March 11

Priceless

March 11, 2022

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

30 Bands Expected At New Festival

See Page 10 • File Photo by Chris Parypa

County Leaders To Hear Bus Concerns

Glory To Ukraine: About 200 people turned out to show support for Ukraine at Tuesday’s vigil in Ocean City.

See pages 19-21 for full story and more pictures.

Photos by Chris Parypa

See Page 24 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Storm Remembered 60 Years Later

See Page 28 • File Photo

Cutest Pet Of The Month The winner of last month’s Cutest Pets of the Month Contest was Morti, a 7 monthold miniature golden doodle. See page 39 for this week’s contestants.

Submitted Photo

Page 2

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March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Town Seeking Funding For Roundabout On Flower St.

March 11, 2022

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STAFF WRITER

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SNOW HILL – The Town of Berlin is seeking county support to bring a roundabout to Flower Street.

In presenting the town’s annual grant request to county officials last week, Mayor Zack Tyndall said Berlin was asking for funding to help cover preliminary costs for a roundabout on Flower Street.

“It’s become one of those highly traveled routes where speed is of concern, right through a residential district,” Tyndall said. “By putting a roundabout at this location we’re hoping that’s going to slow drivers down, make the neighborhood a lot safer and add to the livability of Berlin.”

While primarily a town street, Flower Street—which connects Bay Street to Seahawk Road—does turn into a county road near Stephen Decatur Middle School. Because of that, Tyndall said he was asking the county for half of the $244,000 that will be needed for design and engineering services associated with planning for a roundabout. The traffic circle is being planned for Flower Street near its intersection with Railroad Avenue, Schoolfield Street and Branch Street.

Tyndall said it should be attractive and also help manage the bus, tourist and residential traffic that traveled Flower Street daily.

“It’ll capture the eye when you’re driving down Flower Street as well as serve as a buffer for speed,” he said.

The roundabout funding is part of Berlin’s $660,796 annual budget request to Worcester County. That request includes the usual $465,000 unrestricted grant (which the town directs toward public safety) as well as the roundabout funding and $73,796 for a bike path. Tyndall said the town was hoping to establish a passive use bicycle and pedestrian walking path along the railroad tracks. Last year, the county provided $39,875 toward the first phase of the project. Tyndall said that as the project moved forward and the town had acquired an easement with the Maryland and Delaware Railroad Company, Berlin was now asking for help with the next phase.

“We’re requesting funding for phase two,” he said. “What that’s basically going to do is connect the north end of town where Heron Park is all the way to the county line down by Worcester Prep.

It would run straight through Berlin, and I think some of our other municipalities are trying to work from the south end north to hopefully increase the biking and pedestrian safety options for the residents of Worcester County.”

Tyndall said he realized that the municipality had increased its grant request 30.88% but that the town was grateful for the support, as the funding helped initiatives that served the town as well as Worcester County.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Resort Ordinance Targets Licensing, Room Tax Issues

Page 6

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With little discussion, resort officials this week approved on first-reading an ordinance aimed at ensuring all rental properties in Ocean City are acquiring the appropriate rental business license and remitting room tax.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday an ordinance for first reading intent on shoring up the rental license and room tax remittance issues.

For the last few years, Ocean City has been working on code changes that will help ensure all rental properties in the resort are acquiring rental licenses regardless of how the properties are rented, whether it’s through a traditional

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

rental agency, online or through the proliferating third-party platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO or similar internet sites.

The second part of the equation is ensuring rental properties are remitting room tax and sales tax, which are sent to the county and come back to the resort based on an established formula.

Resort staff has been working with Worcester County officials on both sides of the equation in an effort to make sure the rental housing codes for both jurisdictions jibe. Heretofore, the town and county rental codes have not been in sync. With the changes the county has made, there is now an opportunity to alter that and make sure licenses are being acquired and room tax is being collected, especially with the non-traditional rental formats.

The changes presented in the ordinance on Monday include that requirements would apply to all housing types, and rental advertisements would have to include the town’s license control number and require certification of tax payments. In addition, there are sections that apply to fines and penalties, according to Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville.

“The Mayor and Council seeks to improve the compliance of all property owners, hosting platforms and property managers in obtaining the required license for rental housing units, and to assist with the collection of applicable room tax payment by Worcester County,” he said at a meeting late last month.

“To address the unique challenges of monitoring and enforcing these require-

March 11, 2022

ments for properties advertised through internet services and social media, town code amendments are proposed to require that all advertisements include the town license control number assigned to each property owner.”

When the ordinance was presented for first reading this week, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said there appears to be some willingness with the thirdparty platforms to comply with the spirit of the ordinance.

“Just this afternoon, Mr. Neville received a call from an Expedia representative,” she said. “We were happy to hear Expedia and VRBO are following this and appear happy to work with us.”

With little discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on first reading. Also presented for first reading on Monday was a companion ordinance that spells out the fines and penalties for not complying with the ordinance passed just moments earlier.

Under that ordinance, failure to comply with acquiring the proper business rental license, or failure to remit room tax would result in a municipal infraction. The fine for committing a municipal infraction, depending on the circumstances, would be no less than $25 and no more than $1,000. The council voted unanimously to pass the companion ordinance presented on Monday on first reading.

Route 50 Bridge Work To Include Lane Closures

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will perform routine inspections of the Route 50 Bridge next week.

Officials say inspections will begin Monday, March 14, weather permitting, with crews working from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily on the bridge. Work is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. Friday, March 18.

Crews will use two under bridge inspection cranes to maximize efficiency and minimize impact to the traveling public.

Traffic will be maintained in both directions throughout the work period, with some periods of single-lane closures.

On Monday, both westbound lanes of the bridge will be open to traffic, with one lane closed in the eastbound direction.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, there will be single lane closures, both in the eastbound and westbound directions, leaving one travel lane open in each direction. On Friday, both eastbound lanes will be open to traffic, with one lane closed in the westbound direction.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 7

Amendments Proposed To Beach Erosion Control District

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A bill that would allow for limited expansion or repairs to townowned structures on the east side of the Boardwalk with strict limitations had its first hearing in a state senate committee this week.

The state of Maryland in the 1980s created the beach erosion control district in Ocean City, which creates a line demarking where new construction is permitted to the east. The beach erosion control district was created by the state as part of the beach replenishment initiative.

When the state created the beach erosion control district, a line known locally as the build-limit line ran from the north end to 33rd Street. It stopped at

33rd Street because the seawall constructed as part of the beach replenishment project would essentially limit any construction activity east of the Boardwalk anyway.

A bill filed by Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) and Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C) would amend the state’s old beach erosion control district to allow for the repair or replacement of a structure on the east side of the Boardwalk owned by the Town of Ocean City or the state of Maryland only. The catalyst for the bill are needed repairs at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, although there are other applications.

Last year, the Maryland General Assembly adopted the capital budget which included $600,000 for improvements to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum to bring the century-old-plus build-

ing into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and current fire codes. The building was a working lifesaving station in the early 1900s and was moved to the end of the Boardwalk where it was converted to a museum.

It has remained unchanged for decades, however, and while the building maintains its quaint charm, the facility has somewhat outgrown its usefulness as a public museum. There are ADA issues that need to be addressed and the historic building is often bursting at the seams with various exhibits, offices, restrooms, a gift shop and other uses.

However, without a legislative change to the decades-old beach erosion control district, improvements to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum cannot be made and the $600,000 appropriated by the state last year cannot be expend-

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ed.

To that end, Carozza filed Senate Bill 64 and Hartman cross-filed House Bill 1300 in an effort to amend the beach erosion control district regulations to allow for certain improvements with specific limitations.

Carozza testified before the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee on the proposed legislation this week.

“This bill exempts the repair, renovation, reconstruction or expansion of an existing structure owned by the state or by the Mayor and Council of Ocean City from an existing prohibition on construction activity within the beach erosion control district as long as the project does not result in any significant permanent environmental damage as determined by the Department of Natural Resource,” she said. “Under current law, any construction activity, with the exception of some specific narrow sections, is prohibited already in the beach erosion control district.”

Carozza further explained the implications of the legislation.

“What that means is, under current law, certain important Ocean City facilities cannot be repaired or replaced, including the Ocean City amusement pier, the Ocean City Inlet parking lot, or the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum,” she said. “This bill as amended would provide a mechanism to repair or replace, with specific limitations, or to add to those existing facilities, with the approval of the Mayor and Council and the Secretary of the DNR.” While the bill has broader implications, the impetus for it now is the needed improvements to the museum.

“This bill only applies to existing facilities owned by the state or Ocean City,” she said. “The immediate need for the passage of Senate Bill 64 is to bring the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and the current fire safety codes.”

Carozza said during testimony the proposed legislation would help preserve an important part of Ocean City history.

“We in Ocean City are very excited about the upgrades to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum as this site is truly the heart of telling Ocean City’s story and the history of the U.S. Lifesaving Service,” she said. “This bill takes a responsible approach to allowing this priority project and other projects to move forward.”

Carozza called on the committee to advance the legislation, and although no immediate action was taken, it appeared to have support as a local courtesy bill.

“The bill makes it clear it could only apply to existing facilities, must have the approval of the Ocean City Mayor and Council and the DNR, and must not have any significant permanent environmental damage,” she said. “I respectfully ask for a favorable report for Senate Bill 64 and I invite each one of you to the adventure of visiting the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum in the future.”

Townhouse Project Moves Ahead

March 11, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Plans for a new townhouse development on Old Ocean City Boulevard are moving forward following discussion with the town’s planning commission.

The Berlin Planning Commission on Wednesday voted 6-0 to provide a favorable recommendation for a text amendment that would allow for fee simple townhouse developments in Berlin.

“It’s just another way to develop a townhouse project,” attorney Mark Cropper said.

Cropper proposed the text amendment on behalf of developer Jason Malone, who is pursuing a 28-unit townhouse project on Old Ocean City Boulevard adjacent to Purnell Crossing. Cropper said that at this point, the real estate market had a greater demand for fee simple townhouses—where the buyer purchases the unit and the land it sits on—than units that were part of a condominium regime. The fee simple townhouse is not addressed in Berlin’s code.

“Because your code is silent that’s why we had to submit a text amendment,” Cropper said.

While town staff expressed concerns about converting to a new form of development, Cropper stressed that the text amendment didn’t mandate this manner of development but offered it as a possibility.

“All this provides is an option…,” he said. “This isn’t mandating all future townhouse projects have to be done this way.”

Commission member Pete Cosby said there was a preference among the public for fee simple townhouses.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“We should have the alternative in the code,” he said.

After voting to forward the text amendment on to the town council with a favorable recommendation, the commission moved on to discussion of the site plan for the development. As proposed, the plan shows 28 units in blocks of six and four. Commission member Matt Stoehr said he felt the developer needed to include an overflow parking area, as the three-story units each just have a one car garage and driveway space for one car. Commission member Ron Cascio agreed.

“I think you need to address the street parking situation,” Cascio said. “Let’s do it now rather than later.”

Malone said he would incorporate some overflow parking and would also look for opportunities to widen the road into the community.

Commission members also expressed concern with the appearance of the units, which they said didn’t look like they fit in Berlin. Purnell Crossing resident Patty Corson also expressed displeasure.

“These houses look cheap,” she said.

“We were told they were going to be comparable to what Purnell Crossing had.”

Malone said the homes would be priced in the high $300,000 range and that there were other exterior options.

Commission members suggested he bring renderings that showed the units in blocks.

“I think it’s hard to visualize them when they’re not together,” said Chris Denny, chair of the commission.

The developer agreed to return to the commission with updated renderings as well as landscaping, lighting and stormwater details for the project.

BOE To Host Evening Meeting

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – The Worcester County Board of Education will host the first of two night meetings next week.

In response to suggestions from the public, the school board will host an evening meeting on Tuesday, March 15 at 6 p.m. Typically, meetings are held at 12:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month.

“I think we owe it to the public to give them that opportunity, if they can’t be here during the day, to come in, express themselves and talk about what they want to talk to the board about,” said school board member Nate Passwaters in January when the board agreed to schedule the meeting.

Though public comments during board meetings were rare in years past, in recent months a handful of citizens have shared concerns at each meeting. One of the issues brought up was the fact that the school board meetings are held during the day when most parents are at work and unable to attend.

Worcester County Board of Education members said the meetings historically have been held during the day because

there are frequently student recognitions.

“We want to be able to recognize our students and understand sometimes it’s difficult for them to be here in the evening,” school board member Todd Ferrante said when the issue was discussed in January.

Nevertheless he said he’d like to see the school board host one or two night meetings.

With Superintendent Lou Taylor’s input, the board determined that there weren’t typically many student recognitions at the March meeting so that would be an ideal time to test an evening meeting. They agreed to set a second evening meeting during the month of July.

Following those meetings the board will determine if evening meetings are something to continue in the future.

“We can evaluate it,” Passwaters said.

The board voted unanimously following that discussion to schedule night meetings for March 15 and July 19.

Next week’s meeting is set for 6 p.m. at Worcester Technical High School.

An agenda will be available on the school system’s website, worcesterk12.org.

Page 9

Page 10

O.A.R. To Headline New OC Festival

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March 11, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

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MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After months of speculation and anticipation, more details about the proposed major threeday music festival at the Inlet in September, which includes Marylandbased O.A.R. as the lead act, have emerged.

Last August, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo and C3 Presents founder and promoter Tim Sweetwood pitched the idea of a significant three-day music festival in the resort in late September, but many of the details at the time were unknown. C3 Presents is internationally known for the concerts, festivals and events it produces, including Lollapalooza in Chicago and the NFL draft, for example.

In the months since, the details of the proposed event have not been known, or at least made public. Also over the last few months, the dates for the proposed music festival have been a bit of a moving target. It was proposed to coincide with the unsanctioned pop-up event in late September in the hopes festival-goers would gobble up hotel rooms and other accommodations and curtail some of the activity associated with that event, or at least provide alternative entertainment options for those participants other than driving up and down Coastal Highway.

Just two weeks ago, Perlozzo advised the Mayor and Council the event was going to be moved from the original dates of Sept. 23-25 to Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, largely because of logistical issues with other major events during that time in September, including OC BikeFest.

However, details of the event, including the promising lead act, were not known. That changed on Wednesday when C3 Presents unveiled some of the details for the inaugural Oceans Calling Festival, including O.A.R. as the featured lead act.

According to the announcement, O.A.R. will play multiple sets during

the Oceans Calling Festival, which will take place over three days on three stages at the south end of the Boardwalk. The festival will feature over 30 artists on three stages, although the other artists performing in the festival have not been made known at this point.

Oceans Calling will also include a culinary component hosted by worldrenowned chefs along with cooking demonstrations celebrating local Eastern Shore cuisine. The Jolly Roger Amusement Park at the pier will also be located completely within the festival grounds.

For nationally-known lead act O.A.R., the Oceans Calling festival will represent a homecoming of sorts, although the band does play other local venues.

“O.A.R. was born in Rockville, Md. and have grown up celebrating all the greatness the area has to offer,” said O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge and Jerry DePizzo in a joint statement. “Ocean City is where our families and friends got away to relax in the sun and unwind a bit. We couldn’t be more excited to invite the world to the big beach, historic Boardwalk and pier, for three unforgettable days of music, food and memories in such a perfect location.”

For Sweetwood, co-founder of the Oceans Calling Festival and festival director at C3 Presents, said the threeday event in Ocean City in late September and early October represents an opportunity to showcase what the organization does best.

“We are thrilled to be able to produce an incredible new festival in partnership with my friends and Maryland legends O.A.R.,” he said. “City officials have been incredibly welcoming, and we look forward to delivering an outstanding experience for festival fans.”

Information about tickets and the lineup will be revealed soon. Festival fans are encouraged to sign up to the website at www.oceanscallingfestival.com or follow Oceans Calling on social media to be the first to receive new information and stay in the loop for all festival announcements.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Committee Reviews Boardwalk Bike Racks Resort Officials Discuss

Page 12

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Members of a resort committee got their first look at some of the proposed cost estimates for replacing the aging Boardwalk bike racks.

In January, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, liaison for the Ocean City Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), presented committee members with a proposal to replace 47 aging bike racks along the Boardwalk using surplus funding from the town’s Boardwalk redecking project.

In recent years, BPAC members have focused efforts on identifying locations to add bike racks near the oceanfront street ends. DeLuca noted the idea of replacing the Boardwalk bike racks came as part of those discussions.

“I think it’s an important project,” he said at the time. “They are heavily used

t JusYou! For M

… and the way they look now, it’s not good.”

The committee in January agreed to explore options and pricing for new Boardwalks bike racks. And on Wednesday, members reviewed two options – a bike post costing $939 apiece and a “wave” rack costing $1,519 apiece.

“This is all open for consideration …,” said City Engineer Paul Mauser, committee president. “I know Tony’s initial comment was we would want to go back with just as many, if not more. I think all the existing bike racks provide a capacity of six or eight.”

While more expensive, committee members this week said they favored the stainless steel wave rack based on its capacity to hold more bikes. Continental Cycles owner Joe Marx, however, noted that the town could save money if it purchased the rack in another material.

“It makes it three times as expensive

as the regular rack because of the stainless steel …,” he said. “The powder coating is $920 cheaper.”

Officials ultimately agreed to explore other options.

“We’re looking to have these out there for maybe 20 years,” Mauser said. “So we wouldn’t want to have to replace it in about five years.”

Mauser added that the town’s ability to purchase and replace the bike racks would rely on surplus funding from the town’s Boardwalk redecking project.

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Anti-Litter Campaign

March 11, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Despite staffing challenges, resort officials say they are ready to launch the second season of the town’s Litter Free OC campaign.

On Wednesday, members of the Coastal Resources Legislative Committee (Green Team) met to discuss cleanup, messaging and enforcement efforts for Ocean City’s 2022 anti-litter campaign.

After reporting some success in its first year, committee members and resort officials say they are committed to another strong season.

“Whatever we are doing, I think it’s working,” said committee member Gail Blazer. “I just don’t want us to sit on our laurels and say ‘OK, we’re done.’ I want to continue on and keep the effort going.”

In late 2020, the Green Team began discussing ways to address a growing litter problem in Ocean City after a particularly troublesome summer season.

Despite the efforts of the town’s public works department and various volunteer cleanup groups, officials noted the town continued to experience larger-than-average trash volume, largely attributed to an increase in carryout during the pandemic.

To that end, the committee joined with town departments, environmental organizations, businesses and local schools to launch Litter Free OC, a multi-faceted initiative aimed at education and enforcement using advertisements, social media posts and cleanup initiatives, to name a few.

“The first year was really bad, and I think we got a lot of complaints,” Blazer told committee members. “I think last year they dropped down.”

Officials said last year’s campaign focused on promoting the Litter Free OC message through the town’s various social media platforms, billboards and promotional products.

Ocean City also relied on the Ocean City Police Department to ramp up its enforcement efforts. Capt. Elton Harmon said the department last year issued 23 more littering citations than the prior year.

“This year going into it, we’re basically using the same model as what we had last year,” he said. “We don’t see any change in deployment, except for some numbers because of hiring [issues].”

Ocean City Public Works Maintenance Manager Tom Dy said his department would also continue its anti-litter efforts by replacing broken residential trash cans, weeding the side streets and rotating staff. But he noted that public works was also facing staffing shortages.

“Typically for me it’s 101, 102 employees,” he said. “For this season, I’m hoping to get 75, 80, and that’s way short.”

Public Works Deputy Director Woody Vickers, however, told the committee public works would be out in full force for its annual spring cleanup, scheduled for March 26.

“We’ll have close to 100 people working that day,” he said.

OC Officials Approve Land Swap With Delmarva Power

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With little fanfare or further discussion, resort officials this week approved a land swap with Delmarva Power in the area of 100th Street.

The two parcels are adjacent and identical in size, and simply swapping them provides a mutual benefit to the town and Delmarva Power and Light (DPL). The Mayor and Council held a requisite public hearing on the proposed land swap on Monday before unanimously approving the exchange.

Last month, the Planning Commission held a marathon public hearing on DPL’s proposed use for the parcel it is receiving in the swap. DPL applied for, and eventually gained approval for the conditional use on the site to develop a battery storage energy system, or BESS, on the lot it is acquiring.

In layman’s terms, a BESS provides a fallback energy source in the resort for DPL during times of peak energy use on the barrier island. It’s part of DPL’s larger plan to improve and ensure reliability at peak times. In 2019, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated the Maryland Energy Storage Pilot Program.

