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Oceans Calling Promoter Announces 2023 Festival Lineup

B Y B E T H A N Y H O O P E R ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Jack Johnson, Alanis Morissette, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, the Lumineers and more will headline this year ’s Oceans Calling Festival, which is set to return to the Ocean City Inlet Sept 29 through Oct 1

On Tuesday, promoter C3 Presents announced this year ’s lineup for the Oceans Calling Festival Highlighting this year ’s event are performances by more than 40 national artists

“We’ve got a little bit of everything for everybody,” Tim Sweetwood, C3 Presents founder, said in an Ocean 98 radio announcement Tuesday “So hopefully it hits the mark for everyone ”

In addition to Johnson and Morissette, Friday’s concert lineup will include Slightly Stupid, Third Eye Blind, Michael Franti

and Spearhead and O A R On Saturday, festivities continue with performances by Mayer, Incubus, Noah Kahan, Crow, Dispatch, Jimmy Eat World, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, and Matt and Kim, to name a few The festival will conclude on Sunday with the Lumineers, Weezer, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Dirty Heads, Grace Potter, The Wallflowers and more

“We’re super excited to be back and try to swing even harder at the lineup,” Sweetwood said Tuesday

The festival will also feature appearances and cooking demonstrations by chefs Robert Irvine and Amanda Freitag

“That chef stage and chef area is going to be hosted by Jason Biggs the actor,” Sweetwood said

The stage was literally set last fall for what was promised to be the biggest musical festival ever in the resort The threeday lineup included several frontliners including Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, the Lumineers, Morissette and Maryland's own O A R , along with numerous other bands performing on three stages in and around the Inlet lot The festival, officials say, was expected to draw nearly 40,000 people to Ocean City

“Last year, we monitored social media quite a bit and what we saw was folks who hadn’t come to Ocean City before, from the West Coast, central U S , all coming to Ocean City,” Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said in Tuesday’s radio announcement “That’s a tribute to the success Tim and C3 has put together over the years ”

However, the remnants of Hurricane Ian, coupled with a classic nor ’easter, forced C3 Presents, in conjunction with town officials, to cancel last year ’s Oceans Calling Festival just a day in advance of the festival kickoff

Since that time, officials have been working to bring the three-day event back to Ocean City in 2023 In November, the Mayor and Council approved a request from C3 Presents to hold Oceans Calling Sept 29 through Oct 1, 2023 And in December, staff announced contract negotiations with C3 Presents to bring the festival back beyond 2023

“We are fast working behind the scenes with all the logistics associated with the event – police, fire, EMS, tourism, special events,” Perlozzo said “It’s a great thing We just need Mother Nature to take care of us this year, and we’ll be fine ”

Presale for the 2023 Oceans Calling Festival will begin on Thursday, March 16 at 10 a m , with public on-sale to follow if any tickets remain One- and three-day tickets will be offered, as well as VIP and Platinum tickets

“Fans will also be offered concessions throughout the fest from local food vendors,” a news released reads “Additionally, the iconic Jolly Roger at the Pier amusement park, located inside the festival grounds, will be fully operational for festival goers, as admission will be included within each Oceans Calling Festival ticket purchase, creating a one-of-a-kind experience ”

For more information, visit www oceanscallingfestival com

Breakdown of the Oceans Calling Festival began the day before it was to star t last year due to a pending weather forecast for high winds and flooding The event is set to return this year Sept. 29-Oct. 1.

Photo by Campos Media

OC Council Advances Air Rights Proposal

OCEAN CITY

– A

proposal to grant air rights above Washington Lane will move forward following discussion this week

In a work session Tuesday, Joe Moore, attorney for the developer of 613 Atlantic Avenue, came before the Mayor and Council with a request to grant air rights above a portion of Washington Lane to allow for the construction of a single building connecting parcels to the east and west of the alley Moore said his client was seeking air rights as they move forward with plans to replace the existing Majestic Hotel

“Where we are is to ask you to cast a vote to move forward with considering an ordinance waiving the air rights over the property, which of course is the Majestic Hotel,” he told the council this week “We’re mindful of the fact that we have an iconic property and therefore want to develop it in the best way possible for the benefit of the citizens of the town Therefore, we have provided a facility which enhances the property from the standpoint of the fact we are developing the entire property from the Boardwalk to Baltimore Avenue ”

As proposed, the Majestic Hotel property will be redeveloped to include two buildings connected by a fitness center, arcade, hospitality room and the like Moore told the council the breezeway underneath the amenities would include ample clearance for vehicles He added that the proposed air rights agreement would be crafted to include the conveyance of an additional four feet on the westerly side of the alley

“We also believe we’re improving, by our request, the public safety because we are willing to grant an additional four feet to the width of the alley,” he said “We believe for those reasons it certainly benefits not only our guests and the development of the property, but the public at large ”

During public comments, former councilman Vince Gisriel shared his concerns regarding the developer’s request for air rights He noted that the council had granted three air rights ordinances over the years for various projects, and that he had opposed each one

“I note in the packet today there is a precedence set for this sort of thing in reference to two ordinances adopted in 2002,” he said “I looked up the record and I voted against both of them when I served on the council And more recently, I expressed concerns about air rights around the 13th Street area ”

Gisriel said one of his concerns regarding the proposed project was density He noted that while the building above the alley would not include sleeping rooms, it would feature hotel amenities

“Any removal of those amenities to an open-air space creates more density,” he said “And I’m concerned about the a-

SEE PAGE 53

Resident and former councilman Vince Gisriel is pictured before the Mayor and Council at Tuesday's work session

Photo by Bethany Hooper

OC Composting Agreement Extended

OCEAN CITY – Officials in Ocean City voted this week to extend an agreement with the operator of a resort-based composting program

On Tuesday, the Ocean City council voted 6-0, with Councilman Frank Knight absent, to extend the town’s agreement with Ocean Compost LLC for another year The Hobbit Restaurant owner Garvey Heiderman, representative for the private-sector company, said Ocean Compost has plans to expand its composting program in the coming months

“As far as food waste, what we pulled out of the waste stream for the town was about 115 tons last year This year, we’re shooting for about 300-plus tons,” he told the council this week “We are also expanding from 10 businesses to at least 20, hopefully upwards of 25 this year ”

In 2021, Heiderman pitched his pilot food waste composting program to the Mayor and Council

The concept calls for Ocean Compost to collect food waste from participating resort restaurants, weigh it at the town’s public works complex and transport it to the company’s composting site in Bishopville The idea is to reduce the overall waste stream emanating from Ocean City by removing food waste and composting it on a site in northern Worcester County

“Last week, I actually got approval from the county to permit a compost facility,” he told the council “I don’t know if any of you

are aware, but last fall we had the county code amended We were operating under a transient use permit for the last couple of years Now there’s actually composting regulations for the county, which is a nice step ”

Over a decade ago, Ocean City pivoted from a traditional curbside recycling program to a waste-to-energy operation

Trash collected in Ocean City is transported to the Covanta plant in Pennsylvania where it is incinerated and converted to energy The town then pays Covanta per ton to incinerate waste collected and convert it into renewable energy

As part of the company’s agreement with the town, Ocean City compensates Ocean Compost for each ton it diverts from the resort’s waste stream

“The modifications from last year to the proposed agreement this year are not only date sensitive but fee sensitive in that the current rate would be $90 20 per ton in accordance with what we are currently paying to Covanta,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins said

In addition to the one-year extension, Heiderman told the council this week he was seeking the town’s support to identify funding sources for the purchase of an organics trash truck Council President Matt James said the city manager could work with the town’s grants administrator to explore options

With no further discussion, the council voted 6-0 to extend an agreement with Ocean Compost for one year, beginning April 1

Berlin Council Weighs In On Growth Planner

BERLIN – Plans for a townwide discussion on growth are moving forward in Berlin

Elected officials shared their excitement this week at the prospect of working with an urban planner to update the town’s comprehensive plan The council is expected to be presented with a proposal from urbanist and planner Dhiru Thadani later this month

“I’m just pleased we’re on the road to being proactive,” Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said

Last week, the Berlin Planning Commission voted to recommend that the town council hire Thadani Ron Cascio, a member of the commission, reached out to Thadani after following his work for several years Cascio believes the consultant can help residents determine how they want the town to grow in the future

Currently, the town has $30,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds set aside for a growth discussion, as proposed annexations in recent years have spurred controversy in town Some residents don’t want to see growth while others note the financial benefits of annexations

“The planning commission has had several discussions about this growth element,” Planning Director Dave Engelhart told the town council Monday “At last week’s meeting they made a motion to recommend to the council they move forward with hiring Mr Thadani ”

Engelhart said he was waiting on a written proposal and scope of work from Thadani that he could present to the council at their next meeting

“We all expect this to be layered,” Engelhart said, adding that Thadani would visit the town, write up his findings and then hold a discussion with residents and offi-

cials

Engelhart said Thadani’s findings could help the town update its comprehensive plan The findings could also come into play as the county adjusts its growth areas

“This would affect us for annexations moving forward, land use,” Engelhart said “It’s time that we do something to protect Berlin’s interests ”

Mayor Zack Tyndall thanked the planning commission and Cascio for initiating the conversation

Councilman Jack Orris said he was looking forward to hearing from the expert as well as citizens He encouraged them to follow and take part in the discussion He stressed that community involvement was critical

“Especially when we’re talking about growth in Berlin,” he said “It’s just so important to be involved ”

Nichols too said she was eager to begin the discussion

Town Officials Talk Lamp Post Corrosion

BERLIN – Dog urine is to blame for deteriorating lamp posts in Berlin, according to town officials

Municipal staff asked residents this week to refrain from letting their dogs urinate on the Victorian lamp posts in Berlin’s downtown area Dog pee is corroding the base of the posts, according to Tim Lawrence, the town’s electric utility director

“At our last staff meeting Tim brought up the deterioration of the lower half of our historic lamp posts downtown due to dogs dogs lifting their leg,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director “Many people don’t notice but if you look at some of the lamp posts you see how deteriorated they are Yes they’re unsightly but the biggest problem is that the acid is getting into the infrastructure of the lamp post and deteriorating the wires ”

Wells said town employees were encouraging residents to keep their dogs from urinating on the lamp posts as they walked in town She said she’d identified a product that could potentially help with the issue and had passed that information on to Lawrence In the meantime, she’s hoping communication will help curb the issue

Resident Gladys Watson said she felt the issue could be solved by the addition of a dog park, possibly to Stephen Decatur Park

“I actually take my dog to Decatur Park to walk but I think there’s a big space that could be utilized as a dog playground/park,” she said “I think all these issues that you’re talking about, dogs doing things on the street, they could walk their dog from Main Street over to Decatur Park ”

Watson said she drove her dog to Ocean City and Ocean Pines to visit the dog parks there She said she paid a $25 annual fee to use the Ocean Pines park and $100 annually to use the Ocean City park

“I don’t mind the fees because the dogs get to have camaraderie with other dogs,” Watson said “I think dogs need that just as much as humans need it ”

She she’d just like to see a park closer to Berlin and had already written to the mayor with the request

Mayor Zack Tyndall said he hadn’t seen her letter but assured her the request was being noted

“We’ll make sure we pass that along to the parks commission,” he said

Councilman Jack Orris questioned the logistics of ensuring pets were vaccinated

Town Administration Mary Bohlen said dog owners would have to submit their paperwork to the town

She said there wouldn’t really be a way to police whether users had submitted the required paperwork or paid a fee

“It’s primarily the honor system,” she said

Hospital CEO Provides Update On Cyberattack

He did say that the attack was orchestrated by a group in China

BERLIN – The investigation into the cyberattack at Atlantic General Hospital is wrapping up, according to hospital leadership

Don Owrey, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital (AGH), told the public this week the investigation related to the ransomware attack that hit the hospital in January was in its final stages “It’s been a learning process,” he said “Something you never want to experience, quite frankly ”

On Jan 29, AGH experienced a ransomware attack that resulted in network outage issues While interruption to patient care was limited, operations impacted included the outpatient walk-in lab, pulmonary function testing, outpatient imaging and RediScripts

As a guest speaker at a town hall meeting hosted by Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino this week, Owrey recounted the incident and said he was proud of the hospital’s response While the attack disabled aspects of the hospital’s network, Owrey said key operations like the emergency room, operating room and endoscopy department stayed up and running

He added that the hospital was insured for events like this

“We have cyber insurance,” he said

“It’s the environment that we live in unfortunately ”

Owrey said he’d been asked about the hospital’s future in the wake of the incident

“We will survive this,” he said ‘It’s been incredibly disruptive to our business operations, as you can imagine, but we will survive this The reason I say that is because, in order for an insurance carrier to underwrite us we have to make sure we’re insurable ”

He said AGH had extensive measures in place before the attack and had even more so in place now He said or-

ganizations had to be prepared, as cyberattacks had essentially become a business

“This has become an industry in and of itself,” he said “We’ve learned that We’ve talked to experts across the country ”

Attendees asked if the hospital had to give in to the hackers

“If the question is did we meet the request of the ransom, we did not meet the request of the ransom,” Owrey said, adding that because it was a criminal investigation he couldn’t share all the details

“They’ve attacked a number of hospitals,” he said “Their MO, how they work, is known to the FBI We spoke to the FBI that Sunday morning (after the attack) They immediately knew who they were, they knew all about them We learned subsequently, they have what’s called a call center That’s how organized this outfit is When I spoke to the leading expert nationally for cybersecurity in the health care industry, he gave me a 10 or12-page writeup on this organization ”

A retired nurse in the audience asked if the hospital’s medical records were hacked

“That’s a great question,” Owrey said “What I can tell you is they did not get into our electronic medical records ”

He said AGH’s electronic health records, commonly referred to as EHR, were hosted remotely

“What we’ve got the investigators looking at is what did they look at on our servers,” he said “We know they looked at a lot of folders Within a folder is our files We have to pore through that and see is protected health information in there ”

Owrey said that process was a time consuming one

“We’re wrapping that process up with our consultants,” he said “We’re 100% confident that access to electronic health records did not happen ”

Don Owrey, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital, speaks at a town hall meeting hosted by Commissioner Chip Ber tino Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Incident At The Globe Reviewed By License Board

SNOW HILL – While no formal violation was found, officials urged a Berlin business owner to be careful about entertainment in the future

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) met with The Globe’s Nicole Brushmiller this week to talk about a complaint regarding noise at Tiki Tim’s that was made last month BLC members determined the issue didn’t technically constitute a violation but advised Brushmiller to be cautious in the future

“We need to make sure you’re totally

clear it can never ever happen again,” board member Charles Nichols said Tom Coates, the board’s attorney, said this week’s hearing was the result of a report from February related to noise complaints as well as a restriction violation According to Coates, police received two noise complaints the afternoon of Feb 27

Berlin Police Sgt Merle Bragg confirmed he’d responded to the second complaint He said when he arrived he couldn’t hear music until he walked behind the Atlantic Hotel And while he did hear music emanating from Tiki Tim’s at that point, he said it didn’t rise to the level of what he’d normally consider a noise violation

