterprise fund.

County officials also questioned if the facility should be privatized.

To that end, members of the community came before the county council

Financial Issues Plague Facility

last week in support of the Wicomico Nursing Home.

Salisbury resident Katrina Purnell said the county should do what is needed to keep the facility in operation and under county ownership.

“Wicomico County Nursing Home needs to be kept solvent,” she said.

Wicomico resident Donnie Waters noted the importance of the nursing home, which was established in the 1960s to provide services for all people, regardless of race or color.

“It is very important to the community in general, not just the African American community,” he said. “The nursing home has found a way to be a beacon of light and hope for individuals who have aged or are in the unproductive years of life and need care."

Waters argued that lack of quality health care contributed to racial disparities in the community and said the county-owned facility provided valuable services to taxpayers.

“These people have given money into tax coffers. They’ve given their money to the general fund,” he said.

“Although they are at the unproductive

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stage of life, they’ve given money and it’s time for the community to rally around them and be supportive and ensure their family gets the services they need.”

Wicomico resident Shanie Shields noted the Wicomico Nursing Home was one of the top-rated facilities in the county, but lacked funding for renovations.

"The Capital Improvement Plan should include the Wicomico Nursing Home," she said. "The funding should be phased in."

Shields added that community members in attendance wanted to see the county keep the facility.

"You can see the community wants the nursing home under the guidance of Wicomico County," she said.

Wicomico resident Carol Ward, the relative of a nursing home resident, agreed.

"It is a big family. They care. That is a jewel to the county," she said.

"Please do not close it. Do not sell it.

It would be the worst mistake."

A nurse at the Wicomico Nursing Home said she was concerned about layoffs and possible closure.

December 28, 2018

"There are a lot of rumors going around, and we know nothing," she said.

She asked that county officials consider the employees.

"Regardless of what decision is made, I think we need to know," she said. "People’s livelihoods are at stake."

Wayne Strausburg, the county’s director of administration, assured community members the county had no plans to shutter the facility, but wanted to address its shortfalls.

"We are trying to keep the nursing home open," he said. "But we can’t keep the nursing home open if it’s losing money operationally each year.

That’s attributed to a number of things."

Strausburg said the county would need to find ways to improve the facility and its census.

"We are trying to address how to reposition this nursing home so that it can continue to operate and provide a high level of service ...," he said.

Councilman Ernie Davis thanked community members for voicing their concerns.

"I’m glad to see people come in support of the nursing home," he said.

"It’s good to see there are still people out there who have a heart for it."

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… Appeals Court Rules Against OC

December 28, 2018

FROM PAGE 5 ciates, exercised their option on a second 25 years under the language in the agreement. That second 25-year option on the 1966 agreement expired in 2016 and the city asserted its jurisdiction over the property.

Nathans Associates has essentially claimed the town abandoned any ownership rights to the property after the building sat on the site for well over 100 years. The town asserted Atlantic Avenue, essentially the Boardwalk and the land east of it, had been dedicated to the public by a decadesold act of the Maryland General Assembly and was to be maintained by the municipality, regardless of the 1966 agreement that expired in 2016.

The case went to trial in 2017 and Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Dale Cathell ultimately rendered an opinion in favor of the Town of Ocean City. As a result, Nathans Associates was enjoined from any use of the property and the Rapoport heirs were required to remove or demolish the structure by the end of the year in 2017. Those orders were put on the back burner when Nathans Associates appealed the lower court’s ruling to the Court of Special Appeals.

With the Court of Special Appeals ruling last Friday, the case now heads back to Worcester County Circuit Court where the opinion issued in the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

case in 2017 will be amended to reflect the high court’s opinion on ownership of the property. Ocean City could appeal the case to the higher Court of Appeals, but having lost at the Court of Special Appeals, and, perhaps more importantly in this case the court of public opinion, there has been no indication thus far the town will pursue the issue further.

In its opinion issued last Friday, the Court of Special Appeals asserted the only evidence of ownership presented by the town was the original deed platted way back in 1876 in the nascent days of the fledgling resort.

“The question for our consideration, however, is not whether it appears likely from a common-sense perspective that modern day South Division Street is identical to 1876 Division Street,” the opinion reads. “Our question is whether sufficient evidence was produced by Ocean City itself to establish this fact.

The critical issue for our determination in this case is whether sufficient evidence exists in the record to support the circuit court’s conclusion that the property is located within a dedicated and accepted public easement. Ocean City conceded at trial and in this appeal that Nathans had established continuous possession of the property for over 20 years in an actual, open, notorious, exclusive, and hostile manner, under claim of title or ownership.”

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Regional Digest

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Lights Winners Announced

OCEAN CITY – Each year the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce partners with community members to host the Annual “Chamber Lights” Decorating Contest.

The contest is open to all members of the chamber, Ocean City Development Corporation, Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association and the Downtown Association.

The winners are as follows. The winning entries will be awarded at the chamber’s Business After Hours on Jan 3, 2019 at Ocean Downs Casino from 5-7 p.m.

Residential: Bobby Hammond, first place; Brandon Connolly, second; and Lisa and Sean Stephenson, third.

Hotel (Outdoor): Inn on the Ocean, first place; Comfort Inn Boardwalk, second; and Grand Hotel & Spa, third.

Hotel (Indoor): Dunes Manor Hotel, first place; Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 17th Street, second; and Grand Hotel & Spa, third.

Restaurants (Outdoor): Bull on the Beach, first place; Barn 34, second; and Original Greene Turtle, third.

Restaurants (Indoor): Nick’s House of Ribs, first place; Barn 34, second; and Dry Dock 28, third.

Service Business (Indoor): U.S. Post Office 71st Street, first place.

Service Business (Outdoor): U.S. Coast Guard Station-Ocean City, first place.

General Business (Indoor): A Barefoot Beach Bride, first place.

General Business (Outdoor): Jolly Roger at 30th Street, first place, and Jolly Roger at the Pier, second place.

Hartman Appointed To Judiciary Committee OCEAN CITY – Delegate-Elect Wayne Hartman last week was appointed to the House Judiciary Committee as one of his first assignments.

Hartman was essentially elected to the District 38-C seat, which encompasses Worcester and Somerset counties and portions of Wicomico County, when he won the Republican primary last summer. No Democratic challengers filed for the general election in November and Hartman was officially elected. Last week, House Speaker Michael Busch appointed Hartman to the House Judiciary Committee and he will be one of 22 delegates to serve on the committee when the General Assembly reconvenes on Jan. 9.

“I am excited to serve the people of the Eastern Shore and Maryland on the Judiciary Committee,” Hartman said. “My previous experience on the Ocean City Police Commission and my advocacy for strong public safety prepares me to serve on this committee.”

Hartman hopes serving on the committee will allow him to continue to address the ongoing scourge of heroin and opioid addiction.

December 28, 2018

“I look forward to serving on this committee,” he said. “Not only will I be able to work on issues such as criminal and civil laws and other areas related to public safety, but a keen focus on legislation that will help end the heroin and opioid epidemic on the Eastern Shore and across the state.”

Faculty Appreciation Awards Announced SALISBURY – This year’s Salisbury University Alumni Association Faculty Appreciation Award winners are “wonderful,” “dynamic” and “amazing,” “left a lasting impression” and “bring learning to life,” according to their former students.

The association honored five with the accolade during SU’s 93rd-year Fall Commencement. They include Drs. Mary DiBartolo, Nursing, of the College of Health and Human Services; Dean Kotlowski, History, of the Charles R. and Martha N. Fulton School of Liberal Arts; Donald Spickler, Mathematics and Computer Science, of the Richard A. Henson School of Science and Technology; Dean Ravizza, Secondary and Physical Education, of the Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education; and William Burke, Information and Decision Sciences, of the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business.

“These are professors whose efforts have made a lasting impression on students, who have provided dynamic classroom instruction, who exhibit attributes graduates can take with them into their careers and who have made a difference in the lives of their students,” said Julius Jones, Alumni Association president.

OP Market Moves Inside OCEAN PINES – Providing fresh alternatives in the frigid winter months, an indoor farmer’s market is set to open next week in Ocean Pines and run through the first week of March.

“Customers who are looking for a climate-controlled farmers market should look to the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market this winter,” said Denise Sawyer, marketing and public relations director for the Ocean Pines Association.

The indoor market will run each Saturday from Jan. 5 to March 9 from 9 a.m.-noon, at the Northside Fire House next to White Horse Park. The opening day of the indoor market will showcase the sounds and savor of Delmarva. Acoustic musician Riley Rager of Ocean Pines will provide live entertainment to marketgoers on Saturday, Jan. 5.

The indoor market will also feature vendors such as Bay Mushroom, Charlie’s Treats, D.J. David & Company, DelVecchio’s Bakery, Eastern Shore Kettle Korn, Ethne Coffee Roasters, Girdletree Farms, Home Canning Classics, Pampered Chef, Pureblend Teas, Stag Run Farm, Tout de Suite Patisserie, and Windmill Creek Vineyard & Winery.

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

Obituaries

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

David Gaddie Walters SMITHFIELD, N.C.– David Gaddie Walters, 69, of Smithfield, N.C., formerly of Ocean City, passed away Thursday, Dec. 20, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, N.C. Born Oct. 29, 1949, Mr. Walters was a retired electrician/ship engineer. He worked for the Alaskan fishing industry and later worked for many years in the hospitality industry in Ocean City. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, carpentry, making things with his hands and he especially loved animals.

At his request, there will be no visitation or viewing. A graveside service will be held at East Hill DAVID Cemetery in Bristol, Tenn., GADDIE WALTERS at a later date.

Mr. Walters is survived by his wife, Barbara Walters of Smithfield; daughter Kim Hanson (Chad) of Warner Robbins, Ga.; son David Walters of Cambridge; sisters Nancy King (Charlie) of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., and Sandra Cannon (Laura) of Rockville; stepdaughters Kathleen Stone (Anthony) of Winston, Ga., Brenda Blackman (Kelvin) of Dunn, N.C., Denise Galloway (Charles) of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his par-

ents, David A. Walters and Helen B. Walters.

Memorial donations may be made to Worcester County Humane Society, 12330 Eagles Nest Rd., Berlin, Md., 21811 or to Kenille’s Kupboard Pet Pantry & Rescue Inc., P.O. Box 598, Ocean City, Md. 21843.

Mary Theresa Leidner OCEAN PINES – Mary Theresa Leidner, age 81, died on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, at her home.

Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Thomas O’Neill and Helena Wess O’Neill. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Leidner Sr., and children, Ronald LeiMARY dner Jr., and his wife, Jan- THERESA et, of Millersville, Md., LEIDNER Jeffrey Leidner and partner Jennifer Opie of Berlin, Gregory Leidner and his wife, Margie, of St. Augustine, Fla., Victoria Black and her husband, Robert, of Bluffton, S.C., Laurie Bracken and her husband, Colt, of Timonium, Md., and Scott Leidner and his husband, Rafael,

December 28, 2018

of Gaithersburg, Md. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Ronald Leidner III, Brooke Leidner, Patrick Leidner, Andrew Newman, Jenna Lightner, Duffy Leidner, Christopher Lightner, Robbie Camin, Christine Leidner, Carlie Leidner, Morgan Bracken, Matthew Leidner and Hannah Bracken, and seven greatgrandchildren, Jack, Luke, Rhyan, Oliver, Gentry, Audrey and Griffin. Also surviving is her brother, Thomas O’Neill of San Antonio, Texas, and her sister, Barbara Rosenthal and her husband, Terry, of Manalapan, N.J. As a cardiac care nurse for more than four decades, Mary's keen wit, sense of humor, Irish mischievousness and love of her profession and patients kept nurses, doctors and administrators on their toes at both St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore and Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury.

Mrs. Leidner, along with her husband, also led the Worcester County Parkinson's Support group in Berlin for a number of years. A member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Mary was a loving, devoted and steadfast mother, grandmother and great-grand-

mother and a dedicated and loving wife to her beloved husband for almost 62 years. She enjoyed the beach, gardening, golf, swimming, traveling, ceramics and especially storytelling. She never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone while opening her home for friends and family gatherings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church near Ocean Pines. Inurnment will be in the McDonogh School Columbarium in Owings Mills at a later date.

A donation in her memory may be made at https://www.pdlowershore.org/ or sent to Lower Shore Parkinson's Support Group, 909 Progress Circle, Salisbury, Md. 21804. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Charles Bernard Bennett BERLIN – Charles Bernard Bennett, age 85, died Dec. 21, 2018, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Samuel Bennett and Sophie Raingor Bennett. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Ann Bennett, in 2012. He is survived by his sister, Ellen Gott; his sister-in-law, Barbara Ackerman of Berlin; and three nephews.

