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Commission Begins Comprehensive Plan Review

Page 4

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A discussion on pyramidal zoning, housing trends and conditional use requirements highlighted a recent work session on Ocean City’s comprehensive plan update.

Last week, members of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission convened a work session to kickstart discussions on the town’s comprehensive plan update. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville told officials that ideas proposed at the commission level would help shape the planning document as it moves through the technical review process.

“What I envision the staff and the planning commission working on in the next several months is a technical re-

view,” he said. “And I think we are better off referring to it as that rather than an update.”

Earlier this month, Neville announced that the town would once again embark on a project to update its comprehensive plan, a document that outlines the community’s future growth and development goals. The most recent update, he said, was completed in 2017 and adopted in 2018.

Officials said the update would follow a similar process to the one set in 2017, but with planning commission meetings focused on certain topics and chapters.

To that end, commission members last week started their review with a look at the comprehensive plan’s introduction.

“I’ve highlighted why the comprehensive plan needs to be updated,” he told the commission last week. “That was in

this introduction section the last time it was adopted. It’s a good reminder this is the time when we can start to identify new trends or changes, incorporate new information and make sure we are aligned with county, state and national priorities.”

Neville noted that during the last comprehensive plan update, the town touched on topics such as redevelopment and infill, the next generation of family demographics, environmental changes and resiliency, and adaptive management of a tourism-based economy. He said the introduction chapter of the updated comprehensive plan provided the town with an opportunity to address those additions.

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our implementation list,” he said.

Neville added that the introduction of the comprehensive plan could also be updated to include topics such as housing.

“I think this is a very simple section of the comp plan,” he said. “But it is a good opportunity, if you want to take the time, to just poll yourselves to see if there are specific topics you are interested in that you’d like staff to do more research on and bring back to you.”

Commissioner Joel Brous said housing trends should be discussed further in the comprehensive plan. He noted that townhouse developments were gaining in popularity but wasn’t sure if the comprehensive plan should encourage them or deter them.

“I don’t know where we’re headed with that, but it’s a big trend we’re seeing,” he said.

Commissioner Palmer Gillis said he also wanted to discuss zoning code changes. He said if the town were to consider a zoning code change, it should first be addressed in the comprehensive plan.

“I compare it to a three-legged stool.

You have the zoning code, you have the comprehensive plan, and you have the planning and zoning citizen commission …,” he said. “If we’re trying to make a change in the zoning code, the first leg of that three-legged stool comes within the comprehensive plan.”

Neville agreed.

“If it’s more of a comprehensive change to a zoning district, the town has the option, after adoption of a revised comp plan, to do a comprehensive rezoning that the town would initiate,” he explained. “So that’s a procedure that’s available to the town. But then beyond that, if it’s an applicant-initiated zoning change, it still has to meet the test you referenced. So the supporting language in the comp plan could make the case for a change in the neighborhood.”

Gillis said he also wanted to discuss pyramidal zoning. He said he was concerned about the uptick in residential development within commercial districts.

“A 30,000-feet-in-the-air question is do we want to have any discussion within the comprehensive plan about pyramidal zoning?” he said. “I know that’s really a horrible subject in this town, but we see what’s happening on the north end with Sanibel and the Sun & Surf. It’s 100% residential on highway frontage.

Personally, I don’t think that’s a good look for the city. They’re not even trying to do mixed-use with commercial-residential at all.”

Gillis said the topic of pyramidal zoning had been discussed over the years, but that no action had ever been taken.

Commission Chair Joe Wilson said he also wanted to see it addressed in the comprehensive plan.

“Particularly, it seems like LC-1 zones,” he added. “That always seems to be the zone that’s an issue.”

Gillis also suggested that the town eliminate conditional use requirements for mini golf courses in commercial disSEE PAGE 7

Del., US Wind To Negotiate Over Park Lease, Benefits

December 29, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – US Wind and the state of Delaware will begin negotiating a lease agreement that could bring financial incentives to residents and ratepayers.

Last week, Delaware Gov. John Carney announced the start of formal negotiations between the state and US Wind to bring an underground cable landing to 3Rs Beach in Delaware Seashore State Park in exchange for energy credits that will reduce electricity costs and funding that will support workforce and environmental projects. A term sheet signed last Tuesday contemplates the commencement of negotiations over the lease to deliver power from the company’s offshore turbines to the regional electrical grid through the state park.

“This agreement means Delaware will become an active player in the growing offshore wind industry,” Carney said in a statement. “It aligns with other objectives, including our emission reduction targets and meeting the net-zero carbon goal set last year by House Bill 99. Transitioning to clean energy sources is essential to reducing manmade greenhouse gas emissions that are driving climate change, and these wind projects are part of that transition.”

In 2014, US Wind acquired an 80,000acre federal lease area off the coast of Maryland. And by 2021, the state of Maryland had approved two of the company’s offshore wind projects – MarWin and Momentum Wind. As proposed, the projects are expected to generate thousands of megawatts in renewable energy and support more than 2,600 jobs annually throughout the development and construction phases.

However, those in opposition have shared their concerns about the impacts the offshore wind turbines would have on viewsheds, marine animals, fishing and navigation, among other things. In Ocean City, officials continue to advocate for a “no-build” alternative, as the wind turbines would be placed roughly nine miles from the town’s coastline.

In a statement this week, City Manager Terry McGean also voiced his opposition to US Wind’s negotiations with the state of Delaware.

“Since 2013 the Maryland General Assembly and Maryland Public Service Commission have passed laws and executed agreements that gave US Wind hundreds of millions of dollars in offshore renewable energy credits (ORECs) to build an industrial scale wind farm right off the coast of Ocean City,” he said in a statement. “These ORECs require Maryland residents and businesses to pay inflated electric prices to support the US Wind project. Last week the President of US Wind (Jeff Grybowski) announced that his company would provide over $40 million dollars in community benefits and $78 million in renewable energy credits to the State of Delaware. Mr. Grybowski then went on to announce that his Maryland subsidized project would ‘lower electricity bills for the people of Delaware.’”

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He continued, “The fact that Ocean City residents and businesses will have their ocean views and property values destroyed by US Wind and pay higher electric bills for the privilege, so that Delaware beaches can get cheaper electricity and grant money while their ocean views remain pristine is infuriating to me and should anger every Marylander.”

As proposed in the term sheet signed last week, US Wind would pay the state of Delaware $350,000 a year, with annual increases, to lease 3Rs Beach for its cable landing. The state reports the lease negotiation will be separate from the necessary environmental permits that US Wind will have to obtain for its cable routes, which will go through the established administrative process that includes public comment.

“The land lease with Delaware State Parks does not prejudge or guarantee fa-

Page 5

vorable outcome of the environmental permits,” a news release reads.

Prior to finalizing the potential land lease, State Parks and US Wind will hold a public information session to share details of the work to be done at 3Rs Beach.

When complete, US Wind’s plans show that the only visible evidence of the underground cable crossing would be a manhole in the parking lot.

The term sheet also includes plans to ensure Delaware residents and ratepayers benefit from US Wind’s projects.

This includes 150,000 renewable energy credits each year, at an estimated value of $76 million over the life of the project, funding for dredging projects in Delaware’s coastal areas, funding for clean energy workforce development training and Delaware colleges and schools, and an environmental education scholarship fund. The term sheet would also estab-

lish a resiliency fund for climate change projects at state parks, replenish the 21st Century Fund that funds projects at state parks, and an agreement that US Wind will provide $40 million for community benefit projects over the span of 20 years.

“Offshore wind will help to lower electricity bills for the people of Delaware and will improve air quality across the state by reducing our reliance on burning fossil fuels,” said Grybowski. “We plan to deliver a massive amount of clean energy directly into the electric grid in Delaware and that direct link means a lot of benefits locally. We look forward to working with the people of Delaware as we progress these plans and we congratulate Governor Carney for carving out this unique opportunity for Delaware to be a major beneficiary of the growth of offshore wind energy in the region.”

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Two Horses Die On Assateague Island

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

Seven Foals Born Throughout 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Yankee, a 17-year-old stallion, pictured above, is one of two horses found dead on Assateague Island this month. Both were found dead of apparent natural causes.

Photo Courtesy of Assateague Island Alliance Facebook Page

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND – Two wellknown stallions from Assateague Island’s population of wild horses died this month.

Assateague’s herd is down two this month as 21-year-old General Harker and 17-year-old Yankee were found dead of apparent natural causes in December. Several photographers that frequent the island shared their memories of the stallions on social media this week.

“General Harker and Yankee have been here ever since I started coming to

p u s to a n i d l o G All Time High!

the island, so seeing them in death really hits home,” photographer Megapixel Mike wrote on his Facebook page. “I’ve said it before that most folks come and see ‘horses’, but for many of us each of these creatures are individuals we have come to know over the years. They do indeed age and they do indeed die and are not mythical creatures that are just always there.”

Nancy Gaither, president of Assateague Island Alliance (AIA), confirmed this week that both stallions died in December. While General Harker passed away earlier this month, Yankee’s body was found by an AIA board member after initially being spotted by a hunter. According to AIA, Yankee, whose sire was Mane Pride and dam was Princess, was born in 2006. Yankee sired seven foals of his own, Ms. Macky, Susi Sole, Sarah’s Sweet Tea, Adriana’s Yankee Prince, Linda Rae’s Autumn Glory, Chantilly Lace and Finn Radar 918.

Despite the loss of the two stallions at the end of the year, Gaither said the herd as a whole was doing well. Seven foals were born this year.

AIA is also continuing efforts to increase education among visitors about the wild horses. Part of that effort is supporting the national park with funding to hire interns and employees to help with education efforts during the summer.

“Often people will say ‘the horses approached me’ which we will say that’s when you back away or ‘I own horses and know how to handle them’ which doesn’t matter because the more close interaction the Assateague horses have with visitors helps to ‘humanize them’ when they will look for people to feed them or pet them, causing them to hang around the roads,” Gaither said. “The horses out of the developed area are much more wary of people and it’s a good thing as they aren’t looking for food and more from humans.”

With the birth of the new foals this year, the population of wild horses on the Maryland side is expected to be within the ideal range of 80-100, but the number will be determined when the next census is completed. The National Park Service completes a full census of the horse population on the Maryland side of the barrier island six times per year in February, March, May, July, September and November. Managed as a wildlife population, the Assateague horses are free to roam over the roughly 27 miles of the barrier island and are difficult to find at times.

During each census, the horses are identified by their distinguishing characteristics, mapped and counted. Individual horses that are not observed over multiple census periods are presumed dead. The purpose of the census is to monitor the population dynamics of the horse herd in support of the long-term fertility control program that was initiated in 1994.

… Resort Planners Talk Zoning Changes, Housing

December 29, 2023

FROM PAGE 4 tricts.

“We talked about that last time,” he said. “I don’t know if that fits into the comprehensive plan. I know it’s a code change.”

Wilson agreed.

“Anytime it comes in front of us, it seems like a lot of extra work for something we’re all in support of,” he said.

Commissioner Janet Hough said she agreed with the change, so long as the mini golf course had no added amusements. She highlighted the most recent Nick’s Mini Golf project, which secured a conditional use for the development of an 18-hole course and accessory ropes course.

“I hear you loud and clear on that,” Gillis replied.

For his part, Wilson said he wanted to see the town’s comprehensive plan reinforce its commitment to the development of a bayside boardwalk.

“The only thing keeping me up at night is the bayside boardwalk,” he said.

“I know it’s already in our comprehensive plan, but I don’t know if there’s anything we can do to strengthen it and support maybe potential future code changes that require it or something along those lines.”

Neville said the introductory chapter of the comprehensive plan also touched on the town’s strategic plan, which was summarized in a two-page document on the city manager’s web page.

“How does this compare with the comprehensive plan?” he said. “It’s squarely part of it but not all of it. What the council looks at is budget and CIP projects and how the land use goals interact with the project-related activity.”

He questioned, however, if the commission had any interest in creating a similar two-page document for each of the updated chapters in the comprehensive plan. Wilson said he supported the idea.

“One question is whether the commission wants to take this same approach,” he said. “Should we create one of these two-page documents that goes with each chapter? We don’t want it to get out of control, but it almost feels like there needs to be maybe a land use version of this that goes along with the plan.”

