Feb. 14

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February 14, 2020

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Berlin Begins Budget Deliberations

See Page 4 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

OC Funds Require Event Site Change

Fallen Soldier Salute: At numerous locations across the shore, including along Route 113 in Worcester

County, dozens of citizens, veterans and public safety personnel saluted the procession for U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Paul Voss. The pilot was killed in Afghanistan last month. His body was transported from the Dover Air Force Base to his Virginia hometown. Pictured, the Stephen Decatur Naval Junior ROTC, above, and citizens stand at attention Photos by Charlene Sharpe as the procession passes Berlin. See page 12 for full story.

See Page 6 • Submitted Photo

Berlin Intersection Under Evaluation

See Page 16 • Photo by Christopher Casale

Holiday Weekend Brings Boat Show

See Page 71 • File Photo

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February 14, 2020

February 14, 2020

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Berlin Council Reviews Possible Tax Increase Projections

Page 4

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town leaders kicked off the budget process with discussion of revenue projections and potential tax increases this week.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council reviewed revenue forecasts for the coming year and looked at the impact various tax increases would have for the town. Finance Director Natalie Saleh presented data for tax increases ranging from 3.75% to 8.75%.

"This is just projections," Saleh said.

"Projections only."

Last year, the town raised its tax rate from $.68 to $.80, an 18% increase. According to Saleh, at the current rate the town expects to receive property tax rev-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Smaller Hike Likely This Year

enue of about $3.5 million in the coming fiscal year. She said that if the rate was increased to $.83, a 3.75% jump, an additional $130,879 would be generated. If the rate was hiked to $.85, the town would get an additional $218,132 in revenue. She said a tax rate of $.87, a 8.75% increase, would bring the town an additional $305,384 in revenue.

She added that the current tax bill for a $200,000 home was $1,600. If the rate increased 8.75%, that home's tax bill would be $1,740.

Saleh went on to present $504,200 in proposed capital expenses for the coming year. While grants would cover

$330,200 of the proposed capital budget, the town's general fund would still need to contribute $174,000.

One of the largest capital projects for the coming year outlined by Saleh was street repairs. With an expected $222,700 in highway user revenues, the town is set to repair Harrison Avenue, Esham Avenue, Graham Avenue and the north section of Flower Street. The town has also proposed using $50,000 to purchase a CrackPro heated hose machine, which would allow crews to seal cracks in the streets.

"If you seal cracks it prolongs the life of a road," Town Administrator Jeff

February 14, 2020

Fleetwood said.

Other capital projects proposed include the purchase of a new Chevy Tahoe and fingerprint system for the police department, the replacement of doors and windows at town hall and the purchase of an F150 for the public works department. Also on the capital list is the installation of basketball lights at Henry Park, although the town would only need to fund $1,000 of the cost, thanks to a Community Parks and Playgrounds grant.

Councilman Dean Burrell expressed frustration over the fact that that project received priority over the installation of permanent restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park.

"I really do think as soon as possible we need to expedite having somewhere permanent for children to use the bathroom in that park," he said.

Saleh's presentation Monday also included figures associated with salary increases for town staff. Currently, the town's annual employee wages amount to $2,972,041. A 2% increase would cost roughly $60,000 while a 3% increase would cost $90,000.

Fleetwood said he was recommending a 9% salary increase for the town's sworn police officers after reviewing salaries at other local law enforcement agencies. That would cost the town $60,909.

"We're behind...," Fleetwood said.

"My numbers show we're next to last."

Mayor Gee Williams is expected to introduce a proposed tax rate March 9. A public hearing on the tax rate is set for March 23.

"Obviously I'm going to be making some personal judgments between now and March 9," he said, adding that he wanted citizens to understand the issues behind the proposed rate, such as salaries and capital expenses.

Resident Jason Walter pointed out that Berlin was one of a very few municipalities in Maryland that raised taxes last year.

"This past year the tax season was pretty inactive," he said. "There were eight municipal increases, eight municipal decreases. They all were averaging around 3.5 cents up or down.

You increased our taxes 12 cents, about 320% of what the average increase was of the eight that increased of the 157 Maryland municipalities."

He added he thought Berlin's rate was about twice the state average for property taxes.

"It's all relative," Williams replied.

"The tax rates generally in this area are higher than they are in metropolitan areas."

Williams added that the projections presented Monday were just meant to show "what it would take" if the council wanted to do the projects presented.

"I understand your concern about the tax rate but also know that if I have anything to apologize for it's for not bringing it up or insisting on a tax increase for 12 years," Williams said.

"That was a big mistake."

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Council Unwilling To Support WOC-Based Inflatable Race

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

A previous Great Inflatable Race event is pictured in Colorado Springs.

Photo courtesy of eventslocker.com

OCEAN CITY – The desire to rebrand the area as a sports marketing destination collided this week with the provincial divide between Ocean City and Worcester County over a conditional approval for a special event in West Ocean City.

The Ocean City Council had before it on Tuesday a request for a one-time, seed-money contribution of $25,000 to partner with the Worcester County Recreation and Parks Department to bring the popular Great Inflatable Race to West Ocean City on the last Saturday in June. The town’s Tourism Advisory Board (TAB), after carefully vetting the event, dubbed the “bounciest fun run on earth,” recommended a $25,000 contribution from the town in

February 14, 2020

support of a larger investment of $40,000 from the county.

The Great Inflatable Race is a roughly two-mile fun run over large, inflatable obstacles. It was tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 27, on the grounds of the Seaside Christian Academy in West Ocean City, which was chosen because it has the land needed to accommodate the race and because of its proximity to Ocean City, lodging, the beach and Boardwalk and all other amenities the resort area offers.

According to the application, the inaugural event is expected to attract around 2,000 participants along with their families, friends and other spectators, although Worcester County Recreation and Parks Director Tom Perlozzo said that estimate could be conservative. The Great Inflatable Race is already scheduled for 38 other destinations in 2020, including several tourism destination heavyweights, and often draws as many as 4,000 competitors.

While the council embraced the concept, some questioned why Ocean City was being asked to help fund an event outside the resort. Perlozzo explained while the actual race would be held outside city limits, Ocean City would stand to gain substantially from room nights, heads in beds and backsides in restaurant seats.

“The objective is for them to stay in Ocean City on the weekend before July 4th,” he said. “This particular event is certainly the correct image and demographic for Ocean City. The last time I checked, Ocean City is in Worcester County. This is what we want to accomplish.”

TAB President Steve Pastusak said the Great Inflatable Race has a huge following and bringing it to the resort area could represent a coup of sorts.

“The Great Inflatable Race has 83,000 followers on Facebook,” he said. “It’s such a well-run organization.

Think of it as the Spartan Race, but for those a little less fit. This is run really well just like that organization.”

The Spartan Race brought around 3,500 competitors to Ocean City last fall along with an in-kind number of friends, family members and spectators. Perlozzo explained the requested $25,000 from Ocean City would be seed money to help ensure the Great Inflatable Race comes to the area and grows on the success of that first year.

“Our intention is not to come back before TAB after this first year for this event,” he said. “The vision is for this to be a self-sustaining event.”

While the council, which was shorthanded on Tuesday with the absence of Council President Lloyd Martin and Councilman Tony DeLuca, embraced the concept, the majority had trouble getting past the philosophical idea of lending financial support to an event outside city limits.

“We’re elected by the people of Ocean City,” said Councilman Dennis Dare. “We’re not the Chamber of ComSEE NEXT PAGE

… Off-Island Site Concerns Council

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

merce, the HMRA and we’re not TAB. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great event.

But why not in Ocean City?”

Perlozzo said holding the race within Ocean City was explored at least cursorily perhaps on the beach or at Northside Park, but logistically, the school in West Ocean City made the most sense in the inaugural year.

“We looked at the space needed and the best option right now is the Seaside Christian Academy,” he said.

“Northside Park will more than likely have softball and lacrosse going on that weekend. Northside Park is probably booked, which is a good thing.”

Perlozzo said he understood the council’s concern about spending taxpayer money on an event outside city limits, but emphasized the potential benefit outweighed the risk. He pointed out the county was on the hook for $40,000 to help bring the Great Inflatable Race to Ocean City.

“I certainly understand your concerns,” he said. “We can reach back out to the promoter about the beach if that’s what you want to do. The intent is to drive people into Ocean City the week before the Fourth of July. We’re trying to capture that revenue. The majority of the out-of-town visitors will stay in Ocean City. I think 2,000 is a conservative estimate, but I’d rather overdeliver. It could be more like 4,000.”

Council Secretary Mary Knight referenced the success of the Spartan Race, which was held on the Boardwalk and throughout the downtown area.

“I think you’d have a lot more people if they were running on the beach instead of racing at the school in West Ocean City,” she said. “I was at the Spartan race and people really loved being in Ocean City.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said hosting the event in West Ocean City was a deal-breaker for him.

“I really love this idea,” he said. “To get my vote, it’s going to need to be in Ocean City. I just see those hotel rooms in West Ocean City filling up.

People are coming to Ocean City in the last weekend in June whether this event is here or not. I love it, it’s a great idea, but to get my vote it needs to be in Ocean City.”

Councilman Matt James said he

has doubts about the financial return from the event scheduled for the front edge of the peak season.

“I don’t think we need a lot of help with hotel rooms on a Saturday in late June,” he said. “I like the event, I just don’t see any financial benefit for Ocean City.”

Meanwhile, Councilman John Gehrig, who has been a staunch advocate for rebranding the resort area as a sports marketing destination, said the Great Inflatable Race is precisely the type of event that will help Ocean City, and Worcester County, get there.

“We need to decide who we want to be,” he said. “Like Spartan, this is a national and even international brand and it would be nice to be associated with that. Look at some of the host sites. It would be nice to add Ocean City to that list.”

Gehrig said the debate was less about the event in particular, and more about the long-simmering feud between Ocean City and Worcester over political issues such as tax differential and the cost of providing services in unincorporated areas.

“At some point, this body needs to get over the city versus county mindset,” he said. “We need to partner with the county on things like this. You know who doesn’t care about that? Visitors.

Visitors don’t care about some invisible line on a bridge. The expectation is to change our brand, to get rid of some of events and bring in others that match our brand, and we’re going to let that get away because of an invisible line on the bridge.”

James pointed out the rift was more than boundary lines and hotel rooms on opposite sides of the bridge.

“The mayor and the fire chief were just in Snow Hill talking about providing emergency services in West Ocean City,” he said. “It’s not just about room nights and people in restaurants. It boils down to West Ocean City versus Ocean City in my mind.”

Paddack reemphasized the race would need to be held in Ocean City to get his support.

“How long has this West Ocean City versus Ocean City thing been going on?” he said. “If the event was in town, SEE PAGE 40

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Page 7

Pa. Man Not Guilty Of Attempted Murder In Stabbing

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Just how much force is the appropriate or valid amount appears to have been the deciding factor in an attempted murder trial this week as the jury found a Pennsylvania man guilty of reckless endangerment for stabbing juveniles on the Boardwalk during a fight last summer.

For three-plus days, a Worcester County jury heard testimony in the cases against Harold Nunez-Dominguez, 19, of Harrisburg, Pa., who was charged with two counts of attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment for his role in a major melee on the Boardwalk last June 9. After deliberating for three hours, the jury re-

turned late Thursday afternoon with a guilty verdict on the reckless endangerment count.

Nunez-Dominguez was acquitted on the most serious counts, including attempted second-degree murder and first- and second-degree assault. Each of the reckless endangerment convictions carries a maximum sentence of five years, although the sentencing guidelines for Nunez-Dominguez fall in the range of probation to two years incarceration. Following the jury verdict, a pre-sentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the facts in the case, a major fight broke out on the Boardwalk at Caroline Street around 12:30 a.m. on June 9 involving a friend of Nunez-Dominguez and a larger group

of individuals including the eventual two victims. Defense attorney Richard Brueckner argued during trial this week the larger group was beating the defendant’s friend to the point NunezDominguez feared for his friend’s life.

The fact Nunez-Dominguez reached in his pocket and pulled out a pocket knife before jumping into the fray was not disputed during trial. It was also not disputed Nunez-Dominguez ultimately stabbed two individuals involved in the melee. However, the defense argued Nunez-Dominguez was left with little recourse but to enter the fight and evoked his right under Maryland law to defend himself and/or others with the appropriate level of response.

Pulling a knife out during a fight on the Boardwalk on a crowded night in June certainly qualifies as reckless, but

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did the injuries sustained by the victims, who admittedly were combatants in the fight, elevate the case to attempted murder? After deliberating for three hours on Thursday, the jury believed it didn’t. Verdict sheets do not require jurors to explain how they reached their conclusion, but it appears in this case they believed the defense’s self-defense theory.

Around 12:30 a.m. on June 9, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) detectives working in a plainclothes capacity downtown reportedly heard a loud commotion coming from the ocean block of Caroline Street. As the detectives turned the corner, they observed a large fight in progress.

According to police reports, the detectives were approached by a 15year-old juvenile male who was holding his abdomen with both arms as blood dripped from his midsection. As the officers approached, the 15-year-old juvenile male collapsed in the street on Baltimore Avenue and the officers imSEE NEXT PAGE

Smoke Alarms Credited In OC Residential Fire

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A smoke alarm is being credited for allowing residents of a home in the Little Salisbury community to escape unharmed from a house fire early Monday morning.

Just before 5 a.m. on Monday, the Ocean City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at a home on Caribbean Drive. Upon arrival, first responders found a single-family home with fire showing at the rear of the structure. Crews quickly advanced hose lines and extinguished the blaze.

All of occupants of the home were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm and escaped safely. A family cat was treated by paramedics with oxygen on the scene and is expected to make a full recovery.

“This early morning fire highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms,” said Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers. “Installing your smoke alarms correctly and making sure they are in working order is an important step to making your home and family safer as demonstrated this morning. A smoke alarm will save your life.”

The Office of the Fire Marshal has classified the cause of the fire was accidental. Anyone who does not have working smoke alarms in their homes are urged to contact Ocean City Fire Department headquarters at (410) 289-4346.

… Suspect Jailed Since June Incident

February 14, 2020

mediately began attending to him.

The second victim, a 17-year-old juvenile male ran toward the officers near the west side of Baltimore Avenue pleading “please help me,” over and over according to police reports.

The officers observed the juvenile had a laceration to the right side of his abdomen with internal organs protruding.

According to police reports, the second victim pleaded multiple times “please don’t let me die,” as the officers attended to him and waited for the ambulance to arrive.

The 15-year-old victim was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, while the 17-year-old victim was flown to Shock Trauma. Both were taken into immediate emergency surgery and both survived the stabbing injuries. Before the juveniles were transported, they were able to provide a physical description of their alleged assailant to the police officers.

It was later determined the entire incident was captured on the City Watch video surveillance system. The video reportedly shows a large fight erupt on the Boardwalk near its intersection with Caroline Street. The two victims were involved in the altercation. The video also reportedly shows Nunez-Dominguez swinging a knife and stabbing both victims.

OCPD detectives posted surveillance still pictures of the suspect throughout the following day via so-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

cial media. Shortly thereafter, OCPD detectives got a call from employees at a hotel on 13th Street indicating Nunez-Dominguez had been a guest at the establishment. The employees provided detectives with room registration information that included a copy of his driver’s license. Video surveillance reportedly shows NunezDominguez leaving the hotel with friends at 1:22 a.m. The vehicle he was driving left Ocean City at 1:48 a.m.

Around 10 a.m. on June 10, an OCPD detective received a phone call from Nunez-Dominguez, during which he stated he was scared and admitted he had been involved in the fight. During the call, Nunez-Dominguez told the detective “I hit someone with a knife,” according to police reports.

Nunez-Dominguez was held in custody in Pennsylvania for about two weeks following the alleged admission.

Two weeks after his arrest, he waived extradition and was transported back to Worcester County where he was charged initially with first- and seconddegree assault. He was later indicted on two counts of attempted seconddegree murder.

Nunez-Dominguez has been incarcerated for roughly eight months since the incident in June. A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered, although a sentencing date has not been set.

Page 9

Golf Course Cart Bridge Project Completed Under Budget

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The major rehabilitation of the aging wooden cart bridges at the municipal Eagle’s Landing golf course was expected to wrap up soon under budget.

During a committee meeting this week, Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito announced the cart bridge rehabilitation project at Eagle’s Landing was expected to be completed by the end of this week. Last year, it was learned many of the cart bridges at the 30-year-old municipal Eagle’s

Landing course had fallen into disrepair and were in urgent need of replacing with an estimated project cost of $230,000. Replacing the bridges was included in the town’s capital improvement plan (CIP) last year and was given a “very important” rating in the Mayor and Council’s priority grading system.

Through a competitive bidding process, a wide range of bids for the bridge replacement project were obtained, the lowest of which came in at around $134,000, or significantly lower than the original expected cost.

On Tuesday, Petito told the recreation

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and parks committee the project was near completion with even more good news.

“They’re almost at the end of completing the bridge project and it may be finished as early as tomorrow [Wednesday],” she said. “It was a great project and it came in under budget. There is around $23,000 left over and we’d like to spend that money at the golf course and take care of a couple of things that won’t need to be in next year’s budget.”

Petito explained the bulkhead on hole number six was in need of replacement at an estimated cost of around $5,000. She also said the department wanted to have a consultant draft a master plan assessment for a redesign of some elements of the golf course at a cost of around $2,250.

“We’d like to bring in a design group to assess the golf course and look at some of the drainage issues we’ve been having,” she said. “That course is 30 years old and we’re having some flooding issues on some of the bayfront holes.”

However, Councilman and committee member Mark Paddack said there was likely little interest from the Mayor and Council in investing in a major assessment plan for the course.

“I’m not sure you’re going to get the council to go along with a major master plan for the golf course,” he said.

“It’s just not going to get any traction

February 14, 2020

right now.”

Paddack suggested some of the drainage issues might be due to the county’s new spray irrigation system at the golf course, but Petito said that wasn’t the case and the drainage issues on certain holes were related to tidal flooding. She said those issues might be resolved by elevating the course in those areas, but it would take a consultant to determine the best course of action.

“That golf course was built 29 years ago at a relatively low cost, so there were probably some things overlooked in terms of drainage and flooding in some areas,” she said. “That being said, they’ve done an amazing job with that course over the last 30 years. It’s just beautiful, but it’s starting to show its age in some areas.”

Petito also dismissed the idea the flooding on certain holes, particularly holes seven and 10 with tidal influences, represented a slight inconvenience for golfers.

“It’s more than just the golfers getting their feet a little wet,” she said.

“We have to spend a lot of time and money because of the flooding on those holes.”

The committee voted to send a favorable recommendation to the full Mayor and Council for allowing the department to utilize the money left over from the cart bridge replacement project on other projects at Eagle’s Landing.

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Page 11

Fallen ‘Hero’ Celebrated With Grand Patriotic Displays

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Dozens of local residents stood resolutely in the rain Tuesday morning to salute the procession for U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Paul Voss.

A procession transported Voss, a pilot who was killed when his surveillance plane crashed in Afghanistan in late January, from Dover Air Force Base to his hometown in Virginia Tuesday morning.

“He is a hero,” said Commander Tom Wengert of American Legion Synepuxent Post 166 in Ocean City. “He sacrificed for us. He gave his life so we can have our freedom.”

Wengert was among the dozens of area residents gathered in the parking lot of Food Lion in Berlin before 9 a.m.

Tuesday amid a crowd of law enforcement and Berlin Fire Company vehicles. Many had just learned of the procession Monday but made a point to come out to pay their respects to the fallen soldier. Other roadside displays took place along Routes 113 and 13 on the way to Virginia.

“He’s a veteran,” said Billy Greenwood, a member of the American Legion in Berlin, when asked why he came out for the procession. “We found out about it yesterday. It’s a decent turnout for a day’s notice.”

Members of the Hogs and Heroes Foundation Maryland Chapter stand roadside on Route 113 awaiting the passing of a procession, pictured above left, transporting U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Paul Voss from Dover Air Force Base to his hometown in Virginia.

Photos by Charlene Sharpe

Wengert said he’d been notified about the procession by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and had quickly gotten on the phone to share the news with other local groups.

“This is part of our mission,” said Steve Hannon, president of Hogs and Heroes Foundation Maryland Chapter 8.

“We’re trying to get the word out so more and more people will come out for these types of things. It’s important for members of the military to be recognized.”

A number of Town of Berlin staff were present to show their support as well. Tim Lawrence, the town’s electric utility director, said he came out to rep-

resent the municipality as well as another organization he’s involved with, Bikers Without Borders.

“We just wanted to show our respect to a veteran,” he said. “Bikers Without Borders does a lot of charity work for first responders and members of the military.”

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Berlin Approves Item Limit On Free Bulk Pickup Service

February 14, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials approved a new special collection policy that will change bulk pickup practices in Berlin.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday approved a new special collection policy that limits bulk pickup to four items. The new policy is meant to provide guidelines for the public and at the same time curb abuse of the town’s twice-a-year bulk pickup service.

“We hope this will significantly improve the situation for the pickup that’s in the spring,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “Let’s see how it goes. I’m hopeful it’ll significantly improve the situation. If there’s any wrinkles to iron out, we can do that before the fall collection.”

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said the policy was initially presented in November but had been adjusted in response to citizen concerns. Originally, the policy would have limited the number of items a household could put out for bulk pickup and would allow them to pay an extra fee for additional items.

The updated policy presented this week limits households to four items at the spring pickup and four items at the fall pickup. It also requires citizens to call town hall prior to each pickup to report what items they’ll be putting out for pickup. The new policy also requires any fabric items, such as mattresses, be wrapped in plastic.

“From a health perspective I definitely want it stressed and pushed that that is a requirement, it’s not an option,” Fleetwood said.

Fleetwood said the policy as a whole was meant to ensure the bulk pickup service was not abused. He added that it would reduce town costs if staff knew in advance which households had items for bulk pickup, as staff wouldn’t have to check every street in town.

“I think this is a commonsense approach,” Williams said.

Councilman Zack Tyndall suggested the town allow residents to use the town website, as well as telephone, to register items for bulk pickup.

“It would be a nice way to collect some data and alleviate pressure downstairs,” he said.

When resident Jim Meckley asked if people would be able to pay for a sticker to put out an extra item or two, Fleetwood said that while that had been in the initially proposed policy it had been removed.

“The irony of this is a month and a half ago we were putting a limit in place and a mechanism to pay for extra things,” Fleetwood said, adding that residents had voiced concerns. “I felt it was the dollar amount that got folks. So this time around there is no dollar amount but there is a limit.”

Resident Marie Velong said that other towns that limited items for pickup typically offered pickup more than twice a

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Spring, Fall Policy Changes Eyed

year.

Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said that most of them also charged for the service.

“Every community has to find what’s right for them,” Williams said.

Velong pointed out that if the town didn’t pick up construction materials — which were not eligible for bulk pickup anyway — the changes in the proposed policy might not be needed.

“I think we’re going to try to do the right thing,” Williams said. “Would you stop nitpicking about a bunch of baloney and listen?”

Velong said she didn’t appreciate

being spoken to that way.

“Well I tell you what you seem to be a very unhappy person,” Williams replied.

“You’re out of line Gee,” resident Jason Walter called from the audience.

“Well I’m sorry but there’s just a point — we’re trying to make something better,” Williams responded.

Williams added that the town’s tipping fees related to bulk pickup had increased. A chart provided by Fleetwood shows that the town paid $6,700 for disposal of 18 tons in 2017. The town paid $8,000 for disposal of 21

Page 13

tons in 2018. The town paid $9,500 for disposal of 22 tons in 2019. Those costs include public works personnel, equipment, and tipping fees.

“You can’t continually add development and then complain because you’ve got extra trash from it,” Velong said.

While other residents went on to suggest the concept of a dumpster day instead of curbside bulk pickup, councilmembers expressed interest in giving the proposed policy a try first.

“I think we’ve heard a lot of really good ideas,” Tyndall said, adding that he wanted to try the policy and revisit it after a year. “If it’s not working then we adjust. We don’t know until we try.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the new policy and revisit it in a year.

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Committee Wants To Advance Downtown Park Effort

Page 14

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The future of the downtown recreation complex was debated anew this week as resort officials agreed it was time to start moving on the redevelopment of the vast park between 3rd and 4th streets.

During a committee meeting on Tuesday, Recreation and Parks Director Susan Petito outlined some of the progress on the proposed redevelopment of the downtown recreation complex.

The decades-old park complex near the bayside between 3rd and 4th streets is scheduled for a major renovation as the recreation and parks department works through its updated master plan for the entire network of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

public parks throughout the resort.

The downtown park complex is bisected by St. Louis Avenue and the section to the east is fairly developed with the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, basketball courts, tennis courts and a playground among other amenities. The section of the park to the west of St. Louis Avenue is largely open space with long-abandoned ballfields and a waterfront, bulkheaded area popular for fishing.

For the last year, the committee has been working with a conceptual plan largely gleaned from a proposed design prepared by Special Events Director Frank Miller. The conceptual plan retains much of the open space in the center of the park, but includes an all-inclusive, ADA-accessible playground, an open-air pavilion, interac-

tive walking trails and other amenities.

Petito stressed the plan was merely conceptual at this point and the next step was to send out a request for proposal (RFP) to contract a park designer to take the conceptual plan and start formulating a real working plan.

“Once someone is selected, they would work with the town on what we want at that facility,” she said. “If we decide to move forward, what sort of input would the committee like to have in the process and how do we coordinate it with the full council?”

Councilman and committee chair John Gehrig said the time was right to move forward with the RFP and start formulating a real redevelopment plan for the downtown recreation complex.

“We have to do something,” he said.

“We need to determine what compo-

February 14, 2020

nents we want in that park. The design firm’s task will be seeing if that can be incorporated. At some point, we have to get something moving with the beginnings of a plan.”

Petito said once a design starts to come together and the various elements are decided, they could be tackled piecemeal with a combination of state grants and local matches in some cases.

For example, the state Community Parks and Playgrounds program provides grants for playgrounds at 100%.

Other state grants for parks provide 50% of funding and require a 50% local match, but those are typically for much larger, more expensive projects.

“If we get a tentative design before the grant application window, we can take this in little snippets,” she said.

“We can apply for grants piece by piece and not tackle all of it at once. At least we can get something going.”

Petito said whatever path is chosen, the town would need to provide some guidance for the future design consultant.

“We’re going to have to put our heads together sooner rather than later,” she said. “We need to give the designer some guidance for what we’re looking for in that park.”