“There was not anything that was overly loud that would cause a problem,” he said

Bragg added that the noise complaint came after a section of wall had been taken down at Tiki Tim’s The Berlin Historic Commission had mandated the wall, which was put up without approval from the town, be removed until plans were reviewed

Brushmiller said the noise incident occurred during a birthday party that afternoon She said a local DJ, Billy T, was playing music She told the board she didn’t realize that could be considered a restriction violation because he was just playing music, not engaging with the crowd

“It was not intentional,” she said

She added that she had turned down an opportunity to host a wedding because it had involved a DJ and she knew that was not permitted

Pete Cosby, Brushmiller ’s attorney, asked if the music seemed loud to her that day

Brushmiller said when she first arrived it did sound loud At that point, a police officer responded to the first noise complaint

“In that scenario I’d say the call was warranted,” she said

Brushmiller indicated that while that complaint was merited, the second noise complaint, which occurred just as the DJ was wrapping up, was not

Cosby told the board Brushmiller was no longer operating the business, as it had been sold to Jon Lane

Lane, who previously operated Brad-

dah Barney’s, told the board he took over The Globe four days after the noise complaints He said he’d worked in the weeks since to meet his neighbors and planned to be very responsive to any concerns

“I’m always at the business operating it,” he said “Literally 20 hours a day ”

Nichols said he primarily wanted to hear from Brushmiller, as the incident had occurred before Lane took over The Globe BLC member Marty Pusey pointed out The Globe’s license said no outdoor entertainment

Brushmiller said she didn’t realize Billy T would be considered entertainment since he was just playing music, not performing it And while she knew a DJ wasn’t allowed she said she felt what he was doing at The Globe didn’t rise to that level, as he was not engaging people or guiding them onto the dance floor She said he had no microphone so she didn’t consider him a DJ Nichols asked if Billy T was paid for his efforts

“I assume, probably,” she said “I’m not sure how he was paid ”

Nichols said he’d also like to hear from representatives of the Atlantic Hotel, as it was next to The Globe The hotel’s Laura Stearns said she had received complaints from hotel guests regarding the noise that day

Following a consultation with their attorney, Pusey and Nichols determined the situation did not rise to the occasion of a violation but told Brushmiller to be careful in the future

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Merchants Talk Festival Logistics, Concerns

OCEAN CITY – Downtown business owners say they want to work with town officials and organizers to address various concerns as planning progresses for this year ’s Oceans Calling Festival

On Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the performance lineup was announced for this year ’s Oceans Calling Festival, downtown business owners met with City Manager Terry McGean and Mayor Rick Meehan to share their concerns about a proposed footprint and point-of-sale (POS) system for the upcoming event

While business owners say they are excited to see the festival return in 2023, they want town officials and the promoter, C3 Presents, to work with merchants as planning progresses

“We want this event, and we are excited,” said Kevin Gibbs of The Dough Roller “We just want to make sure it’s done in a way that’s safe and fair for businesses ”

In an interview this week, Gibbs said Wednesday’s meeting allowed business owners to discuss logistics and ask questions He said merchants were concerned about the festival footprint, which would fence in the Boardwalk area from North Division Street to the Inlet He said the promoter is also proposing a point-of-sale system, which would be used within the festival area

“They would like to basically put a pointof-sale system into your building and have you pay There are so many logical issues to that , ” he said “We would have to train our entire staff on the new point-of-sale system, we wouldn’t be reimbursed until like 10 days before the festival, and they want to put a 15% vendor fee on top of total sales ”

Downtown merchants said those were just some of the many concerns voiced at Wednesday’s meeting Wendy DiBuo, who serves on the board for Windsor Resorts and whose family owns and operates the Cork Bar and Crawl Street Tavern, said she is eager to work with the town and the promoter to address the owners’ questions

“I am very excited to have an event of this magnitude come to Ocean City,” she said “I was also very pleased that the mayor and other town officials agreed to meet with the downtown business owners that will be directly affected by the Oceans Calling event Individual businesses as well as downtown business owners have questions and concerns about certain aspects of the event and had an opportunity to share them at the meeting ”

When reached for comment this week, McGean said he was pleased with the outcome of Wednesday’s meeting

“It was good to be able to get everyone together to, one, dispel a lot of rumors and, two, listen to the different genuine concerns of the business, which included the POS system (I think there was also some miscommunication on exactly what that meant) and the concert footprint,” he said “We will look to work with the promoter to address some of the concerns expressed at the meeting and then meet again in the near future ”

B Y B E T H A N Y H O O P E R ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ocean Cit y Seeks Grant Funds For Skate Park Reno

funds to the improvement project

SNOW HILL – The Town of Ocean City is seeking county support to update the Ocean Bowl Skate Park

As municipal representatives presented their annual grant requests to the Worcester County Commissioners last week, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan said the resort was seeking funding as it renovated the skate park He said the town was seeking $250,000 in Program Open Space funds to help pay for the expansion and renovation of the skate park

“If you want to go by one amenity that’s always busy it’s the skate park in Ocean City,” Meehan said “It’s time to redevelop, rebuild and expand that ”

Meehan told the commissioners the resort was in the process of moving forward with a $5 5 million downtown recreation project

“One of the components of that project is to redevelop, rebuild and expand the skateboard park,” he said “The Ocean City skate park is one of if not the oldest skateboard parks in the United States It has provided a recreational amenity for our residents and our visitors and all Worcester County kids ”

Meehan said the skate park renovation was estimated at $750,000 The resort is asking Worcester County to contribute $250,000 in Program Open Space

“We haven’t received any Open Space funds since 2017,” he said “The last time we received funding was in the amount of $20,000 We hope you’ll take that into consideration because I really believe that’s something that’ll help benefit all of us ”

In addition to the skate park funding, during last week’s grant request Meehan told the commissioners the resort was seeking a 5% increase in its unrestricted grant

Last year, the town received an unrestricted grant of $2,616,056 He said the 5% increase about $130,803 would help the town with growing personnel and infrastructure costs

“Everything we seem to do in municipal government has gone up dramatically over the past couple years,” Meehan said

He added that Ocean City was not seeking an increase in its grants for tourism, recreation, the Ocean City Downtown Corporation, the convention bureau, or park and ride

“We’re not asking for any increases just that those continue to be funded,” he said

Meehan said Ocean City also appreciated the county’s efforts to support EMS costs in West Ocean City He said the formula used to reimburse the town in 2022 had worked well

“We’d like to continue with that for-

mula moving on to FY 24,” he said “The total cost to provide the service over and above grants received was $354,212 We’d like to request that amount to cover those costs, as the formula would indicate ”

The resort is also requesting $80,000 from the county to help expand the City Watch program, which is the network of cameras located throughout Ocean City

“Public safety remains our number one priority , ” Meehan said “Those cameras have been extremely important for our Ocean City Police Department and for the Worcester County Sheriff’s

Department and other agencies when they’re in Ocean City, to reconstruct accidents to be able to identify people who have committed crimes, who have left crime scenes ”

He added that the cameras had been invaluable during unruly car rallies in the past

“We want to continue to expand that program, which we think benefits everybody and we would like to request some help and assistance with that in the amount of $80,000,” he said “I think that really helps and assists law enforcement throughout Worcester County ”

Berlin To Seek Funding For Bike Path Along Railroad Tracks

B Y C H A R L E N E S H A R P E ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town will continue to pursue plans for a bike path along the railroad tracks through Berlin

Members of the Berlin Town Council this week agreed they wanted to continue seeking funding through the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Bikeways program to build a path in the rightof-way along the railroad tracks While the Bikeways program would pay for the bulk of the project, the town would be responsible for 25% of the cost

“Tonight this was put on as a discussion item so you’re aware in your budget talks this is coming,” Planning Director Dave Engelhart said

Engelhart told the council the town had been working on the bike path project for several years Berlin initially received grant funding from the Bikeways program for

design services in 2017 At that time Davis, Bowen and Friedel designed a 14-foot path with landscaped buffers to go within the easterly portion of the Maryland Delaware Railroad’s right-of-way through town The path is designed to be built in two phases, with the first phase going from Heron Park to Broad Street and the second phase going from Broad Street to the town’s boundary at Evans Road

“The total of the two phases comes to $1,263,000,” Engelhart said

With the 25% match required from the town, Berlin would have to spend $315,819 Engelhart said that if the town was permitted by Worcester County to carry forward the funding the county commissioners awarded for the project in previous years when the town tried to get a Bikeways grant, the town would only be $86,135 short

Councilman Jack Orris asked why the town’s previous grant applications to the program had been unsuccessful

Engelhart said he and Town Administrator Mary Bohlen, along with Mayor Zack Tyndall, had met via Zoom with MDOT representatives to discuss the town’s prior applications

“They were looking for more complete engineering,” Engelhart said

He added that they also wanted to see input from the Maryland State Highway Administration as far as signage He added that they’d also had some questions for the railroad

Engelhart said staff had made an effort to clear up all the questions so that this year ’s application would be successful

He noted that seeking the grant was a competitive process and that some jurisdictions that had been successful in recent years had projects that were already underway

In response to specific questions about the path, Engelhart said it would be located on the left side of the tracks if you were looking south

Orris asked how it would affect properties on West Street Engelhart explained that the entire path would be within the existing railroad right-of-way

“They’ve given us the easterly most portion of 14 feet for an access agreement,” he said “We’re allowed to build this within that 14 feet ”

Tyndall said that because the streets in historic Berlin were so narrow, pursing this bike path was the best option the town had for increasing accessibility for bicycles He acknowledged $1 2 million was a significant amount of money but pointed out that the town was only responsible for a quarter of the cost Of that 25% Berlin will pay, the county has technically provided half

“The total match from us is about 12 5%,” he said

When staff asked if officials wanted to pursue phase one, phase two or both phases, Tyndall said the town should pursue both at once Engelhart said in that case, the town would soon need to send a letter of intent to MDOT

Tyndall said this was the third fiscal year in a row the town would budget for the project and that he was hopeful it would get accomplished this time

The council is expected to formally approve a motion to apply for the Bikeways grant in the coming weeks

A rendering by Davis, Bowen and Friedel shows the proposed bike path where it meets Evans Road Image courtesy of Davis Bowen and Friedel

Sidewalk Project Begins In Fenwick

FENWICK ISLAND – The first phase of a sidewalk construction project in Fenwick Island commenced this week

On Tuesday, crews with A-Del Construction began work on a long-awaited sidewalk project in Fenwick Island Officials say the contractor has started at Indian Street, in front of Warren’s Station restaurant, and will move south to Dagsboro Street in the coming weeks

“With good weather, we are hoping ADel can do one block a week,” a social media post from the town reads

A town-led sidewalk construction project began in earnest last year, when the Fenwick Island Town Council signed off on a contract with Century Engineering to begin design work for the first phase of construction With more than $600,000 set aside, officials say the town will be able to install sidewalks along five bayside blocks from Dagsboro to Indian streets

“Former Mayor (Vicki) Carmean had worked during her tenure to push the state to build sidewalks and, when the state failed to do so, obtained funding from Representative Ron Gray and the Sussex County Council,” the town said in a social media statement “With the money obtained, the town can construct five blocks of sidewalk in our northwest area of our commercial district that will benefit pedestrians as well as our businesses ”

Officials say the sidewalk construction project has been 20 years in the making And while the town has secured funding for the first phase of construction, officials say they will continue to work with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to install walkways along the remainder of Coastal Highway

“I had some good discussions with them, and I have a commitment from their lead engineer that he is going to put us on the list for funding for engineering studies in the 2024 cycle with the hope that if all goes well we will be on the list for funding for the rest of the town sidewalks in 2025, with bids going out in May,” Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said last month

Officials say the goal of the sidewalk construction project is to make Fenwick Island safe for pedestrians and improve access to local businesses

The first phase of the project calls for 5-foot-wide, ADA-compliant sidewalks, as well as a buffer area between the sidewalk and neighboring commercial properties Officials are also hoping the project will encourage DelDOT officials to support a state-led sidewalk project in town

“We are hoping by doing these four or five blocks, it will show DelDOT we are serious about this, and that they will finish the rest,” Councilman Ed Bishop, a member of the town’s pedestrian safety committee, said in January

Berlin Residents Express Frustration Over Drainage Issues

BERLIN – Residents shared stormwater concerns with Berlin’s elected officials this week

On Monday, several residents from Henry’s Mill approached the council to share concerns about stormwater related to the nearby Henry’s Green neighborhood They’re hoping the town will step in to address drainage problems

“We’ve come to meetings with all kinds of people since 2004, and with various people working with the stormwater system, the various mayors along the way,” resident Candi Combs said “Nothing has happened ”

Councilman Jack Orris initially brought up the issue of stormwater at this week’s meeting, suggesting a presentation from the town’s stormwater engineer regard-

ing existing stormwater features in town He said he had questions about ditches and who should maintain them as well as stormwater inspections

“I’ve mentioned before how I think we should do an overview of the utility,” he said, pointing out that what affected one part of the system affected the entire system “I just think we need to sit down and hammer it out and talk about it ”

He said he’d like to see Darl Kolar, the town’s stormwater consultant, address the issue in a presentation Mayor Zack Tyndall suggested that wait until Kolar was attending a meeting anyway

“Each year we have Darl come up and give an overview of where the stormwater utility is as a whole,” Tyndall said “Each time we bring him in it’s not free We do get billed It does erode the capabilities of the fund to be able to use his time for other things I think these are all really good

things but maybe it’s best to coincide this request when he comes before us ”

Orris said the town had allocated some of its American Rescue Plan Act funding for stormwater Tyndall agreed that it had but said that funding was being targeted for certain projects

When the public comment portion of the meeting arrived, stormwater again became the focus of discussion

Jim Herman, a resident of Henry’s Mill Drive, said he consistently had drainage issues on his property He says those issues are caused by neighboring Henry’s Green

“It’s not fair for the Henry’s Mill people to have to pay for that,” he said “It’s not their development that caused the problem We need help ”

Tyndall said the issue technically was one for the Henry’s Mill homeowners association Ted Eschenburg, another Hen-

ry’s Mill resident, said the problem was that Henry’s Green didn’t have a homeowners association while Henry’s Mill did

“There’s not an association over there where we can talk to them about it , ” he said “It’s not fair for everybody in Henry’s Mill to be paying for all the water from Henry’s Green ”

Westminster Drive resident Mary Hedlesky said drainage was a problem in her neighborhood too one that increased every time people added a shed or a garden or any other feature that impacted drainage She said there were countless flooding issues created by all of the development in the area

Combs told the council she was one of the first people to move into Henry’s Mill

“When Henry’s Mill was developed, it was with the intention of developing phase two, which would be Henry’s Green,” she said “The pond in Henry’s Mill was supposed to be sized to take the stormwater for both communities The development over in Henry’s Green was sold to a different developer Nothing was ever done ”

As a result, she and her neighbors have been asking for help since 2004

“People have been asking the town to get a shared facility agreement with Henry’s Green to get help from Henry’s Green on the maintenance of our stormwater pond,” she said