Neville also reviewed the comprehensive planning process that would take place over the next six months. He added that the planning commission would also have an opportunity to discuss the comprehensive plan update with the Mayor and Council. He said a joint meeting between the two bodies is tentatively scheduled for late January.

“That’s probably our best shot at having the next discussion,” he said.

Following a lengthy discussion, Neville thanked commission members for their input.

“This is all great feedback,” he said.

“This is the kind of idea generation we need. Each meeting, even if they are random thoughts, we can start to collect those and find a way to organize them in the plan update.”

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Public Invited To Weigh In On School Calendar Options

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – A community survey regarding calendar options for the next school year is now available on the school system’s website.

Community members have until Jan. 12 to weigh in on three proposed calendars for the 2024-2025 school year.

“I’ll be back in early 2024 with both the survey results as well as the superintendent’s recommended calendar for your approval,” Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs, told the Worcester County Board of Education last week.

Sterrs presented the board with three calendar options at the December board meeting. She said all three options met both state and local requirements.

“The three proposals maintain those

focus areas we’ve traditionally had as well as the popular moderately balanced option we added last year,” she said.

She noted that all three proposals included three inclement weather days. If schools end up being closed for more than three days because of inclement weather, the school system will transition to virtual learning.

Sterrs said the first proposal includes a winter break from Dec. 23 through Jan. 1.

“Spring break includes only the state mandated holidays of Good Friday and Easter Monday, which brings the potential end of the school year to June 9,” Sterrs said.

She said the second proposal was focused on longer and more frequent breaks.

“You’ll see a full week break for Thanksgiving, a two-week winter break in De-

cember and the addition of two days to spring break in March,” she said. “This calendar potentially ends the school year on June 18.”

The third option balances the two more extreme calendars.

“Within this proposal Thanksgiving reverts back to the Wednesday through Friday closure, winter break is roughly a week and a half, and spring break maintains that extended break, bringing the potential end of the school year to Friday June 12,” Sterrs said.

She added that the Worcester County Teachers Association had provided input on the calendar options as stipulated in this year’s contract. Sterrs said following the meeting the survey would be available on the school system’s website, worcesterk12.org, for the public.

“We intend to publicize these calendar options as soon as possible using our tra-

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ditional survey tool, which is Survey Monkey, to give all of our stakeholders the opportunity to weigh in on which option they prefer and they can provide any suggestions they may have as well,” she said.

She said she’d return to the board in 2024 with survey results as well as the calendar recommendation from the superintendent.

School board member Katie Addis said she’d heard from many constituents who weren’t happy with the fact that in the current calendar, professional development half days were on Wednesdays.

Superintendent Lou Taylor said he’d heard that feedback as well.

“All of these calendars still include that,” Addis said, adding that people she’d talked to thought Friday would be a better day for those half-day closures.

“These are just the initial options,” Sterrs said.

She said there was still time for adjustments to be made to the calendar proposals.

“I know our leadership team is still having that conversation,” she said.

School Board Adds Two Budget Sessions In Jan.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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NEWARK– In a change from previous years, the school board will begin budget review in January.

The Worcester County Board of Education this month modified its meeting calendar to add two budget work sessions.

The meetings are set for Jan. 8 and Jan. 9 at the central office.

“The board has expressed some interest in having some additional time to work through the budget for FY25,” Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert said. “To support this the superintendent is proposing the revised 2023-2024 board of ed meeting schedule, which includes two additional budget work sessions, one on January 8 and one on January 9.”

Tolbert said the additional work sessions would give the board more of a chance to review the budget details and to have open discussion regarding the budget before it is finalized at the board’s regular February meeting. Todd Ferrante, president of the school board, acknowledged the change.

“I think our board members are aware of this,” he said.

The board voted unanimously to approve the updated meeting schedule. The added January meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the central office.

In years past, the board has held a budget work session in February. Following last year’s work session, school board member Katie Addis voiced concerns about the limited amount of time the board had to review the budget and get questions answered.

The updated meeting schedule includes the budget work sessions on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9 as well as a Feb. 6 budget work session. The budget is expected to be finalized at the regular February board meeting on Feb. 20.

Barge To Be Built For Bridge Work

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

An aerial image from Worcester County Recreation and Parks shows the area of the harbor parking lot where a barge will be assembled the first week in January.

Submitted Photo

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY– A barge will soon be set up in the channel as crews make repairs to the Route 50 bridge into Ocean City.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week approved a request from Covington Machine & Welding Inc. to use a portion of the West Ocean City Harbor parking lot to assemble a barge.

Once assembled, the barge will provide crews with access to the Route 50 bridge as they make repairs.

“Covington currently has a contract with Maryland State Highway Office of Structures to repair the Rt. 50 Ocean City drawbridge,” a memo from Worcester County Recreation and Parks to the Worcester County Commissioners reads.

According to the commissioners’ meeting packet, Covington Machine & Welding workers will use a portion of the harbor parking lot during the first week of January to put the barge together.

“Once assembled, the barge would be pushed into the Ocean City bridge channel where it will remain until the end of the project,” the memo reads.

This phase of the bridge repair work, which includes replacing bottom lateral bracing and gusset connection located within the channel, is expected to take three to four months. Once the work is complete, Covington Machine & Welding crews would need an additional day at the harbor to remove the equipment.

“All loading of materials will take place at the bridge and not from the harbor parking lot,” the memo reads.

The barge work is expected to take place beginning either Jan. 2 or Jan. 3 and crews are expected to need one or two days to complete assembly.

In a few months, once the bridge repairs are complete, the Covington crew will need a day at the harbor parking lot to remove the equipment.

The Maryland State Highway Administration would have to pay for any damages that occur on county property throughout the process.

Page 9

County Considering Third Rural Legacy Area Around Bishopville

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The map, which was shared with the public in August, shows the section of northern Worcester County where officials would like to see another Rural Legacy Area.

Submitted Image

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SNOW HILL – Plans to pursue expansion of a conservation program in Worcester County are moving forward.

Next week, county staff are expected to review a plan to establish a third Rural Legacy Area (RLA) in the Bishopville area with the Worcester County Planning Commission. After that, the proposal would be presented to the Worcester County Commissioners.

“It’s the planning commission, then on to the commissioners for their endorsement, then we will send that and the application to the state,” said Bob Mitchell, director of environmental programs for the county.

In the summer, Worcester County’s Department of Environmental Programs hosted a public meeting to gauge interest in establishing a third Rural Legacy Area (RLA) in the northern part of the county. The creation of another Rural Legacy Area would give the county access to more funding to encourage agricultural preservation on large properties in the Showell and Bishopville areas.

“With the immense pressure from Sussex County development north of

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the border, there is an urgent need to protect these lands from fragmentation due to potential subdivision of these lands for dwelling units,” Mitchell said at the time.

While the county has two Rural Legacy Areas already, designating a third would mean more properties could be eligible for easements. In order to set up a third RLA, the county would need demonstrated support from landowners in the proposed area. Mitchell said the county was targeting the Showell and Bishopville areas for the expanded conservation efforts because of the quality farmland in the area as well as the proximity to Sussex County, where development is underway at a rapid pace.

“This area has some of the highest quality farmland soils in the county, has been farmed for over a century, and if the owners continue to develop at max density, it would fragment farmland to the point that farming would not be viable anymore,” he said in August.

The proposal will be presented Thursday, Jan. 4, during the 1 p.m. meeting of the Worcester County Planning Commission. Meeting materials will be posted on the county’s website, co.worcester.md.us.

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Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Berlin To Host Strategic Plan Input Sessions

December 29, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Complex Updates:

Renovations to the Downtown Recreation Complex continue in Ocean City this month. Located between 3rd and 4th streets, the complex is being renovated to include an expanded Ocean Bowl Skate Park, new basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, and new playgrounds, among other things. The progress is pictured above in an aerial shot, which captures the new courts and skate park to the east and more passive recreation areas to the west.

Photo Courtesy of Ocean City Recreation & Parks

BERLIN – Town leaders are encouraging residents to share their input at two strategic plan listening sessions in January.

The town will host two public input sessions, one on Wed., Jan. 10, and one on Wed., Jan 17, as the municipality’s strategic plan is being developed.

“I think it’s important for folks to be able to come out and voice what’s on their mind,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

The Town of Berlin hired Salisbury University’s Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) in August to help develop a new strategic plan, as the town’s last one was done in 2016. The first phase of the process consisted of a community survey that was included with residents’ utility bills. While town officials weren’t pleased that only 110 survey responses were received, they agreed last month to have BEACON proceed with phase two of the process.

That phase kicks off with the January listening sessions. The Jan. 10 session is scheduled to take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Berlin library. The Jan. 17 session is scheduled for 6 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Tyndall is hoping that a significant number of residents attend the sessions to share their thoughts, as the strategic plan will chart the town’s spending.

He said it would impact how the town’s budget was handled and services offered.

“The strategic plan is designed to help guide overall spending for the next several years,” he said. “Having community input in that process is instrumental. It’s a document we’re going to look at annually that will carry us three to five years.”

Because the last strategic plan was done in 2016, Tyndall said this was the chance for citizens to provide input on current issues and items they felt needed attention. He said the sessions were designed to gather information.

“It’s really an open forum for anyone to bring ideas, or recommendations for what they’d like to see,” he said.

The town is currently in the process of working on not only its strategic plan but also its comprehensive plan. While the strategic plan focuses more on funding and services, the comprehensive plan is meant to address growth and development.

“They’re both important documents that span several years,” Tyndall said.

The Berlin Planning Commission launched discussions regarding the comprehensive plan in December and is expected to resume those talks in early 2024.

For more information on the strategic plan sessions, residents are invited to contact BEACON at 410-546-6001 or beacon@salisbury.edu.

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Berlin Officials Discuss Need For Fire Funding Formula

Page 14

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Municipal officials stressed their commitment to developing a fire funding formula at a work session with the Berlin Fire Company last week.

At a work session last Wednesday, Mayor Zack Tyndall said the town’s goal was to set up a fire funding formula similar to the one Worcester County used to provide grants to local fire companies. He believes a formula would simplify the annual funding process.

“The goal has always been to try and reach some understanding of cost year over year,” he said.

The town’s elected officials met with Berlin Fire Company President David Fitzgerald and Fire Chief R.J. Rhode last week in a work session to discuss various topics. Tyndall said town staff have been working internally to develop a fire company funding formula that mimics the one Worcester County has in place.

“That’s the goal of these meetings to come up with a formula,” he said.

“With that being said, how we can meet that number, that’s more on our side,” he said.

Fitzgerald said the fire company was supportive of a funding formula.

He noted, however, that it would be simpler to create a fire company fund-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ing formula than it would be to create a funding formula for EMS. He said the fire company needed $200,000 in operating funding from the town and $150,000 in capital funds. Berlin Fire Company EMS, however, needs funding to cover costs that vary.

“It’s not as fixed as the fire budget,” he said.

Fitzgerald said more than 90% of EMS costs were in personnel.

“If we’re not competitive we lose people,” he said.

He said that while the town spent 48 cents of the tax rate on police, he estimated not quite 9 cents was needed to fund EMS operations and capital. He said the county currently provided Berlin Fire Company EMS with $25,000 per ambulance. The county provides $900 per run when a patient is transported and $225 for a run when the patient is not transported. The county provides $225 for a transport call in town limits. The county also provides the Berlin Fire Company EMS with $8,000 per full-time employee.

Fitzgerald said the fire and EMS companies only asked for what they needed to function.

“We would never ask you for something that we couldn’t spend,” he said.

“Anything that we ask anybody for, we’ve got to show the expenses to do that.”

Councilman Steve Green asked why the town didn’t already have a funding formula in place. Tyndall said during the past several years the town had just been working to get fire company funding back to previous levels.

Green said a formula would ease the funding process and at the same time would provide accountability for taxpayers.

“I really think this is going to be very helpful,” he said.

Fitzgerald noted that when the town’s last strategic plan had been written in 2016, developing a funding formula had been included as a priority.

At last week’s work session the council also talked about potential EMS coverage at special events. Tyndall maintained that the town wanted an ambulance stationed in town, within the barricades signaling the perimeter of an event, while Fitzgerald said the fire company wanted it at the fire house.

“They’ve got experience, we listen to them,” he said. “It’s only 503 feet from the first barricade to the firehouse.”

He added that an ambulance leaving the firehouse would have access to various routes to respond.