He was employed with Bethlehem SEE NEXT PAGE

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... Obituaries

December 28, 2018

FROM PAGE 40 Steel Co. in Baltimore where he had worked for 37 years. He was a United States Army veteran and member of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. He was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Sa-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch cred Heart of Mary Cemetery, 7501 German Hill Rd. in Baltimore. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Arrangements are in care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via burbage@burbagefuneralhome.com.

Geraldine Clarke BERLIN – Geraldine Clarke, age 79, passed away on Dec. 24, 2018, at her

LAWN CARE

Page 41

home in Berlin.

Born in Bronx, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Dominick Luciani and Carlita Cattaneo. She is survived by her daughters, Pamela Miller and husband Jeff and Lisa Stauffer and husband Tim; sister Adrianna Reed and husband Lawrence; and two grandchildren, Allyson Stauffer GERALDINE CLARKE and Jessica Stauffer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Clarke.

HERE’S MY CARD

A funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service.

Letters of condolence may be sent to the family at www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Community Church of Ocean Pines at 11227 Racetrack Rd., Ocean Pines, Md. 21811 or Worcester County Humane Society at P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811.

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Decatur Students Complete Financial Literacy Program

Page 42

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – A bumper crop of fiscally responsible students emerged from Stephen Decatur last week armed with certifications after completing a rigorous financial literacy course at the Berlin high school.

Forty-one Stephen Decatur High School students last week received their official certifications after completing the financial literacy program provided by EverFi Inc. and sponsored by the Bank of Ocean City. The newly-certified students completed the EverFi web-based program as part of a statewide initiative to teach financial responsibility to the soon-to-be adults.

The EverFi program uses the latest in new media technologies including adap-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

tive pathing, 3D gaming, social networking, online animations, video and messaging tools to bring complex financial concepts to life. Decatur Principal Tom Sites praised the students from each grade level for completing the rigorous program and told them its important lessons will help prepare them for a better future as they move on in life.

“Financial literacy is so important,” he said. “You need to learn to have a budget and when you do that, you can go far. This program gives you a leg up with that because even a lot of adults struggle with this.”

Through the EverFi program, the students became certified in over 600 topics in financial education and became better financially informed citizens. The Bank of Ocean City contracted with EverFi to bring the interactive financial

December 28, 2018

The most recent Stephen Decatur High School financial literacy program graduates are pictured with Bank of Ocean City representatives and school officials.

Photo by Shawn Soper

management program to the Decatur students at no cost to the school.

Bank of Ocean City Vice President

Earl Conley said the program teaches high school students every aspect of financial literacy using, in some cases, virtual reality applications.

“This program includes some of the most important things you’ll learn here in high school,” he said. “When you have this much money, you can only spend that much money, but you also have to save for the future. You have to live within your means.”

Conley said one of the first encounters with adulthood and the need for financial savviness will greet the high school students when they reach the next level of their education.

“You’re going to learn all about credit card solicitations when you get to college,” he said. “Predatory lending is back. You get that card, you’re at college and you’re thinking this is way too easy. I was guilty of it and a lot of adults are guilty of it.”

To paint a clearer picture, Conley put real numbers to the college credit card dilemma.

“With a bank loan, interest is compounded every month,” he said.

“Credit card companies compound interest every single day. If you get a card with a $1,000 balance and pay that $25 a month, it will take you 15 years to pay it off. In the end, you’ll probably pay $15,000 for that $1,000.”

The 10-unit course offers six hours of programming aimed at teaching, assessing and certifying students in a variety of financial topics including credit scores, insurance, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, taxes, stocks, savings, 401ks and other critical concepts. The system uniquely tracks the progress and score of every student and provides those who successfully complete the course with a Certification in Financial Literacy, a powerful tool on college resumes, applications and more.

Conley said the Bank of Ocean City is happy to sponsor the program at Decatur because many of the students will be the bank’s clients later in life.

“You need to live within your means and start planning for your retirement already,” he said. “This financial literacy program is one of the most important things we can offer you. We wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t extremely important.”

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch

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

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966

WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

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

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

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

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

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Public Support Appreciated Editor: The Court of Special Appeals, in its ruling on Dec. 21, declared that Nathan’s Associates is the owner of the property on the east side of the Boardwalk located at 601 S. Atlantic Ave. that houses Dumser’s Dairyland.

Despite what has been previously reported in various media, there is no remand back to Worcester County for the purpose of a re-trial. The only purpose of the remand is for the circuit court to enter a new order (as stated below) "consistent with this opinion".

The opinion read, “Judgement of the Circuit Court for Worcester County reversed: Costs to be paid by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City.

Case remanded for entry of an order consistent with this opinion.”

This new order negates the prior 2017 order to vacate and tear down the building.

We are extremely pleased that the Court of Special Appeals has reversed the prior ruling and are so very grateful that the public reaction to this decision has been so overwhelming positive.

Also, it is very gratifying to know that a public that has been so supportive of the Timmons and Rapoport families in the past is as pleased about this decision as we are.

Although Ocean City has no right to appeal this matter further, it can request that the state’s top court consider taking the case. The appellate court has ruled in favor of Nathan’s and Dumsers.

Over 13,000 people have signed the petition asking Ocean City to drop this matter and we hope Ocean City will now listen to the public and end this matter.

Wishing all of our supporters and our community a joyous holiday season and all the best in the coming year.

Mona Strauss

To Our Readers

The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity.

Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority.

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

Page 43

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

For the last issue of the year, it’s an opportune time to look back on the predictions I made one year ago for 2018. Next week I take another stab at the news that will make headlines in 2019.

Right On The Money •Republican Gov. Larry Hogan did cruise to re-election as I thought he would. However, he did not defeat Rushern Baker, the former Prince George’s County Executive. Baker lost in the Democratic primary to Ben Jealous, who got hammered by Hogan.

•I was right when I predicted the new median fence would prove to be a general success in “reducing pedestrian accidents along the one-mile stretch of Coastal Highway.”

•As I thought, nothing happened in 2018 with a new Lidl grocery store that was announced for Route 50 in 2017.

•The pessimist (or maybe realist) in me was right when I opined there would be no major developments on a “marine animal rescue facility” suggested for downtown Ocean City. In fact, the National Aquarium folks in Baltimore said they wanted nothing to do with any type of project of the sort aside from consulting informally.

•Atlantic General Hospital’s Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center opened this summer as initially planned.

•Several new stores, including Michaels, Petsmart and Dollar Tree, did open west of Home Depot in the Ocean Landings Shopping Center. Ross also opened along with Fox’s Pizza and IHOP. •Voters approved the “lock box” referendum, which sought to ensure a portion of gambling revenue was in fact dedicated to education as it was initially sold to voters years ago.

•On the national level, I was right the Democratic Party in November would make substantial gains in the House and Senate as a result of antiTrump sentiment. The Senate actually flipped from a Republican majority to a Democratic majority. That’s one of the reasons why the government is currently shutdown as officials differ on the border wall funding.

•The year did end without the Worcester County Commissioners taking any substantive steps toward a major sports complex for youth tournaments. Word is a closed session vote was held on a parcel near Berlin, but the majority voted against this type of economic development in a 4-3 vote.

•Ocean City has moved forward with the second phase of the Boardwalk security project, approving bids last month to advance the effort including gates at street-ends.

What Was I Thinking?

•Three new faces were not elected to the Worcester County Commission.

I thought Josh Nordstrom, Virgil Shockley and a newcomer from District 3 (with longtime incumbent Bud Church opting for a delegate run to replace Mary Beth Carozza) would be elected. In fact, it turned out only Nordstrom was the new face, as Shockley lost to Ted Elder for the second straight election, and Church decided to run for commissioner and defeated challengers in the primary and general elections.

•I thought Jim Mathias would retain his Senate seat in a close contest over Mary Beth Carozza, who would then be appointed to a Hogan cabinet position. It turned out Carozza delivered Mathias his first career election loss in convincing fashion.

•I predicted a planned summer weekend concert series would be a huge hit at the new Berlin Falls Park, resulting in town officials wanting to expand it in future years. Nothing of the sort or anything like it occurred this year.

•Ocean City Councilman Lloyd Martin did opt to seek another term in municipal elected office. I thought he would not run again. In the end, he was elected to his fifth term in a tight election.

•A hired consultant never came before the Ocean City Mayor and Council with a grand vision for the 3rd Street park redevelopment as I hoped.

•After she was named a Worcester County Circuit Court Judge along with Beau Oglesby, I predicted Peggy Kent’s Magistrate position would be filled by Regan Smith, a finalist for the judicial post. It was actually Cathi Coates who became the next Magistrate, which among other thing presides over Family Court matters.

•A tattoo shop did not open in Berlin, as town officials have extended a moratorium while a committee continues to dive into health department hurdles.

•The Pittsburgh Steelers did not defeat the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl. Instead, it was the Philadelphia Eagles winning over the New England Patriots.

Too Early To Tell •A planned parking study for the Town of Berlin did in fact move ahead, but it’s unclear if a two-story garage is part of the effort. I predicted the garage concept would be a focal point.

•It’s unknown at this point whether the mid-town fire station in Ocean City will be relocated to the parking lot in front of the police station.

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Students

Worcester Preparatory School’s Volunteers organization sponsored a gift drive to collect presents for Worcester County G.O.L.D. (Giving Other Lives Dignity), a nonprofit organization that provides financial aid to families in crisis, vulnerable adults and children in foster care. Pictured, front from left, above left, are Maddy Warren, Sarah Butler, Carly Young, Arusa Islam, Lexi Willey and Luke Loeser; and, back, Upper School history teacher Madelyn Beebe, Graham McColgan, Carson Cebula, Luke Bunting, Sajiv Satyal, Ibrahim Kazi, Chandler Schrider, Head of School Randal Brown, Head of Upper School Mike Grosso, G.O.L.D. Board President Carol Jacobs, Parker Tingle, Ian Lewis, Cayden Wallace, Pearson Schul, Meeta Agarwal and Cooper Ludt.

Submitted Photos

December 28, 2018

To help make the holidays a little warmer for those less fortunate in the community, Worcester Prep’s Student Government Association and National Honor Society sponsored a “Pajama Drive” for the Pajama Program Eastern Shore Chapter. Upper School students collected more than 200 pairs of pajamas to be distributed in the tri-county area. Above right, Hannah Perdue, Arusa Islam, Kat McCormick and Sami Repass help Pajama Program volunteer Mary Anna Pavlos pack up donated pajamas, along with Head of Upper School Mike Grosso, WPS English Teacher/NHS Advisor Kathleen Otway and students Jacob Meakin, Molly McCormick and Bridget McCormick.

In The News

Berlin Intermediate School students in After School Academy Random Acts of Kindness club put together blessing bags for the local homeless community, using funds and supplies donated through a casual day donation. Students added their own words of encouragement to each bag.

Berlin Intermediate Principal Ryan M. Cowder and a few students showed off some holiday cheer before school dismissed for break. Cowder is pictured with Hailey Renshaw, Niyah Adams and Zoe Hinkle.

Photo by Marlene Luckenbaugh

More than 500 Worcester Prep students collected canned goods, non-perishable food and monetary donations to purchase meat products for the Annual Food Drive sponsored by the WPS Student Government Association. The goods were provided to seven distribution centers located in Maryland and Delaware that feed those in need during the holiday season. Pictured, from left, are Head of Upper School Mike Grosso and SGA officers Henry Taboh, Dakin Moore, Sam Cantor and Basil Christian.

Lower School students, from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5, eagerly lined up earlier this month to visit with Santa and give gifts to those in need at Diakonia.

Hundreds of gifts were donated to Diakonia’s two homeless shelters in West Ocean City that provide emergency and transitional housing, food services and counseling for their guests. Pictured with Santa are WPS second-graders Lily Barker, Elliott Mason, Liam McAllister, Kaylin Zervakos, Elle Wilsey, Caroline Burbage and Brax Giardina.

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Happy Holidays From Herg Group Horizon!

Page 45

Thank You To All Of Our Past Clients And For A Great 2018 Year!

Sunspot

Wonderful 1BR/2BA condo with great balcony view! Kitchen includes breakfast nook and dining and living room off kitchen.

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Blue Marlin

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Mystic Point

Stunning 2BR/2BA just a glance from ocean!

Totally remodeled including both bathrooms, new beautiful floors, open kitchen and floor plan, crown molding throughout. Newer heat/air, water heater, washer/dryer stack, kitchen appliances. Custom cabinets, closets, shades. $259,900

Marylander

Amazing ocean view and beach access! 1BR/1BA condo. Large bedroom. Open kitchen with view to dining and living area. Warm and inviting layout, perfect for a beach property! Washer/Dryer in unit.