Part of the overall plan includes some renovation of the skate park on the site. When the Dew Tour left after a three-year run in Ocean City ending in 2014, the town acquired the event’s iconic skate bowl and it remains in pieces at a maintenance yard in West Ocean City. Councilman and committee member Mark Paddack suggested that asset be included somehow in the redesign of the downtown park.

“We’re still sitting on that Dew Tour skate bowl, which is pretty amazing,” he said. “I think we need to look at a way to incorporate that somehow. It would need to be refurbished, but it’s a great asset.”

Other issues to resolve include how many basketball courts and where, should increasingly popular pickleball courts be included or replacing the tennis courts that were removed nearby when the new public works complex was developed at 3rd Street. Petito said some of those issues were sensitive.

“The increased popularity of pickleball has some of our tennis players upset,” she said. “Pickleball is using up most of the time at the tennis courts. Dual use facilities are always very challenging.”

Gehrig said the next step would be sending out the RFP for the design work. In the meantime, he suggested getting being progressive and organized so the town’s needs and desires are formulated when the designer is brought in to get to work.

“I think we need to create a checklist of some kind,” he said. “We can check off the boxes for the things we want or like and reach some consensus.”

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Officials Rally For Safety Changes At Two Intersections

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

The fatal accident in the early morning hours of Feb. 6 shut down southbound Route 113 for hours.

Photo by Christopher Casale

BERLIN – Within hours of a fatal accident at the intersection of Route 113 and South Main Street last week, local officials expressed their commitment to pursuing safety improvements.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza has reached out to Maryland’s State Highway Administration (SHA) and Berlin’s elected officials agreed to draft a letter outlining their concerns regarding the intersection to send to relevant agencies.

“I’m hoping that we’ll see something not years from now but in the more immediate future,” Mayor Gee Williams said.

Last Thursday, Parsonsburg resident Johnnie Derrickson was killed in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Route 113 and South Main Street. Area residents were quick to express concerns about the safety of the intersection, which has seen its share of accidents, on social media.

“I have contacted the SHA District Engineer to request an immediate assessment of this intersection and options for safety improvements,” Carozza wrote on a Facebook post calling attention to the issue a few hours after the accident.

On Monday, Berlin Councilman Zack Tyndall suggested the town contact the county’s 911 center to compile accident data for both the Route 113 intersection as well as the intersection of Route 50 and Route 818.

“Those are both pretty dangerous intersections,” he said. “We’ve talked about some of the growth that’s taking place and some of the volume increase that we may be seeing with the dualization of the highway. I think that we need to look at advocating for lights at those two intersections.”

Williams said he agreed. He said he thought even the addition of a blinking signal would help.

“I don’t understand why, without any great big fuss, couldn’t we at least put those blinking signals in there and then do the traffic studies,” he said.

With the consensus of the council, Williams agreed to draft a letter citing the town’s concerns.

Tyndall indicated that the sooner the town shared its concerns the sooner improvements could be made.

“I just think if we can at least get some data and get the ball moving in that direction, there are a lot of buses and people heading to work every morning,” he said. “It’s a dangerous spot. Both of them.”

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Mixed-Use Project Proposed For Dormant Berlin Site

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Plans for a mixed-use development at the intersection of Route 346 and Route 818 are moving ahead.

Developer John Derrickson presented the Berlin Planning Commission with a concept plan for two buildings that would house retail space and apartments on the long-vacant lot across from Cheers. Though the project will return for site plan review before construction begins, commission members expressed little concern with the proposal.

“I think it’s a well thought out plan,” commission member Pete Cosby said.

Consultant Steven Cirile told the commission he’d studied past plans

A visual of the planned development is shown looking east from the Cheers convenience store across Main Street in Berlin.

Rendering by AvitabileCirile Architecture

for the site and tried to come up with a design that addressed the concerns voiced regarding previous proposals.

“We tried to rectify those right from the get-go,” he said, adding that he’d

already been in communication with the state and local agencies that would be required to sign off on the plans.

He explained that the proposed

Derrickson Square would consist of two identical buildings, each of which would house retail on the ground floor and apartments above. He said that by constructing two buildings with three apartments each, the project would not require the expense of an elevator and would also fit the site better aesthetically. He said the buildings would be separated by a walkway featuring planters and benches. Because the parking is in the rear of the buildings and accessed by Route 346, visitors to the retail shops will leave their cars in the back and walk up the decorative alleyway to enter the storefronts.

“John had a vision and I took his vision and put it on paper,” Cirile said.

“We had it mimic old Berlin.”

Derrickson pointed out in an effort to please the property’s neighbors, he’d designed the back of the buildings to be just as appealing as the front of the buildings.

“The building is lovely I’d just like to see quite a bit of landscaping,” neighbor Linda Trimble said.

Trimble also expressed concern about the potential number of cars the apartments could bring in. Each unit is 1,400 square feet and will include three bedrooms.

Derrickson said that he could limit the number of vehicles per unit when each lease agreement was signed if need be.

“We tried to think of everything,” he said.

Cirile said he expected the spacious apartments to prove popular.

“A lot of people work from home,” he said. “They have jobs, or hobbies where they need a hobby room, they need a workout room, a room to be used other than for sleeping.”

Derrickson said he expected rent to be $2,000 to $2,500 a month.

“With what this project’s going to cost that’s what it’s got to be,” he said.

“Believe me I’ve been on the fence about it a lot.”

Members of the commission praised the project design.

“I really like what you guys did,” commission member Ron Cascio said.

The project will return to the commission for site plan approval. Derrickson said he hoped to start construction in the fall.

Berlin Town Limits Expand East With Annexation

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The Berlin Town Council approved the annexation of two properties on Route 50 this week.

The council voted 4-1, with Councilman Zack Tyndall opposed, to approve the annexation of the former McDonald’s property and the Myers Tool property on Route 50.

“We’re already in your growth area,” attorney Joe Moore told the council.

The proposed annexation of the two parcels received a favorable recommendation from the town’s planning commission in December. Moore told the council this week the property owners were seeking annexation to have access to the town’s water and sewer infrastructure. He introduced Bob Mitchell, Worcester County’s director of environmental programs, who described the poor condition of the septic system at the former McDonald’s.

“This field cannot be rehabbed,” he said. “It’s dead.”

Moore said that because the Myers Tool property essentially surrounded the McDonald’s property, in order for the latter to be annexed the former needed to be annexed as well. He added that the McDonald’s site, which is owned by Two Farms Inc., was expected to become an Auto Zone. He

Attorney Joe Moore and Worcester County Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell addressed the Berlin Town Council Monday.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

stressed that it would need no more than five or six of the 800-plus EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) the town has available.

Moore said the property was currently zoned commercial in the county and that the property owner was requesting similar commercial zoning once it was in town. He stressed that the property was not usable unless it could connect to public sewer infrastructure.

“We’re not asking to increase the utilization potential of the property,” he said. “We’re actually asking you all to consider annexation so that we can have any beneficial use of the property at all.”

Tyndall, the only councilman to vote against the annexation, has expressed concern in the past about the toll annexation will have on the town’s wastewater treatment facility and the associated financial impact.

Page 19

Nathan’s OC Franchise Seeks Hot Dog Contest Qualifier

Page 20

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Although there are details to work out and approvals to be gained, a qualifying event for the world-renowned Nathan’s Fourth of July hot dog eating contest on the Fourth of July could come to Ocean City.

During Tuesday’s Recreation and Parks Committee meeting, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs Ocean City Boardwalk franchisee Russell Laurenzano told committee members he was in dis-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

cussion about bringing a qualifying event for Nathan’s famous fourth of July hot dog eating contest at Coney Island to Ocean City in June.

In the months leading up to the popular annual event, pre-qualifying events are held at different venues in cities all over the country. For example, the list of last year’s qualifying events included cities such as Washington, D.C., Norfolk, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Salt Lake City and Santa Cruz, N.M., for example.

Laurenzano told the recreation and parks committee on Tuesday he is work-

ing with the event’s promoter, Major League Eating, to host a Nathan’s hot dog contest qualifying event on the beach in Ocean City near his Nathan’s franchise on the Boardwalk near 3rd Street on Saturday, June 13, which is also the Saturday of the Ocean City Air Show this year.

“It would be a pre-qualifier for the famous fourth of July contest at Coney Island,” he said. “I think it would be natural fit to bring it to Ocean City. This event has Nathan’s name on it, but it’s really sponsored by a national competitive food-eating organization. I’d be supplying the food and the staging and they handle the rest.”

Laurenzano said hosting the potential qualifying event during the air show made sense because of the size and scale of that event and the enormous number of people it brings to town.

“It’s a natural fit to coordinate with the air show,” he said. “It’s one of those All-American events and it gets national coverage. It’s in our best interest to showcase Ocean City and also let people know the brand is here.

I’m excited about it. It could really give the town some national recognition.”

Laurenzano said the air show starts around noon and the promoters are hoping for a time frame between 1-4 p.m. He said naturally the air show is the big star on that date, but the hot dog eating contest could contribute to

February 14, 2020

the buzz if coordinated properly. He said the hope is that it could stand on its own as a special event in the future.

“Everybody will be looking up at the jets and there is a lot of noise,” he said.

“We would look for a time when there is a little lull in the air show. The timing is going to have to be adjustable. We would try to avoid competing with the jets and other major acts. Even with amplification and microphones, the hot dog eating contest couldn’t be heard with the jets flying over.”

Special Events Director Frank Miller said the hot dog eating contest would need to be carefully coordinated with the air show.

“If the council ultimately approves this, you’d probably have to narrow down that window,” he said. “We could work with the air show and let them know this other event is going on and coordinate the best time.”

Councilman and committee member Mark Paddack made a motion to forward a favorable recommendation to the full Mayor and Council.

“Parking is horrendous during the air show,” he said. “I don’t know how many people will come just for this event, but that entire Boardwalk will be packed. It could be a home run. The air show is a huge event and there will be no shortage of people up there interested in watching contestants jamming hot dogs down their throats.”

City Approves Flooring Money For Growing Hoops Tourney

February 14, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week signed off on a $25,000 request to fund basketball court flooring at the convention center for a tournament in June, but not before a larger debate about subsidizing private-sector special events with seed money.

During Tuesday’s work session, the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) recommended approval for supplying $18,000 to Premier 1 Events to cover the floor rental costs for four basketball courts in the convention center for a youth basketball tournament in the first week of June. In recent years, the tournament has been held at Northside Park and at courts in the south end of the county in Snow Hill, but the event has grown to the point more space is needed.

Last year, the tournament drew around 200 teams and that number is expected to go up this year. As a result, the promoter is looking to add four basketball courts at the convention center.

The concept is adding courts at the convention center would make the tournament a uniquely Ocean City event and eliminate the need to schedule games outside town.

Consolidating the event in Ocean City means the teams, and presumably their families and fans, will stay in the resort. In years past, with games held in Snow Hill, for example, some of the teams opt to stay in Salisbury, for example.

“It was split with courts in Ocean City and Snow Hill,” said TAB President Steve Pastusak. “The teams that played down there tended to stay in Salisbury.”

In order to consolidate the tournament in Ocean City, four courts will need to be added at the convention center for that weekend and that comes with a cost. The promoter, through TAB, asked for a contribution of $25,000 from the city to offset that cost. However, after reviewing the request, TAB this week recommended to the Mayor and Council a contribution of $18,000.

“They asked for $25,000, but TAB is not recommending the full amount,” he said. “We’re recommending $18,000.

It was fully-funded last year in the interest of seed money up front, but we want to scale that back.”

The allocation of funds through TAB recommendations has been a recurring theme in recent months. The concept is TAB reviews potential special events and makes recommendations to the Mayor and Council. In many cases, TAB recommends funding for new or returning special events as seed money to get them up and running.

In some cases, an event might get a certain funding contribution in the first year or two, and by year three, they have grown to the point they no longer need a city contribution.

“There is a process in place for seed

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

money,” he said. “It’s kind of a threeyear process. You gave them $20,000 last year and we’re recommending $18,000 this year. Next year will probably be something less than that, and then that will be the end of it.”

While the council understood the concept of seed money for the June basketball tournament that will allow it to grow and become a uniquely Ocean City event, some questioned the price tag for the court flooring.

“It’s growing,” said Councilman Dennis Dare. “I understand the concept. It just seems like a big ask. It seems like a huge request for not much return.”

City officials’ decisions on providing funding for private special events are driven largely by return on investment.

That means determining how many room nights are expected and impacts

on other businesses. However, Councilman John Gehrig pointed out on Tuesday, as he has in the past, the process isn’t always consistent.

“We need to determine what our policy is,” he said. “Is it strictly return on investment? We can’t arbitrarily change the rules. We’re not making it easier for promoters to bring these events.”

Gehrig also pointed to the June basketball tournament as a means to continue to grow Ocean City as a youth sports marketing destination.

“We had this same conversation about the beer festival,” he said. “TAB vetted this and we’re trying to be a sports destination. I think we need to make it easy for promoters to come to Ocean City and do business in Ocean City.”

However, Councilman Mark Pad-

Page 21

dack said the city’s track record in recent months has been supporting youth sports tournaments and events.

“I don’t think we’re making it difficult at all,” he said. “I think we go out of our way to bring events like this to Ocean City.”

Councilman Matt James pointed out making the tournament a unique-ly Ocean City event would eliminate some teams staying outside the resort.

“It wouldn’t make sense for them to stay in Salisbury if all of the games are here,” he said. “That’s the concept here.”

After considerable debate, the council voted 5-0 with Council President Lloyd Martin and Councilman Tony DeLuca absent to approve the $18,000 contribution to the June basketball tournament.

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Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – School system officials reappointed Superintendent Donna Hanlin to another four-year term this week.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Board of Education voted unanimously to reappoint Hanlin July 1 to another four-year term as superintendent of Wicomico County Public Schools.

Bill Chambers, president and CEO of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, and Mike Dunn, president and CEO of the Greater Salisbury Com-

mittee, threw their support behind Hanlin’s reappointment.

“As someone who’s been all over the state of Maryland in my career, we are fortunate to have one of the top education leaders in the United States at the helm of this school system, and she needs to continue in that leadership role as long as she wants to,” Cham- DR. DONNA HANLIN bers said.

Dunn noted the many things Hanlin had done for the school system.

“This is the best superintendent

February 14, 2020

we’ve had in Wicomico County in a generation,” he said. “Leadership is nothing to be taken for granted, and these last couple of months have shown how important leadership is.”

Dunn also recognized Hanlin for supporting both the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Salisbury Committee as both organizations spearheaded efforts to create the Wicomico County Education Foundation.

“We did that in no small part because of who the superintendent was,” he said.

In a statement this week, officials

noted increases in high school graduation rates, kindergarten readiness and teacher retention as part of Hanlin’s Imagine 2022 vision plan.

“I am honored to have been appointed to a second term as Superintendent of Wicomico County Public Schools,” Hanlin said. “The ongoing support of the Board, our staff and the confidence of the community energizes me to continue to lead our public schools. Together we have made great progress, but we still have work to do to accomplish the goals established in Imagine 2022 to benefit our students and our community.

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You must see this gorgeous bayfront 4BR/3BA corner condo! Fully furnished

by Bethany Resort Furnishings, wellappointed, meticulously maintained, never rented. Amazing bay views from living room and master bedroom.

3 blocks from boardwalk, entertainment, restaurants. $615,000

Dock Your Boat Here!

Swann Keys on the Water

Nice, well-kept single wide 2BR/2BA with additions on permanent foundation. Sold fully furnished. New bulkhead 2011. New roof 2017. Well run established community with plenty to do. Nice pool. Low DE taxes and HOA. Short ride to Fenwick, OC, great restaurants. Come see all that Swann Keys has to offer. Dock your boat right outside of your new home! $249,900

NEW CONSTRUCTION The Latitudes Townhomes Bayfront 25th Street

TINA BUSKO, REALTOR 865-300-5609 | Tina.Busko@LongandFoster.com

Mary McCracken

REALTOR®, AGENT, OFFICE TOP PRODUCER Licensed In MD & DE • 410.430.7302 Mary.McCracken@longandfoster.com Search All My Best Buys At: www.MaryMcCracken.com

590 OCEAN PARKWAY, OCEAN PINES

• 3 Bed/3 Bath • 30 Year Architectural Roof • Direct Bayfront w/ Slip • No Shared Wall Construction OPEN • New 50 Year Bulkhead • Hardwood and Ceramic Thurs-Mon 10am - 4pm • 200' of Waterfront • Gas Tankless Water Heater • 2 Car Garage + Storage • Builder Warranty Only 6 Units Available - Starting at $646,250

3BR/2BA, One Level Home Renovated 2013! New additions include: dining room; spacious sunroom with tons of windows overlooking beautiful yard with large deck and patio; master bath with luxurious 2 person jet spa tub, double sink, large step in shower, massive custom walk-in closet; man cave work shop with heat/air.

Peaks of golf course from backyard, canal view from front porch. Just .5 miles to Yacht Club. $300,000

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Beautiful 5BR/3.5BA Toll Brothers Home with expanded square footage and premium builder upgrades. Perfect location close to pools, club house, gym, tennis court and park amenities. $450,000

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Premiere oceanfront building, 98th Street with half acre deck, heated outdoor pool, tiki bar and grill, year-round indoor pool, hot tub, restaurant.

Two 2BR+Den/3BR, 2BA condos available starting at $435,000.

LONG & FOSTER REAL ESTATE, INC.

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

11701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 (O) 410-524-1700 Steve Mastbrook,

REALTOR®

Licensed in Maryland & Delaware

CELL 302-604-2694

• steve.mastbrook@lnf.com

INTO A BEACH HOME!

IT’S TIME TO SET SAIL

DELAWARE

Deer Point Townhouses 94th Street, Ocean City

Angelfish 133rd Street, Ocean City

Marlin Cove III 120th Street, Ocean City

105 Upshur Lane Berlin

Outstanding buy! Great bay and canal views.

Great buy in a well-maintained building. Large (824 3BR/2.5BA. Fantastic views from 1st floor deck. Top SF) 1BR condo with 2 full baths. Large living /dining floor view of bay! Deeded boat slip right out back area. Just 1 block from beach! Faces east to enjoy door! $337,900 sunrises. Under building parking. $179,900

Magnificent 1364 sf, 2BR/2.5BA townhome close to shopping, fine restaurants, just 3 blocks to beach!

Community pool. Superbly maintained, non-rental, comes fully furnished. $249,900

Delightful 2BR/2BA single family home with garage close to downtown. Exceptional condition! Paid-for solar panels. Office off kitchen. Lovely sunroom.

Fenced back yard. NO HOA. $229,900

Jack & Joan Walter

WOODLAND PARK

SHADY PARK SELLER WILL ENTERTAIN ALL REASONABLE OFFERS. METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED 3BR/2BA HOME IN SELBYVILLE. SO MANY UPDATES AND PERSONAL TOUCHES EVERYWHERE. LARGE CORNER LOT WITH EXTENSIVE HARDSCAPE CONCRETE PATIOS, WALKWAYS, BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING, EXTRA LARGE SHED. $179,999

MALLARD LAKES INVITING 2BR/1.5BA WATERFRONT TOWNHOME WITH SUNROOM AND LAKE VIEWS. BRIGHT, CHEERY FURNISHINGS AND ALL THE EVERYDAY NECESSITIES INCLUDED WITH SALE. TWO POOLS, TENNIS, PLAYGROUNDS AND MUCH MORE, ALL JUST MINUTES FROM DE AND MD BEACHES. $209,900

WELL MAINTAINED SPACIOUS RANCHER ON LARGE CORNER LOT. 2 CAR GARAGE. PARKING FOR 10+ CARS ON OVERSIZED PAVED SIDE DRIVEWAY. 3BR/2BA, LARGE ROOMS, SUNNY ENCLOSED BACK PORCH. WELL ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOOD WITH NO HOA FEES. $279,900

FRANKFORD GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY OR FULL TIME HOME CLOSE TO DE BEACHES. OVER 1/3 ACRE, SEPARATE FRAMED OUT GARAGE SPACE READY TO FINISH. 3BR/1BA. UPDATES INCLUDE NEWER CARPET, KITCHEN COUNTERS, FRESH PAINT, TUB AND VANITY TOP IN BATH. $149,900

MARINA AT PEPPERS CREEK

PRISTINE CONTEMPORARY RANCHER LOCATED ON LARGE CORNER LOT IN QUIET COMMUNITY WITH POOL, FITNESS CENTER, PIER, KAYAK LAUNCHING, FISHING. 3BR/2BA. NICE OPEN FLOOR PLAN. UPGRADED KITCHEN. OFFICE/SUNROOM. OUTSIDE DECK. $359,900

OYSTER ROCK LOCATED ON NICELY LANDSCAPED CUL DE SAC LOT, HOME FEATURES CONVENIENCE OF SPACIOUS ONELEVEL LIVING WITH 3BR/2BA ON 1ST FLOOR, PLUS 2ND FLR BONUS ROOM ABOVE ATTACHED 2-CAR GARAGE. GREAT OPEN FLOOR PLAN. $359,900

MARYLAND

443-497-1902 REALTORS

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Georgetown by the Sea

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Fantastic water views! Direct bayfront 1st floor 2BR/2BA condo. Private balcony has steps to bayfront boardwalk for crabbing and fishing.

Secluded cul de sac location, very little traffic. $249,500

Glimpse of ocean from balcony. 1BR/1BA condo.

Large sundeck, outdoor pool, 2 elevators, short walk to ocean. HVAC replaced 2019. Appliances and hot water heater 3 years old. $145,000

Salisbury

Carousel

Large corner lot, many upgrades! 4BR/2BA home.

Fireplace in living area, central air, public water & sewer, basement, attic with stair access. Close to shopping and medical facilities. $245,900

Joint Venture, partial ownership, 4 rotating weeks, 1 each season. Oceanfront 2BR/2BA condo.

2 balconies, one oceanfront, one bay view.

Well known building with many amenities. $17,000

OUTRIGGER

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JUST STEPS FROM OCEAN, NORTH OC 1BR/2BA CONDO COULD BE PERFECT BEACH GETAWAY. WELL MANAGED BUILDING AMENITIES INCLUDE FITNESS CENTER, OUTDOOR POOL, HOT TUB AND YEAR ROUND LAP POOL. ENJOY OCEAN BREEZES FROM YOUR BALCONY. $169,900

EASTERN SHORE LIVING AT ITS FINEST! 5BR/5.5BA BRICK COLONIAL HOME SITUATED ON 6 ACRES OF BAYFRONT PROPERTY NEAR ASSATEAGUE ISLAND. PRIVATE PIER. INDOOR POOL WITH RETRACTABLE ROOF AND WALL OF WINDOWS TO ENJOY SUNSETS ON BAY. $1,295,000

SPINNAKER TOP FLOOR WEST END CONDO IN MASONRY AND BRICK ELEVATOR BUILDING IN GREAT MID TOWN LOCATION. THIS WELL CARED FOR 2BR/2BA CONDO IS SPACIOUS AND BRIGHT, WITH AN UPDATED KITCHEN AND NICE OCEAN VIEWS. $319,900

TIBURON

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GREAT MIDTOWN LOCATION, STEPS TO BEACH, 1BR/1BA END CONDO. PLENTY OF LIGHT, RECENTLY UPDATED KITCHEN AND CARPET. BUILDING HAS POOL, ELEVATOR, NEW ROOF, RESURFACED EXTERIOR. ENJOY OCEAN VIEWS FROM LARGE BALCONY AND DINING WINDOW. $185,000

THE VIEW YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR! 2BR/2BA SECOND FLOOR CONDO, SOUTHERN EXPOSURE, UNOBSTRUCTED BAY VIEWS. WELL MANAGED COMMUNITY, GREAT CENTRAL LOCATION, JUST BLOCKS FROM BEACH, RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING. $279,900

Tim Meadowcroft REALTOR® MARYLAND & DELAWARE

2011-2018 Top Office Agent 2018 Long & Foster Coastal Region Top 10 Producing Agent

CELL: 443-235-7266 OFFICE: 410-520-2704 timothy.meadowcroft@lnf.com

Page 24

Motorcycle Chase Charges OCEAN CITY – A Selbyville man faces over two dozen charges, including fleeing and eluding, after allegedly leading resort police on a “cat and mouse” high-speed chase on a dirt bike around north Ocean City.

Around 12:15 p.m. on Monday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the north-end observed a red dirt bike-style motorcycle operated by Simon Dentremont, 19, heading south on Coastal Highway around 130th Street. The officer observed Dentremont was not wearing a helmet, nor did the motorcycle have a headlight, side mirrors, brake lights or turn signals, according to police reports.

Dentremont made a U-turn at 120th Street and headed north on Coastal Highway as the officer followed with his vehicle’s emergency lights and siren activated. According to police reports, Dentremont looked back at the officer and increased his speed. He reportedly drove through the left turn lane at 130th Street to avoid vehicles stopped at the red traffic signal and proceeded through the red light.

He then utilized the bus lane to pass slower-moving traffic on the right between 130th and 134th streets. Dentremont turned east on 134th Street, then north on Wight Street, which runs north and south closest to the beach.

The officer turned off his emergency lights and siren and continued to follow Dentremont from a safe distance.

According to police reports, Dentremont continued to travel in a random pattern around Wight Street and the surrounding side streets. It became apparent Dentremont was taunting OCPD officers to continue to pursue him. At times, Dentremont would drive away from the officers pursuing him, only to

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

turn back around and drive past them again in an attempt to get them to pursue him, according to police reports.

With the officer in pursuit, Dentremont traveled north on Coastal Highway and turned west on Route 54 in Fenwick Island. The officer positioned his vehicle at the intersection of Route 54 and Dukes Avenue near the state line and picked up the pursuit again when Dentremont traveled south on Dukes Avenue.

According to police reports, Dentremont traveled east on 146th Street, driving up on the grassy center median in order to pass the officer. He then drove on the sidewalk along 146th Street at Lighthouse Avenue. Dentremont then drove back on Coastal Highway southbound and a concerned citizen advised officers the motorcycle had stopped at a restaurant parking lot at 136th Street. The officer located Dentremont at the parking lot attempting to hide between a dumpster and a bush, according to police reports. When the officer approached the suspect, Dentremont fled and led police on a brief foot chase before being apprehended.

Dentremont was found to be in possession of a vape-style smoking device containing marijuana THC. Dentremont

told police he understood his rights and agreed to speak with the officer, who asked pertinent questions about the motorcycle, his driving actions and his fleeing and eluding.