“We can agree to disagree but that’s our professional expertise,” Fitzgerald said.

Tyndall said the town’s police sug-

December 29, 2023

gested the ambulance be stationed on site during events. The department had also said certain events, those with the largest crowds, were the ones that should have on-site ambulance coverage.

“With our equipment that was not practical for us,” Rhode said.

When the idea of stationing a utility vehicle within the event grounds was suggested, Rhode said that type of vehicle had been included in the budget previously and was never funded.

“Year after year that’s the first thing that gets cut,” he said.

Tyndall said there were possibly grants that could help the fire company purchase a utility vehicle. He said if they had that vehicle a crew could be stationed with it inside event grounds.

That crew could treat a patient and transport it to the edge of the event, where an ambulance from the firehouse could transport the patient to the hospital.

Tyndall also suggested the fire company communicate with the National Park Service and the Maryland Park Service because of the calls related to Assateague Island. Fitzgerald asked Tyndall to send along any information he had regarding that.

“We’ll look at that,” he said. “We’ll have to get our EMS billing company involved.”

Council Expected To Consider Fire Co. Funding Request

December 29, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials are expected to consider a capital funding request from the Berlin Fire Company at the next council meeting.

The Berlin Town Council is expected to consider the Berlin Fire Company (BFC) request to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to pay down debt associated with two new fire trucks.

While the money was previously intended for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), a federal grant is now funding that equipment. Elected officials discussed the reallocation at a work session with BFC leadership last week.

“If it was for the SCBA you’d have had the money by now,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “That’s what we had the conversation about. We’re not saying we don’t want to give you the money we’re just saying we want to make sure it’s in an agreeable spot.”

The issue was one of several discussed during a work session Dec. 20.

Tyndall said he thought a memorandum of understanding (MOU) should be in place before the town provided the BFC with money to put toward its loan for two new pieces of fire apparatus. Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols agreed that an MOU would ensure the town got the use of the apparatus it was helping fund.

She indicated she was worried that if a funding arrangement wasn’t agreed upon between the two entities next year, the town might not even be served by the trucks it was helping to purchase.

“At the end of the day our priority is to the health, welfare and safety of this town,” she said.

The town’s attorney said an MOU was not a contract and wasn’t enforceable. He suggested the town just review the BFC’s loan paperwork. The town’s attorney pointed out that in one way or another the town had probably helped pay for all of the BFC’s equipment.

Tyndall reiterated Nichols’ concern.

“If we fund fire apparatus, and we can’t reach an agreement for FY25 what happens to that piece of equipment?” he said.

Other members of the town council said the ARPA funding had always been intended to be used for a capital purchase for the fire company, whether that was breathing gear or a truck.

“Mayor, I think you’re really complicating this,” Councilman Jay Knerr said.

BFC President David Fitzgerald said he would provide the town with the paperwork to show that the trucks had been ordered and that the bank loan was in place.

The town council is expected to review a motion at the next meeting on Jan. 8 to provide the ARPA funds to the BFC.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

STUDENTS In The News

Kindergarten students at Ocean City Elementary School recently began a Mo Willems author study. The students learned what information is found on the front cover of a book and then created their own book covers using the character, Pigeon. Pictured are Naisa Kc, Ryleigh Horn, Blakely Hemp and Makenna Whigham from Laura Black's class.

Submitted Photos

Worcester Preparatory School’s Lower School students eagerly lined up to visit Santa and give gifts to those in need at Diakonia before holiday break. Pictured with Santa are first graders, seated from left, Romie Crevecoeur, Savannah Baker, Ellie Tunis, Esme Johnston and Harper Haley, and, standing, Jack Farr, Sloane Van Dalen, Christian Williams, Jacob Bergey, Daniel Kauffman, Ilya Buinovskis, Anna Harrison, Rosie Lane, Wilson Padgett, Henry Johnson and James Howarth.

Ocean City Elementary’s Girls on the Run program, which is open to all third and fourth grade girls, recently wrapped up its second season with coaches Lauren Brueckner and Kim Prince. So far 20 OCES girls have participated. Pictured are some of the participants.

Berlin Plans NYE Events

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – After a four-year hiatus, the town is expected to resume its tradition of ringing in the new year with a ball drop on Dec. 31.

Berlin will host two New Year’s Eve events, a kids ball drop and a midnight ball drop, to celebrate the arrival of 2024. After the celebration was scrapped last year due to weather and pandemic related cancellations prior to that, Berlin is eager to be able to once again host its New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“There’s nothing like Berlin throughout the year but especially on New Year's Eve,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “It’s a way to celebrate with your neighbors and family and be all together. There’s something for all ages.”

Families are being welcomed to Main Street at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 for a laser light show and ball drop. The town will be providing children with bubbles, glow sticks and cow bells to ring in the new year at 6 p.m.

“We’ve accumulated a variety of fun party favors for the kids over the last several years,” Wells said.

The laser light show is set to music and leads right up to the ball drop. Food vendors, including Roadie Joe’s, The

Street Kitchen and Sessa’s, will be set up and all of the town’s bars and restaurants will be open.

“The ball will drop from one of our Town of Berlin bucket trucks at 6 p.m.,” Wells said.

As the younger guests are heading home, the Rogue Citizens and the Cal Toner band will be setting up to provide live music in the interim before the late-night ball drop. At 10 p.m., DJ Big Al Reno arrives and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce will begin selling beer, wine and bubbly.

“The food trucks will be there all night,” Wells said.

A 45-minute laser show, set up on a giant screen across Main Street, will begin at 11:15 p.m. and will culminate with the midnight ball drop. For the later event, the ball will be set atop the J.E. Parker building and lowered in the final seconds of 2023.

Wells noted that live entertainment was made possible thanks to a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council and the laser shows were being sponsored by the Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim.

For more information, visit the town’s Facebook page or berlinmainstreet.com. There will not be a shuttle on Dec. 31 and Wells encourages attendees who live close enough to walk to Main Street for the event.

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

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Route 50 bridge is pictured in a file photo from 2012.

Photo by Chris Parypa

50 Bridge Lane Closures Planned

December 29, 2023

OCEAN CITY – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration is continuing long-term repairs to the Route 50 bridge.

Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, crews will work 24 hours a day on the machinery room areas of the draw span, necessitating roadway, sidewalk and marine channel closures. Weather permitting, this work should be completed by March 2.

While this work is taking place, the two eastbound lanes and the eastbound sidewalk of the bridge will be closed to create a safe work zone. Two-way traffic will be maintained using the westbound lanes of the bridge.

Covington Machine and Welding will use concrete barriers, barrels, and cones to direct motorists through the work zone.

Arrow panels and VMS boards placed prior to the work zone will alert motorists to the closures and changing traffic patterns.

The marine channel will be blocked with construction barges and closed to all vessels for the installation of new structural portions of the bridge. Vessels that do not require the draw span to be opened may pass under adjacent spans.

The State Highway Administration is coordinating this work with the U.S. Coast Guard and local officials to establish a schedule minimizing impacts to marine traffic.

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

Christmas Spirit:

The Spirit Kitchen, which offers weekly free meals and food supplies to those in need, held its annual Christmas party at Stevenson United Methodist Church last week. Volunteers from several local churches help make the weekly ministry possible. Pictured are some scenes from the party. See page 24 for some pictures.

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Pines Board Adopts Association Officials To Begin Budget Review Resolution Changes

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines officials recently voted to revise the association’s procedures for addressing lot maintenance.

This month, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted on second reading to amend Resolution M-04, which addresses the maintenance of member-owned lots.

Director Elaine Brady said the revised policy not only aligns with changes recently made to Resolution M-01 but conforms with state homeowners association laws enacted in 2022.

“It's imperative to get this done so we can move forward in the way we’re supposed to be,” she said.

In November, the board voted to adopt policy and compliance procedures for violations of the association’s declarations of restrictions and architectural review committee (ARC) guidelines. Officials noted the revised policy, outlined in Resolution M-01, detailed the steps the association and alleged violators must take when addressing complaints and violations.

In an effort to align with those amendments, officials this month also voted to adopt changes to Resolution M-04. Brady told the board the changes were reviewed by legal counsel and the bylaws committee.

“M-04 has been reviewed and revised by counsel,” she said. “It did go by the bylaws committee, and it did take some of the notations into account, and those revisions were done. So I’d like us to approve the second reading with his redline changes.”

As proposed, the revisions to Resolution M-04 detail the actions the association must take to cut grass and clear leaves and debris from member-owned lots. The document essentially gives the association the right, with a super majority board vote, to enter lots and address certain types of noncompliance.

Director Steve Jacobs said the amended resolution was presented to the bylaws committee following a first reading. He urged the board to continue that practice for any resolutions.

“That’s why the bylaws committee exists,” he said.

Jacobs added that the changes to Resolution M-04 would give the association sufficient justification for addressing neglected lots.

“I am satisfied we have met the challenge at the first reading in this version to align M-04 with M-01,” he said. “For that reason, I think we should approve this.”

After further discussion, the board voted unanimously to adopt the changes to Resolution M-04. Director John Latham applauded the association’s advisory committees for their work.

“M-04 is small in length, it’s narrow in its scope, but truly a lot of work went into getting these words where it needed to be and to put us in alignment with our bylaws and DRs,” he said. “They truly do a lot of work, so I just want to thank all of our committees. They truly are valuable to us and provide a lot of good input.”

OCEAN PINES – Association officials will begin their review of the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.

During this month’s meeting of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors, General Manager John Viola presented officials with a timeline for reviewing the proposed 2024-2025 budget. He said the board and members of the Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee would begin its review in the coming weeks.

“We do have it. We’re just finishing up the paperwork and putting it all together,” he told the board. “As committed, the (budget) binders will be available to B&F and the board by the holidays, which has been consistent with the last five years.”

The association’s fiscal year begins on May 1 of each year and ends on April 30 of the next calendar year. In preparation

for the coming year’s budget, Viola said the budget and finance committee will hold a review Jan. 3-4, while the board will hold a review Jan. 11-12.

A town hall has tentatively been scheduled for Feb. 7.

“We don’t just budget for this year, we do look forward,” he said. “I have this whole team engaged to look forward over the next three, four years. We have a plan in place.”

Viola told board members this month the proposed budget will continue to focus on infrastructure. He said upcoming projects include an update of the golf course irrigation system, which he said was well overdue.

“We will continue robust bulkhead, drainage and road programs and address infrastructure, which is well overdue, specifically the irrigation system,” he said.

Viola noted, however, that the association continues to face financial challenges

Page 23

– including wage increases – as it prepares for a new fiscal year.

“I always talk about headwinds,” he said. “We do have statutory wage increase and the 401(k) police enhancement program. We will continue to move forward with that and budget for it, which will make us as comparable as we can be with LEOPS and the programs that the municipalities have.”

Viola added that the budget will also account for medical costs and liability insurance increases.

When asked if the bulkheads, drainage and roads programs were in line with the association’s strategic plan, Viola said they were.

“And we do update the strategic plan,” he added.

A copy of the association’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 will be made available on the association’s website, oceanpines.org.

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

People in Society Volunteers helped pass out boxes of food and turkeys at the Spirit Kitchen’s annual Christmas lunch.

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

Donna Compher, Cheri Stambaugh and Kim Hopkins Thomas are pictured at Stambaugh’s birthday fundraiser at Sisters Wine Bar that raised $1,700 for Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center.

Town Cats volunteers are pictured at a fundraiser for the organization at Don’s Seafood & Chophouse.

Church volunteers and community members joined together for a holiday lunch at Stevenson United Methodist Church’s Spirit Kitchen.

Keith Moses and Sylvia Rittweger donned their festive apparel for the Spirit Kitchen Christmas lunch.

Katie Coffman and Jan Bucciere helped serve dessert at the Spirit Kitchen’s annual Christmas lunch.

Spirit Kitchen volunteer Vicky Nock is pictured with Peggy Mitchell at this year’s Christmas lunch.

Volunteers Angela and Patti helped serve drinks at the well-attended community lunch at the Spirit Kitchen.

Sylvia Rittweger pauses for a photo with Pastor Woody Wilson at the Spirit Kitchen’s annual holiday lunch at Stevenson United Methodist Church.

Elisabeth Scott and Susan Mohler are pictured at a Town Cats fundraiser at Don’s Seafood in Ocean Pines.