Condo fees include cable, year round indoor pool, game room. $143,900

Snow Hill

The Walter P. Snow House/Cedars B&B. A grand restored Federal Style residence in the historic Worcester County seat of Snow Hill, surrounded by a thriving downtown, the Pocomoke River, seashores, and state parks. A truly amazing property at this price! $399,900

Ocean Pines

Beautiful single level home located on large corner lot, just inside south gate. 3BR/2BA. Brand new HVAC. Hardwood flooring throughout living areas, tile bathrooms, carpeted bedrooms. Freshly paved asphalt driveway. Screened porch out back. Come see for yourself! $239,000

Ocean Bliss

Live the life of luxury in heart of OC! 5BR/5BA/3500 sqft, 2 level townhouse style condo steps from beach! Both levels feature wrap-around balconies with views of ocean and bay. Interior completely customized and upgraded. Great location, covered parking, outdoor pool. $719,900

East New Market

5BR/5BA home on over 6 acres on Indian Creek, a few hundred feet from the Choptank River.

Newly remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, soft close cabinets.

Enjoy quiet country life less than 5 miles to downtown Cambridge, 60 miles to OC. $330,000

Salty Sands

Views of ocean and bay are amazing! Practically oceanfront, totally remodeled, top floor end 2BR/2BA condo in highly desirable building with elevator, assigned parking, new roof. Just steps to beach in great mid-town location, close to many local attractions and restaurants. $337,000

Dunes Edge Villas

Live steps away from beach in heart of OC! Beautiful end-unit townhouse, one building in from beach with ocean views from balconies! 3BR/3BA and 3 stories of open living space! Great rental history. Low condo fees. Attached garage for convenience and storage! $379,900

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Page 46

Sports

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 28, 2018

Seahawks Hold Off Eagles In Holiday Clash In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – A holiday matinee between Decatur and Snow Hill last Thursday certainly lived up to the hype with the Seahawks prevailing, 75-65, in a hard-fought game in front of a big, bipartisan crowd in Berlin.

Last Thursday’s game had a lot of story lines going in, including the first head-to-head matchup between Decatur Head Coach Bryon Johnson and younger brother Shawn Johnson, who took over the reins this year in Snow Hill. The two teams are natural Worcester County rivals and there were also early high stakes in the Bayside South standings.

Judging by the standing-room-only crowd, fans from both sides sensed something special was about to go down and the varsity game that followed did not disappoint. Snow Hill jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first and the Seahawks did not get on the board until the 3:51 mark on a steal and layup by Drew Haueisen. Decatur got a big boost from Gabe Aluma off the bench late in the first quarter.

Aluma got a couple of big blocks that brought the crowd to its feet and converted a couple of free throws down the stretch as the first quarter ended with Decatur ahead, 8-7.

After first-quarter jitters by both teams subsided, the pace picked up in the second quarter. Decatur’s Anterio Collins nailed a long threepointer to put Decatur ahead, 11-7.

Collins then dropped two free throws and Churchill Bounds added two more as Decatur went on an 11-0 run

spanning the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second to increase its lead to 15-7.

A three-pointer by Snow Hill stopped the bleeding, but Collins hit Aluma with a great pass on a fast-break and the big man converted to push the lead back to 17-10. Trae Bunting then hit a long three-pointer, the first of five in the game, to extend the lead to 20-11. A put-back by Bounds, followed by another layup by Aluma put Decatur ahead, 24-16, with just under five minutes remaining in the second.

A fast break by Snow Hill cut the Decatur lead to 25-20 with about three minutes left in the second, but Bunting took over for a brief stretch during the latter part of the second quarter. Bunting found his spot on the left side and nailed two long threepointers on back-to-back possessions. Bunting added two free throws, during the stretch and the Seahawks lead expanded to 33-23.

The Eagles scored on back-toback steals and layups to cut the lead to 33-28 with 28 seconds left in the half. Decatur’s London Drummond scored on a put-back off a missed free throw to push the lead to 36-38, but Snow Hill answered with a three to cut the lead to 36-31 at the half.

Snow Hill came out firing in the third, nailing two three-pointers right from jump to tie the game at 36-36. The Eagles got a steal and converted a layup to take the lead for the first time since early in the first, 38-36. A long-three by Bounds stopped the run, however, and put Decatur back on top, 39-38. The two teams swapped baskets during a frantic part of the third quarter.

Decatur’s Drew Haueisen inbounds the ball against the Snow Hill defense during last Thursday’s game.

Photo by Shawn Soper

Decatur’s Churchill Bounds gets off a runner from the baseline during the second half of Thursday’s win over Snow Hill.

Photo by Shawn Soper

A layup by Aluma put Decatur ahead, 43-42 with five minutes left in the third. Bunting then scored on a put-back and nailed another long three to push the Decatur lead to 4842 with 1:36 remaining in the third.

Snow Hill battled right back with a pair of baskets to cut the lead to 48-46.

Drummond closed out the third quarter with a free throw and the Seahawks held a narrow 49-46 lead heading into the fourth.

Collins started the fourth with a basket to push the lead to 51-47, but Snow Hill answered right back. Bounds converted a baseline jumper, but again the Eagles had the answer. With six minutes left in the fourth, the game was tied at 53-53. A nice runner by Jalen Planter put Decatur ahead, 55-53.

Drummond then got a huge block on a Snow Hill fast break and the crowd was

on its feet again. Bunting nailed yet another long three, but Snow Hill came right back to cut the lead to 58-55.

Haueisen scored on a steal and fast-break layup and was fouled. He converted the free throw and the threepoint play to push the Decatur lead to 61-55. A long jumper by Bunting and a Bounds layup pushed the score to 6556. Snow Hill hung around in the game through much of the fourth, but a huge dunk by Bounds served as a punctuation point of sorts and brought the crowd to its feet again.

With under two minutes left in the game, the Seahawks led, 68-58. With time running down, Snow Hill was left with little choice but to foul and Decatur made enough free throws down the stretch to hang on for the 75-65 win.

With the win, the Seahawks improved to 3-1 heading into the holiday break.

Beck, Seahawks Solid In Russo Meet

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams turned in solid performances last week at the Pat Russo Invitational, an annual holiday meet featuring teams from across Delmarva named for the program’s longtime coach.

This year marked the sixth annual Pat Russo Invitational, named for the Decatur track coach and legend who ran the program for 41 years before retiring. The Decatur boys finished ninth overall as a team among the 16 schools represented, while the Decatur girls also finished ninth among the 15 teams in its meet.

Decatur’s Kevin Beck had a strong meet, finishing first in the 800. Beck also helped lead the Decatur boys to a first-place finish in the 4x800 relay.

Gavin Bunting finished 14th in the 300. Bunting also finished 10th in the 500, while Chad Fischer finished 12th.

While Beck won the 800, George Cheynet finished 11th in the event.

Beck also finished third in the 1,600,

while Sam Rakowski finished eighth and Carter McClendon finished 14th. In the 3,200, Decatur’s Samuel Woodley finished ninth while Tristan Dutton came in 16th. Hunter Wolf finished 11th in the 55-meter hurdles, while Andrew Ball finished 16th. In the other relays, the Decatur boys finished eighth in the 4x400 and 10th in the 4x200. In the field events, Zachary Fuchsluger finished 10th in the high jump.

On the girls’ side, Decatur’s Alyssa Romano finished 10th in the 300.

Gabrielle Izzett finished fourth in the 800, while Caroline Gardner was 14th.

Izzett also finished fifth in the 1,600 while Dori Krasner came in 19th. Avery Braciszewski finished 13th and Amalia Murphy finished 14th in the 3,200.

Raeghan Flynn finished 19th in the 55-meter hurdles. In the relays, the Decatur girls finished 11th in the 4x200, 12th in the 4x400 and seventh in the 4x800. In the field events, Romano finished 12th in the high jump.

Abbie Bak-er came in sixth in the pole vault, while Abby Wesche finished 10th. Zoriah Shockley finished 19th in the shot put.

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Decatur Wrestlers Sweep Tri-Meet

Decatur’s Jagger Clapsadle takes down Colonel Richardson’s Samuel Souil in the 120-pound match during last week’s tri-meet.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team stayed on a big early season roll last week, sweeping two matches against St. Michaels and Colonel Richardson to improve to 4-0 on the season.

In the tri-meet at St. Michaels in Easton last week, the Seahawks beat the host Saints, 78-3, and topped Colonel Richardson, 69-9.

The modest point totals for the opponents in the two matches represented the only points allowed by Decatur thus far in four early season matches.

Against St. Michaels, Caleb Myers won by forfeit at 106. After St. Michaels’ Tae Gowe beat Decatur’s Austin Miller, the Seahawks ran the table starting with Jagger Clapsadle’s win over Andre Setter at 120.

Nico D’Amico beat St. Michaels’ Zionte Safrit at 126 and Robert Mitchell beat Christopher Gutierrez at 132.

Noah Reho beat Camden Harrison at 138, followed by Alex Koulikov’s victory over Kassan Hernandez at 145.

Jhymir Blake beat St. Michaels’ Nick Ball at 152.

Decatur won the next three matches by forfeit including Ethan Kalchthaler at 160, Lukas Layton at 170 and

D.J. Taylor at 195.

Daleetez Smith beat St. Michaels’ Jeremy Patchett at 220 and Dakota Souder won the heavyweight match at 285 by forfeit.

Against Colonel Richardson, D.J. Taylor fell in his match at 195, putting the Seahawks behind in a match for the first time all year.

Daleetez Smith beat the Colonels’ Lesly Fleurissaint at 220 and Dakota Souder topped Matt Barrow at 285 to but the Seahawks ahead for good at 12-3.

Caleb Myers beat Jorselen Gabriel at 106, Shamar Barnes beat Marclee Duvelcint at 113 and Jagger Clapsadle beat Samuel Souil at 120.

Nico D’Amico kept the roll going for Decatur with a win over Abe Webb and 126 and Noah Reho beat Brandon Draper at 132.

Kyle Elliott beat Daniel McKernan at 138 and Alex Koulikov beat Ryan Stanton at 145.

Jhymir Blake kept Decatur’s streak going with a win over Brandon Jester at 152, but Colonel Richardson’s Mason Lambert topped Ethan Kalchthaler at 160 to stop the bleeding.

Decatur Girls Rout Eagles, Improve To 3-2

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team rolled by county rival Snow Hill, 53-5, last week to close out the early part of the season on a high note.

The Seahawks traveled to Snow Hill last Thursday for the annual county rivalry game with the Eagles, but it wasn’t much of a contest. Decatur scored early and often and cruised to the 53-5 win. With the win, the Seahawks improved to 3-2 with the early part of the season in the

Decatur closed out the 69-9 rout with a win by Lukas Layton over Austin Spies at 170 and win by Micah Bourne over Samson Opher at 182.

books.

Decatur collected wins over Pocomoke, Crisfield and Snow Hill during the early stretch, wrapped around losses to Queen Anne’s and Washington.

The Decatur girls are competing this week in the North Caroline Holiday Tournament at Chesapeake College. The impressive field of eight girls’ varsity teams in the event also includes host North Caroline, defending champion Huntingtown, CambridgeSouth Dorchester, St. Mary’s, Arundel, Sherwood and Southern of Garrett County, which is the defending state Class 1A champion.

Page 47

Page 48

Puzzle Answers

PUZZLE ON PAGE 61

O

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 28, 2018

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN ne of these upcoming years photos with Santa will become a thing of the past.

Until that sad day comes, however, we will continue to make it an annual tradition, so we can look back at these snapshots in time. Each year when we bring out our Christmas decorations, Pam places each of the framed photos below out around the house.

For many years, we were in the photos with the kids, but we bowed out four years ago because family photos with Santa went from being fun to just weird, according to Beckett. There was one memorable year when Beckett provided a lot of entertainment (see 2010).

That without question remains my favorite Santa memory.

2008

2011

2009

2010

2012

2013

2015

2016

2014

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

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Community

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

News In Photos

Roughly 16 members of the Rotary Club of Salisbury and several family members and the Chesapeake Housing Mission spent an October morning constructing a wheelchair ramp for Marine veteran Terry Williams of Eden, who himself assisted with and oversaw the project.

The over 180 members of the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (Coastal) who attended the association’s 2018 Holiday Party at Seacrets donated over 150 toys to Toys For Tots. Members also donated $330 that will benefit the Coastal REALTORS® Foundation, which is a fund administered by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore that supports local charities. Pictured, from left, are President-elect Joe Wilson, Director Steve Parsons, Vice President Joni Williamson, Immediate Past President Joel Maher, President Bernie Flax, Director Brandon Johnson, Director Cameron Drew, Director Grace Masten and Director Austin Whitehead.