The intent of the program is to explore the efficiency of deploying utility-scale energy storage throughout the state including Ocean City.

When the planning commission held

Resort officials this week approved a land swap with Delmarva Power in the area of 100th Street. The company plans to use its parcel to construct a battery energy storage system, pictured in the rendering above.

Submitted Image

its public hearing last month, residents lined up to voice their concerns with DPL’s plans to develop a BESS in an area uptown near residential areas. The issues raised ranged from concerns about the vast above-ground battery field and potential health risks to concerns about the potential impact on the bayside viewshed.

DPL officials at the time were able to allay most of the concerns at that point.

It was also pointed out the utility company held a conditional use permit for the parcel it already owned to develop an electric power substation, although was not the company’s intent. That existing

conditional use permit will expire when the land swap between the town and DPL is officially consummated.

When it came time for Monday’s public hearing, there was considerably less robust discussion. In fact, only one resident got up to speak about the proposed land swap. Uptown resident Martin Brannigan said he was representing his condo board at the hearing and residents in his community had some concerns.

“I came here tonight regarding the property swap,” he said. “In speaking with our board of directors, there have been some concerns raised.”

The town has not made public its in-

Page 13

tentions for the parcel it is receiving in the swap. At one point, it was discussed using the parcel as one of the potential sites for a private-public seasonal housing project, but that has not come to fruition. Brannigan has spoken in the past about a potential seasonal housing project on the site, and revisited the issue briefly again on Monday.

“We know there will be something going there,” he said. “We had concerns when a seasonal housing project was being discussed.”

Brannigan said the neighboring condo board had three basic concerns. Was there a timetable for the start of the DPL BESS project? What steps were being taken to eliminate or at least minimize visual pollution from the project?

“The third thing is, we’ve all seen power stations around town with security fences,” he said. “We would like to request whatever fencing goes around the thing will be the least objectionable.”

After closing the public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the land swap with DPL. Councilman Mark Paddack attempted to alleviate some of Brannigan’s concerns.

“Our public works director is here tonight,” he said. “If you go down Old Landing Road, there is a waste transfer station back there that is well-screened. I am confident DPL will work with our public works department and the town to minimize the visual pollution.”

OC Officials Approve Beach Sand Soccer Tournament

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A new beach sand soccer tournament proposed for August was approved this week, but not before a larger discussion about the town’s fee structure for special events.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday a request to approve a significant sand soccer tournament on the beach on August 6 between Dorchester Street and 3rd Street. The promoter already produces a popular beach sand soccer tournament in town and has dates set for June 24-25.

The beach sand soccer tournament has been a big success in Ocean City each summer for decades, drawing thousands of participant and spectators, but the proposed August 6 date is a

new event. The request on Monday was part of the council’s consent agenda, which, as the name implies, is typically approved as a matter of course. However, before the council could vote on a motion made by Councilman Mark Paddack, Mayor Rich Meehan weighed in on the proposed event.

“First, I fully support the event and sand soccer in Ocean City,” he said. “I remember back in the 1990s when I presented the first sand soccer tournament to the Mayor and Council. There were some concerns about it at that time, but it certainly fit our profile and really helped business in town and cre-

ated room nights for Ocean City. When you look at it today, it is still as popular as it was then.”

However, Meehan said he crunched the numbers on the proposed soccer tournament and questioned if it was time to revisit the town’s fee structure for special events.

“It’s still a fabulous event for Ocean City, but it is a for-profit event,” he said.

“When I look at their application, they to have 6,500 participants. If you look at their registration form, it says there are 10 players to a team. If you do the math, that comes out to 650 teams. If you look at the application, the fee for each team

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is $500. Give or take 50 teams, that comes out to $325,000.”

Meehan applauded the success of the sand soccer tournament, but questioned if it was time to revisit the fees the town charges for this event and other special events going forward.

“Look, I want to see everybody make a profit and that is a great sport and something we want to continue, but I think it’s time to take another look at our fee structure,” he said. “The fee structure for this tournament is $1,285. When looking at where their revenue is compared to that and the time period at the same fee, I think it’s time to look at this again.”

Meehan said the proposed beach sand soccer tournament falls after the start of a new fiscal year, providing an opportunity to take a closer look at the special event fee structure.

“This tournament is not scheduled until August 6, which is in the next fiscal year,” he said. “It’s not in this fiscal year, and I know there are other tournaments prior to that.”

The mayor related a recent visit to Virginia Beach and their town-operated sand soccer tournament.

“Recently, I had to privilege to take a tour of the sports complex in Virginia Beach and they talked to us about their sand soccer tournament,” he said. “They take it on themselves, which, at some point, might be an option for us, but that’s not what I’m alluding to today. The proceeds from that tournament actually funds all of their field operations. It is a significant revenue source that helps support the rest of their sports facilities.”

For those reasons, Meehan suggested re-evaluating the town’s current fee structure for special events.

“I would suggest holding the date for the sand soccer tournament, but remand this back to special events, recreation and parks and the city manager to take a look at this for next fiscal year,” he said. “We should look at a fee structure that is certainly fair to the promoter. It looks like a great revenue generator, thank goodness for them, but I think it could be a better partnership if that revenue is shared to some degree.”

Paddack said he was willing to amend his motion if that was the desire of the council. Councilman John Gehrig, who chairs the recreation and parks committee, said it was worth revisiting.

“We’ll definitely discuss it,” he said.

“My issue is they are paying our normal fees with no discount. They happen to be doing a great job. Like you said, in Virginia Beach, they are their own promoter and they make all the money.”

However, Gehrig said it might not be fair to change the fee structure for the sand soccer tournament when the promoter has already filed an application based on the existing fees.

“I feel like they are willing to pay our fee 100%,” he said. “I don’t think it’s fair really to say we’re going to be charging you more money. I am happy to review SEE NEXT PAGE

... Event To Be Held Downtown Aug. 6

March 11, 2022

it and we can discuss the fees, but they should apply to everyone. The same fees should apply to everyone who uses the beach.”

Meehan did not disagree entirely, but said it might be a good time to re-evaluate the existing special event fees.

“The business has changed, and times have changed,” he said. “Twentyfive years ago, this wasn’t the profit center it has become. We should also adapt to change. I want them to be extremely profitable, I just think there is an opportunity here to recognize the change and the value and how this can benefit the town and help pay for other events and the costs we’re accumulating. It’s in the next budget year. They have tournaments in June and I’m not saying adjust those, but this is a new event they are applying for.”

Gehrig used the analogy of a baitand-switch practice for a store purchase.

“If we go to a store and we’re going to buy a product, as soon as they see we’re going to buy it, they double the price,” he said. “We’ve already picked the product out. We can revisit the fees, I just think they’ve done everything they need to do.”

Council President Matt James said he tended to agree.

“They have already filled out the application and it’s based on what we have in place now,” he said. “If we’re going to approve the event, we should

“GHOSTS IN THE SURF”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

approve the event and have a discussion about fee structure for future events. They have done everything that’s expected of them. I don’t think we’re going to approve the event and then charge them double or whatever because they are good at it.”

Meehan said he just thought it was a good time to revisit the fees.

“I just want to get it to the forefront,” he said. “We can address this at some point for future events. I think this warrants being looked at.”

Paddack at one point changed his original motion to approve the consent agenda as presented to omitting the sand soccer tournament until the fee structure was revisited. After the discussion, however, he went back to his original motion.

“They operated in good faith,” he said. “Councilman Gehrig and the Council President are correct. I’m going to leave the motion as it stands, and we’ll take a look at this for the future. It’s a great tournament that brings a lot of young people to town and it’s good for the south-end Boardwalk businesses.”

The council ultimately approved the consent agenda as presented with the sand soccer tournament in August included on a 6-0 vote with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent. The council also voted to remand the current fee structure to staff, the recreation and parks committee and the city manager for further review for future events.

Page 15

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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SNOW HILL – The school system launched a formal review of a controversial book after requests by community members.

Worcester County Public Schools received two review requests, one from a Stephen Decatur High School parent and another from a community member, regarding the book “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson. Last month, citizens shared concerns about sexually explicit passages in the book at a school board meeting.

“This idea of challenging books, this isn’t a local thing,” said Jennifer Sills, the school system’s coordinator of science and library media. “This is happening nationwide. If anyone’s following the news you’ll see these same titles are being brought up nationally.”

When a member of the public shared an audio recording of several explicit passages from “All Boys Aren’t Blue” at last month’s Worcester County Board of Education meeting, Sills advised officials no formal complaints had been filed.

In the wake of that meeting, two review requests regarding “All Boys Aren’t Blue” have been received. Typically, if a parent has a concern regarding a library book or text book or other materials, they’re advised to speak to the school principal. If that conversation doesn’t resolve the issue, a formal review request can be filed.

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Now that that’s occurred, at Decatur Sills said a committee would review the book and make a recommendation. Committee members will look at the value of the book and the awards and reviews its received alongside the parent’s concerns.

Because it’s unusual for the school system to receive a review request from someone who doesn’t have a child in school, Sills said the complaint submitted last Thursday was submitted directly to her. She’ll see what the Decatur committee reports regarding the book and develop her own recommendations as well.

“By the end of next week we’ll have recommendations as far as retaining or removing the item,” she said.

If the book stays in schools and those who submitted the review requests aren’t satisfied, they can go to the superintendent. If they don’t agree with whatever action he takes the issue would go on to the school board.

Sills said that in her 20 years with Worcester County Public Schools, concerns like this one have always been resolved at the school level. Sills said she offered to provide both individuals who submitted review forms with copies of the book so they could read it but they declined. She noted that if the book was not removed from school shelves, as the individuals have asked, parents could still restrict their own children’s ability to check it out.

“A parent always has the option to have that limited for their child,” she said.

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Atlantic General Presents Annual Report To Council

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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OCEAN CITY – Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) officials this week presented their annual report to the Mayor and Council, and while some of the focus was on the facility’s many accomplishments, there was not shortage of discussion about some of the challenges during the pandemic.

Each year, hospital officials come before the Mayor and Council to present their annual report. The report typically outlines the many successes of the hospital, including continued growth, the programs and improved patient services and the like, and this year was not different. What was a little different this year was a review of some the challenges, particularly during COVID. AGH Board Chairman Greg Shockley pointed out during the pandemic, the hospital was under the direction of CoInterim President and CEOs Dr. Sally Dowling and Kim Justice. Shockley said the new president and CEO search was nearing a conclusion after former leader Michael Franklin’s contract was not renewed, praising Dowling and Justice for their leadership in the interim.

“At some point in the summer, you’ll be introduced to a new CEO,” he said.

“Sally and Kim led us through the final push of Omicron. It was a pretty heavy lift for the hospital. We’re proud them and proud of our staff.”

Dowling said the hospital has undergone significant growth with new programs, facilities, and new providers, improving patient care in the community.

“The community support has been overwhelming,” she said. “We’ve been very excited about several important initiatives.”

Dowling said AGH had recently undergone an inspection by the Joint Commission, an inspection that occurs every three years.

“If you know anything about hospitals, you know that’s a big thing,” she said.

“It’s the accrediting agency we use. We had it kind of at the end of COVID and it’s always stressful. They don’t give you a score, but if they did, we would have scored 99%.”

Dowling said despite the continued success, AGH is still facing challenges.

“Not to say the last year hasn’t been without challenges,” she said. “We still have challenges with physician recruitment. It’s an underserved area, particularly in primary care. I’m sure you’re aware of the national nursing shortage.”

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner Craig Mullen spoke of some of the challenges at AGH satellite Townsend Medical Center on 10th Street in Ocean City.

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… Officials Discuss Townsend Medical Center’s Flexibility

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FROM PAGE 17 “Ever since the initial stages of the pandemic, Townsend Medical Center was transformed into a clinic that was designed to meet the outpatient testing and treatment,” he said. “Hospital systems had to adapt to meet the demands of five COVID surges. Our team did an impeccable job of monitoring the trends of the variants as they spread around the globe. I am very proud of the motivation of the 10th Street staff. They displayed remarkable flexibility and worked tirelessly.”

AGH Director of Emergency Services Andi West-McCabe explained some of the challenges during COVID at the emergency room.

“The surge of Omicron this fall, especially around the holidays, was the hardest,” she said. “At that point, we weren’t even allowed to have visitors, so you can imagine it was very hard for the patients and their families.”

West-McCabe praised hospital staff for pulling together during the challenges of COVID. “We were getting whole families coming into the hospital to get COVID testing,” she said. “It was overwhelming. At that time, we started to see a peak with Omicron and we had every bed in the hospital filled. How do we keep seeing these other patients coming in that need to be seen. We had a lot of accomplishments along the way.”

Typically, the presentation of AGH’s annual report concludes with a request for funding from the municipalities and the county, but Shockley said that wasn’t the case this year with Ocean City. The funding dedicated last year toward emergency department enhancements was not utilized due to the pandemic, but the project is now back and being planned over the next fiscal year.

“We really don’t have an ask this time,” he said. “You were very generous with the capital campaign and the $500,000 you gave.”

Councilman John Gehrig praised the hospital’s accomplishments, particularly during the pandemic.

“It goes back to how challenging things have been for the last couple of years,” he said. “There is no playbook for what we all went through and you were a true partner.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said the town’s capital campaign contribution was intended to be dedicated to the hospital’s emergency room.

“You haven’t been able to utilize those funds, but you have said you are not coming back until you’ve expended those funds,” he said. “That’s very commendable. We appreciate everything you do at AGH from the nurses to the doctors, all of the volunteers, the technicians and everybody. Please pass that along.”

Resort Holds Inlet Vigil For Ukraine

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Town of Ocean City held a vigil Tuesday evening in solidarity for the people of Ukraine. Mayor Rick Meehan is pictured above speaking to the crowd that had gathered at the Inlet.

Photos by Chris Parypa

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Against the backdrop of a clear, but chilly evening with the pier Ferris wheel lit up in blue and yellow, about 200 or so people gathered on the south end of the Boardwalk on Tuesday to hold a vigil on behalf of the people of Ukraine.

Mayor Rick Meehan led the vigil, which was also attended by other local elected officials, local residents and a smattering of Ukrainian-Americans. Meehan explained the reason for the gathering.

“This is our show of solidarity and support,” he said. “The colors on the Ferris wheel behind us tell the story. It’s tremendous how many people heeded the call and showed up here this evening.”

Meehan said the vigil was just one small way to show the people of Ukraine support.

“So many people have asked me what can we do, how can we show our support,” he said. “I thought the best way was for all of us to take just a little bit of time and gather together and let the world know that Ocean City cares and that Ocean City is here to support Ukraine.”

The mayor said it was important to gather to show support, but also to not

forget the horrors the people of Ukraine have been enduring in the last couple of weeks since the invasion by Russia.

“We gather to show support for Ukraine and for their right to freedom,” he said. “We want to send a clear message that Ocean City stands behind and supports Ukraine and peace throughout this world of ours. Standing with us tonight are Americans and some citizens from Ukraine and it’s wonderful to have them here with us, but, I can also imagine how it must be as they watch in horror as their families at home are forced to flee their homes or hide in place from the unprovoked Russian assault. We welcome them here tonight.”

Meehan commented on the strong connection Ocean City has with Ukraine and the thousands of student seasonal workers who have spent summers and beyond in Ocean City.

“Others of us here have close, personal ties to Ukraine and the people of Ukraine,” he said. “I think we all know that over the past 10 years students in the J-1 program from Ukraine have been traveling to Ocean City, and not just working here, but living among us here in Ocean City.”

Meehan said Anne Marie Conestabile from United Work and Travel estimated 12,000 have come to Ocean City to work SEE PAGE 20

“In my mind right now, what we can do is show the people of Ukraine and around the world that Ocean City stands for what’s right, which is stopping the war and stopping this nonsense,” said Ina Kiwiki, above, a native of Ukraine now living in the U.S.

Page 19

... Mayor: “This Is Our Show Of Solidarity And Support.”

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Jolly Roger Amusement Park’s Ferris wheel, located at the Inlet, now features blue and yellow lights in honor of Ukraine. The light display is pictured in the background during Tuesday’s vigil.

Photo by Chris Parypa

FROM PAGE 19 for the summer season over the years.

“Many of them return, and really they became part of our community,” he said.

“I think all of us recognize how important we were to them and how important we are for them now.”

In his closing, Meehan pointed to the atrocities the people are facing while enduring the invasion by Russia and praised them for their courage.

“No country should have to succumb to a dictator who, for his own personal reasons, believes he has a right to commit war on women, children and brave men who are standing strong against all odds to protect their country and their right to freedom,” he said. “I think the people of Ukraine have shown the world tremendous courage and they are resolved to protecting their rights and their way of life. We must support their efforts

March 11, 2022

in every way that we can and that includes the small things like this evening.

What we are here to let the people of Ukraine know is that they are not forgotten, and they are supported here and throughout the United States.”

Perhaps the most poignant segment of the vigil was the reflections of Ina Kiwiki, a native of Ukraine now living in the U.S. “Thank you for coming out and supporting the people of Ukraine and people like me who were born and raised in Ukraine,” she said. “I am a proud American, but I remember where I came from, where I went to school and got my education, and that’s always going to be beating in my heart. I will always remember where I came from and to see that my family back home is going through such horror and having to deal with such unprecedented times in the 21st century is heartbreaking to watch, but also even harder to know that your family and your friends are living in that horror. In my mind right now, what we can do is show the people of Ukraine and around the world that Ocean City stands for what’s right, which is stopping the war and stopping this nonsense.”

Ocean City Baptist Church Pastor Sean Davis then reflected on his interactions with Ukrainian student-workers and a mission trip he took to the now war-torn country.

“I see many members of my congregation here, many prayer warriors who have been praying for the people of Ukraine, and the people of Russia, because they all need to be prayed for during this time,” he said. “I want to tell you why I’m here. I went on a mission trip in 2012 because we were invited by students who came from Ukraine to Ocean City.”

Davis said during the mission trip he had the opportunity to teach English classes at the university and fell in love with the people of Ukraine and their country and the capital, Kyiv.

“I’ve been keeping in contact with many of them and I hear my news from them and not from anywhere else,” he said. “I know it’s hard there. Friends of ours have been separated from their loved ones and it’s hard to hear those stories.”

Davis shared one message from a friend in Ukraine named Ira. “Right now, we can hear the sounds of rockets going off,” the message reads.

“Pray for our protection through this night as it seems there could be a lot of shelling and fighting around us. Pray for the protection of Ukrainians tonight who are facing rockets hitting apartment buildings and other places where there are people.

Those attacks at night feel like demons coming at us.”

Davis then led the gathered assembly in prayer. Meehan asked for those from Ukraine among the assembled group to come forward and there were about a dozen or so, including children, draped in the flag of their country. The mayor then read a proclamation from the town in support of the people of Ukraine and presented it to the small group assembled to close out the ceremony.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

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Some of the 200 people who gathered at the Inlet Tuesday night for the Ocean City vigil for Ukraine came with handmade cards of support for the eastern European country as well as Poland, which has welcomed more than one million Ukranian refugees since the war began last month.

Photos by Chris Parypa

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Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Loaded Crossbow Leads To Drug Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Snow Hill man was arrested last weekend after resort police found him in possession of a loaded crossbow and various quantities and methamphetamine and marijuana in his vehicle.

Around 3:10 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers patrolling in the downtown area observed a vehicle parked in a no parking zone on Caroline Street at the bay. Officers reportedly observed the interior lights on in the vehicle and the passenger side window was slightly opened, according to police reports.

The officers approached the vehicle with suspicious circumstances and a male suspect, later identified as Long Dam, 40, of Snow Hill, approached them from the

March 11, 2022

COPS & COURTS dock area. As officers began to speak with Dam, they observed on a front seat a Wildcat-brand crossbow, which was cocked and loaded with a bolt in the rail, according to police reports.

Dam was detained at that point for having a loaded deadly weapon in his vehicle. During the interaction, officers detected the strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle and search revealed a plastic bag containing roughly 42 grams of marijuana in the center console. Also located were various items of paraphernalia, according to police reports.

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derneath the radio, officers reportedly located a silver tin containing methamphetamine. In the front passenger seat area, officers located a black box containing about 40 clear plastic baggies. The total quantity of methamphetamine located in the vehicle was around 15 grams, according to police reports.

When asked about the crossbow, Dam advised it was loaded because in order to unload it, it had to be discharged into a target and that he hadn’t had time to unload it. When asked about what else had been found in the vehicle, Dam acknowledged “it was likely meth and some weed,” according to police reports.

