Feb. 5

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February 5, 2021

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More Cameras Approved In Resort

See Page 4 • File Photo

A Vaccine Supply Vs. Demand Game

Snowy Week:

The coastal landscape looked quite different this week with a few inches of snow falling over Photos by Erik Dowell, above, and Chris Parypa the area, including Assateague Island, above, and Ocean City.

See Page 6 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

OC’s Boardwalk Tram Will Return

See Page 8 • File Photo

Waiting List Established For Shots

See Page 7 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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February 5, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Resort Council Supports Adding Cameras Along Baltimore Avenue

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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February 5, 2021

City Watch Program Will Expand

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Questions about the correlation between an expanded City Watch surveillance camera network and the need for more boots on the ground police officers were answered this week.

During Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, a review of the expansion of the City Watch surveillance camera system juxtaposed with the ongoing effort to bolster Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) with more full-time and seasonal police officers and public safety aides (PSAs). Each were topics of discussion during last month’s Police Commission meeting and were reviewed again by the Mayor and Council on Monday.

The topics are mutually exclusive, but the issue of whether more of one aspect required less of the other was raised.

The OCPD will be at its full complement of 112 full-time officers with nine candidates in the current academy class and five more expected to be added to the July academy class.

Seasonal officer recruitment is strong with 144 applicants as of mid-January although the final number is a bit of a moving target. Of the 144 seasonal officer candidates, 52 failed their pre-testing and 17 have received conditional offers with another 53 still in the application process. In terms of PSAs, there have been 52 applicants, of which six have failed pre-tests and four have received conditional offers.

Also reviewed by the Mayor and Council on Monday was the ongoing expansion of the City Watch video surveillance network. The project began in 2014 and now includes camera locations along the entire Boardwalk. The next phase, which is underway, will include the Baltimore Avenue corridor.

Last year, the town secured a $66,000 grant from the state for the next phase and the goal is to have seven new surveillance cameras installed along the corridor by the start of the summer season.

Again, while not directly related, the issues of filling out the ranks of full-time and seasonal officers along with PSAs and expanding the City Watch system led to an interesting debate. While advocating for both initiatives, Councilman John Gehrig raised the question if more cameras were installed, thereby improving the department’s efficiency, would as many seasonal officers and PSAs be needed.

“The purpose of the cameras is to make us more productive,” he said. “If it doesn’t make us more productive, then we don’t need to spend the money.

That’s the story of technology.”

OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro said the City Watch system expansion has and will be an invaluable tool and resource for the department.

“They are extra eyes in the sky,” he said. “Cameras never get sick and they don’t take a day off. It’s just a win-win.

We’ve had a number of success stories, and it’s been proven more is better.”

Buzzuro said expanding the City Watch system to include Baltimore Avenue was the next logical step in the process. He also pointed out the importance of getting video surveillance at the key entry points to town.

“The Boardwalk is already covered,” he said. “The next area is Baltimore Avenue. We also think it’s important to cover the entry and exit points to town.

We’ve had situations where we wished we had more.”

In terms of the debate whether an expanded City Watch system could ease the strain on recruiting and hiring more officers, Buzzuro said the need for boots on the ground would always surpass the benefits of a wider surveillance net.

“It’s a resource and another tool,” he said. “It will always be people first. This is not a replacement or a substitute for having personnel.”

The chief said the need to fill out the ranks of seasonal officers and PSAs is paramount heading into a new season and the expansion of City Watch will only make how the new officers are deployed easier.

“It makes us safer,” he said. “It allows us to be strategic in where we direct our personnel. There is no replacing the people element. It’s just another tool and a resource.”

City Watch allows command staff to deploy officers in real time situations, but also has proven to be effective in investigating crimes after they have occurred and ultimately gaining convictions for suspects by securing court-admissible evidence, said City Manager Doug Miller.

“It helps with investigations after a crime is committed,” he said. “It provides a tool to identify suspects and get convictions when they get to court.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said he has seen the effectiveness of an expanded City Watch system first-hand during times of significant criminal activity.

“It allows us to optimize our resources,” he said. “I’ve been up there and watched the command staff manage incidents and allocate resources using the cameras. I watched them using it during H2Oi and the incidents in June.”

The council voted 6-0 with Councilman Lloyd Martin to move ahead with the City Watch surveillance camera expansion to Baltimore Avenue.

February 5, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Concerns Over Vaccine Supply Vs. Demand Remains High

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

POCOMOKE – Demand for the COVID-19 vaccine remains high but local officials say they’re doing the best they can with what they’re getting from the state.

Last Friday, the Worcester County Health Department hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Elks Lodge in Pocomoke with the assistance of the Maryland National Guard. While officials there praised the health department’s efforts, they said Worcester County should be getting more vaccines.

“It concerns me,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “More needs to be done to ensure counties like us get the doses we need.”

More than 100 people received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine at last Friday’s clinic, which the Elks provided space to the county for at no charge.

Attendees checked in, received their shot and then were directed to a seating area to wait for the recommended 15 minutes before departing. Members of the Maryland National Guard were present to assist in the clinic’s organization and traffic flow.

“We’re showing the community we’re here to support them,” said Jarvis Fosque of the Maryland National Guard’s 1229th Transportation Company.

Throughout the pandemic, Fosque’s

company has assisted in various ways, delivering critical items such as food, PPE and medical equipment where needed. Fosque said he was happy to help out with a vaccine clinic.

“This is hope,” he said. “We’re fighting to get everything back to how it used to be.”

Bertino praised the National Guard, the health department and the Elks Lodge for the smooth operation of Friday’s clinic. He said that as of Friday, Worcester County topped the state in terms of the percentage of its population that had received the first dose of the vaccine.

“It just goes to show the value of living in Worcester County,” he said.

While the county needs more doses to continue serving its population, Bertino said that was up to the state and federal government. Travis Brown, public affairs officer for the Worcester County Health Department, said that clinics were filling up as soon as they were posted online. He added that the health department couldn’t even advertise any clinics for the first week of February because it only received 300 first doses of the vaccine and they were going to people in assisted living and those who’d been on wait lists.

“Each week it’s different,” he said.

“The state does have a formula. We make a request for how much we think we’re going to need and then they give

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us a percentage of that. It is tough because people really want it.”

Health officials have been surprised by the volume of people interested in getting vaccinated.

“We thought initially the push was going to be to have to convince people to get the vaccine and that’s not it at all,” Brown said. “People who are eligible for it are really, really trying to get it. It’s definitely frustrating when those spots aren’t available.”

He encouraged those interested in getting the vaccine to continue checking MarylandVax.org frequently. He added that Walmart, Rite Aid and Safeway locations were expected to have the vaccine in February.

“We are suggesting that people who aren’t able to get it immediately through us call these places,” he said. “If they don’t have it yet they might know when they’re getting it. There are going to be a lot of different outlets but everyone is pulling from the same limited supply.”

Information regarding COVID-19 and the vaccination process is available on the health department’s website and social media pages. The department is also hosting virtual town hall meetings for large groups seeking information.

“We’re getting an average of 1,100 calls per day,” Brown said. “With call times ranging from three minutes to 20 minutes, it’s difficult to talk to each person. We’re trying to connect to as many

February 5, 2021

as possible but please do check our Facebook, and our website, to see if any of those questions have been answered.”

He acknowledged that the online clinic registration system could be frustrating for those trying to sign up online.

“Each clinic has a certain number of slots that we’re able to post based on the amount of vaccine we receive,” he said.

“And the waiting list, those are each tied to the clinic. That we know has not always been the best or the most accessible system for people because they’re kind of looking for universal wait list which is something we have been discussing internally… But we are looking at things we can do locally to improve that process.”

As of Monday, Maryland providers had administered 544,369 COVID-19 vaccines, and 78% of all first doses had been given, according to a release from Gov. Larry Hogan’s office. The average daily rate for shots administered is 24,490 — a 70% increase over the last two weeks.

“In accordance with federal guidelines, Maryland is currently in Phase 1C of the vaccine distribution plan, including critical workers in high-risk settings and residents 65 and over,” the release said.

“While federal guidelines make two million Marylanders eligible, the state is only receiving 10,000 doses per day. Demand continues to far exceed supply.”

Vaccine Waiting List Established

February 5, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County health officials say a new central waiting list for the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to simplify the registration process and prioritize the elderly.

This week, the Worcester County Health Department updated how it registers individuals for COVID-19 vaccine clinics with the introduction of a single central waiting list for all clinics operated by the agency.

“We know that the previous registration system was frustrating for a lot of community members,” said Health Officer Rebecca Jones. “Registering online can offer convenience but due to limited vaccine supply, appointments on MarylandVax.org were being filled almost as soon as they were posted each week. One of the main questions we’ve gotten from residents is how to get onto a waiting list; previously, those lists were per clinic but they also filled quickly. Keeping one central waiting list without a capacity limit will remove a lot of the stress of rushing to grab an appointment before it is filled.”

Anyone currently on a waiting list for the health department’s vaccination clinics will be added to the new central list.

The waiting list is open to anyone currently eligible under Phases 1A, 1B and 1C of Maryland’s vaccine distribution plan. However, priority will be given to individuals ages 65 and older, per the state’s most recent directive.

Because vaccine supply is limited, health department officials say they do not expect to post any Worcester County Health Department clinics onto the statewide registration website, MarylandVax.org, for the next several weeks.

Travis Brown, public affairs officer for the Worcester County Health Department, said the agency is instead directing anyone who would like a COVID-19 vaccine and is eligible, to call 667-2532140 so staff can manually add their names to the central waiting list.

“Once online registration begins again, individuals already on the list will be given priority,” he said.

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As of Wednesday, 1,583 individuals were on the health department’s wait list, which continues to grow daily, according to Brown. He said the agency is using its current allocation to go through the list.

“The demand for the COVID-19 vaccine far exceeds the current supply locally,” he said. “We hope we receive a greater allocation of doses from the state moving forward, though we know they are doing their best with the supply they are receiving.”

The health department’s central waiting list will only be used for clinics offered through the health department.

When asked if the health department had considered a universal wait list that includes hospital and pharmacy vaccination clinics, Brown said that discussion was ongoing.

“Every agency is working with the same state rules and phases, but we are all operating and scheduling clinics independently,” he explained. “That might make it difficult to move to a universal list of both private sector and public sector clinics. For the time being, we think keeping a single waiting list for health department clinics is the most practical system.”

Vaccination registration will be made available as vaccine supply allows.

Clinics are by appointment only for those that meet current eligibility.

The health department encourages individuals looking for a COVID-19 vaccine at a Worcester County Health Department clinic to call 667-253-2140.

Vaccination clinics are made available through a partnership between the Worcester County Health Department, Worcester County Government, Town of Ocean City, Pocomoke City, and the Pocomoke Elks Lodge.

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“We know there’s a lot of desire for the COVID-19 vaccine in our community,” Brown said. “We are committed to getting those shots in arms as quickly as possible. Everything we do is based on the supply of vaccine allocated to us, so please be patient and add your name to the waiting list …”

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Boardwalk Tram Service Officially Returning

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week signed off on a plan to restore the Boardwalk tram service beginning Memorial Day weekend.

Last month, the Transportation Committee voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the full Mayor and Council to bring back the Boardwalk tram this summer after the service was discontinued last year for COVID-related reasons. On Monday, the Mayor and Council unanimously approved the plan to restore Boardwalk tram service on May 28, the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.

Last spring, the governor’s restrictions on mass transit and amusements made operating the Boardwalk tram impractical. As some of the restrictions

were eased during early stages of its recovery plan, there was considerable discussion about bringing back the tram. However, the tram service was fraught with COVID-related challenges.

Short of taping off some of the seating or removing some of benches entirely, social distancing on the trams would have been difficult. Another concern raised was the crowding the trams cause on the Boardwalk when they roll through large crowds of pedestrians.

Finally, after considerable debate at different levels, the council voted to discontinue the service entirely for the summer last year. Now, with the state’s COVID metrics waning and vaccinations being administered, albeit painstakingly, the council voted unanimously this week to restore the Boardwalk tram service.

“The trams need to get up and run-

ning,” said Councilman Mark Paddack, who made the motion. “We need to get this operation restored and there is a lot of training that needs to be done.”

The trams will operate under whatever state COVID guidelines are in place when the service resumes including social distancing and the mask requirement. The initial motion to restore the Boardwalk tram service included the mandated wearing of masks for all drivers and conductors and passengers.

However, Council President Matt James said the trams should be operated under whatever state guidelines are still in place at the time.

“We’re saying masks are required for passengers, but what if we’re not there still?” he said. “If we are still there, fine.

Why don’t we just say the trams will be operated following local, state and federal guidelines in place?”

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School Comes In $609K Under Budget

February 5, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – School system officials highlighted $609,000 in cost savings associated with the construction of the new Showell Elementary School this week.