Submitted Photos

Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County (HFH) received $12,000 from First Shore Federal Savings this December. The funding from this generous donation will be restricted to the four projects included in Wicomico Habitat’s affordable home program with the next upcoming build to begin this spring. First Shore Federal utilized Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Investment Tax Credit Program with its donation. Pictured, from left, are Christina Williams, development coordinator, HFH of Wicomico County; Sharon Morris, First Shore Federal and secretary of the board of HFH of Wicomico County; Molly Hilligoss, executive director of HFH of Wicomico County; Gene Malone, First Shore Federal and president of the board of HFH of Wicomico County; and Marty Neat, CEO of First Shore Federal.

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Thirty-nine jail and correctional officers from Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties graduated in the 103rd entrancelevel class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy (ESCJA) operated by Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury. Above, Wicomico officers pictured, front from left, are Donald E. Beideman II, Joseph A. Daly and Brianna M. Jones and, back, Arthur J. Pitts Jr., Andrew M. Rop, Gregory M. Smith, Gavaughn E. Trower and Matthew B. Tunney. Below, Worcester officers, from left, are Mary R. Chaney of the Ocean City Police Department and Yashawn R. Cuffee and Yasmine R. Jenkins of the Worcester County Jail and Detention Center.

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Free Bus Service New Year’s Eve

December 28, 2018

OCEAN CITY – A tradition in Ocean City for New Year’s Eve is free transit service for all visitors and residents to allow for the enjoyment of the end of the year and the beginning of the new year.

This year as always there will be no fare to ride the bus from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Dec. 31; however, in coordination with the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, Ocean City Transportation will be accepting donations in the fareboxes. All donations collected for those operating hours of 6 a.m. of Dec. 31 to 6 a.m. on Jan. 1 will be directed to the charitable foundation.

For Dec. 31 into the morning of New Year’s Day, buses on Coastal Highway will run every 10 minutes to provide frequent and dependable service for the customers. To start the day of Dec. 31, buses will run every 30 minutes but by 2 p.m. frequency will increase to 15 minutes and then to 10 minutes as the day and the year winds down. The best way to track the buses is through the bus tracker app known as TransLoc Rider.

The app was rolled out for New Year’s Eve last year and in the past 12 months there have been over 350,000 hits to the app and corresponding web site for bus location information. The map of buses showing on your smart phone or desktop is real-time with a delay of no more than a second or two.

The real-time information allows the customer waiting for the bus to time the arrival so wait time at the bus stop is minimalized. In times of cold or rain, this is a must. Don’t forget though that the bus moves about 20 mph down Coastal Highway and if you have to cross the street to go the opposite way, allow for that time as well. Bus stops are located every other block in most cases up and down Coastal Highway. There are 143 stops including stops on Philadelphia Avenue and Baltimore Avenue in the downtown area. For more information, call 410-273-1606.

The 2018 year was a good one for Ocean City Transportation. In addition to the buses being your designated driver on New Year’s Eve at no cost to you, Ocean City Transportation providing free service is a small token of appreciation for riding our buses and supporting our services through the year. The low allday and night $3 fare charged on regular service days is still a bargain and the best way to get around town.

One small note is that the park and ride lot and bus service will not be operating on New Year’s Eve. However, the ADA service provided by advance reservation of 24 hours is available to qualified residents and visitors. It also is free as well for the 24-hour period.

We would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in 2019.

– Mark Rickards Special To The Dispatch (The writer is the transit manager for the Town of Ocean City’s Department of Public Works.)

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things I Like ...

By Steve Green

Watching football with family My sister-in-law’s handmade Christmas stockings Christmas morning photos Smell of a charcoal grill

“It’s A Wonderful Life” on Christmas Eve King-size beds

Running on the Boardwalk

Setting up a new computer

A movie and a bottle of wine at home The first time the power comes on after an outage Sporting goods departments

Page 51

Best Beats

Page 52

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 28, 2018

on the beach

Who’s Where When 28TH/127TH STREET PIT AND PUB 410-289-2020/443-664-7482 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. & 127th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 28: DJ Wax Monday, Dec. 31, NYE: DJ Soulfinger Wednesdays: DJ Wax (127th St.) ATLANTIC HOTEL 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley Tuesdays: Bob Miller on Piano

DJ WOOD Greene Turtle West: Every Friday Greene Turtle North: Every Saturday

WES DAVIS Buxy’s Salty Dog: Monday, Dec. 31, NYE

BUXY’S SALTY DOG/DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 28: Lauren Glick Duo Monday, Dec. 31: NYE with Wes Davis CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, 15th St. & Baltimore Ave. Every Thursday Thru Saturday: Phil Perdue On Piano

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UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT 10818 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, MD 21811 410-973-2873

AARON HOWELL 45th St. Taphouse: Monday, Dec. 31, NYE & Wednesdays

CLARION HOTEL 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Highway Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, Dec. 28 & 29: First Class Every Friday & Saturday: DJ Dusty Sunday, Dec. 30: On The Edge Monday, Dec. 31: Power Play & On The Edge FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Friday, Dec. 28: DJ Greg, 5 p.m., DJ Hook, 9 p.m., Side Project 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 29: Josh Christina, Noon, DJ Greg, 5 p.m., DJ RobCee, 9 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 30: DJ RobCee, 9 p.m., The Swell Fellas, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 31, NYE: Everett Spells, 7 p.m., DJ Groove, 9 p.m., Animal House, 10 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 1: Everett Spells, 11 a.m., New Year’s Day Brunch GREENE TURTLE NORTH 410-723-2120 11601 Coastal Hwy. Fridays: DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

Saturdays: DJ Wood, 10 p.m.

BEER•LIQUOR•WINE

DJ DUSTY Clarion/Ocean Club: Every Friday & Saturday

GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rte. 611, West OC Fridays: DJ Wood Monday, Dec. 31, NYE: DJ Duffy HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Road, West OC Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturdays: Side Project/Chris Button, 2 p.m., DJ Jeremy, 9 p.m.

Sundays & Thursdays: Opposite Directions, 2 & 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 31: NYE with Billy T HARPOON HANNA’S 302-539-3095 Rt. 54 & The Bay, Fenwick Island, DE

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 29 & 30

EVERETT SPELLS Fager’s Island: Monday, Dec. 31, NYE & Tuesday, Jan. 1, New Year’s Day

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Monday, Dec. 31, NYE & Fridays

DAVE SHERMAN Harpoon Hanna’s: Monday, Dec. 31, NYE &Saturdays

DJ SOULFINGER 28th St. Pit & Pub: Monday, Dec. 31, NYE

BEATS BY WAX 28th St. Pit & Pub: Friday, Dec. 28 127th St. Pit & Pub: Wednesdays Pickles Pub: Thursdays

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

Who’s Where When

ON THE EDGE Clarion/Ocean Club: Sunday & New Year’s Eve, Monday, Dec. 30 & 31

SWELL FELLAS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Dec. 29 Fager’s Island: Sunday, Dec. 30

Fridays:Dave Hawkins, 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 29 Dave Sherman, 6 p.m., Bo Dickerson Band, 9 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31, NYE: Dave Sherman, 5 p.m., DJ Johnboy, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 1: DJ Rupe Wednesday, Jan. 2: Bobby Burns, 2 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 3: Kevin Poole HIGH STAKES BAR & GRILL 302-537-5971 5799 Lighthouse Cove, Fenwick Island, DE Friday, Dec. 28: Monkee Paw Saturday, Dec. 29: Identity Crisis Monday, Dec. 31, NYE: DJ Rupe Fridays & Saturdays: Bobby Burns, 4 p.m.

Thursdays: Baltimore Bob, 4 p.m.

HOOTERS 410-213-1841 12513 Ocean Gateway, Rte. 50, West OC Friday, Dec. 21: TBA

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: New Year’s Eve, Monday, Dec. 31

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, Dec. 30

JOHNNY’S PIZZA & PUB 410-723-5600 56th St. & Coastal Hwy., Bayside Monday, Dec. 31, NYE & Wednesdays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, Dec. 28: Beats By Jeremy Saturday, Dec. 29: Swell Fellas Sunday, Dec. 30: City Painted Green Monday, Dec. 31, NYE: DJ Crop Top Mondays: Karaoke With Jeremy Thursdays: Beats By Wax

ANIMAL HOUSE Fager’s Island: New Year’s Eve, Monday, Dec. 31

BO DICKERSON BAND Harpoon Hanna’s: Saturday, Dec. 29

LAUREN GLICK DUO Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, Dec. 28

RANDY LEE ASHCRAFT & THE SALTWATER COWBOYS Johnny’s Pizza & Pub: NYE, Monday, Dec. 31 & Wednesdays Smitty McGee’s: Thursdays & Fridays

SMITTY MCGEE’S 302-436-4716 37234 Lighthouse Rd., West Fenwick Ireland, DE Thursdays & Fridays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 28: Lima Bean Riot, 9 p.m., DJ Tuff Saturday, Dec. 29: John McNutt Band, 5 p.m.

My Hero Zero, 10 p.m., 2 DJs Monday, Dec. 31, NYE: Full Circle, 4 p.m., John Maurer, Garden State Radio, 8 p.m., 9 Mile Roots, Midnight, Flowers For Taco, 1 a.m., 4 DJs

Page 54

P

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ge P HU DrO e ric

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December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

Ocean Pines: 11001 Manklin Meadows Lane • 410-208-3500 MULTI LIST SERVICE

West Ocean City: 9748 Stephen Decatur Highway #109 • 410-520-2600

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28 SANDYHOOK ROAD

Absolutely beautiful 3BR/2BA home nestled in Ocean Pines. Move in ready, available for immediate purchase. One owner occupied, meticulously and lovingly cared for. Inviting open front porch. New hardwood floors and carpet.

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9418 Lakeview Drive, Ocean Reef, West OC Pre-Construction Pricing! $475,000

New Construction Located in Premium West Ocean City Neighborhood, Featuring 5 Bedrooms and 4 Full Bathrooms. Very Open, Bright, Airy Floor Plan. Amazing Great Room with Vaulted Ceilings. Super First Floor Master Suite with Luxurious Master Bath and Spacious Walk-In Closet, Plus Additional First Floor Bedroom and Bath, Great for the In-Laws. Large Kitchen with Abundant Cabinets, Solid Surface Counter Tops, Large Island Bar, and Breakfast Nook. Formal Dining Room. Large Laundry Room. 13x13 Screened-In Porch, Large Rear Deck 26x8, Real 2 Car Garage 26x24.

©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 28, 2018

The holiday party circuit continues with Fager’s Island’s Customer Appreciation party and toy drive; Johnny’s Pizza and Pub’s Customer Appreciation party and coat/boot drive; and Coins Pub’s employee Christmas party.

Johnny’s Pizza & Pub: Midge Butler, owner John Hofman, Patti Sides, Kirk Vaughan and Gehran Dausch

By Terri French

Faces

SPOTLIGHT ON THE REGIONAL RESTAURANT AND BAR SCENE

In Places

Coins Pub & Restaurant: Stan Cropper, Victory, Tim Eckert, Cash and Brad Murray, KJ and Deo Chip Purnell

Coins Pub & Restaurant: Jatoria Nock, Erin Cropper, Miranda Luby, Christy Purnell, Tamara Katsenelenbogen, Colleen Cerniglia and Crystal Langdon

Fager’s Island: Brothers John and Ray Fager

Fager’s Island: Anya Trapnell and Eileen Taglienti

Fager’s Island: Libby and John Laws

Fager’s Island: Bobbie and Paul Corbett

Coins Restaurant & Pub: Owner Charlotte Kuti and Denise DeRoche

Johnny’s Pizza & Pub: Anne and Steve Benney

Johnny’s Pizza & Pub: John and Gwen Fitzpatrick

new year’s day concert planned in ocean city

December 28, 2018

OCEAN CITY – To kick off 2019, Mayor Rick Meehan and members of the Ocean City Council will host a concert at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center’s Performing Arts Center on New Year’s Day. All residents and visitors are welcome to attend the free event. After a brief meet and greet with Ocean City elected officials and community partners, the 2019 Mayor's New Year's Day Concert will feature performances by local singer/songwriter Bryan Russo and a special performance by Baltimore’s Cardinal Shehan School Choir.

Cardinal Shehan School operates under the Archdiocese of Baltimore Department of Catholic Schools and serves students in Pre-K3 through eighth grade. The Cardinal Shehan School Choir gained national attention when the group’s performance of the Andra Day song “Rise Up” went viral on Facebook with more than 60 million views. Since the viral hit, the Cardinal Shehan School Choir has performed on “Good Morning America” and sang the National Anthem at a Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium.