Tyndall asked staff to reach out to Kolar to see if homeowners associations could pursue grants He said it was tricky for the municipality to go onto private property but felt that maybe funding could be allocated to the homeowners association so it could address the issue

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said most grants lately were targeted at improving water quality

“That’s a scientific measure,” she said “They’re looking at nutrients removed from the system If they’re somewhat closed systems they’re not contributing to water quality They’re not considered for grants ”

Tyndall said that nevertheless he’d like staff to determine if there were any options for homeowners associations He said he hoped the town could come up with way to leverage a little bit of funding that homeowners associations could apply for

Orris said maybe the problems could be looked at from a flooding mitigation standpoint

“We can get into the weeds of ditches and all that, but the fundamental thing is a lot of concrete and the weather ’s changing,” he said

Councilman Jay Knerr asked if the town had a map of ditches in the area Bohlen said it was in the process of being developed

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said she was sure some sort of solution could be found

“We are not the only people dealing with these kinds of issues in this country , ” she said “It’s probably going to require a lot of digging I’m sorry you ladies and gentlemen have to deal with this because of the growth that’s happening ”

Study Identifies Fenwick Flood Risks

FENWICK ISLAND – A draft resiliency study has identified short- and long-term solutions to the impacts of sea level rise in Fenwick Island

On Tuesday, the Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee reviewed the results of a town-wide resiliency study Funded by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and conducted by AECOM, the study outlines the community’s risk to sea level rise and projects that could enhance the town’s resiliency

“The Town of Fenwick Island is particularly at risk to sea level rise (SLR) due to its geographical location of being bound by the Little Assawoman Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east,” the study reads “Fenwick Island’s proximity to both bodies of water make it highly susceptible to daily tidal inundation and tidal surges during inclement weather and storm events Future SLR projections depict nearly 82% of existing buildings located to the west of Route 1 as being inundated twice daily and 43% of all roadways becoming inundated during high tide by the year 2080 ”

In December 2021, the town selected AECOM to complete GIS mapping of Fenwick Island and develop short- and long-term solutions to sea level rise and flooding And while engineers agreed to come forward with recommendations for flood mitigation at the end of 2022, committee members this week received its first full presentation

The study presented Tuesday not only identified recent and ongoing resiliency initiatives, but proposed actions to alleviate flooding

“The Town will need to take immediate action in addition to plan for longterm projects to increase overall resiliency,” the study reads “Seventeen recommended actions and activities were recognized as being beneficial to the Town of Fenwick Island to implement ”

Proposed short-term projects recommended by AECOM include code updates that specify bulkheads and standards, drainage improvements and participation in future storm risk studies Action items to be completed by 2060 include raising bulkheads, homes and streets, while action items to be completed by 2080 include elevating properties and constructing a structural dune, or seawall

“Creation of a structural dune would be a very large undertaking and would need to be a joint project between the Town, State and the USACE (U S Army Corps of Engineers),” the study reads “Should a structural dune be installed, it should be done so in tandem with a scheduled beach replenishment project allowing time for the dune to stabilize from the planting of beach grasses ”

In addition to reviewing the study,

committee members this week forwarded a favorable recommendation to the town council to hire a surveyor to identify the water elevation at the end of bayside streets as the town considers design standards for bulkheads

“This way the town can start discussing how we can get there, funding, etc and if in fact it is what the majority of the town wants to do,” Councilman Richard Benn, committee chair, said “The surveyor would also provide the heights of a sampling of the existing bulkheads for the committee and any future engineering use ”

In October, AECOM representatives presented the committee with water inundation maps, which showed 12% of bayside roads being inundated by 2060 and 33% of bayside roads being inundated by 2070 The town’s most troubled areas, representatives explained, were North Schulz Road, South Schulz Road and Dagsboro Street, which could see the most flooding in the coming decades

“You’ll see in 2070 you start seeing large areas of the bayside starting to be impacted on a daily basis Some of the areas are under two feet of water during the high tide cycle,” Project Manager Kyle Gulbronson said at the time “You get to 2080, and you have significant impacts on the bayside, anywhere from a foot to two-and-a-half feet of flooding per day ”

Students Advance To SkillsUSA State Competition

NEWARK – Dozens of local students will travel to Baltimore this month to compete in the SkillsUSA Maryland State Championships

Eighty-two students will participate in 35 contests March 24-25 as they show off their job skills to judges representing industries like masonry, advertising, computer programming, welding and web design

“We have a good number of students competing,” said Richard Stephens, SkillsUSA advisor at Worcester Technical High School “The kids seem to be very excited The ultimate goal is to go to the SkillsUSA national competition in Atlanta in June ”

Stephens, who teaches welding at Worcester Technical High School, has spent years coordinating the school’s SkillsUSA program While the pandemic temporarily transformed the annual competition into a virtual event, the state resumed its usual programming last year While Worcester Tech’s participant level dropped in the wake of the pandemic, Stephens says numbers are climbing again and he expects the school to return to preCOVID participation rates by next year Students are as eager as ever to learn job skills in the careers they’re pursuing at the tech school

Senior Janaz Crawley, who hopes to become an educator, is in the teachers academy at Worcester Tech He heard of

the success of the SkillsUSA program at the school before he ever walked through the doors and knew he wanted to be a part of it

“I enjoy seeing my peers and other students work hard and participate in competitions they enjoy,” he said “It can give inspiration It can show that young students can be passionate and work hard ”

He said the program gave him confidence He participated in the prepared speech competition last year and this year is prepping for the job interview contest He’ll have to create a resume and go through the motions of applying for a job in Baltimore

“I do want to go into teaching, and I’d like to get a head start on how to be successful in the interview process,” he said

While categories like CSI and welding are always popular among Worcester Tech students, this year they’re showing off skills in some new areas, including drones and robotics urban search and rescue The school is even working with Stephen Decatur Middle School and Pocomoke Middle School to participate in the few competitions that allow younger students

It was one of those middle school competitions that launched senior Jessica Beck’s SkillsUSA career Beck, who is in

the pre-engineering program at Worcester Tech, is competing this year in the prepared speech contest She is also, however, the president of SkillsUSA Maryland and will open and close the overall conference This is the second year she has served as a state officer for the program, which she believes encompasses everything the technical high school tries to instill in students

“Students gain a lot from the experience of competing whether they win or lose,” she said

Aside from perfecting their job skills and competing against students from throughout the state, students in the Worcester Tech SkillsUSA program also volunteer together In November, they helped package meals for Mountaire Farms’ Thanksgiving for Thousands program and held a food drive to support the local food pantry In October, the students in the welding program built a bike rack for Buckingham Elementary School

The school’s SkillsUSA students have volunteered on an individual level as well Beck created a “Framework Friday” program to teach younger students the 17 elements of SkillsUSA Stephens says the program not only gives the students the chance to contribute to the community and learn skills that will serve them in their careers but also provides chances to earn scholarships and recognitions within their chosen fields

“It’s good for building them up to compete in real world trades,” he said

Worcester Technical High School student Devon Ours practices his welding in class Wednesday.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

OC Police Stats Reveal Steady Februar y Activit y

OCEAN CITY – Police activity remained consistent throughout the month of February

On Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented members of the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity for the month of February

Reviewing statistics from February of 2021, 2022 and 2023, Buzzuro noted that officer calls for service increased from 1,178 in 2021 and 1,141 in 2022 to 1,201 in 2023

Citizen calls for service increased from 450 in 2021 and 429 in 2022 to 455 in 2023

“We are right in line with where we were last year,” he said

In the top 25 calls for service, the Ocean City Police Department reported citizen assists decreased from 110 in 2022 to 84 in 2023, disorderly calls decreased from 33 to 22 and traffic stops increased from 565 to 671

“There’s nothing extremely glaring,” Buzzuro said “There’s a slight variance, a slight uptick, but nothing of true concern ”

The activity report also shows EMS assists increased from 32 to 51, while other police agency assists decreased from 61 to 39

“Within the top 25 calls for service, a number of those were assisting agencies and were fairly consistent with where we were last year,” Buzzuro said

Under February enforcement, custodial arrests decreased from 89 in 2022 to 76 in 2023, while drug arrests decreased from seven to four and DUI arrests increased from 19 to 21

Weapons arrests increased slightly from nine to 10 The department reported one firearm, seven knives and four other weapons

“It’s fairly consistent with where we were last year in February,” Buzzuro told the commission

Buzzuro this week also presented officials with the Ocean City Police Department’s annual report for 2022

“It’s a really, really good report,” he said “There’s a lot of good information and statistics, a lot of good highlights certainly touting our efforts ”

Presented each year to the Mayor and Council, the report not only details crime figures, but information on community events and activities within each police division

“I’m proud to report we did lower crime in 2022 in relation to the several years before that,” he said “We’re getting back down to levels we saw pre-COVID when we had record-low crime ”

Buzzuro said the annual report would be shared with the full Mayor and Council this month

“I’m very proud of our accomplishments in 2022,” he said

Hearing Deadline Set For Bus Fare Increase

OCEAN CITY – Officials say community members have until April 10 to request a hearing on a proposed bus fare increase

In a meeting of the Ocean City Transportation Committee Tuesday, Transit Manager Rob Shearman presented members with the timeline for increasing bus and tram fares With an implementation date of May 1, he said community members have until April 10 to submit a public hearing request relating to bus fare changes

“If that public hearing is requested, we will notify the council and intend to hold that hearing on the April 17, 6 p m meeting of the Mayor and City Council,” he said Earlier this month, the Mayor and Council had before them favorable recommendations from the transportation committee to raise the town’s bus and tram fares by $1

“Considering the increase in expenses and fuel and the drivers and the cost of providing the service, we felt that these recommendations were warranted,” Mayor Rick Meehan, committee liaison, said at the time

Officials say increasing the tram fare from $4 to $5 would result in additional revenues of $94,885, while increasing the bus fare from $3 to $4 would result in additional revenues of $390,545

At the recommendation of the committee, the council voted 5-1 to increase bus and tram fares by $1, with an implementation date of May 1

“Obviously the tram fare increase has been approved by the council and there’s no additional steps we need to take other than signage,” Shearman told committee members this week “So that’s on target for a May 1 rollout ”

Shearman noted, however, that the transportation department had contacted

the Maryland Transit Administration regarding the town’s intentions to increase the bus fare and its efforts to solicit public comments by April 10

“That’s the deadline,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins added “If we receive nothing in writing by that date, at that time, there’s no need for a public hearing ”

Shearman said notices have been posted online, in print and at bus shelters and stations Should a public hearing be requested, he said the town would still have time to make any necessary changes before the start of the summer season

“That still gives us a couple weeks to update signage and be ready to roll out the May 1 start date,” he explained

The committee this week also reviewed the transportation department’s recruitment efforts for bus and tram drivers Shearman said that while the department was ahead on tram driver recruitment, it lagged in ticket seller applications

SUNDAY FUNDAY!

count y to rehab Basketball cour ts in pocomoke

SNOW HILL – Worcester County is expected to partner with Worcester County Public Schools to rehabilitate the basketball courts at Pocomoke Middle School

The Worcester County Commissioners last week approved plans from the county’s recreation and parks department to use Program Open Space funding to improve the basketball courts at Pocomoke Middle School

“It’s been a real collaborative effort for this to be accomplished,” said Commissioner Caryn Abbott, who represents the Pocomoke area “I am thrilled for Pocomoke, the kids and the community I think it’s a very special project ”

Kelly Rados, director of recreation and parks, told the commissioners last week she was requesting permission to move forward with planning and rehabilitating the basketball courts at Pocomoke Middle School For several years, the county has looked unsuccessfully for a site for a walkable park for the youth of Pocomoke Instead, she said she and her staff wanted to use the Program Open Space funding they’d set aside for that to improve the basketball courts at the middle school

“Program Open Space development funds can be used on board of education property contingent on the approval of the board of education and signing of an MOU allowing joint use,” she said “Going

this route would eliminate the need for the county to acquire any land ”

She said the county had $300,000 in funding available and Pocomoke City had agreed to contribute $15,000

“We are very, very excited,” Pocomoke City Councilman Todd Nock said

Commissioner Ted Elder asked if the school system would contribute to maintenance costs Staff said that could be explored but Abbott said she’d specifically asked the recreation and parks department to handle maintenance

“Everything they have is kept in impeccable shape,” she said “This is an area that’s going to be very important to maintain I really would rather that they main-

tain it ”

Commissioner Eric Fiori praised the project

“It’s amazing for the community,” he said, adding that he’d toured the courts “It is a facility that has been kind of neglected for years To bring that back up, and bring some pride to the community of Pocomoke I just think this is a wonderful project and I’d love to see it move forward ”

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the project Rados said the next steps would include meeting with the Worcester County Board of Education and submitting an application to the state for approval

Worcester County Recreation and Parks is expected to rehab the basketball cour t at Pocomoke Middle School. This rendering of a Multi-Spor t Cour t shows what the finished product should look like . Submitted Image

Juveniles Assaulted

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man faces assault charges this week after getting physical with a juvenile disrespecting his mother

Ocean City police responded to an Ocean City hotel at 10:18 p m on March 11 in reference to a domestic assault Police observed two occupants – later identified as 16- and 13-year-old juveniles – of a hotel room storm out toward a stairwell as they approached The assault had reportedly taken place within the room

Police were able to catch up with the 16-year-old who told police he was upset with his mother because he was to babysit his younger siblings He admitted to disrespecting his mom and calling her a “clown,” according to police reports The juvenile alleged his stepfather, Russell J Cray, 51, of Gaithersburg, Md , overheard

COPS &

the argument and became upset According to the juvenile, Cray began to choke him with the battle spilling out into the hotel hallway The younger juvenile tried to intervene to help his big brother When Cray turned his attention to the younger sibling, the 16-year-old juvenile then fought off Cray, who left the hotel in a rented vehicle

March Into Our Madness

Police were able to locate Cray and another juvenile nearby During police questioning, Cray said the 16-year-old juvenile instigated the fight with him after he tried to intervene in the argument between the minor and his mother Cray said he pushed the juvenile because he was reaching into a bag for what he feared to be a weapon Cray said the juvenile jumped on his back and began striking him Cray was charged with first- and second-degree assault as a result of the incident

Domestic Assault Alleged

OCEAN CITY – A domestic dispute in north Ocean City last weekend resulted in the male facing assault charges

A domestic assault was reported to police via a 911 call on March 12 at 7:04 p m Ocean City police responded to a residence off 144th Street and contacted the victim who reported to police she had been assaulted by her husband, later identified as Paul Burton, 64, of Ocean City Visible injuries to the woman’s face were noticed by police Interviews with the suspect and victim resulted in conflicting reports, but police concluded based on their training the woman had been struck in the jaw by the male suspect during a dispute

Burton was charged with second degree assault

Parade Day Arrests

OCEAN CITY – Two Maryland men were charged with second degree assault after fighting with police officers last weekend