To celebrate the new school costing less than anticipated, Superintendent Lou Taylor presented the Worcester County Commissioners with a check for the remaining fund balance of $609,580.

“I thank you not only for your funding support of the Showell project but also for the many, many hours you dedicated to conceptual planning meetings, design meetings, budget meetings, and bidding meetings which allowed us to build the incredible new Showell Elementary School,” Taylor said.

From the start of the years-long process of building a new school, Taylor said officials worked hard to cut costs and at the same time ensure students would get a state-of-the-art instructional space. He credited the commissioners for their efforts as well. Commissioners Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder were members of a conceptual planning committee that reviewed potential school designs and in the end reduced the estimated project cost by $7 million. Officials were then able to reduce the local project cost by 12% and also saw a funding increase from the state. In the end, the new facility — which opened in September — cost slightly more than $48 million, with the state contributing almost $8.7 million and the county providing $39.8 million.

“When all pending payments to Showell contractors and vendors are complete, we will return to you — and we’re here to do that today — a little over $609,000,” Taylor said.

According to Taylor, the majority of the savings were the result of a very low final change order of $194,431, or .04% of total construction cost. Typically, the school system budgets 2.5% change order costs.

He said the school construction process had evolved significantly since Stephen Decatur Middle School was built in 1997.

“I believe that the Showell Elementary School project has provided a footprint for all future school construction projects,” he said, adding that collaboration and communication between the various parties involved had been critical to the project’s success.

Bertino said that though there were times the community hadn’t believed the school would be built it had been done thanks to the commitment of all involved.

“I think we’re all very pleased with how things turned out,” he said.

Bunting agreed and said he appreciated the work everyone, particularly Taylor, had put in.

“I’ll tell you what — when you put two St. Martin Neckers together and you accomplish something, you’ve done something,” he said. “It’s been a good road for us getting this school built.”

OC Council Hears Anti-Litter Campaign Details

February 5, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s aggressive new anti-litter campaign is aimed at curbing trash in and around the resort area during the summer, but the question was raised this week if the town is doing enough to keep the beaches clean during the offseason.

During Monday’s meeting, the Mayor and Council got an update on the “Every Litter Bit Hurts” campaign, an initiative of the Coastal Resources Legislative Committee, or Green Team. Last month, the committee held a roundtable discussion about the anti-litter campaign expected to be rolled out before the summer season and continue through the peak season months.

Consistent complaints heard last summer related to the amount of trash swirling around the Boardwalk and the side streets, particularly in the high-volume downtown area. The public works department did its typical yeoman’s work in keeping the beach and Boardwalk clean and emptying trash cans, but there was a noticeable uptick in debris strewn throughout the summer.

The quasi-private Adopt Your Street and Adopt Your Beach programs continued their efforts to keep the resort clean.

Nonetheless, a consistent theme last summer was the amount of trash and litter blowing around in the resort. The contributions were likely many including many businesses, at least early on, operating in a carryout-only model. There was likely some change in the general public’s attitude with the COVID pandemic ongoing and the civil unrest unfolding around the country.

As a result, the Green Team is implementing the “Every Litter Bit Hurts” campaign aimed at reversing that trend and changing the public’s attitude about simply discarding trash and other litter wherever they please. Based loosely on the decades-old “Keep America Beautiful” campaign, the initiative is a holistic, multifaceted approach rooted in public outreach and education.

Council Secretary and Green Team liaison Tony DeLuca said the anti-litter campaign will be recognition-based with a focus on rewarding groups and individuals for doing their part in keeping the beaches, Boardwalk and side streets clean, but there is an enforcement element. Last year, just seven municipal citations for littering were issued, despite one of the trashiest summers in recent memory.

For the anti-litter campaign to achieve the desired results, the public will have to buy into it. To that end, the plan includes more signage, social media outreach efforts, outdoor displays, banner planes, billboards and print and television ads, all with a consistent “kill them with kindness” message. The plan also includes a new town-sponsored website highlighting clean-up events and volunteer opportunities.

Naturally, the town’s litter problem is largely a summer season phenomenon,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

but the issue was raised this week if enough is being done in the offseason to curb the problem. The beach-cleaning tractors run from May essentially through Sunfest and the omnipresent blue trash cans are out on the beach roughly during the same time span.

However, Councilman John Gehrig pointed out he has often been out on the beach during the offseason and has seen an inordinate amount of trash and other waste, including discarded firewood from the increasingly popular beach bonfire program. Gehrig questioned if there should be a concerted effort from the town to curb the litter problem in the offseason.

The Adopt Your Beach and Adopt Your Street programs do an admirable job throughout the year, as do other vol-

Page 9

unteer clean-up efforts, but Gehrig questioned if the town could do more to maintain the beaches in the offseason.

“What if we look into a beach tractor schedule in the winter?” he said. “We’re trying to keep this world class and clean, but I’ve been out on the beach and there’s a lot of trash out there, even in the winter. I really think we need a beach cleaning schedule in the winter.”

Gehrig said he often picks up trash and other waste when walking the beaches during the offseason, but another problem is the lack of trash receptacles in which to deposit it. He said the public would likely do the same if there were at least a limited number of trash cans out there in the offseason.

“I see the trash and plastic washing up on the beach,” he said. “I pick it up and I

know a lot of our residents and visitors do also, but there’s nowhere to throw it away. I really think we need some trash cans out there, even in the winter.”

City Manager Doug Miller said he would coordinate with Public Works Director Hal Adkins on a plan to carryout Gehrig’s suggestions.

“We can work with Hal and see what it would cost to run the beach tractors occasionally in the winter,” he said. “Maybe that would address some of the issues with littering and trash that you’re talking about.”

DeLuca agreed there could and probably should be more trash cans available.

“We’re going to have a discussion about maintaining trash cans in the winter,” he said. “That’s a much bigger issue, I agree.”

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Lifting Closing Restriction Brings ‘Much-Needed Relief’

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The resort’s hospitality industry got some assistance last week when Gov. Larry Hogan eased the 10 p.m. closing time restriction on restaurants and bars.

With Maryland still in the third stage of its overall, multi-phased recovery plan, restaurants and bars since a Hogan executive order on Nov. 20 had been required to close at 10 p.m. each day. However, the governor last Thursday announced he was lifting the 10 p.m. restriction, although other executive orders for rest-

Rule Relaxed As Metrics Improve

aurants and bars remain in place including 50% capacity limitations, social distancing and mask requirements, for example.

Maryland’s key COVID-19 metrics have been trending in the right direction.

For example, when the governor made the announcement last week, the number of new cases for that day was 2,190, the lowest it had been since the high new case number back on Dec. 4. This week,

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the number of new cases reported in Maryland each day never topped the 1,000-mark.

“With our data trends showing continued improvement, the holiday surges behind us and the increasing speed of vaccinations, we are now able to take this step,” he said. “Marylanders must continue to remain cautious and vigilant in order to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe and healthy.”

The 10 p.m. closure time had proven challenging for many businesses in the local area, especially since neighboring Delaware recently returned to its traditional 1 a.m. closure time for restaurants and bars. When Hogan announced the 10 p.m. closure mandate in late November, he did not specifically blame restaurants and bars for the recent spike in new COVID cases at that time, but pointed out late-night activity at some locations was likely contributing to the spread.

There is little data to suggest restaurants and bars are super-spreaders of the virus. In fact, family gatherings have been blamed for the most recent spike in new COVID cases. Nonetheless, the hospitality industry has borne the brunt of state regulations regarding the pandemic and many are struggling just to get by.

Ironically, just prior to Hogan’s an-

February 5, 2021

nouncement last Thursday, a coalition of hospitality industry advocates, including the Restaurant Association of Maryland and the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association locally, were preparing a letter to Hogan seeking a relaxation of the 10 p.m. closure time. That letter was being prepared last Thursday afternoon just hours before the governor announced he was relaxing the rule.

Shortly after Hogan’s announcement last Thursday, State Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) praised the governor for taking the next step in the recovery process. Through the pandemic, Carozza has been a strong advocate for small businesses in her district, which includes Ocean City, and throughout the state.

“This much-needed relief for our small businesses will go a long way in helping them stay open for the long haul,” she said. “I will continue to give it my all when it comes to supporting our shore job creators as we work toward a full reopening and recovery.”

In addition to easing the 10 p.m. closing time, Hogan last week announced an additional $30 million has been allocated to the state’s relief program for food service establishments, adding to the $50 million allocated in October. Restaurants can apply for the grants through their local jurisdictions. The state grants can be used for rent, payroll, job training, expanding outdoor dining, including tents and heaters, for example, and other uses related to COVID.

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Proposed Tip Credit Elimination Worries Restaurants

Page 12

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – For an industry already struggling because of the ongoing pandemic, a proposed increase in the federal minimum wage and the elimination of the tip credit could signal the end for many restaurants.

Part of the Biden Administration’s proposed and fiercely-debated next federal COVID-19 stimulus package is the Raise the Wage Act, which includes a gradual increase in the federal minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour and the elimination of the tip credit. As its name suggests, the tip credit is a means by which hospitality industry business owners ensure tipped employees earn the mandated minimum wage.

Few would dispute the benefits of a

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mandated increase in the federal minimum wage for hospitality workers struggling in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, but the associated elimination of the tip credit could signal the death knell for many businesses. It’s complicated, but in layman’s terms, the tip credit allows employers to count employee tips as a portion of the minimum wage.

In simplest terms, if an employee earns $4 per hour on the clock, but makes $20 per hour in tips, the employer is responsibly for only paying the $4 for a total of $24. However, if the tip credit was eliminated, the employer would have to pay that same employee the mandated $15 per hour.

The hospitality industry fiercely opposes the proposed minimum wage hike in general, and the elimination of the tip

credit specifically. The National Restaurant Association, the Restaurant Association of Maryland and, locally, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) have all come out strongly opposed to the measure.

Phillips Seafood, a major national corporation with its roots in Ocean City, provided some data to illustrate just how harmful the elimination of the tip credit could be for its businesses. President and Chief Operating Officer Dean Flowers presented the data during a meeting of restaurant owners and allied industries last week.

In one example presented, a server works 30 hours per week at an hourly rate of $3.63 for a total paycheck of $108.90. That same server claimed $600 in tips for a net total of $708.90 for the week. Under the current formula, that

February 5, 2021

server earned an effective pay rate of $23.63 per hour.

In another example which illustrates the potential impact of the elimination of the tip credit, a different server earns the same $3.63 per hour on the clock, but claims $150 in tips for the pay period for a total of $258.90 for the week. That adds up to an hourly rate of $8.63. However, if the tip credit was eliminated, the employer would have to make-up $191.10 for that employee to reach the mandated $15 per hour.

That’s just for one employee. For a big corporation such as Phillips, the average pay rate for all tipped employees was nearly $21 per hour in 2019, the preCOVID year that was used in the example. Revoking the tip credit and raising the minimum wage to $15 would cost the company an additional $1.37 million per year.

Of course, Phillips is a major corporation with thousands of tipped employees, so the examples given are on a large scale. However, the formula would be the same and the impact no less for a small Mom and Pop restaurant with far fewer tipped employees. In an industry already operating at thin profit margins even before COVID, the proposed hike in payroll expenses could be make-orbreak for many.

OCHMRA Executive Director Susan Jones reached out to association members last week encouraging them to contact their representatives in Washington to voice their displeasure with the proposed elimination of the tip credit. Jones said the proposed federal minimum wage hike and the associated elimination of the tip credit was a bargaining chip in the debate of the next federal stimulus package.

“We are hearing this act is part of a bargaining tool in politics,” she said. “We cannot sit by quietly and wait to see how things turn out. That is now how we operate. Having just sat in on a call with representatives from Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen’s office, I feel it is imperative our senators hear from constituents to understand the ramifications of eliminating tipped wages. It will be a devastating blow to the restaurant in dustry already reeling from an economy raked by the pandemic.

In its own statement released in opposition to the proposed changes, the National Restaurant Association agreed the elimination of the tip credit could be a final nail in the coffin for many businesses.

“The Raise the Wage Act imposes an impossible challenge for the restaurant industry,” the statement reads. “The industry has laid off 2.5 million workers as a result of the pandemic and one in six restaurants have shuttered. During a pandemic is not the time to impose a triple-digit increase in labor costs. Far too many restaurants will respond by laying off even more workers or closing their doors for good. A nationwide increase in the minimum wage will create insurmountable costs for many operators in states where restaurant jobs are most needed for recovery.”

94th Street Speed Limit Reduction Approved In Ocean City February 5, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – As part of a larger review of traffic-calming in residential areas throughout town, resort officials this week approved a speed limit reduction on 94th Street for the existing 30 mph to 25 mph.

Throughout the end of last year and into early 2021, the Mayor and Council have been reviewing various traffic-calming measures in residential areas throughout the resort. The amended policy was borne out of concerns raised in certain north-end residential areas in Caine Woods, particularly 142nd Street and 139th Street, where speeding and reckless driving has become a consistent problem.