Dam advised he brought the meth and weed with him from California and he had been in Maryland for about two months.

Dam was charged with possession of a deadly weapon, multiple counts of possession and possession with intent to distribute, and possession of paraphernalia.

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OCEAN CITY – Two Delaware cousins were arrested for assault last weekend after allegedly getting into a physical fight in the downtown hotel room in which they were staying.

Around 6 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a hotel at 14th Street for a reported domestic assault. Upon arrival, officers could reportedly hear verbal arguing even before they got off the elevator to the fourth floor, according to police re-

ports.

The officers went to the room on the fourth floor and identified the two suspects at Shante Hazzard, 34, of Lincoln, Del., and Charlisa Hazzard, 30, of Magnolia, Del. Charlisa Hazzard exited the room and spoke to one OCPD officer, while Shante Hazzard invited another officer into the room, according to police reports.

Shante Hazzard advised she was staying in the room with her cousins, Charlisa and another cousin. Shante Hazzard reportedly told police she was sleeping in the second bed from the door when she was woken up by Charlisa Hazzard, who was arguing with an unidentified male who went by the name Wendell. The male had left the area before police arrived.

Shante Hazzard reportedly told police Charlisa Hazzard threw a Powerade bottle at Wendell, but missed and hit Shante Hazzard instead. Shante Hazzard reportedly told police she then began arguing with Charlisa Hazzard and that argument had escalated into a wrestling match on the bed closest to the door.

Shante Hazzard reportedly told police during the fight, she and Charlisa Hazzard were punching each other and pulling each other’s hair. She told police Wendell and their other cousin were able to break up the fight. OCPD officers interviewed Charlisa Hazzard, who told a story very similar to the account of the events told by Shante Hazzard.

Both cousins were arrested for second-degree assault. A background check revealed Charlisa Hazzard was also wanted on a warrant from Worcester County SEE NEXT PAGE

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March 11, 2022

... COPS & COURTS for possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Traffic Stop Nets Drug Bust OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on multiple charges last week after being found in possession of drugs following a routine traffic stop.

Around 12:15 a.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 17th Street and St. Louis Avenue observed a vehicle without a front registration plate and conducted a traffic stop.

The officer made contact with the driver, identified as John Yates, 37, of Ocean City, who did not present a driver’s license and reportedly told the officer his license had been suspended. The officer noticed Yates’ eyes were dilated and asked Yates to step out of his vehicle, according to police reports.

During a search of Yates, around a half a gram of powder cocaine fell from his waistband and landed on the pavement, according to police reports. Yates was asked to take a battery of field sobriety tests, which he did pass to the officer’s satisfaction. During the tests, Yates showed signs of being under the influence of narcotics, according to police reports.

Yates reportedly told officers he was prescribed methadone and had ingested the drug a short time earlier. He also reportedly told the officer he was not prescribed Diazepam, but took it for his anxiety. At that point, Yates was arrested for driving while under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and driving on a suspended license.

During a further search of Yates’ person, officers reportedly located three white-in-color pill and two blue-in color pills in his jacket pocket. Also, officers located a plastic baggie of less than 10 grams of marijuana in the vehicle’s center console. He was charged with driving under the influence, multiple counts of possession of CDS and driving on a suspended license.

Ice Pick Concealed In Car OCEAN CITY – A Lewes, Del. woman was arrested this week after a traffic stop revealed an ice pick concealed in her vehicle along with open containers of alcohol.

Around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 6th Street reportedly observed a vehicle driving erratically. The officer turned around to follow the vehicle, but could not locate it immediately. The officer then got another call for service and temporarily abandoned to search.

After clearing the call for service, the officer was dispatched to Edgewater Avenue for a report of a vehicle matching the description of the Jeep he had been briefly following parked with its left wheels to the curb. The officer approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, identified as Lauren Banks, 33, of Lewes, Del. The officer observed Banks having a plastic bag of marijuana in her lap. Also in the vehicle, officers observed an open bottle of white wine on the floor and an

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch open can of beer. Banks was detained at that point. During a search of the vehicle, officers located an ice pick concealed between the driver’s seat and the center console. Banks was arrested and charged with carrying a concealed dangerous weapon and open container violations.

Page 23

Get Ready To March Into Our Madness

Jail For Parking Lot Ruckus OCEAN CITY – A New Castle, Del. woman, arrested last July on numerous charges after causing a scene at a midtown liquor store parking lot, pleaded guilty this week to one count of seconddegree assault and was sentenced to five years in jail, four of which were suspended.

Around 2:10 a.m. last July 18, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the area of a midtown liquor store for a reported assault in progress. The officer arrived and reportedly observed a female suspect later identified as Brittany Holotanko, 29, of New Castle, Del., running through the parking lot. The officer also observed the security manager of a nearby and associated nightclub standing in the parking lot.

Holotanko was reportedly yelling profanities as she pushed passed the manager and slapped his arm away as he was attempting to reason with her. The OCPD observed Holotanko assault the manager in the presence of a crowd that had gathered, according to police reports.

The OCPD officer attempted to arrest Holotanko at that point and other officers that arrived on scene attempted to take her into custody, but she allegedly resisted and flailed her arms to avoid being handcuffed, according to police reports.

While OCPD officers were attempting to handcuff Holotanko, she reportedly kicked one of them in the stomach and another in the leg as she continued to scream profanities. She had to eventually be placed in a violent prisoner restraint device. While being moved to a transport vehicle, Holotanko reportedly spit in an OCPD officer’s face.

The security manager advised before the officers’ arrival, Holotanko was involved in a physical altercation with a male in the parking lot. At one point during the altercation, Holotanko got into a vehicle and drove away, nearly hitting the male in which she was involved in a fight.

She then drove north in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway for a brief distance before turning back into the parking lot, according to police reports.

An OCPD officer on scene reportedly saw numerous pedestrians in the area getting out of the way in the parking lot as Holotanko drove erratically and nearly hit them.

During processing at the Public Safety Building, Holotanko reportedly launched into a spree of obscenities against the booking officers and was uncooperative.

During a search of her purse, OCPD officers located at least three pills of methamphetamine, according to police reports.

She was ultimately charged with multiple counts of second-degree assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and related drug and traffic charges. This week, Holotanko pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to five years, four of which were suspended. She was also found guilty of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and was sentenced to 37 days for that count.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Bus Drivers Plan To Discuss Concerns With Commissioners

March 11, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Facing rising fuel and maintenance costs, school bus drivers continue to advocate for increased pay.

Members of the Worcester County Bus Contractors Association are expected to approach the Worcester County Commissioners next week to share rate concerns they don’t believe have been addressed by the school system. They say they’re struggling to cover expenses with what they’re currently paid.

“This is not what we want,” said Mike Donoway, president of the association.

“This is what we need.”

Donoway and other members of the bus contractors association approached the school board last month seeking an increase in rates. With not enough done by the school system in their view, they’re now asking the Worcester County Commissioners for help.

“The reality is we can’t afford to keep our buses on the road,” said bus driver Lori Thompson, secretary of the association.

In Worcester County, 69 bus contractors are responsible for transporting the 3,649 students — slightly over half of the county’s enrollment — who rely on the school system for transportation to school every day. The total yearly income for a bus contractor working the minimum route — three hours/70 miles a day — is slightly more than $57,000. That breaks down to $20,160 for mileage and fuel, $12,193 in hourly pay, $3,500 in administrative fees, $20,115 in per vehicle allotment (PVA) and $1,133 in air conditioning allotment.

According to Thompson, nearly all of that income is eaten up in expenses. Contractors buy their own buses — which now cost nearly $135,000 new — and as a result pay more than $24,000 a year in bus payments for the first seven or eight years they have the vehicle. Planned, regular maintenance for the bus costs roughly $4,500 a year. Fuel — it now costs about $490 to fill up an empty bus — could $9,000 a year. Miscellaneous expenses — cleaning, cell phone, supplies — cost about $1,500 a year. Bus insurance costs $1,000 a year.

Contractors are able to purchase medical insurance through the school system, but they pay the full cost — roughly $6,800 a year. They do not have any retirement or pension plans and don’t get longevity bonuses. Thompson said contractors are also responsible for bus repairs, paying substitute drivers if they’re sick and renting buses if their own isn’t usable.

Once expenses are taken into account, bus contractors are making far less than minimum wage, according to Thompson.

“Right now, the system isn’t economically sustainable,” she said.

The association brought contractors’ concerns to the school system at the start of the budget process. They asked for an increase of $1.5 million in the county’s bus contractor spending to allow for increases SEE PAGE 26

MOU Approved For School Funding

March 11, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – More than $13 million in funding is expected to benefit a school construction project.

Last week, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to execute a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Wicomico County Board of Education and the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to receive $13.8 million in Built to Learn (BTL) funds for a renovation and addition project at Mardela Middle and High School.

“In short, the use of BTL funds is necessary to complete this phased, occupied renovation project and could allow for an earlier construction start,” said Leisl Ashby, the school system’s director of planning and construction. “The MSA has already gone to the bond market.

Once the MOU is executed, Wicomico will be able to access funds for eligible construction costs.”

Enacted in 2020, the Built to Learn Act allows the MSA to issue revenue bonds to fund school construction projects and provides for its management of the projects. As part of the legislation, the Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) and the Maryland Stadium Authority approved its own MOU that governs the program.

Ashby told council members last week the acceptance of BTL funds also requires an agreement between the county, the school system and the MSA. As the board of education had signed off on the MOU last month, she said officials were now seeking the county’s approval.

“The involvement of the county in the MOU is a commitment to local cost share, which has already been approved in the board’s capital improvement plan and budget and recommended by the county executive in the county’s current capital improvement plan, as well as the executive in prior year bond sales,” she said.

Ashby also noted there were three major reasons for seeking BTL funds for the Mardela project. Not only would it allow the school system to retain local control, she said, but it would also support cashflow needs.

“The IAC is shifting to a formulaic approach for capital projects. This is negatively impacting the ability to execute the Mardela renovation project due to cashflow needs …,” she said. “Without BTL, the cashflow needs of the project exceed available funding and will put the project at further risk of incurring additional costs.

BTL funds represent approximately 27% of the state cost share.”

Ashby also noted it would also fund early bid packages.

“Third, given rising inflation and the volatility in the construction market, including labor shortages and supplychain issues, the BTL funds now will assist in funding the necessary early bid packages,” she explained. “Early bid packages are necessary due to long lead times for various equipment and materials … Utilizing BTL for early bid packages will preserve local funding for non-eligi-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ble expenses.”

School system officials noted the proposed MOU had been reviewed by the School Building Commission, the board of education, the executive’s office and legal counsel.

“The board of education is very excited with the opportunity to secure Built To Learn funds in support of the capital plan for Wicomico County Public Schools,” said Micah Stauffer, the school system’s chief finance and operations officer. “This is good news for everyone involved tonight.”

He continued, “We are also excited to move forward with the long-awaited improvements to Mardela Middle and High School on behalf of the anxiously awaiting Mardela community. After over a year of briefings, updates and various meetings among multiple stakeholders including the county council, a memorandum of understanding that is required to access the Built to Learn funds is ready for authorization by Wicomico County Government.”

When asked if BTL funds were distributed each year, Ashby said it was a one-time allotment.

Rhe council voted unanimously to approve the MOU. “This has been a long time coming,” Councilman Josh Hastings said. “And for those of us who have graduated and came from Mardela, this is really great to be able to see this.”

Page 25

… Bus Contractors Seek Rate Increases To Cover Rising Costs

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Buses are pictured outside the Worcester County Board of Education last month when contractors sought additional compensation amid rising costs.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

FROM PAGE 24 to the hourly, mileage and PVA rates.

The school system reviewed the requested increases and worked into the coming year’s budget an hourly increase, bringing the rate from $22.58 to $25, and a mileage increase, bringing that from $1.60 to $1.62. The school system also increased the PVA from $20,115 to $20,920.

Bus contractors said that wasn’t enough, however, and approached the Worcester County Board of Education last month seeking what they called a compromise over their original request. They asked for $26.29 an hour and $1.80 per mile.

With no changes to the budget following that meeting, they’re now planning to share their concerns with the commissioners. County government funds the majority of the school system’s annual $118 million budget.

March 11, 2022

“We’re hoping the message doesn’t fall yet again on deaf ears,” Thompson said.

Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief financial officer, said the rates in the coming year’s budget were developed after officials reviewed the bus contractors’ request and compared rates in neighboring school districts.

“We appreciate the bus contractors and what they do,” he said.

He said that with the increases Worcester built into its budget, the average bus contract — five hours/100 miles a day — next year will be worth more than $76,000. While the bus driver who does the minimum three hours/70 miles will earn less than that, he said most contractors drive more than the minimum. Bus contractors will also receive the same raises – 5.5% – the teachers will earn in the next fiscal year budget if the commissioners approve it.

Tolbert added that next year the average bus contract in Wicomico County would amount to $66,967 and the average bus contract in Somerset would amount to $63,200.

“We try to make sure we’re competitive,” he said. “We’re well above Somerset and Wicomico.”

Nevertheless, Worcester County’s contractors say they just want to see rates reach a level that will allow the current system to be sustainable.

“It’s not about us making waves it’s about making a plan,” Thompson said. “We want to have a solution to continue the great service Worcester County has.”

Whaleyville farmer Harry Wimbrow has been driving a school bus in Worcester County for the past four decades. While he never expected to get rich doing it, he wants his costs to be covered. He ensures his buses are available for inspection multiple times a year, gets them repaired at state certified shops and deals with rising fuel and maintenance costs.

And while the bus is technically a parttime job, there are many times he’s dropped everything to make sure kids could get to an athletic game.

“I’ll be in the field working and they’ll call and say can you be here in 25 minutes,” he said.

Wanda Gray, another contractor, recalled the bomb threats that occurred with regularity several years ago. She said drivers were advised to stay near their buses because schools were dismissing early in response to threats.

“How are you supposed to get another job when you have to stay near your bus?” she said.

While the drivers said they could go to a convenience store to make more per hour and get a retirement plan, they do what they do because they want to provide a valuable service to the community.

When contractors without bus warranties have had to make costly repairs to get their bus back on the road, they’ve taken out loans and made purchases with credit cards.

“They didn’t throw their hands up,” Thompson said. “They did whatever it took to keep their buses running.”

She noted that if the county were to take over its school buses, as some jurisdictions have, buying the vehicles and hiring the drivers, the cost would exceed $17 million.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 27

60 Years Later, Local Historian Remembers ’62 Storm

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 11, 2022

BY HUNTER "BUNK" MANN

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – The March Storm of 1962 was the worst natural disaster in the history of Ocean City.

A Nor'easter – not a hurricane – raged through three high tide cycles on March 6 and 7 causing the ocean and bay to meet and flood downtown.

Weather reporting was limited in those days so most local residents were unaware that a big storm was coming.

Many were trapped in their homes by the rising flood waters and rescued by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company.

Using boats and fire engines they were taken to the Route 50 Bridge where a fleet of school buses carried them to shelter in Berlin.

In the sparsely populated northern sections (the city limits ended at 41st Street in 1962) many houses were washed off their foundations and destroyed. Near 71st Street a small temporary inlet was created by the storm surge. Dozens of people living north of there were taken to safety by the Coast Guard in a WWII-era amphibious vehicle known as a "Duck." Several cottages in that area burned to the waterline when the fire department was unable to reach them.

Two local men lost their lives. One died of exposure after his car was stuck in the newly created 71st Street inlet

Some after-storm scenes are shown in Ocean City the week of March 6-7, 1962.

while another drowned after being washed overboard from a commercial fishing boat off of Assateague Island.

The storm destroyed the Boardwalk and caused enormous property damage particularly in those sections of the beach where most of the cottages were built on slabs. Some were washed out into the ocean or ended up in the bay. Massive piles of sand covered the streets and filled the first floors of many beachfront properties; it would take days to clear the roads. Ocean City was a disaster zone

and Memorial Day – the opening of the summer season – was only 12 weeks away.

Martial law was declared and the National Guard was sent to Ocean City to prevent looting and protect the devastated town. They would be housed at the Ocean City Elementary School (today's City Hall); over 200 would be called to duty. Roadblocks were set up at the Route 50 Bridge by the Maryland State Police and no one was allowed to enter the town without proof of residency.

Photos by Charlotte Parker, left, and Hale Harrison

Ocean City didn't give up. Under the leadership of Mayor Hugh Cropper, Jr. and the help of massive state aid sent by Gov. J. Millard Tawes, the town dug out and pulled itself together. In the weeks following the storm, debris was burned at the baseball field between 3rd and 4th streets on Philadelphia Avenue. By the end of May the Boardwalk had been rebuilt and the beach cleaned. Repairs were made to the hotels and apartments and by Memorial Day the town was once again open for business.

Suspect Charged In 2010 Homicide

March 11, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SALISBURY – A Lower Shore man was arrested this week after a Wicomico County grand jury indicted him on firstdegree murder charges for a cold homicide case over 22 years ago.

Ryan Joseph Ellis, 32, of Princess Anne, was indicted by a Wicomico County grand jury on first-and seconddegree murder charges.

Maryland State Police (MSP) troopers arrested Ellis at his residence on Monday morning and he RYAN J. ELLIS was transported to the Wicomico County

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Detention Center where he is being held this week without bond.

According to investigators, MSP troopers responded to a residence on Route 50 in Hebron on Jan. 17, 2010 for a reported shooting incident. MSP troopers located the victim, Preston Morehouse, 20, of Melbourne, Fla., just inside the front door of the residence, according to police reports. Morehouse was declared deceased at the scene.

For 12 years, homicide detectives pursued the investigation before identifying Ellis as the suspect. The Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office presented its case to the grand jury, which indicted Ellis. No other suspects have been charged.

Page 29

Your Countertop Specialists

Council Salary Increases Approved

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico officials voted this week to increase salaries for county council members.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted to amend the county code to increase council salaries by $5,000 for members, $6,000 for vice president and $7,000 for president.

Councilman Larry Dodd abstained from voting and Councilman Joe Holloway opposed the increase.

“I am running again for county council,” he said. “I know it’s for the next county council, but I am going to vote no and leave it at that.”

In December, members of the Wicomico County Compensation and Allowance Commission came before the county council with recommended pay increases for the county executive, county council and the Wicomico County sheriff.

Beginning in 2022, the commission recommended an annual salary of $124,000 for the county executive position (currently $85,000), $25,000 for the Wicomico County Council president (currently $18,000), $23,000 for the Wicomico County Council vice president (currently $17,000) and $21,000 for council members (currently $16,000).

The commission also recommended increasing the sheriff’s salary from $95,000 to $121,000.

Since that time, the council has voted to increase the sheriff’s salary to $117,000. And on Tuesday, officials voted 5-1, with Holloway opposed and Dodd abstaining, to approve the recommended salary increases for the county council.

In a public hearing preceding the vote, Wicomico resident Robert Taylor, the former council attorney, said he supported the pay increases, but argued it should be more. He noted, however, that the county’s charter prevented the council from adopting an increase that was more than the commission recommended.

“Frankly, I think the council is entitled to a lot more …,” he said. “The point of the matter is a lot more is required of the council then I think this commission took

into account and probably realized.”

Taylor also compared the council’s salaries to those in other jurisdictions.

“In every county except this one, the pay of a council member – the base pay – is at least 25% of what the executive makes,” he said, noting that commission recommended a 46% pay increase for the county executive but only a $5,000 increase in base pay for the county council. “I wish there was some way the $5,000 recommendation they made could be exceeded because it’s long overdue.”

The Wicomico County Council this week also voted 4-3, with Dodd, Holloway and Councilwoman Nicole Acle opposed, to introduce a legislative bill increasing the executive’s salary from $85,000 to $124,000.

Councilman Bill McCain noted the proposed pay raise was nothing new, as the commission has recommended similar increases for the past eight years.

“This has been recommended numerous times,” he said, “and we certainly acknowledge the current pay for the position for the requirements of that position has been grossly inadequate.”

Those opposing the 46% increase, however, argued the proposed salary was too high. Since January, they’ve called for amending the proposed increase to $100,000.

Holloway added that the salary recommendations from the previous commission, which convened in 2018, failed to get any support from the council at the time.

“I don’t know what has changed from four years ago,” he said.

Council President John Cannon acknowledged the previous recommendation was largely dismissed over issues between the council and prior executive.

“You and I both know why it wasn’t raised,” he said. “I personally think it was more of a personal issue than it was an actual issue of deciding what the rate should be … I think the idea this year, in 2022, is to right a wrong.”