On March 11 at around 6 p m , Ocean City police responded to a disturbance outside a midtown hotel involving three individuals arguing, including Mark Fitzpatrick, 56, of Grasonville, Md , and Kyle Fitzpatrick, 29, of Grasonville, Md Police observed Kyle Fitzpatrick was holding a folding knife upon approach with the blade out in an “enraged state,” per police reports Upon being ordered to drop the knife, Kyle Fitzpatrick complied Mark Fitzpatrick then approached to retrieve

the knife when a police officer pushed him away from it Mark Fitzpatrick became aggressive after being touched by police Kyle Fitzpatrick then began fighting two police officers trying to put him in handcuffs Another officer used his Taser to unsuccessfully subdue Kyle Fitzpatrick Police also used a Taser on Mark Fitzpatrick as he tried to intervene in Kyle Fitzpatrick’s arrest becoming physical with police officers At the same time, as the situation was escalating, another Taser strike on Kyle Fitzpatrick was ineffective with only one probe hitting him and another striking an officer A second deployment was effective enough to allow police to arrest the younger Fitzpatrick

Both Mark and Kyle Fitzpatrick were ultimately charged with second degree assault, disturbing the peace and resisting arrest

Breaking Into Closed Business

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man was arrested last Saturday trying to break into a closed business he believed was a friend’s residence

On March 11 at about 8:50 p m , William Will, 24, of Rockville, was discovered at a midtown restaurant, which was closed for the season, attempting to gain entry to the restaurant’s kitchen An alarm alerted police of the disturbance

When questioned by police, Will, who was without shoes and pants, told police his friend lived at the development and later admitted not knowing where he was because he was inebriated

Will was charged with breaking and entering

Arrested For Fighting

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man was arrested for striking a man with a tripod during an argument last weekend

Shortly after midnight on March 12, police were dispatched to a restaurant on 91st Street for a fight in progress As police arrived on the scene, the restaurant doors swung open and officers observed Antonio B Hardy, 49, of Windsor Mill, Md , chasing another man and ultimately hitting him with a “large metal tripod used for musical equipment,” according to police reports The incident was captured on a police officer ’s body camera

After hitting the victim, Hardy returned to the inside of the restaurant, causing concern among the other patrons Police issued a Taser strike on Hardy to ensure a peaceful arrest Hardy was charged with second degree assault and disturbing the peace

Berlin Animal Control Code Changes Sought

BERLIN – Municipal staff are expected to review and potentially update the animal control section of Berlin’s town code in the coming weeks

Members of the Berlin Planning Commission asked staff to review the town code as it pertains to animals following concerns shared by a resident March 8

Resident Gina Velong urged the commission to bring the code up to date

“Why can’t we be proactive?” she said at the commission’s March meeting

Velong approached the commission Wednesday to share her concerns with the town code, which currently doesn’t even have an animal control section

Instead, it has a section labeled “Dogs” that lacks the detail included in most jurisdictions’ regulations

“Things have changed the idea of a pet has changed,” she said, referencing the loose potbellied pig that was spotted walking down the sidewalk on Powellton Avenue recently

Velong said the town could easily adopt language similar to that recently approved by Worcester County

“They’ve already done all the hard work,” she said

At a minimum, she suggested the town update the code to address more than dogs and to include relevant definitions Fines could also be explored

“If you give someone a monetary punishment, they tend not to do it again,” she said

Commission member Pete Cosby said he’d had issues with dogs in town for years

“It’s not the dog problem, it’s the people problem,” he said “I think you make good points about tightening up the code ”

He agreed that the code could include penalties that were easier to enforce

Velong said Berlin’s code simply wasn’t clear enough

“Our codes are not written poorly, they’re just not enough,” she said

Cosby said dog barking was another problem in Berlin

“It’s been a degradation of my quality of life in this town since I’ve lived here,” he said “I’ve had to fight it all the way Some people just don’t get it ”

Commission member Ron Cascio acknowledged that the code probably should be brought up to date regarding domestic animals

“I take your point, the town is growing,” he said “It’s not going to get any better ”

Chris Denny, chair of the commission, said he’d like the town’s attorney to weigh in on the proposed changes

Staff agreed to work with Velong to implement some of the proposed changes and then to have the town’s attorney review those changes

Mayor Speaks: Mayor Zack Tyndall speaks to four th graders from Buckingham Elementary School at Berlin Town Hall on March 10 The students’ visit came as the Maryland Municipal League prepares to host its annual “Mayors Essay Contest,” which is open to four th graders throughout the state and encourages them to write about the actions they would take if they were mayor.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Your Counter top Specialists

Commercial Boat Ramp Permit Reviewed

SNOW HILL– Worcester County officials continue to explore the creation of a commercial use permit for local boat landings

The Worcester County Commissioners asked staff last week to continue adjusting a proposal to create a special use permit for the county’s boat landings While commissioners said they wanted to have a policy in place, several expressed concerns that the proposal as presented was too restrictive

“We’ve got to start somewhere and get these boat ramps under control,”

Commissioner Jim Bunting said Kelly Rados, the county’s director of recreation and parks, told the commissioners last week the special use permit proposed would give commercial users a process to follow for using the boat ramps The user would submit an application that would allow them to request up to five specific dates to use a boat ramp

SINC E 1982

“They’d be allowed to submit only five applications per calendar year,” Rados said

A $50 application fee would cover administrative costs associated with the permit program Applications would be submitted to the recreation and parks department and would be brought before the commissioners for final approv-

Rados noted that any commercial use would have to meet Maryland Department of Natural Resources conditions Those include not creating a conflict with the general boating public, not interfering with the needs of recreational boaters and not causing damage to the ramp and facility

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic asked if boat dealers and boat repair shops would have to apply for permits Rados said they would need to apply if the permit program was approved She said the commissioners had previously told her they didn’t want to create an annual use permit

“So boat dealers and repair shops are not supposed to be using our boat ramps in the county?” Mitrecic asked

Rados said she didn’t believe so.

“That’s a commercial operation,” she said

Commissioner Eric Fiori objected

“I can say as a boat dealer I’d consider myself an expert on this situation,” he said “The boat dealers going to boat ramps are doing a service for our residents They’re not doing it as a straight thing as far as profit goes ”

He said many vacation neighborhoods didn’t allow residents to keep boat trailers

“These dealers are not parking at the boat ramps,” he said “They’re in and out and they’re professionals ”

Fiori added that he felt the special use permit policy should incorporate a bond requirement for marine construction in case ramps or facilities were damaged He also felt the policy should address guide and charter service

“We can’t be filling up our parking spots,” he said “It’s a very, very different use and I think what we need to do is identify what is commercial use and what is not commercial use. Really we need to go back to the drawing board on this and really define some of those fine items ”

Commissioner Chip Bertino suggested staff make changes to the policy based on the discussion regarding boat dealers

“I think that’s very stringent personally I think we need to evaluate that,” he said

Bunting said he didn’t think the permit should be required for boat dealers or users such as crabbers.

“That’s not the person I have a problem with,” he said “I don’t call that commercial use a boat dealer taking a person for a test ride on a boat and unloading it ”

He agreed that the bond issue raised by Fiori should be explored as well

“I’m very concerned about damage to our boat ramps,” he said “I do think we need to look at it a little bit closer ”

The commissioners voted 4-3, with Mitrecic, Commissioner Ted Elder and Commissioner Diana Purnell opposed, to have staff address the concerns shared and return to the commissioners with recommendations

B Y C H A R L E N E S H A R P E ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Police, Lifeguard Recruitment Continues

OCEAN CITY – Officials last week took the first steps in formalizing amendments to a contract between the Mayor and City Council and the town’s firefighter-paramedics union

Last week, the council voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance to formally adopt changes to the recently negotiated International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 4269 contract

The amendments increase the pension plan contribution amount from 8% to 9% for certain participants, provide a temporary Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) for certain participants, and extend retiree health care benefits to IAFF members hired after 2013

In January, resort officials signed an agreement to extend the existing IAFF contract through June 2027 Typically, the town and union collectively bargain for a new IAFF contract every three years

However, the informal extension bypassed that process

“Some time ago, President [Ryan]

Whittington approached the Mayor and Council and the city manager about amending the existing IAFF contract,” City Manager Terry McGean said in January “We all decided the best approach was to look at it a little more informally instead of locking ourselves in the conference room with two lawyers ”

Amendments approved on first reading last week include an increase in the pension plan contribution amount from 8% to 9% The change would apply to each participant hired on or after July 1, 2023, who is covered by the IAFF agreement

“Each Participant hired on or after July 1, 2023, who is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement (i e , currently the Public Safety Command Staff), shall make contributions to the Plan equal to 8% of the Participant’s Compensation until his or her Termination Date,” the amendment reads

The changes also provide a temporary DROP program and extend retiree health care benefits for those IAFF members hired after 2013

The three amendments come with an estimated cost of $320,000 over a period of five years

Whittington told officials in January the union and the town were able to bypass the lengthy collective bargaining process by negotiating in good faith

“Our fire department benefits from productive partnerships between our government leaders and its employees , ” he said at the time “The cooperation leads to more effective and efficient delivery of emergency services It comes from, and continues, an increasingly harmonious relationship between all of those charged with keeping residents and visitors safe This cooperation arises from a union that steadfastly works to identify the most pressing issues for its membership and to identify solutions to those issues ”

OCEAN CITY – An update on police and lifeguard recruitment efforts highlighted this week’s meeting of a resort commission

On Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro and Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald presented the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on recruitment efforts for the coming summer season

As testing concludes, Buzzuro said he believes the number of seasonal officers and public safety aides (PSAs) would be consistent with workforce numbers in 2022

“It's been sluggish all along, but in the last testing date we actually saw more public safety aides come out than we did last year in March,” he said

For decades, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has enhanced its work-

force with seasonal officers and PSAs during the summer months And while interest in the seasonal program gained some momentum two years ago, recruitment, particularly for PSAs, continued to lag

“This year we’re seeing fewer failures,” Buzzuro reported this week

Through the most recent March testing date, the police department reported having 88 seasonal officer applicants, with 24 total failures, 13 conditional hires and 33 remaining in the process Last year, OCPD had 115 total applicants and 42 hires, five of which were returning to the force

“The number on the seasonal officer side will be fairly close to where we were last year,” Buzzuro said

In terms of PSA recruitment, the department reported having 40 applicants with five total failures, 18 conditional hires and 23 remaining in the process Last year, OCPD had 50 applicants and 48 hires, 20 of which were returning PSAs

Compared to last year, Buzzuro said the number of returning seasonal officers had increased from five to six, while the number of returning PSAs had decreased from 20 to nine He noted, however, that the department had yet to hear responses from five seasonal officers and six PSAs

“If you look at the combination of both, optimistically we could be fairly close to where we were last year in terms of the number of seasonal officers and public safety aides,” he said “I don’t think we’re going to go over that ”

In his report this week, Theobald said efforts continue to recruit new lifeguards ahead of the coming summer season

“Again, I don’t want it to sound as if we’re not going to get where we need to be,” he said “But I am also looking at how we are going to handle the summer because we need X number of guards to be able to guard this beach every day Knock on wood we’ll get where we need to be ”

Former Councilman Debates OC Petition Cer tification

whole actually come out and vote here in the town ”

OCEAN CITY – A local resident came before resort leaders last week seeking a review in the way petitions are certified

During last week’s public comment period of the Mayor and Council meeting, Ocean City resident and former councilman Vince Gisriel came forward with his concerns about the town’s petition process

As one of two residents to launch a petition for referendum last year, Gisriel said he was seeking certification changes from the Board of Supervisors of Elections

“I think it’s important we revisit the way petitions are being looked at by the local board and go the extra mile to certify,” he said “We shouldn’t have people rejected who are legitimately on the rolls and

In late 2021, a divided council approved an ordinance that would gradually scale up the percentage of room tax revenue dedicated to destination marketing, advertising, special events and the like over a period of years For his part, Gisriel challenged the ordinance on the grounds the increases dedicated to marketing and advertising would grow those budgets at a rate faster than the general fund growth

To that end, Gisriel launched a petition for referendum last year to bring the issue to the town’s voters The city charter requires signatures representing 40% of those who voted in the last municipal election to put the referendum question on the ballot

In ratifying petition signatures last April, the town’s Board of Supervisors of

Elections reported Gisriel collected 807 signatures, well beyond the 612 that were required Thirteen were deemed invalid

He told the Mayor and Council last week he did not think much of those 13 signatures until last December, when the local elections board reported the results of another petition for referendum led by local resident Margaret Pillas

“When Margaret got her results, and lost about 190 [signatures], it really got my attention , ” he said “She was following the same game plan I was, going door to door She even did another internal audit matching signature lists against the voter rolls ”

Gisriel told council members his review of the data suggested 136 of those names were found on the voter rolls for the previous election, and that 54 of them voted in the previous election

“When they reviewed it a second time, there were 58 signatures lost,” he said

A similar review of his own petition results showed Gisriel had lost 12 signatures

“Out of those 12 names, eight of those 12 names appeared on the town rolls as of the Election Day,” he said “Two of those eight voted that day One of the eight voted, but I learned later they didn’t register until sometime in the summer, so it was a valid dismissal ”

Gisriel pointed out a resolution passed in 2021 recognized the county’s election board maintains the voter registry list However, it does not certify the petitions

“I think you really have to begin to look and address how the election board is monitoring these petitions,” he said “For example, one of the names I lost appeared two lines below on the petition from what appears to be their spouse The point I’m making is there are other ways to certify a name, like by looking at the address ”

He added that a review of the voter rolls showed roughly 247 move-away residents and 14 deceased individuals appeared on the voter rolls as of the last election

“I bring this up because the right to vote is a sacred right we all share and enjoy, but the right to sign a petition is equally as sacred,” he said “When a group of citizens come together because they feel aggrieved about an ordinance or situation and they collectively submit a petition to referendum, they are exercising their First Amendment rights under the Constitution to petition their government for redress of grievances ”

He continued, “What I find interesting is given the number of votes you gentlemen and Ms [Carol] Proctor have gathered over the last two election cycles, I dare say that some of the very people that were rejected by the board of elections here in town voted for you gentlemen ”

Gisriel reiterated he thought it was important for officials to revisit the way local boards look at petitions

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury noted the board was independent of the Mayor and Council, and by extension the city manager, city solicitor and city clerk

“I have spoken with them and they take their role incredibly seriously and they strive to always do the best thing,” she said “Certainly, as times have changed, and with the charter amendment Mr Gisriel refers to, I think it acknowledges that the board of elections that they need to consider some updated practices I am aware they are meeting soon to do that and adopt certain policies and procedures, which may address some of Mr Gisriel’s concerns, perhaps not all of them ”

She said the board was aware of the concerns relating to the last two referendum petitions and intended to address them

“I would also note that when the discrepancies that Mr Gisreal brought to you tonight came to the board’s attention, it very much wanted to correct the record,” she said, “and those records have been corrected ”

Pines House Fire Ruled Accidental

OCEAN PINES – Officials say a closed door stopped a recent house fire in Ocean Pines from doing more damage

At around 4:49 p m last Wednesday, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) was dispatched for a reported house fire on Hickory Way Upon arrival, crews reported smoke showing from the two-story single-family home

Showell, Berlin, and Bishopville fire departments were requested to assist with the initial dispatch OPVFD Chief Steve Grunewald was first on scene and advised of a two-story structure with smoke showing from the roof and requested an additional engine response from Ocean City

Firefighters were quickly able to bring the fire, which originated in a secondfloor bedroom, under control A joint investigation was then conducted by the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Ocean Pines Police Department and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team

“The exact cause of the fire is considered accidental from improperly discarded smoking materials,” a news release from the fire marshal’s office reads “Smoke alarms were present at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported ”

In a statement last week, OPVFD Public Information Officer Lt Joe Enste reported the owner of the residence was home at the time of the fire

“They smelled and observed smoke coming from a bedroom on the second floor and quickly evacuated with their pet and called 911,” he said

Officials say the incident demonstrated the importance of working smoke alarms and closed doors While the home suffered smoke, heat and water damage, most of the fire damage was isolated to the second-floor bedroom because the door was closed

“Closed doors and smoke alarms can make a significant difference when a fire

breaks out,” Enste said “Closing a bedroom door can help protect occupants from toxic smoke, heat, and flames during a fire Additionally, smoke alarms should be located inside all bedrooms/sleeping areas as well as outside all sleeping areas This will ensure that no matter if a fire starts behind a closed door or in a common area, occupants will be alerted quicker and have more time to evacuate ”

Firefighters are pictured on the scene of a house fire in Ocean Pines last Wednesday. Officials say the blaze was caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.