Out of those concerns was borne a series of traffic-calming measures for some of the town’s heavily-traveled thoroughfares in residential neighborhoods from non-physical changes such as increased enforcement, more signage or public outreach. In some cases, physical changes have been implemented, such as speed humps, curb bumpouts, rumble strips and the like.

Though much of the focus was on the known trouble spots in Caine Woods, City Engineer Terry McGean reviewed the other major residential roadways for potential safety changes.

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McGean got a request from residents along 94th Street to reduce the speed limit and brought the issue to the Police Commission two weeks ago.

The commission reviewed the request and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Council. On Monday, the Mayor and Council approved the requested traffic regulation, which will reduce the speed limit from the existing 30 mph to 25 mph on 94th Street.

Councilman John Gehrig asked if the request to reduce the speed limit on 94th Street came from the residents along the corridor. He questioned if the public had been notified of the pending change, or if they even desired it.

“Was this complaint driven?” he said.

“I know the issues in Caine Woods were the catalyst for some of the changes we discussed. I’m just wondering if the 94th Street issue came from the neighborhood association or if this was arbitrary.”

Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro said his department did not request the change, but supported the public safety measure wholeheartedly.

“It came to us through the city engineer’s department,” he said. “That’s how it ended up at the police commission level. We are fully in support of this, but we didn’t initiate it.”

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It was pointed out nearly all of the streets in the residential community of Little Salisbury had speed limits of 25 mph and 94th Street was a bit of an anomaly.

Councilman Mark Paddack said reducing the speed limit on 94th Street was consistent with the rest of the neighborhood and made sense from a public safety standpoint.

“In all of our neighborhoods, we have a 25-mph speed limit because they are residential,” he said. “I was kind of shocked we had a 30-mph limit in this area. I don’t how much this will help

Page 13

with the speeding and reckless driving, but anything we can do to make it a little safe, we should do.”

In the wake of the issues raised in Caine Woods, McGean late last year began exploring a formal policy to evaluate the streets in Ocean City when similar problems arise and identify just what level of traffic-calming is needed to rectify the situation. Out of those efforts was borne a policy approved by the Mayor and Council to assign a point-value to the various major corridors in residential areas based a variety of factors including speed.

Berlin Zoning Board Tables New B&B Owners’ Events Request

Page 14

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Officials delayed approval of a plan to host special events at a Berlin bed and breakfast to get more information about the proposal.

The Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals tabled a vote on a conditional use request that would have allowed The Inn Berlin — previously known as the Waystead Inn — to host special events for up to 100 people and to offer interior dining for 75 guests. Board members said they wanted more information before they made a decision.

“It’s kind of difficult to decide at this point what degree that this property should be allowed to be changed,” board member Woody Bunting said.

Pino and Karen Tomasello, former owners of Fresco’s and Sello’s restaurants, approached the board Wednesday with a request to expand the conditional use for the bed and breakfast at 15 Harrison Ave. They said they wanted to be able to hold tented events for up to 100 people on the site and also to increase the indoor capacity for dinner guests to 75. Currently, the property is allowed to have 30 dinner guests.

Karen Tomasello said she and her husband had purchased the property – for $355,000 in September per land records, but that their son and daughterin-law would be operating it. Though it will remain primarily a bed and breakfast,

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they want to be able to occasionally host outdoor events.

“We've had people approach us about having tented events at this venue,” she said. “It has a nice big lawn out front.

It's not going to be our focus. The focus would be the running of the inn itself. We just feel it's a nice option, especially in light of COVID, people want more outdoor events, more smaller events. We don’t want to overwhelm the property at all.”

She added the Worcester County Commissioners had granted the inn’s request to use 40 parking spaces at the adjacent library property as long as it was after library hours and approved in advance.

As far as expanding the indoor dining capacity at the inn, the Tomasellos said they wanted to seek a beer, wine and liquor license and that would require 75 seats.

“It's not something we want to do on a nightly basis but it would assure us the liquor option,” Karen Tomasello said.

Her husband added, “We've been in the restaurant business for so many years, to have liquor, it makes the dining experience better for us. I'm not looking to have a full house every night.”

Bunting questioned if the property would be able to accommodate parking for 100 guests and asked if there should be a site plan illustrating the proposed parking layout.

“It’s something I’ll have to look into,”

Planning Director Dave Engelhart said.

Board member John Apple expressed concern about commercial events being held in what was primarily a residential area. He added weddings could get loud.

“I know that living in Austin Circle we can hear the brewery,” he said. “We hear events on Main Street.”

Karen Tomasello said someone would be on site at each event to ensure there were no problems. She added she and her husband had held multiple liquor licenses in Worcester County during the last 40 years and had never had a violation.

Joe Moore, chairman of the board, said the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners typically addressed potential noise issues by setting a cutoff time for entertainment. He asked Apple how he’d feel about a 10 p.m. music limitation.

“That’s still somewhat hard to swallow due to the zoning of this location,” Apple said. “You’ve got some quaint little neighborhoods here. Brittany Lane, Austin Circle, the historic homes down Main Street. From experience sounds travels far throughout Berlin.”

Bunting said he felt Apple’s concerns were legitimate. He said he’d feel more comfortable about the proposal if the board knew the number of events the inn wanted to host and had more specifics on parking.

Moore, who pointed out he’d known the Tomasello family for years, pointed to

February 5, 2021

the positive impact they’d had locally.

“The Tomasellos are the kind of business operators we should welcome to the town,” he said.

He added, however, that he wanted the board to be comfortable with the proposal.

“What I’m getting is a sense from the board they would like some more information,” he said.

The meeting, which was held via Zoom, did include the opportunity for public comment. Berlin resident Malia Ricks expressed concern with the proposal. She asked if the plan was to create a restaurant at the property. Karen Tomasello said it was not and added that the inn already had the capability to offer meals to 30 guests.

Ricks also mentioned parking and noise.

“We already have overflow issues on weekend when town events are happening,” she said. “Also as a neighbor I don’t want to hear music and partying every weekend for 100 guests.”

Karen Tomasello said the inn wanted to host intimate events.

“We don’t plan to have a partying type atmosphere,” she said. “We’ll be interviewing these clients. We’re not taking everyone.”

Apple pointed out that a conditional use was tied to the property, not to its owners. The board agreed to table the request until more information was provided.

February 5, 2021

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Page 15

Leno’s OC Stop Rescheduled For Third Time

Page 16

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – For the third time, famed comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno’s shows in Ocean City scheduled in conjunction with the classic car events have been moved, promoters announced this week.

Despite steady declines in most of Maryland’s key COVID metrics, Leno’s three shows in May have been moved again to October. The shows were originally scheduled for last October during the fall Cruisin event, but were moved to this May as the pandemic wore on.

With uncertainties abounding over the COVID recovery plan and what state directives on capacity and distancing might still be in place, TEAM Productions announced this week the May 2021

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shows have now been moved to October 2021. The new dates include one show on Oct. 6 and two shows on Oct. 7.

The new show dates and times will follow the same format as originally planned for this May. There will be one show at 8 p.m. on Oct. 6 and two shows on Oct. 7 and 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. All the shows will be in the Performing Arts Center inside the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.

It’s important to note despite the Leno show postponements, the Endless Summer Cruisin’ car show itself in the spring is being held and plans for that event continue to move forward. While Leno’s Ocean City appearances have proven to be a bit of a moving target, the famed comedian and late-night television host continues to look forward to his shows in Ocean City.

“I am looking forward to doing my shows later this year at the Endless Summer Cruisin’ 2021,” he said.

All tickets for the May 2021 shows will be honored for the October 2021 shows.

Tickets for the planned show on Thursday, May 20 show will be honored on Thursday, Oct. 7. Tickets for the Friday, May 21, show will be honored on Wednesday, Oct. 6.

Refunds for the May 2021 will be issued starting Friday and will continue to be honored through the end of February.

Those who purchased tickets from Ticketmaster should contact Ticketmaster directly. Those who purchased tickets at the Performing Arts Center box office can go to the convention center to get refunds if they desire. For more information on the October 2021 Jay Leno shows, visit DelmarvaConcerts.com.

Resort Officials Fete Long-Time Employees

February 5, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Continuing a recent trend, Ocean City bid a fond farewell last week to two long-time employees with decades of service and experience with virtual retirement ceremonies.

During the Jan. 26 work session, the Mayor and Council feted Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Sergeant Doug Collier during a virtual Zoom ceremony for his 31 years of service with the department. During his three decades-plus, Collier rose through the ranks to become a sergeant.

During his career, Collier was an instructor in many aspects of the OCPD including a firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor and taser instructor. He was perhaps best known for his contributions to the traffic safety unit and drunk-driving enforcement, but he also trained officers in CPR, AED and first-aid. Chief Ross Buzzuro recognized Collier for his 31 years of service to the department.

“Doug performed his duties admirably with respect,” he said. “He was probably one of the most accredited officers in the OCPD in terms of training.

He led one of the finest traffic safety units and is still regarded as one of the finest traffic safety investigators. We’re very thankful for his service.”

Mayor Rick Meehan also recognized Collier and pointed out in a different time his virtual retirement ceremony would have been held in front of his colleagues.

“I echo everything the chief said,” he said. “I know how much your service meant to the town. I know the council chambers would have been packed with your fellow officers.”

During the same virtual meeting, the Mayor and Council recognized the retirement of longtime Ocean City Municipal Airport technician John Pierce, who is hanging it up after 28 years of service to the resort. Airport Manager Jaime Giandomico said Pierce’s role at the airport went far beyond his job as technician. Essentially, Pierce helped coordinate countless flights in and out of the municipal airport in his nearly three decades of service, acting as much as an ambassador for the resort as a technician.

“On behalf of the Ocean City Municipal Airport family, it’s been a privilege to work with you and a little bit of a heartbreak to see you go,” he said. “I just want to recognize John’s retirement and his years of dedication and professionalism.”

Meehan agreed with Giandomenico’s sentiments.

“It’s one of those bittersweet moments,” he said. “Everything Jaime said is representative of everybody who works at the airport. John always represented Ocean City with the highest level of integrity.”

Raises Included In Proposed Ed Budget

February 5, 2021

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NEWARK – Teachers are slated to receive a pay increase in the proposed budget under consideration by the Worcester County Board of Education.

Local education officials on Tuesday reviewed the school system’s proposed fiscal year 2022 budget. The spending plan includes funding for teacher pay increases, which officials said would help with recruiting and retaining high quality educators.

“I’m committed to keeping that as a priority,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said.

Taylor kicked off the budget review by stressing the importance of attracting and retaining high quality teachers. He said that as it typically was, “the overwhelming sentiment” at the public budget input session held in December had been the need for a fair compensation package for educators. He added that throughout the budget, officials had focused on including expenditures that benefited local students.

“We must continue to ask ourselves, ‘is this good for the kids?’” Taylor said.

Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief financial officer, said that of the current year’s $116 million budget, the county funded roughly 82% of it. Looking ahead to the coming fiscal year, Tolbert said though salary negotiations were ongoing, budget requests included $1.1 million for a step increase and $650,000 for a 1% cost of living adjustment. Health insurance rates, while not final yet, are not expected to increase.

“Right now it’s looking good,” Tolbert said.

The proposed budget includes $43,930 for an increase in bus contractor rates as well as $315,000 to maintain all-day prekindergarten programs at Showell and Pocomoke elementary schools. The spending plan also allocates $225,000 in funding associated with the school system’s transition to Apple products last year. Tolbert said the timing of the move to iPads and other Apple products had been perfect.

“Those devices have been instrumental in us being able to do remote learning,” he said.

In one-time capital requests, the proposed budget includes $295,800 for the replacement of the fire alarm systems at Pocomoke and Snow Hill middle schools.

“We know it’s going to be a tough budget year, so we kept capital requests down,” Tolbert said.

In revenue estimates, Tolbert said maintenance of effort funding would equate to a $1,014,455 increase in county funding. Worcester County is also expected to receive a $167,729 increase in state funding.

Taylor said the bulk of the school system’s budget was spent on its people, adding the budget had been developed with the ongoing pandemic in mind.

“We certainly understand the times we’re living in,” he said.

The proposed budget is expected to be adopted by the school board Feb. 16.

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Commissioners Agree To Create Workforce ‘Connector’ Position

Page 18

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed this week to create a new economic development position to target workforce engagement.

After tabling a decision on the new position last month, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed on Tuesday to approve the position recommended by the county’s economic development department.

“A job is empowerment,” said Melanie Pursel, the county’s director of economic development and tourism. “A career is empowerment. That’s what we’re trying to accomplish here.”