Dentremont reportedly told police he had purchased the motorcycle just three days prior from an unknown seller and that he did not have title for the vehicle, nor was it insured. He told police he drove the motorcycle to Ocean City from his home in Selbyville and admitted he was “just having fun,” and agreed he was playing a “cat and mouse game,” with police.

According to police reports, Dentremont told the officer he planned to drive the motorcycle on the beach if he had to during the pursuit. The game only ended when the motorcycle experienced engine trouble and stopped in the restaurant parking lot. All in all, Dentremont was charged with 28 counts including fleeing and eluding, possession and numerous traffic violations.

Switchblade Pulled In Grocery Store Argument OCEAN CITY – A Millsboro man was arrested for allegedly carrying a concealed deadly weapon last weekend after allegedly pulling a switch-

February 14, 2020 blade on another man during a verbal argument at a north-end grocery store.

Around 10:45 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a grocery store at 118th Street for a reported weapons violation. The officer met with the alleged victim, who reported Edgar Rios-Couvertier, 27, had pulled a knife out of his pocket and displayed it to him during a verbal argument at the store.

According to police reports, the victim had been in an argument with Couvertier, who said “you think you’re tough,” and approached him with the knife he had taken from his pocket and switched to the open position. Couvertier was reportedly an employee of the grocery store.

The officer approached Couvertier, who was still standing on the north side of the entrance to the store. The officer placed Couvertier in handcuffs and asked him where the knife was, according to police reports. Couvertier pointed to his right pants pocket and the officer was able to locate the black and silver switchblade. After reading Couvertier his rights, the officer spoke with the suspect about the incident. The officer activated the switchblade and the knife came out of the inside of the handle.

According to police reports, the alleged victim was uncooperative in giving a written statement and told police he did not want to pursue charges for assault. Nonetheless, Couvertier was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon.

Indecent Exposure Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested on indecent exposure and other charges last weekend after allegedly dropping his drawers in front of a crowd and police officers outside a downtown bar.

Last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling in the downtown area when he observed Matthew Burke, 29, of Delta, Pa., stumbling on the sidewalk outside a bar on 8th Street. Burke was accompanied by two other individuals who were reportedly attempting to get the intoxicated suspect in a cab to return to their hotel room. However, the stumbling Burke advised his friends he was going to walk back to the hotel, according to police reports.

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February 14, 2020

when he reportedly heard the crowd in front of the bar begin to yell. When the officer turned around, he observed Burke standing on the public sidewalk with his pants down around his knees, exposing his buttocks to the crowd and the officer. Burke then turned around and exposed his private parts to the crowd and the officer, according to police reports.

Burke attempted to pull his pants back up and walk away, but due to his level of intoxication and the position of his clothing, he was caught quickly by the officer. According to police reports, when the officer told Burke to stop, he dropped his pants again, revealing his private parts to the officer.

Burke then tried to run away from police again, but because of his level of intoxication and the position of his pants, he veered to the right, lost his balance and fell down in a nearby gravel parking lot. Burke was arrested and charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

Laundromat Theft Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Salisbury woman was arrested on theft charges last week after allegedly swiping another woman’s clothes from a dryer at a north-end laundromat.

Around 1:25 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the area of 143rd Street for a reported theft. The officer met with a victim who reported she had placed her clothes in a dryer in the laundromat at 143rd Street around 11 a.m. The victim reportedly told police she observed a woman, later identified as Cecilia Briddell, 58, of Salisbury, in the laundromat at the time.

The victim told police she left the laundromat and returned about 40 minutes later and discovered her clothes were no longer in the dryer where she had left them. According to police reports, the victim told the officer she saw Briddell walking north on Coastal Highway from 143rd Street.

The victim approached Briddell and discovered she was in possession of two grocery bags and a trash bag full of clothes. The victim asked Briddell if the clothes were hers, to which Briddell reportedly said, “If these are your clothes, then go ahead and take them back,” according to police reports.

The victim confirmed that the clothes in the bag belonged to her and discovered Briddell was allegedly still wearing one of the victim’s headbands she had stolen from her, according to police reports. It was later confirmed the victim’s boyfriend also had clothes mixed in with the victim’s clothes left in the dryer. The estimated value of the combined clothes was around $500.

Briddell was detained and later admitted she had taken the victim’s clothes from the laundromat. She was arrested and charged with theft less than $1,500 and theft less than $100.

Cocaine Found In Traffic Stop OCEAN CITY – An Ocean Pines

WE’RE BACK

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch man was arrested on cocaine distribution charges last weekend following a routine traffic stop in Ocean City.

Around 12:30 a.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer on patrol in the area of 27th Street observed the male passenger in a vehicle enter a room in a nearby motel and come back out around two minutes later. The officer reportedly observed the vehicle speeding and conducted a traffic stop.

The officer issued a warning and said she was free to go. However, the officer asked the driver if he could search the vehicle and she agreed.

The officer observed an open can of beer on the floor of the vehicle near the passenger, identified as Kevin McNellis, 27, of Ocean Pines. At that point, McNellis was arrested for an open container violation.

During a search, the officer observed a short plastic straw with white powder residue on it along with $280 in cash. As McNellis was being placed in a transport vehicle, he reportedly told police there was something else in his pants, according to police reports. The officer located five individually wrapped baggies of suspected cocaine packaged in such a way to suggest distribution, according to police reports.

At first, McNellis told the officer he had just purchased the suspected cocaine from a dealer at the hotel. When pressed further, he reportedly admitted selling an “eight ball,” or roughly 3.5 grams of cocaine to someone at the hotel. He was arrested and charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

One Month For Sofa Stabber OCEAN CITY – An Ocean Pines man, arrested in January after allegedly stabbing a sofa with a knife during a dispute over stolen cash, pleaded guilty this week and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Around 1:10 a.m. on Jan. 10, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a reported assault and malicious destruction of property that had already occurred. Ocean City Communications advised a knife had been involved in the incident and provided the responding officers with a description of the suspect. When officers arrived on scene, they observed a male suspect matching the description, later identified as Michael Larock, 36, and detained him on the curb.

OCPD officers interviewed the female victim, and when they entered the unit, they observed the handle of a kitchen knife sticking out of the back of a sofa. The victim told police she and Larock had been in an argument because she had a $100 bill in her wallet that had disappeared.

As the victim was calling 911, she walked back into the living room and discovered a kitchen knife had been stabbed into the sofa. Based on the evidence and testimony, Larock was arrested and charged with assault and malicious destruction of property. He pleaded guilty this week to a separate charge related to the incident and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Page 25

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Mixed Reviews For Heavy Metal Playground In Berlin Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

An example of the construction equipment on site at a Heavy Metal Playground is pictured.

Photo courtesy of heavymetalplayground.com

BERLIN – A proposal to bring a business that gives people the chance to play with construction equipment to Berlin got mixed reviews from town officials this week.

Frederick resident Mark Stevanus discussed plans to bring Heavy Metal Playground, a business that gives people the chance to scoop dirt, stack tires and smash cars with heavy equipment, to Berlin with members of the town’s planning commission on Wednesday.

While there was interest in the idea, commission members couldn’t get past noise concerns.

“I love the concept but people would have our heads,” commission member Ron Cascio said.

Stevanus told the commission he

February 14, 2020

currently operated Heavy Metal Playground in Boonsboro and had wanted to set a up a location in the Ocean City area for some time. With the help of NAI Coastal, he identified a potential location on the north side of Evans Road, just west of the railroad tracks.

Commission member Newt Chandler owns the property and recused himself from Wednesday’s discussion.

Before Stevanus even launched his presentation, commission members brought up the issue of noise. According to Stevanus, he uses the Bobcat E35, which he described as a small machine that emitted noise in the 78 to 93 decibel range. For comparison, he said a vacuum cleaner was 80 decibels while 93 decibels was the equivalent of a lawnmower.

He said he’d operated the Boonsboro location for three seasons successfully and had hosted corporate events for companies such as Google, Amazon and Cisco. He said the facility was also used to certify and train individuals interested in getting jobs operating heavy equipment.

“There’s only a couple other businesses like it in the United States,” he said.

When asked about the beeping noise typically heard when heavy equipment backs up, Stevanus said that for the most part the Bobcats would be stationary, as the cab was capable of spinning around while the machine itself was still. He said he planned to start with four machines and hopefully increase from there.

“If there’s a demand we want to grow our business,” he said.

Commission member John Barrett, who lives near the proposed location, was quick to object to the proposal.

“It’s a terrible location…,” he said.

“It’s a residential area. It just doesn’t seem close to being the right fit.”

He said he’d have to visit the existing Heavy Metal Playground to actually judge the amount of noise such a business would produce.

“I don’t want to be disruptive,” Stevanus said. “That’s why we’re here, to have this discussion.”

He added that the other location had not received complaints but that it was in a busier area.

Commission member Pete Cosby said he shared Barrett’s worries.

“I like the idea,” he said. “I think it’s a unique business. I’d love to get this around our town. I think it’d bring people in and people would love it. I think it’s very interesting. But I’ve got to be convinced the noise is not going to disrupt.”

When asked about the possibility of modifying the exhaust on the machines to make them quieter, Stevanus said that wouldn’t work because they were leased machines.

Cascio encouraged Stevanus to look for a more suitable location in Berlin.

“Come back with a better location or Tesla bobcats and you’re in good shape,” Cascio said.

Deer Harvest Numbers Up In Local Counties

February 14, 2020

BERLIN – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported Thursday that deer hunters harvested 79,457 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept.

6, 2019 through Jan. 31, 2020.

The statewide harvest included 29,233 antlered and 46,777 antlerless white-tailed deer, plus 1,552 antlered and 1,895 antlerless sika deer. The overall harvest was 3% higher than the 2018-2019 total of 77,382 deer.

Hunters harvested more than 5,000 deer on Sundays. Hunting deer on Sunday is only permitted during certain weeks in 20 of Maryland’s 23 counties.

Many factors affect the annual deer harvest, including weather, the amount of natural food available to deer and the economy as it relates to recreational time available.

“We are pleased with the results of this year’s overall deer harvest,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said in a prepared statement.

“Maryland’s deer population remains very healthy, and deer hunters continue to play the most critical role in the management of this important species.”

The harvest in deer management Region A (Western Maryland) decreased 12%, from 9,705 deer last year to 8,534 this year. Poor weather conditions on key hunting days contributed to the region’s harvest decline. Hunters in the western counties reported 5,056 antlered and 3,478 antlerless deer.

Hunters in Region B — the remainder of the state — harvested 70,923 deer, up 5% from 67,677 deer harvested last year. A total of 25,729 antlered and 45,194 antlerless deer were reported in this region.

Frederick County led the harvest totals again this year with 6,358 deer, followed by Carroll County with 5,553 and Baltimore County at 4,969. Garrett and Washington counties rounded out the top five with 4,607 and 4,041 deer, respectively.

In Wicomico County, total harvest data for whitetail deer shows a 2.9% increase in 2019-20 compared to the 2018-19 season. Total harvested whitetail deer was 2,938 compared to 2,855 the season prior. The sika deer harvest in Wicomico increased from 191 last season to 197 this year.

In Worcester, the total whitetail deer harvested increased 3.4%, from 3,306 last season to 3,418 this season. Sika deer jumped from 48 last season to 116 this year.

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www.mdcoastdispatch.com

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Early Work Underway For Pocomoke Library Changes

Page 28

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Library officials this week highlighted ongoing efforts to complete pre-design work for a shared facility in Pocomoke.

On Tuesday, Library Director Jennifer Ranck provided the Worcester County Library Board of Trustees with an update on pre-design work for a proposed shared facility in Pocomoke.

For years, the library system has identified a need for significant renovations and an addition at the Pocomoke branch.

The library, which opened in 1970, received an 1,800-square-foot addition in 2004. A 2013 facilities study, however, identified building improvements for the library as the second

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

most critical need behind the replacement of the Berlin branch.

Last fiscal year, two building schemes – one with a 2,500-squarefoot addition and another with a 4,000-square-foot addition – were developed for the Pocomoke library.

However, officials learned that both options came with a price tag exceeding $5 million.

Instead of moving forward with the proposed addition at the current facility, Library Director Jennifer Ranck went before the commissioners in December with another option – to consider a parcel of property offered by the City of Pocomoke. The property, located on Willow Street, is currently home to the Corner Sanctuary Pocomoke Community Garden.

“We wouldn’t be on the main drag

anymore, but we would be in an area that would lend itself to some partnerships,” she told the board this week.

Ranck’s proposal, which was approved unanimously, recommended moving forward with a site study and environmental testing of the property, as well as hiring an architect to complete preliminary design concepts of a shared facility that would host both the library and a senior center. The commissioners also suggested the library explore the possibility of sharing a facility with the Worcester County Health Department.

“The county’s really just given me the okay to look into it,” she said.

“There’s no guarantee … This is all just sort of information gathering, but it’s exciting.”

Late last month, Ranck met with

February 14, 2020

representatives from the Worcester County Commission on Aging and the Worcester County Health Department in a kick-off meeting to discuss the various needs of each agency.

She told board members this week that both the library and health department identified a need for at least 10,000 square feet of space in a new facility, while the senior center identified a need of roughly 4,000 square feet.

“There’s space on the current library property to expand,” she said.

“I think we would have room for at least 10,000 square feet there. We wouldn’t move for the same amount of space.”

Ranck said the three agencies were working alongside Jeff Schoellkopf of The Design Group to develop preliminary design concepts for a new facility, which would be presented to the board next month.

“We are going to see if we can make all three things work,” she said.

Ranck also noted that elected leaders in Pocomoke had suggested a community input session for residents.

“I think we can definitely do that, but I think we definitely want to be further along before we start that,” she said.

“Let’s get some sketches together and see what’s actually possible on this parcel.”

Startup Program Applicants Sought

SALISBURY – Applications are being accepted for the 14th round of funding through Salisbury University’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship program from Feb. 24April 6.

Business startups throughout the Mid-Atlantic are eligible to apply for their share of $200,000 per academic year. Selected entrepreneurs will have the chance to exhibit and present their proposals to the Shore Hatchery advisory board for consideration Thursday, May 7, at SU’s Perdue Hall.

Participants will pitch their business ideas to the board during a “Gull Cage” competition similar to the format used for the hit ABC-TV show Shark Tank.

The Ratcliffe Shore Hatchery program was established with the foundation’s initial $1 million contribution in 2013. In 2017, the Ratcliffe Foundation announced a second $1 million gift to continue the Shore Hatchery through spring 2023. It is administered through SU’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business.

For application materials visit https://webapps.salisbury.edu/perdue/sh.

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

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City, State To Split Cost To Replace Fuel Tanks Tourism Corridor

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week signed off on a roughly $300,000 unanticipated expenditure to cover the city’s share of replacing four underground fuel storage tanks at the public works complex near 65th Street.

For the last year and a half or so, the city’s main public works campus on the bayside roughly between 64th and 67th streets has been undergoing a major overhaul and expansion. Among the components of the vast, $25 million complex is an overhaul of the city’s fuel depot including the canopy, gas pumps and underground tanks.

There are four underground tanks at the facility that provide fuel to the city’s vast fleet of vehicles including public works trucks and equipment, police and

emergency services vehicles and the municipal buses, among others. During the design phase of the project well over a year ago, the four tanks, including two 8,000-gallon tanks for gas and two 8,000-gallon tanks for diesel, were inspected and approved.

However, now that the fuel depot element of the overall campus project has begun, the four tanks were recently tested again and were found to be failing. Public Works Director Hal Adkins explained the situation to the Mayor and Council on Tuesday.

“We’re now about 71 weeks into the campus project,” he said. “It’s been about three years since the tanks were inspected and tested. With the fuel depot portion of the project now underway, they were tested again and failed and have been pumped out and taken out of the ground.”

Adkins explained the fuel tanks were one of the first elements installed when the city took over an old amusement park property at the site nearly four decades ago.

“Those four underground tanks at 65th Street date back to 1983 or so,” he said. “That was one of the first projects undertaken when the town took over the Playland property.”

The four tanks have since been removed and need to be replaced at an estimated total cost of $608,605. Adkins requested an appropriation of around $304,000 from fund balance, or the town’s 50% share of the overall project.

Because the fuel depot and the underground tanks serve the town’s municipal bus service and transit system, the Maryland Transit Administration will provide the 50% match. The council voted 5-0 to approve the expenditure.

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February 14, 2020

Signs Approved

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week endorsed a state Tourist Area and Corridor (TAC) signage program identifying major attractions in and around the resort area.

The TAC concept, which will design, create and install highway signs for tourist-based attractions around the state, was first pitched at least four years ago, but the project was stalled over funding concerns. The TAC is a plan to eliminate some of the existing signs that direct tourists and visitors to attractions throughout Maryland with a unified, easily-recognizable sign program.

Working with Ocean City’s tourism department and the Worcester County tourism department, the State Highway Administration (SHA) has identified several attractions within Ocean City and in the surrounding area for the new signs. Among the locations chosen in the downtown Ocean City area are the Inlet, the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum, Sunset Park, the Ocean Bowl Skate Park and the public fishing area along the bay adjacent to the downtown recreation complex.

Further uptown, the new TAC signs would direct visitors to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the Center for the Arts at 94th Street and Northside Park, for example. The TAC program locally is not limited to Ocean City municipal limits. For example, over in West Ocean City, the new signs would direct visitors to the Ocean City Municipal Airport, Eagle’s Landing Golf Course, the Veterans Memorial at the airport and the Chamber of Commerce’s visitor center along Route 50, for example.

TAC Project Manager Stephen Hollie told the Mayor and Council this week SHA had reviewed 10 applications from the resort area for the tourism signage program, of which eight were approved, one was approved with conditions and one was denied. The application for the Veterans Memorial at the airport was approved with conditions while the application for the Performing Arts Center was denied because it did not meet certain TAC criteria in terms of public availability on a daily, routine basis.

“They need to have random visitation,” said Hollie. “The attractions cannot be limited to certain hours or by ticket sales in advance.”

SHA will pay for the design, creation and installation of the TAC signs. There is no cost for local jurisdictions, other than occasional repairs and maintenance. SHA officials on Tuesday were merely looking for an endorsement from the Mayor and Council in the form of a letter. The council voted 5-0 to approve the program locally.

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Page 32

Wicomico Council Supports Student Transportation Bill

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

Legislation Seeks More Flexibility

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County last week agreed to send a letter of support for proposed legislation that could improve student transportation.

Last week, representatives from Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) came before the Wicomico County Council seeking support for proposed state legislation permitting alternative modes of student transportation.

According to the Code of Maryland Regulations, often referred to as COMAR, school systems can utilize two types of vehicles – school buses and taxicabs – to transport students to or from school or school-related activities. While a school system can seek a waiver from the state superintendent to use alternative vehicles, that approval does not permit transportation to and from school.

Desmond Hughes, transportation services director for WCPS, told the council last week that those regulations were incongruous with federal mandates.

“It’s a very antiquated law,” he said. “It’s just not kept up with the federal mandates imposed upon us.”

Hughes noted the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act states homeless children must be provided transportation to and from school, allowing students to attend their school of origin regardless of where they sleep at night.

“If the child lays their head in our county, we have a shared obligation of getting that child to their school of origin,” he said.

To that end, the school system is responsible for transporting students in and out of the county on a daily basis.

“Currently, we have 378 homeless requests for the school year, 43 of those are students who are temporarily residing in this county and we’re having to get them outside of the county, to Somerset County, Seaford school district, Indian River, Georgetown, and various other districts outside of the county, as well as transporting 39 of our students from outside of Wicomico County back into Wicomico County,” he said.

For the last five years, WCPS has requested a waiver from the Maryland State Department of Education to transport these displaced

students using vans.

“It’s not always feasible, nor is it practical to be able to use the big school bus to get these students wherever they’ve got to go,” he said.

However, Hughes said the waiver does not allow these vans to deliver students directly to the school.

Instead, students are dropped off at a bus stop in their attendance area.

“What we’ve been doing is skating around the law to try to be in compliance with the law,” he said.

“This legislation would certainly clean up things for us.”

The proposed legislation would authorize a county board of education to provide transportation to and from school for certain students – namely homeless youth, children in foster care and students receiving special education services – using other vehicles when a school bus or taxicab cannot reasonably be provided.

“This proposed legislation that Delegate [Carl] Anderton has in the works would allow us some flexibility in being able to provide transportation to our most vulnerable population,” he said.

Councilman Ernie Davis questioned if the school system was getting paid to transport students to other school districts. Hughes replied that there was no federal funding and that vans were purchased through the school system’s general fund.

“It’s a federal, unfunded mandate that we have to provide,” he said.

Hughes noted, however, that costs are often shared among school districts or reimbursed. He said many students are transported from Wicomico County to other school districts during the week because they are residing in homeless shelters.

“We have many more shelters within our county that the neighboring counties do not have,” he said.

Micah Stauffer, chief finance and operations officer for WCPS, said the goal of the legislation is to better provide for families in transition using transportation that is readily available.

“Hopefully this legislation will help so we don’t have to go and get a waiver from the state superintendent each and every year to make these things happen,” he said.

Following further discussion, the council agreed to send a letter in support of the proposed legislation.

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Officials Looking To Exhibit Mural Inside Berlin Library

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – One of several murals created late last year through a national art project could soon be installed at the Berlin library.

Late last year, community members joined Tim Gibson, artist and founder of the Ten Thousand Flowers Project, to create public art installations for the town of Berlin and the Worcester County Developmental Center.

The Ten Thousand Flowers Project, formed in June of 2018, is an initiative to bring communities together by creating one large mural consisting of 10,000 flowers spread over hundreds of small towns across the country.

Gibson began his East Coast tour last June, going from town to town and creating flower murals with the help of those in the community. And in November, he teamed up with Berlin Arts & Entertainment, local artist Jon Donato and the Worcester County Developmental Center to begin painting two large murals.

One of those murals is now install-

Individuals are pictured putting their talents to use last year creating a piece of public art under the auspices of the Ten Thousand Flowers Project.

Submitted Photo

ed along a wall at the developmental center. The second mural, which was painted on a series of portable panels, could soon be installed at the Berlin branch of the Worcester County Library.

This week, the Worcester County Library Board of Trustees agreed to

move forward with having the mural installed along a wall in the branch’s upstairs meeting room.

Director Jennifer Ranck said Donato and Robin Tomaselli, a member of Berlin Arts & Entertainment’s executive committee, approached the library system with a proposal to install

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“They were looking for a public space in Berlin to bring this project together …,” she said. “They want people to see it, so his idea was to put the panels in the meeting room.”

While the panels were too big to be displayed in a visible area outside of the library, Ranck said the mural could be moved to an exterior location in the future.

“The idea is you could put it in here and maybe eventually put it outside … ,” she said. “I think they were excited about this possibility of putting it in Berlin and having Berlin listed as one of these places that has this project.”

In an interview this week, Tomaselli said Berlin Arts & Entertainment selected the library as a potential site for the new mural after receiving input from the community.

“Berlin Arts & Entertainment asked the public which area of town they would most like to see these murals installed and overwhelmingly the response was the Berlin library,” she said. “We think it will be perfect there.”

Tomaselli said the panels will have a visual impact at the library.

“The installation transformed a room at the developmental center into a happy space,” she said. “I think it will do exactly the same thing at the library.”

Spray irrigation Concept in pines Sparks Concerns

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – County plans to explore irrigating the Ocean Pines Golf Course with effluent from the community’s wastewater treatment plant have become a hot topic in the Pines.

Ocean Pines Association (OPA) officials discussed the proposal with county staff during a meeting of the Ocean Pines Water and Wastewater Advisory Board on Monday, according to a release from OPA. The discussion came as a result of a decision by the Worcester County Commissioners last month to allow staff to explore the possibility of irrigating the Pines course with effluent, similar to practices in place at other local golf courses. When asked about the issue this week, Commissioner Chip Bertino stressed that the idea was simply being explored.

“This is certainly a topic of interest in the Ocean Pines area,” Bertino said.

“I’ve heard concerns raised about this issue but at this point we haven’t discussed it as a body to decide which direction we want to go in.”

In January, Worcester County Public Works Director John Tustin told the commissioners his department wanted to look into the possibility of spraying effluent at the Ocean Pines Golf Course. He said the county had had success spraying at Eagle’s Landing, River Run and Glen Riddle. Tustin said irrigating the course with effluent would have practical and environmental benefits, as it would reduce nutrient discharges into the Saint Martin’s River and reduce the use of groundwater for irrigation.

At Monday’s meeting, John Ross, the county’s deputy director of public works, told Ocean Pines officials that $25,000 for a preliminary study would be proposed in the 2020/2021 Ocean Pines Service Area budget. If approved, those funds would be available in July. After that, he said the county would look for grants and/or bond money to overhaul the irrigation system at the golf course.

“The existing system is more than 50 years old and cannot handle spraying treated effluent,” the release from OPA reads. “According to Ocean Pines records, the association has spent upwards of $850,000 for repairs and maintenance of the system, since 1992, for an average of about $30,000 per year.”

During Monday’s meeting, Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola said that while the association supported the initial study more information was needed. According to OPA, the association will host a town hall meeting in the future to “educate the public on the proposal.”

Selbyville Welcomes Café: Synergy Café hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Bethany-Fenwick Area

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Obituaries

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Christopher Joseph Davis MARS HILL, N.C. – Christopher Joseph “Chris” Davis, 50, of Mars Hill, N.C., was killed in an auto accident the night of Friday, Jan. 31, 2020, while on his way home from work, having just learned of his father’s passing the night before.

Chris grew up in Ocean City and is a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School.

He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Davis; his children, Arias Abbruzzi Davis, Chiara Abbruzzi-Davis, River Abbruzzi-Davis, Thomas CHRISTOPHER Kelly, Noah Davis and JOSEPH DAVIS Paxton Davis; and his girlfriend, Eliza-

beth Heck. He is also survived by his Aunt Linda Barris, Uncle John Barris and cousins Keith Barkley and Edward Walters. He was predeceased by his father, John “Jack” Davis. Chris’s life was devoted to all of his children, his parents and the life he was building in Mars Hill.

There will be no service at this time.

A celebration of Christopher’s life will be planned in the near future to take place near Ocean City.

The family plans to start a fund to assist Chris’ surviving minor children, Noah (9) and Paxton (5).

February 14, 2020

John Lee Davis BISHOPVILLE – John Lee (Jack) Davis, 74, of Bishopville, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Ellen Davis. His son, Christopher Davis, tragically died one day later in an automobile accident.