With no further discussion, the council voted to introduce the proposed salary recommendation.

“From here we’ll do a public hearing and then a formal vote on the bill itself,” Cannon said.

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Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 11, 2022

Pines Crew Plugs Leaking Gas Tank

The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department was alerted Monday evening to a motor vehicle accident on Route 90 on the first bridge heading towards Ocean City. Communications advised of a two-vehicle accident with an active fuel leak. Ocean Pines 1st Assistant Chief Joey Widgeon arrived on scene first and established command. Upon arrival, the crew of Rescue 11 went to work to plug the leaking gas tank to ensure fuel would not spill into the water below. Paramedics evaluated both drivers and transported one to Tidal Health while the other refused further assistance. After an extensive clean up, the scene was turned over to Maryland State Police for further investigation.

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St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival Set For Saturday In OC

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

File Photos

Participants and attendees to a previous year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival are pictured along Coastal Highway.

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City will once again be aglow in green as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Delmarva Irish-American Club (DIJAC), returns Saturday, March 12. While COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of this Ocean City tradition in 2020 and 2021, the DIAC is excited the parade will return this year and will be bigger and better than ever.

The event, which began in 1980, has grown to become the largest St. Patrick’s Parade in Maryland and is the seasonal kick-off for many local businesses. Over the years, the DIAC — a 501(c)(3) social organization — has donated more than $600,000 from the proceeds of the parade and festival, including more than $500,000 alone in scholarships to local high school students. Other recipients include local schools, charities and organizations.

The DIAC is especially proud to have made a $50,000 donation to the Macky and Pam Stansell House at Coastal Hospice.

Pipe and drum bands will bring the sounds of Ireland to the streets of Ocean City, along with high school marching bands and festively decorated floats sponsored by local businesses, groups and organizations.

The procession begins at noon on Coastal Highway at 57th Street and marches south to the 45th Street Shopping Center, where the viewing bleach-

ers and judging stand will be located. Trophies will be awarded for best marching band, best commercial float, best non-commercial float, best motorized unit, best adult marching unit, best youth marching unit, special committee award, judges’ choice award and best overall entry in the parade.

In addition to the celebration on the parade route, the 45th Street Shopping

Center will once again be transformed into a spirited Irish festival complete with live music from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, Irish apparel and souvenirs for sale and plenty of food and drink. Spectators can enjoy the free-admission festival beginning at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m.

To avoid traffic delays, viewers are urged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. and to view the parade from 57th Street south

to 45th Street.

The DIAC was founded in 1980, and its first membership drive resulted in 75 members. Today, there are close to 300 members. The club is open to anyone who is Irish, of Irish descent or just likes things Irish.

For more information, visit www.delmarvairish.org or contact Buck Mann at 410-289-6156.

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Budget Change To Address Hiring Library Seeks Funds For Solar Panels

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico’s executive says he will present a budget amendment next week to enhance recruitment and retention efforts within the areas of public safety.

Last week, Acting County Executive John Psota came before the Wicomico County Council to announce his administration’s efforts to bolster recruitment and retention within the county’s public safety and emergency services departments.

The announcement came after Psota informed the council of the retirement of Emergency Services Director David Shipley.

“I want to take this opportunity to advise you that Director Shipley and I have worked very closely to address the critical issue of recruiting and retaining 911 specialists,” he told council members.

“As I have previously advised this council and the public, the Department of Emergency Services is experiencing major difficulties in attracting and retaining 911 specialists and communications specialists.”

Psota said careers in emergency services were some of the most stressful.

“The next call that you answer, regardless of how long you’ve been on the job, your life and those on the other end of the line could be changed in an instant,” he said. “What the Department of

Emergency Services is experiencing is the same that other centers are experiencing across the country. A high turnover rate and the length of constant on-the-job training work together to cause a strain on maintaining staffing levels.”

To that end, Psota said he would present the county council with a proposed budget amend at the next council meeting, scheduled for March 15.

“I will be presenting at the next scheduled county council meeting a proposed FY22 budget amendment, the details of which are continuing to be sharpened,” he said. “This proposal will be the result of the county executive’s office’s salary study. When approved, it will enhance the competitiveness regarding recruitment and retention efforts in this critical area of public safety.”

Psota noted the budget amendment was just one of several efforts the county has taken to address hiring and public safety challenges.

In August, for example, staff presented the council with a plan to provide $3,000 in premium pay and $500 in signing bonuses to certified correctional officers, 911 specialists and communications specialists.

“I thank those of you who voted to approve those efforts,” he told the council.

The county has also doled out $80,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to each Wicomico County volunteer fire company to offset revenue losses from the pandemic.

March 11, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Library officials say they will seek grant funding for a solar project at the Berlin branch.

On Tuesday, Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck presented the Worcester County Library Board of Trustees with a potential grant funding opportunity through the library resource company EBSCO. “This is a long shot, but EBSCO is the vendor we select our periodicals from and they have a grant for solar energy projects …,” she said. “We thought the Berlin library would be the perfect place for that.”

Since 2016, EBSCO has provided grants to libraries looking to fund solar projects that help offset electricity costs.

And in 2022, the company will award $300,000 to its grant winners.

Ranck told board members this week the library plans to apply for EBSCO Solar grant funding, which would be used to pay for the installation of solar panels at the Berlin branch. While panels could be placed on the roof, Ranck said she liked the idea of installing a solar canopy in the library’s parking lot.

“I think that looks the best,” she said.

Ranck noted that the library has received the support of town officials to apply for the grant, but would still need permission from the Worcester County Commissioners.

Applications, she added, are due in

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April.

“That building was certainly built to take advantage of solar,” she said.

The library board last week also discussed plans to explore new logos for the Worcester County Library.

Board President Nancy Howard advocated for a more modern symbol to represent the library and its resources.

“Libraries aren’t just books anymore …,” she said. “I think a logo should be moving. It shouldn’t just sit there, it should be alive. With libraries, all things are possible. Books are just the beginning.”

Board member Jocelyn Briddell said she supported the proposed logo change.

“From my perspective, logos are important because it provides recognition for the organization,” she said. “It’s the organization’s brand. When people see it, they recognize it before they even get to the L in library.”

Briddell told board members the logo change could even be turned into a community contest.

“I think it’s an opportunity for us to engage the community in deciding on what our next logo will be for the library,” she said.

After further discussion, the board agreed to explore possibilities for a new logo in the coming months.

“I’m not sure how much the community is saying we need a new logo …,” Ranck said. “I think we can roll with changes. It would just take a bit of work.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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FENWICK ISLAND – The approval of an ordinance to ban low-speed vehicles highlighted a meeting in Fenwick Island last week.

Following a public hearing last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to accept the second reading of several ordinance revisions relating to holiday construction hours, commercial height regulations, and screening and setback requirements for mechanical equipment in the commercial zone. The council also voted to prohibit low-speed vehicles (LSVs) on town streets, despite opposition from residents.

“Sadly, I feel Fenwick is not build for an increase in LSVs and golf cart traffic,” said Councilman Bill Rymer. “We are a small community, but we have a major highway running right down the middle of it … I think it’s going to get worse if we don’t deal with it now.”

The ordinance approved by council members last week prohibits low-speed vehicles with the exception of construction equipment, lawnmowers, emergency and town vehicles and assistive mobility devices. The code revision also has the support of Police Chief John Devlin and Town Manager Pat Schuchman, who argued LSVs posed safety risks, particularly along Bunting Avenue.

“There’s a lot of unknowns with this,” Schuchman said. “Yes, no one has been hurt yet. But that’s the big if.”

Several residents, however, came before the council last week to oppose the ban. Resident Charlie Hastings said he had heard of no complaints or accidents involving LSVs. “It leads me to wonder why the council wants to prohibit the use of LSVs,” he said. “Sometimes it appears as if the council has it in for businesses.”

Spiro Buas, developer of the Fenwick Shores hotel, said an LSV ban was proposed after he had presented plans of operating a shuttle service to town officials.

“I mentioned it to town officials and to a few council people and I was told it would not be allowed because it was a shuttle,” he said. “I since did some research and produced a couple-page document that explains its use and that

by Delaware law it is not a shuttle. But this election and this town council has decided to use the buzz word ‘shuttle’ to get us to where we are today.”

Spiro said he thought the idea of operating a shuttle would make it safer for guests traveling to and from resort establishments.

“What’s ironic to me is the exclusion of town vehicles,” he added. “You can’t have it, but we can. If it’s so scary to have a low-speed vehicle then don’t have it yourself.”

March 11, 2022

Resident Mark Tingle said officials wishing to avoid having low-speed vehicles on side streets could petition the state to allow them on Coastal Highway.

“I hear all the safety issues, but nowhere has anybody provided any documented evidence, submitted anything, to show these are actually safety hazards,” he said.

Council members, however, said they supported the LSV ban, as it aligned with the town’s comprehensive plan.

They added that the vehicle could also risk the safety of pedestrians Bunting Avenue.

“I would have a difficult time living with myself if I put more vehicles – albeit smaller ones, albeit electrical ones, albeit green ones – onto a roadway I know the people of Fenwick have basically declared to be their Boardwalk,” said Councilwoman Natalie Magdeburger, chair of the town’s charter and ordinance committee. “And I think it would be contradictory to our 2017 comprehensive plan.”

Councilman Richard Benn agreed.

“It’s a safety issue and we can’t have potentially hundreds of these vehicles going up and down Bunting,” he said.

After further discussion, the council voted to approve the LSV ban.

The council this week also voted to include mechanical equipment mounted onto a commercial building as part of the building’s height.

“I vote in favor of this ordinance because it brings commercial into line with our current residential zoning requirements,” Benn said.

Several residents, however, said the revision could force commercial developments to place mechanical equipment on the ground. While his hotel has already been built, Buas said the ordinance would have forced him to place several units behind the building.

“There would’ve been 70 pieces of equipment in my backyard facing my two neighbors, three of which are tall, very loud and would run 24/7,” he said.

Residents also came before the town council last week to oppose an ordinance revision prohibiting commercial parking on residential property, except for home occupations and professional offices lawfully located on a lot in the residential zone.

“This ordinance puts vehicles on the streets, it doesn’t address the problem,” said Scott Mumford, whose family owns Warren’s Station restaurant. “This ordinance, to me, will come down on what someone can and cannot do with their property, and it’s a bit of an overreach.”

Resident Bill Weistling agreed.

“Any one of us can have a friend or relative come in for the weekend, might have a kid working down here, and you aren’t going to let them park on their own property …?” he said. “Number two, how are you going to police this?”

After further discussion, Magdeburger agreed to table the proposed ordinance revision to review the language.

MDTA Board Approves Grace Period For Pandemic Toll Bills

March 11, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Maryland residents and visitors surprisingly whacked with exorbitant bills from using the state’s tolled facilities, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, for example, will have a grace period to catch up, state transportation officials decided last week.

At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state quickly went overnight to a cashless system for tolls on bridges and tunnels, for example, and relied on the E-ZPass system to record and collect the fees. From March 2020 to October 2020, those who went through tolls without an E-ZPass device were not billed because of the pandemic.

Now, those bills are coming due for many Marylanders and visitors to the state, often with exorbitant late fees and penalties often totaling thousands of dollars. The issue particularly hits close to home for many visitors to Ocean City and Delaware resorts who use the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bay Bridge – or more commonly known as the Bay Bridge – or to visit the Eastern Shore or commute to meetings or appointments on the opposite side of the bay.

With a steep backlog of late billing, the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has recently started sending out bills for drivers who have used tolled facilities during the pandemic and have not yet paid their bills. In many cases, the bills

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

state residents and visitors are receiving have gone up exponentially. For example, a simple $2 toll quickly turns into $25, and with daily fees and late payment tacked on, a simple crossing of the Bay Bridge has turned into hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has urged MDTA officials to provide relief for Maryland visitors and residents from the exorbitant toll fees and penalties and urged the agency to stall collection activity until the year-long backlog can be cleared up.

There are also a couple of bills circulating in the Maryland General Assembly to correct the issue, most notably a bill co-sponsored by State Senator Steve Hershey (R-36), who represents a district on the east side of the Bay Bridge.

Last week, the MDTA Board of Directors voted to approve, effective immediately, a civil penalty waiver grace period

for toll billing during the pandemic. The grace period went into effect last Thursday and remains in place until November 30.

“The deferral of toll bills during the pandemic protected Marylanders from hardship during one of the greatest health and economic emergencies of our lifetimes, but we realize paying off those bills can now be a challenge for many families,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary James Ports Jr., who serves as the MDTA Board Chairman. “The customer assistance plan approved today [last Thursday] by the MDTA Board responds to Governor Hogan’s request, as well as our customers’ requests, to explore relief options. The plan gives Marylanders plenty of time, more than nine months, to pay toll bills without having to worry about additional penalties or other consequences.”

Page 35

The customer assistance plan approved by the MDTA board immediately discontinues referrals of toll bills to the state’s Central Collection Agency, establishes a civil penalty waiver grace period for all customers who pay unpaid toll bills

by November 30, works with the MDTA’s toll vendor to increase the number of customer service agents to reduce call and web chat wait times, and works with the vendor to explore a payment plan opportunity for those whose $2 bill went to hundreds, or thousands, of dollars.

“Our entire MDTA team is committed to assisting Marylanders, commuters and visitors who use our toll roads, bridges and tunnels,” said MDTA Acting Executive Director Will Pines. “The new customer assistance plan will provide people with more time and less worry as they emerge from another financial impact of the pandemic.”

Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 11, 2022

STUDENTS In The News

Worcester County students entered and exhibited in the Shirley Hall Youth Art Show that was on display at the Ocean City Center for the Arts March 4-6. Betsy Hall Harrison, Hall's daughter, judged the entries and sponsored cash prizes for the winners. Above, Harrison is pictured with Arie Morningstar, first place winner in the middle school division. Morningstar is a seventh grader at Stephen Decatur Middle School.

Berlin Intermediate School student Ara Kang placed third in the Elks Lodge Americanism Essay Contest. Kang wrote an essay addressing the different ways one can show love of their country. Her essay will go on to compete at the state level. Principal Ryan Cowder along with Allen and Gretchen Meyer of the Ocean City Elks Lodge were on hand to present her with the award.

Submitted Photos

Hannah Dang, a junior at Stephen Decatur High School, won second place in the high school division of the Shirley Hall Youth Art Show at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

The Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) Alumni Association sponsored a 100-Day Breakfast celebration marking the senior class countdown to graduation.

WPS Alumni Association President Steve Green ‘93 welcomed the senior class and introduced guest speaker, alum Wyatt Richins ‘16. Richins shared an inspirational speech to help guide seniors as they prepare to start their college career.

Bagels and coffee were generously provided by Dunkin’ Donuts. In addition, each student was gifted a WPS tumbler courtesy of the Alumni Association. Above, Richins, right, is pictured with his brother Brice, who will graduate from WPS this year. Below, Assistant Head of School/Head of Upper School Mike Grosso serves pancakes to seniors Anna Marie Buas, Brooke Emeigh, Morgan White, Anna McDonald and Hannah Brasure.

Olivia Koval, eighth grader at Stephen Decatur Middle School, is pictured with her entry into the Shirley Hall Youth Art Show in Ocean City.

Riley Holt, eighth grader at Stephen Decatur Middle School, stands with her entry into the Shirley Hall Youth Art Show.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

WPS Presents Shrek The Musical:

Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) celebrated months of hard work with an amazing show, Shrek the Musical, last month. The amount of dedication put into the production showed, as there was a standing ovation for both shows on Feb. 25-26. The show was made possible thanks to the creative collaboration and determination of talented student performers and Director Paulette DeRosa-Matrona, Music Director Christopher Buzby and Art Director George Zaiser.

Upper School thespians and artists combined music, dance and an array of art mediums. On top of the show, incredible works of art were created by students and displayed throughout the lobby for guests to enjoy before and after the show.

Above, cast members are, front from left, Jackson Fernley, Elaina Elrick, Isabella Metz, Lorelei Campbell, Brooke Phillips, Moorea Phillips, Sofia Brianceau and Izzy Huber; back, from left, Music Director Christopher Buzby, Sydney Tingle, Graham McCabe, Sydney Lamson-Reich, Sara Freih, Cayden Wallace, Chris Todorov, Anders Taylor, Grace Baeurle, Natalie Chadwell, Aria Islam and Director Paulette DeRosa-Matrona.

Submitted Photos

Cayden Wallace, above left, put on a spectacular performance playing the character Shrek. Playing three different ages of Princess Fiona while she is locked in the dragon’s tower were, above right, Moorea Phillips, Sarah Freih and Brooke Phillips.

Below left, fairy tale characters put up a good fight against Lord Farquaad. Pictured, from left, are Moorea Phillips, Elaina Elrick, Brooke Phillips, Natalie Chadwell, Sydney Lamson-Reich, Isabella Metz, Reagan Sterrs and Sydney Tingle. Below middle, it was no small feat to be Lord Farquaad, played by Chris Todorov.

Below right, the smiles make it clear the crew had a good time putting on this performance. Pictured, from left, are Elaina Elrick, Lorelei Campbell, Moorea Phillips, Chris Todorov, Aria Islam, Anders Taylor and Grace Baeurle.

Fenwick Restriping Project Approved Berlin Bike Ride To Be Held May 20

Page 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A restriping project of the town’s streets will move forward with the support of the Fenwick Island Town Council.

At last Friday’s meeting of the Fenwick Island Town Council, officials voted unanimously to approve a $9,792 bid from Straight Line to restripe the town’s streets.

Councilman Richard Benn, chair of Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee, noted the action item was forwarded to the town council with a favorable recommendation.

“We’d like to put forward the street striping proposal for $9,000 or so to restripe the sides of the roads that indicate where parking is available and where parking is not available, as discussed with the chief of police and Mike Locke, the head of public works,” he said.

Earlier this month, members of the town’s infrastructure committee, voted to advance the restriping project to the town council with a favorable recommendation after reviewing a proposal from Straight Line.

While there were some initial concerns over the lack of proposals, Benn noted the town was not required to seek multiple bids.

“We’ve worked with this company in the past …,” he said at the time. “They can also do it in the timeframe that we need.”

Committee members also discussed the need to address striping near mailboxes.

“Some of the reasoning they give for striping was to have access to the mailboxes,” said committee member Bob Warburton. “In some instances, the white line comes within a couple feet of mailboxes, and if someone parked there the [postal service] wouldn’t have access to it. I wonder if they would revisit some of these places and consider changing that.”

Locke, however, told committee members last week that staff had reached out to the postal service and received no complaints.

“We spoke to the town’s postal service driver and he has no problems with the way it’s striped right now,” he said. “So we went along with the way the striping is right now.”

He said the bid submitted to the town proposing keeping the same striping plan for the most part.

“Except for a few changes, this was just a bid for redoing what we have now,” he said.

On the agenda for approval last Friday, the town council voted 7-0 to approve the restriping project, which is expected to be completed before Memorial Day. Mayor Vicki Carmean noted the project was long overdue.

“I think it needs to be done,” she said.

“One of the biggest headaches in this town is parking – what’s legal and what’s not – and I feel like this is a good expenditure.”

March 11, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials approved plans for a community bike ride to be held in May. The Berlin Town Council last week agreed to approve a new town wide bike ride. The event, which will start and end at Heron Park, will be held May 20.

“May is National Bike Month and is promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and has been celebrated in communities from coast to coast since 1956,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to give bike riding a try.”

Wells said she was seeking approval for the new community event after working with the Worcester County Bike and Pedestrian Coalition. She said the group had hosted community rides throughout Worcester County in 2021 and wanted to expand those efforts in 2022. Rides are currently planned for May 14 in Snow Hill and Pocomoke, May 21 in Ocean Pines and May 20 in Berlin. The Berlin ride would start at 7 p.m. at Heron Park and would loop through town before ending back at Heron Park.

Wells said she’d worked with the Berlin Police Department on developing the route.

“Is there any way we could extend

this into other communities, or other neighborhoods in Berlin to take advantage of possibly Decatur Farms and maybe Flower Street neighborhood?”

Mayor Zack Tyndall asked.

Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing said he would not support that, as he didn’t want participants crossing Route 113.

“Maybe in subsequent years could we extend the bike route to maybe cross the highway and go through Decatur Farms into other neighborhoods,” Tyndall said.

Downing said in that case he’d recommend setting up separate rides in various neighborhoods as he didn’t want those on the route to have to cross the highway.

Wells added that the focus of this year’s route was promoting the area along the railroad tracks, as the town was seeking a grant to build a bike and pedestrian path there.