Photo Courtesy of Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department

B Y B E T H A N Y H O O P E R

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those

Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Linda Trimble, Bonnie Bunting, Bootsy Fletcher and Mary Alice Watson volunteered at a dinner at Stevenson United Methodist Church.

Rick Farr and Stuar t Lakernick attended a fundraiser for the Worcester County Veterans Memorial.

Judy Giffin is pictured with Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino and his wife Susan at a fundraiser for the Worcester County Veterans Memorial

Bob Murray and Charlie Bailey help out at a crabcake dinner at Stevenson United Methodist Church

Ken and Lois Ingram checked in attendees at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial fundraiser last Friday

Ellen Howse and Susan Hardy paused for a photo at an event benefiting the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation

Sharon Hilty and Pat Hammond are pictured at a fundraiser for the Worcester County Veterans Memorial

Frank Kerber, a docent at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial, and his wife Melanie are pictured at a charity event benefitting the memorial foundation

Susan Pantone and Mar y Adair attended a fundraiser for the Worcester County Veterans Memorial

Barry Neeb helps serve crabcake dinners at Stevenson United Methodist Church

Hiring Event

BERLIN

i g Burton Auto Group is preparing for the opening of their new Chevrolet showroom in Berlin with a hiring event on March 17-18

The event will be open from 10 a m to 3 p m both days

“We are looking to fill several positions on our staff in order to meet the demands of our local customers,” said Jaime Parker, human resources manager of the i g Burton Auto Group “Our Berlin Chevy dealership is looking to hire experienced sales and service managers, along with salespeople, service advisors and technicians

We have a lot of business in Berlin and the surrounding area So, we have several great opportunities for the right candidates It’s a brand-new state of the art facility that will provide a great working environment If you go to igburton com you will see that we have many opportunities throughout the entire company because we are continuing to grow ”

For anyone interested in finding out more prior to the hiring event in Berlin, call 302-404-5213 or send an email to jparker@igburton com

i g Burton Auto Group is one of the oldest auto dealers in the United States

Founded in 1908, Charlie Burton is the fifth-generation family owner In addition to their Chevrolet and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat stores in Berlin, i g Burton has locations in Milford, Seaford, Lewes, Smyrna and Newark, Del They feature Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat, Promaster, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Sprinter, Blue Bird Bus, and pre-owned vehicles i g Burton Auto Group can be found online at igburton com

60th Anniversary

BERLIN – Sun Outdoors Frontier Town will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year

Established in 1963, Sun Outdoors Frontier Town has attracted guests from all over to Berlin, Md , to enjoy the amazing array of amenities and unique western experience What began as a western rodeo show that performers would put on the fields between Ocean City and Assateague has now developed into a resort with almost 700 campsites, a full arcade, an 18hole mini golf course, an ice cream shop, multiple stores, restaurants and bars, and a ropes course with zip line, in addition to the Western Park and Water Park Popular acts including the Texas Trick Riders are a staple at the western experience each season

The evolution of Frontier Town has im-

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

strategies to drive reservations

The team utilizes the latest hospitality technology, such as keyless locks, smart home technology, and operations software, to provide exceptional vacation experiences Their commitment to exemplary customer service and meticulous operational processes ensures guests return year after year, while homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that their homes are wellcared for and profitable

Casago Delmar Beach Vacations is committed to responsible practices that prioritize the interests of property owners, guests, and the community

The Casago management program enables property managers to focus on delivering top-notch care to homeowners and guests while expanding their rental portfolio with Casago's state-of-the-art technology and marketing strategies The launch of Casago Delmar Beach Vacations expands Casago's presence to 53 markets across the United States and Mexico

For more information, visit casago com

New Locations

Submitted Image

Officials recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Maryland’s Coast Office of Tourism and Economic Development, located at 107 W Green St in Snow Hill Above, elected leaders and agency par tners are pictured at the ribbon

pacted its guests and visitors significantly over the past 60 years The upcoming opening weekend celebration on March 31 will include cornhole, a time capsule, candy bar bingo, and a welcome back camper social with a Tex the mascot meet-and-greet

In addition, there will be Facebook throwback photo contests, giveaways, food specials, and entertainment throughout the year to commemorate this special event

Company Launched

OCEAN CITY – Casago Delmar Beach Vacations, a new vacation rental management company, has launched in Ocean City, Md , and the Delaware beaches

The company is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences and specialized property management services to homeowners, with a focus on profitability and world-class customer service

“Large vacation rental brands bought up many of the local vacation rental businesses over the last few years,” said Scott Fasano, Casago franchise owner and president of Casago Delmar Beach Vacations

“As these large brands raced for growth, they left vacationers and homeowners behind without the local staff to effectively manage their homes and provide outstanding vacation experiences We intend to bring hospitality and service back to the

Maryland and Delaware beach vacation rental market ”

With over 30 years of experience in the travel and hospitality business, Fasano is a seasoned expert in the Ocean City and Delaware beach vacation rental markets

He is known for his leadership skills, integrity, and transparent approach to client interactions Casago is an Owner–Centric national franchise that empowers local managers to build sustainable businesses in competitive vacation rental markets

Fasano decided to partner with Casago due to its strong technology and focus on community in the vacation rental industry

“We are thrilled to partner with Scott for our newest Casago location servicing Ocean City, Md , and the Deleware beaches,” said Steve Schwab, Casago CEO “Scott’s experience within hospitality paired with the relationships he’s built in the local community make him an ideal candidate to become a Casago franchisee We look forward to supporting Scott and his team as they build relationships with homeowners and create remarkable experiences with their guests that are synonymous with Casago’s standards of hospitality excellence ”

Casago Delmar Beach Vacations leverages 30 years of experience managing vacation rentals in Ocean City and the Delaware beaches, along with best-in-class technology and state-of-the-art marketing

SALISBURY – Andrew Ball, senior advisor with SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate, has recently completed two transactions that will bring new restaurants to the South Salisbury Maryland area

The two locations are 815 Snow Hill Road and 720 East College Avenue

Desi Pizzeria will be opening in the Salisbury Marketplace Shopping Center on Snow Hill Road Their menu will consist of traditional pizza, pasta, and subs but will also include Indian influenced versions The restaurant opened in February

The owner, Vaibhav Chalke said, “We are excited to open and serve Salisbury our unique cuisine We thank Andy Ball of SVN Miller Commercial for setting us up for success in this highly trafficked location ”

Alibaba Grill will be joining the Shoppes at College Avenue center at 720 E College Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804 The restaurant is owned by Jafar Salem Salem intends to serve a full menu of Mediterranean cuisine and kabob with beer and wine Alibaba is expecting to open in March 2023

The tenant said, “We sincerely appreciate all that Andy Ball did to help us secure this location as both advisor and property manager The Shoppes at 720 E College Ave have an excellent tenant mix and appear to be well managed ”

Ball has worked with several local restaurateurs to secure new locations including Taylor's BBQ in 2022, Salisbury Pit & Pub, and Goose Creek Pit & Pub

cutting ceremony

MSDE Issues Repor t Card; Worcester Schools Rank 3rd

NEWARK – School by school performance data is now available thanks to an update to the Maryland Report Card website

The Maryland State Department of Education released its first update since 2019 to the Maryland Report Card website late last week

The site contains performance data for every school in the state Local officials say the results show Worcester County Public Schools again performed well compared to facilities throughout the state

“I am very proud to report that our schools continue to perform well in Maryland’s accountability system,” said Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor “This report card release is the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is clear that while we certainly have much to celebrate, there is a lot of work ahead of us ”

In Worcester County, officials said 90% of eligible schools earned a rating of four or five stars For comparison, only 48% of all school types in Maryland reached four- or five-star status Worcester’s concentration of four- and five-star schools is the third highest in

the state, following Garrett and Queen Anne’s counties

In this year ’s data release, Ocean City Elementary School’s rating increased from four- to five-star status, and Showell Elementary School, which was previously not eligible for stars, joined Buckingham Elementary at the four-star level

All middle schools across the county reached four-star status, as well as both Pocomoke and Snow Hill high schools

Stephen Decatur High School fell 0 7 percentage points shy of reaching four-star status The school received 59 29 points out of a possible 100 points

To receive a star rating, a school must have 45 or more possible points Schools achieve five stars when they’ve got at least 75% of total points

Some schools may not have possible points for every measure or indicator In Worcester County, Pocomoke Elementary and Snow Hill elementary schools did not reach this possible point threshold, which is why the schools were not issued a star rating

Additionally, Worcester Technical High School and Cedar Chapel Special School do not meet the qualifications for a star rating These scores reflect school performance on multiple components For elementary and middle schools, the system includes academic achievement, academic progress, progress in achieving English language proficiency, and measures of school quality and student success

For high schools, the system includes

academic achievement, graduation rate, progress in English language proficiency, readiness for postsecondary success, and measures of school quality and student success All schools’ calculations incorporate school composite scores on a statewide school survey, which is based on input related to safety, community, environment, and relationships

Maryland introduced the School Report Card system in 2018 so students, parents, educators and community members could better understand how their schools are performing, just as report cards help parents understand how their kids are doing The goal of the School Report Card is to bring together school data in an easy-to-understand and usable format to help ask questions, find answers, make decisions, and act

Individual school reports can be found on the Maryland Report Card website, along with more information and data about schools and districts This information can be found at MdReportCard org An update on the latest release of the Maryland School Report Card was made to the Maryland State Board of Education on February 28 The presentation materials for the meeting, which provide statewide context to Worcester County’s performance, can be found at https://marylandpublicschools org/s t a t e b o a r d / P a g e s / m e e t i n g - a g e n das/2023/2023-02-28 aspx

SPORTS In The News

SU Adds Golf Teams

SALISBURY – Perennially one of the top athletics programs at the NCAA Division III level, Salisbury University recently took another step forward, announcing the addition of men's and women's golf to its offering of Division III varsity sports Teams are set to begin competition in the 2024-25 academic year

The two golf programs will bring the number of intercollegiate varsity sports at SU to 23, representing the first completely new additions to SU's program since women's soccer was added in 1994

"I'm thrilled to introduce men's and women's golf as our newest varsity sports," said SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre

"We know that one of the things that makes our SU campus community so unique is our strong history of Division III athletics The addition of these two sports will provide new opportunities for student-athletes from across our country to contribute to the growth of our campus and be a part of a nationally-renowned athletics program "

The two sports will be added as part of the President's "Salisbury Seven" pledge, an initiative announced by Lepre during her inaugural State of the University address in February

"Golf is a very popular sport not only in our community and region, but nationwide," said Dr Gerry DiBartolo, SU's director of athletics and campus recreation "We've had tremendous interest throughout the years in adding golf, but we wanted to make sure we had the resources and sustainability to ensure that we will be able to field competitive programs We are excited to welcome new student-athletes to the SU family and continue the standard of excellence that comes with SU Athletics " Golf is offered by over 300 schools on the men's side and 240 schools on the women's side, with the NCAA Championships competed every spring

A nationwide search for a coach will start in late spring, with recruitment for student-athletes for the inaugural season beginning in the summer

Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with the New Jersey Athletic Conference for football, Coastal Lacrosse Conference for men's lacrosse and the Metropolitan Swimming and Diving Conference for men's and women's swimming With over 500 student-athletes in 21 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, and dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on-and-off the field The Sea Gulls have celebrated 22 team national championships, 24 individual national champions, 188 conference championships and 43 Academic All-Americans

S ta te Ch a m p s Re co gn i z e d:

At a meeting last month, the Berlin Mayor and Council presented cer tificates of recognition to two Berlin Little League teams that won the Maryland championships last summer for their age groups. Pictured above are members of the Junior League state champion team with Mayor Zack Tyndall with the council in the background Below are some members of the Senior League state champion team Photos by Charlene Sharpe

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Buckingham Elementar y School received $206 from Burley Oak's Pints for Pencils Pictured are Bryan Brushmiller of Burley Oak, Chris Welch, Buckingham Elementary School principal, and Donna Pellinger, co-president of Buckingham’s PTA. Submitted Photos

Wicomico Retired School Personnel Association (WRSPA) contributed $18,756 to the United Way Campaign this year. It was a new record for WRSPA, as last year’s donations totaled $13,000

Hudson Behavioral Health has added a new low-intensity (level 3 1) residential treatment house Located on the east side of Salisbury, this will be Hudson's sixth level 3 1 house in Maryland Pictured left to right are Director of Housing Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD, Marketing & Community Liaison Alex Pullen, and Treatment Housing Manager Joshua Pippin.

SoDel Concepts recently organiz ed an all-female team to par ticipate in the Southern Delaware American Hear t Walk. The team, coordinated by Nelia Dolan, vice president of SoDel Concepts, participated in the walk to help raise awareness regarding hear t disease .