Career Ladder Expected To Guide County Staff

December 29, 2023

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL– A new career ladder is expected to show the county’s water and wastewater workers what they need to advance through the department.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week voted unanimously to approve service records for positions within the water and wastewater division. The records will make employees aware of licensing requirements, education requirements and equipment experience needed to advance to the next level.

“What we’re trying to do in public works is create career ladders for all of our positions,” said Dallas Baker, the county’s director of public works.

“That’s what this service record for water/wastewater does.”

Baker asked the commissioners to set up service records for collections plant operator, maintenance worker and equipment operator, wastewater plant operator and water plant operator.

“These service records were created so the employees are aware of what license requirements, education requirements, and equipment operation experience is required to advance to the next level,” Baker wrote in a memo to the commissioners. “We are hopeful that this will encourage employees to receive more training and experience to ensure we have qualified staff to run our operations.”

He told the commissioners last Tuesday the program was modeled after a career ladder already set up for the roads division. He said it would show workers the criteria needed for them to move up the ladder.

“What it does is it puts the development of that employee in their own hands,” he said. “What this helps us do is identify who are the ones that are really willing to work for it and show that they have value.”

He said the request was being made now so he could budget properly for personnel in the next fiscal year. The county will also benefit from more employees who can do more within water and wastewater.

“That provides real value to the county and we’re trying to promote that so we have coverage…,” he said. “In the next five or six years we’re going to see a lot of the great lieutenants in our water/wastewater division retire. We need to have a path forward to see those positions, see them replaced.”

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Baker’s request. Commissioner Eric Fiori praised the concept.

“I appreciate you putting this merit based promotional setup in place…,” he said. “I think it’s great.”

Baker said he would be looking at setting up something similar for the solid waste division next.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 27

Speaker Announced For Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Town of Ocean City and Ocean City Tourism to host the Dreams & Determination Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Friday, Jan.12.

The inspirational breakfast will feature keynote speaker Colonel Gregory D. Gadson and the inspiring resonance of the Morgan State University Choir.

“The Dreams and Determination Breakfast will be an inspiring event you won’t want to miss with our keynote

speaker Greg Gadson and the worldrenowned Morgan State University Choir performing. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor and recognize the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan Gadson, a Chesapeake, Va., native, is a retired United States Army colonel who served for 26-plus years. Gadson's service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations. At this strategic sustaining base, more than 50,000

December 29, 2023

military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense.

In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Gadson's greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Gadson remained on ac-

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Gadson is an advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities and has testified before Congress. He is also an actor, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. His keynote speech topic will be "Overcoming Adversity: Prevailing Through Challenges."

The Morgan State University Choir has performed around the world to critical acclaim. Named “Best College Choir” in 2004 by Reader’s Digest magazine, the choir has performed with many symphony orchestras including the Philadelphia, Chicago, New York, National, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras.

“For years the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast has been a way for the community to come together to kick off the year.

We are delighted to bring back this popular event, now linked to additional activities across the region for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend,” said Chamber Executive Director Amy Thompson.

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30th annual Penguin swim eyes new Year’s Day Return

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital’s 30th Annual Penguin Swim will return on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024.

The plunge will once again take place in front of the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street in Ocean City.

All participants are required to register either online or in person and check in on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day to receive a wristband that allows access to the swim area. Advance online registration is recommended. Participants can register online by visiting www.aghpenguinswim.org. The registration fee is $30 per participant if registering on or before Dec. 30. The registration fee is $35 per participant if registering on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1.

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

Event day registration and check-in will begin at 9 a.m., ending promptly at

Page 29

There are many entertaining costumes, such as pictured, typically donned by participants in the annual plunge for Atlantic General.

Photo by Chris Parypa

11:30 a.m., with the main event at noon on the beach at 91st Street. The time in between will be full of fun activities the whole family will enjoy like costume contests, face painting, mermaids and more.

The Bull on the Beach team will parade down the beach at 11:45 a.m. from 94th Street to the swim area in front of the Princess Royale. Spectators are welcome.

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

If you are unable to attend in person, you can still participate in the Cyber Swim. Register online, then take an icecold dip wherever you are and post a photo or video of your personal Penguin Swim on social media using #OCPenguinSwim. Make sure your post is public so we can see it.

Proceeds from the event, gathered through corporate sponsorships and participant fundraising, support the strategic plans undertaken by Atlantic General Hospital to uphold their mission to improve individual and community health. Atlantic General Hospital is a 501(c)3 organization.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Hotel Group Recognized OCEAN CITY – It is with great honor that the publishers of ConventionSouth, the national multimedia resource for planning events in the South, present the DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, Hilton Oceanfront Suites, and Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel with 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.

“ConventionSouth readers and fans have once again voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it is no surprise to us that the DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, Hilton Oceanfront Suites, and Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel have been selected to receive our annual Readers’ Choice Award,” said ConventionSouth Associate Publisher Tiffany Burtnett. “This prestigious recognition comes from the United States’ top meeting professionals who hold events in the South. These planners demand the highest level of customer service and quality facilities, and they have determined that these Harrison Group Hotels indeed display the commitment to professionalism, creativity, and service that they require.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront, Hilton Oceanfront Suites, and Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel are among 446 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), meeting facilities, hotels, and unique venues located across the South to receive this year’s Readers’ Choice Award. Throughout the year, meeting professionals nominated the meeting sites they believe provide exemplary service for group events. The nominated sites are then compiled onto an online ballot where meeting professionals and fans are asked to vote for the best of the best. With over 8,000 voters participating in the selection process and the highest social media interaction to date, this has been the most successful and engaging year yet.

Since creation in 2001, this is the fourth time that the Hilton Oceanfront Suites and the Holiday Inn Ocean City, an IHG Hotel and the second time the DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront received the award, making it an even greater honor to present the properties with a 2023 Readers’ Choice Award.

The hotels will be featured as an award recipient in the December 2023 Awards Issue of ConventionSouth magazine.

“As meeting and planning experts we take great pride in our products and

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

This month, the TidalHealth Foundation welcomed representatives of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation and Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms, to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury for a check presentation and donation in support of the health system’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. The $300,000 contribution will create classroom space and technology in the TidalHealth Center for Medical Training and Simulation, where resident physicians studying in TidalHealth’s GME program, as well as other clinicians and providers, train in real-world conditions and scenarios.

Pictured, from left to right, are Perry Aulie, senior vice president of value-added products for Perdue AgriBusiness and TidalHealth Foundation board member; Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms; Kim Nechay, executive director of the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation; Jessica Hales, president of the TidalHealth Foundation; Simona Eng, DO, associate vice president of medical education/designated institutional official at TidalHealth; and Yashvir Sangwan, MD, director of procedural service and training, internal medicine residency, and director of Interventional Pulmonology at TidalHealth.

Submitted Photo

teams. It is our mission to exceed our customers' expectations, bringing professional and local experiences to every event we touch” said Harrison Group’s Corporate Director of Sales Sara Simon.

“From small retreats and board meetings, receptions and large parties, to conferences and conventions we are elated to bring your vision to life, uniting people through hospitality while offering a stunning backdrop of the beautiful beaches our resort portfolio provides.”

This exciting issue will also showcase some of the most talented meeting professionals in the nation as ConventionSouth also presents planners with its annual “Meeting Professionals To Watch” designation. “Featuring peer advice and trade secrets from our Meeting Profes-

sionals to Watch in 2023, our Awards Issue is one of the most popular mustread resources within the meetings industry,” Burtnett said. Celebrating 40 years as a leading meeting planning resource for Southern destinations, ConventionSouth is based in Gulf Shores, Ala., and is distributed to more than 18,000 meeting professionals located across the country who book events held within the South.

The Harrison Group is a third-generation family business that has been owned and operated in Ocean City, Md., since 1951.

They have grown into a premier hospitality company that owns and operates a portfolio of oceanfront destination hotels and restaurants that are in Ocean

December 29, 2023 City, Md., Virginia Beach, Va., Corolla, N.C., and Jacksonville, Fla. More information can be found at HarrisonGroupHotels.com.

New Pregnancy Program SALISBURY – Chesapeake Health Care, a leading healthcare organization, is thrilled to announce the introduction of its groundbreaking Centering Pregnancy program.

This unique initiative revolutionizes prenatal care by combining standard healthcare practices with group-based sessions, enhancing the overall experience for expectant mothers.

Centering Pregnancy, a model advocated by the Centering Healthcare Institute, extends prenatal care visits to 10 comprehensive group meetings. Led by experienced healthcare providers, these sessions create a supportive community, empowering women with knowledge and fostering a sense of shared experience.

Patients receive the highest quality of care and, as part of an ongoing group, form a supportive community where they develop skills and confidence to take control of their health. The Centering model combines health assessment, interactive learning and community building to deliver better health outcomes and a better care experience for patients and their providers.

Dr. Monique Williams, the lead centering physician at Chesapeake Health Care, expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Our commitment to providing exceptional care to expectant mothers has led us to embrace the Centering Pregnancy model. This innovative approach ensures that women receive not only the medical attention they need but also a supportive community to navigate the beautiful journey of pregnancy.”

Centering Pregnancy has demonstrated remarkable outcomes, including a decrease in preterm and low-weight births, increased breastfeeding rates, and improved pregnancy spacing.

“We believe in providing care that goes beyond traditional medical models,” said Williams.

Chesapeake Health Care is proud to be at the forefront of healthcare innovation, continually striving to enhance the well-being of our community.

For more information about the Centering Pregnancy program, please visit www.ChesapeakeHC.org or contact Jodie Foxwell at jfoxwell@chesapeakehc.org.

JAG Donates $45K For AGH Scholarship Fund

December 29, 2023

BERLIN – The Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group (JAG) recently held its annual Tacos, Tiaras and Sombreros FUNdraiser at Ocean Downs Casino. The proceeds from this event and other recent fundraising efforts were presented to Atlantic General Hospital on Dec. 6.

The $45,000 raised will be used as a scholarship fund for Atlantic General Hospital radiology professionals who seek to further their knowledge and expertise through higher education.

Improving the education and competencies of Imaging Department associates will, in turn, result in more efficient patient flow, improved imaging accuracy and a reduction in wait times, among other patient benefits.

The Junior Auxiliary Group’s mission is to increase community awareness of Atlantic General Hospital and its associates through fun, fellowship and family-oriented activities and fundraising.

For more information about JAG, its activities or to join, visit http://www.agh.care/jag or contact Toni Keiser at 410641-9678.

Pines Children’s Theater Prepping New Production

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean Pines Children's Theater recently announced the upcoming production of "Mean Girls, Jr. - The Musical" will be performed in January.

The production will take place in the Performing Arts Center, located in the Ocean City Convention Center on 40th Street in Ocean City, on Friday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 6 at 3 p.m.

"Mean Girls Jr-The Musical" tells the hilarious story of Cady Heron, who grew up on an African savanna and was unprepared for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: a suburban high school. How will this naive newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order?

By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina's reign with Cady going undercover as an aspiring Plastic.

Tickets are available for $15 each and may be purchased online at https://www.oc-ocean.com/performing-arts-center/upcoming-events/ or the Ocean City Convention Welcome Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Children’s Theater acknowledges and is grateful for the special funding awarded by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Worcester County Arts Council, The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, and The Berlin Lions Club.

“Mean Girls, Jr.” is presented through special arrangements with Music Theatre International (MTI).

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Pictured, back from left, are Steve Green, AGH Foundation board chair; Toni Keiser, AGH vice president of public relations; Sam Glaeser, JAG Membership Committee chair; Jessica Jersey, AGH grants operations officer and JAG Social Events Committee chair; and front, from left, Charlotte Cathell, AGH Board of Trustees chair; Brooke Williams, AGH director of imaging; Don Owrey, AGH president/CEO; Jill Ferrante, JAG president; Ashley Furbay, JAG Fundraising Committee chair; Susan Lloyd, JAG vice president; Dawn Hodge, JAG secretary; Madalaine How, JAG treasurer; and Jen Klepper, JAG Welcoming Committee chair.

Submitted Photo

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Thompson Island Brewing Company employees Bethany Flick, Logan Redden, Gaby Castillo and Mason Strecker prepare to serve customers on Dec. 5, which was the SoDel Family Day of Giving. All the proceeds went to SoDel Cares.