Tom Perlozzo, the county’s director of recreation, parks, tourism and economic development, told the commissioners that the county had spent more than $500,000 for the development and operation of

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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs during the last 10 years and had little to show for it. He said there’d been no follow-up reporting detailing the success of the program so he wanted to reallocate some of that funding by creating a new position. According to Perlozzo, the county’s job market skews 70% toward STAT (Skilled Trades, Agriculture, and Tourism) while most STEM jobs are on the other side of the state.

He acknowledged that the county’s previous STEM program had successfully placed interns. That, he said, could continue.

When asked how many STEM positions in Worcester County resulted from the previous program, Perlozzo said none had.

“As far as we can track we have not gotten anything back,” he said.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said not all kids went to college and that he saw the

potential success of a program promoting skilled trades.

“It’s a revenue neutral position as far as I can tell,” he said. “It’s something that would help the citizenry and the employers that are now here in Worcester County looking for HVAC techs or electricians or plumbers to work under them.”

Commissioner Diana Purnell expressed some concern about the proposal and said she didn’t quite understand its mission. Commissioner Jim Bunting questioned how the new position would interact with Worcester Technical High School, where there are already programs for many of the trades.

Pursel, who said she had a background in workforce development, said the new position would help connect the various resources.

“It’s beyond STEM or STAT,” she said.

“It’s a connector.”

She said since most job center serv-

February 5, 2021

ices were in Salisbury, Worcester County needed a presence. She said Worcester needed someone to work with the technical high school, with programs like Junior Achievement and with local workforce committees.

“To be the connector,” she said. “To find the opportunities.”

She said there were grants out there that weren’t being utilized and industry resources that people weren’t aware of. By expanding beyond STEM, she feels the county can do more for the local economy.

“We are bigger than that, more than that,” she said. “It’s not just about the program. It’s having an individual that has the resources, the wherewithal to make the connection.”

The commissioners voted 6-0 to create the new position.

Worcester To Rent Public Landing Slips

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials approved plans to rent out boat slips at Public Landing.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 6-0 to move forward with renting out 30 slips at Public Landing. The proposal was recommended by Tom Perlozzo, the county’s director of recreation, parks, tourism and economic development.

“It would be in our opinion very popular,” Perlozzo said.

Perlozzo told the commissioners as improvements had been made at Public Landing, there had been numerous requests to rent the 30 slips. Those who have expressed interest have been added to a list in the order calls were received.

Perlozzo’s department researched slip rental rates throughout the area and recommended year-round rental fees of $800 for a 12-foot slip and $1,000 for a 15-foot slip. He said he anticipated $25,000 a year to be generated.

Perlozzo said he’d spoken to residents in the area and the only concerns they’d had related to speeding and parking, which Perlozzo said would be improved when the parking lot was completed.

As far as security around the slips, Perlozzo said there would be cameras set up. When asked if the county could be liable for any damage that occurred to the boats, county staff said language would be included in the contracts to ensure it was not.

“I just don’t want that coming back on the county,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said.

The commissioners voted 6-0, with Commissioner Josh Nordstrom absent, to approve the slip rentals. According to Perlozzo, improvements at Public Landing are still underway. Work is being done on boat ramp decking currently and the parking lot is scheduled to begin soon.

County Connection Issues Discussed

February 5, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A local doctor called on county officials to do more to address the lack of reliable cell and internet coverage throughout the county.

In a recent letter, Dr. William T. Greer III asked the Worcester County Commissioners to bring a cell tower to the Bishopville area to address the longstanding lack of cell and internet service. Commissioner Jim Bunting referenced the letter in Tuesday’s regular meeting of the commissioners.

“He’s my neighbor and he’s absolutely right,” Bunting said. “It’s nonexistent.”

In his letter to the commissioners, dated Jan. 19, Greer said access to good cell and internet service was nonexistent at his home in Bishopville. He said that in his decades in Worcester County, he’d had many IT firms evaluate the situation and they had all said the only solution was a closer tower for cell service and cable internet.

“Not having good internet service is a problem but not having basic cell service is dangerous,” Greer wrote. “I have missed phone calls from many of my patients because their calls won’t go through. I literally have to get in my car in the middle of the night to drive to the end of my driveway to get cell service.”

Greer said that was ridiculous for the

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21st century.

“We have put up with this for years and it just keeps getting worse,” he said.

“I cannot understand why the county commissioners have not addressed this problem over the last 20 years.”

Bunting said the issue had been discussed since he’d been elected and yet no improvements had been made. Just last month, the county agreed to work with a vendor from Chestertown to expand access to broadband. Bunting pointed out the company had proposed expanding access in the southern part of the county but hadn’t mentioned any of the northern communities.

“I don’t see us getting anywhere,” he said. “Somewhere along the line we’re going to have to do something.”

Commissioner Ted Elder agreed that that connectivity was a problem throughout Worcester County.

“There’s places all over that have the same issue,” he said.

Commissioner Bud Church offered similar comments and said the issue had been highlighted by the virtual learning local students had been tasked with since the pandemic began.

“In this day and age, I can’t imagine that we can’t solve that problem,” he said. “It’s going to cost a little bit of money but people need service today. I think it was a need before and I think it’s moved up to an urgent need that we need to address.”

Page 19

Page 20

Anti-Balloon Release Bill Advances

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – For the second time in as many years, a bill introduced in the General Assembly by Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C) prohibiting the celebratory release of plastic and Mylar balloons breezed through its House committee.

Hartman’s House Bill 391 would prohibit an individual, association, partnership, corporation, nonprofit organization or any other group from knowingly and intentionally releasing a balloon into the atmosphere. The intent of the legislation is to prohibit the intentional release of balloons at weddings, graduations and other ceremonies, which often end up in the ocean or other waterways and can cause damage or even death to marine life.

Hartman introduced similar legislation last year and it breezed through the House Environment and Transportation Committee and was headed toward passage. When the session was cut short abruptly amid the COVID outbreak, the bill died on the table last year.

Hartman and five co-sponsors in the House brought the legislation back for the 2021 session. It has also been cross-filed in the Senate. On Wednesday, the House Environment

February 5, 2021

and Transportation Committee advanced House Bill 391 with a 20-3 vote.

During it’s introduction, Hartman explained the legislation was nearly identical to the bill that came up a little short last year as the session timed out. If approved, it would create a civil infraction with a fine of $250 for each infraction and authorize certain agencies to enforce the legislation.

Hartman, who represents Ocean City and Worcester County, testified during the committee hearing about the great distances balloons can travel and the dangers they can cause to marine life when they end up in the ocean or other waterways.

“When a balloon is released, the best-case scenario is it becomes litter,” he said. “Oftentimes, it’s much worse.

Mylar balloons can travel hundreds of miles for a period of over two weeks.

They often land in the waterways, the ocean and the bays.”

Hartman testified how marine life can be impacted by released balloons that end up in the ocean and bays.

“Unfortunately, these are often confused as food for sea life and the ribbons and so forth can cause entanglement,” he said. “The outcome is often fatal for marine life.”

He referenced an effort three years ago by a pair of local siblings called Blume’s Balloon Roundup during which fisherman and boaters were encouraged to collect discarded balloons when they came across them in the waterways. The local fishing and boating community embraced the concept and enthusiastically pulled balloons from the water.

“In nine months, they collected over 2,800 balloons in the ocean and on the beaches,” he said. “That shows just how big the problem is.”

Hartman gave the committee firsthand testimony about his experiences with balloons in the ocean.

“These balloons are often found in large clusters in the ocean,” he said.

“As somebody who spends a lot of time fishing offshore, I have to tell you it’s not uncommon to see a bundle of balloons, maybe as many as 25 in a bundle. Some of these balloons look very much like sea life when they’re floating.”

He also said it is not a problem unique to the waterways.

“The bill last year had a lot of support from the Farm Bureau,” he said.

“It’s not only a problem in the water. We heard testimony about the entanglement of equipment and impacts to livestock and so forth.”

The House committee also heard testimony from various environmental advocacy groups and other stakeholders. With the favorable vote from the committee, the bill now advances to the full House. The sister legislation in the Senate was scheduled for a committee hearing on Thursday.

OC Fire Department Issues Frozen Waterway Reminders

February 5, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With winter in full swing, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) this week issued timely reminders about the dangers of playing on frozen waterways.

With below freezing temperatures prevailing for much of the last week or so, some shallow waterways in and around the resort area become covered in a thin sheet of ice. However, as inviting as an ice-covered portion of the bay or a canal can be, the OCFD is warning residents and visitors of the inherent dangers of walking, playing or skating on a frozen waterway.

A frozen body of water can appear to be safe enough to play or skate on, but with wide temperature swings locally, even in the heart of winter, local waterways rarely freeze to the point they can safely be played or skated upon. The OCFD last week conducted water and ice rescue drills as part of the department’s No Ice is Safe Ice campaign.

“Each year, hundreds of people are injured in ice water accidents,” said OCFD Battalion Chief and Water Rescue Commander David Peterson. “Many think that because the body of water has been frozen for a few days, they can skate or play on the ice. It is important to understand that even though the ice may look strong and safe, there is al-

Members of the Ocean City Fire Department demonstrated how dangerous partially frozen waterways can be this time of year last weekend.

Submitted Photo

ways the danger for falling through the ice and into frigid water.”

Frozen waterways can be especially inviting to kids. To that end, the OCFD is encouraging parents to teach their children about the dangers of ice regardless of how long a bay, pond, canal or even a swimming pool has been frozen.

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“Walking and playing on ice is inviting and appears to be fun, but it’s important that children understand the dangers associated with it,” said Peterson. “It’s important for children to know that there is no such thing as 100% safe ice. No ice is safe ice.”

The resort community knows all to

well about the dangers of children playing on ice. In 2003, a popular local boy fell through the ice at a frozen lagoon at Northside Park and perished. The incident, still fresh in the minds of many locally 18 years later, is a painful reminder of the dangers of playing on frozen waterways.

Page 22

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Restaurant Assault OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on assault charges last week after allegedly punching a north-end restaurant employee.

Around 8:45 p.m. last Tuesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a restaurant at 131st Street for a reported assault. The officer met with the alleged victim, an employee of the establishment, who reportedly said he had a confrontation with the suspect, later identified as Anthony Amedori, 30, of Ocean City.

The victim told police Amedori allegedly punched him on the right side of his face with a closed fist, according to police reports. The officer later confirmed Amedori’s identity via his name on a receipt from the establishment. The victim re-

portedly told police Amedori had been acting strangely at the bar and talking to himself, according to police reports.

When the victim told Amedori it was time to leave, he reportedly starting shouting profanities and allegedly punched the victim in the side of his face with a

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closed fist. The victim called the police and watched Amedori leave the bar in a vehicle. The victim provided police with a description of the vehicle and the suspect.

The victim reportedly had red marks on the side of his face corroborating his version of the events, but refused EMS treatment, according to police reports.

The victim attempted to show officers video surveillance footage of the incident, but could not get the security cameras to work. However, when shown Amedori’s driver’s license photo, the victim was able to positively identify the victim.

OCPD officers located the suspect’s vehicle on South Ocean Drive. When they knocked on the door of the residence, no one answered, but they could hear someone inside, according to police reports. OCPD officers were ultimately able to detain Amedori and he was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

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February 5, 2021 charged with armed robbery and assault for their roles in a gunpoint robbery on the Boardwalk in August pleaded guilty this week to one count of second-degree assault and pre-sentence investigation was ordered.

Joshua Benitez, 17, of Lorton, Va., pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of second-degree assault for his role in the Aug. 26 incident. Sentencing was deferred until May 17. James Watson, 17, of Alexandria, Va., last month pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree assault in the incident and was sentenced to 12 years, all but five of which were suspended.

Another suspect, Alexis Cabrera, 17, of Lorton, Va., in January had all the charges against him placed on the stet, or inactive, docket. A fourth suspect, Micah Younger, 18, of Manassas, Va., had the most serious charges against him of armed robbery and first-degree assault dismissed, but still faces three counts of second-degree assault pending with a court date set for Feb. 17.

Around 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 26, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer on bicycle patrol was dispatched to the area of 12th Street and the Boardwalk for a reported assault with gun. As the bicycle officer made his way to the scene, the officer observed a suspect matching the description provided by Ocean City Communications running west toward Baltimore Avenue. The officer detained the suspect, later identified Watson.

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walk carrying a shotgun. The officer who first detained Watson reported never seeing Watson in possession of the shotgun, but witnesses told police Watson handed the weapon to a friend, who went back to their vehicle.

OCPD officers interviewed the female victim, who reportedly told police Watson had robbed her and her 10-year-old niece. The victim told police Watson held her 10-year-old niece at gunpoint and demanded her cell phone, according to police reports. The victim told police she grabbed the cell phone from her niece and told the child to run away, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told officers she attempted to call the police, but Watson’s friend, later identified as Benitez, grabbed the phone from her and physically assaulted her. The victim told police Watson handed the shotgun to another friend, later identified as Cabrera. The witness told police Watson then attempted to rob her of her wallet, but she was able to get away.