“The New Year’s Day Concert is an uplifting and positive tradition, which brings members of our community together to celebrate the start of a New Year in Ocean City,” said Mayor Rick Meehan.

“Local talent Bryan Russo has raised the bar each year and helped this event evolve in to what it is today. This year we are excited to welcome the Cardinal Shehan School Choir from our neighboring city, Baltimore. What better way to start the New Year than bringing together Maryland talent on our beautiful stage at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center.”

Beginning at 1 p.m. on New Year's Day, residents and visitors are invited to meet the Mayor and City Council members. After the meet and greet, the Performing Arts Center doors will open for seating at 1:30 p.m., and the concert will start promptly at 1:45 p.m. Tickets will not be issued, as seating will be first come, first served.

For more information about the Mayor's New Year's Day Concert, contact Jessica Waters at 410289-8967.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

NYE KICK-OFF: SATURDAY DEC. 29: SWELL FELLAS & SUNDAY, DEC. 30: CITY PAINTED GREEN NEW YEAR’S EVE: CROP TOP • FREE CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT MIDNIGHT NO COVER!

HAPPINESS MONDAY-FRIDAY 3-6 P.M.

FRIDAY 10 P.M. BEATS BY JEREMY 80’S & 90’S

TONS OF FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS MONDAY: 55¢ WINGS UNTIL 6 P.M. TACO TUESDAY: ALL DAY & NIGHT $2 TACOS $3 MEXICAN BEERS $4 JIMADOR SHOTS $5 JIMADOR MARGARITAS WEDNESDAY: ALL DAY & NIGHT 1/2-PRICE BURGERS THURSDAY: BUY 16” PIZZA, GET A DOMESTIC FOR $1 STEAK & SHRIMP $14.99

SUNDAY 10 P.M. CITY PAINTED GREEN

8 street & philadelphia avenue 410-289-4891 • picklesoc.com OPEN YEAR-ROUND EVERY DAY th

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH DJ CROP TOP TUESDAY 10 P.M. DRINK SPECIALS

8th st. liquors open every day

WEDNESDAY 6 P.M. LOCALS PINT NIGHT $4 SELECTED CRAFT PINTS

SUNDAYS: NFL SPECIALS 1 P.M. & 4:25 P.M. GAMES ONLY

THURSDAY 10 P.M. BEATS BY WAX $2 DOM. BOTTLES $3 GRENADES $4 HOOP TEA & FIREBALL

Business

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 28, 2018

And Real Estate News also feeling the side effects of continued mortgage rate increases, which are impacting real estate across the country.”

According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the recent rise in mortgage rates have reduced the pool of eligible buyers. However, Yun added that while the short-term outlook is uncertain, he is very optimistic about the long-term outlook. The current home sales level matches sales in 2000.

“However, mortgage rates are much lower today compared to earlier this century, when mortgage rates averaged 8 percent,” Yun said. “So, while the long-term prospects look solid, we just have to get through this short-term period of uncertainty.”

A graphic is pictured summarizing key real estate indicators for the month of November.

Submitted Image

November Market Recap

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney Medical Directives Medicaid Planning Elder Law & Tax Flat Fee Available Home Visits Available Upon Request

9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 443-856-4676 www.batielaw.com Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Free Initial Consultation

BERLIN – As winter sets in across the Lower Shore, the local housing market is experiencing its annual dip in activity, according to the latest numbers from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (Coastal).

New residential settlements in November 2018 were down by 2.2 percent overall compared to the same time last year in Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Individually, settlements were up by 8 percent in Worcester and were down by 9.2 percent in Wicomico and by 44.4 percent in Somerset. Year-to-date settlements across the Tri-County area totaled 4,156 as of the end of November, which is about 2.1 percent lower than the same time last year.

New listings that went on the market in November were down 7.9 percent and total active listings were down by 17.6 percent compared to the same time last year in all three counties. That translates to 441 new listings and 3,273 active listings. Individually, available units were down by 14.2 percent in Worcester County, by 25.2 percent in Wicomico County, and by 9.1 percent in Somerset County.

List prices continued to rise last month, reaching an average price of $272,084 in all three counties, which is 14 percent higher than the same time last year. The average sale price was $207,258, which is 14.8 percent higher than the same time last year.

“We generally see a market slowdown during this time of year, as buyers and sellers focus their attention on their families and the holidays,” said Coastal President Bernie Flax. “However, we are

Nursing Program Recognized SALISBURY – The reputation of Salisbury University’s School of Nursing – and its graduates – has been reaffirmed statewide and nationally.

SU nursing students again achieved the highest pass rates of all University System of Maryland (USM) campuses on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX). Their first-time pass rates were a nearly perfect 98.8 percent for 2017-18, based on Maryland Board of Nursing data.

SU’s School of Nursing also recently received re-accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for each of its four programs (B.S., M.S., D.N.P., and post-graduate advanced practice registered nurse certificate). Each was for the full period of 10 years and there were no compliance concerns.

“This reaffirmation of program quality makes it clear why SU students are able to keep the top spot among USM institutions in the NCLEX pass rate and in other important outcomes,” said Dr. Karen Olmstead, interim provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “I am extremely grateful to the nursing faculty for all their hard work, expertise and leadership on behalf of our nursing students and programs.”

Dr. Jeffrey Willey, director of the School of Nursing, added: “SU has the highest 10-year average pass rate of all USM institutions on the licensure examination, and we are very proud of our students for their continued success.”

SU’s nursing programs expanded into a School of Nursing this fall, as part of the campus’ new College of Health and Human Services. The revamped organizational structure is designed to foster inter-professional collaboration and meet workforce needs.

‘Shared Visions’ Opening Show For OC Arts Center

December 28, 2018

OCEAN CITY – “Shared Visions” is the opening show for 2019 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, where visual artists and writers collaborate and inspire each other. The public is invited to the free, opening reception on First Friday, Jan. 4 from 5-7 p.m. at the Arts Center on 94th Street bayside.

“Shared Visions” is a partnership between the Art League of Ocean City and the Ocean City branch of the Worcester County Library, home of the Ocean City Writers Group, headed by Ruth Wanberg-Alcorn. Members of the Art League created art that inspired the poetry and prose of the writers, and both sides will be on display during January.

“This is the sixth year for the collaboration,” said Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League. “It is an inspired coming-together of words and images and demonstrates the different forms of self expression.”

In all, 18 writers drew inspiration from 30 visual artists working in painting, photography, wood, mixed media, and fiber art for the “Shared Visions” show.

On Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 6-8:30 p.m., the Ocean City Writers Group will read their work at the arts center and discuss what inspired them in a free presentation, also open to the public.

Also hanging in the Galleria will be an all-media group show by members of the Art League.

Roni Jones of Salisbury occupies Studio E in January. Jones makes art from lost and found objects with inspiration from urban landscapes and the patterns and colors found in nature.

Her collages and mixed media work have a tactile element to them that represents the life and death of inanimate objects.

Rafael Reyes of Bishopville, Spotlight Artist for January, creates paintings and inlaid wood bas reliefs.

Reyes grew up in Chambersburg, Pa., and received his BFA at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he concentrated on sculpture. Working in a variety of mediums, he draws inspiration from cubism and surrealism.

Reyes is one of 47 artists featured in Dana Kester McCabe's book, "Delmarva School of Art.” Jeweler Susan Obaza of Laurel, Del., displays her creations in the Artisan Showcase during January. Born in Ohio and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, Obaza studied art at a community college in Nanticoke, Pa., but taught herself jewelry making. Her wearable art incorporates found natural elements as well as beads, foil, fabric, glass, and oil diffusers.

The shows will run through Jan. 26 at the arts center.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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public safety aides evan gaba and paul garcia took in the festivities at the oC Downtown association light up Downtown Festival held on the Boardwalk.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

Featuring those helping Causes in the resort area

Color street dry nail polish representatives ashley truitt and heather Cross show off their goods at the atlantic general hospital Junior auxiliary group santa shopping spree.

In Society

December 28, 2018

oC Downtown association immediate past president Joe Manganello and Current president Brooks trimper chilled out with Frosty at their light up Downtown Festival.

all kinds of books were available for sale at the holy savior parish Christmas Bazaar with Dale Dombrowsky and Barbara gallagher at the cashier’s table.

assisting shoppers in the jewelry room of the holy savior parish Christmas Bazaar were Mary Foelber and rina roberts.

american legion auxiliary unit 166 member Maryann atchison and husband Jimmy enjoyed meeting new people at the 2018 Christmas party.

Finishing off a successful year with a great holiday party were phyllis grimes and robin peoples of american legion auxiliary unit 166.

a variety of raffle tickets could be bought at the light up Downtown Festival from executive Director May ann Manganello and event Coordinator lisa aydelotte of the oC Downtown association.

partnering up at the atlantic general hospital Junior auxiliary group santa shopping spree were hailey Keller (esthetics) and alyson Kendall (aK Designs).

selling tickets for the huge chance auction featuring over 50 baskets were lisa stevens and Dan stevens at the holy savior parish Christmas Bazaar.

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

Page 61

Shore Grounds Maintenance Keep Your Property’s Common Grounds Clean Year-Round

We are licensed and insured, family-owned and operated and based in Berlin.

We serve Ocean City, Berlin and Southern Delaware.

Full-Service External Clean-Up Company Parking Lots • Walkways • Elevators Lobby Areas • Pool Areas • Landscaping Areas

Servicing

Condo Buildings • Restaurants Commercial Buildings And Shopping Plazas

Instant Notifications

We Solve The Issue Of Not Knowing When The Cleaning Company Has Been On Property Our Customers Receive Customized Electronic Forms Including GPS Mapping During Each Visit

Answers On PAge 48

We Work With The Major Management Companies As Well As Self-Managed Associations

443-640-7983

Things To Do

Page 62

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

5:30-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.410-641-0157.

Second Monday Of Month: Ocean Pines Camera Club

7 p.m. Ocean Pines branch library. Monthly gettogether to share photos, tips, programs. Group goes on a photo shoot the Saturday following meeting and hosts a hands-on workshop the last Thursday of each month. Professional and amateur photographers and new members welcome. Meets second Monday of each month.

Third Tuesday: Alzheimer’s Support Group

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 9715 Healthway Dr., Berlin. Free caregivers group. 410-629-6123.

Every Wednesday: Delmarva Hand Dance Club Dance To Sounds of ’50s And ’60s Music

5:30-9 p.m. Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. $5 donation per person to benefit veterans and local charities in the Delmarva region. Dance lessons with Certified Hand Dance instructor Diane Engstrom on first and third Wednesdays of every month, 5-5:45 p.m.

Dancing afterward until 9 p.m,. All are welcome. dance@delmarvahanddancing.com or http://delmarvahanddancing.com. 410-208-1151.

Every Friday: Knights Of Columbus #9053 Bingo

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

First Saturday Of Month: Writers Group 10 a.m.-noon. Berlin branch, Worcester County Library. Anyone interested in writing is invited

to join the group and share a story, poem or essay or just come and enjoy listening to others. This is a free activity. New members are always welcome. The group is comprised of amateur as well as professional, published writers willing to share their knowledge and offer tips on being creative with words.

Dec. 29: Concert

8 p.m. Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Hwy. A musical session where the true spirit of rock lives again: Presley, Perkins, Lewis and Cash, Million Dollar Jam. Ticketmaster.com, 410-289-2800.

Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve In Berlin

Celebrate the arrival of 2019. Food vendors, beer garden, music. Kids’ ball drop, 6 p.m. Adult party starts at 10 p.m. berlinmainstreet.com.

Jan. 1-29: Art Exhibits

“Artist’s Choice” and “Shared Visions.” Opening reception Jan. 4, 5-7 p.m. Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. 410-524-9433, artleagueofoceancity.org.

Jan. 4: Cash Bingo

December 28, 2018

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., early birds at 6 p.m.

Twenty regular games, two specials, jackpot and four early birds. Must be 18 to play. Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Main Station. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Food and beverages available for purchase. For advance ticket reservations, call: 443-880-6966.

Jan. 9: Grace Parker All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast

7 a.m.-noon. First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 13th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Eggs any style, pancakes, buckwheat pancakes, sausage, ham, biscuits, hash brown potatoes, grits, coffee, tea. Cost: $9; carry-out: $7. Milk, soda, orange juice available. 410-289-9340, leave message.

Jan. 10: AARP Meeting

10 a.m. Ocean City Senior Center, 41st Street and Coastal Highway (behind the Dough Roller).

Please arrive early at 9:30 a.m. for a social halfhour and refreshments. Guest speaker: Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristen Heiser.