He is also survived by Christopher’s children, Arias Abbruzzi Davis, Chiara Abbruzzi-Davis, River Abbruzzi-Davis, JOHN LEE DAVIS Thomas Kelly, Noah Davis and Paxton Davis; his sister Bonnie Faulk and husband, David; niece Jenepher Esser and husband Tom; grandnephews TJ and Toby; grandniece Bonnie Esser; nephew David Faulk and his wife Samantha; and grandnephews DJ and Caleb.

Other family members include Linda and John Barris, Keith Barkley, Edward Walters and a host of cousins. He was predeceased by his father and mother, John and Isabel Davis.

Jack had been an enthusiastic member of Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department, where he was affectionately known as “Rubber Legs,” and active in the Ocean City Cruzers Classic Car Club. He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and never left the place of his last duty assignment in Ocean City. His life was all about the

preciousness of the family he built with his wife, his son, his grandchildren, his dog Frisco and his 1969 Chevelle.

There will be no service at this time.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be planned in the near future to take place near his beloved Ocean City, where he lived for over 50 years.

The family plans to start a fund to assist Christopher’s surviving minor children, Noah (9) and Paxton (5).

Betty J. Walker GLEN BURNIE – Betty J. Walker, 87, of Glen Burnie, passed away at her home on Jan. 20, 2020.

She was born in Hanover, Pa., the daughter of the late Norman and Gladys Wentz. She had the sweetest personality and was an avid animal lover. She retired from C & M Kemp Company in Glen Burnie and Rite Aid in Berlin. She moved to Berlin in 1996 and moved to Glen Burnie in 2015 because of health issues.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Walker; her children, Rynd (Diane) Walker, Bruce (Joan) Walker, Barbara (Jack deceased) BETTY J. Wisniewski and Patty WALKER Walker; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

A funeral was held at Singleton Funeral Home in Glen Burnie on Jan. 24, 2020.

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.

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February 14, 2020

Cash For Life Ticket Sold In Salisbury SALISBURY – A lucky Maryland State Lottery Cash4Life player who bought a ticket in Salisbury will earn $1,000 a day for life, the state agency announced this week.

The celebration is just beginning for an unnamed lucky player who bought a ticket in Salisbury for the Tuesday, Feb. 11 drawing. That ticket matched all six of the winning numbers and delivered the daily game's top prize of $1,000 a day for life.

The lucky ticket was sold at Winter Place Market on Hobbs Road in Salisbury. The Lottery encourages the winner to sign the back of the ticket immediately and keep it in a safe location. The ticket can be redeemed at lottery headquarters in Baltimore.

The winner has 182 days from the drawing date to redeem the ticket and will have a choice to receive $1,000 a day for life, paid in annual installments of $365,000 (before taxes), or a onetime payment of $7 million (before taxes).

The lucky retailer is a winner as well. For selling the top-prize-winning ticket, Winter Place Market will receive a $7,500 bonus from the Maryland Lottery. Cash4Life drawings are held nightly at 9 p.m. and tickets are $2. Players select five numbers from a range of one to 60, and one Cash Ball number from a range of one to four.

Regional Digest The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this week announced new striped bass conservation measures for the spring 2020 fishing season to meet a coast-wide conservation target.

The 2018 benchmark stock assessment for striped bass indicated declines, so the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has determined that conservation measures are needed for the 2020 fishing season. The conservation goal set by ASMFC is to reduce the total number of striped bass that are killed by fishing activities. This means reducing the number of fish that are harvested and the number of fish that die after being caught and returned to the water, known as dead discards.

Maryland’s management changes

Page 37

Dune Patrol Volunteers Needed

follow numerous meetings and discussions with stakeholders and a month-long public comment period, and were developed using the best available science and decades of experience. Measures for spring are designed to protect large migratory spawning fish as they enter the bay.

The implementation plan was reviewed and approved by ASMFC’s Striped Bass Technical Committee and the ASMFC Board on February 4.

In addition to a cut in the commercial quota, targeting of striped bass by the recreational sector will be prohibited starting April 1, including a prohibition of trolling, and the spring trophy season will be delayed until May 1.

Limits are one fish per person at a 35inch minimum. These rules will be in effect until May 16.

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City is seeking volunteers for the Ocean City Dune Patrol.

These volunteers will be assigned specific dune areas to help keep the dune area clean of trash and debris, and inspect the integrity of the fences, crossovers and vegetation.

“They are our eyes on the frontline,” said Ocean City Environmental Engineer Gail Blazer. “We are looking for a dedicated group of individuals who take the time to clean up the dune areas and keep them in presentable condition so that all can enjoy the beach.”

The volunteer efforts by the Dune Patrol are a valuable asset to the Ocean City community. The patrol, which performs clean-ups according to their own schedule and availability, are essential in keeping the dunes healthy and stabilized.

If you want to join the Dune Patrol or need more information call the Town of Ocean City’s Environmental Engineer Gail Blazer, at 410-289-8825.

County Treasurer’s Office Staying Put SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners voted last week to maintain the county treasurer’s office location at the Isle of Wight Center.

The commissioners are no longer planning to move the office to an underutilized computer room at the Ocean Pines branch of the Worcester County Library. The decision came after the county was made aware of certain lease restrictions in place at the library.

“There was a lack of due diligence,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “We just didn’t know.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting, citing calls and emails he’d received from people objecting to the proposed move, made a motion to have the treasurer’s office remain at the Isle of Wight facility and stop pursuing a move to the library. The motion passed unanimously.

Officials had initially proposed the move as a way to get the treasurer’s office location out of the aging Isle of Wight building and into an easy-to-access facility in the northern portion of the county. Bertino acknowledged that improvements might have to be made to the Isle of Wight facility now that the office was to remain there.

“There needs to be work done to fix things and I think that’s going to have to happen,” he said.

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Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Artist Jean Frank worked with the Ocean Pines Public Works Department to paint the entrance signs to a community in Ocean Pines.

Submitted Photo

Resident Puts Painting Skills To Use In Pines

February 14, 2020

BERLIN – Local painter Jean Frank recently noticed the old entrance signs to the Wood Duck neighborhood were looking a little worn down.

Frank, believing she could lend a hand – or a brush – reached out to Ocean Pines Public Works and volunteered her services to redo the paintings.

“I was tired of looking at it!” she said with a laugh. “I was actually going to do it last spring, and then things got busy and it got very hot, but I had a lull this winter.”

Frank and her husband moved from Frederick to Ocean Pines about three years ago. A self-taught painter, Frank said she’s been making art for as long as she can remember.

“My father was a draftsman, so I think I picked some of that up from him,” she said. “Around 1993, I started creating works from photos I had been taking, and I entered different art shows and art organizations over the years.”

Frank was president of the Frederick County Art Association on two separate occasions. She also worked at the Delaplaine Arts Center for almost two decades, managing their Gift Gallery that showcased roughly 200 visual artists.

Turning her sights to the Wood Duck signs, Frank called Public Works and asked if she could repaint them.

“They were like, ‘Oh, okay, great!’” she said.

Repainting the two signs took about two weeks. While the old images were fairly simple paintings of a mallard duck floating in a small pond, Frank’s update added more color, depth and detail, especially along the breast, flank, wings and crown.

The paintings were sealed with a weatherproof varnish, and Public Works installed the panels and new plexiglass covers on Friday, Feb. 7, Frank said.

“The neighbors are thrilled,” she said. “I don’t know if other people notice that much outside of our neighborhood, but it means a lot to us.”

For more on Frank’s artwork, her original jewelry is on display at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street, and more of her paintings can be seen on her website, www.jeannoelart.com.

Once the weather warms up, Frank will also return to the Ocean Pines Farmer’s Market, where she annually offers face painting for children.

“Certainly, I’ll be back face painting in April, and that’s a lot of fun. The kids love it!” she said. “It’s so cute to see their smiling faces.”

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

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… City, County Partnership On Inflatable Race Unlikely

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 7 they will stay in Ocean City, not West Ocean City. I think it’s a great event and I’m happy the county is working with partnering with Ocean City. It just needs to be in town to get my vote.”

For his part, Perlozzo said partnerships are needed to bring in large regional events, not just from a financial standpoint, but from a logistical standpoint as well.

“I understand and appreciate the philosophical discussion,” he said.

“When I go out to recruit an event, there aren’t always the amenities

this week’s

needed in that host community, so we look for partnerships. We have an opportunity to bring USA Volleyball here.

Do I want to put that in Snow Hill?”

Perlozzo said his only motivation was to bring an event of the caliber of the Great Inflatable Race to the region for the benefit of all of the partners.

“I want to capture this event,” he said.

“I want to get them here and keep them here. I don’t want to let this one get away. I understand the political side of it, I’m just trying to do the job for all of us.”

While stopping short of calling the rift between Ocean City and the coun-

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ty just petty differences, Gehrig said those issues need to be set aside from time to time for the greater good.

“We’re not going to be a sports destination if everything has to be held within the borders of Ocean City,” he said. “This is one small piece of a much larger puzzle, but this is symbolic of a larger issue. I hope we’re not saying if this isn’t in Ocean City then we’re out.

I’m hoping that’s not the case.”

Dare reiterated he was having trouble justifying spending tax money for an event outside the county.

“I’m not representing the members of the Chamber of Commerce up here,” he said. “I’m representing the taxpayers. The tourists might not know where that line is, but our residents and property owners know they get a tax bill from Ocean City every year. I love the event, just bring it into town.”

Gehrig said that thinking was shortsighted and his motivation was growing the entire area as a sports marketing destination, even at the cost of losing potential votes.

“You mention taxpayers who put us in office,” he said. “I’m not afraid of not getting re-elected in November. We can look back at Feb. 11 and say this is our mindset. This type of thinking has led to our problems. We’ve been fighting about tax differential for decades. Maybe its time to try different strategies. It’s okay to have partners.”

February 14, 2020

It’s important to note Gehrig’s private company has a small role in the proposed event in terms of providing technical support for marketing. For that reason, he briefly considered recusing himself from the pending vote. Instead, he vowed to donate any potential gain from the event to youth sports and other charities, which would allow him to vote.

James said his position was less about the simmering feud with the county and more about the simple economics of subsidizing an event in West Ocean City on one of the bigger weekends of the year in the resort.

“I’m all for new ideas, I just don’t think we’re going to see any benefit for our $25,000 on a Saturday in late June,” he said. “People are going to stay in hotels just a mile from the event. That’s just how I feel about it.”

Perlozzo emphasized he merely did not want to let an event with the size and stature of the Great Inflatable Race to get away and vowed to work with the promoter on an alternative location within Ocean City.

“My intent is to bring a great event here,” he said. “These things don’t come up very often. I will go back to the promoter and work on finding a way to bring this into Ocean City.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the town’s $25,000 contribution contingent on the event being moved into Ocean City’s city limits.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Page 42

The Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

West OC-Based Event Questions Have Merit HOW WE SEE IT

The Ocean City Mayor and Council is not confident an event held in West Ocean City will bring enough business to Ocean City to merit $25,000 in funding support.

The county is looking to land the Great Inflatable Race at a price tag of $65,000. The fun run features huge inflatables and will be located for one day on a West Ocean City school’s grounds. After a lot of discussion, the council approved the $25,000 expense recommended by the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) if the event is moved into Ocean City. The county point person, Rec Director Tom Perlozzo, said he would talk with the promoter and return if the event could be on the beach or another resort site.

The council was right to have concerns about this event’s return on investment for Ocean City businesses and taxpayers.

Ten years ago, we believe the council would have funded this proposal.

Before the new hotels and restaurants in West Ocean City, it would have been a safe assumption Ocean City would have gotten a lot of business from a few thousand-people taking part in the event. It’s anything but a given during the last week of June. With a couple hundred lodging units – more than 100 built within the last few years -- in West Ocean City and dozens of places to eat, there’s no guarantee people would frequent Ocean City. Therefore, spending $25,000 – 38% of the total price tag – on an event with an unclear economic impact was frowned upon this week.

Though the conversation this week shines another spotlight on the citycounty division, the more pressing matter in Ocean City involves TAB’s role with these sorts of events. After hearing the proposal and vetting it, TAB rec-

ommended the council give $25,000 to the event. If the tourism folks backed it, we think the recommendation should mean something. We question how much of an economic impact the event will truly have on Ocean City operations, but if the tourism people think otherwise their opinion should carry weight. We would be more amenable to giving it a chance if the business community is confident the one-time seed money will be worth it. Council members say TAB is not elected by the citizens and does not have the same responsibility to the electorate.

While that’s true, it’s understandable TAB may take umbrage at this event’s denial. It’s not the first time a TAB recommendation has not been greenlighted. The good news for TAB is its request to provide $18,000 for basketball flooring to keep a growing tourney solely in Ocean City did get funded.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Hold Judges Accountable For Their Light Sentences Editor: Each week, I read the Coast Dispatch from front to back. The news keeps me updated on events at my home away from home and provides a valuable service. While I enjoy the news regarding local events, I can’t help but being fixated and frustrated on a weekly basis when I get to the “Cops And Courts” portion of the paper.

In practically every issue there is a list of people who chose to do incredibly stupid and dangerous acts. The hard-working men and women in law enforcement do their job and apprehend the offenders. Yet when it gets to the judicial phase, a mere slap on the wrist is handed down. The sentences are certainly not a deterrent to crime.

In fact, I would say the light sentences may even invite criminals to Delmarva for the lack of any real consequences for bad behavior.

Let’s use the Jan. 31 issue as an example. A 25-year-old man is arrested for assaulting his girlfriend and while dealing with the assault allegations, police discover a handgun in his possession which is loaded with a round in the chamber. Bad things would happen to him, right? Nope. One-year probation is it.

Next up there is the woman who was pulled over for driving with a broken windshield. As the Officer investigated this case, he determines that the smell of marijuana is coming from the car. The driver refuses to exit the car as instructed and she forcibly pushes the officer away. The background check on her reveals a suspended li-

cense which she has been cited for four times in the past year. Big troubles would come her way, right? Nope. Probation for a year.

Lastly, there is the woman employed as a caregiver who was hired to tend to a terminally ill woman. As they were dealing with the loss of their loved one, family members discovered that the caregiver had helped herself to the patient’s credit card. Instead of doing her job of taking care of the patient, she felt it more important to go shopping for beauty products and spa treatments, all on the victim’s credit card. Surely, this major crime would be handled in a serious manner. Nope. A sentence of 120 days, of which the judge suspended 90 days. So, 30 days for stealing from the helpless and dying. This turns my stomach. Whomever said crime doesn’t pay, has not experienced the criminal justice system around here.

I would like to see the Coast Dispatch start printing the names of the judges who hand down sentences to criminals, along with their contact numbers. Readers like myself who get disenchanted with the nonstop wrist slaps of criminals could call the judge and ask for an explanation. It is time we get serious about dealing with criminals.

M. Scott Chismar Crofton and Ocean City

Wind Turbines Should Be 33 Miles From Shore Editor: (The following letter was addressed to Maryland Public Service Commission Executive Secretary Andrew Johnston.)

This communication is in reference to the following cases: 9628: US Wind Maryland Lease Area Project and 9629:

Skipjack Delaware Lease Area Project.

On behalf of the over 1,000 members of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®, I submit this letter in support of the Town of Ocean City’s request for reconsideration of the approved distance between the municipality and the Skipjack and U.S. Wind offshore wind farms, as well as the newly proposed size of the turbines, making them the tallest structures in the State of Maryland. We request that these turbines be moved at least 33 miles off the shore, so they may not be viewed from the beach, thus resulting in minimal to no impact to Ocean City’s viewshed. At stake is the real estate industry in Ocean City, which saw over $505.5 million in residential and commercial transactions last year, and is an integral cog in the economic engine of the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Our association and members are wholly supportive of renewable clean energy projects; however, it has been proven in a number of recent studies that wind farms can negatively impact surrounding property values, as well as tourism activity. For example, a 2017 study conducted by North Carolina State University showed that 55 percent of existing customers of three North Carolina rental agencies would change their vacation destination if visible wind turbines were placed offshore (Lutzeyer, Phaneuf, & Taylor, 2017). These customers were provided with visualizations of wind farms of varying size and proximity to the shore. According to the results of the study, the negative effects of the wind farms are primarily attributable to the proximity of the farm to the shore, SEE NEXT PAGE

February 14, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

rather than the number of turbines.

Another study conducted by Clarkson University in 2011 used data on over 11,000 property transactions conducted over nine years near new wind facilities in northern New York (Heintzelman & Tuttle, 2011). The study found that the nearby wind facilities significantly reduced property values, and the scope of the reduction was based primarily on the proximity of the property to the facilities.

Another study conducted by Appraisal Group One in 2010 regarding real estate sales near the Blue Sky Green Field Wind Farm and the Forward Wind Farm, both in Wisconsin, showed reduced values ranging anywhere from 12 percent to 40 percent, depending on the property’s proximity to the wind farms (Kielisch, 2011).

All of these studies have one glaring thing in common: the closer a piece of property is to a wind facility, the lower its value. Are there studies out there which state that wind facilities have no impact on property values? Yes; however as proven in a 2018 study conducted by the University of Wisconsin, the impact of a wind farm on surrounding properties may be heavily dependent on the willingness of the local municipality to host the wind farm (Vyn, 2018).

Ocean City has stated numerous times that the town is supportive of offshore wind energy as being a viable source of clean energy; but town officials, residents, and visitors clearly are not willing to sacrifice Ocean City’s natural Atlantic view. The Coastal Association of REALTORS® and the local real estate industry are fully supportive of the town’s position and we reiterate their legitimate and relevant concern that these turbines will forever change one of Ocean City’s most valuable assets – its viewshed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Joe Wilson Ocean City (The writer is the president of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®.)

Happy Trees Are Gone

Editor: Good things came to me, even though it wasn’t meant for me.

I personally want to thank everyone who had a voice or any other input to clear the woods behind the new library that made clearance visible from where I live Austin Circle to Main Street.

I had voiced my opinion with a couple of articles that was printed in the newspaper about 12 or 13 years ago.

I was concerned about my house and my safety if any those tall trees had fallen my way. My bedroom with my bathroom could have been damaged with me inside.

I thank God the wait is over and the results are so beautiful and no one lost their life in the process. From the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate the outcome behind my house.

Now it is more like living in the city limit than in the country surrounded

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

by a forest. I watched as the process of taking the trees down played out.

My heart was so happy. I am just as happy as if the trees were taken down 12 or 13 years ago as I wanted at that time.

The wait was worth it all. God has taught to wait in life and the wait sometimes will be in my favor. What was done wasn’t done for me per say, but that’s what I wanted all the time before the library went up. Love you all Worcester County people.

Pat Purnell Hingleton Berlin

Support For Eviction Bill

Editor: (The following letter was addressed to Delegate Kumar P. Barve.)

On behalf of the 1,000 members of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®, the leading real estate trade association on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, I write in support of HB0227/SB0176, Wicomico County – Landlord and Tenant – Repossession for Failure to Pay Rent – Procedures.

The proposed legislation not only provides for more efficient eviction procedures for our members who operate rentals in Wicomico County, it also provides increased protections for consumers, reduces blight in our neighborhoods, and frees up local law enforcement so they may tend to our communities and residents.

Existing state law requires a landlord to remove a tenant’s belongings on the day of the eviction. Those belongings are placed outside for two days, during which time they are a blight to the neighborhood, they are pilfered by passersby, and they are vulnerable to the elements. After two days, all items are removed by the landlord and are transported to a landfill, donated, or disposed of by some other legal means. During the eviction, the presence of a Wicomico County Sheriff’s Deputy is required to ensure removal of all belongings from the property occurs without incident. In some cases, this process can take several hours.

The proposed legislation provides the tenant with 14 days’ notice prior to the eviction that they must remove their belongings from the property. If their belongings are still in the rental on the day of eviction, the landlord and Sheriff’s Deputy simply change the locks on the residence and all items therein become property of the landlord.

For landlords, this legislation makes the eviction process more efficient.

For renters, this legislation allows for sufficient notice to remove their belongings from the property. For the local Sheriff, this legislation frees up valuable law enforcement resources and time.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter.

Joe Wilson Ocean City (The writer is the president of the Coastal Association of REALTORS®.)

Page 43

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Just because the Town of Berlin released numbers this week on revenue projections from potential property tax increases doesn’t necessarily mean they will happen. It does seem highly likely, however.

Town officials all but assured property owners another tax increase was coming this year on the heels of last year’s 18% hike, but they indicated last year it would not be as large. At this week’s meeting, the reality of a smaller tax increase seemed to play out with data being provided on what it would mean for the town’s revenue if the current property tax rate of 80 cents per $100 of assessed valuation was raised to 83 cents ($130,879 new revenue), 85 cents ($218,132) and 87 cents ($305,384), respectively. The annual tax bill for a property assessed at $275,000 is currently $2,200 at a tax rate of 80 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The property tax payouts at the proposed new tax rates of 83 cents would be $2,282.50; at 85 cents would be $2,337.50; and at 87 cents would be $2,392.50.

My nickel bet would be property taxes are headed up at least five cents this year – which would be an increase of 6%. The bigger question and unknown at this time is what utility fees will be increased by the town this year. I would bet another nickel the town’s residential and commercial stormwater fee will see major increases this year to help make it self-sustaining rather than needing general fund dollars to stay solvent every year.

On the budget front, Berlin Councilman Thom Gulyas was active on social media this week. He has been frequently reacting with laugh emojis on this paper’s Facebook page when citizens post comments in response to stories about the town. Though the emojis were deleted later in the week, Gulyas posted on his councilman Facebook page about the ongoing budget process.

“I just want the citizens of Berlin to know that while the Mayor of the Town of Berlin must, by charter, create a budget each year for the town, it’s not cast in stone,” Gulyas wrote. “Anyone who has ever worked on a budget knows that you’ve got to have a starting point somewhere. Well, respectfully, this is where the Mayor feels the starting point needs to be.

That’s all this is. A starting point. It is ultimately up to the Council Members to review these recommendations from the Mayor and then act upon them. This Mayor and Council will be more than welcoming to hear any positive input from the public.”

While he’s right it’s a fluid process in its early stages, the property tax rate is going up this year. If it’s needed to repair roads while stabilizing reserves, then so be it. The town has been clear there will be two years of property tax increases. Nobody likes spending more money than the year before if what’s coming in is not increasing too. This seems to be the source of concern for many in largely blue-collar Berlin, which has a high senior population on fixed incomes, derived mostly from Social Security payments.

What I seek throughout this budget process is an assurance this property tax hike trend will not continue next year. Some town officials have called this process a rightsizing of the tax rate because it should have been gradually increased over the years to keep up with rising costs rather than remaining flat. It’s a debatable position, but clearly three consecutive years of property tax rate increases coupled with utility fee hikes would be unfair and too much to ask of the property owners.

Though Berlin and legislative officials as well as residents have been advocating for changes to the intersection of Route 113 and South Main Street, it would be wrong to think a stoplight will be a result of the current evaluation by the State Highway Administration (SHA).

Senator Mary Beth Carozza confirmed this week SHA officials are reviewing accident data and traffic volume for the intersection. When the assessment is complete, SHA will reportedly weigh in on recommendations for possible safety improvements if funding is available. With last week’s fatality putting a spotlight on the intersection, it’s a worthwhile review by SHA. Similar evaluations have been done in the past and volume numbers did not support a new traffic light be added. Therefore, it stands to reason expectations should be tempered somewhat unless traffic volumes have surged. An argument could be made traffic has become more robust in recent years.

Those favoring a light be placed at the intersection only need to look to the south 12 miles though for hope. After years of concluding accident data and traffic volume didn’t warrant one be constructed, SHA did just in 2013 approve a traffic light at the Routes 113 and 12 intersection after years of hearing from the community about safety concerns. Back in 2013, SHA reported about 8,000 vehicles passed through the intersection each day and 60 accidents had occurred at the intersection in about six years.

Many in Berlin, especially school bus drivers and parents of students at nearby schools, are hoping SHA will see fit to add a light like it did in Snow Hill. I hope I am wrong, but I don’t think it will happen. A more reasonable expectation may be lighting enhancements and other safety measures to improve visibility.

Students

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

In The News

A talented group of Colleen McGuire's engineering students, Worcester prep juniors Nathan Oltman, Hunter Gentry and Will Mears, show off their ingenuity and fine craftsmanship skills with three of their practical and functional class projects.

The Department of the Navy recently awarded Worcester Preparatory School senior Frank Carter a full, four-year Navy ROTC Scholarship to attend Notre Dame University. The award was presented in December while attending the Army/Navy Game in Philadelphia. Last week, Carter also received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Carter has not decided where he will attend next fall.

Submitted Photos

Fourth grade readers at Berlin Intermediate School are going above and beyond in reading. Each of these students exceeded 100 hours of reading so far this year, averaging to more than one hour of reading per day for the first half of the school year. This group has read 25 more hours than what was expected of them.

Students in Kristie Fogle's second grade class at Ocean City Elementary School work together to solve addition equations on an empty number line. Pictured are Taylor Snyder, Conner Vaughan, Allison Schaeffer and Jessica Scrimgeour.

Worcester Prep senior Kathryn Marini, right, and junior Sophia Ludt were selected to serve on the Delaware Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Board, along with a small group of other juniors and seniors from Sussex County. These students, representing public, private and parochial schools, will experience what it’s like to be philanthropists in the community. The foundation gives the board $10,000 to award to local charities. The students work together to choose a focus area, solicit and review grant applications, conduct site visits and decide how to distribute the money to have the greatest impact.

In addition, Marini was nominated as a candidate for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation's highest honors. The program annually recognizes up to 161 distinguished

Stephen Decatur High School 10th grade student Jake Gillespie visited the Maryland State House in Annapolis Feb. 7 and was escorted on a personal tour of the state's many historical displays and documents. He was the guest of Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and Del. Charles Otto. The visit was part of his government service project requirements at SDHS. Pictured, from left, are Carozza, Gillespie, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams and Otto.

seniors who represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 812 of Berlin are shown with their collection of personal items collected for overseas active duty troops through the Operation We Care program. Pictured, from left, are Julia Kozma, Stephanie Sampson, Summer Brenner, Summer Banks, Paula Magathan, Emery Busko and Evelyn Walsh.

Community Health Survey Input Sought

February 14, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Health Department is seeking input from community members on issues related to health.

Officials with the Worcester County Health Department are encouraging community members to complete a brief online survey for its Community Themes and Strengths Assessment, created to identify assets in the community and issues that are important to community members.

“It’s the first of four assessments we’ll do throughout the year to assess the health of the community,” Jennifer LaMade, director of planning, quality and core services, said. “This is an opportunity for the community to share their perceptions of health in Worcester County.”