According to City Watch footage, Watson enters the screen frame carrying the black shotgun by his side and physically assaulted a male victim by striking himin the face, according to police reports. Watson then allegedly handed the shotgun to Cabrera and continued to argue with the victim. The footage also revealed Benitez assaulting the female victim and taking the cell phone.

According to witnesses, Cabrera,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Benitez and Younger left the area with the shotgun in a silver Honda. A short time later, Maryland State Police located the suspect vehicle in West Ocean City and initiated a traffic stop. Inside the vehicle were Cabrera, Younger and Benitez. The MSP trooper also observed the shotgun in plain view in the vehicle.

OCPD officers brought one of the victims to the traffic stop and the victim positively identified Younger, Cabrera and Benitez. In summary, the initial officer learned Watson, Cabrera, Benitez and Younger were all involved in the armed robbery and the various assaults during the incident captured on City Watch. The investigation revealed the shotgun was held by each of the suspects as they passed it around during the incident, according to police reports. The investigation revealed all four suspects were allegedly engaged actively in the various assaults and armed robbery.

Suspended Sentence For Shattered Door OCEAN CITY – A North Carolina woman, arrested in November after allegedly smashing a glass door at a residence during a domestic altercation, pleaded guilty this week to malicious destruction of property and was sentenced to 60 days, all of which was suspended.

Around 12:30 a.m. last Nov. 30, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the Seabreeze Drive area for a reported domestic dispute. While responding to the scene, the officer was advised by communications the male victim who called in the incident was still being actively assaulted.

Upon arrival, the officer observed the male victim actively attempting to exit the residence by climbing out of a shattered front door glass storm door, according to police reports. The officer reportedly observed the glass storm door to be completely shattered with shards of glass all over the front porch and inside the home.

The victim advised the officer the female inside the residence, later identified as Nikki Hardin, 23, of Fayetteville, N.C., was having a “freak out,” according to police reports. The officer reportedly observed the victim’s clothes to be disheveled and the victim had fresh scratch marks in his neck.

The victim reportedly told police he and Hardin had been having an argument when she became more aggressive and began striking him with closed fists. The victim reportedly told police he

Page 23 pushed Hardin away, but she approached him again and continued to strike him with closed fists.

According to police reports, Hardin then exited the house and began throwing flower pots around on the front porch.

The victim reportedly told police Hardin then began banging on the glass storm door in a fit of rage because she believed she was locked out of the house.

That’s when the glass storm door shattered. According to police reports, Hardin openly admitted to punching the glass door and breaking it with her fist.

On Monday, Hardin pleaded guilty to malicious destruction of property and was sentenced to 60 days, all of which was then suspended, and she was placed on probation for one year. The second-degree assault charge was placed on the stet, or inactive, docket.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Obituaries

February 5, 2021

Roger Leonard Flather, Jr. OCEAN CITY – Roger Leonard Flather, Jr., age 85, died on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Washington DC, he was the son of the late Roger L. Flather, Sr. and Rose Winfield Flather. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Flather, and children Douglass Flather and his wife Tami, Daniel Flather and his wife Julie and Patricia Sprecher and her husband Barry. There are five ROGER grandchildren, Brittany LEONARD Glauser, Victory Brito, FLATHER, JR. Jacob Sprecher, Taylor Sprecher and Cassidy Flather, and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Sprecher. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Tremper.

Mr. Flather had worked for Verizon until retiring. He was also a member of the Air Force National Guard.

Cremation followed his death. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. A donation in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Local Scenes:

It snowed several times this week, providing some special scenes for local photographers. Above, photographer Chris Parypa documented this Boardwalk and beach scene during Sunday’s snow. At right, photographer Erik Dowell captured two wild horses on Assateague on Sunday weathering the elements.

Photos by Chris Parypa, above, and Erik Dowell

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OCEAN PINES – Margaret Woollen Rehkemper, born March 12, 1921, passed peacefully into heaven of natural causes while at home surrounded by her children on Jan. 25, 2021.

She was born into a large family and known to all as Marge. As a child during the depression, she learned the habit of never being wasteful and she never was. She liked to talk about the exciting days when as a young adult she lived in Baltimore and worked at The Sun paper. She fell in love and married John WoolMARGARET len in 1947. John’s engineering job with DuPont WOOLLEN REHKEMPER took the family all over the country. Marge never failed to make each new house a home and developed lifelong friends in each new town. After her beloved John’s sudden death in 1973, Marge moved from Red Bank, N.J. to Ocean Pines. There she met a kindred spirit named Wilbur Rehkemper.

They married and spent many happy years in Ocean Pines keeping busy and active in their church and community.

Both of them liked to travel and they did so frequently. Wilbur passed away in 2003. Since recovering from a broken hip in July 2017, Marge has made her home at Gull Creek Senior Living in Berlin. There she was known to fly back and forth down the long hallway to her mailbox using her new walker. True to form she felt right at home in her new apartment, enjoyed her life there, and was blessed with wonderful compassionate SEE NEXT PAGE

... Obituaries

February 5, 2021

caregivers.

Marge was a loving presence in the lives of her three children, Jack Woollen and his wife Susan, Peggy Rush and her husband Billy and Mary Catherine Woollen. She also loved and took much pride in her three grandchildren, Dawn Woollen, Roger Rush and his wife Sarah, and Nathan Rush. Marge was thrilled to become a great grandmother to Oliver Nathan Rush in December 2019.

Marge was always very sociable and treasured her friends and large extended family.

Marge savored her 99 years on this earth. Many times in recent years we heard her say, “I don’t know why the Lord has left me here on earth for so long,” but whatever the reason was she made the absolute most of the time she was blessed with. She was a woman of strong faith in God and a person who looked for opportunities to be helpful to others. Some of her enjoyments were reading, bridge playing, blueberry picking and square dancing. She volunteered for many years at the Berlin Nursing Home and loved to help out with whatever the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary of Salisbury needed help with. If she was able to help she was enthusiastic to do so.

A celebration of Marge’s life will be announced at a later date. A donation in her honor may be made to The Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, 411 Poplar Hill

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Avenue, Salisbury, Md. 21801

BERLIN – Lois Marie Brock, cherished and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away on Dec. 20, 2020. She lived a long and remarkable life.

Born in Pike County, Mo. on Aug. 9, 1921, she grew up on her parents’ farm.

She attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Lois went on to earn the equivalent LOIS MARIE of two Master of EduBROCK cation Degrees as she enjoyed a successful career of 35 years as a public-school teacher. She also taught Sunday school in various churches during her lifetime.

In June of 1948, she married her husband of 55 years, Darwin Brock. She went on to enjoy a life of world travel as the wife of a military officer.

Lois approached every life challenge with a positive outlook, grace, and intelligence. She was an individual of many interests including bridge, puzzles, game shows, and traveling. She visited most states in the USA in addition to many foreign countries. She was active in the Social Order of the Beauceant and many Officer's Wives Clubs, often serving as president. Most of all she was dedicated to her family. In her later years, she especially enjoyed spending time with her daughters and their families. She took great pleasure in caring

Lois Marie Brock

for her "grand- dogs".

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Colonel Darwin A. Brock. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Dr. Marilyn Lemos of Sunset, S.C., and Tracey Conaway of Salisbury, and her brother, Harold Chamberlain, of Glendive, Mont.

Extended family include sons-in-law Dr. Ruben Lemos and Russell J. Conaway Jr., grand-children Ashley Conaway Arnold (Derek Arnold), Michelle Conaway (Daniel Olson), Danielle Lemos Perkins (Derek Perkins) and Kevin Lemos. She was proud to become a greatgrandmother in 2017 to Brooks Arnold and Samantha Perkins.

A memorial service will be held at a later date where she will join her husband in Arlington National Cemetery.

The family is grateful for the support and care provided by Coastal Hospice of the Eastern Shore and are suggesting contributions be made to Coastal Hospice in lieu of flowers. P.O. Box 1733 Salisbury, Md. 21802-1733.

OCEAN CITY – Joan (Miskimon) Merling, aged 80, passed peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimers on Feb. 3, 2021.

Joan was born March 17, 1940 in Baltimore, the proud daughter of Lester P and Margaret Miskimon.

JOAN GAIL Joan loved caring for MERLING others. Babysitting, cooking, baking and volunteering were among her life’s pas-

Joan Gail Merling

Page 25

sions. She loved the holidays, especially St Patrick’s Day and enjoyed vacations at the beach and playing in the snow with her children and grandchildren. Her working career included stints as a cake decorator at Mars Supermarkets, waitressing at Friendly Restaurants and a claims adjuster at USFG. Joan was an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Baltimore and faithfully attended Holy Savior Church in Ocean City in her later years.

In 1973, Joan found true love in marrying Warren “Lefty” Merling. Together they enjoyed a lifetime of traveling, time with friends and caring for their children and grandchildren. In addition to her husband Lefty, Joan is survived by son, David Hartman, his wife Marie and children Ryan and Lauren, and son, Maryland Delegate Wayne Hartman, his wife Sharon and their children Alyson and Trent. Wayne and Sharon have been loving caregivers for their mom and dad for the past several years. Joan is also survived by her step-daughter, Sharon Stewart and husband John. Joan was preceded in death by her oldest son, Gary J. Hartman as well as step children Pat Andrews and Richard Merling and her brother, Lester P Miskimon, Jr. A viewing will be held at Schimunek’s Funeral Home in Nottingham, Friday, Feb. 5 (3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.) and a Catholic burial mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb 6. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Joan’s name to either the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Maryland or the Stansell House/Coastal Hospice in Ocean Pines.

Fenwick Island Votes To Acquire Four Free Vehicles

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Fenwick Island officials have agreed to utilize a federal surplus program to acquire free vehicles and equipment for town use.

Late last month, the Fenwick Island Town Council agreed to have Police Chief John Devlin obtain four vehicles and one backhoe free of charge through the Law Enforcement Support Office, or LESO program.

“We’ve been involved with LESO for many years,” Devlin said. “This is the first time we have the opportunity to obtain vehicles and equipment that’s much needed for the department, particularly in hurricanes and inclement weather.”

By way of background, the LESO program allows the transfer of excess Department of Defense equipment – from clothing and office supplies to vehicles and rifles – to law enforcement agencies across the country.

Since its inception in 1997, the program has transferred more than $7.5 billion worth of property, according to the LESO website. Of all the excess equipment provided through the program, only 5% are small arms and less than 1% are

LESO Program Transfers Unused Equipment To Police Agencies

tactical vehicles.

Devlin told town leaders that while the Fenwick Island Police Department had been a member of LESO for years, this would be the first time the agency had an opportunity to acquire much-needed vehicles and equipment, which is distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

This year, program officials have approved the town’s requests for a highwater vehicle, a Humvee, a Ford F150 pickup truck, a Kubota Mule all-terrain vehicle and a backhoe.

Devlin added that the town could sell or dispose of any vehicles or equipment after a year has passed.

“The items we would be looking for would be for things we need,” he told the council. “A lot of other departments got in trouble because they were looking at making money, and that’s not where I’m coming from. It’s great that at the end of the time if we don’t need it we can sell it

to get a profit for it. But that’s not the goal we are looking at here for the police department.”

Devlin said the acquisition of the vehicles would benefit the town during times of flooding and inclement weather. He said officials realized the need for a highwater vehicle after recent flooding events.

“With a vehicle like this we can go through three feet of water,” he said. “It can access the beach, drive on the beach in an emergency, and can go on almost any terrain … We will be able to rescue residents if needed.”

Devlin added that the Humvee and Kubota Mule would also be used during emergency situations, while the Ford F150 would be used by town employees.

“Right now, during COVID, they are recommending individual vehicles for individual people,” he said. “This will help the town to be able to have a vehicle for each employee. At a cost of nothing, it’s

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February 5, 2021

a perfect addition I believe.”

Councilman Mike Houser asked if the town had set aside funds to maintain and operate the vehicles.

“That’s the small downside,” Devlin replied. “There will be operation costs as far as oil changes. A lot of equipment that comes with these vehicles we can get, like tires and equipment, from LESO when they are available.”

Devlin said the police department would be responsible for picking up the vehicles and equipment from their respective locations. He noted, however, that his department had officers with experience in operating the vehicles.

Devlin also pointed out that other town departments and municipalities could utilize the vehicles for emergency management. He said most of the vehicles and equipment would be stored onsite.

When asked about the vehicles’ condition, Devlin said he was unsure.

“When we get there, we can inspect them and we can drive them,” he said. “If we deem they are not for us or there’s too much repair, we can skip it and acquire something else.”

Town Manager Terry Tieman highlighted both the benefits and drawbacks of acquiring LESO property. She said the town should take maintenance, insurance and auditing fees into account.

“We want to be upfront and transparent about it …,” she said. “We want council to recognize they are free but there is a cost to acquiring it.”