Optional luncheon follows meeting at the Horizons Restaurant. New members welcome. 410250-0980.

Jan. 19: All-You-Can-Eat Spaghetti Dinner

3-7 p.m. East Sussex Moose Lodge, 35933 Zion Church Rd., Frankford, Del. Abate of Sussex County, for Bill Morgan, a longtime Abate member. Meal consists of spaghetti with or without meatballs, salad, garlic bread. Cake table. $10/person; $5/children 4-12. 302-732-3429 or 410-251-8699.

Jan. 26: All-You-Can-Eat Taco Night

5-7 p.m. Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Menu: Beef, chicken or fish tacos, beans and rice, guacamole dip, salsa and chips, hard and soft shells. Soda and water sold separately. $10 for all you can eat and $6 for children under 11. Take-out available. 443-880-6966.

Horoscopes

December 28, 2018

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You might be busier than you had expected right now. But between the socializing rounds and the workplace tasks, there are opportunities for special moments with that certain someone.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your creative approach leads to a quicker-than-expected solution to a workplace problem. Now you can devote more time to that proposal you hope to introduce by midmonth.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Technological glitches create problems early on. But by midweek, all runs smoothly once again, and you're well and truly on your way to meeting all your deadlines.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Your energy levels are high, and you feel you can handle everything that comes along. But try to take a break from your hectic pace for some quiet time with someone close to you.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Before you pounce on that shiny new opportunity, take more time to check it out to see how much substance actually lies beneath all that glitter. A family member has important news.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): A personal situation you thought was resolved resurfaces, thanks to a possibly well-intentioned move that went awry.

Deal with it as soon as possible. Accept the help of a trusted friend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): That goal you set way back when is finally in sight. Maintain your focus on achieving it, and don't allow yourself to be distracted by unimportant demands for your attention.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A temperamental flare-up creates negative feelings that need to be dealt with immediately. But things once again go well after the apologies are made and hurt feelings are soothed.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): An early impulsive act causes confusion. But all is smoothed over once explanations are made. Expect a friend or family member to ask for your kind and always wise advice.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): You might have to do some juggling of your priorities, as a personal matter appears to require more time and attention. Put your pride aside and accept help from those who offer it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Your creative aspect is strong. Not only does it help you accomplish your goals, but it also inspires others. This could lead to a potentially rewarding collaboration opportunity.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Be careful about making major decisions when you're not really committed to them. And resist any pressure to do otherwise. Better to delay action until all doubts are resolved.

BORN THIS WEEK: You set goals and are rarely distracted by any attempt to move you off the path you've chosen to reach them. Š 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Gift Cards Available!

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Donnie Cooper, Dean Pusey and Sonya Pusey attended the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by the Salisbury area Rotary clubs.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

By Kelly Saul

Spotlight

A LOOK AT SALISBURY AREA HAPPENINGS

On Wicomico

Christian Brown, Hannah Shrader and Jennifer Martin played Cards Against Humanity during board game night at M4Reactor in Salisbury.

Ginnie and Bob Malone dined during the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by the Salisbury area Rotary clubs.

Chris Derbyshire and Gerry Stock greeted guests during the Fruitland Lions Club spaghetti dinner at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Fruitland.

December 28, 2018

William Hall, Bob Dickey Jr. and John Venditta chatted during the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted by the Salisbury area Rotary clubs at the Rotary Scout House in Salisbury.

Yancy Wharton, Maxim El-Baf and Jordan Wharton enjoyed board game night at M4Reactor.

Stacie Ennis, Amy Worden and Donna Fischer bid during the Soroptimist International of Salisbury quarter auction at Salisbury Moose Lodge 654.

Peggy Daffin and Leslie Leether attended the Soroptimist International of Salisbury quarter auction at Salisbury Moose Lodge 654.

Iris and Preston Dryden participated in the Soroptimist International of Salisbury quarter auction at Salisbury Moose Lodge 654.

Edward and Gerald Seaton enjoyed the Fruitland Lions Club spaghetti dinner at St. John’s United Methodist Church.

The Dispatch Classifieds

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 65

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

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

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

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

FULL MOON SALOON: EXP. FT/YR LINE COOK: Great atmosphere & working conditions. Salary adjusted to qualifications Call for appointment: 410-726-5001.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HELP WANTED YR SERVERS & DISHWASHER: ALEX’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Now hiring Year Round Servers and Dishwasher. Apply in person.

Rt 50 in West OC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hy, 410-2131572.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BUSY DENTAL OFFICE SEEKING RECEPTIONIST: Must have Dental Knowledge. M-F, Full Time or Part Time, Benefits. Email: contact@atlanticdental.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Seeking DISHWASHER EXP. SERVERS LINE COOKS Apply within Tuesday - Sunday 11 AM - 10 PM

NOW HIRING

RENTALS

ROOMMATES

YR-NORTH OC CONDO 1BR, 1BA Beautifully renovated, modern furnished. No pets/smoker Max 2 persons. $800 per mo. sec. dep. & ref.’s req.

Victor 410-422-5164

ROOM FOR RENT, OP: Private BR, shared house. Must like dogs.

Non smoker. $600. per mo. incl.s util.’s. Avail. immed. 1 mile from North Gate. 215-852-2189.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEEKLY RENTALS

COMMERCIAL

2 BR Apartment $300.

4 BR House $500.

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

WEST OC AREA: 1,500 Sq. Ft. Retail/Professionals or Service space. Avail. immed. Layton Associates, 302-245-0315.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 3 Offices/Retail and 2 Warehouses.

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

410-289-8581 MAINTENANCE TECHS ENTRY LEVEL HELPERS Apply in Person at:

301 Washington Street Berlin, MD 21811 Must pass criminal bkgrnd & drug test.

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

FT/EXP. DENTAL HYGENIST DE licensed Dental Hygienist Part time position. Dental practice in Dagsboro, DE. Seeking hardworking dental hygienist for a general dental practice.

Must have : Tools, Trans Driver’s License Exp. Required!

Call (302)732-3852 Fax resume to 302-732-3855 or email resume to: brafmanfamilydentistry@mchsi.com

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS Call 410-641-9530

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION TECHNICIANS & MANAGERS IICRC, WRT, ASD certifications a plus

EXP. CARPENTERS/FRAMERS INTERIOR REMODELING PROFESSIONALS PAINTERS DRYWALL INSTALLERS DECK COATING APPLICATORS VALID DL, Background check, Drug & Alcohol-free environment

Please apply in person 12905 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City MD or online at https://oceantowerconstruction.com/careers/ call 443-366-5556 during regular business hours

Now Hiring

FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST (FULL TIME) A caring. dependable person with excellent communication skills in person and on the phone. Dental experience in insurance and dental procedure knowledge is required.

Fax resume to 302-732-3855 or email to brafmanfamilydentistry@mchsi.com Immediate opening with benefits.

Year Round

BARTENDERS KITCHEN STAFF Apply in Person or Online www.smittymcgees.com 302-436-4716

FIND IT FAST IN THE DISPATCH CLASSIFIEDS

YR, OCEAN PINES: 3BR rancher.

Large kitchen/yard. Scrnd porch, garage. new heat pump/duct wrk. $1,100 per mo. + util.’s & sec. dep.

410-733-7337 or 410-255-8814.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR HOUSE, W.O.C.: 3BR/2BA, Unfurnished. Avail. Immed. $1,500 per mo. + sec. dep. Call 410-2131099.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER RENTAL: 1BR, Queen + Full. W/D. No smoking/pets. $700 per mo. + util.’s. WiFi incl. $500 sec. dep. Avail. Now-May 30th.

Bayside 28th St. 410-768-1791 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DOWNTOWN OC: 2BR, 2BA. Fully furn. 2 story condo. Exc. cond. W/D. Large Bayview deck & oceanview balcony. $1450 per mo. + elec. & sec. dep. Call 443-8590060.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER RENTAL: 1BR, 1BA. 122nd St. Oceanblock. Furn. No smoking. $700 + elect. + sec. dep.

W/S incl. Avail. Now-May 2019.

Call/Text 443-373-5638.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SERVICES **PAINTING**: Interior/exterior painting. Free estimates 24/7. Call Joe 443-610-4644.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ceja’s Landscaping

& More!

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

The Dispatch

Legal Notices

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

THIRD INSERTION

COATES, COATES & COATES, PA RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HWY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 17656 Notice is given that the SURROGATES COURT of MONROE COUNTY, NY, appointed KATHLEEN L. BASSAGE, 1076 TURK HILL ROAD, FAIRPORT, NY

14450, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of MARILYN PATRICIA GRAY, who died on MAY 05, 2018, domiciled in NEW YORK, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., whose address is 6200 COASTAL HWY, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. 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

The Dispatch

Page 66

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices LEGAL RATES

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

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

Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 14, 2018 KATHLEEN L. BASSAGE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-14, 12-21, 12-28

THIRD INSERTION

COATES, COATES & COATES, PA RAYMOND D. COATES, JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HWY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 16324 To all persons interested in the estate of BILLY G. SMITH. ESTATE NO. 16324.

Notice is given that MARK J. SMITH, 115 CARRIAGE DRIVE, HOCKESSIN, DE 19707, was on DECEMBER 04, 2018, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of BILLY G. SMITH, who died on JANUARY 19, 2014 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 ob-

jection 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 4TH Day of JUNE, 2019.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any 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 14, 2018 MARK J. SMITH Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-14, 12-21, 12-28

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17653 To all persons interested in the estate of PATSY ANN JURNEY. ESTATE NO. 17653. Notice is given that WILLIAM H. JURNEY, 103 PINE TREE ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on DECEMBER 06, 2018, appointed Personal

Representatives of the estate of PATSY ANN JURNEY, who died on NOVEMBER 06, 2018 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 6TH Day of JUNE, 2019.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any 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 14, 2018 WILLIAM H. JURNEY Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-14, 12-21, 12-28

THIRD INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 17646 To all persons interested in the estate of JENNY MARIA MAMA. ESTATE NO. 17646. that given is Notice MARYJO FARR, PO BOX 1227, BRISTOL, PA 19007, was on DECEMBER 03, 2018, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of JENNY MARIA MAMA, who died on NOVEMBER 24, 2018 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 4TH Day of JUNE, 2019.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the representative personal 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 claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any 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 14, 2018 MARYJO FARR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-14, 12-21, 12-28

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17652 To all persons interested in the estate of PHILIP DUANE REED. ESTATE NO. 17652.

Notice is given that DANIEL SPENCER REED, 1230 BALFOUR DRIVE, ARNOLD, MD 21012, was on DECEMBER 11, 2018, appointed Personal Representatives of

December 28, 2018 the estate of PHILIP DUANE REED, who died on NOVEMBER 16, 2018 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 11TH Day of JUNE, 2019.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any 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 21, 2018 DANIEL SPENCER REED Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-21, 12-28, 1-04

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17660 To all persons interested in the estate of BARBARA GARRY RAY. ESTATE NO. 17660. Notice is given that RYDER CALLAHAN RAY, JR., 29 ROYAL OAKS DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 14, 2018, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of BARBARA GARRY RAY, who died on DECEMBER 08, 2018 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 ob-

jection 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 14TH Day of JUNE, 2019.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any 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 21, 2018 RYDERE CALLAHAN RAY, JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-21, 12-28, 1-04

FIRST INSERTION

JAMES H. PORTER, JR. ESQ. 111 VINE STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17667 To all persons interested in the estate of MCKINLEY L. FISHER. Notice is given that MURIEL L. HINES, 2186 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on DECEMBER 20, 2018, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: MCKINLEY L. FISHER who died on JANUARY 03, 1997 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections

The Dispatch

December 28, 2018

Legal Notices

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 28, 2018 MURIEL L. HINES 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 12-28

FIRST INSERTION

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17665 To all persons interested in the estate of DAVID HARRIS. Notice is given that ROSALLIE HARRIS, 30 FORT SUMPTER SOUTH, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 18, 2018, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: DAVID HARRIS, who died on NOVEMBER 23, 2018 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 any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 28, 2018 ROSALLIE HARRIS 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 12-28

FIRST INSERTION

JOHN C. SEIPP, ESQ. 105 CAMDEN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801-4916 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17671 To all persons interested in the estate of RUTH WARD

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch HOWARD. ESTATE NO. 17671. Notice is given that PAMELA JEAN HOWARD, 708 GREENBACKVILLE ROAD, STOCKTON, MD 21864 was on DECEMBER 21, 2018, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of RUTH WARD HOWARD, who died on NOVEMBER 26, 2018 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST Day of JUNE, 2019.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any 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 28, 2018 PAMELA JEAN HOWARD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-28, 1-04, 1-11

FIRST INSERTION

died on DECEMBER 15, 2018 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST Day of JUNE, 2019.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any 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 28, 2018 BRIAN L. LOMBARDI Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-28, 1-04, 1-11

FIRST INSERTION

MICHEAL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE, LESLIE & MATHERS, LLP P.O. BOX 910, 115 BROAD ST. SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 17672

ESTATE NO. 17522

To all persons interested in the estate of ANNA LEE LOMBARDI. ESTATE NO. 17672. Notice is given that BRIAN L. LOMBARDI, 4052 ADAMS DRIVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20902 was on DECEMBER 21, 2018, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of ANNA LEE LOMBARDI, who

To all persons interested in the estate of JEFFREY DAVID BENNETT, SR. Notice is given that AMANDA BENNETT, 123 DANS LANE, MILTON, DE 19968, was on DECEMBER 26, 2018, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: JEFFREY DAVID BENNETT, SR. who died on AU

Page 67 GUST 3, 2018 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 claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the per-

sonal 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 28, 2018 AMANDA BENNETT 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 12-28

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL REPAIRS TO BULKHEAD The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) invites qualified bidders to submit proposals for the repair of existing bulkhead at Westfield Circle Tax Map 16 Parcel 47 various lots and Wood Duck Drive Tax Map 21 Parcel 260 Lots 84-86 in Ocean Pines, MD. All bidders must include adequate information to demonstrate that they have the necessary experience and professional qualifications and licensing to complete the work.