Tyndall acknowledged that but said that as the town pursued grants it should also consider that grants might be available to help with safe highway crossings.

“Even if it’s a logistical hurdle I think it’s important for us to identify that because it is an appropriate means for saying in the future this is something we want to overcome,” he said.

Members of the bike group said they’d held rides in Berlin before without issue.

Volunteers will be stationed at Heron Park during the event.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

The Dispatch’s Pets of the Month

Pet’s Name: Cinder & Ash Pet’s Age/Breed: Chesapeake Bay retrievers Pet’s Owners: Anne & Michael Giusti

Pet’s Name: Ruby Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-month-old English bulldog Pet’s Owner: Lauren Presto

Pet’s Name: Fin Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-month-old apricot standard poodle Pet’s Owners: Judy & Tom Czop

Pet’s Name: Cooper & Buck Pet’s Age/Breed: 11 and 3 years old Labradors Pet’s Owners: Jimmy, Terri & Colby Morris

EDITOR

STEVE GREEN

Pet’s Name: Hercules Legend Pet’s Age/Breed: 11-year-old pit bull Pet’s Owners: Meggin & Jeffrey Emm

The Dispatch presents the latest edition of its Pets of the Month Contest.

Each month one special animal, or two, in some cases, is picked as the cutest photo of the bunch through a private vote of our staff. Here we present this month’s pets, submitted by our readers.

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Morti, owned by, Dane and Sharon Williams.

Those interested in participating in future months’ contests are invited to send their lovable pet photo to us at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com (preferred) or to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 or drop it off at our office in Berlin at 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on April 8.

Pet’s Name: Daisy Pet’s Age/Breed: 15-year-old miniature pinscher Pet’s Owners: Rita Preller & Mark Tennant

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 11, 2022

People in Society Knights of Columbus Community Suppers are served by Lou Guido, Chuck McCready, Bob Pellenbarg, John Hughes and Kevin Hughes the last Wednesday of each month.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Looking for a few new members at the Veterans Coalition of Greater Ocean City Open House were Alicia Muir, Kirsten Brown and Jesse Parsons of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166.

First Detachment Marine Corp League representatives Bill Russell, Milt Warren, and Gene Dankiewicz presented information on their group at the Veterans Coalition of Greater Ocean City Open House.

Presenting the colors at the Veterans Coalition of Greater Ocean City Open House were C/CSM Jaylynn Boyington, C/SGM Taytianah Mears, and C/1SG Brisa-Natalie McGrath of the Wicomico Jr. ROTC.

Head Chefs of American Legion Post 123 Berlin, Rick Jordan and Richard Widgeon, fried up the popular oyster fritters last month.

The Veterans Coalition of Greater Ocean City hosted an in-house poker-run with the two Bobs (Gilmore and Smith) handing out the cards at the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1091 table.

The oyster fritter sandwiches sold out quickly in February with Rosalee and Jackie Cooper packing them up as fast as they could at American Legion Post 123.

Whaleyville United Methodist Church parishioners Wayne Hickman and Sandra Sprenkle were pleased with the large turnout at their February breakfast.

Enjoying a wonderful breakfast at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church were Larry Hall and Peggy Dickerson.

Ocean City Lady Knights Auxiliary Liason Shirley Gorwick and President Dee Matthews were on hand to help with last month’s Community Supper.

Wicomico Plans To Host Adaptive Baseball Program

March 11, 2022

SALISBURY – Field 7 ½ has announced the return of Little League Challenger, an adaptive baseball program designed to provide individuals with physical and intellectual challenges the opportunity to participate in a Little League environment structured to their abilities.

With the goal of providing an opportunity for everyone to play, there are two divisions. Little League Challenger Division is for players ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if the individual is still enrolled in school. Senior League Challenger Division is for players age 15 and above, with no maximum age restriction.

“The relationships cultivated between players, Buddies and families are part of what makes Challenger Little League a really special program,” said Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism Director Steve Miller. “We had a lot of great moments last year and I’m excited to continue to build upon those and make even more lasting memories this year.”

Players from Maryland District 8 (Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties) can register for this program. There is no fee to participate.

Opening Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 30. Games will typically be played on weekends April 30-June 5 at Henry S. Parker Athletic Complex’s Field 7 ½. An awards presentation for the players will take place on June 9 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium prior to the Delmarva Shorebirds’ game against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.

“Opening Day and the awards presentation at the Shorebirds really elevate the experience for these athletes,” said Miller. “We want everyone to have a great time and the community continues to rally and help us make that happen.”

The program is also looking for Buddies. Buddies are volunteers that protect the Challenger players and assist with batting, fielding and running the bases, but only as needed. High school students, Boy/Girl Scouts and other athletes make great buddies. Buddies should be at least 9 years of age.

Registration is open for both Buddies and players now through April 4. Register online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org or in person at the Wicomico Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Ave., Salisbury, Md. 21804; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.). For more information, contact Steve Miller at 410-548-4900, ext.

106, or email smiller@wicomicocounty.org.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

Photo Worthy: A member of the Ocean City Public Works Department felt Monday’s sunrise was worthy of a keepsake.

Photo by www.edchambersphotography.com

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renovations to Historic Berlin Buildings approved The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Revitalization of a key section of Main Street is set to begin following approval from the town’s historic district commission.

Last Wednesday, the Berlin Historic District Commission (HDC) approved renovation plans for the structures from 19 N. Main St. to 7 N. Main St. Work is already underway at the buildings, owned by Jack Burbage, which were previously home to Town Center Antiques.

“We’re really excited about the potential of what the new look will bring to downtown Berlin and the new businesses that are excited to be part of our community,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

Samantha Pielstick, Burbage’s property manager, told the HDC that while there were no plans to change the second level of the buildings, the section at street level would be renovated. Any rotten wood will be replaced and windows will be repaired. She noted that some demolition had already taken place.

“We went ahead with the demolition so we knew what we were working with,”

Pielstick said.

She said colors had not been chosen yet but that there were plans to paint each of the three storefronts with a different color, as they were three different buildings.

HDC member Mary Moore said she felt that because the storefronts would each be decorated differently by their occupants they didn’t need to be painted multiple colors. HDC member Laura Stearns agreed.

“It should just flow and not be broken up,” she said.

Pielstick said she’d hoped for feedback and would be happy to take the commission’s advice on paint colors.

Commission members approved the renovation plans and agreed to work with Pielstick on selecting colors. They said they were thrilled to see the storefronts get a facelift.

“I think it’s fantastic you’re preserving these buildings and preserving the architectural detail,” HDC member John Holloway said.

Stearns agreed.

“It’s generated so much excitement in town,” she said. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked what stores are goi-

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The Berlin Historic District Commission approved renovations for three buildings on Main Street last week.

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Wells said she was getting lots of interest in the storefronts though there was not yet a timeline on when they’d be ready for occupancy. She said the space had previously been occupied by Town Center Antiques. Those vendors, however, have now been moved to Uptown Emporium and Pitts Street Treasures.

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She said she was working with Pielstick to identify tenants.

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Fenwick seeks exclusion Zone For offshore Wind Projects

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Fenwick officials are calling on federal agencies to adopt an exclusion zone for offshore wind projects.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution asking federal agencies to update visualizations and radar studies to reflect the larger turbines being proposed for projects off the coast of Delaware and to move offshore wind lease areas at least 30 miles offshore.

“If these turbines were out of sight of our tourist population I think we would be able to preserve the high level of tourism that comes in,” said Councilman Paul Breger, chair of the Fenwick Island Environmental Committee. “The committee proposes a resolution to support the federal adoption of an exclusion zone for offshore wind of at least 30 miles from the entire coast of Delaware.”

Breger told council members last week the committee had met throughout the winter months to review offshore wind studies, publications and lawsuits, contact neighboring towns and consult with ex-

perts in the field of alternative energy. The town had also met with U.S. Wind and Orsted, the two companies leading offshore wind energy projects off the coast.

Those discussions, he said, highlighted the impacts offshore wind projects had on migratory birds, marine life and viewsheds. To that end, the committee presented council members last week with its resolution.

“Based on our findings, the committee recommends that the Fenwick Island Town Council adopt a resolution in opposition to Fenwick Island offshore wind projects,” he said.

In 2017, the Maryland Public Service Commission approved offshore renewable energy credits for two projects – US Wind’s MarWin project and Orsted’s Skipjack project – situated in an 80,000-acre Wind Energy Area off the coast.

While those projects are currently working through the review process with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the two companies have already applied for more energy credits to complete second phases.

“The turbines they are projecting to install in these lease areas has grown from 600 feet to 830 feet, and possibly 1,100

Page 43

feet,” Breger said.

He noted the resolution supports the federal adoption of an exclusion zone for offshore wind.

“We call upon the U.S Congress and the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to update visualization and radar studies for turbines up to 1100’ tall,” the resolution reads, “and abandon offshore wind lease areas closer than at least 30 miles from shore and ensure any new lease areas avoid impacts on endangered species, fishing grounds, vessel transit lanes, and consider all other environment risks.”

Council members last week praised the committee’s work.

“Once those turbines get to our beaches, it will be too late,” said Mayor Vicki Carmean.

Councilwoman Natalie Magdeburger agreed.

“I think we are all in favor of green energy,” she said, “but I think it has to be done in the context that we aren’t making one problem to correct another.”

After further discussion, a motion to approve the resolution passed unanimously.

The council last week also voted to

hold an Environmental Committee Offshore Wind Symposium at Indian River High School on April 22.

“The committee felt that we should present all this information to the public,” Breger said. “When we found out a lot of local towns and communities didn’t understand the gravity of this lease area and what was going to happen to the shoreline, they were very interested in gathering all this information. So our committee decided we would have a symposium.”

Orsted’s Skipjack 1 project is expected to generate 120-megawatts of energy, while its Skipjack 2 project is expected to generate 760 megawatts, or about six times the size of the initial project.

Orsted reports its Skipjack offshore wind projects will generate clean, renewable energy to the Eastern Shore by powering 290,000 homes throughout the region.

Similarly, US Wind’s MarWin project would include 22 turbines about 17 miles off the coast, while its proposed Momentum Wind project would include 82 turbines.

US Wind’s MarWin project is expected to power more than 80,000 Maryland homes and support 3,000 local jobs.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 11, 2022

COMMUNITY News In Photos

At the February meeting of the Ocean City Lioness Club, 22B District Governor David Studley brought the message of "Strengthen the Roots of Service" to club members. Pictured from the left are Past District Governor Norman Cathell, Ocean City President Bev Topfer, Second Vice President Kathy Crockett, First Vice President Carol Schoonover, District Governor David Studley,, Cabinet Treasurer Ronnie Door, and Cabinet Secretary Virginia Studley.

The Ocean City Jeep club held its annual food and supply drive for the Worcester County Humane Society on Feb. 19. A total of 54 Ocean City Jeep Club vehicles participated, bringing in a large amount of dog and cat food, treats, toys, office supplies, bleach, paper towels, Clorox wipes and other cleaning supplies.

The club also brought in more than $1,000 in cash and gift card donations.

Submitted Photos

The Ocean City Lioness Lions Club recently presented a donation to Travis Davey for the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department to be used for children's programs. On the left is Donna Greenwood, vice president of the club, and on the right is Bev Topfer, president of the club.

At a recent meeting of the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD), Ladies Auxiliary members Tina Rogers and Krista Radena presented a check for $15,000 to Gary McCabe, the BVFD's current treasurer. These funds were collected during many fundraisers that the Ladies Auxiliary held during 2021, including the chicken and dumpling carryout dinners, the pulled pork carryout, the barbecued chicken carryout and the gift card fund raiser. Anyone who would like to assist the Auxiliary in fundraising efforts can call 619-922-9950 to volunteer.

Five new members were recently inducted into the Ocean City Lioness Lions Club, a community service organization. Pictured are Nancy Armiger who sponsored Molly LeFaive, Kathy Engle and her sponsor Kathy Toth who also sponsored Liz Scott, Susan Mohler and Donna Martin who were sponsored by Bonnie Robertson.

During the months of January and February the members of TOPS #0169 (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) collected items for the Baby Boutique at the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health in Berlin. Each week when they met at Atlantic General Hospital members donated supplies such as diapers, pajamas, onesies, blankets, bathrobes, hooded jackets and outerwear to fit children from newborn through age 5. Many miscellaneous items were included in the bounty that was delivered to the Grace Center recently by a representative of the group, Raye Simpson. Pictured are Raye Simpson and Joann Manole, the new executive director at the Grace Center.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Office Manager Named OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola has announced that Linda Martin has accepted a position as the association’s senior executive office manager, effective immediately.

In her new role, Martin assumes the duties previously performed by the senior executive assistant, a position she had held temporarily since the beginning of the year.

“Linda has been a part of the Ocean Pines Association for many years, most recently as the office manager for the Public Works Department,” Viola said.

“Her work with the leadership team on initiatives such as the DMA reserve study, the 2022/2023 fiscal year budget and Ocean Pines customer service illustrates her willingness to take on new responsibilities and makes her an ideal choice for this position.”

As senior executive office manager, Martin will report to and serve as a confidential assistant to the general manager.

She will continue to lead the Compliance, Permits and Inspections (CPI) Department and customer service program, in addition to her new responsibilities.

She also will be responsible for performing tasks as the Board of Directors’ assistant secretary.

Born and raised on the western shore of Maryland, Martin majored in accounting at Anne Arundel Community College and has held a variety of financial-related jobs in government, retail, medical and community-based organizations.

She moved to the Eastern Shore in 2006 and worked for the Public Works/CPI Department from 2006-2017 as an office coordinator. She returned to Ocean Pines as the Public Works office manager last fall.

“Please join me in wishing Linda continued success in her new position,” Viola said.

Manager Hired SALISBURY – InFocus Financial Advisors brings on their newest hire, Gregory S. Holman, as a senior relationship manager. Holman’s primary focus is on business development for the firm and assisting the lead advisors pursue retirement success for our clients.

Holman has a strong passion for assisting clients GREGORY HOLMAN and is an ideal fit for the InFocus Financial Advisors team. Holman has seven years of finance experience

BUSINESS And Real Estate News ranging from banking to wealth management and plans to stay in the business until the day he retires. Holman holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rutgers University. In his free time, Holman likes to stay active by going to the gym, hiking, or any other activity that can get him outside.

InFocus Financial Advisors’ mission is to change lives by providing the solutions that can help increase our client’s confidence in retirement. The company helps people build social security income plans, design and implement cash flow strategies for retirement years, and manage their investment assets with strategies designed to help minimize market timing risk.

Executive Chef Announced FENWICK ISLAND, Del. – Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts, recently announced the promotion of Derek Cantwell to executive chef at Matt’s Fish Camp in Fenwick Island, one of the hospitality group’s newest restaurants.

“Derek has been with SoDel Concepts since 2020, and he has demonstrated that he is a natural-born leader and talented chef,” Kammerer said. “He exemplifies the SoDel Concepts culture, which is committed to our guests, our team and our DEREK CANTWELL community.”

Cantwell, who grew up in South Carolina, attended Temple University in Philadelphia and interned at Alinea in Chicago, which has received three stars from the Michelin Guide. Back in Philly, he worked at Caribou Café, a Parisian bistro.

“I fell in love with the challenges and the excitement of the industry,” Cantwell said. “Every day is different, and this is an industry that rewards you for hard work and dedication.”

Cantwell joined SoDel Concepts as a line cook at Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar in Bethany Beach, the hospitality group’s flagship restaurant.

He moved to Matt’s Fish Camp in Fenwick in late 2021. The restaurant, which

opened in fall 2021, is the third Matt’s Fish Camp under the SoDel Concepts umbrella. The original location is in North Bethany Beach. The second is in Lewes.

Doug Ruley, vice president of culinary operations for SoDel Concepts, said Cantwell brings a fresh eye and creativity to the culinary team. “He knows that making ‘beautiful, simple food’ isn’t easy,” Ruley said. “Without a lot of fuss, the ingredients and the skill must shine through every time.”

Cantwell said it is humbling to bring joy to the restaurant’s guests. “A plate of food is much more than something to eat,” he said. “It’s a way to share a passion and to connect at a table. All the hardworking folks at Matt’s Fish Camp feel the same way, and it’s rewarding to be surrounded by goal-oriented people.”

Cantwell and his wife, Nina, have three children: Claire, Logan and Olivia. They live in Berlin, Md.

Promotion Announced GEORGETOWN, Del. – Solutions IPEM is pleased to announce the promotion of Sarah Rigot, AIA, to associate.

Rigot joined the architecture department in 2019 and has continually developed and demonstrated her abilities and professionalism in client relations and service, business development, and her dedication the practice of architecture in general.

These abilities have subSARAH RIGOT stantially contributed to the success of the practice and its clients’ projects.

With over 14 years of experience in the field of architecture, she has been deeply involved in the design process for projects across a wide range of building types. Most recently, her portfolio at Solutions IPEM has grown to include multiple private residences, multifamily residential townhomes, mixed-use projects, community clubhouse and amenities designs, and medical office buildings.

Her ability to turn ideas, inspiration, and

Page 45 conversation into exceptional designs has garnered the appreciation of her clients while her attention to detail and knowledge of building codes and practices has earned her a respected reputation with developers, builders, and consultants.

She is LEED accredited and a member of the AIA, as well as the Associated Builders and Contractors Association, where she is an active participant in their growing Young Professionals organization, is active with the Georgetown and Millsboro Chambers of Commerce and enjoys volunteering her time with Habitat for Humanity builds. In her spare time, she works on her home improvement projects designing and constructing the renovations herself.

New Practitioner SALISBURY – TidalHealth is pleased to welcome Laureen Gallo, CRNP, to the TidalHealth OB/GYN team in Salisbury, Md. Gallo has worked at TidalHealth since 2017 and is excited about her new role at TidalHealth OB/GYN, where she will practice alongside Dr. Thorpe.

Gallo received her LAUREEN GALLO Master of Science as a nurse practitioner in adult primary care from University of Maryland at Baltimore.

Gallo previously owned her own private practice, specializing in women’s health and gynecology. She enjoys community education, lecturing and has teaching experience at Salisbury University and Wilmington University. Gallo is only scheduling gynecology patients at this time.

Credential Earned SALISBURY – Dr. Tammy Donaway, director of the Applied Business Learning Experience (ABLE) Program in Salisbury University’s Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, recently earned the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential.

Issued by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA), the CNP is the only national nonprofit management credential in the U.S. SU partners with the NLA to offer the CNP. Those earning the credential must complete a rigorous leadership development program that includes extensive, assessed coursework grounded in the 10 core competencies necessary for effective nonprofit leadership.

Page 46

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

March 11, 2022

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above a couple enjoys a walk around Northside Park and last weekend’s pleasant spring-like weather. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 70

HOROSCOPES LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Help ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Keep an open mind about a sugges- with a personal problem comes from an tion you see as unworkable. Give it a unexpected source. You also find workchance to prove itself one way or an- place pressures easing. Use this period other. The results could surprise both of calm to restore your spent energies.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): You supporters and detractors.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): might have to share the credit for that News about an upcoming venture caus- project you're working on. But there'll es you to make some last-minute ad- be enough credit to go around, and your justments in your plans. But the extra efforts will be recognized and rewarded.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. work will pay off, as you come to learn more about the potential benefits open- 21): Details need to be dealt with before you can move on to another area. ing up.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A Make sure you don't leave any loose more positive aspect grows out of your ends that could later cause everything determination to reach your immedi- to unravel.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): ate goals. Continue to keep your focus sharp and on target by steering clear News about a change in the workplace of petty quarrels and other pesky prob- carries with it a challenge you could find difficult to resist. Check it out. It could lems.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): By be just what you've been waiting for. acting as a voice of reason, you can AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): avoid adding to an already turbulent Allowing your artistic nature full expressituation. You might have to shout over sion will help restore your spirits and the tumult, but your words ultimately will put you in the mood to take on that will be heard and heeded. new career challenge. A Libra creates LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): The excitement. possibility of a new acquisition always PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Exmakes those Leonine eyes light up. But pect to happily plunge right into a hecbe careful that what you see is what tic social whirl starting at week's end. you want. Appearances often can be Your aspects favor new friendships as deceiving. well as the strengthening of old relationVIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): No ships. matter how much you might feel that BORN THIS WEEK: Like St. Patrick you're in the right, resist saying any- (who was also born next week), your thing that could reignite a still-unre- spiritual strength is an inspiration to solved situation. Let the matter drop, others. (c) 2022 King Features Syndicate, Inc. and move on.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 46

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OCEAN CITY vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 48

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

St. Patrick’s parade weekend in OC Jimmie and Sook’s in Cambridge A drink at Shenanigan’s after the Boardwalk run

Coachable youth athletes

Being inspired by the Paralympics

High school drama talent on stage Milestone birthday celebrations Coach K’s career

When my teen puts in the work for a good grade

Learning from a church sermon An available handyman

March 11, 2022

WITH BUNK MANN

The Dinner Bell was a popular Ocean City restaurant in the years following World War II. Located on the southeast corner of 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue in the Monticello Hotel, it served homestyle cooking with an Eastern Shore flavor.