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City recently inducted seven new members Pictured from left to right are John Hanberry, Teri Westbrook, Jose Alverez, Mariana Alverez, Janet Wolfing, Terri Ulman and James Ulman

At a recent dinner meeting, the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club welcomed four new members: William Outten, Em Hench, Ron Hamm and Vicki Shrier. President Christina Dolomount-Brown is pictured with Hench.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED : BOAT BOTTOM PAINT E R FOR WEST OCEAN CITY BOAT YARD CALL 410-2132296

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING POSI-

TION: PROGRAM DIRECTORSBDC The regional program director will direct the operations of the SBDC on the Easter n Shore and consult with entrepreneurs with star ting and growing their business

To be considered an applicant for this position, you must apply online via Salisbur y University’s Online Employment Application System

Go to http:// w w w s a l i s b u r y e d u / H R / c a r e e r s /

See the FAQs of the Online Employment Application System for more infor mation SU is an EEO employer and is strongly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff and student body

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TECHNI-

CIAN : Full or Par t Time No Weekends No Nights Will Train Must have good driving record, & some Basic Mechanical Skills Perfect for Retirees Small Local Co 30 Years Ser ving Delmar va 410-641-4411

FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN: Full Time Position Exp wi/Low Voltage a Plus, but will Train Some Electrical/ Mechanical Skills Are Required Must Have Good Dr iving Record Monday- Fr iday Paid Vacation and Holidays Small Local Co 30 Years Ser ving Delmar va 410-641- 4411 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SMALL OFFICE POSITION: Accounts Payable, general office duties, knowledge of commonly used operating systems, Access, Excel, Office Word, etc Full or Par t Time Perfect for retirees Small Local Co 30 Years Ser ving Delmar va 410641-4411

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON: Hiring a sound/production person and security positions Apply in person Located on the boardwalk between Talbot and Caroline Streets

SECURITY POSITIONS: Positions in Salisbur y, Ocean City & Ber lin Must be reliable Call 443-5134198 or email: abcoinvestigations@yahoo com

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

E N G L I S H

T E A C H E R

Worcester Preparatory School is located in beautiful Berlin, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland The school is an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school serving over 5OO students in grades PK -12 We are seeking an experienced and motivated Upper School English Teacher for the 2023-2024 school year

This vibrant individual will have a strong education background and be capable of teaching the highest levels of high school English Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in English, successful classroom experience, and the ability to participate In other areas of school life are requirements for this position Advanced Placement experence and advanced degree would be desirable

Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race color, religion gender, national 0rigin, age, disability veteran status, or any other status protected by law

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials

Interested persons should mail or email resume with cover letter to:

Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, at lwatson@worcesterprep org

Red Sun Custom Apparel is hiring in our production department No experience needed, just a great attitude and willing to learn Excellent starting pay Apply in person, 10-3 Monday through Friday. 1 Mason Drive Selbyville DE

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

Worcester Preparatory School is seeking experienced teachers

Candidates for this position should possess a degree in education Previous experience teaching lower, middle and upper school students is desirable State certification is not required

Candidates with experience and an interest in coaching are desirable.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City beaches, Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school of over 500 students in grades pre-K -12 The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus AII graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion gender, national 0rigin, age, disability veteran status, or any other status protected by law

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials

Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application resume, and educational philosophy (if available) to Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, at lwatson@worcesterprep org

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO 19590

To all persons interested in the estate of DEBORAH LYNN WOOD, Estate No. 19590 Notice is given that

DONALD E WHITE, JR, 805 HEMINGFORD CT , WESTMINSTER, MD 21158, was on FEBRUARY 14, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEBORAH LYNN WOOD, who died on JANUARY 31, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file

their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14TH day of AUGUST, 2023

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 03, 2023

DONALD E WHITE, JR Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-03, 3-10, 3-17

e p t e m b e r t

MARY E GEPHARDT

809 EASTERN BLVD, STE 300 BALTIMORE, MD 21221

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 19603

To all persons interested in the estate of ANGELA M RUTKOWSKI, Estate No 19603 Notice is given that EDWARD F RUTKOWSKI, JR., 100 BOURBON COURT, BALTIMORE, MD 21234, was on FEBRUARY 24, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANGELA M RUTKOWSKI, who died on NOVEMBER 13, 2022, without a will

Fur ther 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 24TH day of AUGUST, 2023

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the un-

dersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice , notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other deliver y 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

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.

COURTLAND JUSTICE Estate No 19610 Notice is given that LESLIE ANN JUSTICE, 1708 DUN SWAMP ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on MARCH 02, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RUSSELL COURTLAND JUSTICE, who died on DECEMBER 25, 2022, without a will

Fur ther 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 2ND day of SEPTEMBER, 2023

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice , notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other deliver y 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 10, 2023

LESLIE ANN JUSTICE

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-10, 3-17, 3-24

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO 19476

To all persons interested in the estate of MARGARET T BRAND, Estate No 19476

Notice is given that ANTHONY J CAIN, 701 DEERPARK ROAD, WESTMINSTER, MD 21157, was on FEBRUARY 27, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARGARET T. BRAND, who died on JULY 18, 2022, with a will

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27TH day of AUGUST, 2023

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice , notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other deliver y 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 10, 2023

ANTHONY J CAIN Personal Representative True Test Copy

MARK T WILLEN, ESQ WILLEN, LIMSKY, STAMPER & DOWLING P A 4 RESERVOIR CIRCLE SUITE 201 BALTIMORE, MD 21208-7301

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO 19544

To all persons interested in the estate of GERTRUDE RUSSO Estate No 19544

Notice is given that MARSHALL ASHER, whose address is 9515 DEERECO ROAD. SUITE 710. TIMONIUM, MD 21093 and MARK T WILLEN, whose address is 4 RESERVOIR CIRCLE, #201, BALTIMORE, MD 21208, was on MARCH 07, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GERTRUDE RUSSO who died on DECEMBER 06, 2022, with a will. Fur ther information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice , notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other deliver y 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 10, 2023

MARSHALL ASHER MARK T WILLEN Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-10, 3-17, 3-24

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

tor presents the claim within thir ty days from the mailing or other deliver y 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 17, 2023

PATRICIA S. O’BRIEN

Personal Representative True Test Copy

sentative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19617

To all persons interested in the estate of JOAN E LINDBERG, ESTATE 19617 Notice is given that PATRICIA S O’BRIEN, 38230 ROCK ELM DRIVE, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975, was on MARCH 07, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JOAN E LINDBERG, who died on JANUARY 28, 2023 with a will

Fur ther 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 an 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) Thir ty 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 credi-

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE ONE W MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 1x 3-17

JAMES A LIST, ESQ

THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES A LIST 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 100 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19533

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN A COLLINS Estate No. 19533

Notice is given that JAMES A LIST, ESQ ,whose address is 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 100, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 and HEATHER R KONYAR, ESQ , whose address is 313 LEMMON HILL LANE, SALISBURY, MD 21801 were on MARCH 14, 2023 appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of JOHN A. COLLINS who died on APRIL 28, 2022 with a will

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14TH day of SEPTEMBEr 2023

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal repre-

(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 deliver y 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 17, 2023

JAMES A LIST, ESQ HEATHER R KONYAR, ESQ Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-17, 3-24, 3-31

JAMES A. LIST, ESQ . THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES A LIST 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 100 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19630

To all persons interested in the estate of FREDERICK RAYMOND AMES, JR, Estate No 19630 Notice is given that DANIEL HUNTER TODD AMES, whose address is 8203 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MARCH 14, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FREDERICK RAYMOND AMES, JR, who died on DECEMBER 22, 2022 without a will

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.

Fur ther information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice , notifying the creditor that the claim will

be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other deliver y 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

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

DANIEL HUNTER TODD AMES Personal Representative

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-17, 3-24, 3-31

PUBLIC NOTICE

ON THE PROPOSED FINANCING BY: Berlin Fire Company, Inc

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, Berlin Fire Company, Inc located at 214 North Main Streeet, Berlin, Maryland (the Issuer), will allow for public comment on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 6:00 pm , at 220 North Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811,Berlin Fire Company Administrative Building, for the purpose of holding a public hearing pursuant to the requirements of Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, on a proposal the Issuer enter into an agreement to finance certain apparatus The apparatus to be financed consists of One (1) Custom Heavy Rescue Truck and One (1) Custom Engine/Pumper Truck and will be maintained at the fire station located at 214 North Main Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811

To finance the costs of such apparatus and to pay costs and expenses incidental to the financing, the Issuer proposes to enter into a loan agreement with a maximum aggregate principal amount not to exceed $2,500,000 00 The Issuer will be required to pay all taxes on the equipment. The payments due pursuant to the loan agreement will be secured by a security interest in the equipment

All persons interested may attend and be heard at said time and place or may file written comments with the Berlin Fire Company, Inc, 214 North Main Street, Berlin, MD prior to the date of hearing set forth heretofore

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 17, 2023

Ever y 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

Ever y Monday: Acapella Chorus

All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p m Contact Mary 410-6299383 or Carol 302-242-7062

Ever y Monday: Bridge Games

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

Ever y Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

Ever y Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

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

Ever y 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

Ever y Thursday: Beach Singles

Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p m 302-436-9577 or BeachSingles org

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Suppor t Meeting

The Caregiver Support Group will continue to meet on the second and fourth Thursdays in the Ocean Pines Library Meetings will run from 3-4:30 p m The meetings are private and confidential

March 17-18: Pines Players Show

The Ocean Pines Players is poised to get you rolling in the aisles with laughter with performances of “Four Old Broads ” The production by Leslie Kimbell and directed by Ed Guinan is a hysterical mystery Performances are at 7:30 p m at St Peter ’s Lutheran Church, Ocean City Tickets are available at: https://oceanpinesplayersorg All tickets are reserved seating so it’s best to buy early and ensure you get the seats you want

March 17-19: Home Show In OC

The 39th Annual Home Condo and Outdoor Show with arts and crafts will be held at the Roland E Powell Convention Center Exhibitors will showcase ideas on decorating, remodeling, accessorizing, renovating, and even building a home Thousands of ideas for your home all under one roof A must attend event for current and future homeowners Hours are March 1718, 10:30 a m -5 p m ; March 19, 10:30 a m -3:30 p m

March 18: Drive Thru Church Lunch

From 10 a m -until sold out at the Powell-

Things To Do

ville UM Church located at 35606 Mount Hermon Road, Powellville Features oyster fritter sandwiches, homemade chicken salad, homemade soups including peas and dumplings, and vegetable beef Bake sale items will be available No pre-orders

March 18: Job, Resource Fair

The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce will host a Seasonal Job and Resource Fair from 9 a m until noon at the Princess Royale Ocean Front Resort located at 9100 Coastal Hwy in Ocean City Spaces are available for $150 for current chamber partners and $200 for business non-Ocean Pines Chamber partners Along with hundreds of seasonal employment opportunities, the fair will also feature resources from Ocean City such as housing assistance, transportation information, legal aid providers, safety information, urgent care facilities, and more Employers, reserve your space ASAP at business oceanpines-chamber org

March 18: St Joseph’s Festival

The 11th Annual St Joseph’s Festival will open its doors at 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 and proceeds are used to fund scholarships and charitable causes Visitors will be greeted by the aroma of homecooked Italian foods, including pasta and meatballs and sausages, fried dough specialties, and baked goods, breads, cakes, muffins and more The St Joseph’s Festival will feature raffles for over-stuffed gift baskets, silent auctions with local bargains from restaurants, local stores and grocery stores, the sale of specialty Italian items, and St Joseph religious articles for sale Also available to bid on will be tickets from professional sports teams, as well as team-themed gift baskets All of this will come with a backdrop of Italian music

March 18: Early Bird Cleanup

ACT hosting 7 a m in front of Sterling Tavern, Main Street All clean-up tools will be provided to make the town beautiful Bring your own work gloves and dress according to the weather

March 20: Monthly Meeting

Democratic Women's Club of Worcester County monthly meeting at Ocean Pines Community Center, Assateague Room Social time, 9:30 a m , please bring your own beverage; speaker and meeting 10 a m ) This month's speakers are Dr Annette Wallace, Chief Safety and Academic Officer, Grades 9-12, and Denise Shorts, Chief Academic Officer, PK-Grade 8, Worcester County Public Schools They will discuss the Blueprint for Maryland's Future

March 21: Librar y Trivia

"More March Madness Trivia" will be held at the Ocean Pines Library from 3-4:30 p m Individuals and /or teams are wel-

come, and prizes will be given to the top three scoring participants Refreshments will be served and knowledge will be tested Questions will test all areas so don't worry if you're not much of a basketball fan The contest is open to all and there is no charge or registration Bring a friend, neighbor, sibling or form a team that day Sponsored by the Friends Of The Ocean Pines Library

March 22: Square Dance Lessons

Free square dance lessons from 7-8:45 p m at the Ocean Pines Community Center

March 23: Card, Game Par t y

The Republican Women of Worcester County will be hosting a Card and Game Party Luncheon from 11 a m to 2:30 p m at The Grand Hotel Terrace Room, 2100 Baltimore Ave , Ocean City Cost is $30 per person Please call Merilee Horvat at 410-641-6110 to make your luncheon selection and for more information

March 25: Carr yout Dinner

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a chicken and dumpling carryout from noon-2 p m at the main station Chicken, dumplings, green beans and sweet potatoes $15 per dinner Extra pint of dumplings is $8 per pint Call 619-922-9950 to reserve your dinner and pint before March 20

March 25: Chicken Platters

Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin, will host Fried/Baked Chicken Platters to go sale for $10, from 10:30 a m until sold out Platters comes with two sides and roll

March 25: Breakfast Buffet

AUCE breakfast buffet at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville $8/adult and $4/child From 7-10 a m , buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages

March 25: Chicken, Dumplings

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a chicken & dumpling carryout from noon-2 p m at the main station Chicken, Dumplings, Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes - $15 per dinner Extra pint of Dumplings is $8 per pint Please call 619-922-9950 to reserve your dinner and pint by March 23

March 26: Luncheon, Silent Auction

St Peter ’s Lutheran Church in Ocean City will hold a spaghetti luncheon and silent auction from noon-3 p m Silent auction includes Orioles memorabilia and game tickets Cost is $20 for adults; $10 ages 6-12; kids five and under free For tickets, 443-604-8068

March 28-30: Safe Boating Course

The Ocean City Power Squadron, a unit of the America’s Boating Club, will present a comprehensive Safe Boating course

at the Ocean Pines Library This course will be given on three nights, including a review and exam on the last night The course will run from 6 to 9 each night The course is free, however there is a $20 charge for the course book if you wish to have one for reference or you may borrow a book with a $20 deposit, which will be refunded if you return it unmarked on the last class night Please arrive 15 minutes early the first night for registration Anyone born after July 1, 1972, is required to satisfactorily complete a safe boating class to operate a recreational vessel or personal water-craft in Maryland (January 1, 1978 in Delaware) Successfully completing this class also satisfies state requirements nationwide This course covers basic boat handling, rules of the road, navigation, federal and state regulations, aids to navigation, and required equipment, among other topics The Ocean City Power Squadron encourages all boaters to complete a boating safety class

April 1: Egg Hunt

Wor-Wic Community College is inviting the public to an egg hunt and family fun day from 10 a m to 2 p m The free event features rides, carnival games, music, food and fun for all ages, with an egg hunt for children ages 12 and under The egg hunt starts promptly at 11 a m This is a rain or shine event The event will be held rain or shine Visit the events section of www worwic edu for more information