Bids Due: Bids are due by Friday January 14, 2019 by 3:00 PM. Bids should be delivered to: Ocean Pines Association, Inc. Public Works Building 1 Firehouse Lane Ocean Pines, MD 21811 Attention: Kevin Layfield Facilities Manager klayfield@oceanpines.org Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 21, 2018 4X 12-21, 12-28, 1-04, 1-11

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DRAIN PIPE REPLACEMENT The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) invites qualified bidders to submit proposals for the replacement of existing drain pipe located under Boston Drive adjacent to 82 Boston Drive in Ocean Pines, MD. The work consists of road closure, installation of sediment and erosion controls, excavation, removal and disposal of existing pipe, installation of new 15” HDPE pipe, filling, grading, asphalt replacement and stabilization of all disturbed areas. All bidders must include adequate information to demonstrate that they have the necessary experience and professional qualifications and licensing to complete the work.

Bids Due. bids are due January 4, 2019 by 3:00 PM. Bids should be delivered to: Ocean Pines Association, Inc. c/o John Bailey General Manager 239 Ocean Parkway Ocean Pines, MD 21811 Electronic Copies to: Kevin Layfield Facilities Manager Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 14, 2018 4X 12-14, 12-21, 12-28, 1-04

FIND IT FAST IN THE DISPATCH CLASSIFIEDS

Page 68 FRUITLAND-SALISBURY RESTAURANT 213 213 N. Fruitland Blvd., Fruitland 410-677-4880 www.restaurant213.com Recently named one of the 100 Best Restaurants for Foodies in America for 2015

by OpenTable (1 of the only 2 restaurants named in the State of Maryland), the food at Restaurant 213 is far from your conventional Chesapeake Bay fare. A former apprentice of Roger Vergé in southern France, chef Jim Hughes prepares unpretentious, globally influenced cuisine inspired by the area’s plentiful ingredients. Chef Hughes has catered many events for Ronald Reagan, while he was President of the United States. He also served as Chef for the King of Saudi Arabia at the Saudi Arabian Royal National Guard military academy. Chef Hughes has been honored by the James Beard Foundation and DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America). For 2015 Restaurant 213 was voted Best Chef, Best Special Occasion Dining, and Best Fine Dining Restaurant by Coastal Style Magazine, and Best Special Occasion Restaurant by Metropolitan Magazine. Frommer's Travel Guide has Awarded Restaurant 213 its highest Rating of 3 Stars, making it one of only 3 restaurants on the Eastern Shore. Additionally, "Special Finds" awarded this distinction from 2010-2015 in their Maryland & Delaware Travel Guide Edition. Open Tuesday-Sunday at 5 p.m. Special 5-course prix-fixe dinners offered on Sundays and Thursdays.

WEST OCEAN CITY-BERLIN OCEAN PINES ASSATEAGUE DINER Rte. 611 & Sunset Avenue West Ocean City 443-664-8158 www.assateaguedinerandbar.com Inspired by a classic diner culture, this new hotspot offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The menu here features classic comfort foods prepared and executed with a modern coastal trust. Be sure to check out the exceptional coffee program and the Westside Bar within features delicious craft cocktails throughout the day.

BLACKSMITH RESTAURANT AND BAR 104 Pitts Street, Berlin • 410-973-2102 Located in the heart of America’s Coolest Small Town, Berlin, Md., Blacksmith has established itself as one the area’s most loved dining and drinking destinations for foodies and wine, spirt and craft beer enthusiasts.

Chef owned and locally sourced, Blacksmith keeps the main focus on Eastern Shore tradition. Everything here is homemade and handmade. Cakes and baked goods are delivered daily from down the street. Cozy and modern, traditional and on trend; Blacksmith has risen to the ranks of the area’s finest casual eating and drinking establishments.

Visit and see why folks from Baltimore, D.C., Chincoteague and locals alike think Blacksmith is worth the trip. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, dinner and bar snacks.

Closed Sunday.

BREAKFAST CAFE OF OCEAN CITY 12736 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City 410-213-1804 Open 7 days a week between Sunsations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family owned for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice atmosphere makes a meal. I like to think we have many “House Specialties” which include our Crab Omelet, real crab meat, cheddar cheese and mushrooms, our Sunfest Om-elet, Swiss cheese, ham and mushrooms; Cafe or French Sampler, pancakes

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

or French toast, with eggs, bacon and sausage. Homemade creamed chipped beef on toast and sausage gravy on biscuits with browned potato home fries, with onion, excellent cheesesteak subs and fries and more! We use Rapa Scrapple fried on the grill the way you like it for all our breakfasts, sandwiches and sides. Summer hours, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Come enjoy!

CRAB ALLEY Golf Course Road, West Ocean City Head Of Commercial Fishing Harbor 410-213-7800 • www.craballey.com Just close enough to be out of the way-located at the head of the commercial fishing harbor in West Ocean City, Crab Alley has it all! Spectacular view, casual and fun atmosphere, super service and mouth-watering food combine to make “The Alley” a true locals’ favorite. Enjoy our light fare and full menu of unbelievably fresh seafood, chicken and steaks indoors or on our upper deck. We offer appetizers, sandwiches and a children’s menu too. Our name says it all -”crack’em and attack ‘em”. Big Fat Crabs both by the dozen and all you can enjoy specials. Check out our website for our fantastic happy hour food and drink specials or find us on Facebook. Having a special affair? We can handle your group, large party or special occasion. Make Crab Alley your first stop!

FOX’S PIZZA DEN 11328 Samuel Bowen Blvd.

West Ocean City 410-600-1020 • www.foxpizzamd.com Enjoy a brand new, spacious dining room.

Happy hour every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with $5 food specials. Full menu includes appetizers, salads, stromboli, hoagies and wedgies, pizza, spaghetti and more. Open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight.

FULL MOON SALOON 12702 Old Bridge Road, West Ocean City 443-664-5317 Locally owned and operated, this moderately priced casual restaurant/bar has freshly caught seafood, BBQ, and pork entrees, giant sandwiches as well as a variety of homemade soups. Locally we are known for our jumbo lump crab cakes, pork and beef BBQ, cream of crab soup, and 100% angus burgers as well as a variety of other sandwiches and entrees that are cooked with a local flair. Open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and open until midnight. Sundays breakfast offered 8 a.m.-noon. Fifteen televisions and a big screen available for all sports events.

GREENE TURTLE-WEST Rte. 611, West Ocean City 410-213-1500 Visit Maryland’s No. 1 Sports Pub and Restaurant, the World-Famous Greene Turtle.

Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out. Something for everyone! Voted best sports bar, wings and burgers in West OC. Great happy hour and plenty of parking.

HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL South Harbor Road • 410-213-1846 They take their mantra, “Where You Always

Get Your Money’s Worth,” seriously here with daily food and drink specials during happy hour as you watch the boats come in from a day offshore. Delicious daily chef specials are always worth a try or stay with any of the house favorites, such as the calamari and ahi bruschetta for appetizers or any of the homemade tacos and fresh off the dock seafood selections as sandwiches or entrees. It’s the home of the original freshsqueezed orange crush, of course.

HOOTERS RESTAURANT Rt. 50 & Keyser Point Rd. West Ocean City 410-213-1841 www.hootersofoc.com New mouthwatering smoked wings with half the calories. Traditional wings and boneless wings with 12 sauce selections. Burgers, quesadillas, tacos, and healthy salads. Extensive seafood selections with raw bar and Alaskan crab legs. Children's menu and game room. Apparel and souvenir shop.

Sports packages on a ton of TVs and live entertainment. Wing-fest every Tuesday from 6 to 8 with 50 cent wings. And of course, the world famous Hooters Girls. Large parties welcome. Call for private party planning.

LIGHTHOUSE SOUND St. Martin’s Neck Road • 410-352-5250 Enjoy the best views of Ocean City at the newly renovated, Lighthouse Sound. Come relax and dine overlooking the bay and the beautiful Ocean City skyline. Savor entrees such as local rockfish, tempura-battered soft shell crabs, char-grilled filet mignon and jumbo lump crabcakes. Open to the public, we serve Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner.

One mile west of Ocean City, Md., just off Route 90 on St. Martin’s Neck Road. Reservations recommended.

RUTH’S CHRIS Within the GlenRiddle Community 410-213-9444 • www.ruthschris.com Ruth’s Chris specializes in the finest customaged Midwestern beef. We broil it exactly the way you like it at 1,800 degrees to lock in the corn-fed flavor. Then we serve your steak sizzling on a heated plate so that it stays hot throughout your meal. Many of our recipes were developed by Ruth, favorites such as shrimp Remoulade, Crabtini and Ruth’s chop salad. Located five miles west of Ocean City in the GlenRiddle Golf clubhouse. Extensive wine list. Reservations recommended.

THE SHARK ON THE HARBOR 12924 Sunset Ave., West Ocean City 410-213-0924 • ocshark.com We make real food from scratch. We believe that great food and healthful ingredients are not mutually exclusive of each other. Featuring local organic produce and seafood. All natural products – clear of preservatives and antibiotics. Whole grains and whole foods are used in the preparation of our menu – which our chefs write twice daily, based on what's fresh, available and delicious. Fresh.

Local. Organic. Taste the difference. Open Daily Year Round, Monday through Saturday for Lunch & Dinner and Sundays for Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested.

INLET TO 94TH STREET

28TH STREET PIT & PUB 28th Street & Coastal Highway 410-289-2020 • www.pitandpub.com Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the

December 28, 2018 finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub is known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy Hour daily, 3-6 p.m. Family friendly atmosphere. Weekend entertainment.

32 PALM 32nd Street Oceanside In The Hilton 410-289-2525 Executive Chef Rick Goodwin has introduced an exciting new menu. A favorite among many is the Bermuda Triangle, featuring cinnamon seared scallops finished with an ancho mango coulis along with house broiled crabcake with a sweet chili remoulade and finally, applewood smoked bacon wrapped around jumbo shrimp, grilled to perfection with jalapeno barbecue sauce.

Other wonderfully delicious dishes cover the land and sea as well and each have a special touch that makes this restaurant unique among its peers. Children’s menu available.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 45th Street and the bay 443-664-2201 At the newly remodeled 45th Street Taphouse, the best views of bayside Ocean City, MD are the backdrop where craft beer meets Maryland cuisine. This is vacation done right, all year long. Wash down a Crabby Pretzel or homemade crabcakes with one of our 35+ craft beers on tap, all made right here in the USA. Not feeling crabby? Pair your craft brew with our award-winning wings or even our brand new breakfast menu. Anyway it’s served, come get tapped with us.

BONFIRE 71st Street & Coastal Highway 410-524-7171 www.thebonfirerestaurant.com 150 ft. Seafood & Prime Rib Buffet A famous Ocean City Restaurant for 37 years. It’s all here. The service, the atmosphere and the finest, freshest food available.

Fresh seafood, snow crab legs, prime rib, BBQ ribs, raw oysters, raw clams, steamed shrimp, fish, homemade soups & salads.

Decadent dessert selection – homemade donuts & bread pudding, soft serve ice cream with hot fudge topping and lots more!

Large selection of children’s favorites – chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, macaroni & cheese and pizza. A la carte menu available featuring fresh cut steaks and seafood. Open Monday-Friday at 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, at 3 p.m. Plenty of free parking.