Health Planner Jackie Ward noted community participation is critical in identifying and addressing the most important health issues in Worcester County. She said the online survey consists of 38 questions focused on quality of life, community health and health issues, and demographic information.

“All of the responses are confidential,” she said, “so we are asking that people be as open and honest as possible.”

The Community Themes and Strengths Assessment is part of a communitydriven strategic planning process used by public health leaders to improve community health.

“We do this assessment every three to five years,” LaMade explained. “Our last Community Health Improvement Plan was done in 2016 and published in 2017.”

Following the assessment process, officials review both qualitative and quantitative data and identify the most important issues facing the community. The Community Health Improvement Plan lists priority health issues and develops goals and strategies for addressing each priority area.

“As a health department we don’t want to create a Community Health Improvement Plan without the community,” LaMade said. “It’s a community-based plan and the more feedback we get only makes it a stronger plan.”

LaMade noted the health department hopes to collect 550 responses for the Community Themes and Strengths Assessment. She noted the last survey amassed roughly 450 responses.

“The higher the percentage of the population that completes the survey, the stronger our data becomes,” she said.

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit www.worcesterhealth.org. The survey will be open throughout the month of February.

“The survey is open to anyone that lives, works or plays in Worcester County,” Public Affairs Officer Travis Brown said.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 45

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Page 46

Sports

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

Mallards Edge Jaguars, Holly Grove In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team edged Salisbury Christian at home on Senior Night last Friday, followed by a road win against Holly Grove on Monday.

The Mallards are now 2-1 after the long holiday break and 10-8 overall on the season. On Senior Night last Friday, Worcester edged Salisbury Christian in a close one, 42-39. The Mallards led 14-10 after one quarter, but the two teams were tied at 20-20 at the half.

Salisbury Christian outscored Worcester in the third quarter and took a 28-26 lead into the final period.

However, the Mallards outscored Salisbury Christian, 16-11, in the fourth and held on for the 42-39 win. Ryan Cronin and Michael Wehberg each scored eight points in the win, while Mason Brown added seven, Brice Richins scored five and Connor Carpenter added four.

Back in action on Monday, Worcester edged Holly Grove, 49-45, in another close one. With the pair of wins, the streaky Mallards improved to 10-8 on the season, heading down the home stretch. The Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) playoffs get underway next week with opponents and locations yet to be determined for Worcester.

Worcester Girls Run Win Streak To Nine

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team ran its current season-high win streak to nine with a sweep of three games since the winter break.

The Mallards started the season with a five-game win streak, then stumbled a little through the middle with three losses in four games, including two against tough opponents in the Governor’s Challenge Holiday Tournament. Throughout the month of January, Worcester righted the ship with six straight wins before another pause for winter break.

Last week, the Mallards were back in action after the two-week layoff and picked right up where they left off.

Worcester beat Salisbury School on the road, 53-8, last Wednesday. On

Friday, the Mallards faced Salisbury Christian at home on Senior Night and rolled the Jaguars, 49-27.

Worcester led 10-2 after one quarter and took a 22-10 lead into halftime.

The Mallards really blew it open with an 18-4 run in the third. Salisbury Christian actually outscored the Mallards in the fourth, but the damage had been done and Worcester cruised to the 49-27 win.

Back in action on Monday, the Worcester girls rolled past Holly Grove, 52-22, on the road. With the threegame sweep in the last week, the Mallards improved to 15-3 on the season.

Worcester will face Salisbury Christian again next Wednesday in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) tournament semifinals at home. If Worcester advances, it will stay home for the conference championship game next Friday.

Worcester’s Carly Hoffman (1) and Emily Copeland (23) scramble for a loose ball during last Friday’s win over Salisbury Christian on Senior Night. Submitted photo

Seahawks Sweep Two, Remain Unbeaten

Stephen Decatur junior Nico D’Amico collected his milestone 100th varsity win last week with a victory over Reilly McIntyre of North Caroline. Pictured above, D’Amico shows off his plaque surrounded by family and coaches.

Submitted photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team remained unbeaten this week with a sweep of two Bayside Conference matches including wins over North Caroline and Bennett.

The Seahawks beat North Caroline, 56-12, last Wednesday. Austin Miller beat Jairo Tomas at 106, Logan Intrieri beat Sean Bunce at 113, Shamar Baines beat Dandy Scharf at 120 and Jagger Clapsadle beat Gus Clark at 126.

Nico D’Amico beat Reilly McIntyre at 132 for his 100th varsity win at Decatur. Kyle Elliott beat Thomas Bunce at 138, Noah Reho beat Rhian Silsley at 145, Alex Koulikov beat Shane Warren at 152 and James Parana beat Dakota Walton at 160.

After a loss at 170, Micah Bourne beat Trenton Hillard at 182, John Hofman beat Ross Nasser at 195 and Jonathan Church beat Chris Clarke at 220. North Caroline won the match at 285.

Against Bennett on Friday, the Seahawks beat the Clippers, 50-24, on the strength of the lighter weight classes.

Miller beat Emorraz Williams at 106, Intrieri beat David Shores at 113, Baines beat Donovan Grady at 120 and Clapsadle beat Adriel Reyes at 126.

D’Amico kept it going with a win over Julia Fitzpatrick at 132, Elliott beat Kenneth Cruz at 138 and Reho won by forfeit at 145. Bennett’s Aaron Torres beat Ethan Kalchthaler at 152, but Parana got Decatur back on track with a win over Hayden Victor at 160 and D.J. Taylor beat DaRon Fosque at 170. Bennett swept the matches at 182, 195, 220 and 285.

Decatur Girls Improve Record To 11-4

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team bounced back from a tough, one-point loss to Wicomico last week with a pair of impressive wins this week.

The Seahawks had won four straight heading into last Thursday’s contest with Bayside South rival Wicomico. The Decatur girls held a late lead, but couldn’t hold on and lost to the Indians by one point at 49-48.

Back in action at home on Monday against Bayside North power Queen Anne’s, the Seahawks quickly got back on the right track with a 51-40 win over the Lions. Nadia Bullock led Decatur with 17 points, while Mayah Garner added 13 and Sarah Engle pitched in nine.

A scheduling quirk had the Decatur

girls right back in action on Tuesday on the road against Mardela, a team they had beaten 82-12 back on January 10. It was more of the same on Tuesday as Decatur dispatched the Warriors, 73-8. Shelby Rosemond led the way with 17 points, while Bullock, Garner and Jessica Janney each scored 10. Engle and Summer Vorsteg each scored seven in the win over Mardela.

The Seahawks are now in a stretch where they have opportunities to avenge earlier season losses. Decatur played Bennett on Thursday in a game played too late to be included in this edition. They will face Easton on the road next Tuesday, followed by another road game against Parkside next Thursday. Bennett, Easton and Parkside have handed the Seahawks three of the four losses this season, a season the record for which now stands at 11-4.

Haueisen, Bounds Lead Seahawks Big Win February 14, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – With another strong performance by prolific scorer Drew Haueisen and a little help from a familiar face, Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team earned perhaps one of it most impressive wins of the season this week.

Last Thursday, the surging Seahawks let one get away against Bayside South rival Wicomico after leading the Tribe late. Decatur fell to Wicomico, 61-51, on the road. Back in action on Monday against Queen Anne’s on the road, the Seahawks jumped out to a big early lead and never looked back against the Lions on their way to a 75-57 win.

Queen Anne’s got on the board early, but the Seahawks reeled off an 18-0 run. Decatur led 23-5 after the first quarter. The Lions settled down and tried to scrap their way back into the contest, but the huge early lead was too much to overcome and the Seahawks cruised to the 75-57 win.

Haueisen, as he has done for much

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

of the season, was the focal point for Decatur’s offensive outburst, finishing with 25 points including 21 in the first half. Decatur also got a big boost from senior center Churchill Bounds, who transferred to Bishop Walsh in Cumberland this year, but returned to Decatur in mid-season.

Bounds was a key player in Decatur’s recent run of regional championships before transferring to Bishop Walsh this year. In his first game back with the Seahawks, he scored 13 points against Queen Anne’s on Monday.

Back in action on Tuesday, the Seahawks beat Mardela at home, 7363, for their second win in a row. The win avenged a 62-55 loss to the Warriors back on January 10. Decatur played Bennett at home on Thursday in a game played too late to be included in this edition. The Bennett game was the third of three straight home games to close out the regular season for the Seahawks, Decatur will face Easton at home next Tuesday, followed by a home game against Parkside next Thursday on Senior Night.

Seahawks Solid In 3A-Central Meet

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams turned in solid performances in the state 3A-Central Region meet last week with several top individual finishes.

On the girls’ side, Alyssa Romano finished 19th in the 500. Mary Mergott finished 14th in the 800, while Caroline Gardner was 19th. Mergott also finished 11th in the 1,600, while Gardner was 17th and Devon Kramer was 19th. Julia Carlson turned in Decatur’s best time in the 3,200, finishing 13th.

Alexandria Urbanski finished 15th in the 55-meter hurdles, while Summer Brenner was 17th and Ivorie Helmbright was 20th. The Decatur girls finished sixth in the 4x800 relay and 13th in the 4x400 relay. Taya Price finished sixth in the high jump.

Samuel Oates was seventh in the 55-meter hurdles. Zachary Fuchsluger was third in the high jump and Kai Ross was seventh in the pole vault.

Raul Gault finished 15th in the 500 and Samuel Woodley was 18th in the 1,600. Liam Foley was 19th in the 3,200. The Decatur boys finished 12th in the 4x200 relay and 13th in the 4x800 relay.

Ocean City Indoor Soccer Cup Underway

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The first leg of the Ocean City Indoor Cup indoor youth soccer tournament is in the books with champs crowned last weekend in several age and gender groups.

For over three decades, the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department hosted the annual St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament at Northside Park featuring around 150 teams from boys’ and girls’ youth clubs to adults over four weekends in February and March, culminating with a final round near the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

However, because the tournament grew by leaps and bounds over the years, the department separated the

event into two different events, including the Ocean City Indoor Cup and the St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament, loosely following the old format.

Last weekend marked the opening of the Ocean City Indoor Cup, with youth teams ages 10-14 competing in a variety of age and gender brackets all weekend culminating with championship games on Sunday. The Ocean City Indoor Cup resumes next weekend, February 21-23, for youth teams ages 15-18. The St. Patrick’s Day Tournament begins on the weekend of February 28 to March 1 with the adult co-rec division and over 30 other divisions. The St. Patrick’s Tournament concludes on the weekend of March 13-15 with the adult men’s and women’s divisions.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

PUZZLE ON PAGE 69

SHOWTIMES FEBRUARY 14-20

FANTASY ISLAND - PG-13 1:00 4:00 7:05 9:45 PARASITE - R 12:30 3:30 6:40 9:35

THE PHOTOGRAPH - PG-13 1:20 4:20 7:20 9:50

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG - PG 12:00 2:20 4:40 7:00 9:20 BIRDS OF PREY - R 1:10 4:10 7:10 9:40

BAD BOYS FOR LIFE - R 12:50 3:50 6:50 9:35

DOLITTLE - PG 11:45 2:10 4:35 7:15 9:45

I

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

remember a youth coach saying one time, “there’s no losing, only learning.” I recall not thinking a lot of that at the time because he had to repeat the message of “win or learn” after every single

loss.

As a coach now of young people, I have found myself saying some version of that to console players in recent years. I see the same look in their eyes as I probably had in mine. It’s understandable these kids would rather be winning than losing and there are times when nothing can ease the disappointment.

Age and perspective tells me, however, there’s a lot more to learn in a loss than in a win. If that’s true, the players I helped to coach in a soccer tournament last weekend are probably incredibly wise today. The two teams I coach with a friend each went 0-3 in the tournament. One team was outscored 27-3. The other team was outscored 22-5. It was a challenging weekend and both squads got destroyed.

Beckett doesn’t handle losing well.

After consecutive routs on Saturday following a 5-3 loss Friday night, my 11-year-old kid was beside himself. I could see it in his face during and after each game. He needed to vent.

As soon as he came off the field after the last game, he needed to vent. I told him, “not now,” let’s talk on the way home.

Before I could barely get a few words out about learning from this weekend and moving forward in a positive direction, he interrupted. I was expecting it. Truth be told, I wasn’t believing what I was peddling either.

Some of the points he made were.

“What did I learn in a 10-0 rout? How about that 12-2 loss? It was painful, and I played terrible. I am embarrassed.”

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It was one of those parenting moments requiring restraint. I needed to be mature. I couldn’t say what I was feeling. I had to refrain from pointing out he didn’t run as hard once we fell behind by a couple goals early. I couldn’t point out several of the players arrived three minutes before the game rather than the requested 30 minutes.

I had to ignore all mistakes made on the field. I had to channel my inner George from the Seinfeld episode, “The Opposite.” I had to be the dad.

I wanted to agree with everything he said. It was all terrible. I wish I had those nine hours from that weekend back. He did underachieve individually, and we played against teams too good for us. We did get slaughter ruled – “mercy rule” it’s called now – in two of our six games. It affected my psyche too.

What I said was altogether different. It was an unfortunate tournament for us, but there were positives. You had a nice goal in the first game. You got to have candy with friends at the end of the game. You were able to play with your teammates at Alley Oops. We now have off Sunday, which is going to be a beautiful day. We can play outside and forget all about it.

Prior to coaching I had always heard playing was a lot easier than coaching. I know full well that’s true.

The amount of restraint and patience needed with coaching is something I never appreciated while playing sports in recreation leagues, in high school and in college.

When I was an athlete, the perfect coach to me was someone who could marry the appropriate messages while making the sport fun. There needed to be a balance between the positive and negative. Praise was a welcomed thing if deserved, but some constructive criticism is also appropriate when the time is right.

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(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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My only expectation as a coach is for each player to give max effort.

I’ve learned that’s unrealistic when working with pre-teen kids. It would be wrong to assume they will always be entirely focused during practices (and sometimes even games). They will not always try their hardest. Playing hard and exerting maximum effort does not always represent fun to 9-, 10- and 11-year-olds. I’ve learned this the hard way and have tried to adjust my expectations.

I have to remember these kids, like adults, have a lot going on in their lives. Coming out to the soccer field or basketball court and working on drills – “boring” in their minds – is not fun.

Therefore, adjustments to practice routines can sometimes be needed.

When tweaks are made and the same foolishness and lack of effort exists is when I admit to losing my cool on occasion.

Another thing I’ve learned is I’m much more patient with other people’s kids than my own on this front.

Beckett has pointed that out to me multiple times. I must always keep that in the forefront because that’s being unfair to him. I can privately expect more from him, but I can’t let it be known to everyone when he’s not giving his all.

A couple days after that forgettable indoor soccer tournament, Beckett asked, “well what do you think I should have learned from this weekend?’ I answered to always give 100% no matter the score.

He then went on a 10-minute verbal diatribe about how that’s impossible and unrealistic. Restraint was once again needed.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 51

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Page 52

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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SUNDAY:

Opposite Directions, 2 p.m.

Team Trivia w/Chuck D, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY:

Dust N Bones Duo, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY:

Opposite Directions, 6 p.m.

$3 surcharge for entrees with steak & crab

TUESDAY: PRIME RIB NIGHT $17.95 WEDNESDAY: $6 BURGER & CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICHES ALL DAY THURSDAY: ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT RIBS & STEAMED SHRIMP $16.99 FRIDAY: FRIED OYSTER & SOFT SHELL ALL DAY/NIGHT Specials are not to be combined with any other offer, discount or coupon.Some restrictions apply. No substitutions, dine in only.

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February 14, 2020

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Who’s Where When 28TH/127TH ST. piT & pub 410-289-2020 443-664-7482 28TH ST. & COaSTal HWy. 127TH ST. & COaSTal HWy. Wednesdays: DJ Wax (28th St.) aTlanTiC HOTEl 410-641-3589 2 nORTH main ST., bERlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley Tuesdays: Bob Miller on Piano

OTTO GRundman Crabcake Factory: Thursdays

dj RObCEE Fager’s island: Saturday, Feb. 15

dj duSTy Clarion/Ocean Club: Every Friday & Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 16

buxy’S SalTy dOG/ dRy dOCk 28 410-289-0973 28TH ST. & COaSTal HWy. Friday, Feb. 21: Aaron Howell Duo ClaRiOn HOTEl 410-524-3535 10100 COaSTal HWy. Ocean Club: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 14-16: On The Edge Fridays & Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 16: DJ Dusty

CRabCakE FaCTORy baySidE 302-988-5000 RT. 54, FEnWiCk iSland, dE Friday, Feb. 14: Smooth & Remy Wednesday, Feb. 19: Rick & Lennon LaRicci FaGER’S iSland 410-524-5500 60TH ST. in THE bay Friday, Feb. 14: DJ Greg, DJ Hook Saturday, Feb. 15: Groovalicious, DJ RobCee, Rew Smith Sunday, Feb. 16: Everett Spells

GREEnE TuRTlE nORTH 410-723-2120 11601 COaSTal HWy. Friday, Feb. 14: The Rockoholics, 3 p.m.

DJ BK, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15: DJ Wood, 10 p.m.

blakE HalEy Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

dj bk Greene Turtle north: Friday, Feb. 14

dj TuFF Seacrets Friday, Feb. 14

dj billy T Harborside: Fridays & Saturdays

kEvin pOOlE Harpoon Hanna’s: Thursdays

GREEnE TuRTlE WEST 410-213-1500 RTE. 611, WEST OC Tuesdays: Bingo w/Blake Haley Saturday, Feb. 15: Sunny Side up

HaRbORSidE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Road, West OC Fridays: DJ Billy T, 4 p.m.

Saturday Feb. 15: Old School O.C., 2 p.m., DJ Billy T, 9 p.m.

aaROn HOWEll 45th St. Taphouse: Wednesdays

bEaTS by Wax pickles pub: Thursdays 28th St. pit & pub: Wednesdays

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

Who’s Where When Sundays & Thursdays: Opposite Directions Wednesday, Feb. 19: Dust N Bones, 6 p.m.

ON THE EDGE Clarion/Ocean Club: Friday-Sunday, Feb. 14-16

GYPSY WISDOM Seacrets: Saturday, Feb.15

HARPOON HANNA’S 302-539-3095 RT. 54 & THE BAY, FENWICK ISLAND, DE Friday, Feb. 14: Dave Hawkins, Glass Onion Saturday, Feb. 15: Dave Sherman Thursday, Feb. 20: Kevin Poole HOOTERS 410-213-1841 12513 OCEAN GATEWAY, RTE. 50, WEST OC Friday, Feb. 14: DJ BK Saturday, Feb. 15: Classic Vibe Sunday, Feb. 16: Trailer Park Romeo

GLASS ONION Harpoon Hanna’s: Friday, Feb. 14

RANDY LEE ASHCRAFT & THE SALTWATER COWBOYS Smitty McGee’s: Thursdays & Fridays Johnny’s Pizza & Pub: Wednesdays

JOHNNY’S PIZZA & PUB 410-723-5600 RT. 54, FENWICK ISLAND, DE Wednesdays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8TH ST. & PHILADELPHIA AVE. Friday, Feb. 14: Beats By Jeremy Saturday, Feb. 15: Beats By Adam Dutch Mondays: Karaoke W/ Jeremy Wednesdays: Beats By Skyler Thursdays: Beats By Wax

SMOOTH & REMY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Feb. 14

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4th Annual Ocean City Film Festival Announces Screenings

Page 54

OCEAN CITY – The 4th Annual Ocean City Film Festival will screen more than 100 films at popular venues in the resort March 5-8.

The festival will bring together film lovers and filmmakers from across the globe to Ocean City for this four-day special event. The Art League of Ocean City produces the festival along with broad community sponsorship.

Over four days, the festival will screen independent films spanning multiple genres — from feature-length to short horror to social commentary — at the Flagship Cinemas, Carousel Hotel, Fox Gold Coast Theater, Clarion Hotel and Seacrets. Local filmmakers, as well as filmmakers from across the country and around the world, submitted films that were specifically judged for the festival.

In addition, films with local interest were

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

curated by the Art League and will have their public debut at the Film Festival.

The Film Festival will kick off with a Hollywood-style opening reception on Thursday, March 5 at the Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City where film lovers party with filmmakers and celebrate the festival kickoff. The festival will conclude with the awards ceremony and party at Seacrets’ Morley Hall on Sunday, March 8. A panel of Eastern Shore media and arts professionals will judge the films and present the awards.

Maryland Film Office Director Jack Gerbes and other film industry professionals will lead a panel discussion on Saturday, March 7 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on creating and producing films.

Tickets are $99 for an all-access four-

February 14, 2020

Local artist Randy Hofman used his sand sculpting skills last week to carve out the Ocean City Film Festival logo in preparation for the fourth annual event, March 5-8 in the resort.

Submitted Photo

day pass that includes unlimited films, the opening “meet the filmmakers” re-

ception with hors d’oeuvres, the panel discussion, and the award ceremony; $20 for a one-day film-only pass; $69 for a four-day film-only pass. Tickets to the parties can be purchased separately for $25, and to the panel discussion for $10.

Tickets are available at OCMDFilmFestival.com, by visiting the Arts Center on 94th St., or by calling 410-524-9433.

Tickets will also be available at the film locations the day of the screenings on a cash-only basis. Several local hotels are offering discounted room packages for the weekend, posted on the festival’s website.

Hundreds of films were submitted to the festival, and Festival Director William Strang-Moya contributed to hand-picking the final selection.

“We have local films, films from all over the world, and films that can’t be seen anywhere else but in Ocean City at the festival,” Strang-Moya said. “The festival and our selection of films are truly getting bigger and brighter every year.”

The films that will be shown have not been rated, and some feature adult content. Viewer discretion is advised.

Sponsors for this year’s Film Festival include: The Town of Ocean City, The Aloft Hotel/Blue Water Group, BB&T, Carousel Hotel, Clarion Resort Hotel, Coastal Style Magazine, Delmarva Public Radio, The Dispatch, Fager’s Island, Flagship Cinemas, Marlin Moon/Harrison Group, Maryland Film Office, Ocean City HMRA, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Ocean City Today, Preston Automotive Group, Princess Royale, Real Hospitality Group, Residence Inn

by Marriott Ocean City, Seacrets, Ruark Group/Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse/Lighthouse Sound, Shenanigans, ShoreCraft Beer, Sun & Surf/Fox Gold Coast, Sunsations, Thrashers/Jolly Roger, Ward Museum, WBOC/WRDE, and Worcester County Tourism.

The inaugural festival was held in June 2017 and was the first of its kind in Ocean City. The 2018 festival moved to the off-season to better accommodate traveling filmmakers and filmgoers and to stimulate the local economy in a shoulder-season month.

More information, tickets, and links to hotel packages are available at OCMDFilmFestival.com.

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

News In Photos

The five winners of the Ocean City Elks Drug Awareness Program were recently recognized. There was a tie for first place in the essay contest between Catherine Cullen and Caitlin Shimko, front, for submissions from Worcester Preparatory School. Pictured, back from left, are WPS Head of Middle School Megan Wallace, Elks Drug Awareness Chairperson Chet Foster, Elks Exalted Ruler Kevin Matthews, Elks Drug Awareness Chairperson Linda Foster. Below, Linda and Chet Foster are pictured with the poster contest winners from Ocean City Elementary School, Lily Natalie Rados and Yomna Elgaddar. Bottom, the winner from Most Blessed Sacrament School was Isaiah Failla, pictured with Linda and Chet Foster. The students’ winning submissions will now advance to the district level.

The Delmarva Shorebirds Community Fund presented a $25,000 donation to Wicomico Recreation & Parks’ Field 7 ½ initiative. Field 7 ½ is designed to provide individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. With a location between existing fields 7 and 8 at the Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex, Field 7 ½ will become the hub facility for Challenger Little League on the Eastern Shore and include other special needs programs. Pictured above are Steve Miller, director of Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism, and Chris Bitters, general manager of the Delmarva Shorebirds.

Submitted Photos

The Executive Advisory Council of Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business recently recognized alumnus Dwight “Duke” Marshall for his contributions to the region, presenting him with the Perdue Executive Advisory Council Leadership Award.

Marshall is pictured above with SU President Charles Wight, left.

Grant Sought To Address Ocean Pines Drainage Concerns

February 14, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners authorized a grant application last week that could help with significant drainage improvements in Ocean Pines.

The commissioners voted unanimously to allow staff to apply for a grant in partnership with the Ocean Pines Association and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. If received, the grant would fund the retrofit of Bainbridge Pond and maximize treatment of stormwater runoff.

“This is the future and the future is here,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs.

“These kinds of efforts are going to become more commonplace for Worcester as we move forward to create resiliency within our communities.”

Mitchell said that because most of Ocean Pines was developed before stormwater regulations existed, much of the community was in need of retrofits, maintenance and upgrades to help alleviate flooding. The community worked with the county and River Run to make improvements to Beauchamp Road a few years ago and now plans to work with the developer of the Refuge at Windmill Creek — the former Pine Shore course — on this project.

“In this watershed we need 57% reduction in nitrogen and 39% reduction of

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

phosphorous so this project maximizes water quality treatment to stormwater runoff prior to entering the Shingle Landing Prong, which is a tributary to the Isle of Wight Bay,” Mitchell said. “The work will retrofit the existing Bainbridge amenity pond and its associated outfall channels within the Ocean Pines development.”

Mitchell said it would provide for new interconnections for runoff from Bainbridge Pond and other areas. A variety of stormwater features will be installed.

“Also we're doing improvements to the pond's outfall channels,” Mitchell said. “They're compacted with legacy materials and they're going to be replaced with sand and planting materials to create a bioswale. That aids in flood protection as well for the neighboring homes.”

Through the proposed improvements,

Mitchell said 70 acres of currently untreated urban runoff would be treated to Maryland Department of the Environment standards.

Mitchell said that while the Ocean Pines Association was planning on contributing about $700,000 to the project, the grant officials want to apply for would fund the rest of the more than $2 million project.

“Ocean Pines has done the sweat equity here,” Mitchell said. “They've spent in excess of six figures in engineering this and other retrofit projects for the community. It's what needs to be done to compete with the larger jurisdictions across the state for this limited grant money.”

Though these improvements will only address two sections of Ocean Pines, if the grant is received Ocean Pines will be in a better financial posi-

Page 57

tion to move forward with projects in other areas of the community.

Commissioner Chip Bertino, who represents Ocean Pines, praised the cooperative effort that made the grant application possible.