The Worcester County Garden Club held a workshop at Stevenson United Methodist Church Hall during which members brought assorted greenery and flowers to make holiday arrangements for their homes. Club members are pictured with their holiday arrangements.

Submitted Photos

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) presented Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-District 38) with a Legislative Recognition Award at the annual MACo Winter Conference Awards Banquet held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel. Pictured left to right are Worcester County Commissioners Diana Purnell (District 2), Chip Bertino (Worcester County President and District 5) and Eric Fiori (District 4).

Believe In Tomorrow Director Mary Brown and Assistant Amanda Koontz were guests of the Ocean Pines Anglers Club, which sponsors a summer program for those staying at Children’s House By The Sea in Ocean City. Captains shown in the photo, front, left to right are Fred Stiehl, Jim Rorke, Claude Lewis, Joan O’Dell, Amanda Koontz, Mary Brown, Budd Heim, and Scott Carstairs. Pictured from left to right, in the back, are John Dilworth, Lyal Davidson, John O’ Dell and Ken Thompson.

The Berlin Lions Club held their annual Christmas Family Campaign Saturday Dec 16. The club provided food, gifts, clothing and bikes for 15 local families.

Pictured are several Berlin Lions Club members and their families. The club is now prepping for its annual hog sale in February.

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club held a Christmas lunch at the Marlin Club Dec. 9. Members of the club brought gifts to be placed in a Toys for Tots collection box.

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

New Year’s Eve!

No Cover • Open Late Beats By Rampage Champagne Toast At Midnight

Scholarships Awarded: The board of trustees at Wor-Wic Community College recently awarded two-year, full-

tuition scholarship to talented high school senior applicants. Seated, from left, are Andy Tran of Wicomico High, Jonathan Wallace of Stephen Decatur High, Bryan Lozano of James M. Bennett High, Gabriel Webster of Holly Grove Christian, Rakayla Duffy of Pocomoke High, Toni Hayden of Mardela High and Lillian Frazier of Delmar Middle and Senior High. Standing, from left, are Deborah Casey, president of Wor-Wic, Morgan Hazel, board chair, Anna G. Newton, board vice chair, and Martin T. Neat, Russell W. Blake, Kimberly C. Gillis and Andrew W. Booth, board members. Not pictured are Brandon Anderson of Snow Hill High, Allison Kirwan of Parkside, Adriana Miles of Crisfield Academy and High School and Mariah Morton of Washington High.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Fenwick Freeze Fundraiser Planned For New Year’s Day December 29, 2023

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Participants are pictured at last year’s Fenwick Freeze fundraiser. Roughly 100 swimmers raised $2,300 for the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol.

Submitted Photo

FENWICK ISLAND – Community members are invited to the 19th annual Fenwick Freeze fundraiser.

On Monday, Jan. 1, the Town of Fenwick Island and the Fenwick Island Beach Committee will host the 19th annual Fenwick Freeze. Councilwoman Jacque Napolitano, chair of the town’s beach committee, encouraged everyone to participate in the yearly fundraiser and support the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol.

“We invited everyone to come out and participate and celebrate the new year by taking the plunge,” she said.

The Fenwick Freeze fundraiser is one of Fenwick Island’s more well-attended yearly events. And while organizers were forced to cancel the 2021 fundraiser in response to the COVID19 pandemic, participants were eager for its return the following years.

In 2023, for example, more than 200 attended the Fenwick Freeze, with roughly 100 people taking a plunge into the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The event raised $2,300.

“The year of COVID we didn’t have it,” Napolitano said. “But it seemed to be back up to par last year.”

Napolitano said funds raised from the Fenwick Freeze will go to support the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol. In years past, the money has gone to support the beach patrol’s year-end competition at the national level.

“The proceeds will go to support the beach patrol for any summer needs they might have,” she said.

The 19th annual Fenwick Freeze will be held Jan. 1 at 10:30 a.m. on the Bayard Street beach.

In-person registration will begin at 9 a.m.

The town reports there will be no pre-registration this year. For a $25 registration fee, all registrants will receive a commemorative long sleeve Tshirt.

“Everyone will be set up at the street end at 9 a.m. for T-shirt sales, registration and free hot chocolate provided by the town,” Napolitano said.

Officials say the Fenwick Freeze will also feature a bonfire to keep everyone warm, as well as a visit from Fenwick Island’s new police chief. They encouraged everyone to splash into the new year, or simply buy a shirt to show support for the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol.

“This event has been going since 2005, and it’s always been a sweet, friend- and family-oriented event,” Napolitano said.

For more information, visit fenwickisland.delaware.gov.

Ocean City Planning New Year’s Eve Festivities, Fireworks

December 29, 2023

OCEAN CITY – The resort is offering two opportunities to welcome the new year.

Ocean City’s large fireworks display will take place downtown on the beach at midnight near Dorchester Street. The show will be accompanied by music at the Caroline Street Stage starting at 11 p.m. A smaller fireworks display will be available uptown at Northside Park.

"We can't think of a better way to ring in the new year, offering our residents and visitors two great fireworks shows," said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.

"Families can enjoy counting down to the new year with fireworks at midnight, whether you catch the large-scale show downtown on the beach or choose to enjoy the northern show from the perimeter of Northside Park.”

The town offers free bus service on New Year's Eve. Bus services will be free starting at 6 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, until 3 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Bus service will run approximately every 30 minutes from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. on Dec. 31 and approximately every 15 minutes from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to 3 a.m. Jan. 1. At all other times following 3 a.m. New Year's Day, bus service is available daily from 6 a.m. until 1 a.m., running every 30 minutes, $4 “ride-all-day” per person.

Winterfest will have standard operating hours Wednesday through Sunday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. until Christmas Day when Winterfest will be open daily through Dec. 31. Don’t miss the opportunity to take one final stroll through the lights at Win-

Healthy Worcester Families Program Set

BERLIN – Get the whole family involved in adopting a healthier lifestyle with the Worcester County Health Department’s new program Healthy Worcester Families. The nine-week program uses an evidence-based curriculum to help strengthen the family bond and communication through group learning and activities. The program is designed for youth ages 7-17 and their parents/guardians to attend together.

Sessions are two hours per week over the nine-week program, and a free family dinner will be provided at the start of every session. Families have the opportunity to receive prizes and other incentives for participation in the program. Topics covered will include communication skills, healthy behaviors, financial literacy, and other skills to strengthen the family connection.

A past participant of the Healthy Worcester Families program said that, as a result of participating, their family will continue to “eat healthy, spend quality time together, and communicate better.”

The winter session will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Worcester Youth and Family (124 North Main Street, Suite C, Berlin, Md. 21811).

A Pocomoke class location is being planned and will be available within the year. To register your family, visit this link https://forms.gle/YW4odFfJqssgdcpq8 or call Lynn Suarez at 410-632-1100 ext.

1109.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

terfest which will close at its normal time of 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31.

The Winterfest Train Garden at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Visitor Center remains available for a quick visual scavenger hunt Wednesdays through Sundays until Dec. 31, 5:30

to 9 p.m.

During the holidays, stop by the Performing Arts Center Box Office to get your tickets for Ocean City's Dreamfest, Jan. 12-14, 2024. The three-day event hosts the Dreams and Determination Breakfast on Friday morning and three

Page 35

musical shows each evening featuring Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, Marshall Charloff & the Purple xPeRIeNCE (Prince Tribute Stage Show), and Take 6.

Visit https://ococean.com for more information on upcoming events.

Inside Out Car Care Expands Business To OC Area

Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Why buy a new car when you can take care of the one you have?

That’s what owner Joe Farro says people can do at Inside Out Car Care.

Since 1989, the Salisbury-based business has offered detail services for all makes and models of vehicles. Now with a second location near Ocean City, he said he is eager to serve more customers.

“Business has been great, and we’ve grown every year,” he said. “That’s a reason I wanted to get down here, to expand my business.”

Farro is no stranger to the car care industry. In 1989, the new college graduate started Inside Out Car Care with a fleet of mobile units. And a few years later, he opened a permanent location in Salisbury.

Since that time, business has grown, so much so that in July Farro opened a second location off Route 611.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the Ocean City area,” he said. “I had a great clientele when I was doing the mobile units, but I needed a shop to get better quality detailing done. I couldn’t have all the equipment I needed and do the job right with the mobile units.”

Farro said customers can find the same Inside Out Car Care services at its new location. He said the business offers

Inside Out Car Care is now taking appointments for its new Ocean City location, pictured above.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

a full line of detail packages – from interior and exterior details to mini and full details – as well as ceramic coating packages.

“The industry has changed from waxes and sealants to now ceramic coatings …,” he said. “They are very beneficial for the vehicles when it comes to lasting protection.”

Farro said Inside Out Car Care offers one-year, three-year and five-year ceramic coating packages. He said such

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services are important now more than ever, as car manufacturers are putting less paint on vehicles.

“It can go on old cars as well as new cars,” he explained. “You just need to make sure that the paint is corrected.

What I mean by that is you want to make sure you get out imperfections in the paint, from swirl marks and scratches to dirt, before you seal it with the ceramic coating.”

Inside Out Car Care also offers a la

December 29, 2023

carte services, from exterior wax to carpet and seat cleaning. Farro said the company also does headlight restoration and works with insurance companies to provide water and mold restoration.

“Body shops don’t want to do it, so they bring them to us,” he said.

Ultimately, Farro said when a customer brings their car to Inside Out Car Care, they receive the best service money can buy. He said employees are not only trained and certified in ceramic coatings and paint corrections but ensure that every customer is satisfied with the work being done.

“I’m very detail-oriented. Not only that but I’m customer-oriented …,” he said. “I don’t overlook anything. Any detail we do, I send out a text message to all of my customers, usually no more than a week later, asking if they are satisfied with the job. I live for reviews. I’m not going to leave someone hanging. I want to make sure everyone is happy.”

Farro encouraged everyone to try Inside Out Car Care.

For more information, visit waxthatcar.com or call 410-860-0800 (Salisbury) or 410-390-5920 (Ocean City).

“We do everything,” he said.

Inside Out Car Care will also offer giveaways and specials in celebration of its 35th anniversary.

For more information, check out Inside Out Car Care on Facebook and Instagram.

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Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443880-8444.

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

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

Call 410-459-9100.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410629-9383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410289-4725.

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

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

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

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

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

Dec. 29: Cher Tribute Band The Beat Goes On-Cher Tribute Show at 40th St. Performing Arts Center at 7pm American singer/actress Lisa McClowry's one-woman Broadway show of the Goddess of Pop. ococean.com.

Dec. 30: AYCE Breakfast Buffet Hosted from 7-10 a.m. at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville. $8/adult and $4/child. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages.

Dec. 31: Berlin New Year’s Two New Year’s Eve ball drop celebrations. Kids Ball Drop at 6 p.m. on the corner of Pitts and Main Streets. Adult celebration starts at 10 p.m. with DJs Big Al

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do Reno and Schwab on the stage with music and a ball drop at midnight. Event by Town of Berlin and Berlin Main Street, Berlin Arts and Entertainment.

Dec. 31: OC New Year’s Ring in the New Year in Ocean City with fireworks at two locations. Ocean City’s large fireworks display will take place downtown on the beach at midnight near Dorchester Street. The show will be accompanied by music at the Caroline Street Stage starting at 9 p.m. A smaller fireworks display will be available uptown at Northside Park.

Jan. 1: Penguin Swim AGH 30th Annual Penguin Swim will take place in front of the Princess Royale Hotel 91st Oceanfront swim starts at noon.

Annual event to support local hospital. $30/person before Dec. 30, $35/person after or onsite. aghpenguinswim.com.

Jan. 1: Beach Walk Join Assateague Coastal Trust staff to celebrate the "Iliah Fehrer and Judy Johnson Memorial Beach Walk" on New Year's Day at Assateague Island. The beach walk will start at 10 a.m. and the State Park staff will be available from 10 a.m.-noon at the Day Use Boardwalk. Meet at the Assateague State Park’s Day Use Boardwalk.

Discover treasures as you explore the beach, identify seashells, shorebirds, and so much more as you take in the tranquility of the beautiful Assateague Island.