BUXY’S SALTY DOG 28th Street • 410-289-0973 www.buxys.com Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis,eggrolls and homemade crab dip. Don’t miss our daily specials.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street & Baltimore Avenue 410-289-7192 One of Ocean City’s premier restaurants is back with a new and improved atmosphere and a brand new home. However, the mission to provide the same fresh, quality food and attentive service has not changed. Excellent chefs, who inspect each dish for culinary perfection, prepare the meals here. The finest seafood is guaranteed and nothing but the best in black angus beef is served. Be sure to inquire about the daily specials and check out the new bar and lounge area. They have the kids covered as well with a quality kids menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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December 28, 2018 FROM PAGE 68 COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street Plaza 410-289-3100 Great mid-town location offering a complete dinner menu, lunch and lite fare. Coins features the freshest seafood, shrimp, scallops, clams, fresh catch and lobster plus the best crab cake in Maryland, hand cut steaks cooked to your liking, succulent veal and chicken dishes. Also authentic pasta selections. Enjoy live entertainment and dancing in the lounge nightly. Happy hour daily 3-6 p.m. Casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

Special kids menu. Lots of free parking.

DRY 85 OC 12 48th Street • 443-664-8989 • dry85.com Steps from the beach. Gourmet "stick to your ribs" Lowcountry cuisine. A made-fromscratch kitchen with every sauce and every dressing hand crafted. It's that attention to detail that takes the concept of burgers, fries, ribs and wings and turns them completely on their head. Charcuterie boards.

Late night bar. 120+ Whiskies. Craft beer.

Artisanal craft cocktails. Seasonal outdoor seating. Named one of the Top 40 Whiskey Bars in America by Whiskey Advocate.

DRY DOCK 28 28th Street and Coastal Highway 410-289-0973 The new kid on the dining scene in Ocean City features eclectic pizzas, delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and hot steamers in a modern, nautical themed atmosphere. A beautiful boat bar is featured inside and features craft cocktails and brews. Outdoor seating is available. Carry out available and beer and wine to go. Live music is also offered in this kid-friendly establishment.

FAGER’S ISLAND RESTAURANT & BAR 201 60th Street On The Bay 410-524-5500 • www.fagers.com Fager’s Island is an award-winning popular bayfront restaurant where lunch is a forgivable habit, dinner an event and sunsets unforgettable. Lite fare lunch served from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m., famous raw bar, festive Sunday Jazz Brunch, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and children’s menu. Complete house wine list and award-winning proprietor’s list available upon request. Outdoor decks and bar. Nightly entertainment in-season, FridaySaturday, off-season. Open every day, yearround. A Fun Place!

JOHNNY'S PIZZA & SPORTS PUB 56th Street & Coastal Highway 410-723-5600 www.johnnyspizzapub.com The Official Pizza of OC, Johnny's Pizza & Sports Pub serves families throughout Ocean City and its surrounding communities 365 days a year. Eat in, carry out or have it delivered right to your doorstep. Our comfortable dining room features ample seating for small groups or large parties and our speedy delivery service will deliver your hot, delicious pizza right to your home, hotel or condo for your added convenience. From steaming homemade pizzas to lightly tossed salads and fiery hot wings, we have something for everyone. Live entertainment every weekend all winter and live entertainment four nights in the summer.

MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 33rd Street in the DoubleTree Ocean City Oceanfront • 410-289-1201 www.marlinmoonocmd.com Eat where the locals eat. Marlin Moon is back in town with the talented Executive Chef, Gary Beach, creating his legendary food magic. Marlin Moon combines an eclectic atmosphere of ocean views and a fresh vibe with creative seafood and steak dishes you won’t forget. Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Some of the original classics, such as Mom’s Shrimp and Fred-

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

dy’s Seafood Pasta, are back as well as a raw bar, small plate appetizers, fresh salads and entrees sure to satisfy any food mood.

Open daily serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th Street • 443-664-6801 redredwinebar.com Steps from the beach. Fresh coastal cuisine with a focus on locally sourced seafood and hand tossed pizzas. Artisanal cheeseboards.

35+ Wines By the Glass. Full bar. Craft beer.

Late night bar. Luxurious colors and custom built couches. Casual atmosphere. Seasonal outdoor seating. Named Best Wine and Beverage Program in Maryland by the Restaurant Association.

PICKLES PUB 8th Street, Ocean City 410-289-4891 It’s pub food with a twist and a special emphasis put on quality and large portions. The big juicy burgers and oven baked wedge sandwiches are locals’ favorites as are the pub wings (in a variety of styles) and tacos (choose from thai pulled pork, grilled chicken and blacked ahi avocado). There are numerous unique craft pizza options to choose from as well with the house favorite here being the blackened shrimp and arugula.

SEACRETS On The Bay At 49th Street 410-524-4900 • www.seacrets.com We are Jamaica USA! Serving our world famous jerk chicken, along with a full menu of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, salads, entrees, desserts and a children's menu. Enjoy happy hour drink prices everyday until 7 p.m.and live entertainment in a tropical atmosphere. Please check our website www.seacrets.com for a complete list of live bands and daily food and drink specials or call 410-524-4900. Find us and get lost!

94TH STREET NORTH-FENWICK BETHANY

BILLY’S SUB SHOP • 410-723-2500 140th Street, Oceanside • 410-250-1778 Rte. 54, Fenwick Shoals • 302-436-5661 Now the best just got better because they deliver fresh-dough pizza, subs and shakes to your door and have three locations to serve you better. Washington Magazine wasn’t lying when it said Billy’s had the best milkshakes and fresh ground beef hamburgers at the beach and they don’t stop there.

Fresh-dough pizza, cones, shakes, sundaes and more. More cheese steaks sold than anyone else in Maryland. Billy’s accepts MC/Visa.

BREAKFAST AT THE CRABCAKE FACTORY 120th Street/Beachside (Serene Hotel) 410-250-4900 The Crabcake Factory started out as a breakfast house in 1996 and still serves one of the best and most creative breakfast menus in Ocean City. Try Eastern Shore favorites prepared daily by Chef-Owner John Brooks including a chipped beef, skillets, omelettes and their famous lump crab creations. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

Try Sue’s Spicy Bloody Marys to start the day with a kick. Full breakfast menu available for carry-out. Online at: www.Crabcake-

Factory-USA.com. See other listing (Crabcake Factory USA). Open year-round.

CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL AND CONDOS 118th and the Beach • 410-524-1000 Reef 118 Oceanfront Restaurant located in the Carousel Hotel offers beautiful oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet or try one of our specialty omelets including lump crab and asparagus. Our menu offers a wide variety of Succulent Seafood along with steaks, pastas & ribs. $5.95 kids’ menu available. Stop by the Bamboo Lounge serving happy hour daily 4-6 p.m. with super drink prices and $4.95 food specials. Visit the Carousel and get served by the friendliest staff in OC! THE CRAB BAG 130th Street, Bayside 410-250-3337 Now serving lunch and dinner, trust us when we say you can’t go wrong with anything you order here. The crabs are fat and never disappoint and are available eat-in or carryout.

The BBQ ribs are also worth a try as well as any of the char-grilled specialties. Remember “Super Happy Hour” offered seven days a week, all day. Plenty of bargains available on drinks and food.

CRABCAKE FACTORY USA 120th Street & Coastal Highway 410-250-4900 Voted “Best Crabcakes in Maryland, DC and Virginia,” by The Washington Post (July 2004). Full-service family restaurant, carryout and sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily at 8 a.m. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheese-steaks, burgers and kids menu. Shipping crabcakes online year-round at www.Crabcake-FactoryUSA.com or www.-Got-Lump.com. Homemade soups served daily. See previous listing (Breakfast House at Crabcake Factory USA) for breakfast specials. Casual dress, full liquor bar, no reservations, year-round.

FI-NA-LE RESTAURANT Rte. 1, Fenwick Island, DE 302-539-3526 Fi–na–le ... Fin Alley is now fi–na–le, sounds the same but looks even better. Under SAME ownership. Indoor and outdoor bayside casual dining with beautiful water and sunset views. Happy hour Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. Culinary coastal classics with a modern twist! In the Village of Fenwick, two blocks north of Rte. 54. Open MondayThursday at 4 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday at noon.

GREENE TURTLE-NORTH 116th Street & Coastal Highway 410-723-2120 www.facebook.com/OriginalGreeneTurtle This is the Original Greene Turtle, an Ocean City Tradition, since 1976! A fun and friendly Sports Bar & Grille, where every seat is a great spot to watch sports with 50+ High Def. TVs up & downstairs! Menu favorites include homemade crab cakes, kids’ menu, salads, burgers, wings and more! Join them for weekday lunch specials 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and happy hour 3-7 p.m. Popular features are game room, gift shop, carry-out, party trays, nightly drink specials, MD Lottery-Keno, Powerball and DJs with dance floor. Something for everyone! Open 11 a.m-2 a.m., year-round.

Page 69 HARPOON HANNA’S RESTAURANT & BAR Rte. 54 and the bay, Fenwick Island www.harpoonhannasrestaurant.com 302-539-3095 No reservations required. Harpoon Hanna’s features a children’s menu & full bar. We are a casual waterfront restaurant serving lunch & dinner including fesh fish, seafood, steaks, sandwiches and all-you-can-eat Alaskan crab legs. Open year-round.

HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT Located inside the Clarion Resort 101st Street, Ocean City • 410-524-3535 Horizons Oceanfront Restaurant is proud to have Chef Rob Sosnovich creating beachinspired dishes in both our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breaker’s Pub. Our new all day menu, available 11:30 a.m.11 p.m., features many of your favorites and some exciting new creations with a local flare – from Lite Bites to Big Bites and everything in between. Our deluxe Sunday breakfast buffet is open year-round and our “famous” all-you-can-eat prime rib, crab legs and seafood buffet is available most weekends throughout the year and daily in season. The Ocean Club Nightclub features top-40 dance music every weekend and nightly this summer. We’ve added some popular local bands to our lineup, so come join us “where the big kids play!” Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: enjoy surf, sun and live entertainment 7 days a week on the deck, from Memorial day through Labor Day during our afternoon beach parties. Enjoy something to eat or drink from our extensive menu. Try our “Bucket of Fun”, or a fresh “Orange Crush”–two of our favorites!

NANTUCKETS Rte. 1, Fenwick Island • 302-539-2607 Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 20 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty. There’s the memorable steaks, fresh seafood, famous quahog chowder and the chef’s daily specials, just to name a few.

SMITTY MCGEE’S Rte. 54-West Fenwick Ireland 302-436-4716 www.smittymcgees.com Smitty McGee’s is the place to be for fun.

Best wings on the beach for 28 years and counting. Enjoy great food and drink specials in a casual atmosphere. Happy hour daily.

Come enjoy the live entertainment Thursday and Friday. Full menu served unil 1 a.m.

Banquet facilities available. Open seven days a week. We never close!

SURF’S EDGE DELI & PIZZERIA 100 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island 302-537-5565 Best Salads award by Coastal Style 4 years in a row. Healthy, casual dining featuring home-made salads, fresh salads, subs, paninis, sandwiches and pizza. Open for lunch and dinner. Children’s menu, take-out and delivery available.

TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Rte. 54, Fenwick Island 302-436-2305 • www.twiningshanty.com “A funky little place at the edge of town.”

Classic New England Fare, Lobsters, Steaks & Burgers, Children’s menu. Bird watching, magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

UBER BAGELS & DELI 12601 Coastal Highway • 443-664-6128 Everything is fresh and the New York-style bagels are made here from scratch and baked each morning. Breakfast and lunch offered with a full selection of offerings, including a large variety of Boar’s Head meats and cheeses.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY vanishing

December 28, 2018

WITH BUNK MANN

Ocean City’s Fireboat 1 fought its first fire about 200 yards off the beach at 10th Street on Aug. 31, 2013. This 46-foot sportfishing boat, the Seawitch, was on fire and hundreds of beachgoers watched as smoke and flames poured from the stricken vessel.

Two people aboard were rescued by the charter boat Salty Sons, which luckily happened to be nearby. The Ocean City Fire Department was joined by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in providing aid to the burning boat. The boat sank 150 yards off 11th Street in about 30 feet of water and was salvaged a week later.

Photo by Dara Hanna

Come Join Us On Sunday

EVERY SUNDAY 8:30 a.m.: Fellowship In The He Brews Cafe

Stevenson United Methodist Church

123 North Main St., Berlin, Md. 410-641-1137 • www.stevensonchurch.org

9 a.m.: Blended Sunday Worship Service

9:30 a.m.: Children And Youth Sunday School

December 28, 2018

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 28, 2018