“It’s really nice to see this come to fruition,” he said.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom also praised the proposal but said he hoped to see similar work occur in his district in southern Worcester County.

“We have severe flooding issues and drainage issues,” he said. “I get calls every couple of weeks. I would just like to see those addressed by your department and others in some fashion because it's not going to get better unless the county takes action.”

Mitchell said the areas Nordstrom referenced were being looked at and could result in future projects.

Page 58

Park Concession Stand Planned

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Now Is A Sweet Time To Buy A Beach Home!

February 14, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BOARDWALK

Decatur House

Right on the boardwalk!

Steps from sand and sea.

Great view of ocean.

Just north of all the action.

1BR/1BA condo.

Gorgeous indoor pool. $238,000

BOARDWALK

South Beach

One of best upscale buildings on boardwalk!

Great location in heart of OC. Direct oceanfront 3BR/3BA, great open floor plan, gorgeous views of ocean. South side, bright, sunny, mint condition.

Gourmet kitchen, gas fireplace, two balconies, upscale amenities. $895,000

OCEANFRONT

North OC 2BR/2BA condo. Ceramic tile in entryway, kitchen, and baths. Nice carpet in bedrooms and living room. Private oceanview balcony. Outdoor pool, tennis court and boardwalk path over dunes to beach. $338,000

East 65th Street

Ocean Beach

Step out your front door and onto the boards and beach!

1st floor 1BR/1BA condo with private deck, perfect for people watching and direct oceanfront views.

Wonderful 19th Street location. Easy to clean flooring throughout. $229,000

OCEANFRONT

Camelot

OCEAN VIEW

BOARDWALK

Purnell House

Great oceanfront view from large balcony with oceanfront pool. 2BR/2BA end condo with side windows, in midrise building, midtown OC near restaurants and other activities. $347,000

OCEAN BLOCK

Royal Hawaiian

One of a kind, 4BR/4BA Beautiful freshly painted townhouse located midtown, condo. 2BR/2BA just steps just steps to beach. Great to beach and North OC. NEW view of ocean from front dining table, living room deck. Large covered sofas and beach decor screened back deck and throughout. Peek of the top deck too. 2-car garage. ocean from balcony.

Bountiful building amenities. $668,000 $295,000

BAYSIDE

Bermuda Bay

2BR/2.5BA townhouse. Easy walk to beach.

Wood burning fireplace. 1st and 2nd floor balconies. Community pool. $249,000

OCEAN BLOCK

Beach Haven

Perfect beach getaway!

1BR/1BA condo just a half block to beach. Nice, neutral carpet and paint.

Laminate wood flooring in kitchen and bath.

Outdoor pool. $149,900

BAYSIDE

Sunset Island

Modern 4BR/4.5BA townhouse. Many great community features, indoor and outdoor pools, private beach, clubhouse, interactive fountain, fitness center, walking trail, security. Multiple balconies plus enclosed, furnished patio area. $530,000

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SNOW HILL – A new concession stand could be in place at Showell Park by this summer.

The Worcester County Planning Commission approved a site plan last week for a new concession stand and restroom facility at Showell Park. Tom Perlozzo, the county’s director of recreation and parks, tourism and economic development, hopes construction will be complete by the end of June.

“This is a great addition to the park,” he said.

Worcester County Recreation and Parks has plans for a 24-by-30 foot building that would include a concession area, restrooms and a covered porch seating area. The building would be constructed adjacent to the softball fields at Showell Park.

“As you know the park is currently without a permanent bathroom and permanent concession facility,” Perlozzo said. “We’re proposing to install a 720-square-foot concession/bathroom facility with some outdoor walkways.”

The building would eliminate the need for rented portable bathrooms at the park, something Perlozzo said would be ideal as activities at the venue continued to increase.

The proposed concession stand for Showell Park is pictured. Submitted Rendering

“As we progress, our events are becoming more popular,” he said. “We have six national softball events this coming summer.”

The new building will be paid for with Program Open Space funding, which will cover the building as well as the associated water and sewer infrastructure costs. The estimated project budget, according to Perlozzo, is $150,000 to $200,000. He said 90% of the cost would come from Program Open Space while the county would contribute in-kind services.

The county is accepting bids for the project until Feb. 24. They’ll be reviewed by Perlozzo’s department before being forwarded to the Worcester County Commissioners.

Perlozzo aims to have construction of the new facility complete by June 30 but said would depend on bids and weather this spring.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 14, 2020

It was a beautiful week to visit some local hotspots, including the 45th Street Tap House for the SOUPer Bowl event; Johnny’s Pizza for the Fisher House benefit; and Pickles Pub for some “Sunday Funday” shenanigans.

45th Street Tap House: Patty Dundore, Sue Carpenter, Stephanie Rinck and Todd Dundore

By Tyler Horton

Faces

SPOTLIGHT ON THE REGIONAL RESTAURANT AND BAR SCENE

45th Street Tap House: Pamela, Taylor and Colton Harman

In Places

Pickles Pub: Jennifer Zogg, Matthew Strappelli, Vince Wood and Teresa Holley

Johnny's Pizza and Pub: Reform School Band members Eddie Saah, Rita Conestabile, Jay Stinemire and Michael Smith.

45th Street Tap House: Steve and Rumina Bowers and Vern Smith

Pickles Pub: Mary Ann Manganello, Danelle Amos and Joe Manganello

Johnny's Pizza and Pub: Sheila, Suzanne and Peggy

45th Street Tap House: Kurt Rosenberg and Justyna Kuzmicz

Pickles Pub: Lynn Ledniak and Kiel June

Johnny's Pizza and Pub: Lisa and Randy Lee Ashcraft

No Action On Trump Executive Order You Deserve It!

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials in Fenwick Island took no action last month in responding to a presidential executive order involving refugee resettlement.

At its meeting Jan. 24, the Fenwick Island Town Council took no action on a presidential executive order requiring state and local governments to consent, in writing, to the resettlement of refugees in local jurisdictions.

The executive order, issued by President Donald Trump on Sept.

26, 2019, states that the directive would enhance state and local involvement in the refugee resettlement process.

“State and local governments are best positioned to know the resources and capacities they may or may not have available to devote to sustainable resettlement, which maximizes the likelihood refugees placed in the area will become selfsufficient and free from long-term dependence on public assistance,” the executive order reads. “Some states and localities, however, have viewed the existing consultation as insufficient, and there is a need for closer coordination and a more clearly defined role for State and local governments in the refugee resettlement process. My Administration seeks to enhance these consultations.”

In short, the executive order requires state and local governments to consent, in writing, to the resettlement of refugees in local jurisdictions before they are resettled in states or municipalities under the Department of State’s Reception and Placement Program. If a state or local government does not provide consent, refugees will not be settled in that area unless decided otherwise by the U.S. Secretary of State.

In Delaware, Gov. John Carney has issued a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agreeing to continue accepting the resettlement of refugees.

“Our country has historically been a refuge of safe harbor for those flee-

ing war-torn countries, violence, and political persecution,” his letter reads.

“We should continue to stand as a beacon of hope and freedom for people around the world. In that spirit, as Delawareans, we are proud to do our part, and continue to accept the resettlement of refugees.”

Fenwick Island Town Manager Terry Tieman told the council last week the town had received an email from the governor’s office outlining the president’s executive order and the requirements of local governments to essentially opt in to participate in resettling refugees.

She said some communities in Delaware have responded to the executive order and some have not.

“If you read the executive order you will see in there that a lot of the communities just don’t have the infrastructure and assets in order to actually help a refugee make a good resettlement and transition into the United States,” she said. “I think we are one of those places. What I am asking you to do is vote not to respond to this, and that will take care of it. If we were a larger community like Dover or Newark or Milford, perhaps we would have more. But we don’t have adequate transportation here or adequate medical facilities here. We just don’t have those kinds of things available to us to make it a successful resettlement for somebody.”

Councilman Bill Weistling, however, highlighted a recent preliminary injunction blocking the executive order.

In November, three faith-based resettlement agencies sued Trump and three of his cabinet secretaries, challenging the executive order and seeking preliminary and permanent injunctive relief.

On Jan. 15, the plantiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction with respect to the executive order was granted by U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte.

“This is now a nationwide injunction …,” Weistling said. “It’s a moot point now.”

After further discussion, the council took no action in responding to the executive order.

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Page 62

$12M Berlin Project Moves Ahead

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Berlin Liquor Store

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February 14, 2020

Cold & Warm Beer An existing apartment building on Flower Street will be razed as part of a major renovation project for the Isaiah Fassett Apartments.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

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BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town’s board of zoning appeals approved variances that will allow an apartment renovation on Flower Street to move forward.

The board of appeals voted unanimously Feb. 5 to approve a trio of variances requested by Homes for America as it prepares to renovate the apartments at 113 Flower Street and rebuild the apartments at 115 Flower Street.

“I think the improvement they’re making is definitely needed,” board member Jay Knerr said.

In the fall, Homes for America presented town officials with concept plans for renovation of the complex known as

the Isaiah Fassett Apartments and plans for the rebuilding of the adjacent apartments at 115 Flower Street. To move forward with the plans, however, the developer needed approval to reduce the required parking from 80 spaces to 57 spaces, to reduce the minimum lot area and to reduce a side setback. According to Planning Director Dave Engelhart, the apartments currently don’t conform with town code. While the variances would be needed, the layout proposed is better than what’s existing, Engelhart said.

Homes for America has extensive renovations–including new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, HVAC and façade–for the Isaiah Fassett Apartments. The company plans to demolish the existing building next door, which currently houses 11 units, and replace it with a new 12-unit building.

Diana Talios, development director for Homes for America, said the building dated back to at least the 1960s.

“It’s quite distressed,” she said.

Engelhart agreed.

“Over time we’ve had many visits there,” he said, adding that residents in the past had complained of leaks and insect problems. “We used to have quite a few headaches with enforcement there.”

Board member Woody Bunting expressed concern over the fact that if the variances were approved, the project’s density would increase.

Engineer Casey Rauch said that Homes for America was looking at the project as a whole, considering both apartments together as one site.

“Today neither property meets the existing requirements,” he said.

Talios said it would be a $12 million project overall. When asked if a market study had been done, she said that it had and that there was a strong demand for workforce housing.

Engelhart said town staff supported the company’s proposal and had worked with its representatives on the plans during the past two years.

Joe Moore, chairman of the board, said the project would substantially benefit the community and urged his fellow board members to consider the evidence presented.

The board voted 5-0 to approve the variances as long as the two apartment properties were formally combined to be one parcel.

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 63

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Page 64

Business

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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February 14, 2020

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The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (Coastal) held its annual Bowling for Business Cards networking event and competition last month at SouthBound Alley in Salisbury. Eleven teams of Coastal members and guests competed to earn the top three scores. Pictured, from left, are Josh Rose of event sponsor Pro-Spect Inspection Services, Donna Frankowski of Shamrock Realty Group, Stephanie DiGristine of Vantage Resort Realty, Beth Harper of event sponsor Brennan Title Company, Peter McGough of event sponsor Brennan Title Company and Rod Flowers of event sponsor PrimeLending.

Submitted Photo

Company Award Winners OCEAN CITY – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty will recognize top sales award winners for 2019 at a company-wide sales rally at MGM National Harbor on March 25.

In 2019 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHH) PenFed Realty Ocean City, Ocean City West, and Ocean Pines Offices were ranked as the top sales office for units sold in Worcester County, according to local MLS ranking reports.

These three offices combined helped over 1,000 home buyers and sellers with their homeowner needs in 2019.

Sales professionals to be recognized for their achievements include the following: Chairman's Circle Diamond-Top 1/2% of 1% in BHH Franchise: Carol Proctor Team, Ocean City Chairman's Circle Platinum-Top 1% in BHH Franchise: Team Moran, Ocean City West Chairman's Circle Gold-Top 2% in BHH Franchise: Ed Balcerzak, Ocean City West President's Circle-Top 5% in BHH Franchise: Jeffrey Messick, Ocean City, and JD Wells, Ocean City Leading Edge Society-Top 8% in BHH Franchise: Celeste Dodson, Ocean City West, and Jeannie Betten, Ocean City Honor Society-Top 14% in BHH Franchise: Mechelle Nichols, Ocean City; Kathy Panco, Ocean City; and Marcy Thiele, Ocean City

New Agent Announced SALISBURY – Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage announced Kathleen Mommé has affiliated with the company’s Salisbury office. As an

affiliated agent, Mommé will provide residential real estate services in Wicomico County as well as the surrounding communities of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore.

Mommé has earned her real estate sales license after extensive experience in leading nonprofit organizations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, having served as president and CEO of the United Way of Lower Eastern Shore KATHLEEN MOMME for nearly 25 years. During her previous career, she worked with businesses, community leaders and residents in Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester counties.

“Kathleen’s previous career experience, extensive knowledge of the local community, negotiating skills, stellar reputation combined with her vast business connections will make her a valuable asset to her customers and clients,” said Leslie Bauer, branch vice president of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Salisbury office. “We enthusiastically welcome Kathleen and are delighted she did her due diligence and chose to affiliate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.”

Mommé is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, Maryland Association of REALTORS® and the Coastal Association of REALTORS®.

Salisbury Property Sold SALISBURY – SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate’s Henry Hanna recently settled on approximately 40 acres in Salisbury. Henry represented the seller, Land Holding, LLC. The SEE PAGE 66

Ways To Keep Your Technology HIPAA Healthy

February 14, 2020

BERLIN – HIPAA regulations apply to covered entities and their business associates. A “covered entity” is any facility engaged in healthcare work. Business associates work with covered entities and may come into contact with personal medical information. To stay compliant, both need administrative, physical and technical safeguards.

Sam Card, CEO of Cards Technology, details this week the technology essentials of HIPAA compliance.

Q: What is a HIPAA security assessment?

A: A HIPAA assessment is all about ensuring ePHI (electronic protected health information) is secure. The assessment includes 3 safeguard categories: administrative, physical and technical. Covered entities and business associates should assess their risk at least annually.

Q: Why do businesses need assessments?

A: The assessments are required to document your safeguards. Equally important, the assessment gives you a baseline measurement of the risk to your ePHI and tells you which actions to take in your risk management program. Common safeguards recommended for HIPAA management are: Proper permissions to data based

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Q&A WITH SAM CARD

on employees’ job roles; Restricted physical access to servers such as keycodes on doors; Documented policies employees have signed off on; Sanctions in place in the event an employee violates the HIPAA policies; Regularly audit network logs and activity; and appoint a security officer to monitor HIPAA compliance and safeSAM CARD guards.

Q: How can a managed IT service provider help with a business’ HIPAA compliance?

A: Covered entities and business as-

sociates need managed IT services providers (MSPs) to answer the technical questions in the HIPAA questionnaire as well as enact an overall strategy for maintaining compliance. This includes documenting policies and following security best practices. As a third party, an MSP will sign a “Business Associate Agreement” (BAA) which outlines confidentiality between the two entities as well as describes how an ePHI breach will be handled.

Q: What do businesses need to think about before working with an IT provider when it comes to HIPAArelated concerns?

A: It’s important, of course, for the MSP to view security through a HIPAA

Page 65

lens. HIPPA compliant networks are well protected because the regulations require security best practices like patching, backups, antivirus software, firewalls, password control. We employ these measures for all our clients, even if they’re not a HIPAA-covered entity.

Additionally, just like Cards’ proven process, your HIPAA technology provider should understand your business needs and goals. Make sure to find an MSP who is familiar with security risk assessments, has experience with HIPAA and knows how to respond to HIPAA audit questions and findings.

(The writer can be reached at SCard@cards-tech.com. To learn more about Cards Technology, visit www.cards-tech.com.)

... Business News

Page 66

FROM PAGE 64 land has potential for 60 single family homes or 160 town homes or 425 apartments all within city limits.

“With the shortage of housing stock in Wicomico County and continually improving residential market conditions, a local builder saw this as an opportunity,” Hanna said.

John McClellan also with SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate represented the buyer in this transaction.

“With strong residential demand in this market, a residential developer saw the value in this opportunity. Whether it is the convenient location right off Route 50 or the proximity to downtown Salisbury, this will surely be a new construction development you will want to watch out for,” said McClellan.

Real Estate Office Grows OCEAN PINES – EXIT Realty At The Beach in Ocean Pines announced the addition of Jessica Gresczyk to its family of real estate professionals.

According to Bernie Flax, Broker/ Owner of EXIT Realty At The Beach, Gresczyk is known among colleagues and clients alike for her integrity, expertise, professionalism and approachable personality.

Crowdfunding Effort Started OCEAN CITY – Hoop Tea, Inc. announced the launch of its first official registered equity crowdfunding cam-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch paign in partnership with WeFunder (www.wefunder.com/hooptea).

Hoop Tea is raising capital to grow the brand from local success to national beverage brand. Hoop Tea will use the capital to expand new and existing territories and develop new flavors. The WeFunder campaign has raised over $70,000 so far. It will run for a 60-day period. Investment is open to the public with a minimum investment of $1,000.

“It's rewarding to be part of a company like this,” said founder/CEO Daniel Robinson. “We're raising money through crowdfunding because we want as many people as possible to be a part of this. It's only fair that our loyal tribe of fans get to share in that feeling of building something bigger than ourselves. I see this as an opportunity to own part of this company without having to quit your job and move to the beach.”

Hoop Tea launched the crowdfunding campaign as industry trend reports show unprecedented growth in the Flavored Malt Beverage category, consumer packaged teas and better for you craft brands.

Hoop Tea is a craft alcoholic iced tea that was born at Backshore Brewery in the summer of 2015. Hoop Tea has shown remarkable sales growth and traction in regional mid-atlantic states. Hoop Tea has been able to do millions in sales in only four short years and has dominated hard tea sales beating out national competitors.

“It is time to pour fuel on the fire by hiring a rockstar team, increase production and expand distribution. The demand for Hoop Tea is growing faster

February 14, 2020

than we can supply the product. We’ve proven that we can compete and win against larger established competitors.

It is thrilling to imagine what this company can do with access to adequate funding.” said Robinson.

New Healthcare Leader LEWES – Beebe Healthcare’s Board of Directors has chosen David Tam as the next president and CEO of the health system after a nationwide search. Tam will officially start in April.

Most recently, Tam served as the Chief Operating Officer of Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, part of Providence St Joseph’s Health, one of the largest and most comprehensive not-for-profit health systems in the nation.

“As Beebe Healthcare continues to grow as an independent health system, Dr. Tam emerged as the ideal candidate from an extensive and qualified list,” said David Herbert, Chair, Beebe Healthcare Board of Directors. “Not only did his credentials give us confidence that Beebe’s growth and emphasis on innovation will continue, but his personal philosophy and style as a handson physician leader match our Values that connect us with the community.”

Tam is credited with managing St. John’s transition from the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth to the Providence Health system. His accomplishments include opening a new telemetry unit and ambulatory surgery centers, optimizing inpatient and ambulatory surgeries, streamlining work-flows in the emergency department, managing

service lines, and improving quality and safety throughout the hospital. He also oversaw the construction of an award winning $856 million hospital, Palomar Medical Center in Escondido, California, in his previous position as the Chief Administrative Officer of Pomerado Hospital and Palomar Health Downtown Campus at Palomar Health.

A retired vaptain in the United States Navy after 24 years of active service, Tam is passionate about issues related to social determinants DAVID TAM of health, such as poverty, veterans’ needs, rural healthcare, diversity, as well as community and value-based care. He has been on multiple national boards, including the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity of the American Hospital Association.

Prior to his work in the civilian sector, Tam served as Chief Operating Officer for the Western Region of Tri-Care, the US military’s health insurance program that covers 2.9 million lives.

“It is a privilege to join Beebe Healthcare with its impressive 104-year history, strong leadership team and medical staff, and commitment to the community as a healthcare organization,” Tam said.

“The future for Beebe is exciting given its expansion and goal of creating a comprehensive health system to serve its community. I am honored to be selected for this important work and look forward to the opportunity of continuing this momentum in Creating the Next Generation of Care for Sussex County.”

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SUNDAY FUN DAY NEW SPECIALS COMING

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February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 67

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Page 68

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Horoscopes

February 14, 2020

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): All that flattery and fawning shouldn't affect any decision you have to make.

Keep your focus on the facts and ignore all the hyperbole, especially if it gets uncomfortably personal.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your Bovine instincts are on the mark about that "favor" you're being asked to do. Agree to nothing unless you get a full explanation -- which you would check out first, of course.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A somewhat unsettled recent period should give way to a smoother time going through the week. Use this quieter time to catch up on matters you might have had to let slide.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Feeling a little confused is understandable with all those mixed messages. Take time to list the questions you have. Then present them and insist on answers that make sense.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Cupid can be very helpful for Lions seeking a love connection. The chubby cherub also brings warm and fuzzy feelings to paired Leos and Leonas who already share a special love line.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Travel is favored this week, whether you'll be globe-trotting or taking a trip to a nearby getaway. You might be surprised (or maybe not) by who wants to be your traveling companion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Getting advice on your next business-related move is a good idea, but only if your advisers are trustworthy. Get references that you can check out before you make any decisions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Getting a boost in your self-esteem is one benefit that comes with a job well done. There are other plusses as well, including being noticed by all the right people. Good luck.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Make time to deal with family matters, especially where they concern your elderly kinfolk. Being there for them from the start can help resolve problems sooner rather than later.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Getting a project started can often be difficult. But the good news is that you won't want for lack of assistance from colleagues who would like to work with you. So, let them!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): A lot of work-related issues might be raised this week, and you need to be prepared for whatever comes along.

Things should be easier when it comes to matters in your private life.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): What might appear to be a much unwanted change in your life right now could turn out to be a very welcome event after all. Give yourself a chance to see where it might take you.

BORN THIS WEEK: You exercise your strong leadership qualities well, which is why people believe in you and feel reassured by you. Š 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 69

WELCOME SEASIDE BOAT SHOW HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY & PRESIDENT’S WEEKEND

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

General’s Kitchen ’RE WE CK BA

T

Now Serving Bloody Marys & Mimosas

House Specialty

The Original House Of Creamed Chipped Beef On Toast Or Biscuit With Hash Brown Potatoes Or Grits

OpEn 6:30 A.m.

4(ClosedDAys A WEEK Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)

We Make This From Scratch!

OUR OWN RECIPE!

GOLFERS WELCOME RIDE THE BUS TO US! ANSWERS ON PAGE 48

Since 1965... The Original House Of Chipped Beef Best Creamed Chipped Beef On The Beach! u

u

u

u

Come Try Our New Combo Breakfast Meals!

66th st. & Coastal Hwy. (Under The Skye Bar)

410-723-0477

VOTED BEST BREAKFAST IN THE WASHINGTON POST 2005 “BEST OF OCEAN CITY”

Your Hosts, Bob Noll And Law Adkins

February 14, 2020

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin.

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

Every Monday: Delmarva Chorus Meeting 7 p.m. Ocean Pines Community Center. Women of all ages invited to sing with the group. 410641-6876.

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

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

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

Every Wednesday: Delmarva Hand Dance Club Dance To Sounds of ’50s And ’60s Music 5:30-9 p.m. Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. $5 donation per person to benefit veterans and local charities in the Delmarva region. Members and guests welcome. dance@delmarvahanddaning.com or http://delmarvahanddancing.com. 410-208-1151.

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

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles 45 Plus, happy hour 4-7 p.m., Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Rd., Fenwick Island, DE. 302436-9577, 410-524-0649, beachsingles.org.

Second Thursday: Ocean Pines Garden Club 10 a.m. Ocean Pines Community Center. Visitors and new members welcome.

Things To Do The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Every Friday: Knights Of Columbus #9053 Bingo Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo at 6:30 p.m. 9901 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City. Possible to win the $1,000 big jackpot each week. 410-524-7994.

Every Friday: FORGE Contemporary Youth And Family Ministry 6:30-8:30 p.m. FORGE Center, 7804 Gumboro Rd., Pittsville. Designed for kids ages 5-65, the program provides a meal, music, games, activities and a life lesson that can be of use to anyone.

Christian-based program but does not require the practice of faith to attend. 443-366-2813.

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

February 14: Crab Cake Dinner Stevenson United Methodist Church will host 46:30 p.m. with carryouts available and a bake sale table.

February 14: Valentine’s Day Dinner Sons of the American Legion Post 166 in Ocean City will host from 5-8 p.m. Dinner includes New York Strip steak and assorted sides. Cost $18/person. Call 301-943-9722 or 410-289-3166.

February 15: Annual Foreman’s Day Calvary United Methodist Church will host guest speaker Minister Betty Foreman-Gibbs at 3:30 p.m. with dinner at 2 p.m.

February 15: AYCE Fried Chicken Dinner New Hope United Methodist Church in Willards will host from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost $13 for adults. Carryouts available. Baked goods for sale.

February 16: Italian Dinner St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church offering

tickets for its authentic Italian dinner prepared by the Francesco Candeloro family from 1-5:30 p.m. Tickets $15/adults, $7.50 for children 6-12 and free children under 5. Carry out available.

Advance tickets recommended, call 410-2893453.

February 20: NAACP Meeting Worcester County NAACP will meet at the North Worcester County MAC Senior Center in Berlin at 7 p.m. with guest speaker Debbie Smullen of Worcester Goes Purple.

February 20: Pine’eer Craft Club Meeting Starting at 9:45 a.m. with refreshments followed by meeting at 10 a.m. at the Ocean Pines Community Center. All welcome.

February 21: Fish Dinner Bowen United Methodist Church in Newark will hold from 4;30-7 p.m. Dinners are $10 each.

Beverages included for those eating in.

February 22: Pancake Breakfast Kiwanis will host in the Ocean Pines Community Center Assateague Room, 8-11 a.m. Carryout available.

February 22: Gospel Sing & Dinner Powellville United Methodist will serve BBQ or crab cake platters from 4-6 p.m. followed by music from Pastor Danny Travers in the sanctuary.

February 22: Family Fun Day American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166 will host 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come learn about the legion family through fun, games and demonstrations featuring face painting 11 a.m.-1 p.m., prizes, arts and crafts and more.

February 22: Bingo Willards Volunteer Fire Company will hold at the Willards Lions Club with doors opening at 5 p.m. and early bird games at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. Regular bingo starts at 7 p.m. with $125 payouts per game. Food and desserts for sale.

February 24-27: Boating Course The Ocean City Power Squadron will present a

Page 70 four-night comprehensive safe boating court at the Ocean Pines Library. The nine-hour course includes a review and exam on final day. Registration on Feb. 24 will be from 6-6:30 with class starting at 6:30-9:30 each evening.