Many still remember their delicious fresh baked rolls and fried chicken.

The waitresses lived in a dormitory style room at the Monticello and their room and board was part of their employment package. Former waitress Beverly Rice recalls, “50 cents was considered a really good tip back then. We were lucky if we made $3 a day but that was a pretty good money for a waitress in 1949.”

The Dinner Bell closed in the 1970s and the Monticello was torn down in 1999 — two more memories of a “Vanishing

Ocean City.”

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishinPhoto courtesy Beverly Rice goc.com.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

Page 50

Bunting Appointed New HDC Chair

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Membership changes for the Berlin Historic District Commission highlighted the start of this month’s meeting.

The Historic District Commission (HDC) voted to elect member Nornie Bunting as chair last week. Bunting will take over the position long held by Carol Rose.

“I appreciate the nomination,” Bunting said. “I’ll do my best.”

The commission kicked off last week’s meeting with the election of a chair and vice chair. Rose, who has headed the commission for 13 years, wanted to step down from the leadership role in an effort to spend more time with her family.

“I just felt like it was time for somebody else to take over,” she said.

Following Bunting’s election as chair, the board selected member Laura Stearns to serve as vice chair. Those won’t be the only changes, however, as at the close of the meeting member Robert Poli, who previously served as vice chair, said he was leaving the commission. He said he’d been invited to join the commission in 2016 and spent much of his time as a member formulating a manual of guidelines for the commission.

“It was surely a unique project and was desperately needed as the town is

March 11, 2022

continuing to evolve, especially to educate our newcomers and also to reeducate those who are forgetting its history,” he said.

Now that the guidelines are done and available to HDC members he said he felt he should step down.

“I do not feel there is any purpose for me to remain on this commission,” he said.

HDC members thanked him for his years of service and praised the manual. HDC member Mary Moore said she felt the variety of people on the commission made it successful.

“I love that each of us come from a different place,” she said. “We’re not exactly alike.”

In an interview this week, Rose said she was optimistic about the commission’s future. She’s eager to remain involved albeit not in the leadership role.

“We’ve got a strong board,” she said.

She added that they were committed to preserving the town’s historic architecture. They’re eager to review improvements to the town’s older buildings, like the renovations underway on Main Street, to ensure Berlin’s character is maintained.

“We’re really excited about the improvements coming to the Burbage property on Main Street,” she said.

HDC Alternate John Holloway is expected to fill Poli’s role on the commission while the town selects another resident to serve as alternate.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 51

Freeman Pavilion Announces More Artists For Summer Season

Page 52

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SELBYVILE – Freeman Arts Pavilion recently released more shows for its 2022 season.

The fundraising arts nonprofit revealed a dozen more performances added to its 15th season. The addition of new shows will continue in the coming weeks as well.

To allow for the best purchase experience possible, these performances went on sale Thursday, March 10 at freemanarts.org.

The acts announced March 4 include Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra on June 4, The Wood Brothers & Guster on June 10, Bruce in the USA: The World's #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band on June 17, Lake Street Dive on June 21, Resistance Revival Chorus on June 23, story-teller Charlotte Blake Alston on June 30, “9 to 5,” presented by Clear Space Theatre Company on July 7, Killer Queen — A Tribute to Queen on July 13; Chris Young on July

March 11, 2022

Sheryl Crow, left, and Chris Young were among the new acts announced last week for the Freeman Arts Pavilion this summer.

Submitted Photos

14, Sheryl Crow featuring special guest Keb’ Mo’ on July 17 and ABBA The Concert on July 30.

In addition to the newly announced

St. Patrick’s Parade Party Sat 3/12 Food & Drink Specials • Wes Davis Live 1pm Thursday 3/17 Food & Drink Specials

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shows, performances also on sale include Patti LaBelle, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Rebelution with special guests Steel

Pulse, DENM, and DJ Mackle, Yacht Rock Revue and Elvis Costello & The Imposters.

This season will feature the return of fixed seating events. Because the Grand Green is more expansive, this layout will have more room between seats and the rows. Additionally, many events will have a combination of fixed seating and general admission, where patrons bring their own chairs.

As an arts nonprofit, Freeman Arts can offer performances for all ages to enjoy with the support of local organizations, such as its Season Sponsors, who include Preston Automotive Group, Schell Brothers and Sara Chase Carlson of Sodoka, Inc. For more information, visit freemanarts.org.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OBITUARIES Joanne Beall Mavars PORT St. LUCIE, Fla. – Joanne Beall Mavars passed away on Feb. 28, 2022 at the age of 87 in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Jo was born July 7, 1934 in Washington, D.C. to Marjorie and Allan Beall. She was a longtime government employee and later an employee of English Realty in Ocean City before her retirement.

Joanne is survived by her daughter, Delores and her husband John Milhausen; her son, HerJOANNE BEALL bert Mavars III and his MAVARS wife Holly; five grandchildren, Jonathan, Gretchen, Shyloh, Emma and Cole; and one great grandchild named Casey.

David L. Little OCEAN PINES – David L. Little, 61, of Ocean Pines passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

He was born in Sussex, N.J. and was the son of Lewis and Helen Little. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Donna Little; brother Paul Little of Wantage, N.J.; and several cousins.

Dave had a lifelong passion for cooking, working as a chef for several restaurants over the years, most notably for Whiskers Bar and Grill in Ocean Pines for over 12 years. Dave will be cremated, in lieu of a service, and a celebration of

life will be held at a future time.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

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Mary Ellen Craig OCEAN PINES – On March 9, 2022, Mary Ellen Craig (nee Bramble) passed away.

She was the beloved wife of the late Walter Louis Craig; devoted mother of Barbie Pierpont and her husband Rick, Dottie Craig Potts and her husband Nick, and Walter Craig and his wife Jamie; cherished grandmother of MARY ELLEN CRAIG Collin Gress, Alena Nowak and her husband Blaise, Morgan and Craig Potts, and Taylor, Tori, Nathan, and Zachary Craig; dear greatgrandmother of Colton Potts, and Xander and Callen Nowak; loving sister of Barbara Boyle; dear aunt of Terre Neil; and dancing partner and companion of John Cabala.

A visitation was held at Bruzdzinski Funeral Home P. A. at 1407 Old Eastern Avenue in Essex on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Interment Oak Lawn Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held in Ocean Pines at a later date.

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Page 54

Seahawks Win Region Title, Fall In Next Round

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

March 11, 2022

Koulikov Wins State Title, Martinek Retires In The News

Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team edged Crofton last week to claim the state 3A-South region championship. The Seahawks did fall in the state quarterfinals, but enjoyed a remarkable season including a perfect 19-0 record in the regular season and an overall 20-2 mark. Pictured above, the team celebrates the regional championship win.

Photo by J.P. Cathell Photography

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Decatur senior Alex Koulikov won the state 2A-1A championship at the 195weight class last weekend. Pictured above, Koulikov shows off his medal and the bracket on the podium.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Decatur’s varsity wrestlers turned in some great performances in the state individual championship meet last weekend, including a state championship for senior Alex Koulikov.

Several Seahawks competed in the state meet last weekend and a handful collected hardware. Koulikov won the championship at 195, beating Kelvin Mendez of Harford Tech in the finals.

Gavin Solito finished second at 145, falling to Ryan Ohler of Liberty in the first-place match. Noah Reho finished second, falling to South Carroll’s A.J Rodriguez in the final. Reid Caimi finished sixth at 126.

The state individual championships closed out another amazing season for the Seahawks, who claimed their third straight state team championship and also won the Bayside Conference championship. It also marked the end of an era for longtime coach Todd Martinek, who announced his retirement after a remarkable run at Decatur and a lifetime of dedication to the sport.

“In coaching, you must have the ability to lead, learn and demonstrate wrestling as well as be a philosopher, psychologist, motivator, communicator, tech guy, doctor, lawyer, driver, fundraiser, etc.,” he said in a statement. “By the time you get pretty good at those things, in about 30 years, it’s time to retire. So, I’m doing just that.”

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team won the state regional title last week, beating Crofton in a close one, 49-46, but bowed out in the next round.

Against Crofton in the 3A-South region final, the Seahawks led 23-17 at the half, but just 34-32 at the end of the third quarter. The Decatur girls hung on for the 49-46 win and the regional title.

Nadia Bullock led the Seahawks with 25 points, while Sam Boger had 10 points and Mayah Garner added nine.

With the win, the Seahawks advanced to the state’s 3A elite eight, but fell in the next round to C. Milton Wright, 5752. The Decatur girls went a perfect 190 in the regular season before falling in the Bayside Conference championship game. All in all, the Decatur girls went a remarkable 20-2 on the season.

The future looks bright for the girls’ varsity basketball team going forward with just two seniors and a lot of underclassmen on the current roster. With the exception of Bullock and Malery Andrews, the team appears to be loaded with several key players expected to return next season.

Seahawks Represented On All-Conference Teams

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team was well-represented when the Bayside South conference end of season awards were announced last week.

Brycen Coleman was named to the All Bayside South Second Team. Coleman averaged a double-double on the season and led the team in average points per game and average rebounds

per game. Named to the All Bayside South Honorable Mention team from Decatur were Trybe Wise, Zahkari Baker, Luke Mergott, Justin Fisher and Khi Reid. Joe Buxbaum was named to the Bayside South Senior All-Star Team.

The Seahawks enjoyed a solid season with an overall 14-8 record. Decatur beat Crofton, 54-46 in the state regional quarterfinals last week to advance, but then fell to Oxon Hill, 72-58, in the state regional semifinals to close out what was otherwise another successful season.

Winter Sports Honorees Named

March 11, 2022

Marlene Ott

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Associate Broker, CRS LTG

Page 55

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Worcester Preparatory School recently held the Upper School Winter Athletic Awards Assemble recognizing Cheerleading and Boys and Girls JV & Varsity Basketball athletes. The student athletes (who are pictured with the exception of cheerleading honorees) were recognized by sport, Cheerleading: Most Improved Player: Sophia Haines; Coaches Award: Anna Carpenter; and Most Valuable Player: Kate Abbott. Girls JV Basketball: Most Improved Player: Maxine Ruggerio; Coaches Award: Lydia Schwartz; and Most Valuable Player: Danielle Carr, Girls Varsity Basketball: Most Improved Player: Bella Marinelli; Coaches Award: Myranda Beebe; and Most Valuable Player: Lily Baeurle. Boys JV Basketball: Most Improved Player: Ryan Mann; Coaches Award: Owen West; and Most Valuable Player: Hunter Simons. Boys Varsity Basketball: Most Improved Player: Harrison Humes; Coaches Award: Brice Richins; and Most Valuable Player: Griffin Jones.

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Page 56

Who’s Where When COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, March 12: Wes Davis

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Best Beats

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, March 11: The Bills Saturday, March 12: Marlin City Madmen Sunday, March 13: The Plate Scrapers FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, March 11: The 19th Street Band, Tranzfusion, DJ Robcee Saturday, March 12: DJ Greg, Barley Juice, No Go Romeo, DJ Robcee HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, March 12: The Dunehounds, DJ Jeremy Sunday, March 13: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursdays: DJ Billy T

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday & Saturday, March 11 & 12

On The Beach BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Wild Bills: Friday, March 11

CORK BAR Sunday, March 13: Trailer Park Romeo CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, March 11: Sydney Smith Sunday, March 13: Brian Bishop Tuesday, March 15: Blind Wind Wednesday, March 16: Jack Bannon

March 11, 2022

Pickles Pub: Mondays Karaoke with Wood

ON THE EDGE Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, March 11 & 12 DJ BK Buxy’s Salty Dog: Saturday, March 12 Greene Turtle West: Thursday, March 17

WES DAVIS Coins Pub: Saturday, March 12

THE PLATE SCRAPERS Crawl Street Tavern: Sunday, March 13

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, Wednesdays

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Thursdays & Sundays

TRANZFUSION Fager’s Island: Friday, March 11

BRYAN RUSSO Windmill Creek Winery: Saturday, March 12

BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

KAROAKE WITH JEREMY Harborside: Saturdays Greene Turtle West: Sundays

VERTIGO RED Purple Moose Saloon: Friday & Saturday, March 11 & 12

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

Who’s Where When OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The OC Friday & Saturday, March 11 & 12: On The Edge BLIND WIND Crabcake Factory Bayside: Tuesday, March 15

TRAILER PARK ROMEO 45th St Taphouse: Saturday, March 12 Cork Bar: Sunday March 13

THE BIG HOUSE BAND Seacrets: Thursday, March 17

THE DUNEHOUNDS Harborside: Saturday, March 12

GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY Ocean Pines Yacht Club: Friday, March11

LIME GREEN BAND Greene Turtle West: Saturday, March 12

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, March13

JAMES GALLAGHER & OFF THE BOAT Shenanigan’s: Friday & Saturday March 11 & 12 Thursday, March 17

THE 19TH STREET BAND Fager’s Island: Friday, March 11

AARON HOWELL DUO Dry Dock 28: Saturday, March 12

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Styler Saturday, March 12: Beats By Styler, Beats By Casper, Beats By Adam Dutch Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE SALOON Between Talbot & Caroline Streets On The Boardwalk 410-289-6953 Friday & Saturday, March 11 & 12: Vertigo Red Saturdays: DJ Adam Dutch SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 11: High Five Swan Dive Trio, Kono Nation, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff Saturday, March 12: John McNutt Band, My Hero Zero, OC Pipes & Drums, Band of Make Believe, Triple Rail Turn, Lima Bean Riot, Until Sunrise, Gypsy Wisdom, DJ Bobby O, DJ Davie, DJ Tuff Thursday, March 17: The Big House Band, DJ Bobby O

March 11, 2022

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

Every Friday: Bingo Knights of Columbus will host with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Play every game for just $24. Light refreshments available.

Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City.

Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410-250-2645.

March 11: Crab Cake Dinner Stevenson United Methodist Church will host from 4-6:30 p.m. Prices are $14, crab cake sandwich with green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; $24, two crab cake sandwiches with sides; and $10, crab cake sandwich, Bake sale table available.

March 11-13: Wool, Fiber Expo At the Ocean City Convention Center, there will be vendors associated with the wool industry with raw and finished products for sale. Many classes available.

Visit www.woolandfiber.com for class information and sign up. $4 admission or $5 for the weekend. 443-235-2926 for more information.

March 12: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sponsored by the Delmarva Irish-American Club, the procession begins at noon on Coastal Highway at 57th Street and marches south to the 45th Street Shopping Center, where the viewing bleachers and judging stand will be located.

Live music festival at 45th Street during and after parade.

March 18: Fried Chicken Dinner Berlin Fire Company will hold carryout dinner 4:30-7 p.m. (until sold out) featuring fried chicken, macaroni and cheese,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 58

Things To Do

fied Initial Enrollment Period. Discussion also will include how Medicare works, what it covers, and how and when to apply. The class will be presented by Michelle Parker, coordinator of MAC’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

To register for a class, call 410-742-0505, Ext 150.

string beans and roll for $12.

March 18: Fish Dinner Bowen United Methodist Church in Newark is having a fish dinner beginning at 4:30 p.m. Platters are $10 and include flounder filet, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cornbread and dessert.

March 18-20: Annual Home Show Home, Condo & Outdoor show plus art & craft fair at the Ocean City Convention Center, 40th Street. Hundreds of pros offering thousands of ideas...decorating, remodeling, accessorizing, and more.

Hours Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday 10:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Admission. oceanpromotions.info.

March 19: St. Joseph’s Festival In less than a month, Ocean City’s largest Italian-American festival will reopen its doors for the first time in two years. Inside, the aroma of homecooked Italian foods will greet visitors, from minestrone soup to pasta and meatballs and sausages, fried dough specialties, and baked goods, breads, cakes, muffins and more. All from the kitchens and recipes of local Italian-American home cooks. Event will be held in St. Andrew’s Hall, Sinepuxent Avenue and 144th Street, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. The festival is sponsored by the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy. Proceeds are used to fund scholarships and charitable causes.

Food may be the essence of this annual celebration, but it is not the only attraction. As in past years, the St. Joseph’s Festival will feature raffles for overstuffed gift baskets, silent auctions with local bargains from restaurants, local stores and grocery stores, the sale of specialty Italian items, and St. Joseph articles for sale. Also available to bid on will be tickets from area professional sports teams, as well as team-themed gift baskets. All of this will come with a backdrop of Italian music provided by Baltimore’s Mario Monaldi band.

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CALL AGENTS FOR DIRECTIONS

View more open houses at www.mdcoastdispatch.com/open_houses.php

OCEAN CITY Aronimink #9B 308 13th Street Fri. 3-5 Waterfront 2BR/2BA Condo Boat Slip Lauren A. Smith Keller Williams 410-245-9915

March 19: History Lesson What did African American education look like in the early 20th century? Join Dr. Clara Small (Salisbury University professor emeritus) at the Germantown School (10223 Trappe Road in Berlin) from 10 a.m.-noon to learn about the role of Rosenwald schools in shaping Worcester County education. Meet students who attended the Germantown School, one of 11 Rosenwald schools in Worcester County and tour the school museum.

Seating will be limited. COVID protocols will be followed. Register by email germantownschool@gmail.com or call Karen Prengaman (443-235-9803). For more information, visit the Germantown School Facebook page.

March 19: Drive-Thru Luncheon From 10 a.m. until sold out at the Powellville UM Church located at 35606 Mount Hermon Road. Features oyster fritter sandwiches, homemade chicken salad, homemade soups including peas and dumplings and veg. beef. Bake sale items will be available. No pre-orders.

Call 410-835-8796 or 443-880-8804 for more details.

March 22: Medicare Class If you are getting ready to turn 65 in the next 6 months, or will be signing up for Medicare soon, MAC’s “Aging Into Medicare” class is for you from 2-4 p.m. Registration is required and class size is limited. Masks must be worn while in the MAC building. Turning age 65 is a time when major Medicare planning takes place.

This free class will provide you with information needed to make your best Medicare decisions, and how to avoid possible penalties and delays in coverage for failure to enroll during the speci-

Things To Do activities are printed free of charge. To ensure that an event is listed in a timely manner, please submit information as early as possible, since all items will be listed in advance as space permits. Be sure to include the date, name of event, time, location, address and a contact number. Email to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com; fax to 410-641-0966; or mail to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

this week’s AGENTS:

March 19: Fried Chicken Dinner Drive-thru pickup only at New Hope United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. until in Willards. Menu includes mashed potatoes, greens, string beans, roll and dessert. Cost $14. 410-543-8244.

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By Appointment Schell Brothers NVHomes 302-249-4726 302-321-6843

March 22-24: Safe Boating Course The Ocean City Power Squadron will present a three-night comprehensive safe boating course. This nine-hour course will be given on three nights. This includes a review and exam on the last night. There is a $20 fee for the course material. Middle and high school students can take the course, including material, for free. Registration information can be obtained by emailing ocpsabc@gmail.com. The course will run from 69 p.m. each night. Anyone born after July 1, 1972, is required to satisfactorily complete a safe boating class to operate a recreational vessel or personal watercraft in Maryland (Jan. 1, 1978 in Delaware).

March 24: Pfizer Vaccine Clinic From 6 to 8 p.m. at Atlantic Health Center. 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin.

This clinic is for those ages 5 and older. Registration is required. To register, please visit www.agh.care/vaccine.

March 24: Card, Game Party The Republican Women of Worcester County will hold the fundraiser and luncheon at The Grand Hotel, 2100 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To order lunch and sign up for a game table go to gopwomenofworcester.org, download the February newsletter, print the registration form, fill out your players Card and Game information and mail it along with your group’s payment to RWWC Card Party, P.O. Box 1292, Berlin, Md. 21811. All are invited, $25 per person.

March 26: Annual Oyster Roast The Snow Hill Oyster Roast has become a town staple over the past 11 years.