April 8: Easter Egg Hunt , Breakfast

St Peter ’s Lutheran Church in Ocean City invites the public for breakfast with the Easter bunny at 10 a m followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a m $10 donation for anyone 6 years of age and older Free for kids 5 and under

April 12: A ARP Meeting

Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 will meet at 10 a m in the Ocean City 50-Plus Center located on 41st St and Coastal Highway Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments Guest speaker will be the new Atlantic General Hospital CEO Donald Owrey New members are welcome 410-250-0980

May 10: A ARP Meeting

Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 will meet at 10 a m in the Ocean City 50Plus Center located on 41st St and Coastal Highway Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments Guest speaker will discuss new advances in orthopedic surgery New members are welcome 410-250-0980

April 21: Putt Putt Benefit

Women Supporting Women, a local nonprofit organization providing awareness, education and support to individuals who are affected by breast cancer, will hold the first annual “Putt the Night Away” miniature golf fundraiser from 6 to 10 p m at Old Pro Golf – Under the Sea indoor course on 68th Street in Ocean City Family and friends are invited to an evening of unlimited mini golf play that includes a Hole in One Contest, basket raffle and a meet and greet photo op with Mermaid Tasha, the Marlin Mermaid Entry for adults is $15 and $10 for children 12 and under which includes unlimited mini golf play, one slice of pizza and a bottle of water

WCPS, Agencies Par tner On ‘Music Major’ Program

SNOW HILL – In an effort to increase enrollment in music programs in local public schools and post-secondary institutions, Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS), the Worcester County Arts Council (WCAC), and Salisbury University (SU) have teamed up to provide a unique educational experience for students from Pocomoke, Snow Hill and Stephen Decatur high schools

The Worcester County Arts Council’s Arts in Education funding provided a “Music Major for a Day” event for WCPS choral and instrumental music students on March 7

Students had the opportunity to sit in on actual SU classes such as Intro to Music Theory and History of Jazz They met SU professors and went through a workshop called “How to Prepare to be a Music Major,” where Dr Louise Anderson and colleagues explained the college application process, the audition process, and more After the high school students experienced a college-sized lunch in the Commons dining hall, they trekked to the Great Hall to see a Student Showcase, where SU junior and senior music students performed in their

weekly performance class Finally, students were introduced to the different SU music majors They rotated through stations about various tracks offered, including music technology, performance, music education and more They explor-

ed the types of careers associated with these majors and what jobs students will be prepared for once completing a program of study

“It is really important, that coming out of the pandemic, we bring our fine and

performing arts programs, skills and pathways back to life,” said WCPS Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Tamara Mills

“Students use the arts to express themselves, problem-solve, be creative, and more We really want this partnership to show students that they can pursue the music they love here at SU or any other university The music doesn’t have to stop when they graduate from high school ”

The WCAC Arts in Education program is intended to expand the access to educational arts resources and offer opportunities for our students to explore their creative potential

Anna Mullis, WCAC executive director explained, “These first-hand quality arts and music experiences are invaluable For students to learn from current music majors, faculty and staff about rich, diverse music education at the college level, strengthens the arts community and gives students quality enrichment and exposure to the arts ” All three organizations hope that this partnership and activity will become an annual event There are also hopes to expand the program for visual art students

Worcester County high school students are pictured at the “Music Major for a Day” event at Salisbury University last week

council approves Taylor House museum events

spread throughout the entire downtown, would maintain that format this year

an unsafe bottleneck right there ”

BERLIN – Town officials approved the Calvin B Taylor House Museum’s event plans for the coming season this week

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council voted 3-0 to approve the museum’s special event requests for 2023

“We are selling beer and wine at some of our events like we’ve done before so we’re just asking to do that again this summer,” said Melissa Reid, president of the museum

Events on the museum’s calendar for 2023 include an Earth Day Celebration on April 22, four concerts on the museum lawn, the Peach Festival in August and the Harvest Book Festival in October Reid said the only new event on the calendar was the April 22 celebration, which is being hosted in partnership with Burley Building Co

Officials expressed no concerns with the calendar of proposed events Councilman Jack Orris asked if the layout for the Berlin Peach Festival, which is headquartered on the museum’s lawn but

Reid said the festival would incorporate downtown businesses and attendees would be encouraged to spread throughout town She added that she was aware of traffic safety concerns shared last year but felt this format was the safer option

“I know this has come up,” she said “We do strongly ask that the street not be closed for Peach Festival because if you close the street right by Stevenson it will block us off and we think probably create

She added that organizers would try to get an electronic sign to put farther up Main Street advising motorists to be cautious as the event was underway

Mayor Zack Tyndall said there had been no discussion at the staff level regarding closing the street during the event

“I think we’re all on the same page with that,” he said “We’ll see what we can do about the marquee for the Peach Festival ”

The council voted 3-0 to approve the event requests The Earth Day Celebration is set for April 22 while concerts on the lawn will take place June 11, July 9, Aug 13 and Sept 10 The Berlin Peach Festival is slated for Aug 5 and the Harvest Book Festival is set for Oct 14

The museum opens for the 2023 season on International Museum Day on Thursday, May 18 from 11 a m to 3 p m

For more information about the museum or its events, visit taylorhousemusuem org

Who’s Where When

N D

410-524-5500

60th St

In The Bay

Friday, March 17:

D J RobCee, Denim & Lace, Crash The Limo

Saturday, March 18:

D J Hook, The 8-Trax, In Too Deep

Who’s Where When

Beats By Deogee

Saturday, March 18:

Journos

Sunday, March 19:

Beats By Deogee

Mondays:

Karaoke with Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

S A L O O N

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, March 17 & 18:S L A M M

S E A C R E T S

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, March 17: D J Tuff, D J Bobby O, Ocean City Pipes & Drums, John McNutt Band, Stealing Savanah

Saturday, March 18: D J Bobby O, D J Cruz, South Penn Dixie, Billy Walton, Fish Out Of Water

Thursday, March 23: D J Connair, Opposite Directions

LENNON LARICCI & THE LEFTOVERS Coins Pub: Saturday, March 18

JAMES GALLAGHER & OFF THE BOAT Shenanigan’s Pub: Friday & Saturday, March 17 & 18 THE 8-TRAX Seacrets: Saturday, March 18 IN TOO DEEP

Par ypa’s Photo Of The

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space Above is

look at a quiet Baltimore Avenue last week prior to the Quality Inn pictured opening for the season To purchase any of Parypa’s photos,

ANSWERS ON PAGE 58

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Some unsettling facts about a past situation could come to light And ,while you'd love to deal with it immediately, it's best to get more information to support your case

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A straightforward approach to a baffling situation is best Don't allow yourself to be drawn into an already messy mass of tangles and lies Deal with it and move on

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Don't be discouraged or deterred by a colleague's negative opinion about your ideas It could actually prove to be helpful when you finally get around to finalizing your plan

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Ignore that sudden attack of "modesty" and step up to claim the credit you so rightly earned Remember: A lot of people are proud of you and want to share in your achievements

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): A financial "deal" that seems to be just right for you Leos and Leonas could be grounded more in gossamer than substance Get an expert's advice to help you check it out

VIRGO (Aug 23 to Sept 22): Don't ignore that suddenly cool or even rude attitude from someone who is close to you Asking them for an explanation could reveal a misunderstanding that you were completely unaware of

LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 22): Unless you have sound knowledge, and

not just an opinion, it's best not to step into a family dispute involving a legal matter, regardless of whom you support Leave that to the lawyers

SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov 21): An awkward situation presents the usually socially savvy Scorpian with a problem But a courteous and considerate approach soon helps clear the air and ease communication

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21): A calmer, less tense atmosphere prevails through much of the week, allowing you to restore your energy levels before tackling a new challenge coming up by week's end

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Your approach to helping with a friend or family member's problem could boomerang unless you take time to explain your method -- and how and why it (usually!) works

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18): Someone who gave you a lot of grief might ask for a chance for the two of you to make a fresh start You need to weigh the sincerity of the request carefully before giving them your answer

PISCES (Feb 19 to March 20): Too much fantasizing about an upcoming decision could affect your judgment Better to make your choices based on what you know now rather than what you might learn later

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of seeing the best in people and helping them live up to their potential

© 2023 King Features Synd , Inc

Things I Like... vvanishing anishingOCE AN CIT Y WITH BUNK

By Steve Gr een

Ignoring a ringing phone

A kid singing the national anthem

Watching dogs r un on the beach

Being impr essed with something my teen wr ote

Mar ch Madness upsets

Open-door policies

W hen politicians ar e blunt

F alling asleep quick at night

A hand-written note

Getting a new phone

Leaving work early because the work is done

MANN

Ocean City in 1946 was a much different town than the resort we know today Both the city limits and the Boardwalk ended at 15th Street and fewer than 950 people lived there fulltime.

There was no Inlet Parking Lot, no Convention Center and no rides on the Pier The tourist season ran from Memorial Day to Labor Day and most locals worked seven days a week without a day off all summer. Hotels of that era had no heating and were unable to stay open in the winter; from mid-September to the end of May Ocean City was almost a ghost town

Slot machines were everywhere in 1946 and nearly every restaurant, bar, and hotel had at least one. The Plimhimmon was the town’s largest hotel and the Ship Cafe one of the most popular restaurants Both would be lost to fires in later years. A room for two with breakfast and dinner included was $37.50 weekly at the Belmont Hotel on Dorchester Street.

In 1946 and into the early ’50’s, most stores in neighboring Berlin would close at noon on Wednesday so their employees could go to the beach

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

Postcard from Bunk Mann’s collection

Raffle Opens For AIA ‘Name That Foal’ Contest

ASSATEAGUE –

The Assateague Island Alliance (AIA) recently announced the opening of its Name That Foal raffle

Each year, the Assateague Island Alliance (AIA), the friends group of the Assateague Island National Seashore that advocates on behalf of the island’s most famed residents, hosts naming rights contests for the foals born into the herd on the Maryland side

Often, the contests are held as auctions through eBay or other creative contests such as online raffles conducted through the organization’s website

Such is the case for the latest foal naming contest, which opened Sunday

The public will have an opportunity to purchase tickets for a chance to win naming rights for a chestnut colt His dam is the chestnut mare N6BMT-F, “Jojo,” and the probable sire is N6BMT-I, “Assateague Lightning,” a bay pinto stallion The colt is with his birth band in the Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone between mile markers 22 and 26, Fox Hills and Little Levels

The organization’s contests achieve the goal of assigning a familiar name to the horses by which supporters and advocates can identify them

The contests also help AIA raise funds for its advocacy programs for the wild horses

The naming raffle opened Sunday and will remain open until 11:59 p m on March 26

With each raffle ticket purchase, one physical ticket is printed and added into

the raffle box, AIA reports If five e-tickets are purchased, the organization will enter five physical tickets into the box Order confirmation will be emailed following purchase and will serve as a receipt and ticket stub No physical ticket stubs will be mailed

The tickets can be purchased on the AIA website under the “get some merch” tab

Sometimes the AIA auctions foal-naming rights on e-Bay, but the raffle process has brought good results over the years

For example, the last foal-naming raffled hosted by AIA raised $4,051 for the organization’s advocacy programs

All financial contributions support AIA’s mission to promote the awareness, education and protection of Assateague Is-

land National Seashore’s wildlife including the famed horses along with the natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations

All naming protocols from the auctions are in effect for the raffle They can be found on the AIA website

The winning ticket will be drawn on Monday March 27 at 9 a m

The Assateague Island Alliance has announced the opening of its Name That Foal raffle Par ticipants will have an oppor tunity to win naming rights for a chestnut colt, pictured above Photo Courtesy of Cally Mack

A chilly, overcast day did not stop crowds from attending last Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, the first St. Patrick’s event to be hosted by the Delmarva Irish American Club since 2019 A group of parade watchers, above left, enjoy the sights and sounds along the parade route as bands, floats and motorized units, above right, pass by Among the floats featured in this year’s parade were, Jolly Roger Amusement Parks, below left, and Ocean City Surf Club, below right, winner of the judges’ choice award Photos Courtesy of Davis Mears and the Town of Ocean City Government

Indian River School District Combined High School Marching Band, above left, took home first place among the marching units The Stephen Decatur High School Marching Band received honorable mention Other parade par ticipants include The Bearded Men’s Society of Ocean City, above right, which took first place in the adult group category, and Atlantic General Hospital and Health System, below left Throughout the day, thousands of festively dressed parade-goers, pictured bottom right, celebrated in midtown Ocean City

The

St . Patrick’s Day Parade, Festival Draws Thousands

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City was aglow in green last Saturday for the annual St Patrick’s Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Delmarva Irish American Club (DIAC)

After three years of cancellations, Ocean City hosted its 2023 St Patrick’s Parade and Festival 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

Pipe and drum bands brought 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

Led by grand marshals Billy and Madlyn Carder and honorary grand marshal Larry Hogan, the parade marched south along Coastal Highway to the judge’s stand at 45th Street

In addition to the celebration on the parade route, the 45th Street Shopping Center transformed into a spirited Irish festival complete with live music from the Pat O’Brennan Trio and plenty of food and drink

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

Below are this year’s parade winners Marching Unit

First place: Indian River School District

Combined High School Marching Band

Honorable mention: Stephen Decatur

High School Marching Band

Motorized Unit

First place: Jolly Roger Amusement

Parks

Honorable mention: Ocean City Beach

Patrol

Commercial Float

First place: Old Pro Golf

Honorable mention: Seacrets/Seacrets Distilling/Ocean98

Adult Group

First place: Bearded Men's Society of Ocean City

Honorable mention: Ocean Downs Casino

Non-Commercial Float

First place: The Lucky Leprechauns

Honorable mention: Gavin Knupp Foundation

Youth Group

First place: Believe in Tomorrow Children's House by the Sea

Honorable mention: Clan Rince Irish

Dance Group Special Committee Award

Delmarva Dock Dogs

Judges' Choice Award

Ocean City Surf Club

Best Overall

Float of Hope

Winners of the Three Baskets of Cheer:

Jacqui Santangelo, Ocean City, Md

Edie Breeding, Grasonville, Md

Melissa Billman, Southern Pennsylvania

Float of Hope, pictured above, earned Best Overall entry in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted by the Delmarva Irish American Club

Photo Courtesy of Davis Mears and the Town of Ocean City Government

Joseph Louis Pino Sr

B E R L I N – Joseph Louis Pino Sr , age 64, of Berlin, MD died suddenly Saturday, February 18, 2023 in the Turks and Caicos Islands He was born in Washington, DC and was the son of the late Albino Pino and Irene Beatriz (Eduardo) Pino

Joe owned United Restoration and was a charter member and chairman of trustees of the Community Church at Ocean Pines

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia "Patty" Pino; one daughter, Nichole Davis and husband Chris of Ocean City, MD; one son, Joseph Pino Jr and wife Krystal of Ocean Pines, MD; four brothers, John Pino of Ocean Pines, MD, Bobby Pino of Centreville, MD, Charlie Pino of Berlin, MD and Billy Pino of Tyaskin, MD; four grandchildren, Kinsley Davis, Christian Pino, Jackson Pino and Macie Pino