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to acquire the four vehicles and the backhoe.

The council also voted to implement an approval process for acquiring LESO property in the future.

“We have a two-week decision period, whether we want to go get this equipment or not,” Tieman said. “If so, I would like council to approve some kind of decision model.”

According to town officials, the police chief must consult with the town manager, mayor and infrastructure committee chair before obtaining items through the LESO program valued at more than $5,000.

“When decisions are made for larger acquisitions, council should be informed,” Councilwoman Vicki Carmean suggested.

Fenwick Island Council Officials Irked Over Integrity Questions

February 5, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Disagreements among council members regarding meeting minutes, council gatherings and allegations of misconduct reached a boiling point in Fenwick Island late last month.

What started in December as a disagreement over amended meeting minutes boiled over into the Jan. 22 Fenwick Island Town Council meeting, during which council members voiced their objections to comments made by Councilwoman Vicki Carmean.

“I don’t think we can let this sit,” Council Secretary Bernie Merritt said.

“Councilwoman Carmean is consistently questioning the integrity of the council, and I find it quite offensive and not accurate. I didn’t get on this council to question my integrity.”

In October, the town council voted to approve the September meeting minutes with several of Carmean’s corrections, which involved her comments on public participation and opposition of an outdoor pool bar at the Fenwick Shores hotel.

In December, however, a motion was made to amend the September meeting minutes yet again.

Merritt told council members at the time he and the town clerk had reviewed the September audio recording after approving Carmean’s corrections at the October meeting and said his proposed amendments would provide a more accurate reflection of what transpired.

“I went back and listened to the audio of this,” he said. “And this is not verbatim, but pretty darn close to what was said.”

Carmean, however, argued against the proposed amendments.

“I think it’s wrong to censor or twist meanings in order to falsify the minutes,” she said at the time. “The September meeting minutes were amended and approved in a proper fashion during the October meeting, the way we’ve always done other amendments.”

Carmean questioned if she was being ambushed for sharing her concerns regarding town procedure and the Fenwick Shores outdoor pool bar.

She also alleged members of the town council had remained in town hall for roughly an hour after the October meeting to discuss the meeting minute issue.

“I personally witnessed the entire council remain in the town hall for a better part of an hour after the October meeting,” she said. “So let me remind you again that it is illegal for council members to meet and dis-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

cuss town business without proper notice given to all council members and the public.”

Mayor Gene Langan told Carmean those who stayed after the council meeting remained only a few minutes. Councilman Richard Mais added they discussed his sister’s illness and college basketball.

With no further discussion, the council in December voted 6-1, with Carmean opposed, to amend the meeting minutes for September.

But at the end of last month’s town council meeting, Merritt said he wanted to address the comments Carmean made during that December meeting. He said her claim that the September minutes had been falsified were not true.

“The council has the responsibility to be factual. Vicki knows this,” he said. “That’s why the minutes were amended to reflect a more accurate and clear picture of what was stated at the September council meeting.

There was no maneuvering the minutes at all.”

Merritt went on to state that the council welcomed her to share community concerns and issues pertaining to town business, but that her accusations of being ambushed were unwarranted. He also said the council did not conduct town business after its October meeting.

“For the record, Vicki, you were not asked to leave once the meeting was over,” he said. “Members did not conduct town business, and your suggestion that a conspiracy exists and actions against you were being taken during that period after that meeting was just wrong.”

Councilman Bill Weistling told Carmean he was not present with council members after the October meeting. He then asked Carmean to provide documentation of when he left town hall that evening.

“I think the facts are very important when you make comments like this,” he said.

Carmean, however, continued to stand by her statement.

“I know what I saw that night, and I’m sorry you want to keep dragging this up,” she said. “This now goes back to the fall, and you keep going on and on and on.”

Adding to Merritt’s comments, Houser said recent allegations of misconduct and censorship by the town council were false and inaccurate.

“Summarizing, I totally reject these repeated and frivolous allegations,” he said. “They are baseless and inaccurate. They have cost the town of Fenwick Island time, money, and probably most important, spirit.”

Page 27

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Practice Joins TidalHealth SALISBURY – TidalHealth announced Nanticoke Cardiology in Seaford, Del. has become part of TidalHealth’s wide network of care providers. Nanticoke Cardiology has provided exceptional cardiology care to the Lower Shore since 1985 and will continue to do so as TidalHealth Cardiology.

By joining TidalHealth, the practice is ensuring it can continue its mission to provide the best, most modern heart care to Sussex County and the surrounding area.

“To maintain the high quality of heart care in Sussex County with the latest technologies and procedures, it was a benefit to Nanticoke Cardiology to have access to the economies of scale that TidalHealth can provide. Our resources and technology will help ensure that the brightest and best cardiologists will keep coming to work and live on Delmarva,” said Karin DiBari, MD, TidalHealth vice president. “We have worked together for many years to take care of our community’s cardiology needs, and we look forward to continuing that journey together.”

Patients can continue to see their current provider in the same locations.

The practice has five providers at their location at 200 Federal Street in Seaford: Angel Alicia, MD; Alvaro Buenano,

February 5, 2021

And Real Estate News MD; Richard Simons, DO; Alfred Hurley, MD; and Justin Allen, PA-C. “Nanticoke Cardiology recognizes TidalHealth as a dynamic, growing health organization with excellent facilities, health providers, and leadership.

We are excited to join them and look forward to our partnership in to caring for the population of Sussex County," said Simons.

Parkin has served as the senior universal banker at the Delmar location for three years. In addition, she recently participated in Leadership Delmarva, an internal leadership program which provides an opportunity to learn more about the banking industry and challenges participants to grow both personally and professionally. She lives in Delmar with her husband and two children.

Bank Promotion

Salisbury Business Relocates

SALISBRY – John W. Breda, President and CEO of The Bank of Delmarva, recently announced April Parkin was promoted within the corporation.

She joined the bank in 2015. She was recently promoted to the role of assistant vice presidentbranch manager and APRIL PARKIN loan officer for the Delmar location.

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Renovations Completed SALISBURY – Vice President Tyler Barnes of Gillis Gilkerson (GGI) recently announced the firm’s completion of renovations to the south corridor of Peninsula Imaging, a medical office located at 1655 Woodbrooke Dr. in Salisbury.

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What Is ‘Stakeholder Capitalism’?

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February 5, 2021

BY COLLIN MACOMBER

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN – In its monthly Investment Insights publication, Merrill Lynch noted that while nationalism has been a strong

trend throughout the past few years, globalism in the prior 30 years did much to reduce poverty worldwide. As trade agreements shifted many U.S. jobs and operations overseas, the average income of the lower 50% of global earners

of the office into exam rooms with a new, covered entrance and walkway. The project was led by Barnes with onsite management provided by Superintendent Don Brady.

“Gillis Gilkerson provided minimal interference in our day-to-day operations and did a wonderful job blending the new construction with our existing furnishings,” said Thomas Spencer, Peninsula Imaging’s Director of Operations. “The new multi-entrance covered walkway provides added safety measures and outdoor seating to assist with social distancing and patient dropoff. With the patient in mind, the addi-

tional waiting areas are conveniently located in close proximity to each department.”

Gillis Gilkerson’s scope of work also included the addition of a secluded, private area for female imaging patients as well as the expansion of suites allowing room for new state-of-the-art imaging machines and disinfectant devices. In the wake of the project’s completion, Peninsula Imaging has experienced improved workflow efficiency resulting in advanced patient care and safety.

“We value the trust that Peninsula Imaging has repeatedly placed in our team,” said Barnes. “We appreciate the forward thinking they have demonstrated in a project that displays their commitment to the health and safety of our community.”

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

... Business News

Page 29

nearly double between 1980 and 2016.

However, this came at a price, including the mass exodus of U.S. jobs and stagnant wages at the low-income scale.

And yet, U.S. investors benefitted from higher corporate profit margins and subsequent higher stock prices.

In 2020, the COVID pandemic created yet another wealth imbalance. The combined net worth of American billionaires increased by 36% between midMarch and December, while nearly 50% of lower-income adults struggled to pay their bills during the same timeframe.

Even the Federal Reserve contributed to this divide, albeit inadvertently. By pushing interest rates down and injecting more cash into the loan market, investor confidence received a boost, and many transitioned their portfolio allocations to higher-risk, higher-performing investments, which in turn increased stock prices.

Many factors contribute to stock market performance that are not necessarily tied to stronger company fundamentals.

Perhaps in response to these recent market influences, there is an emerging trend in stock market investing. It’s not just about how well a stock performs, but how the company achieved that performance. Many wealth managers are seeing an economic shift toward “stakeholder capitalism,” basically a tighter fo-

HERE’S MY CARD

cus on corporate enhancements that potentially benefit all stakeholders, including employees, customers and local communities, as well as shareholders.

Last September, the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council released standardized Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics (SCM). This is a measure of how companies treat their workers, their communities and the environment. The goal is to monitor these metrics with the idea of directing more capital to companies that deliver COLLIN MACOMBER both positive returns and high satisfaction among all stakeholders.

This approach represents a shift away from how company stocks have been evaluated in the past two decades, which often placed more emphasis on quarterly profits and less on five- to 10year plans. Focusing on long-term results can help weather brief periods of volatility and disruption. If you are worried about volatility and disruption in your financial portfolio, let us help. We are happy to provide a complimentary analysis so that you know exactly where you stand financially.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 5, 2021

News In Photos

The Worcester County Commission for Women announced Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser, left, and Susan Childs of the Town of Ocean City have joined the organization, which seeks to promote the social, political and economic equality of Maryland Women.

Ocean City American Legion Post 166 donated $150,903 in 2020, primarily to local, regional and state organizations. Most of the funds came from earnings from the post’s slot machines, which are permitted by the state as long as at least 50% of the proceeds are donated to charitable organizations or other worthy causes. The post’s donations exceeded the state-mandated amount, despite the post and its slot machine operations being closed or operated under capacity limitations for most of the year. Pictured above are Commander Tom Wengert, left, and Donations Committee Chair Bo Spicer holding a ceremonial check.

Submitted Photos

The Church Mouse Thrift Shop Coordinator Helen Wiley recently made a donation to Brandon O'Brien, executive director of the Hope4Recovery house in Berlin. The Church Mouse is an outreach ministry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and Hope4Recovery provides a safe, sober and structured living environment for men in recovery.

The Ocean City Lions Club recently donated $500 to the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Pictured, from left, are Past District Governor Norm Cathell, OC Lions 2nd Vice President Bill Christmas, Blood Bank Director of Donor Recruitment Marie Forestal, Blood Bank Accounts Manager Bryan Shepherd and OC Lions President Mike Hooper.

The Rotary Club of Salisbury congratulated Kevin Hayes for his first place $10,000 winnings from the 2020 Rotary Club of Salisbury raffle. Pictured, from left, are Joe Stefursky, Raffle Chairman; Bill Satterfield, President-Elect; Hayes; and Donnie Cooper.

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The Dispatch

February 5, 2021

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

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

NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER Managing Editor ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHARLENE SHARPE Staff Writer/Copy Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Staff Writer bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com JEANETTE DESKIEWICZ Account Executive jeanette@mdcoastdispatch.com

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

BUSINESS OFFICE Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

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

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

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

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

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR OC Should Consider 2-Cent Tax Decrease Editor: Just recently, we learned that seven months into Fiscal Year (FY) 21, the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) of the Town of Ocean City are sitting with $10,153,634 in General Fund Balance Reserves over and above their stated policy of a 15% Reserve Fund. That excess reserve amount is the equivalent to 11 cents on the current property tax rate. Here we are in the second fiscal year since the pandemic began, and the town still has a substantial excess reserve fund. This continues to be the trend year after year.

Realistically, no one expects the M&CC to reduce the upcoming tax rate by 11 cents, or even five or six cents, but they should consider a modest two-cent reduction in the tax rate, to give some of the excess taxes back to our property owners. I hope that the M&CC will give this serious consideration as they approach discussions for the FY22 budget.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City

A Salute To 40 Years Of Ocean City Service Editor: My dad, John Ashman, is retiring from Comcast Cable on Friday, Feb. 5.

He has worked at the exact same office in Ocean City for 42 years, he made the original commute from his home downtown to 83rd Street when he was barely 21 years old and continued the same exact commute through Ocean City until he was 63. Our family built our home on 16th Street in 1942 and from the time my dad made it his own at 17 he has never even begun to think of the idea of leaving OC. Thankful for his role at the cable company, he created his life here. For those that know, you will always see him sitting and reading or playing ukulele on the porch and everyone, I mean everyone, honks and waves to say hello.