February 25: Retirees Meeting Wicomico Retried Educational Personnel’s winter meeting will be held at the Salisbury Moose Lodge. Social time from 11:30 a.m.-noon followed by lunch. The cost is $10 person, with Wicomico County School staff receiving a complimentary meal if this is their first time attending. Call 410-883-2292 to RSVP by Feb. 10.

Please bring school supplies to this meeting to replenish local latch-key tutoring programs.

February 25: Pancake Supper All Hallows Episcopal Church in Snow Hill continues a decades tradition with its annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, 4:30-7 p.m. Tickets for dine-in service, $8 for adults, $5/kids. All take-out orders are $8. Advance tickets only, call 410-632-1216.

February 25: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper From 4-6 p.m. Whaleyville United Methodist Church will offer pancakes, sausage, scrapple and beverages in the church hall.

February 27: Luncheon, Meeting The Republican Women of Worcester County will host luncheon and general meeting at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. Cost of the luncheon is $20/person. Doors open at 10:30 am with meeting beginning at 11 am. To make your reservation, go to www.gopwomenofworcester.org.

February 29: Delmarva Kids Expo Returns to the Wicomico Civic Center from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission discounted online at website and $5 at door for adults and $2 for children.

Exhibitor opportunities available by emailing delmarvakidsexpo@gmail.com

February 29: Indoor Yard Sale The MOMS group will hold from 8 a.m.-noon at the Community Church at Ocean Pines on Racetrack Road.

March 3-5: Md. Basic Boating Course The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering at the Ocean Pines Library. There is $15 fee for all three evenings. Register by calling Barry Cohen at 410935-4807, or Email CGAUX1205@Gmail.com March 5-8: OC Film Festival Tickets are available for the fourth annual event showcasing 100 films by regional and international filmmakers at venues throughout Ocean City. Tickets on sale through Eventbrite.com March 7: Quarter Auction Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary will host at the OCVFC headquarters on 14th Street. Doors open 5 p.m. with auction at 6 p.m. Tickets $5 in advance or $7 at door.

For tickets, call Kathy Kaluzienski 202-2569868 or Breanda Parker 443-235-7693.

March 12: AARP Meeting The local Ocean City AARP chapter will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City Senior Center. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. for social half hour and refreshments.

March 21: Steak Dinner American Legion Post 123, Boggs-Disharoon Squadron 123 and Sons of the American Legion hosting 4-7 p.m. in Berlin.

March 26: Carrabba’s Dinner The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a Carrabba's Dinner for dine-in or carry-out. 5-7 p.m. Main Station. The menu is Chicken Bryan, penne pasta, broccoli, Caesar salad, brownie and a drink for $14. Preorders encouraged by calling 619-922-9950.

March 28: Church Luncheon Powellville Volunteer Fire Company will host a luncheon with soups, oyster sandwiches, chicken salad, hamburgers and hot dogs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., benefitting Friendship Methodist Church.

Bake table available.

Seaside Boat Show Weekend On Tap In Ocean City

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A boat show that benefits local youth will return to Ocean City this weekend.

The 37th Annual Seaside Boat Show, sponsored by Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, will return to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Feb. 14-16.

Held each year on Presidents Day weekend, the boat show attracts thousands of water and boating enthusiasts to view and purchase the newest and most popular boat models and water-related items.

“Everybody that lives on Delmarva lives within 75 miles of either the ocean or the bay, so there are a lot of folks that love boats and love to fish,” Optimist Club’s Charles Smith said. “Everything they could ever want or imagine will be at this boat show.”

As in years past, the boat show will feature more than 350 boats, 150 exhibitors and 50 boat dealers. The large number of boats sold each year at the event makes it one of the most popular shows on the east coast.

“Last year we had our best year ever with 16,000 people going through the boat show …,” Smith said. “We are hoping the weather forecast holds this year and that we get another good showing.”

Dealers and exhibitors will offer numerous special show prices throughout the weekend, and financing and insurance companies will be on hand to facilitate boat purchases.

Visitors will be treated to an array of sport cruisers, sport fishing, performance and “super boats.” The boat show also will feature marine electronics, trailers, canvas tops, motors, jewelry, art and fishing gear.

Smith said one of the biggest attractions that keep people coming to the boat show each year is its door prizes. Each person who purchases an admission ticket has a chance to win a pontoon boat and motor, courtesy of North Bay Marina owners Scott and Mary McCurdy.

“North Bay Marina has donated a pontoon boat and boat motor every year for over 30 years,” Smith said.

Smith noted that this year’s event will also feature Seaside Boat Show Tshirts, which will be on sale for $16, as well as speaking engagements at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center.

“On Saturday, at around 11 a.m., we’re going to have a speaker or two there talking about boating and fishing,” he said.

Dubbed “the boat show that works for kids,” proceeds raised from the event allow the Optimist Club to support local youth through contests, awards banquets, activities, scholarships and more.

“One hundred percent of the proceeds go to children’s programs, mostly in Worcester County,” Smith said.

Each year, for example, the Optimist Club gives away $75,000 in college scholarships to graduating students at

Hours for the event are Friday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

File Photo

Stephen Decatur, Snow Hill and Pocomoke high schools. The organization also sponsors the Stephen Decatur High School WeXL Banquet, an annual scholastic recognition ceremony.

Smith noted that income from the

boat show also supports community programs, including Ocean Pines and Ocean City recreation and parks departments, Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services’ CASA program, and Project ID, a program that photo-

Page 71

graphs and fingerprints children entering the school system in Worcester County and in Selbyville.

“Each year, we do this program for 1,800 to 2,000 kids,” he said.

The Seaside Boat Show will be open on Friday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $1 for kids. A weekend pass is available for $15.

For more information, visit www.ocboatshow.com.

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club has more than 115 members and is recognized as one of the best clubs in the Optimist International organization.

The local affiliate has served the community since 1972.

Page 72

These youngsters (David Banach, Aubrey Banach, Alexis Castagna, Kasch Johnson, Vincent Schicchi, and Benjamin Busko) let loose and had some fun at the American Legion Post 166 Boys Scouts of America Spaghetti Dinner.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Representing the local Boys Scouts of America were Joseph Coleman (Pack 261), Kenny Nichols (Troop 261), and Nick Busko (Troop 621) at the spaghetti dinner fundraiser hosted by American Legion Post 166.

In Society

February 14, 2020

The muscle behind the blood drive hustle, were registration team Verna Uptigrow, Warren Kennedy and John Toll at the 21st Annual Ocean City Blood Drive.

Helping out at the door for the spaghetti dinner fundraiser put on by American Legion Post 166 were Becca Johnson Kelly, Bailey Hermann and Kim Bankard of Boys Scouts of America.

You can get a great breakfast the last Saturday of each month, year round with Bill and Reverend Terry Fort at Whaleyville United Methodist Church.

Thanking donors for their participation in the 2020 Ocean City Blood Drive were Tony Prado and Roger Palmer of the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

On dish duty for the Whaleyville United Methodist Church Breakfast Buffet were Norman and Cyndi Layfield.

Behind the scenes at the 2020 Ocean City Blood Drive were processors Dave Meyers and Kevin Haley, with plenty of tricks up their sleeves.

Son and mom, Ryan and Ginger Hall, took a breather before cleanup got started at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church AYCE Breakfast Buffet.

As donors arrived to the 21st Annual Ocean City Blood Drive, Mary Moore and Sharon Zetts got them checked in and on their way.

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 73

The Dispatch Classifieds

Page 74

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER

HELP WANTED

Higgins Crab House North 128th Street

Now Hiring EXPERIENCED KITCHEN HELP Please Contact Ray at 443-497-1256

Now Hiring for All Locations:

•Hostess •Bartender •Server •Bus/Runner •Kitchen •Dishwasher •Floor Manager •General Manager Benefits Package.

Competitive Pay. 401K. Submit all inquiries to

tom@irseafood.com

Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Per-sonal Banker position available at the North Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12831 Coastal Highway, OC, MD 21842 or call Kelly Drexel at 410-250-1512 Kelly.drexel@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 2-24-2020

NOW HIRING

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

•ALL KITCHEN POSITIONS •HOST/HOSTESS •SERVERS •BUSSERS •BARTENDER

Apply in Person IN THE OF FENWICK Assawoman Ale Shoppe Hiring for all positions.

Apply within store.

52nd Street, Bayside, OC.

Selbyville Goose Creek Fenwick Goose Creek Hiring for all positions.

For Both Locations Apply Online www.mygcjob.com

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round - Full/Part Time ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~AM HOSTESS ~SERVER FREE EMPLOYEE MEALS AND EXCELLENT BENEFITS! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

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

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

KITCHEN STAFF: Coins Pub now hiring Kitchen Staff, Full & PT. Apply within 2pm Thurs-Sun. 28th St & Coastal Hwy. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DENTAL HYGENIST: Family friendly dental office seeking Registered Dental Hygienist. Please email resume to: dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hy. 410-2131572.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GO-CART SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC NEEDED: FT/YR. Call 410-289-4902 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SALON PROFESSIONALS: The Boulevard has space available for independent booth renters. We offer full week, 1/2 week and daily pricing. Send confidential inquiries to Theboulevard21811@aol.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BARTENDER: FT,YR Exp. only Bartender. Apply within. Full Moon Saloon.12702OldBridge Rd,WOC –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

February 14, 2020

For The Best Job in Town

FLOOR MANAGER Positions Available

Salary, Health Insurance, and Profit Sharing for the Right Candidate!

Please Email cbozick@mackys.com for Details!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

Come Join Our Winning Team!

MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS We are looking for skilled individuals to join our maintenance and building department. Experience in plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall and carpentry highly desired.

Certifications are a plus. Prior hotel experience is preferred, but not mandatory.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefit package commensurate with experience and skill level.

Email your resume to: jobs@carouselhotel.com or come in and complete an application at the front desk. We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

AUTOMOTIVE POSITIONS TOP PAY & BENEFITS We are a full tire & Service Center that has been in business for 36 years. We have a clean, completely remodeled work environment with State of the Art equipment.

We are now hiring for:

- Technicians - Service Advisers We offer many benefits including company matched retirement plan, health insurance reimbursement, employee discounts and more!!!!!

We have locations in Ocean Pines, Long Neck and Clarksville.

Exc. Pay & Benefits! 302-228-2353

Come Join Our Winning Team!

PM Restaurant Manager We are looking for an experienced and detail oriented person for our busy and diverse Food & Beverage operation. The candidate must prioritize cleanliness, quality service, and customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: staff training, efficient operation scheduling, and adherence to established controls and standard operating procedures. This position reports to the Food & Beverage Director.

Competitive salary with full medical & benefit package. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or come in and complete an application at the front desk. We require satisfactory preemployment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

WOOD FUEL OPERATOR – WESTOVER, MD Maryland Environmental Service seeks a Wood Fuel Laborer at our facility in Westover, MD. Must have 8th grade completion & 1 year of warehouse, maintenance, or general work experience.

LEAD ELECTRICIAN – WESTOVER, MD Maryland Environmental Service seeks a Lead Electrician at our facility in Westover, MD. Must have HS Diploma/GED &7 years related experience. MES offers excellent benefits pkg. EOE. To apply, please visit: menv.com/careers

The Dispatch Classifieds

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

Page 75 PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

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

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

NOW HIRING AWESOME PEOPLE

Holding open interviews

EVERY SAT & SUN (Starting Feb. 15th)

11am-2pm for:

•SERVERS •HOSTS •BUS STAFF •KITCHEN STAFF •SECURITY

Come by and join our 2020 family!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

Storm Shutter & Window Installers Local specialty contractor seeking individuals for our storm shutter division and window division. Experience in storm shutters, windows & doors, and garage doors is a plus, but training is available. Driver’s license and transportation required.

Please forward resume to: paola@masterjackwindows.com.

Applications available on site at 11935 Hammer Road, Bishopville, MD

REAL ESTATE SETTLEMENT PROCESSOR Ocean City law firm has a position for a Real Estate Settlement Processor. Experience with the Title Express Program preferred but not required. Monday through Friday 9:00 to 4:30.

Salary will be based upon qualifications.

To apply, please send resume to Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, LLP 3509 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842

WEEKLY RENTALS RENTALS FCS Financial Capability Educator Agent Associate (Position 125246) University of Maryland Extension seeks FCS Financial Capability Educator. Full‐Time, 12‐month, professional‐track faculty position in Worcester County, MD. Master's degree preferred. Salary commensurate with experience; base salary of $38,663.

For more information and to apply, go to: https:// ejobs.umd.edu.

When offered employment the successful candidate will be required to obtain a clean background check by the State of MD and FBI before beginning work assignment.

NOW HIRING

EEO/AA Closing Date: February 24, 2020

For The Best Job in Town

Sous Chef and Line Cook Floor Manager Positions Available

Salary, Health Insurance, and Profit Sharing for the Right Candidate!

Please Email cbozick@mackys.com for Details!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

SECURITY/MAINTENANCE Memorial Day through Labor Day 7pm–3am, Wed–Sun For a local condo association. Applicant is required to perform security, light building maintenance, and property inspection.

Call 410-524-5781 Ext 16

SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR, 1.5BA,newly renovated. Available May 10th-Sept 10th. Special Student Rate: $13,500 for season. $2000 sec. dep. 312 Sunset. Call 410-428-7333 www.sunsetterracerentals.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER-SHORT TERM RENTALS-Until April 15: 3BR, 2BA, TIBURON 139 St. Condo $900.mo. Fully Furnished plus Cable & TV, Wi-Fi, W/D 410-2138090 events@oceanpromotions.info ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR ROUND TOWNHOUSE: 3BR 2.5 BA, Furn. Modern appl’s, W/D, 117th ST. Bayside on canal. $1500. per mo. No pets, call 410-848-1767. dougherty35@aol.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR BRAND NEW 4BR/3.5BA Villa in West Fenwick. Maintenace Free.

Community Pool. Water View. Many Amenities. $1950/month. Call Frank 443-286-7467.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FURNISHED WINTER RENTALS Feb-April. 2BR, 1BA Bayshore Drive $700 per mo. 3BR, 2BA Jamestown Road $900 per mo. Tenant pays elec. & cable. 410-202-2632.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEEKLY RENTAL: 4BR, 2 1/2BA. Fully furnished. W/D, Pool, Tennis court. Quiet community. 7 miles from the beach. $2,500 per wk. Call Mike for details. 410-877-3894.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pool Front Room $199 Family Room $235 2 BR Apartment $315.

3 BR Suite $400.

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE: Timeshare, Club Ocean Villas II. 2BR, 2BA Sleeps 6, Hot Tub, Balcony. Unit 211.

Week 47, Fri to Fri $500. Principals only. Call 301-375-0821.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FSBO DIRECT OCEANFRONT Lrg. 1BR Condo. Fab. view of Ocean & Bay. Furn. Top Flr. New stainless appls.Realtors Welcome.

Firm at $255,000. 717-580-8261.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FIREWOOD: Seasoned, split hardwood. $150/cord + delivery.

410-726-2887. Please lv. message –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ocean Pines Early Bird 4 Large bedrooms and great room w/ cathedral ceiling and fireplace.

Master bdrm. & bath w/jet tub & seperate shower.

Large kitchen with lots of cabinets. All-purpose room. 2 car garage and large deck.

Overlooks golf course. $359,950 Showing by Appt.

Call 410-726-0698

WOC SEASONAL ROOMMATE: Prof. person seeking RM. Priv. gated. comm. w/ammenities. Priv. upstairs, BR, BA,& sitting rm. 410251-6977. $1200/mo.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR OR SEASONAL ROOMMATES: North OC. Looking for female roommates to share 3BR, 2BA Condo. Call Tricia 443-6104665.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COMMERCIAL WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

DO YOU KNOW ... 15,000 PEOPLE RECEIVE THE DISPATCH’S DAILY BUZZ EACH WEEK? SIGN UP NOW:MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM

J-N-J PAINTING: Free estimates.

Residential and light commercial.

Joe 443-610-4644.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

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

THANK YOU

THANKS FARMERS! Thanks to Delmarva Farmers who planted winter cover crops and helped protect our waterways!

ROOMMATES

SERVICES

YARD SALES WA R E H O U S E / H O U S E H O L D CLEANOUT SALE: Fri. 2/14 & 2/15. 8am-’til. Southern States Building. Broad St., Berlin.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Dispatch

Page 76

LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per column

inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

THIRD INSERTION MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY STE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18141 To all persons interested in the estate of SANDRA JONES FERGUSON ESTATE NO. 18141. Notice is given that GARY EDWARD FERGUSON, PO BOX 785, NAGS HEAD, NC 27959, was on, JANUARY 22, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SANDRA JONES FERGUSON, who died on FEBRUARY 4, 2016, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of JULY, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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 JANUARY 31, 2020 GARY EDWARD FERGUSON 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 1-31, 2-07, 2-14

THIRD INSERTION MARIANNA BATIE, ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY STE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18142 To all persons interested in the estate of MARY ANN H. CULVER, ESTATE NO. 18142. Notice is given that BARBARA VAUGHN, 2811 STOCKTON ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on, JANUARY 22, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY ANN H. CULVER, who died on NOVEMBER 9, 2019, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of JULY, 2020.

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

ing dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before 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 JANUARY 31, 2020 BARBARA VAUGHN 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 1-31, 2-07, 2-14

THIRD INSERTION VICTOR H. LAWS, ESQ LAW OFFICE OF LAWS, INSLEY & BENSEN, P.A. 209 E MAIN STREET, PO BOX 75 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0075 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18145 To all persons interested in the estate of DOROTHY CATHERINE HOLZWORTH, ESTATE NO. 18145. Notice is given that MARGARET A. BRADFORD, 10403 GOLF COURSE ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, JANUARY 23, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY CATHERINE HOLZWORTH, who died on JANUARY 10, 2020, 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 23rd day of JULY, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before 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 JANUARY 31, 2020 MARGARET A. BRADFORD 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 1-31, 2-07, 2-14

SECOND INSERTION J. HARRISON PHILLIPS III ESQ 115-72ND STREET OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

February 14, 2020

ESTATE NO. 18156 To all persons interested in the estate of IRVIN WALTER KUNZE, ESTATE NO. 18156.

N o t i c e is given that BARBARA A. ROSS, 11645 MANKLIN CREEK ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811was on, JANUARY 29, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of IRVIN WALTER KUNZE, who died on JANUARY 16, 2020, 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 29th day of JULY, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before 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 FEBRUARY 07, 2020 BARBARA A. ROSS 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 2-07, 2-14, 2-21

SECOND INSERTION

S. MICAH SALB ESQ. LIPPMAN, SEMSKER & SALB, LLC 7979 OLD GEORGETOWN ROAD SUITE 1100 BETHESDA, MD 20814 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18171 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN J. MATTA, ESTATE NO. 18171.

N o t i c e is given that ELIZABETH JENNINE MATTA, 406 MAPLE FOREST DRIVE, BALTIMORE, MD 21228, was on, FEBRUARY 03, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN J. MATTA, who died on NOVEMBER 21, 2019, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3RD day of AUGUST, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper:

The Dispatch

February 14, 2020

LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per column

inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 07, 2020 ELIZABETH JENNINE MATTA 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 2-07, 2-14, 2-21

FIRST INSERTION

JOEL J. TODD, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF TODD & CORREA, LLP P.O. BOX 4060 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18005 To all persons interested in

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the estate of JOAN M. HARPER, ESTATE NO. 18005.

Notice is given that HARRELL HARPER JR., 12634 OLD BRIDGE ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, FEBRUARY 10, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOAN M. HARPER, who died on MARCH 11, 2019, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of AUGUST, 2020.

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

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before 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 FEBRUARY 14, 2020 HARRELL HARPER JR. Personal Representative

The Dispatch Can Be Viewed In Its Entirety

ONLINE

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 2-14, 2-21, 2-28

FIRST INSERTION CHRISTOPHER S ROBINS ESQ JOHN B ROBINS, IV, P.A. 128 EAST MAIN STREET PO BOX 505 SALISBURY, MD 210830506 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18180 To all persons interested in the estate of FRANK J GEPPI, ESTATE NO. 18180.

N o t i c e is given that STEVEN F. GEPPI, 4310 BECKLEYSVILLE ROAD, HAMPSTEAD, MD 21074, was on,

Page 77

FEBRUARY 10, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FRANK J GEPPI, who died on FEBRUARY 1, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of AUGUST, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before 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 FEBRUARY 14, 2020 STEVEN F. GEPPI 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 2-14, 2-21, 2-28

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3,000 Students Expected To Attend JA Inspire Event In OC

Page 78

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Thousands of eighthgrade students from six counties will visit Ocean City later this month for an interactive career exploration event hosted

by Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore.

On Thursday, Feb. 27, the entire eighth-grade population of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot counties will attend the second annual JA Inspire event at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.

Throughout the course of the day, roughly 3,000 students will interact with representatives from nearly 140 local businesses to learn about various career paths.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“Part of the problem on the Eastern Shore is not that there’s a lack of jobs, but that there’s a lack of people who are trained to do the jobs that exist …,” Junior Achievement’s Development Manager Lisa Thornton said. “So JA Inspire was our answer to the shortage of skilled employees here on the shore.”

Last year, Junior Achievement launched its inaugural JA Inspire event – which featured 95 exhibitors and roughly 1,300 Wicomico County students – at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury. This year, JA Inspire will move to the Ocean City convention center to accommodate the entire eighth-grade population of six counties.

“Last year we used Wicomico County as a pilot program for JA Inspire …,” Thornton said. “Once all the

February 14, 2020

Staff from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore are pictured engaged with visitors to last year’s JA Inspire event.

Submitted Photo

other school districts got word of JA Inspire they said, ‘Our students have to attend this.’ We basically had to move so we could accommodate about 50% more businesses and twice as many

students.”

Officials with Junior Achievement said the goal of JA Inspire is to highlight career opportunities on the Eastern Shore and the skills needed to fill those positions. Eighth-graders attending the event will then know what coursework is needed to make their high school careers more relevant.

“It’s important for them to get inspired and figure out what they want to do for a living in the eighth grade,” she said. “If they want to go into a skilled trade then they know to start a CTE program in high school. If they want to be a nurse, they know early enough that they have to do well in math. If they want to go into construction, they know early enough that they have to pay attention in geometry.

Waiting until 11th grade is not the answer.”

Thornton said this year’s JA Inspire event will feature nine industries – hospitality, tourism and food, manufacturing, engineering and the skilled trades, education, law and human services, agriculture, aquaculture and environmental, aeronautics and aerospace, communications, arts, web and IT, utilities, transportation and logistics, financial, professional and business, and health services.

She noted that Junior Achievement is also seeking volunteers to help throughout the day.

“Obviously 3,000 eighth-graders is a lot of kids,” she said. “We’ll need as much help as possible to keep them on task. Also, with 140 businesses there, we want to make sure that every kid that comes to JA Inspire finds a business or career that they love.”

Junior Achievement will host an opening reception for JA Inspire on Feb. 26 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

Thornton said the open house will allow community members, parents, educators, donors and volunteers to see what students will be experiencing on Feb. 27. A kick-off presentation will be .held at 5 p.m.

“We want the entire public to be well versed on what skills we need here on the shore and what jobs exist,” Thornton said.

For more information on JA Inspire, or to volunteer, visit www.juniorachievement.org/web/ja-easternshore/ja-inspire.

February 14, 2020

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 79

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above a quiet Baltimore Avenue is pictured near 2nd Street. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

Page 80

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Partnership Eyed To Support Students

February 14, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A partnership between Wicomico County’s public school system and a Boston-based organization is expected to improve student support services.

On Feb. 5, Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS) announced an effort to improve the effectiveness of social, emotional, behavioral and counseling supports for students through a partnership with the District Management Group, a Boston-based organization with expertise assisting school districts in these areas.

“I am very proud of the quality of support we provide our students and the hard work of our staff who help all children achieve at high levels,” Superintendent Donna Hanlin said. “As part of Imagine 2022, even higher expectations require us to look for ways to further increase supports to our students without increasing stress on staff, and that is why we have engaged the District Management Group to assist us.”

The partnership will include a multi-phase project gathering and analyzing data on WCPS support systems, identifying commendations and opportunities within the school system, sharing findings, and prioritizing and pursing action planning opportunities, according to a press release issued this week.

The results are expected to provide a better picture of what is working well in the district, a better understanding of what the appropriate level of staff and services are, the overall improved delivery of services students and parents, and better utilization of district resources.

“I am committed to ensuring a positive school climate for students and staff,” Hanlin said. “We are excited to be undertaking this study and appreciate the community’s support in this process.”

Last week’s announcement comes two months after WCPS joined forces with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Juvenile Services and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Wicomico County to form a Youth Safety Task Force to improve school climate and student conduct after an uptick in violent incidents earlier in the school year.

Beginning in October, for example, school system officials witnessed several student altercations at Salisbury Middle School. That same month, a 13-year-old student was charged with threat of mass violence for her involvement in a bomb threat at James M. Bennett High School. And in November, three teachers at Parkside High School sustained minor injuries following a fight between students.

Chamber Awards Holiday Lights Contest Winners

February 14, 2020

BERLIN – Each year the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce holds its Chamber Lights Decorating Contest in an effort to have businesses and residents help light up Ocean City for the holidays.

This contest is open to chamber member businesses as well as area residences. For 2019, there were more than 40 entries throughout Ocean City and West Ocean City. Chamber businesses could enter in their category under indoor and /or outdoor decorations and lights, and all residential entries were entered under outdoor.

A panel of volunteer judges from the OC Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Committee visited the displays in person over two nights – to judge all entries and choose the winners in a van generously donated by Fager’s Island.

On January 9, the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce presented the awards during its January Business After Hours at Ocean Downs Casino.

The winners were as follows: Judges Award: Jolly Roger Pier & Jolly Roger Amusement Park Restaurant – Indoor: Nick’s House of Ribs, first place; Buxy’s Salty Dog/Dry Dock 28, second place; and Barn 34, third place.

Restaurant-Outdoor: Dead Freddies, first place; Barn 34, second place; Original Greene Turtle, third place.

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

Hotel – Outdoor: Dunes Manor, first place Service – Indoor: Ocean City Post Office/71st Street, first place.

Service – Outdoor: City Hall-Beautification Committee, first place; Farmers Bank of Willards 128th Street, second place.

Residential: Mark Jahnke – Caine Woods Christmas House, first place.

Residential Honorary Mention: Bruce and Nancy Jones, Steve Wheeler, Brandon Connolly and Lisa and Sean Stephenson.