Please dress appropriately for the weather, as it is often 10-15 degrees colder along the water. Stop by the Day Use Boardwalk for a fireside chat with the park staff, share stories, ask questions and make a connection. Hot chocolate will be provided by ACT. For more information, please contact Debbi Dean at outreach@actforbays.org.

Page 37

Jan. 5-6: Children’s Theater Show The Ocean Pines Children's Theater’s "Mean Girls, Jr. - The Musical" will be performed at the Performing Arts Center, located in the Ocean City Convention Center on 40th Street in Ocean City, on Friday, Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 6 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available for $15 each and may be purchased online at https://www.ococean.com/performing-arts-center/upcomingevents/ or the Ocean City Convention Welcome Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13: Diabetes Workshop Learn how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes through MAC’s Living Well Diabetes Self-Management workshop to be held Tuesdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 13, 2024, from 2-4:30 p.m. The free workshops will be held at the Ocean Pines Library at 11107 Cathell Road in Berlin. The six-week workshop is beneficial for Type 2 Diabetics, Pre-Diabetics and their caregivers. For more information on this and MAC’s other Living Well classes, or to register, call Jill Kenney at 410-742-0505, ext. 159, or email her at jkenney@macinc.org.

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ravens & Eagles Headquarters!

December 29, 2023

Best Beats On The Beach

New Years Eve Party With First Class Trio

Accepting Dinner Reservations Now

Try Our Famous Maryland Crab Cakes...

No Mumbo, Just Jumbo!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bloody Marys & Football 19 Big Screen TVs

Closed Tuesday Jan. 2 • Reopening Friday Jan. 12 w/ Shortcut Sunny at 7:30pm Saturday Jan. 13: DJ Giddy Up • 4pm * First Class • 8pm Open Friday 2pm - Saturday 3pm - Sunday & Monday 11:30am

28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 • coinspuboc.com

Dine In, Carry Out & Online Ordering Available

Who’s Where When CaPtain’s table 410-289-7192 15th & boardwalk in the Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

Coins Pub 410-289-3100 28th st. Plaza on Coastal Hwy. Sunday, Dec. 31: First Class Trio Cork bar Wicomico st., Downtown o.C. Saturday, Dec. 30: Going Coastal

CrabCake FaCtory baysiDe 302-988-5000 37314 lighthouse rd., rte. 54 selbyville, De Friday, Dec. 29: Rick & Regina Wednesday, Jan. 3: Endless Ember

CraWl street tavern 443-373-2756 Wicomico st., Downtown o.C. Friday, Dec. 29: Wavvy Gravy Saturday, Dec. 30: Fuzzbox Piranha Sunday, Dec. 31: Pier Pressure Fager’s islanD 410-524-5500 60th st. in the bay Friday, Dec. 29: DJ Greg, DJ RobCee Saturday, Dec. 30: DJ Stinson, Crushing Day, Sunday, Dec. 31: DJ Greg, DJ RobCee, Shake The Room

HarborsiDe 410-213-1846 south Harbor rd., West end o.C. Friday, Dec. 29: DJ Bigler Saturday, Dec. 30: Dunehounds DJ Rupe Sunday, Dec. 31: DJ Bigler, Pickin’ Party Monday, Jan. 1: Pickin’ Party

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Dec. 29 & Sunday, Dec. 31

BEATS BY RAMPAGE Pickles Pub: Sunday, Jan. 31

DJ bigler Harborside: Friday & sunday, Dec. 29 & 31

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ ruPe Harborside: saturday, Dec. 30

DJ Cruz seacrets: sunday, Dec. 31

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, Dec. 29Sunday, Dec. 31

beats by Deogee Pickles Pub: Fridays, sundays, & Wednesdays

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

Who’s Where When

PIER PRESSURE Crawl St. Tavern: Sunday, Dec. 31

FIRST CLASS Coins Pub: Sunday, Dec. 31

THUNDERBALL Purple Moose Saloon: Sunday, Dec. 31

RICK & REGINA Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Dec. 29

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 30 & 31

RISKY BUSINESS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Dec. 30

CRUSHING DAY Fager’s Island: Saturday, Dec. 30

PICKIN’ PARTY Harborside: Sunday, Dec. 31 & Monday, Jan. 1

The Dispatch Can Be Viewed In Its Entirety

ONLINE

Zoom In And Out For Easy Viewing

Search, Print And Share Functions At Your Fingertips

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Dec. 30: Risky Business Sundays: Beats By Rampage Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Saturday, Dec. 30: JParis Sunday, Dec. 31: Thunderball SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Dec. 29: DJ Tuff, Full Circle Duo, Dark Green Band Saturday, Dec. 30: DJ Tuff, John McNutt Band, Band Of Make Believe Sunday, Dec. 31: DJ Tuff, DJ Cruz, DJ Connair Band Of Make Believe, Full Circle, Garden State Radio, Screaming Monkeys Monday, Jan. 1: DJ Bobby O, Royal Flush Thursday, Jan. 4: Opposite Directions

ALL ADS LINKED TO ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES Updated By Every Monday At www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Easy Navigation Featuring Latest Page-Flip Technology

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 40

Things I Like...

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

December 29, 2023

WITH BUNK MANN

By Steve Green Santa on a fire truck

Exposed bird nests high up in trees this time of year A puppy’s smooth belly

Happy Birthday Jesus stickers

Driving around the day after a big storm The writings of Dr. Suess

A vehicle with a great defrost Fast starts to a book

An angel atop a Christmas tree Sugar cookies

Hearing rain from bed

The Ocean City Boat Parade was once a popular event that celebrated the start of the marlin fishing season. Usually held on the third Sunday in June, it attracted thousands of spectators.

Originating in 1938, the parade was suspended during World War II and not resumed until 1947. Charter boats, commercial fishing vessels, and even privately-owned boats participated. Decked out with flags and bunting they competed for prizes including a silver bowl inscribed with the winner’s name.

The boats would parade through the Inlet and pass the judges stand on the Ocean City Fishing Pier. Proceeding northward for three miles they would turn and head back to the Inlet, always keeping about 50 yards offshore. It was quite a show.

The boat parade sailed into history by the early 1970s but left many good memories for those that had participated or watched.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Photo from Bunk Mann’s collection

HOROSCOPES

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): The should be to work out problems with a new year brings challenges that can family member in order to avoid continchange many things in your life. You uing misunderstandings. Do it soon for need to be prepared not only to con- both of your sakes.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): front them, but also to deal with what The new year has much to offer the inhappens afterward.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You tensely determined Scorpian, who isn't have what it takes to set your goals afraid to take on challenges and stay quite a bit higher this year. Learn what with them until they surrender their reyou need to know and put what you wards.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. learn into your efforts. Meanwhile, a 21): You'll have many fine opportunities partner offers loving support.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): In in the new year. But be warned: Reject true Gemini Twin fashion, you're con- offers of "help." You work best when flicted about a decision that you know you're free to be your own creative self.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): you'll have to make in the new year.

Best advice: Get the facts before you The new year offers changes that you might feel you're not quite ready for. make any commitments.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): A Best advice: Deal with them one step friend offers you an exciting opportu- at a time until you've built up your selfnity for this new year. Although your confidence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): positive aspects are strong in most respects, caution is still advised. Investi- Travel is a dominant aspect of the new year. This could mean relocating to angate before you invest.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): You can other city (or even another country) in make this new year a roaring suc- connection with your education or your cessby readjusting your goals to reflect career.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): the changes in the economy. In addition, your den-mate offers both wise This New Year brings news about a change you've been anticipating. You and loving support.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): The might have a problem persuading a New Year brings new opportunities for loved one about your new plans, but change, but you need to be ready to they will soon go along with them.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift move on from the comfortable status quo toward the challenging unknown. for making people feel safe and protected. You would make an excellent It's all up to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Your youth counselor. © 2023 most important New Year's resolution ON PAGE ANSWERS 46 King Features Synd., Inc.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 50

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

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

HELP WANTED POOL: General Maintenance, Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects.

Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required.

Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others.

410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •GENERAL CLERICAL •BOAT YARD ATTENDANT •NIGHTWATCH

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

Check Here First!

For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

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

ROOMMATE OCEAN PINES Year-round Fully furnished Room for rent in a beautiful home, to share, in South Ocean Pines.

Full house privileges, all utilities included.

Only $800 month No smoking. No pets.

Call 443-880-2317

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE OCEANSIDE MOTEL 5 story building: 28 large efficiency units with elevator and pool.

Principals only.

866-872-9159

COMMERCIAL

FOR SALE

WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 Office or Retail Space for Lease.

1,656. Sq. feet. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

DINING ROOM TABLE AND HUTCH: READY FOR THE HOLIDAY DINNERS? Beautiful solid wood dining set.

Table seats 8-10 with two leaves.

Lighted China Cabinet with glass shelving. Selling because moved & too big for dining area. $500 Please call or text 443-880-8885.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

Call 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––

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

Trees must stand naked, Just as I will at the Gates, With their hearts in hand.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

THE DISPATCH IS ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM & TWITTER

Wishing all of our readers and customers a wonderful holiday season! May it be filled with joy and happiness!

The staff of The Dispatch Newspaper

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

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The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

Third Insertion

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JAMES W. ALMAND ESQ AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20000 To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD C MEURER, SR. Estate No. 20000. Notice is given that BETH A GRIFFITH, whose address is 810 SHIRLEY DRIVE, ABERDEEN, MD 21001, was on DECEMBER

7, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD C MEURER, SR, who died on NOVEMBER 8, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of JUNE, 2024.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper:

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BETH A GRIFFITH Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Third Insertion AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND P A VICTORIA L. O'NEILL ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 42

December 29, 2023

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20003 Notice is given that the SURROGATE COURT of KINGS COUNTY, NY, appointed ABRAHAM SHILOACH, 2315 AVENUE S, BROOKLYN, NY 11230 and JOSEPH SHILOACH, 1627 EAST 3RD STREET, BROOKLYN, NY 11230 as the PERSONAL CO-ADMINISTRATORS of the Estate of ELIYAHOO SHILOACH, who died on AUGUST 05, 2020, domiciled in NEW YORK, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTORIA L. O'NEILL, whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200, 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 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 15, 2023 ABRAHAM SHILOACH JOSEPH SHILOACH 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 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Third Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-23-000260 Subject Property: 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 6F SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1 ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

JOHN D. HICKS 118 SW 15TH TERRACE CAPE CORAL FL 33991 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND S/O ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY ONE WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 AND All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as: 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 6F OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 6F OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives anq their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of

redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 15, Parcel No. 10113679, Property Description: U 6F BEACH HWY PYRAMID CM, Assessed to JOHN D HICKS and, also known as 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 6F, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 6th of December, 2023 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks , warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by February 6th, 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights ofredemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Third Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-23-000264

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1 ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

TESTATE AND INTESTATE SUCCESSORS OF JAMES M. WALKER, BELIEVED TO BE DECEASED, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUH, OR UNDER THE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVED TO BE DECEASED 1806 STRINGTOWN RD SPARKS, MD 21030 AND MANUFACTURERS ANDTRADERS TRUST COMPANY F/K/A ALLFIRST BANK SERVE: CSC-LAWYERS INCORPORATING SERVICE COMPANY, RESIDENT AGENT 7 ST. PAUL STREET, SUITE 820 BALTIMORE; MD 21202 AND MONTEGO BAY CIVIC ASSOCATION, INC. SERVE: JAMES W. ALMOND, RESIDENT AGENT 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY STE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the, property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 644 GULF STREAM DR OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842 AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND S/O ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY ONE WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 AND

Subject Property: 644 GULF STREAM DR

UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 644 GULF STREAM DR OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC

The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Rep-

resentatives anq their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 18, Parcel No. 10318459, Property Description: LOT 78 GULF STREAM DR, MONTEGO BAY MOBILE HM PK SEC 8C, Assessed to JAMES M. WALKER, also known as 644 GULF STREAM DR, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 6th of December, 2023 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks , warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by February 6th, 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Third Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-23-000265 Subject Property: 917 YACHT CLUB DR SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1 ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

MARTIN A FERRIS, III, VERONICA S. FERRIS, RONALD S. DEUTSCH, ESQ., TRUSTEE, BANK OF AMERICA, NA, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT MARCIA L. FUDGE, SECRETARY, STEPHANIE L. STAATS, TRUSTEE AND BALTIMORE FIELD OFFICE DIRECTOR, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND, SERVE: ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the, property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 917 YACHT CLUB DR OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 917 YACHT CLUB DR OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives anq their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 11, Parcel No. 03136167, Property Description: LOT 48 2491 SQ FT YACHT CLUB DRIVE SEC I MARINA VILLAGE THS SC, Assessed to MARTIN A FERRIS, lll and VERONICA S. FERRIS, also known as 917 YACHT CLUB DR, OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 6th of December, 2023 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks , warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by February 6th, 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights ofredemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Third Insertion IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-23-000261 Subject Property: 115 NOTTINGHAM LN SHOREAL ESTATE

HOLDINGS, LLC C/O KENNY LAW GROUP, LLC 11426 YORK ROAD, 1 ST FLOOR COCKEYSVILLE, MARYLAND 21030 Plaintiff vs.