This all-you-can-eat style event features local vendors who serve up unique, and delicious, oyster-based dishes. In addition to the amazing food, attendees will enjoy two live bands, bottomless beer, prizes, and more. Tickets sell out quick though so be sure to grab yours while you can! This event is one you will not want to miss. Purchase tickets at snowhillchamber.com.

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 59

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 11, 2022

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

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

Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept All Major Credit Cards.

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

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

P/T DENTAL HYGIENIST: Small, family oriented Dental Office seeking part time Dental Hygienist.

Please send a resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WHISKERS PUB: Now Hiring Cook and Server. Apply in Person.

118th Street, Whiskers Pub. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HELP WANTED: Bottom Painter for West Ocean City Boat Yard. $15.00 an hour. Call 410-2131383.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR ROUND POSITIONS: Small Engine Mechanic, Maintenance Man, Certified Pool Operator.

Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have valid Drivers License & reliable transportation to work. Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PIT & PUB: Now Hiring Morning Year Round Prep. Apply in Person.

28th Street, Coastal Highway.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN: Full Time Position. Experience a plus, but will train. Some electrical background and mechanical skills are required. Must have good driving record. Small local company, 30+ years of serving Delmarva. Call 410-641-4411.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FIRE EXTINGUISHER TECHNICIAN: Full or Part Time. No Weekends. Will train. Must have good driving record. Some mechanical ability required. Small local company, 30+ years serving Delmarva.

Call 410-641-4411.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

EXTERIOR PAINTERS & CAULKERS

B.E.S.T. Motels Now Hiring

Housekeepers for 2022 Season Apply In Person, ONLY

12 noon-3pm Tuesday-Friday ONLY

NOW HIRING FULL TIME BARTENDER Call 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street

NOW HIRING!

•FRONT DESK ASSOCIATE •NIGHT AUDITOR •HOUSEMAN/ HOUSEKEEPING •MAINTENANCE •SERVERS & COOKS

All Shifts Available

Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD Work with us in a friendly, team-oriented environment at the beach, in a beautiful bayside community, with stunning water views. Sunset Island is accepting resumes for a Clubhouse Facility Manager.

The position is a full-time Seasonal Position that runs from April 1st to October 1st, (no benefits offered).

Personnel Management and scheduling experience are required. The job includes the oversight of a seasonal staff of 15- 20 people and oversight of contractors. Nights and Weekends are required.

Excellent people and computer skills are a must.

Please provide a resume and cover letter.

Send resume to linda.horensavitz@casinc.biz or fax 410-520-0398.

Call Us at 410-641-4411.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER Ocean Area Tire now has an opening for a Full Time Tow Truck Driver to join our team. Experience preferred but will train. Must have a clean driving record, pass DOT physical and a minor background check.

Bi-weekly salary along with a generous percentage of after hour calls. Apply in person at any one of our three locations - Ocean View, DE; Millsboro, DE; or Ocean Pines, MD. Or call our Tow Manager, Lee, at 443-878-5362 to schedule an on the spot interview.

Bartenders • Servers Kitchen All Positions Host/Hostesses Food Runners • Bussers

54

Apply in Person

FENWICK ISLAND

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS Must have:

Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

bestwesternplusoceancity.com

CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR OC Builder seeks individual with field and hands on new construction experience for WOC/Berlin projects.

Experience in scheduling/supervising subcontractors, ordering materials and quality control required.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Email resume with salary history to kclark@monogrambuilders.com

NOW HIRING AWESOME PEOPLE

Holding open interviews

THIS SUNDAY 11am-2pm for:

Now Hiring

Apply In Person, ONLY 12 noon-3pm Tuesday –Friday ONLY Executive Motel 3001 N. Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

PLEASE CALL 443-614-0234

Apply in person Best Western Plus 6007 Coastal Hwy, OC, MD or apply online:

B.E.S.T. Motels

for 2022 Season

Small, Local Company of 35 years, Looking for Office Staff.

Full Time or Part Time, Flexible Hours and Days.

Experience Helpful, BUT NOT NECESSARY. Great for retirees!

TOP PAY!!!

Executive Motel 3001 N. Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

Desk Clerks

Fire Protective Services, Inc.

Berlin’s Newest Eatery!

Now Hiring For: Front & Back of House Positions Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

PRAY FOR THE UKRAINE

•SERVERS •HOSTS •BUS STAFF •KITCHEN STAFF •SECURITY

Come by and join our 2022 family!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker position available at our West Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 3-21-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Page 62

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch Classifieds

The Dispatch Legal Notices

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

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

JOB FAIR Sun Outdoors Frontier Town

Bartenders • Servers Front of House Manager Kitchen All Positions Hostess • Food Runners Bussers Apply in Person IN THE OF FENWICK

HIRING For All Positions

Saturday 3/19/22 11am-2pm At The Pony Espresso by the Mini Golf on Route 611

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •NIGHTWATCH •BOATYARD •MAINTENANCE •FUEL DOCK

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

YARD SALES

Third Insertion

HOUSE GOODS SALE: Everything must go by end of March.

12604 Balte Road, WOC. Beds, bureaus, electric fireplace, generator & more. Come by anytime Saturday and Sunday OR call for appt. to see. 443-373-5178.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WILLIAM E. ESHAM III, ESQ AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

SERVICES HOWARD’S LAWN MAINTENANCE

Over 30 Years Experience

ESTATE NO. 19074

Call for Free Estimate for Lawn Mowing &

To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL ANNE HAGEMAN, ESTATE NO. 19074. Notice is given that JACQUELINE ZENESKI, 250 TUTHILL ROAD, SOUTHOLD, NY 11971, was on, FEBRUARY 16, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL ANNE HAGEMAN, who died on NOVEMBER 15, 2021, with a will.

Other Landscaping Needs

443-513-0271

COMMERCIAL WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 2 Office/Retail Spaces for Lease.

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTAL NEEDS SEEKING HOUSING: I am looking for a small apartment in Ocean City, Ocean Pines, or Berlin. Need ASAP. Please call 443-754-7054.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTALS Currently Hiring Manpower For:

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

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

FRONT DESK ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT A beautiful award winning community in Ocean View, DE is seeking a self-motivated, driven, and goal-oriented administrative assistant. Must be organized and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be computer proficient in MS Office and have the ability to learn a variety of software programs. Excellent customer service skills are a requirement of the position. Previous experience in working with HOAs preferred but not required. Full-time, year-round, 40 hours/week.

Interested candidates should email resume with salary requirements to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz or fax 302-537-4075 EOE

Looking For Employees?

Start Your Search in...

The Dispatch

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

HOUSE IN OC: 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom furnished house in Montego Bay. Available now for monthly rental. Call 410-340-6999.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEEKLY RENTALS Poolfront: $245 Efficiency: $275 2 BR Apartment: $350 3 BR Suite: $425

Burgundy Inn

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

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:

1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

LOOKING EVERWHERE?

Check here first!

The Dispatch Classified Pages Can Point You in the Right Direction!

Help Wanted, Rentals, Yard Sales Real Estate & More!

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 25, 2022

JACQUELINE ZENESKI 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 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19084 To all persons interested in the estate of NORMAN EDWARD GEBO, ESTATE NO. 19084. Notice is given that CHRISTOPHER GEBO, 800 BRISTOL PLACE, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on, FEBRUARY 16, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NORMAN EDWARD GEBO, who died on JANUARY 27, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 25, 2022 CHRISTOPHER GEBO 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 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Third Insertion LISA KUNITZ GETZ ESQ. GETZ LAW OFFICE, LLC 26 S. MAIN STREET BEL AIR, MD 21014 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19090 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN H. WILLIAMS AKA: JOHN HERMAN WILLIAMS, ESTATE NO. 19090. Notice is given that SUSAN A GRETZ, 2301 HIGH POINT ROAD, FOREST HILL, MD 21050, was on, FEBRUARY 18, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN H. WILLIAMS, who died on JANUARY 1, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com 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 25, 2022 SUSAN A GRETZ 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 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19060 To all persons interested in the estate of MABLE TOWNSEND, ESTATE NO. 19060. Notice is given that ANTHONY TOWNSEND, 4213 BETHEDEN COURT, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on, FEBRUARY 18, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MABLE TOWNSEND, who died on NOVEMBER 9, 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 18TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

(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 25, 2022 ANTHONY TOWNSEND 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 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Third Insertion REENA J PATEL, ESQ. 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19091 To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES HENRY TREGOE, ESTATE NO. 19091. Notice is given that ANGELA PONATOSKI, 520 HORN POINT DRIVE, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403, was on, FEBRUARY 22, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLES HENRY TREGOE, who died on DECEMBER 17, 2021, 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.

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:

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of AUGUST, 2022.

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

Any person having a claim against the decedent must

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 25, 2022 ANGELA PONATOSKI 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 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Second Insertion COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A. RAYMOND D. COATES JR, ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19092 Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of CHESTER COUNTY, PA, appointed BRIAN P BOWIE, 128 SPUR LANE, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of BETTY ANNE BOWIE, who died on MARCH 21, 2020, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D. COATES JR, whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or 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 claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04 , 2022 BRIAN P BOWIE Foreign 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 03-04, 03-11, 03-18

Page 63 Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 JAMES EDWARD KING 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 03-04, 03-11, 03-18

Second Insertion

Second Insertion

SUSAN J. LAND ESQ. 7310 RITCHIE HIGHWAY SUITE 704 GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19100

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19098

To all persons interested in the estate of JANICE LYNN SPIELER, ESTATE NO. 19100. Notice is given that ELLIOT SPIELER, 1903 CATALINA AVE., CINCINNATI, OH 45237, was on, FEBRUARY 25, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JANICE LYNN SPIELER, who died on JANUARY 11, 2022, with a will.

To all persons interested in the estate of MARIE ELIZABETH KING, ESTATE NO. 19098. Notice is given that JAMES EDWARD KING, 30059 FOSKEY LANE, DELMAR, MD 21875, was on, FEBRUARY 23, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARIE ELIZABETH KING, who died on JANUARY 16, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of AUGUST, 2022.

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 25TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 ELLIOT SPIELER 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 03-04, 03-11, 03-18

Second Insertion W. HANK FISHER III, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000044 KHURRAM RIAZ 429 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 Plaintiff vs.

DONDA LEE SHOWELL 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND BETTY JEAN BROWN SHOWELL 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND GLENDORA BURTON 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND FRANK SHOWELL 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND BETTY MAIZE 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND ANTHONY MAIZE 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875

Page 64

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

AND WORCESTER COUNTY ATTN: PHIL THOMPSON, COLLECTOR OF TAXES 1 W. MARKET STREET, ROOM 1105 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MD DESCRIBED AS: 75 X 80 X 70 X 90, 409 DIGHTON AVE. SNOW HILL, TAX ACCOUNT NO. 02-017717 Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: ACCOUNT NO. 02-017717, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 75 X 80 X 70 X 90, 409 DIGHTON AVE, SNOW HILL, DEED REFERENCE: 6587/218, ASSESSED TO DONDA LEE SHOWELL AND BETTY JEAN BROWN SHOWELL, BUT ALSO OWNED BY GLENDORA BURTON, FRANK SHOWELL, BETTY MAIZE, AND ANTHONY MAIZE, DEED REFERENCE: W.C.L. LIBER NO. 1280, FOLIO 442 ET SEQ. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 2nd of March, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 30th day of APRIL, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-04, 03-11, 03-18

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18966 To all persons interested in the estate of JANET ANNE SCARBOROUGH. ESTATE NO. 18966. Notice is given that WILLIAM SCARBOROUGH, JR, 5702 GEORGE ISLAND LANDING ROAD, STOCKTON, MD 21864, was on FEBRUARY 28, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of JANET ANNE SCARBOROUGH, who died on NOVEMBER 1, 2021 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; 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

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

be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 WILLIAM SCARBOROUGH, JR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 03-11

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19099

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 EDWARD G DALKIEWICZ 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 03-11

First Insertion To all persons interested in the estate of EDWARD B DALKIEWICZ. ESTATE NO. 19099. Notice is given that EDWARD G DALKIEWICZ, 9622 WOODLAND ROAD, NEW MARKET, MD 21774, was on FEBRUARY 28, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of EDWARD B DALKIEWICZ, who died on JANUARY 17, 2013 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections 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:

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19069 To all persons interested in the estate of TONY S DIAMANTONI. ESTATE NO. 19069. Notice is given that CHERIE MESSNER, 10107 QUEEN CIRCLE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on MARCH 02, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of TONY S DIAMANTONI, who died on JANUARY 20, 2022 with a will.

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

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

All persons having 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

March 11, 2022 against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 CHERIE MESSNER 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 03-11

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19101 To all persons interested in the estate of SUSAN PEARSON, ESTATE NO. 19101.

Notice is given that ASHLEY LAZAR, 314 BUENA VISTA AVENUE, FEDERALSBURG, MD 21632, was on, MARCH 01, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SUSAN PEARSON, who died on FEBRUARY 18, 2022, with a will.

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 MARCH 11, 2022 ASHLEY LAZAR 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 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

First Insertion FREDERICK R FRANKE, JR, ESQ. 151 WEST STREET, SUITE 301 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19102 Notice is given that the CHANCERY COURT of NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE, appointed VIVIENNE DELANO, 25 SLASHPINE CIRCLE, HOCKESSIN, DE 19707, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of RAPHAEL SARAWESKY, who died on OCTOBER 22, 2021, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is FREDERICK R FRANKE, JR, whose address is 151 WEST STREET, SUITE 301, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401.

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.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY.

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 SEPTEMBER, 2022.

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

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or 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 claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended

March 11, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Legal Notices

Located at 10109 MCALLISTER ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811. Name of contact: STEPHEN MACHEN, 10109 MCALLISTER ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811. Property owner seeking claim for abandoned boat.

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

Application for Title will be made in accordance with Section 8-722 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resoures Article, if this vessel is not claimed and removed from the above property within 30 days of notice.

by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 VIVIENNE DELANO Foreign 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 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

First Insertion I. WILLIAM CHASE 1190 W. NORTHERN PKWY, SUITE 124 BALTIMORE, MD 21210 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000052 WILBARGER, LLC P.O. BOX 2367 DENVER, CO 80201 Plaintiff vs.

RMB HOLDINGS, LLC C/O ROBERT E. BROOKS, JR. LAST KNOWN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND MEMBER 29022 REDFOX DRIVE SALISBURY, MD 21801 AND WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR AEGIS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES TRUST MORTAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2004-4 C/O CSC-LAWYERS INCORPORATING SERVICE CO. RESIDENT AGENT 7 ST. PAUL STREET SUITE 820 BALTIMORE, MD 21202 AND AMY MANDART, TRUSTEE 3250 BRIARPARK DRIVE, SUITE 400 HOUSTON, TX 77042 AND UNKNOWN OCCUPANT RESIDING AT 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND

THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER SERVE ON ROSCOE LESLIE COUNTY ATTORNEY 1 W. MARKET STREET ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND ALL OTHER PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE, POCOMOKE, DISTRICT 01, ACCOUNT NUMBER 020293 Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE, DISTRICT 01, ACCOUNT NUMBER 020293, assessed to the RMB Holdings, LLC, and sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiffs in these proceedings: 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE, POCOMOKE, DISTRICT 01, ACCOUNT NUMBER 020293 The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid, although the required time for filing a Complaint has elapsed.

It is thereupon this 4TH OF MARCH, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation once a week for three successive weeks, before the 3rd day of May, 2022, warning all persons interested in said property to be and appear in this Court by the 3rd day of May, 2022, to redeem the property, 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE, DISTRICT 01, ACCOUNT NUMBER 020293, and answer the Complaint of or thereafter a final decree will be rendered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff, WILBARGER, LLC a title, free and clear of all encumbrances, except for ground rents.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

First Insertion BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN YODER, JR., ESTATE NO. 19111 NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all persons interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by NICOLE GROFT, 31784 SCHOONER DRIVE, MILLSBORO, DE 19966, for judicial probate of the will dated APRIL 10, 2018 and for the appointment of a personal representative.

A hearing will be held at ONE W MARKET STREET, COURT ROOM 4, COURT HOUSE, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 on APRIL 26, 2022 AT 10:00 AM. This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 2x 3-11, 3-18

First Insertion ABANDONED VESSEL Notice is hereby given that the following vessel has been abandoned for ten years.

The vessel is described as: Green, flat bottom Aluminum Craft boat. Serial No. ACBW0755B909. MD REGISTRATION 619CF.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 1x 3-11

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19117 To all persons interested in the estate of DANIEL L JACKSON, ESTATE NO. 19117. Notice is given that PATRICIA D JACKSON, 6369 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, NEWARK, MD 21841, was on, MARCH 04, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL L JACKSON, who died on JANUARY 30, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022

Page 65 PATRICIA D JACKSON 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 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19118 To all persons interested in the estate of LYNN SMITH. ESTATE NO. 19118. Notice is given that THOMAS SMITH, 300 17TH STREET #404, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on MARCH 04, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of LYNN SMITH, who died on FEBRUARY 03, 2022 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment 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; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 THOMAS SMITH Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 03-11

First Insertion WILLIAM M. GATESMAN 8209 JONNIE LANE GAITHERSBURG, MD 20882 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19122 Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT of PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL, appointed SALLY B. SHARBAUGH, 4 YACHT CLUB PLACE, TEQUESSTA, FL 33469, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of EDGAR J SHARBAUGH, who died on FEBRUARY 05, 2021, domiciled in FLORIDA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is WILLIAM M. GATESMAN, whose address is 8209 JONNIE LANE, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20882.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or 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 claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 SALLY B. SHARBAUGH Foreign 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 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

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Page 66

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Sports Tourism Support Editor: Sports tourism is one of the best models for economic development using the least amount of resources. Mr. Gisriel is on the wrong side of this issue. A sports complex in Worcester County near Ocean City will be a great success for participants and local businesses. Teams will come from South Carolina to New York.

Worcester County Commissioners should have moved this plan forward 10 years ago. The demand is there. Do you think that tournament promoters would prefer to have events booked in Hagerstown and St. Mary’s County or Ocean City and the beach? Sports participation is bigger than ever. Many tournaments are scheduled for spring and fall, bringing much needed revenue to Worcester County during the shoulder seasons.

County Commissioners, it is time to energetically move this complex forward and commissioners who have been inclined to obstruct perhaps could take a closer, fresher look. It’s election season.

Giving young, outdoor oriented kids an excuse to come to the beach and Worcester County is an experience that will pay dividends for years to come (50), as they can’t wait to return and bring their families when they grow up. You can’t put a price on that, Vince.

John Fager Ocean City

Why A Gun Show In OC? Editor: The town council's approval of Ocean City Adventure Fest raises many questions. Is this the kind of event that Ocean City wants to support? The Mayor and Council and Tourism Director Tom Perlozzo talk about wanting to project a family friendly atmosphere, please explain how a gun show supports that image. Mr. Perlozzo states that this event will saturate the town with 1,000 police officers, but what exactly does that mean? During that event would they be working for the Ocean City Police Department? If not, then they are just 1,000 tourists, and would have no authority to play a role in any official law enforcement capacity.

Would there be an understanding with the event promoter, regarding the role of these event attendees? If any of these 1,000 off duty police officers decide to confront the car rally attendees, then what happens? Will the Ocean City Police Department be responsible for arresting any off-duty police officers, and what will that look like? If the police department is expressing concerns about Ocean City Adventure Fest, then what exactly is the point of the event?

We have beautiful, clean, free beaches, great family attractions, restaurants and many local amenities. This event does nothing to highlight the strengths of Ocean City, nor does it bring the families that we hope to attract to our town.

Melissa Reid Berlin

Critical Rental Decision Editor: Make no mistake about it, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall's decision to remove residency requirements from the proposed Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance will result in Berlin's housing stock being sold to outside speculators and

Letters To The Editor other wealthy people from cities who are buying their second, third or fourth houses.

If the mayor's misguided plan moves ahead, your neighbor may soon not be the family that you have known for 10, 20 or 50 years, but this week's keg party of short term renters that rolled in from Pittsburgh.

And your friends that live in Ocean Pines, Newark, Snow Hill or elsewhere that want to live in Berlin but can't find a place will be locked out forever by rising prices and mini-real estate oligarchs minting money on AirBnb. If people want to buy a place on the shore and rent it out while they are back home, there's definitely somewhere to do that. It's called Ocean City. It is not called Berlin. In fact, since its renewal began in the 1980s, Berlin has thrived by being its own place, with its own cultures, history, and architecture. Berlin has done relatively well by being a yin to Ocean City's yang, not by trying to be the resort's minime.