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Page 81

Workshop To Review Fenwick’s Proposed Design Guidelines

Page 82

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A Fenwick Island committee will present its draft of commercial district design guidelines to the town council in a workshop set for March.

A few weeks ago, the Fenwick Island Ad Hoc Commercial District Planning Committee continued its review of voluntary design guidelines and recommended ordinance changes for the town’s commercial district.

Following a lengthy discussion and revision process, members agreed to present the draft guidelines at a town council workshop sometime in March, though no definitive date was set.

Last year, the committee began working with The Design Group’s Jeff Schoellkopf to better define Fenwick’s vision for the commercial district as it is redeveloped.

Since then, committee members have focused their efforts on core issues such as building aesthetics, mechanical equipment and parking, and have drafted voluntary design guidelines and suggested ordinance changes

that would suit the needs of commercial development while protecting residential property owners.

At a committee meeting last month, Schoellkopf presented a summary of recommended ordinance changes and voluntary design elements for the committee’s review with the goal of gathering feedback and suggestions.

“If any of these recommendations are not adopted, they might still live on in the guidelines as encouraged,” he said.

Proposed ordinance changes for the town’s commercial district include expanding definitions and requirements for mechanical equipment, changing parking dimensions and allowing nonhabitable sloping roof elements to exceed the building height limit by 4.5 feet.

Schoellkopf also suggested allowing porches, bay windows, cornices, eaves, gutters, chimneys, steps or entries projecting from the main structure to encroach into front yard and side yard setbacks no more than 2 feet.

“I think it would really help in somebody’s ability to give a little character to the front of the buildings without them

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February 14, 2020

having to pull the whole building back two feet in order to do that,” he said.

Another suggested change was allowing steps and ramps into the setbacks so long as they stay at least four feet away from the property line.

Schoellkopf said the ordinance change could improve accessibility and aid property owners as they build higher.

That proposed change, however, diverged into a lengthy discussion on building height.

Currently, buildings in Fenwick Island cannot exceed 30 feet in height, or 32 feet in height if the building has a freeboard that elevates the structure. The total building height is measured from the highest point in the crown of the adjacent road.

One of the proposed ordinance changes raises freeboard requirements to two feet above FEMA’s base flood elevation in certain zones, while another ordinance change would allow the building height to be measured from the highest point of the adjacent property line or from the height of required freeboard, so as not to penalize property owners for freeboard requirements.

“I know this is a really touchy issue

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in town,” Schoellkopf said.

Members of the committee, however, agreed the proposed ordinance changes should be considered.

“In light of the flooding we had this fall, which has been unusual, I think it needs to be on the table,” Councilman Richard Mais, chair of the committee, said. “If this council doesn’t want to mess with it right now then so be it.”

Town Manager Terry Tieman said flooding issues would soon need to be addressed.

“I see the flooding and it’s gotten worse,” she said. “These are the questions that I struggle with. When is the time to the discuss it? These are the things that help us flood proof. At some point, whether you have an emotional attachment to that height limit or not, you are going to figure out it has to be done.”

Committee members on Wednesday also reviewed its draft of voluntary design guidelines in the commercial district. The document identifies design elements such as gable roofs, landscaped parking lots and porches that are encouraged, but not required, as commercial properties are redeveloped.

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Wicomico Council Urges Executive To Fill Vacant Post

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A vacancy in the county’s finance department led to a lengthy discussion between members of the legislative and executive branches.

In a work session on Tuesday, Feb. 4, the Wicomico County Council met with Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg and Assistant Director of Admin-istration Weston Young to discuss an unfilled deputy director position within the finance department.

According to the county code, “The Director of Finance shall have a deputy, who shall perform such duties as said Director shall require and for whose official conduct said Director shall be responsible and who, in the absence of the Director, shall act in his place.”

However, officials acknowledged this week that the position has remained vacant since the retirement of former Deputy Director John Ellis.

Strausburg told the council on Tuesday that it was no question the position needed to be filled, but added the position had not yet been advertised.

“We think that we may want to fill that internally,” he said. “Let me be candid. If you are going to advertise for that level position, you aren’t going to find a whole lot of people who want to get into the situation that we have.”

According to the county’s charter, council confirmation is required for the appointment of department heads, as well as the initial appointment of deputy directors.

The council contends the charter requires the county executive to formally submit appointments to the council and

Page 83

receive council approval. However, both branches of government have publicly disagreed with each other’s interpretation of the charter.

Councilman John Cannon last week encouraged the executive’s office to quickly fill the position. Strausburg, however, said the code did not set a timeline.

“The interesting thing is the county code is silent on the timing of that,” he said, “but I do understand it is required by the county code.”

Cannon told Strausburg the finance department currently had no leadership.

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County Executive Bob Culver announced Michele Ennis the new finance director last May, but her appointment was rejected by the council last June.

She continues to serve in that position.

“As it is right now, technically the finance department has no administration whatsoever,” he said. “That’s not a very safe place for us to be.”

This week’s discussion follows months of back-and-forth disagreements between the two branches surrounding appointments to county leadership positions.

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WeSt OCeaN City-BerliN-OCeaN PiNeS aSSateague DiNer rte. 611 & Sunset ave., West Ocean City 443-664-8158 www.assateaguedinerandbar.com Inspired by a classic diner culture, this new hotspot offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu here features classic comfort foods prepared and executed with a modern coastal trust. Be sure to check out the exceptional coffee program and the Westside Bar within features delicious craft cocktails throughout the day.

BlaCKSmitH reStauraNt & Bar 104 Pitts St., Berlin • 410-973-2102 Located in the heart of America’s Coolest Small Town, Berlin, Md., Blacksmith has established itself as one the area’s most loved dining and drinking destinations for foodies and wine, spirt and craft beer enthusiasts. Chef owned and locally sourced, Blacksmith keeps the main focus on Eastern Shore tradition. Everything here is homemade and handmade. Cakes and baked goods are delivered daily from down the street. Cozy and modern, traditional and on trend; Blacksmith has risen to the ranks of the area’s finest casual eating and drinking establishments. Visit and see why folks from Baltimore, D.C., Chincoteague and locals alike think Blacksmith is worth the trip. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, dinner and bar snacks. Closed Sunday.

BreaKfaSt Cafe Of OCeaN City 12736 Ocean gateway, West Ocean City 410-213-1804 Open 7 days a week between Sunsations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family owned for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice atmosphere makes a meal. I like to think we have many “House Specialties” which include our Crab Omelet, real crab meat, cheddar cheese and mushrooms, our Sunfest Omelet, Swiss cheese, ham and mushrooms; Cafe or French Sampler, pancakes or French toast, with eggs, bacon and sausage. Homemade creamed chip-ped beef on toast and sausage gravy on biscuits with browned potato home fries, with onion, excellent cheesesteak subs and fries and more! We use Rapa Scrapple fried on the grill the way you like it for all our breakfasts, sandwiches and sides. Summer hours, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Come enjoy!

CariBBeaN jOe’S Bar & grille 12614 Ocean gateway Next to alamo Hotel 443-664-8509 Completely renovated and under new ownership, we are proudly located at the first ever motel in Ocean City, “The Alamo.” You truly will not believe what we’ve done! Thursday we have fresh 1/2-lb. burgers served on a delicious Hawaiian Roll for only $5. Wash it down with a natural light for only $1. We also have tender pulled-pork sandwiches and unique chicken salad to die for. We’re open 7 days a week when the season kicks in. Come see our Caribbean atmosphere, 7 flat-screen TVs and the coolest pool bar in Ocean City.

CraB alley golf Course rd., West Ocean City Head Of Commercial fishing Harbor 410-213-7800 • www.craballey.com Just close enough to be out of the way-located at the head of the commercial fishing harbor in West

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ocean City, Crab Alley has it all! Spectacular view, casual and fun atmosphere, super service and mouth-watering food combine to make “The Alley” a true locals’ favorite. Enjoy our light fare and full menu of unbelievably fresh seafood, chicken and steaks indoors or on our upper deck. We offer appetizers, sandwiches and a children’s menu too.

Our name says it all -”crack’em and attack ‘em”.

Big Fat Crabs both by the dozen and all you can enjoy specials. Check out our website for our fantastic happy hour food and drink specials or find us on Facebook. Having a special affair? We can handle your group, large party or special occasion.

Make Crab Alley your first stop!

DumSer’S DairylaND West Ocean City, Boardwalk locations, 501 S. Philadelphia ave., 49th St. & 123rd St. www.dumsersdairyland.com This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.'s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser's is celebrating 80 years of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats. You’ll find an impressive array of kid-favorites, along with fried chicken and seafood options, wraps, subs, sandwiches, salads and sides like sweet potato fries and mac-and-cheese wedges.

fOx’S Pizza DeN 11328 Samuel Bowen Blvd., West Ocean City 410-600-1020 • www.foxpizzamd.com Enjoy a brand new, spacious dining room. Happy hour every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with $5 food specials and awesome drink specials. Enjoy incredible weekly chef specials along with our extensive regular menu. Check out foxspizzamd.com for a list of our regular menu items.

full mOON SalOON 12702 Old Bridge rd., West Ocean City 443-664-5317 Locally owned and operated, this moderately priced casual restaurant/bar has freshly caught seafood, BBQ, and pork entrees, giant sandwiches as well as a variety of homemade soups. Locally we are known for our jumbo lump crab cakes, pork and beef BBQ, cream of crab soup, and 100% angus burgers as well as a variety of other sandwiches and entrees that are cooked with a local flair. Open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and open until midnight. Sundays breakfast offered 8 a.m.-noon. Fifteen televisions and a big screen available for all sports events. greeNe turtle-WeSt rte. 611, West Ocean City • 410-213-1500 Visit Maryland’s No. 1 Sports Pub and Rest-aurant, the World-Famous Greene Turtle. Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The

Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out. Something for everyone! Voted best sports bar, wings and burgers in West OC. Great happy hour and plenty of parking.

HarBOrSiDe Bar & grill South Harbor road • 410-213-1846 They take their mantra, “Where You Always Get Your Money’s Worth,” seriously here with daily food and drink specials during happy hour as you watch the boats come in from a day offshore. Delicious daily chef specials are always worth a try or stay with any of the house favorites, such as the calamari and ahi bruschetta for appetizers or any of the homemade tacos and fresh off the dock seafood selections as sandwiches or entrees. It’s the home of the original fresh-squeezed orange crush, of course.

HOOterS reStauraNt rt. 50 & Keyser Point rd., West Ocean City 410-213-1841 • www.hootersofoc.com New mouthwatering smoked wings with half the calories. Traditional wings and boneless wings with 12 sauce selections. Burgers, quesadillas, tacos, and healthy salads. Extensive seafood selections with raw bar and Alaskan crab legs. Children's menu and game room. Apparel and souvenir shop. Sports packages on a ton of TVs and live entertainment. Wingfest every Tuesday from 6 to 8 with 50 cent wings.

And of course, the world famous Hooters Girls. Large parties welcome. Call for private party planning. ligHtHOuSe SOuND St. martin’s Neck rd. • 410-352-5250 Enjoy the best views of Ocean City at the newly renovated, Lighthouse Sound. Come relax and dine overlooking the bay and the beautiful Ocean City skyline. Savor entrees such as local rockfish, tempurabattered soft shell crabs, char-grilled filet mignon and jumbo lump crabcakes. Open to the public, we serve Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. One mile west of Ocean City, Md., just off Route 90 on St. Martin’s Neck Road. Reservations recommended. rutH’S CHriS Within the glenriddle Community 410-213-9444 • www.ruthschris.com Ruth’s Chris specializes in the finest custom-aged Midwestern beef. We broil it exactly the way you like it at 1,800 degrees to lock in the corn-fed flavor. Then we serve your steak sizzling on a heated plate so that it stays hot throughout your meal.

Many of our recipes were developed by Ruth, favorites such as shrimp Remoulade, Crabtini and Ruth’s chop salad. Located five miles west of Ocean City in the GlenRiddle Golf clubhouse. Extensive wine list. Reservations recommended. tHe SHarK ON tHe HarBOr 12924 Sunset ave., West Ocean City 410-213-0924 • ocshark.com We make real food from scratch. We believe that great food and healthful ingredients are not mutually exclusive of each other. Featuring local organic

February 14, 2020 produce and seafood. All natural products – clear of preservatives and antibiotics. Whole grains and whole foods are used in the preparation of our menu – which our chefs write twice daily, based on what's fresh, available and delicious. Fresh. Local.

Organic. Taste the difference. Open Daily Year Round, Monday through Saturday for Lunch & Dinner and Sundays for Brunch, Lunch & Dinner.

Reservations suggested. iNlet tO 94tH Street

28tH St. Pit & PuB 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2020 • www.pitandpub.com Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub is known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties.

Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy Hour daily, 3-6 p.m.

Family friendly atmosphere. Weekend entertainment.

32 Palm 32nd St. Oceanside in the Hilton 410-289-2525 • www.32palm.com Executive Chef Rick Goodwin has introduced an exciting new menu. A favorite among many is the Bermuda Triangle, featuring cinnamon seared scallops finished with an ancho mango coulis along with house broiled crabcake with a sweet chili remoulade and finally, applewood smoked bacon wrapped around jumbo shrimp, grilled to perfection with jalapeno barbecue sauce. Other wonderfully delicious dishes cover the land and sea as well and each have a special touch that makes this restaurant unique among its peers. Children’s menu available. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

45tH Street taPHOuSe 45th St. & the Bay • 443-664-2201 At the newly remodeled 45th Street Taphouse, the best views of bayside Ocean City, MD are the backdrop where craft beer meets Maryland cuisine. This is vacation done right, all year long.

Wash down a Crabby Pretzel or homemade crabcakes with one of our 35+ craft beers on tap, all made right here in the USA. Not feeling crabby?

Pair your craft brew with our award-winning wings or even our brand new breakfast menu. Anyway it’s served, come get tapped with us.

BONfire 71st St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-524-7171 www.thebonfirerestaurant.com 150 ft. Seafood & Prime Rib Buffet. A famous Ocean City Restaurant for 37 years. It’s all here.

The service, the atmosphere and the finest, freshest food available. Fresh seafood, snow crab legs, prime rib, BBQ ribs, raw oysters, raw clams, steamed shrimp, fish, homemade soups & salads. Decadent dessert selection – homemade donuts & bread pudding, soft serve ice cream with hot fudge topping and lots more! Large selection of children’s favorites – chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, macaroni & cheese and pizza. A la carte menu available featuring fresh cut steaks and seafood. Currently closed.

Opening in February. Plenty of free parking.

Buxy’S Salty DOg 28th St. • 410-289-0973 • www.buxys.com Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes.

House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, piero-gis,egg-rolls and See Next Page

February 14, 2020

homemade crab dip. Don’t miss our daily specials.

COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 Great mid-town location offering a complete dinner menu, lunch and lite fare. Coins features the freshest seafood, shrimp, scallops, clams, fresh catch and lobster plus the best crab cake in Maryland, hand cut steaks cook-ed to your liking, succulent veal and chicken dishes. Also authentic pasta selections. Enjoy live entertainment and dancing in the lounge nightly. Happy hour daily 3-6 p.m. Casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Special kids menu. Lots of free parking.

DRY 85 OC 12 48th St. • 443-664-8989 • dry85.com Steps from the beach. Gourmet "stick to your ribs" Lowcountry cuisine. A made-from-scratch kitchen with every sauce and every dressing hand crafted.

It's that attention to detail that takes the concept of burgers, fries, ribs and wings and turns them completely on their head. Charcuterie boards. Late night bar. 120+ Whiskies. Craft beer. Artisanal craft cocktails. Seasonal outdoor seating. Named one of the Top 40 Whiskey Bars in America by Whiskey Advocate.

DRY DOCK 28 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-289-0973 The new kid on the dining scene in Ocean City features eclectic pizzas, delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and hot steamers in a modern, nautical themed atmosphere. A beautiful boat bar is featured inside and features craft cocktails and brews.

Outdoor seating is available. Carry out available and beer and wine to go. Live music is also offered in this kid-friendly establishment.

EMBERS RESTAURANT 24th St. & Coastal Hwy. 410-289-3322 • www.embers.com The Embers is stepping it up again with their Famous All-You-Can-Eat Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet. New buffet selections from our Executive Chef and Sous Chef paired expertly with all the old favorites! Massive crab legs, large shrimp, crab cakes, and over 100 additional items including our Raw Bar, Steamed Clams, various fish selections and a continuous array of delicious surprises from the kitchen daily. The Embers also offers an excellent happy hour with some of the lowest drink prices and discounts on selected items from the buffet until 6 p.m. in our bar! Open Friday-Sunday at 4 p.m. Happy hour from 3-6 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND RESTAURANT & BAR 201 60th St. On The Bay 410-524-5500 • www.fagers.com Fager’s Island is an award-winning popular bay-front restaurant where lunch is a forgivable habit, dinner an event and sunsets unforgettable. Lite fare lunch served from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m., famous raw bar, festive Sunday Jazz Brunch, 10 a.m.2 p.m. and children’s menu. Complete house wine list and award-winning proprietor’s list available upon request. Outdoor decks and bar. Nightly entertainment in-season, Friday-Saturday, off-season. Open every day, year-round. A Fun Place!

GENERAL’S KITCHEN 66th St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-723-0477 Join us at our new bigger and better location.

Everybody likes breakfast, but for too many it comes too early in the morning. Not so at this sunshine-happy delight. Breakfast is what it’s all about, from 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The menu is a breakfast lover’s dream. From juice, cereal and eggs, to corned beef hash, waffles, hot cakes,

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

bacon, sausage, to the best creamed chipped beef on the coast (try it on french fries). This is definitely the place. House specialties: creamed chipped beef, O.C. No. 1 breakfast, own recipes.

HIGGINS CRAB HOUSE 31st St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-289-2581 There is no doubt about it. Higgins offers traditional Eastern Shore favorites for the entire family to enjoy.

Of course, the house special-ties include all-you-caneat crabs, crab legs, fried chicken, steamed shrimp and baby back ribs. In addition, there is a full menu offering a variety of delicious soups, appetizers and entrees. Open Friday at 2:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday at noon. North location reopens mid-March.

JOHNNY'S PIZZA & SPORTS PUB 56th St. & Coastal Hwy. 410-723-5600 • www.johnnyspizzapub.com The Official Pizza of OC, Johnny's Pizza & Sports Pub serves families throughout Ocean City and its surrounding communities 365 days a year. Eat in, carry out or have it delivered right to your doorstep.

Our comfortable dining room features ample seating for small groups or large parties and our speedy delivery service will deliver your hot, delicious pizza right to your home, hotel or condo for your added convenience. From steaming homemade pizzas to lightly tossed salads and fiery hot wings, we have something for everyone. Live entertainment every weekend all winter and live entertainment four nights in the summer.

MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 33rd St. in the DoubleTree Oceanfront 410-289-1201 • www.marlinmoonocmd.com Eat where the locals eat. Marlin Moon is back in town with the talented Executive Chef, Gary Beach, creating his legendary food magic. Marlin Moon combines an eclectic atmosphere of ocean views and a fresh vibe with creative seafood and steak dishes you won’t forget. Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Some of the original classics, such as Mom’s Shrimp and Freddy’s Seafood Pasta, are back as well as a raw bar, small plate appetizers, fresh salads and entrees sure to satisfy any food mood. Open daily serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th St. • 443-664-6801 • redredwinebar.com Steps from the beach. Fresh coastal cuisine with a focus on locally sourced seafood and hand tossed pizzas. Artisanal cheeseboards. 35+ Wines By the Glass. Full bar. Craft beer. Late night bar.

Luxurious colors and custom built couches. Casual atmosphere. Seasonal outdoor seating. Named Best Wine and Beverage Program in Maryland by the Restaurant Association.

PICKLES PUB 8th St., Ocean City • 410-289-4891 It’s pub food with a twist and a special emphasis put on quality and large portions. The big juicy

burgers and oven baked wedge sandwiches are locals’ favorites as are the pub wings (in a variety of styles) and tacos (choose from thai pulled pork, grilled chicken and blacked ahi avocado). There are numerous unique craft pizza options to choose from as well with the house favorite here being the blackened shrimp and arugula.

SEACRETS • On The Bay At 49th St. 410-524-4900 • www.seacrets.com We are Jamaica USA! Serving our world famous jerk chicken, along with a full menu of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, salads, entrees, desserts and a children's menu. Enjoy happy hour drink prices until 7 p.m.and live entertainment in a tropical atmosphere. Please check our website www.seacrets.com for a complete list of live bands and daily food and drink specials or call 410-524-4900. Find us and get lost!

94TH ST. NORTH-FENWICK-BETHANY

CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th St. & the Beach • 410-524-1000 Reef 118 Oceanfront Restaurant located in the Carousel Hotel offers beautiful oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet or try one of our specialty omelets including lump crab and asparagus. Our menu offers a wide variety of Succulent Seafood along with steaks, pastas & ribs. $5.95 kids’ menu available. Stop by the Bamboo Lounge serving happy hour daily 4-6 p.m. with super drink prices and $4.95 food specials. Visit the Carousel and get served by the friendliest staff in OC! CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE Rt. 54, Selbyville, DE • 302-988-5000 Under new ownership but SAME award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys! Enjoy WATERFRONT dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available.

Open daily at 9 a.m. YEAR ROUND. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu. visit us online at crabcakefactory-online.com or on our Facebook page. Casual dress, full liquor bar, no reservations.

GREENE TURTLE-NORTH 116th St. & Coastal Hwy • 410-723-2120 www.facebook.com/OriginalGreeneTurtle This is the Original Greene Turtle, an Ocean City Tradition, since 1976! A fun and friendly Sports Bar & Grille, where every seat is a great spot to watch sports with 50+ High Def. TVs up & downstairs!

Menu favorites include homemade crab cakes, kids’ menu, salads, burgers, wings and more! Join them for weekday lunch specials 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and happy hour 3-7 p.m. Popular features are game room, gift shop, carry-out, party trays, nightly drink specials, MD Lottery-Keno, Powerball and DJs with dance floor. Something for everyone!

Open 11 a.m-2 a.m., year-round.

Page 85 HARPOON HANNA’S RESTAURANT & BAR Rte. 54 & The Bay, Fenwick Island, DE www.harpoonhannasrestaurant.com 302-539-3095 No reservations required. Harpoon Hanna’s features a children’s menu & full bar. We are a casual waterfront restaurant serving lunch & dinner including fesh fish, seafood, steaks, sandwiches and all-you-can-eat Alaskan crab legs. Open yearround.

HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT Located Inside The Clarion Resort 101st St., Ocean City • 410-524-3535 Horizons Oceanfront Restaurant is proud to have Chef Rob Sosnovich creating beach-inspired dishes in both our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breaker’s Pub. Our new all day menu, available 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., features many of your favorites and some exciting new creations with a local flare – from Lite Bites to Big Bites and everything in between. Our deluxe Sunday breakfast buffet is open year-round and our “famous” all-you-can-eat prime rib, crab legs and seafood buffet is available most weekends throughout the year and daily in season.

The Ocean Club Nightclub features top-40 dance music every weekend and nightly this summer.

We’ve added some popular local bands to our lineup, so come join us “where the big kids play!”

Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: enjoy surf, sun and live entertainment 7 days a week on the deck, from Memorial day through Labor Day during our afternoon beach parties. Enjoy something to eat or drink from our extensive menu. Try our “Bucket of Fun”, or a fresh “Orange Crush”–two of our favorites!

LIGHTHOUSE SOUND RESTAURANT 12723 St. Martin’s Neck Road, Bishopville, MD • 410-641-1199 Join us for dinner tonight and enjoy the best views of Ocean City, overlooking the Assawoman Bay and the Ocean City skyline. We feature our signature crab cakes, sizzling steaks and fresh fish entrees. Join us for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch.

Specializing in weddings and banquets. For more info visit www.lighthousesoundrestaurant.com or call 410-641-1199.

NANTUCKETS Rte. 1, Fenwick Island • 302-539-2607 Celebrating our 30th season serving the beach great food and spirits. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty. There’s the memorable steaks, fresh seafood, famous quahog chowder and the chef’s daily specials, just to name a few.

SMITTY MCGEE’S Rte. 54-West Fenwick Ireland 302-436-4716 • www.smittymcgees.com Smitty McGee’s is the place to be for fun. Best wings on the beach for 28 years and counting.

Enjoy great food and drink specials in a casual atmosphere. Happy hour daily. Come enjoy the live entertainment Thursday and Friday. Full menu served unil 1 a.m. Banquet facilities available.

Open seven days a week. We never close!

SURF’S EDGE DELI & PIZZERIA 100 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island 302-537-5565 Best Salads award by Coastal Style 4 years in a row. Healthy, casual dining featuring home-made salads, fresh salads, subs, paninis, sandwiches and pizza. Open for lunch and dinner. Children’s menu, take-out and delivery available.

Come Join Us On Sunday

UPCOMING EVENT Friday, Feb. 14, 4-6:30 p.m.: Crab Cake Dinner

EVERY SUNDAY

8:30 a.m.: Fellowship In The He Brews Cafe Stevenson United Methodist Church

123 North Main St., Berlin, Md. 410-641-1137 • www.stevensonchurch.org

9 a.m.: Blended Sunday Worship Service

9:30 a.m.: Children And Youth Sunday School

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY vanishing

February 14, 2020

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9928 Old Ocean City Blvd., Suite 2 Berlin, Maryland 21811 410-629-0357 • keyfinancialservices.com

The Sea Scape was built by Ridge Harman, Sr. in 1954 and was the first Boardwalk motel in Ocean City. Located on 16th Street, it was part of what would soon become known as “Motel Row.” The famous March Storm of ‘62 would cause serious damage to the entire town and the Sea Scape was no exception. Its swimming pool was uprooted from the original site facing the beach and deposited in the motel parking lot facing Baltimore Avenue. Reconstructed, the pool would remain in the new location for the next 54 years.

The Sea Scape was famous for its weekly smorgasbord in the 1960s and 70s and a lively piano bar. One of the first motels to stay open in the off-season, its Fireside Room restaurant was popular for prime rib and broiled Maine lobster. In later years, Peppers Tavern – a popular locals bar – leased space in the basement of the Sea Scape.

After 62 years as one of Ocean City’s best known motels, the Sea Scape was torn down in November 2016 to make way for the modern Hyatt Place Ocean City/Oceanfront Hotel.

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

Photo by Bunk Mann

February 14, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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February 14, 2020