GARY PISNER 6451 SPRINGHOUSE CIRCLE CLIFTON VA 20124 and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND SERVE: ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY ONE WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MARYLAND 21863 AND (All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the, property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:) 115 NOTTINGHAM LN OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811 AND UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY: 115 NOTTINGHAM LN OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811 The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives anq their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.

Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: List No. 26, Parcel No. 03101622, Property Description: LOT 1-10-190 8734 SQ FT NOTTINGHAM LA PL OCEAN PINES SEC 10, Assessed to GARY PISNER and , also known as 115 NOTTINGHAM LN, OCEAN PINES, Maryland 21811, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six ( 6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 6th of December, 2023 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks , warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by February 6th, 2024, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights ofredemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 15, 2023 BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD TRUE TEST COPY 3x 12-15, 12-22, 12-29

Second Insertion ROBERT L. MARVEL, JR. ESQ. 108 EAST MARKET STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19645 To all persons interested in the estate of DONALD ORAN CULVER, Estate No. 19645. Notice is given that ERIC CARL CULVER, whose address is 8080 STEVENS ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on DECEMBER 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of DONALD ORAN CULVER, who died on OCTOBER 27, 2022, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 22, 2023

ERIC CARL CULVER Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-22, 12-29, 1-5

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20007

To all persons interested in the estate of ANDREW DEREK DAVIES, Estate No. 20007. Notice is given that REBECCA GSELL, whose address is 10656 WORTON ROAD, WORTON, MD 21678, was on DECEMBER 14, 2023, appointed Personal

Representatives of the estate of ANDREW DEREK DAVIES, who died on DECEMBER 9, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of JUNE, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 22, 2023

REBECCA GSELL Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-22, 12-29, 1-5

Second Insertion B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, PA 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF

APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20011 To all persons interested in the estate of BARBARA O. HUDSON, Estate No. 20011.

Notice is given that G. KIRK HUDSON, whose address is 105 S. CHURCH STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on DECEMBER 18, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of BARBARA O. HUDSON, who died on DECEMBER 3, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18th day of JUNE, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 22, 2023 G. KIRK HUDSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-22, 12-29, 1-5

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 44

December 29, 2023

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

Second Insertion J. HARRISON PHILLIPS, III ESQ. 8705 BISCAYNE DRIVE OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19959 To all persons interested in the estate of ANTIONETTE VIRGINIA LOMBARDI WAGNER, AKA: TONI VIRGINIA WAGNER, ANTIONETTE VIRGINIA WAGNER, Estate No. 19959. Notice is given that MICHELE WAGNER KAIL, whose address is 6112 TORRISDALE VIEW, COLORADO SPRINGS, 80927, was on DECEMBER 27, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of ANTIONETTE VIRGINIA LOMBARDI WAGNER, who died on JULY 2, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of JUNE, 2024.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication

DECEMBER 22, 2023 MICHELE WAGNER KAIL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102, COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 12-22, 12-29, 1-5

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 29 2023

First Insertion

KARIN M. WALSH Personal Representative True Test Copy

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20014

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 12-29

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM R. WALSH, Estate No. 20014.

Notice is given that KARIN M. WALSH. whose address is 301 BURNSIDE STREET, APT. A302, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403, was on DECEMBER 19, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: WILLIAM R. WALSH, who died on DECEMBER 5, 2023 with a will.

First Insertion

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 probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, 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

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20012 To all persons interested in the estate of REBECCA E. PRATHER, Estate No. 20012.

Notice is given that ALLISON SMITH. whose address is 11907 MAN O WAR LANE, BERLIN MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 19, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: REBECCA E PRATHER who died on OCTOBER 28, 2023 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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 probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, ex-

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 cept if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication DECEMBER 29 2023 ALLISON 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 1x 12-29

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19886 To all persons interested in the estate of AUDREY G. WIMBROW, Estate No. 19886. Notice is given that LISA FAIRBANKS. whose address is 18 14TH STREET, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on DECEMBER 18, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: AUDREY G. WIMBROW who died on AUGUST 26, 2023 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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 probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them

with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, 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 29 2023 LISA FAIRBANKS 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 12-29

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

Annual Holiday Program: Before holiday break, Worcester Preparatory School held its annual Lower School Holiday Program. Lower School Music Di-

rector, Joanie Brittingham, debuted, “The Festival of Spirit”, a spectacular performance filled with holiday songs and dance that she wrote, directed, and choreographed. Above, the first through fifth grades are pictured. Below left, fifth grader Eli Parker played the role of Santa in the performance. Below right, fifth grader Sloane Smith sings The First Noel along with her classmates who also played roles in the Nativity Scene, Camille Leslie, Soloman Prosser, Colton Duffie, Serena Jaoude, Darius Jones and Barrett Brittingham.

Submitted Photos

Page 46

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

December 29, 2023

OBITUARIES Virginia Russell SALISBURY – Virginia “Ginnie” Russell, 79, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2023.

Ginnie was born outside of Philadelphia, Pa. on June 3, 1944. She often said the best part of her 1963 first marriage were her two children, Janet and Bruce. In 1978, she married Ray Russell and moved to Ocean City, later moving to Upper Darby, Pa. and Arlington, Texas before relocating to Salisbury in 2016.

Ginnie had many careers, but her passion VIGINIA was the medical field RUSSELL where she worked as a medical assistant for many years. She loved to be creative, enjoying painting and craft projects, and was always up for a funny joke – even trying her hand at stand-up comedy in her 60s. Ginnie loved traveling with Ray, often to beach locales. She was fiercely dedicated to her husband and family and doted on her granddaughters.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Survivors: husband Norman Ray Russell of Salisbury; daughter Janet

Angier Baselice (husband Ron) of Arlington Texas; son Bruce Angier of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; granddaughters Holly Baselice (fiancé Colin) of Columbus, Ohio and Paige Baselice of Philadelphia, Pa., sister Anne Alden (husband Richard) of Springfield, Va,, brother Richard Huntsman (wife Karen) of Honey Brook, Pa. and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Elisabeth “Bettie” Hirst Huntsman, and uncle, Curtis A. Hirst, Jr.

singing.

He was survived by his loving wife, Donna Kernan; brother, Mike Kernan; and sister, Barbara Moulinier (William “Red”).

Cremation followed his death. No formal services are planned at this time. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

John Patrick Kernan

OCEAN CITY – Betty Hulcher Simpson, age 93, passed away at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, Va., on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023.

Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Charles Richard Hulcher and Merilyn Louise Ashburn Hulcher.

Betty devoted most of her life to the care of her family. She married Mac Simpson in 1953 and they made their life in Ocean City. Quickly adapting to the area, she grew to love fishing and gardening, became adept

Betty Hulcher Simpson BERLIN – John Patrick Kernan, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Joseph “Leo” Kernan and Doris Brown Kernan.

JOHN He was a self-emKERNAN ployed carpenter who loved animals and collected model trains. His family fondly remembers how he enjoyed playing the guitar and

Obituaries cost $50 to appear in The Dispatch and photos are no extra charge. Direct all inquiries to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com, fax to 410-641-0966 or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

at butchering deer, cleaning ducks and filleting fish. Her table became a sought-after location when it was dinner time. Mac and Betty trained and bred Llewellyn Setters and Yellow Labradors, owning 23 hunting dogs and caring for many litters of puppies. She became fast friends with many of the local farmers, trading fish that Mac caught for BETTY fresh greens or corn.

She is survived by SIMPSON her sons, Matthew Simpson (Stacey), and Joel Simpson (Dawn); daughter, Amanda Stearns (Brian); brother, Dick Hulcher (Laurel); sister-inlaw, Nancy Hulcher; grandchildren, Erin Miller (Casey), Chris Stearns (Stefanie), Philip Simpson (Chelsea), Abigail Simpson, and Logan Simpson; and a great-grandchild, Maggie Lu Miller.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Malcolm Simpson, and brother, Robert Hulcher.

A visitation was held at The Burbage Funeral Home located at 108 William St. in Berlin, on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. A memorial service followed at noon.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

December 29, 2023

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

Page 48

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Sports Complex Opposition Editor: (The following letter was addressed to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore with an enclosure of a letter opposing a sports complex.)

Enclosed you will find a letter which I wrote in opposition to the proposed Sports Complex which is being planned for the vicinity of Ocean City, Md. The project is estimated to cost at least $166,900,000 or more. The Town of Ocean City intends to fund 20% of the cost, and wants the State of Maryland via the Maryland Stadium Authority to fund 80%. A copy of my enclosed letter was sent to every member of a Task Force which was convened by Mayor Rick Meehan of Ocean City to study the issue.

In 2022, I was asked to chair a Ballot Initiative Committee identified as People For Fiscal Responsibility and organized under the rules established by law under the Maryland State Board of Elections.

The committee was formed to place a bond bill in the amount of $11.2 million before the voters of Worcester County. In the Spring of 2022, by a slim majority, the Commissioners of Worcester County vot-

Letters To The Editor ed to go to the bond market for the initial funding to build a sports complex in the county.

Over 70 volunteers gathered sufficient signatures to place the bill on the ballot in November, 2022. The voters of Worcester County rejected the bond bill in a referendum vote. Not satisfied with the outcome of that vote, the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City began discussions to pursue the matter on their own initiative requesting support and funding from the Stadium Authority.

I have studied this project since 2019, and I am convinced that it is not financially feasible, and it will require ongoing subsidy by local and state government, in a similar way the Ocean City Convention Center operates. I request that you review my letter to the task force for a detailed explanation of my opposition.

Upon review of this matter, if and only if, you feel that Maryland needs such a

sports complex, I submit that it may be more feasible in another area of our state.

However, I firmly believe that taxpayer dollars can be better spent on more worthwhile projects.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Vince Gisriel Ocean City

Reflections On Power Editor: I am always interested in other points of view, but when the same names pop up here with misinformation and made-up numbers repeatedly it is disturbing to me.

There are people that will believe the nonsense because they “read it in the paper”, without vetting it with real data.

Delmarva Power does not generate any power, they buy it. Data shows that 20% of all generated power is lost and wasted by voltage drops on those long transmission

Have A Safe And Happy New Year!

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9748 Stephen Decatur Highway Unit 104 • West OC • 410.390-5954

December 29, 2023 lines. One recent letter claims that one company charges 50k for a trailer’s solar system! Look up the real prices please.

We have had our Solar panels since 2010 and they generate 1000kwh almost every month, they paid for themselves in less than 7 years and are under warranty for 12 more years and will still be generating after that. Delmarva Power made it difficult by restricting the panel numbers then and constantly messing up the billing. They now allow much bigger systems and they resist it less. I could replace my system with a complete bigger one for just $15,000 now.

Do not rely on the ones that claim to put a system on your roof for free and then “just” charge for your usage. They should be all free since they get SRECs and tax breaks.

Buy your system if you can. When power companies ask everyone for conservation during heat waves, we are sending our excess to the grid. We used to watch the meter spin backwards.

Coal is a very complex mineral that has virtually every element including heavy metals that get released into the air we breathe and deposited all around the Coal fired plants. Look up the “cancer rings” around the Indian River Plant and others.

Nuclear-powered plants are thought to be the cheapest form of generation but the companies involved are not collecting for the enormous cleanup and storage costs. Guess who they will dump that cost on like the other Super fund sites? The pellets are safe to be around until they have been in service, when they also irradiate everything around them from the building to the entire contents. The feed water pipes carry the very corrosive irradiated water that feeds the now irradiated turbines. The conditions inside prevent any inspections even by robotics. At a symposium long ago, I asked a Constellation engineer how long the Calvert Cliffs were certified for and he said 25 years, and they would probably be recertified without an inspection since it was not possible. Calvert was started in 1975, and there really have not been new ones commissioned since here in the US. They are currently storing radioactive waste on site like all do, and like all are located near large bodies of water like the Chesapeake.