Berlin has attracted residents because of its small-town values and quality of life.

But you can't raise a family paying by the night on an AirBnb. As originally drafted by town staff, the STR ordinance sensibly contained the requirement that STRs licensed in R1 and R2-zoned areas should be owner-occupied. While town residents spoke in favor of this requirement, Mayor Tyndall later caved to pressure from big money and real estate agents, who stand to gain by churning parcels -- making good money every time your great aunt's rancher or childhood friend's house gets resold to the next investor.

Though many people may not have yet realized it, what the STR ordinance says about non-owner occupied units is a turning point in the town's future. If northern Worcester County, and Berlin, in particular, continue to experience growth pressures and attract tourism, if we encourage outside speculators to buy up Berlin's housing stock for the purpose of Airbnb's and gambling on future gains in the real estate market, we may tear the heart out of single family housing in Berlin, especially on its older streets and in its healthier neighborhoods.

Those fortunate enough to already own a house in Berlin may be able to weather the storm, but what happens when Dad dies? It's hard to split a house into pieces. If we legalize an STR freefor-all, more and more of Berlin's housing that comes onto the market will be snapped up not by people looking to live here, but by investors who do not care about our roads, our schools, our environment, or our way of life.

Those houses will then cease to be part of the town's usable housing stock and instead become what amounts to boutique hotels. And for the person for whom it is hard to find the money to buy a house in town, she will become a renter in Delaware or move on to Willards or Salisbury in search of quality of life, even if her great-grandmother was born in Berlin and she'd rather stay.

It's really simple. If we want Berlin to remain a viable community of neighbors and to try to keep housing here within economic reach for most people, STR li-

censes will not be granted for houses in which the owners do not live. That is, the residency requirement will be restored to the draft ordinance.

Beyond that, do we actually want to make all of the apartments in R3 and over commercial spaces eligible to become STRs? This could make things difficult for renters and, in particular, fixed and lower income residents. I think STRs should be permitted for apartments, but the total number should be limited, so that not too many apartments can be turned into glorified hotel rooms. This could be managed by a periodic lottery if there are more applicants than licenses available.

Finally, let's not confuse investors with the little guy. If people that do really live in Berlin want to rent a cottage or part of their house on AirBnb, we should look in to creating ways to do that legally, bearing in mind the need to protect our bays and history.

But if the mayor gets his way and investor-owned STRs sprout up everywhere, many of the qualities that have made Berlin an attractive community will be undone by greed, and people looking for a 'cool' place to live will turn elsewhere, because greed isn't cool.

Edward Hammond Berlin

Sports Complex Commentary Editor: There has been much talk about building a multi-million-dollar sports complex in northern Worcester County to attract national and regional lacrosse and soccer tournaments to the area. The Town of Ocean City has expressed interest in some way being a part of the project which is forecast to attract thousands of visitors who will fill hotel rooms and restaurants in Ocean City and West Ocean City, especially in the shoulder seasons.

It’s been said the County will reap increased tax revenues.

The idea of a sports complex being built in our county is appealing to me, more so if it were built in the southern part of the County. I recognize the economic possibilities of such an endeavor.

Yet I have concerns, especially because taxpayer money will be involved.

Two of my greatest concerns are these: First, I don’t believe taxpayer money should fund the project because doing so mitigates any revenue growth the county treasury will realize. This should be a private sector endeavor.

Second, our road system would struggle, even more than it already does, with increased traffic volume.

I respect those advocating for this project, believing it will be a boon, a relatively easy way to increase tax revenue.

That sounds pretty good to me. But when I look beneath the surface, the financial and quality-of-life realities associated with a taxpayer subsidized sports complex concern me.

Last month, a majority of commissioners moved another step closer to a taxpayer subsidized county sports complex by voting to bond about $11 million for the purchase of land and the construction of a facility, effectively making this a county taxpayer responsibility. This amount does

March 11, 2022 not include the expenses of additional personnel necessary to manage, market and maintain the facility nor regular maintenance costs, still to be determined. The term of the bond will be 15 years with an annual debt service of about $750,000. I voted against this as did Commissioners Bunting and Elder.

As I write this, no business or marketing plan has been made available. No partnership details or discussions between the Commissioners and Ocean City have occurred or been outlined, discussed or agreed upon. And there is no land acquisition contract.

Under these conditions, I have concerns about moving forward at this time.

Let me explain why.

The County collects a 5% tax for all room rental activity in the county and earns a 1% collection fee on room tax collections on behalf of incorporated towns such as Ocean City and Berlin.

Room Tax collections in the un-incorporated areas including West Ocean City are retained by the county.

So, for example, if there was a $1 million increase in overall lodging revenue in West Ocean City because of the new facility, the county would receive an additional $50,000 in direct room tax revenue.

If a guest decides to stay in Ocean City and the overall increase in lodging for the season is $1 million, the additional revenue to the county would be $500.

So, using this example, a sports complex would generate $50,500 in additional room tax revenue for the county.

The county also collects a one half of one percent tax for food sales only in Ocean City and retains a 5% administrative charge for the collection fee.

So, an increase in food sales of $100,000 for the season attributable to the sports facility would yield the county $25.

Combined, the county would net about $50,525 in additional tax revenue which is much less than the annual $750,000 bond debt service.

It has been said that Program Open Space (POS) grant money could pay for most, if not all, of the land acquisition and construction costs thus requiring little or no county taxpayer funding. That would be a good thing. But let’s look at that for a moment.

Assuming that all POS grant funding available to the County was applied to the sports complex and the project met all grant requirements, which has yet to be determined, as of this date, there is just over $2.6 million in grant funds available including $733,000 in funds the Commissioners have already earmarked for other projects.

That isn’t nearly enough to cover the $11 million the county has already committed to purchase land and build the complex.

Let me be clear, the idea of a sports complex is appealing but not at taxpayer expense under these conditions.

Thousands of additional visitors coming to northern Worcester County should concern us all. Think for a moment about traffic congestion on routes 589, 90 and 50 on any summer day. Consider event weekend back-ups during the off-season.

Think where GPS may route thousands of vehicles to avoid congestion: Cathell Road? Ocean Parkway?

How can our roads accommodate thousands of additional sports complex SEE PAGE 68

March 11, 2022

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

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 ONLINE WEBSITES: mdcoastdispatch.com facebook.com/thedispatchoc twitter.com/thedispatchocmd instagram.com/thedispatchocmd 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

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

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.

Removing Books A Bad Precedent

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

How We See It

A national movement to remove certain books deemed objectionable from public school libraries has come to the lower shore with public school systems in Worcester and Wicomico counties currently fielding staged complaints over the last month. The school systems are right to be careful on this front.

Worcester County Public Schools this week is working through two book challenges from high school parents. Leaders are fully aware they have found themselves in the middle of an orchestrated national effort to get certain library books – usually involving sexuality, race or gender – removed from shelves. The book “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson is targeted locally as it is across the country because it contains explicit passages about gay sex. At last month’s school board meeting, graphic passages were read from the book – available in high schools – to shock the school board into agreeing it needed to be removed from circulation. Reading the content in a public setting was deplorable, but we agree minors should not be reading this subject matter in school, although it’s clear similar content is readily available through a quick web search.

Book bans are nothing new, as many accounts about race have been targeted in the past, including “The 1619 Project.” What’s different today is these efforts are rooted in extreme politics with many using the causes to propel runs for office and a basis for critiquing current elected and appointed officials.

In a recent New York Times article, Follet School Solutions Chief Content Executive Britten Follett said, “The politicization of the topic is what's different than what I’ve seen in the past. … in the end, the librarian, teacher or educator is getting caught in the middle.”

In Worcester County, a process is in place for book challenges, involving the school principal, a committee, the school system’s library media coordinator, the superintendent and ultimately school board. A slippery slope comes to mind, and the school system would be wise to not start removing books deemed objectionable by some. If a book or two is banned, the effort will be emboldened, and opposition will come from all sides.

This current movement is about whether to restrict choice and free speech and encourage censorship. It’s a lesson in tolerance, understanding and morality for our students. If parents don’t want their kids checking out certain books, they can manage their available selections and limit their ability to check out certain subjects. These types of controls are the appropriate course to take rather than bow to a trending national political movement.

Page 67

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green Some details were learned this week about the major beach festival slated for Ocean City the last weekend of September.

The inaugural Oceans Calling Festival will take place on three stages on the beach and Inlet parking lot north and south of the pier. Thirty bands will perform with O.A.R. tapped as an early headliner playing multiple sets. O.A.R. is no stranger to the area, having performed in the area at the Freeman Arts Pavilion twice previously and getting its start in Rockville. A high-quality promotional video released this week for the festival featured band members cruising through Ocean City.

There is some excitement surrounding O.A.R.’s announcement in the festival, but there is much more to hear about this festival before it’s confirmed to be a game changing event as it’s been referred to of late. The announcement makes it sound like O.A.R. will be the biggest name at the event. Though a big fan of the band, I’m hoping for some bigger names for this event. In fact, this week’s announcement was trumped on the excitement front by word country music’s Zac Brown Band will be appearing at OC BikeFest two weeks earlier.

There is good reason to have high hopes for a solid lineup for the first Oceans Calling Festival. It might be a while before the acts are known as the music industry is in a constant state of flux as band commitments are complicated while the touring business recovers from the pandemic’s impacts. Evidence can be seen in the fact Ocean City’s Springfest still does not have a Friday night headliner for early May. Along with the patriotic and moving light display on Jolly Roger’s Ferris wheel, a lasting memory from Tuesday’s vigil for Ukraine was the words of Ina Kiwiki, a native of Ukraine who immigrated to the U.S. Her brief message summed up what so many of us feel about this human rights crisis.

It’s just more meaningful coming from someone personally affected.

“Thank you for coming out and supporting the people of Ukraine and people like me who were born and raised in Ukraine,” she said. “I am a proud American, but I remember where I came from, where I went to school and got my education, and that’s always going to be beating in my heart. I will always remember where I came from and to see that my family back home is going through such horror and having to deal with such unprecedented times in the 21st century is heartbreaking to watch, but also even harder to know that your family and your friends are living in that horror. In my mind right now, what we can do is show the people of Ukraine and around the world that Ocean City stands for what’s right, which is stopping the war and stopping this nonsense.”

It's truly remarkable how fast the COVID-19 metrics have improved.

Hospitals have returned to normalcy with reported cases on a rapid decline over the last few weeks. Worcester’s positivity rate was 3.18% Wednesday (statewide 1.58%). One month ago, on Feb. 9, it was 11.36% in Worcester (two months ago, 33.43%).

The same downward trend with cases is being seen in schools. In fact, for the week of Feb. 28-March 4, there was only one new case reported for the entire school system of nearly 7,000 students. On Monday night, Superintendent Lou Taylor confirmed updated guidance from state agencies now says contact tracing is no longer needed when positive cases do arise. This change of course is great news and was needed when masking was dropped.

Moving ahead, it’s going to be interesting to observe how the virus plays out next winter. It’s reasonable to expect warm weather cases to remain low as they have the last two years. Increased vaccination rates will only help keep the positive cases down and reduce the spread when flare ups do occur.

With these assumptions in place, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky admitted her team is now viewing COVID as a seasonal virus. She said this week, "I do anticipate that this is probably going to be a seasonal virus. We may want to be more vigilant during some seasons. Maybe during respiratory season, if things ramped up, we would want to put on our masks again to protect both from flu and from COVID and from all other respiratory diseases."

The upcoming discussion on short-term rentals in Berlin will be compelling because the residency requirement to operate a short-term rental in certain districts is expected to be a major issue.

The ordinance presented last week did not require short-term rentals to be at the owner’s primary residency. Instead, the proposed law would mandate a property manager be available at all times and live close enough to respond as necessary. Short-term rental proliferation is a concern in Berlin and many residents agree with the sentiments expressed in a letter to the editor from Edward Hammond.

Without the residency requirement or some sort of limitation, it does seem reasonable to conclude more AirBNb units will be popping up around town as properties change hands. For some it’s not a bad thing, but a short-term rental as an immediate neighbor does come with concerns. The ordinance as presented last week does seem to essentially be a money grab without the residency requirement. After the initial $350 application fee, the short-term rental license renewal would be $125 per year.

Page 68 FROM PAGE 66 visitors when they can’t handle current traffic volumes? State Highway Administration officials recently told the commissioners improvement funding is nowhere in sight. Road improvements are necessary to limit the negative impact of increased traffic on our already burdened roadways.

You may think this sports complex would be open to the public, similar to our many parks like Showell Park. It’s likely not to be the case. It’s hard to imagine that a multi-million-dollar facility with tournament fields costing many hundreds of thousands of dollars each to construct and maintain will be open to the public for pick-up games or dog walking, jogging or bicycling. When taxpayer money is involved, the public should have access to it, which is one of the requirements of POS. Several years ago, a study concluded a sports complex would compete with established complexes in nearby Wicomico County and Delaware. How will competition impact bookings for a Worcester com-

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Letters To The Editor plex?

One final point. Who in county government would be responsible for the success of this undertaking? Who would be the person held responsible for the management, maintenance and marketing of the complex? Who would be the person held accountable to ensure that the conceptual financial assertions currently bandied about are achieved?

Based on available information, here's my take of what will happen if a taxpayer-funded complex continues to move forward: responsibility and accountability will be murky, promised results will be elusive and future subsidy allocations will be necessary. Eventually, the financial performance of the operation will be folded into the county’s general fund budget, becoming another line item for which taxpayers will be responsible.

This is certainly a project that begs for questions to be asked and answers to be

supplied before taxpayer money is spent.

If this were a private venture, with no taxpayer involvement I could support the project. And, if traffic improvements were made to routes 50, 589 and 90 to accommodate more vehicle volume I could support the project.

Government has neither the expertise nor the entrepreneurial passion to sustain a business effectively and profitably. Inevitably, taxpayer subsidies become part of the operation. Several years ago, I wholeheartedly supported Worcester County getting out of the liquor business for this very reason.

I support economic development. I like the idea of a privately owned and managed sports complex. But I cannot support a multi-million-dollar, taxpayer funded facility that to date has no property, plan or partnership, that will be a drain on the county treasury, that will congest our roadways and whose success is

March 11, 2022 dependent on government bureaucracy.

It’s not in the long-term best interests of taxpayers.

With so many blanks yet to be filled in, it would be interesting to learn whether a private lending institution would spend its money for this project as taxpayers may soon do.

If you share my concerns or if you think otherwise or still aren’t sure, I urge you to ask questions and request answers and participate when a public hearing is scheduled.

Chip Bertino Worcester County Commissioner

Response To Letter Rant Editor: Failed Ocean City Council candidate Dan Hagan is at it again. In a barely coherent rant in a letter to this paper, he attempted to compare our great Ocean City to the state of Florida. At least this is what I think he was trying to say. What he was clear about was his disdain for our community, our elected officials and the very people that live here. Ironically, he managed to speak kindly of the idiots who participate in unsanctioned car events and return year after year to create havoc in town. With a mindset like this, it is little wonder why he finished in the cellar when it came to counting votes on Election Day. I do hope Mr. Hagan realizes our community of about 7,000 residents is significantly smaller than Florida’s population of 23 million people. Clearly, the population difference alone makes any comparisons of the two locations impossible.

Then there is the climate factor. While we enjoy our winters here and the occasional snow, our 45-degree weather in December is hardly conducive to taking a dip in the ocean or a visit to the amusement parks as you can do in Florida. Let’s also understand Florida is over 65,000 square miles in size. Our square mileage located above water is closer to about five miles.

There is also his common theme of bashing the mayor and those who sit on the City Council. Mr. Hagan says “Ocean City will stay obsolete and unaffordable while the Mayor and Council is in charge.”

I wonder who he is suggesting should call the shots in town. A random angler on the Route 50 Bridge? A J1 Visa student working here for the summer making hotel beds and pizzas? Of course, the Mayor and Council will be in charge. This is the way government works.

Ocean City did make the news media nationwide during an incident regarding vaping last year on the Boardwalk. While this was uncomfortable for all of us, I can say it paled in comparison to some of the headlines in Florida. We all remember the tragic building collapse in Miami where 97 people were killed. Then there was the Pulse Nightclub shooting where 49 were killed. Only to be followed up by the Parkland school shooting where 17 were shot and killed. Do we have problems here in Ocean City? Yes. However, I think our community is doing just fine and one that most of us are proud to call home.

Florida is great. I love the beaches, climate and MLB Spring Training there. The sunshine state is a great place to visit, but for me there is no place like home.

M. Scott Chismar Ocean City

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Puzzle Answers

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March 11, 2022

of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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It’s always been our approach with Carson, who has a rare disease called Duplication 7 and Autism. With rare disease day on Feb. 28, I thought I would explain what exactly his disability is officially because the day’s intent is to educate.

Soon after Carson was born in 2009, we knew something was different.

When he was 3 years old, we learned through genetic testing he had a duplication of chromosome 7. It’s an abnormality with no cure that results in major developmental delays, anxiety disorders, social phobias, speech and language delays, ADHD, psychological impairments and cardiac and renal defects. A few years later, after we realized his therapies and care would not be covered by insurance, we were advised to have him tested for Autism. We received that diagnosis 30 minutes after walking into the doctor’s office.

It’s oftentimes easier to explain our child as autistic, rather than having dup7. It doesn’t matter to me. I could care less about labels. I just want what is best for him. If having a diagnosis of Autism will allow him access to more services, then that’s fine.

All I know is our family is on an uncomfortable journey that makes our life a roller coaster ride. We have incredible highs and disturbing lows, not unlike most families truly.

Without question, some families have it easier, but we all have our challenges. None of us really knows what’s happening within each house. My sense is most parents have serious concerns about their kids. The severity of these issues is what separates us.

For our son Carson, who is now 12, we keep it simplistic. If you see me dropping off my son and walking away from the school smiling, it’s because not all days go smoothly at drop off and

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I am relieved. Sometimes he closes my finger in the car door because he doesn’t want to get out. It happened this week. There are some days I carry his bookbag and his stuffed animals to the school because he’s struggling, it’s pouring rain and wants the umbrella. Other times, which happened this week, I have to leave car door widen open in the doctor’s office parking lot across from school because he’s having a fit about something.

I count my wife and I as patient people, but there are days when the disability gets the best of our son as well as us. All we can do is be there, support him and cheer him to be his best self. We win now more than we did at one time. No matter, we learn and get better. I think he does too.

I

n advance of a trip to a Universal Studios, we have been binging all the Harry Potter movies.

Because of our full plates, we knocked out the eight movies slowly but surely. Beckett has read all the books and is the most knowledgeable in the family for sure.

Over the last couple weeks, we worked our way through the movies in one hour to 90-minute increments. It’s usually because if we start the movies after 9 I am only good for an hour or so after a long day. One night this week I was not alone.

One night this week we threw one of the movies on shortly after 8:30 after Carson went to bed. I realized I had fallen asleep about 9:45. I figured Pam and Beckett were still awake and I would just catch up. After a few minutes of watching the movie after my slumber, I realized I was not the only one napping.

I may or may not have told my family I was able to stay awake longer than each of them. They weren’t buying it.

They knew better. We all agreed to call it a night and try again the next night.

wonder how many parents use the phone as a consequence to curb teen behavior.

I’m guessing a huge majority of parents threaten phones and technology when it comes to curbing behavior or affecting a change in their kids, whether its toddlers or teens.

In my house I know we have changed our mindset about phones and iPads of late. We were listening to a podcast on a recent road trip from someone who seemed well versed on parenting. The individual – a noted child psychologist – said parents must treat technology as a currency their kids must earn rather than letting it be a given at any time.

It becomes expected and it must be earned.

Our go-to threat has been the phone when we reach our limits of frustration or need to make an impact beyond words. We know our 13-year-old cares tremendously about his phone and communicating with his friends, so when his grades took a dip recently because he didn’t seem to be caring enough we limited his phone time to one hour after school until we started seeing his priorities aligned with our expectations. The idea being he can earn more time when things improve.

One day this week I was reading an article and it waxed deeply and warned parents removing a kid’s phone today is akin to alienating him from his friends and spiking feelings of isolation.

It just goes to show there is a danger in reading too much because it can lead to great confusion. In the end, it’s about trusting the gut and doing what you think is best each day. I have learned new challenges arise daily and the decisions of yesterday are not always the same as tomorrow. Parents must just do the best we can for ourselves and the little people – even if they are taller than the lady of the house -- we love more than anything.

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