My dad is truly treasured by the community. He has helped through hurricanes, power outages and truly any one that has ever needed anything. He has seen businesses grow and change and has done all he can to keep Ocean City safe and family friendly, while continuing to move us forward. He is humble, and kind to all people of this town local or visiting. He writes a poem each Labor Day and Memorial Day to kick off the change of seasons. He loves our town, from our lifeguards, our firefighters and our police officers to Larry Layton’s donuts, sunsets at the Hobbit, a crush from Hammerheads, and some days just a nice beach chair from 85 N Sunny. He loves all things that make this place so great.

He is looking forward to enjoying his time biking through town, supporting the local businesses he loves, playing the ukulele and walking the beach.

Alex Ashman Ocean City

Page 31

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

The grim reality is it’s going to take most of 2021 for a majority to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Barring major changes in the distribution model, it’s a supply vs. demand matter as well as a practical and logistical impossibility to have higher expectations. Leaving out the political machinations and conspiracy theories from both sides of the aisle in Washington, D.C., it’s become painfully clear vaccinating the public will be a long, arduous process.

It’s going to take most of the year for vaccinations to get in the arms of at least 50% of people in the state and give or take the same scenario in other states. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan estimated last month 60% of Marylanders could be vaccinated by September. It seems overly optimistic considering under 9% of the population has received the first dose as of this week with 21,000 doses being administered on average daily across the state.

The situation on the micro level, such as in Worcester County, is representative of the widespread problems elsewhere. The online signup website excludes the most vulnerable among us because it’s not a facile process. Slots fill within minutes, leading to frustrations for many. Word of the new central waiting list addresses some concerns, but patience will be required. The waiting list is reportedly in the thousands and growing by the day because of a scant vaccine supply. Once she got through this week, one resident was given an estimation of six to 10 weeks before she is vaccinated dependent on supply.

It’s a difficult scenario for many, but a least the waiting list provides a sense of calm knowing you are in line, albeit virtually. It’s understandable to get irritated over the entire situation because the talking heads at the federal level have put tremendous hope on vaccinations and herd immunity carrying the country forward toward normalcy. There is a failure at the point of dissemination to the states. It’s widely acknowledged states are not getting enough doses to even adequately serve the public.

During his state of the state address Wednesday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan addressed the issue, saying, “ … I have always been a straight shooter, so here’s the truth. Getting a vaccine to everyone who wants one will be a much longer and much more difficult process than any of us would like it to be. It is going to require a great deal of patience for many months while states continue to push the federal government and the manufacturers to increase the production and to drastically increase the allocations they provide to the states. …”

Reinstating the Boardwalk Tram for this summer in Ocean City is a positive indicator. Though modifications might be necessary for operations, what those specific changes will entail can be decided a couple weeks before the operation begins in late May. Restrictions on gathering size and indoor restaurant and retail store capacities will be scaled back before summer. Regulations were eased before last summer and there is no reason to believe the same will not take place this spring with improving metrics and more of the population vaccinated.

A huge step in the right direction for local restaurants and bars was last week’s decision by the governor to lift the mandated 10 p.m. closure for restaurants and bars. This move, timely for bars with the Super Bowl this weekend, coupled with the return of the trams this summer, represents progress in the right direction. Though pandemic fatigue is real, it’s time for society to begin taking significant steps toward normalcy, albeit if there is some risk associated. To do otherwise is to let the pandemic win. An aggressive tact is the better play now to confirm better times lie ahead.

This is not the year to raise taxes and fees on anything. It would be nice to see governments embrace this concept. This year should be all about correction. It’s a time to get back to center and reintroduce concepts foreign in 2020 due to mandated changes to how society operates. It’s too early to tell how this year is going to play out for residents and businesses looking to recover financially, and the last thing government should do is make the journey more arduous by taking more from residents or business owners in the form of tax or fee increases.

In recent weeks, Ocean City has discussed increasing the room tax, which I think should be tabled. In Worcester County, there seem to be some flirtation with a fire tax or emergency services fee for property owners to address funding issues within the industry. Though an argument could be made some type of universal funding mechanism is needed to aid ailing fire companies, this is not the year to impose the fee. It’s the time to study options and evaluating changes for 2022 Statewide, the legislature is considering an 11% increase to the state’s sales tax on alcohol to fund health care disparities among minority communities. Currently, customers pay nine-cent tax on the dollar for booze.

A plan in Annapolis would raise it to 10 cents effective October 2023. Will this be a major change and require bars and retail stores to up their prices immediately? Probably not as the profit margin is typically high on drinks and products, but it’s the message it sends from government that I loathe.

Lawmakers in support are sneaky with the effective date two years out because they know the climate is not right for augmenting any costs. Here’s to hoping the bill gets tabled this session.

Page 32

Best Beats

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 5, 2021

on the beach

THE DUNEHOUNDS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Feb. 6

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Saturday, Feb. 6 & Thursday, Feb. 11

LIMA BEAN RIOT DUO Seacrets: Saturday, Feb. 6

OTTO GRUNDMAN The Globe: Thursdays

BEATS BY WAX Crawl Street Tavern: Sundays Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays

LENNON LA RICCI & THE LEFTOVERS Crawl Street Tavern: Saturday, Feb. 6

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Sunday, Wednesday & Friday

TRIVIA W/ BIGLER The Globe: Monday, Feb. 8

The Dispatch Classifieds

February 05, 2021

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)

HELP WANTED MAINTENANCE: F/T, Y/R, 32-40 hours/week. Dependable. Handyman with good skills. Must have transportation/tools. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Must have: Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

We have openings for Tow Truck Drivers for the Bethany/Ocean Pines areas.

Must be experienced and dependable.

GREAT PAY & BENEFITS!

Call 302-344-9846

Paramount Construction Services is seeking experienced professionals to join our organization in Ocean City MD. Applicants should have several years of experience with knowledge of kitchen and bathroom remodeling for residential homes and condominiums. Paramount is currently looking for Project Managers, cabinet installers, tile setters, painters / drywall, electricians and plumbers.

Please call 443-664-7689 or send resume to ocjobs@paramountserv.com

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.

GENERAL HANDYMAN Off the Hook Restaurant Group operates five restaurants in the Ocean City, MD and Bethany Beach, DE market.

We are seeking a professional General Handyman to assist in maintenance and general upkeep. The successful candidate will possess general knowledge in electricity, plumbing, HVAC, restaurant equipment and appliances and general carpentry.

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, benefits, vacation and 401(k).

Please apply to Gary at: gbowers@irseafood.com EOE

Page 33

POSEIDON PLUMBING & HOME SERVICES NOW HIRING PLUMBERS. We offer paid training, vacation, and personal days, as well as a quality benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Wage is BOE from $12-$30/hour.

Based in the Berlin/OC area.

What we require: -Min. 4 Years Experience -Valid Drivers License -Reliable Form of Contact -Background Check -Ability to Pass a Drug Test -Positive Attitude & Willingness to Learn If you feel that you can fill one of these positions, please call us to set up an interview. We can be reach at 410-251-1096.

POSEIDON PLUMBING & HOME SERVICES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Attention Independent Cleaning Contractors in the Ocean City area. Coldwell Banker Vacations is looking for experienced, energetic individuals to deliver Truly Remarkable Service by providing quality cleaning services in a limited time window for the 2021 season. Weekend hours, license, insurance, references and a great work ethic required. Smartphone for Cleaning Portal Access.

Contact Kay, Jen or Sue at 410.723.8507 or email cclean@cbvacations.com

AUTOMOTIVE POSITIONS

We have openings for Parts & Service Associates with locations in the Millsboro, Bethany, and Ocean City areas.

Offering Great Pay and Benefits.

Please Call: 302-344-9846

Currently hiring manpower for

•STUCCO & EIFS MECHANICS •CARPENTERS •CONCRETE BLOCK •COATINGS SPECIALISTS •FLAT CONCRETE •CONCRETE REPAIRS •PT WELDER •COMMERCIAL CAULKING •WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLERS •WAREHOUSE HELP (DRIVER’S LICENSE REQ’D) Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus. Competitive benefit package available.

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

LOAN DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION Full-time position available with local community bank.

Qualified candidate must possess excellent computer, customer service and attention to detail skill sets.

Minimum of one year experience with LaserPro software and loan administration experience are required.

Bank of Ocean City offers an excellent benefit package.

Compensation commensurate with experience.

Contact: Kim Mumford 410-641-2228 Fax: 410 641-1307 Email: kmumford@bankofoceancity.com Bank of Ocean City is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE: Retail Banking Center with drive thru. Contact Brian Gamm. 443-880-2225.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

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The Dispatch

Classifieds

Page 34

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

WEEKLY RENTALS RENTALS WINTER RENTAL: 122nd St., ocean side, 1BR, 1BA condo.

Clean, Cozy, Furnished. Non smoking. $700/mo + elec. & sec. dep. Water incl. 443-373-5638.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Poolfront Room $215.

Efficiency Room $245.

2 BR Apartment $350.

3 BR Suite $400.

Burgundy Inn

The Dispatch

Ride the B in OC!

1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

Legal Notices

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

THIRD INSERTION LESLIE LOBOS, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-20-000250 BORDERLINKS I TIME INTERVAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff vs.

STANLEY KROL, et al.

Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 13th day of January, 2021, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceeedings, made and reported by Leslie Lobos, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 15th day of February 2021, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 8th day of February, 2021.

The Report of Sale filed in

the above case states the amount of the sales to be as indicated below for the referenced time-share intervals: Timeshare

Price

Wk 07, #Bv48 Wk 47, #Bz52 Wk 23, #Be31 Wk 17, #Ak11 Wk 23, #Bi35 Wk 34, #Bo41 Wk 02, #Aq17

$50.00 $50.00 $1000.00 $50.00 $1000.00 $1000.00 $50.00

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 22, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 01-22, 01-29, 02-05

THIRD INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18432 To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES ALLEN BUTLER JR, ESTATE NO. 18432. Notice is given that WILLIAM C HUDSON, 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY STE 111, OCEAN CITY, MD

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch 21842 was on, JANUARY 11, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES ALLEN BUTLER JR, who died on AUGUST 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 11th day of JULY, 2021.

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 22, 2021 WILLIAM C HUDSON 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, 01-22, 01-29, 02-05

THIRD INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18438 To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES A. BUTLER SR, ESTATE NO. 18438.

Notice is given that WILLIAM C HUDSON, 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY STE 111, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on, JANUARY 11, 2021, appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of JAMES A. BUTLER SR, who died on SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of JULY, 2021.

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 22, 2021 WILLIAM C HUDSON 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, 01-22, 01-29, 02-05

THIRD INSERTION

February 05, 2021 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARGARET HILLMAN BUTLER, who died on NOVEMBER 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 11th day of JULY, 2021.

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 22, 2021 WILLIAM C HUDSON 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, 01-22, 01-29, 02-05

THIRD INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

DOUGLAS C. LAUENSTEIN ESQ. 8900 BELAIR ROAD BALTIMORE, MD 21236

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18556

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18538

To all persons interested in the estate of MARGARET HILLMAN BUTLER AKA MARGARET WILSON BUTLER, ESTATE NO. 18556.

Notice is given that WILLIAM C HUDSON, 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY STE 111, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on, JANUARY 11,

To all persons interested in the estate of MELISSA ANNE WILLIAMS AKA MELISSA A WILLIAMS, ESTATE NO. 18538. Notice is given that DARYL BRUCE DIETLE, 3800 MILLER ROAD, KINGSVILLE, MD 21087 was on, JANUARY 12, 2021, appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of MELISSA ANNE WILLIAMS, who died on DECEMBER 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 12th day of JULY, 2021.

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 22, 2021 DARYL BRUCE DIETLE 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, 01-22, 01-29, 02-05

THIRD INSERTION

JAMES A. LIST, ESQ. THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES A. LIST 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 100 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18559 To all persons interested in the estate of KERRY JOSEPH KULHA, ESTATE NO. 18559. Notice is given that JOSEPH ANTHONY KULHA, 6862 TWELVE OAKS DRIVE, HEBRON, MD 21830 and JENNIFER LYNN LARKIN, 9 GRAND PORT

The Dispatch

February 05, 2021

LEGAL RATES

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

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.

ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, JANUARY 13, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KERRY JOSEPH KULHA, who died on DECEMBER 31, 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 13th day of JULY, 2021.

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 22, 2021 JOSEPH ANTHONY KULHA Personal Representative JENNIFER LYNN LARKIN 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, 01-22, 01-29, 02-05

SECOND INSERTION PUBLIC NOTICE On 8/18/2009 Edge Spectrum, Inc was granted a license by the FCC to serve the public interest in OCEAN CITY, MD as a public trustee of W35CS-D until 10/1/2020 when it expires.