They all report leaks of contaminated air and water almost daily. You can access that data as well.

People are fighting against wind power planned for federal sites way out to sea saying it will ruin their view. They do not rail against those ugly condos that go up as high as 317 ft and block lots of other people's views, or the constant banner planes and signboats and their noise. The towers will not only supply power, but also good jobs, tourism, as well as great habitat for sealife like the oil derricks in the Gulf do.

That habitat will replace the structure that years of strip mining the bottom has been done by watermen's dredges. Fish need structure to flourish. I cannot wait to fish and dive them. Retired oil derricks are cleaned up in the Gulf and left as fish havens.

We cannot rely on just solar or wind yet, but anything we can do now will lower future costs and leave us with local power generation that will cut down on wasteful transmission power losses. Require Nuke companies to put money aside for overdue and future cleanup so we do not get stuck with the bill, which will make nuclear power the most expensive per kw of all.

Hans Van Den Bosch Snow Hill

December 29, 2023

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

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

NEWS DEPARTMENT CHARLENE SHARPE Associate Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Associate Editor bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com CHANTAL APPLE Account Executive capple@mdcoastdispatch.com

ART DEPARTMENT COLE GIBSON Art Director cole@mdcoastdispatch.com DAVID HOOKS Graphic Artist dhooks@mdcoastdispatch.com PAUL HALLAM Graphic Artist/Webmaster phallam@mdcoastdispatch.com

BUSINESS OFFICE PAMELA GREEN Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $260 per year.

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.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

2023’s Top 5 Stories How We See It

Selecting the top stories of any year can be challenging, but here’s our top five, taking into consideration the number of stories written over the year on the topics as well as the overall community impact. These stories have one thing in common – many articles were written about each of them throughout the year.

•Drama Surrounds County School System: Throughout the year, there were many instances when the public school system was in the headlines. First came a budget battle with the Worcester County Commissioners, resulting in Maintenance of Effort funding for the schools.

School officials and public school advocates argued retaining the same perpupil spending from the previous year during inflationary times resulted in a funding reduction. Teacher pay raises were subsequently renegotiated at lower levels. The commissioners were not swayed.

Later in the year came high-profile sparring with the county Sheriff’s Office and State’s Attorney’s Office over concerns school officials were not taking public safety issues seriously. Additionally, throughout the year, there were attempts to get books banned within school libraries, as part of a national movement.

After much dialogue this month, the school board opted to continue to utilize the current process and educate parents about their options.

•Oceans Calling Festival A Hit: After being canceled last year due to weather, the much-anticipated, three-day music festival was held and widely successful.

Ocean City proved it could manage its largest event ever, featuring 50,000 people each day. Early concerns over Boardwalk businesses being included in the festival footprint were nullified as most operators set new single-day sales records.

•Decatur Wins First Football State Title: The community rallied behind the Seahawks football team throughout the season and celebrated their championship in several public displays. Decatur went undefeated in winning the state title.

•Buckingham Elementary Push Is On: It was learned in the fall the state deemed the old elementary school reconstruction project was not worthy of state funding, jeopardizing the project essentially. A push is now on to convince the state to reconsider the decision. Clarity should come in early 2024 on the future of the dilapidated Berlin school.

•Heron Park Sale Rejected: Following extensive deliberations, a controversial 3-2 council vote ended talks of selling the old chicken plant buildings to a developer for $1.2 million. Entering the new year, the town is focusing efforts on utilizing a state grant to demolish the unsafe buildings before considering next steps.

Honorable mentions: sports complex plans re-emerge; Margaritaville project stalls; AGH cyberattack; OC unveils new smile brand; fireworks do take place on July 4th; offshore wind; and Route 90 planning continues.

Page 49

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green It’s time to look back on how my predictions for the year turned out.

ON THE MONEY •After being canceled in 2022 due to Mother Nature, the massive Oceans Calling Festival took place in late September in Ocean City in wet weather conditions, but the festival turned out to be a huge success and the largest special event the resort has ever hosted. Each day featured approximately 50,000 people and little problems aside from expected traffic and mass transit overload.

•As I thought, the Town of Ocean City did pick up the sports complex concept as a priority in 2023 and did in fact host the Maryland Stadium Authority to discuss funding options. I was wrong, however, in claiming Ocean City would buy the property to the west of Decatur and proceed with the development. No site has officially been decided on at this time.

•A new liquor distillery – Forgotten 50 – did open in Berlin.

•NOAA did look past sportfishing industry opposition in imposing a 10knot speed limit change to help the Atlantic right whale population.

•The odds were in my favor when I predicted Ocean City would this year have fireworks on the Fourth of July after multiple years of cancellations.

•As envisioned, Decatur’s Brycen Coleman did follow Luke Mergott in committing to play Division I football next year. Coleman will be playing in the SEC for Vanderbilt, while Mergott is a freshman linebacker at Duke.

•Bunk Mann’s third book was published in 2023. It’s called “Ocean City Chronicles.”

•Though debatable, I think I was right when I said no serious developments will occur with the offshore wind farm projects.

•Nothing significant occurred with the Route 90 dualization project, but a multi-year study phase is continuing.

•The typical pop-up rally weekend in Ocean City was once again uneventful, and it appears the non-event is done.

•Stephen Decatur High School did unveil a grandiose new scoreboard at the football stadium.

OFF THE MARK •I was wrong when I surmised only one charge – leaving the scene of a fatal accident – would be filed in the Gavin Knupp case. In fact, there were 17 charges filed in May against the alleged motorist before the case was dismissed in August after a judge said the charges were filed in the wrong court.

The decision has been appealed with a ruling expected sometime next year.

•Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan did not announce plans to run for president. I was also off with the thought Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would be the presumptive favorite heading into 2024.

•A new beer brewery did not open in Berlin this year, but at least one has designs on opening sometime mid-year.

•There was no substantive talk of a seasonal housing facility in West Ocean City. I predicted a public-private partnership would result in property tax credits being granted to a private landowner in exchange for favorable terms to build dormitory-style housing.

•Retirements did not sweep through Ocean City government as much as I expected. It was specifically mentioned Police Chief Ross Buzzuro would retire in 2023. Buzzuro remains the resort’s top cop.

•The county’s room tax rate was not increased as a result of legislation failing in Annapolis.

•After months of discussions, the Berlin Town Council voted 3-2 to retain all of Heron Park and to not sell to a group led by developer Palmer Gillis.

•I wrongly expected body camera footage in Ocean City to be released publicly in a high-profile case involving abuse allegations against Ocean City police officers.

•Ocean Pines did not ban short-term rentals in a referendum vote.

•Unsure why I thought a dead whale would wash ashore on a mid-day summer afternoon in Ocean City creating a stink, but nonetheless it did not happen.

•It was suggested speed cameras would be authorized for two locations in Berlin after a study. It’s looking like three sites have been identified along Flower Street and Seahawk Road as of year’s end, but it’s not official.

•It was thought the Worcester County Commissioners would increase the property tax rate by two cents to meet the increased burden associated with the new Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. In fact, the commissioners held the tax rate and did not meet the school system’s funding request, opting for the same dollar level per pupil as the year before.

•There were no repeats of the previous year on Assateague Island when old military ordnances were discovered and forced beach closures during the height of the summer season.

•In the Super Bowl, it was not the Cincinnati Bengals who defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. It was the Kansas City Chiefs who knocked off the Eagles.

IN LIMBO •While reconstruction was chosen as the favored option for Buckingham Elementary this year, the project’s funding remains in question as the year closes. Without state funding, the County Commissioners have made it clear they will not authorize local funding.

•Though it was right to say the proposed Margaritaville project on the Boardwalk would be mired in the legislative process for much of the year, it was incorrect to predict a groundbreaking ceremony would be scheduled for early 2024. No such event has been announced.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

A

December 29, 2023

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 40

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bout 12 years ago, our neighbor organized a kickball game on Christmas Day afternoon. Ever since, aside from the pandemic, a group of us have burned off some Christmas energy together with laughs and camaraderie.

It’s a fun tradition my sons, Beckett, 15, and Carson, 14, have enjoyed growing up with as part of Christmas Day. By mid-day Christmas, I am ready to get out of the house and get some fresh air. Gathering with a group of friends, and strangers in some cases, to play a friendly game of kickball is a perfect outing.

To me, this game, which always ends in a tie in my head, is about community and it’s a ton of fun. I made a folder on my phone this week of pictures from all the years of kickball I could find. The game has grown from a dozen or so folks the first couple years, especially the colder days, to now more than 70.

It’s to the point there are as many bystanders as there are players. It makes it special.

For my kids, I know it has created lifelong memories, which is important to me.

As a father, creating memories with my kids is one of the best things about parenting. With my boys growing up and showing signs of growing into wellrounded, somewhat independent people, my focus is on two things. First, I want to mentor them through life and hopefully they can learn from mistakes I made along the way.

Secondly, I want to provide my teens with experiences and memories. Nothing makes me happier than when Beckett comes up to me to talk about a memory or shows me something on his phone that reminds him of something we have done in the past.

As we were getting out of the truck to walk to the kickball game on Christmas, Beckett reminded me to be careful. I was puzzled until he then held up his ring finger. I remembered immediately.

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base. I was the runner this year and he was the kicker. We both ran the bases together like we had previously but this year he was kicking on his own. He kicked twice this time. He got cheered on each time.

Therefore, this year’s kickball game was not only a great opportunity to get together with friends outside on a beautiful day, but also a reminder of the kind, empathetic community we have here. I don’t take it for granted. I will never assume everyone is kind and understanding, but I take immense pride and comfort in knowing my kids are growing up in such a special place.

W

ith New Year’s next week, I came across a funny list of New Year’s resolutions from a mom on the Raising Teens Today website worthy of sharing.

No. 1: Buy a new phone charger and hide it so my kids can’t find it.

No. 2: Donate my son’s coats to kids who will actually wear them.

No. 3: Vow to close my teen’s bedroom door instead of nagging them about the mess.

No. 4: Stop taking their “offishness” so damn personally.

No. 5: Buy a dog so someone is happy to see me when I get home.

No. 6: Buy new forks and spoons and hide them so my kids can’t steal them.

No. 7: Stop making impossible New Year’s resolutions (see No. 4) No. 8: Stop getting so worked up about the small stuff.

No. 9: Find the humor in it all, ‘cus this won’t last forever.

No. 10: Find ways to let my kids know they’re loved every single day.

A No. 11 I will add is to laugh more in 2024 with my boys.

(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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He was referring to the year I caught a ball and stretched my extensor tendon on my left ring finger, resulting in the tip of the finger just dangling without any control. When it didn’t heal on its own by mid-February, I eventually went to the doctor and had to get a splint. I am happy to report I got through this year’s game with no injuries.

Another recent example of something jogging a memory with Beckett was a song coming on the radio. It was 2020 when we ran into Ginuwine, an R&B singer and now disc jockey, in an airport in Atlanta. It was a bummer of a trip for us because we learned once we landed in Atlanta the NBA game we came to see on a father-son trip had been canceled due to players having Covid and the teams not being able to suit up enough men. While the trip will certainly be remembered for that disappointment, I love that he recalled meeting Ginuwine.

What I remember about this is Beckett and I sitting on the floor at the crowded airport gate, and Beckett offering to give Ginuwine a hand getting up because he was clearly injured.

As he is prone to do, Beckett started asking about his injury, leading to the revelation of who he was. While I was talking to him, Beckett googled him on my phone and started playing his bestknown song, Pony, quoting how many followers he had on Spotify. I’m glad he remembered this part of the trip rather than the disappointment.

For me this year’s kickball game represents the first time Carson was able to play somewhat independently. In recent years, Carson would run the bases with his mom or me kicking the ball. As we were awaiting our turn, I was encouraging Carson to kick this year. He agreed he would, but I assumed once all the attention was on him at the plate, he would change his mind. It was a great moment when all by himself he actually kicked the ball, which the pitcher rolled slow for him. The players in the field even let the pop up drop in so Carson could reach

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December 29, 2023