W35CS-D Channel 35 filed an FCC renewal application for our 6.5 kW station transmitting from OCEAN CITY, MD and serving the OCEAN CITY area on 6/1/2020. Individuals who wish to advise the FCC of facts relating to our renewal application and to whether this station has operated in the public interest should file comments and petitions with the FCC. Information about the FCC broadcast license renewal process is available from the FCC, Washington, DC 20554.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 29, 2021 2x, 01-29, 02-05

SECOND INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18570 To all persons interested in the estate of PHILOMENA MILLACE NACKE, ESTATE NO. 18570. Notice is given that DALE ALAN NACKE, 4866 HAPPY HOLLOW ROAD, ATLANTA, GA 30360 was on, JANUARY 20, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PHILOMENA MILLACE NACKE, who died on APRIL 19, 2018, 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 20th day of JULY, 2021.

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 29, 2021 DALE ALAN NACKE 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, 01-29, 02-05, 02-12

SECOND INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18572 To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT F MAZUK, ESTATE NO. 18572.

Notice is given that ROBIN MILLER, 109 CANTERBURY LANE, LANSDALE, PA 19446 was on, JANUARY 21, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT F MAZUK, who

died on SEPTEMBER 04, 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 21ST day of JULY, 2021.

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 29, 2021 ROBIN MILLER 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, 01-29, 02-05, 02-12

FIRST INSERTION

Page 35 sentative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25TH day of JULY, 2021.

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 05, 2021 KATHLEEN MCGOLDRICK 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, 02-05, 02-12, 02-19

FIRST INSERTION

TERESA M COONEY, ESQ THE LAW OFFICE OF JAMES L. MAYER, P.A. 2500 WALLINGTON WAY STE 102 MARRIOTTSVILLE, MD 21044

estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27TH day of JULY, 2021.

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 05, 2021 CHERYL BISSELL Personal Representative DEAN CLARK 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, 02-05, 02-12, 02-19

FIRST INSERTION

JAMES H. PORTER JR, ESQ 111 VINE STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18582

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18583

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES D. MCGOLDRICK, ESTATE NO. 18582. Notice is given that KATHLEEN MCGOLDRICK, 10850 BELLERIVE LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, JANUARY 25, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES D. MCGOLDRICK, who died on JANUARY 11, 2021, with a will.

To all persons interested in the estate of LEILA MAY BEDARD, ESTATE NO. 18583.

Notice is given that CHERYL BISSELL, 240 CHARLESTON ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811 and DEAN CLARK, 8301 WHITEBARK COURT, ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21043 was on, JANUARY 27, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LEILA MAY BEDARD, who died on DECEMBER 19, 2020, with a will.

To all persons interested in the estate of MARY LOUISE HILLARD, ESTATE NO. 18592. Notice is given that LINDA POWELL CUTTONE, 31821 WILDWOOD DRIVE, PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853 was on, FEBRUARY 01, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARY LOUISE HILLARD, who died on NOVEMBER 15, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal repre-

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18592

The Dispatch

Page 36

LEGAL RATES

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

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. estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of AUGUST, 2021.

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 05, 2021 LINDA POWELL CUTTONE 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, 02-05, 02-12, 02-19

FIRST INSERTION

JAMES H. PORTER JR, ESQ 111 VINE STREET POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18593 To all persons interested in

the estate of DEAN ALAN BUNDICK, ESTATE NO. 18593. Notice is given that WILLIAM L. BUNDICK, 1949 CEDAR HALL ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 was on, FEBRUARY 01, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEAN ALAN BUNDICK, who died on JANUARY 04, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of AUGUST, 2021.

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 05, 2021 WILLIAM L. BUNDICK 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, 02-05, 02-12, 02-19

FIRST INSERTION

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 05, 2021 MICHAEL DIETERICH Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 02-05

FIRST INSERTION

WILLIAM T SMITH III ESQ 100 EAST MAIN STREET SUITE 102 SALISBURY, MD 21801

LESLIE LOBOS, TRUSTEE PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD C-23-CV-20-000291

ESTATE NO. 18589 To all persons interested in the estate of MARIA TERESA DIETERICH. Notice is given that MICHAEL DIETERICH, 1554 HOWARD STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, was on JANUARY 29, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: MARIA TERESA DIETERICH, who died on AUGUST 24, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff vs.

JOHN COUTURE, et al.

Defendants NOTICE ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland this 1st day of February, 2021, that the foreclosure sale of the properties mentioned in these proceeedings, made and reported by Leslie Lobos, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 1st day of March, 2021, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some daily newspaper printed in Worcester County, Maryland once in each of three successive weeks, before the 22nd day of February, 2021.

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

Price

Wk 08, #Bh34 Wk 13, #Bh34 Wk 39, #Bh34 Wk 05, #Bn40

$50.00 $50.00 $1000.00 Not Offered For Sale Not Offered For Sale $50.00 $1000.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00

Wk 16, #Bn40 Wk 09, #Bq43 Wk 40, #Bq43 Wk 43, #Bq43 Wk 01, #Br44 Wk 08, #Br44 Wk 09, #Br44 Wk 42, #Br44 Wk 04, #Bx50 Wk 11, #Bx50 Wk 16, #Bx50

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 05, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY

February 05, 2021 SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 02-05, 02-12, 02-19

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000012 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

DOROTHY MATCHETT, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000012, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit Ag7 Am13 Am13 Bb28 Bb28

Time Interval 18 14 49 9 43

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

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

of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees.

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2021 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 05, 2021 3x, 02-05, 02-12, 02-19

FIRST INSERTION

LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000016 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

DEBORAH ERTAFA, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000016, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean

The Dispatch

February 05, 2021

LEGAL RATES

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

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.

Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit Am13 Bf32 Bg33 Bg33 An14 An14 Br44

Time Interval 19 45 5 7 8 44 7

Each time interval being one week per year in the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Villas of Ocean Pines, including an undivided interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Declaration of Condominium and Timeshare recorded among the Land Records of Worcester

County, Maryland and subsequent Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, as to each condominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2021 maintenance fees and all other settlement

costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Leslie Lobos, Esq., Trustee, at 240-449-8862.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 05, 2021 3x, 02-05, 02-12, 02-19

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“T

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

hey always come back.”

This was a simple sentence from a friend, a father of four adults, in a conversation about my 12-year-old son.

It was not that long ago I would have done anything for a few minutes of breathing room from my kids. It’s quite the opposite these days, and it’s been interesting to observe the stark change, especially with our tween Beckett.

It’s tough dealing with this alienation. I try not to take it personal when he doesn’t want to go out and sled in the snow, play basketball in the driveway or go for a bike ride unless friends are involved. I even tried the other night to challenge him in a video game I knew he would crush me in. He’s borderline rude about his disinterest in us right now. He always replies with, “I’m good, it’s good.” He just wants to do his own thing, either by himself or with his friends.

This is life in our journey. I am learning to give him the space while also remembering it’s important to remain engaged, especially during the trying times of a pandemic. I am embracing my newfound free time. Pam and I are tackling home projects, all the while peaking in his room and perfecting our eavesdropping skills.

It’s a balancing act to remain involved and engaged in his life, while also giving him space to enjoy what he likes right now.

Along with this general aloofness towards us, one of the more interesting changes of late has been he keeps his feelings to himself. For most of his life, he has always worn his emotions on his sleeve. He was an open book. If he was not verbalizing what was on his mind, his body language revealed. He’s now become a tough read.

During a recent situation when he was hiding his emotions, though clearly upset about something, I reminded him

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he can talk to us about anything. We can empathize with many things going on his life, I reminded him, because we were also his age at one time. He makes it clear to us times were different when we were growing up. While that’s true, he needs to know we can still help in most situations. He never did talk about what was bothering him, but we were able over time to discern.

In this particular case, I am not positive we could have helped him a lot, but I reminded him just having a shoulder to lean on or a hug can help at times. My main point is always to make sure he’s not isolating himself. It’s not healthy for anyone to keep everything bottled up inside.

My friend who gave me the advice earlier assured me this is all normal transgressions with kids and puberty and learning their way. He encouraged me to keep engaged and advised don’t be afraid to give the kid what he craves.

He’s looking for some space physically and emotionally from his parents. It’s a challenge to accept, but he said it all comes full circle and is part of raising independent humans. The goal after all is to raise kids to send them out into the world to be successful rather than nesting at home. This is just natural maturation.

As I am prone to do, I looked online and found several articles justifying what my buddy said. Some excerpts from an article on empowerparents.com: When your child starts ignoring you or pushing you away, try not to take it personally. Remind yourself that this is a stage they’re going through, and it’s up to you to deal with it in a mature way.

If it’s hurtful when your child is embarrassed by you, come up with a slogan you can tell yourself in the moment like, ‘This is normal; it’s part of adolescence and it’s what he’s supposed to be doing.

It’s not about me.’ When your child is pushing you away, try to remain rational and focus on what needs to be done. If

you get emotional, it just makes that push-pull worse, until it turns into a tugof-war. … When kids are in adolescence, their peers become more of the draw than their parents. Sometimes, in order to establish those connections with their friends, they reject their parents a little (or a lot!) and the relationship turns into a push-pull — the more you try to pull them toward you, the more they push you away. This is confusing for parents, because the messages you’re getting from your child are, ‘Take me to the basketball game, but don’t be seen with me.’ The underlying feeling is this: ‘I really need you, but it’s tough for me to admit it, so I’m going to act like I don’t like you — especially when I’m around my friends.’ Some days it can feel like a test — your teen is testing you to make sure you’re still there, but he also wants to be able to push you away when she needs space. … I also think it’s important to look for the humor in the situation to get past the bad feelings you may have.

And it’s also good to try and remember what it felt like when you were that age. You probably didn’t want to be seen with your parents either, and felt like your friends knew everything and your mom and dad were out of touch.

While your relationship will never be the same as it was when your child was small, it will eventually get better — usually when your child is older and they get more of a sense of themselves. He needs to know that you’re okay with him becoming more independent. If you can let go of some of the expectations of closeness and of your child being there for you, he won’t need to push you away as hard.

(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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February 5, 2021

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): St. Valentine's Day magic rules the entire week for romantic Rams and Ewes.

Music, which is the food of love, is also strong. The weekend offers news both unexpected and anticipated.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your aspects favor the arts -- which the Divine Bovine loves, loves, loves. Also, for those looking for romantic love, Cupid is available for requests. After all, his mother, Venus, rules your sign.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Loving commitments continue to grow stronger. Ditto budding relationships. A recent move to help start-up a new career-linked direction soon could begin to show signs of progress.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Single Moon Children might be eager to take that proverbial chance on love. But your more serious side will feel better if you take things slowly and give your moonstruck self more time.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): It's a love fest for Leos and Leonas this week.

Paired Cats might expect to be purrfectly in sync. And with matchmaking friends, single Simbas searching for romance shouldn't have too far to look.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): More understanding on both sides can work miracles in restoring ailing relationships to health. Make the first move, and you'll be closer to your much-wanted reunion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Accept the fact that you are worthy of being

OCEAN CITY vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

loved, and you'll find proof in what is revealed to you over the course of the week. Also accept a compliment offered with great sincerity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Planning to take a new direction in life is exciting. And so is a new awareness of someone's special affection. Expect a slow and mostly steady development of the situation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Although you might still feel you weren't treated quite right in a recent matter, all that will work out in time. Meanwhile, enjoy the week's special qualities and potentials.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Deciding not to give up on a troubling romantic situation helps start the healing process. Expect to find some valuable insight into yourself as things move along.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): The week is filled with positive potentials, but it's up to you to make the right choices. The advice of someone who truly cares for you and your well-being can be priceless.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): It's a good time to make yourself available to possibilities of the romantic kind.

Already paired? Good. In that case, be sure to reassure that special person of your feelings.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your generosity gladdens the hearts of others, and you bask in their joy. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

Page 39

WITH BUNK MANN

Johnny Unitas (1933-2002) was one of the legendary figures in Maryland sports history. A veteran of 18 seasons in the National Football League with all but one with the Baltimore Colts, No. 19 was elected to the Pro Football of Fame in 1979. Unitas was the first quarterback to pass for over 40,000 yards in a career and led the Colts to three NFL titles as well as a Super Bowl victory in 1971.

A frequent visitor to Ocean City, Unitas often stayed at the Ocean Mecca Motel on 23rd Street. He would often attend the annual Colts Corral conventions where motel owner the late Kathleen Harman recalled, “everybody loved him – he was very polite and just a nice person.”

Unitas died of a heart attack on Sept. 11, 2002. At the urging of Ravens Roost #44, the Ocean City Mayor and Council voted to give 19th Street (in honor of his uniform number) the subtitle “Johnny Unitas Way.” To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishPhoto by Bunk Mann ingoc.com.

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

Games with the kids on a snow day

Shoveling snow once or twice a year

How excited my kids still get for hotel stays A wave from someone who thinks I’m someone else Pivoting

The first drink after weeks without one

Coming home to a completed house project A group of kids at play in the backyard Peaceful dinners out

The rare time good news comes in the mail Determination on display

ANSWERS ON PAGE 38

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

February 5, 2021