A funeral service will be held on Saturday March 18, 2023 at 1 PM at Community Church at Ocean Pines 11227 Racetrack Road Berlin, MD 21811 Burial will be in Garden of the Pines Cemetery

In honor of our Dad, please feel free to wear shorts and boat shoes

A visitation will be held on Friday March

17, 2023 from 5 PM to 7 PM and one hour before the service on Saturday at the church

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, Berlin, MD 21811

Condolences may be sent by visiting www bishophastingsfh com

Mary L Castorina

FRANKFORD – Mary L Castorina, age 84, of Frankford, DE formerly of Baltimore, MD, Rochester Hills, MI, Grand Rapids, MI and Atlanta, GA passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at her home

Mary was born in Savannah, GA on April 25, 1938 daughter of the late Russell Loncon and the late Julia (Skinner) Loncon She graduated from St Vincent Academy in Savannah, GA and received her RN from St Joseph’s Infirmary School of Nursing in Atlanta, GA While living in Baltimore, she furthered her education by completing her BS in Nursing from Notre Dame College in Baltimore, MD

Mary served her community as a registered nurse with over 20 years of service as an OB/GYN nurse while living in Atlanta, GA and Grand Rapids, MI After moving to Baltimore later in her career, she worked as an Oncology Nurse at Sinai Hospital before retiring to Sussex County, Delaware

Mary gave of herself to each community she lived in She became involved with the Christian Family Movement in Atlanta, GA as the St Thomas More Parish President Couple Although raising her family and working preoccupied her time while she lived in Michigan and Maryland after retiring, she became heavily involved in several organizations in the area She was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary in Ocean City, MD where she was the President from 2016-2017 and was awarded Lady of the Year Award in 2018 She served in several capacities with the Sons and Daughters of Italy Ocean City Lodge Mary was the Charity Committee Chair for 10 years, Festival Raffle and Silent Auction Chair for multiple years and was the recipient along with her husband, Sal as the Distinguished Citizen Award in 2019 She was also a member of The Hamlet at Dirickson Creek HOA and founded the Ladies Club and served

as the first President

Mary loved and was devoted to her family, home, religion, and her friends She enjoyed entertaining family and friends She and Sal had an enthusiasm for travel and she always believed that her nursing career gave her an opportunity to minister to her patients by providing quality and loving care

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell Loncon, Jr and Lawrence Loncon She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 62 ½ years, Salvador “Sal” Castorina; three daughters, Lane Bolyard and her husband, Mark of Sterling, VA, Claire Gregory and her husband, David of Roanoke, VA and Anne Shiflett and her husband, Tony of Selbyville, DE; seven grandchildren, Corey Bolyard, Owen Bolyard, Ben Gregory, Max Gregory, Eliza Gregory, Kevin Shiflett and Sarah Shiflett; a sister, Sister Mary Bernarda, RSM “Charms” of Savannah, GA and many nieces, nephews and friends

A visitation will be held from 2-4 PM on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Rd , Ocean View, DE 19970

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Monday, March 20, 2023 at St Luke Catholic Church, 9903 Coastal Hwy , Ocean City, MD 21842 where friends and family may also call after 11 AM Interment will be held privately at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, DE

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Mary’s name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www melsonfuneralservices com

Virginia Warren Higbee

BERLIN – Virginia Warren Higbee, age 85, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Gull Creek Retirement Community in Berlin Born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late John Francis Warren and Virginia Pipitone Warren

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Harry O Higbee of Cape May, NJ, and her daughter, Virginia Lee “Ginna” Jenkins of Berlin

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan “Jody” Jenkins in 1985 and her son, Charles R “Buddy” Jenkins, Jr in 1994

Also surviving are her grandson, Michael Giardinia (Candice), and greatgrandchildren, Cullen and Hannah, and grandson, Matthew Giardinia (Jessica), and great-grandchildren, Brax and Kingsley, and grandson Charles “Chase” Jenkins, III (Gabrielle) and great-grandson Charles Jenkins, IV Also surviving are her sisters, Kay Biondi (Dave) and Carolyn Elliott, a step-daughter, Jeanette Dougherty, step-son, Billy Higbee (Faith), and step-grandchildren, Tyler, Brielle, and Jeffrey Virginia, formerly of Berlin, owned Bradford’s Ceramic Shop on N Main Street

A private burial service will be held at the Jenkins Family Cemetery In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, P O Box 48 Berlin, MD 21811 Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www burbagefuneralhome com Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home

JOSEPH LOUIS PINO SR

MARY L CASTORINA

VIRGINIA WARREN HIGBEE

Air Rights Request Moves For ward

FROM PAGE 6

mount of density, particularly in the downtown area ”

Moore, however, said density was based on the number of sleeping rooms

“We are not increasing the density, we’re using this for our amenities,” he said “By being able to locate the amenities in the middle of our hotel, we have again provided that for the benefit of our customers So we’re trying to give you all a good plan ”

Officials say a site plan application for the redevelopment of the Majestic Hotel has been submitted, but not accepted, pending a discussion by the Mayor and Council on the air rights request and an agreement to move forward with a public hearing Moore asked the council to consider moving forward with the request

“We respectfully ask you to vote in favor of moving this forward for consideration of an ordinance, at which time everyone who has any interest would have the availability of coming before you,” he said “Your vote today, of course, is important for us to be able to move forward, but it is not the final determination to be made ”

In his presentation this week, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville said the council had approved three air rights ordinances in recent years – one for Bonita Beach Hotel, one for Breakers Hotel and, most recently, one for the Margaritaville Resort He said the proposed air rights for

the Majestic Hotel project would extend from 14 feet above the alley to 60 feet in height

“I want to mention both the zoning districts on the east and west side do allow building construction five stories or 50 feet,” he said “The reason we would go to 60 feet is to allow for parapet walls, mechanical equipment, those kinds of things that are on the roof that allow it to exceed the zoning height limits ”

Neville added that town departments, utility companies and the fire marshal have completed a preliminary review of the developer’s request and have submitted comments

“We just call your attention to the fact that there are some site plan related issues that would need to be solved as the project moves forward,” he said “But at this point the request is really to consider the air rights issue ”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca asked if plans for the property would include a license of use for a bike path Moore said it would

“I think we can do that,” he said

DeLuca then made a motion to consider the applicant’s request, confirm review by public works and discuss conditions prior to authorizing a public hearing and air rights ordinance After further discussion, the council voted 4-0, with Councilmen Peter Buas and Frank Knight absent and Councilman Will Savage recusing himself, to approve the motion

STUDENTS In The News

In honor of the bir thday of Dr Seuss, Ocean City Elementar y celebrated Read Across America Day on March 2. The school welcomed special guest readers from the Board of Education and the community into the classrooms. Dress up spirit days were held all week themed to some of the students' favorite Dr. Seuss books. Above some students some their spirit.

Students in Danielle Marshall's first grade class at Ocean City Elementar y are learning about plants and insects They star ted their journey by reading a funny fictional story, A Diary of a Spider They were introduced to impor tant vocabulary words and learned to retell key details from the story, preparing them for understanding key concepts and help them move into reading and comprehending non-fiction stories on spiders and plants in the next few weeks.

These kindergar teners from WPS were happy to see the first 100 days of school come and go Pictured, from left, are Savannah Baker, Romie Crevecoeur, Daniel Kauffman, Ilya Buinovskis, Parker Moreland and Natalie Gjikuria

Abby Harrison’s second grade class was all smiles celebrating the 100th Day of School at WPS. Pictured, from left, are Auggie Hall, Aryan Verma, Hannah Giardina, Hristina Gjoni, Emery Anthony, Ethan Arnold, Harrison, Zia Salem, Dev Pillai, Grace Hornung, Kamden White , Margot Hidell, Ellie Bookwalter, Emma Abbott and Ian Laroche

The Shirley Hall Youth Ar t Show was held March 3-5, at the Ar t League of Ocean City. Worcester Prep junior Izzy Huber of Berlin placed first in the high school category, and seventh grader Elena Gjoni of Ocean City placed first in the middle school categor y. Above , Huber holds her piece , “Shattered”, Elena Gjoni holds her piece , “Self Por trait ” Submitted Photos

Maisie Gill, a third-grade student in Andrese Foreman's class at Ocean City Elementary School, placed third in the Young Author's Contest for her shor t story "The Coney Island Kitties " Above, she is pictured with her family

Center Recognizes SU Production

SALISBURY – The Bobbi Biron Theatre Program at Salisbury University is known for professional-level productions of live theatre performed throughout the year

The program recently received recognition both for its full performance of María Irene Fornés’ “Mud” and for individual student performances from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

“Performed in full round, the production has been skillfully conceived and directed,” said a Kennedy Center respondent of the ‘Mud’ performance, adding “I haven't seen this level of clarity and detail from a university-level production in years ”

“Mud” was one of just five productions in the region to be invited to perform at the Region II Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)

“It really is a huge honor We’re a small department, and we’re competing with schools that have graduate programs in theatre It was a big deal for us,” said “Mud” director Matt Saltzberg, SU assistant professor of theatre

Along with the performance of “Mud,” SU students Matt Banister and Jah’Kai Hall were recognized for their individual performances in the department’s fall 2022 production of Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull.” They were among 16 finalists selected for individual consideration out of 150 nominated from across the region

SU’s production of “Mud” was a challenge due to the small cast and intellectually and emotionally difficult material, Saltzberg said Three actors Grace Quade, Spencer Tilghman and Nathan Hawks made up the cast and shared the stage for the entirety of the production, with no intermission

The play tells the story of a toxic love/hate triangle as a young woman works to escape rural poverty Saltzberg employed the services of a fight and intimacy choreographer to help him and the actors navigate the difficult material

“It deals with poverty, isolation, and emotional and sexual abuse It is an unrelenting depiction of the subjugation of the human spirit by forces beyond the control of the marginalized,” he said “To me, the overall function of the play is, it forces you to reconcile that some of us live in abundance and some of us live with nothing, and it’s not because those individuals are bad people. It forces you to confront that and to how vulnerable we are to poverty and ignorance It’s a very intense play ”

Beyond the honors SU received at the KCACTF, Saltzberg was excited for his student to experience a taste of professional theatre through the event

“I will always say, my greatest teacher has been seeing the work of others,” said Saltzberg “Attending KCACTF gives the students a chance to see work from other people, get feedback, participate in workshops and make connections ”

The Dispatch

Forever In Memory

Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005)

“Iron Man” Shawn Soper (July 24, 1963-February 15, 2023)

The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc Weekly On Friday Mornings

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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

Editor:

Petition Review Needs Attention

As of this writing there are still voters who have been rejected as valid signers of the last two petitions to referendum which is contrary to statements made by the City Solicitor at a recent meeting of the Ocean City Mayor & City Council (M&CC) The City Solicitor was inaccurate when she stated that the records are now correct

Regarding the first petition of Ordinance 2021-24 involving the increase in room tax, six voters remain disqualified when they should not be:

Two of the six voted in the municipal elections on 11/8/22

Four of the six were rejected when their identity could have been determined by their address, date of birth, etc

Regarding the second petition of Ordinance 2022-23 involving the conveyance of town right-of-way land along Baltimore Avenue, six voters remain disqualified when they should not be:

A One of the six voted in the municipal elections on Nov 8, 2022

B Three of the six were rejected when their identity could have been determined by their address, date of birth, etc

C One of the six died after the turn-in of the petition, but that individual was alive when she signed the petition That name should never have been rejected

D One of the six was somehow inadvertently moved to a West Ocean City address, when she had neither moved from town limits, nor requested a change of address In fact, this person has voted in the last few municipal elections

While the Worcester County Board of Elections maintains the list of qualified voters in Ocean City municipal elections, relieving our town Board of Supervisors of Elections of that responsibility; nevertheless, the town Board does review and validate local petitions to referendum The town Board must be tasked with doing a better job in their review process The M&CC must insist on this important role

The City Solicitor further made a point to declare that our local Board of Supervisors of Elections is “completely independent” from the M&CC While the town Board may function independently in local elections, they are not totally independent

Section C-501 of the Ocean City Town Charter provides that the M&CC appoints the members of the Board and further determines the compensation paid to its C-502 provides for the removal of members of the Board for good cause

Section C-505 provides for an appeal process to the M&CC if any person is aggrieved by an action of the Board, such as “ refusing to register or in striking off the name of any person ”

Section C-605 empowers the M&CC with the “ the conduct of registration, nomination and town elections and for the prevention of fraud in connection therewith, and for a recount of ballots in case of doubt or fraud ”

Thus, the Charter establishes a clear relationship between the M&CC and the town Board of Supervisors of Elections

As Americans, we all hold the right to vote as a sacred and important right

Equally important, however, is the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances as guaranteed in the First Amendment of the Constitution

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr Margaret Pillas Ocean City

Superintendent Message Editor:

There is much speculation across our communities about what is considered an “appropriate” education for the young people of Worcester County While it is unfortunate that misinformation has been given a platform to grow, I feel it is my responsibility as Superintendent of Schools to ensure our community is presented with accurate, factual information on these topics

First, in relation to health education –in particular House Bill 119, it is important to note that health education, including age-appropriate information on sexual health, has been a hallmark of education for decades This information is, again, presented in an age-appropriate timeline with the focus on ensuring our young people are educated in order to keep themselves safe and healthy This means ensuring that they understand not only anatomy, but consent and other factors that can empower them to make responsible decisions regarding their bodies The need of this information is clear; simply rewatch the livestreamed presentation made at the February 21, 2023, Board of Education meeting to hear the startling statistics shared about youth on the shore

Another point of debate is the prioritization of equity and inclusion within schools across the country As an educator of nearly 40 years, I have to wonder why anyone would advocate against teaching empathy for others and fostering a school environment that encourages kindness and actively works to ensure every single student in our care feels welcomed, encouraged, and loved Of course, research consistently affirms that providing safety - both physically and psychologically – is a critical component in a child’s ability to engage with their learning

Research also advocates for the makeup of a school system’s workforce to be a reflection of the students it serves This accomplishes dual purposes: to ensure that students have the opportunity to learn from those who look like them and to expose students to perspectives that differ from their own This does not mean a sacrifice in educator quality; Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) prides itself in recruiting and retaining the best educators available Simultaneously, we are also committed to building capacity within our students to embrace and celebrate the diversity in the world around us We know that this can only enrich our communities and encourage the ability to hold productive civil discourse in our future citizens

There has also been some discussion around student performance Recently, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released both standardized assessment data and its state school report card WCPS consistently outperformed the majority of other Maryland

school systems, and while we certainly celebrate that fact, we are not oblivious of the work ahead of us I am, however, confident that our teachers, staff, and students are more than capable to achieve continued progress In addition, we recognize that state assessments are just a single data point, and data from other sources like the SAT and i-Ready are indicating that progress towards curriculum standards is happening

Lastly, I want to encourage our school system community to reach out to us with any questions or concerns The best way to get accurate information as to what’s happening in our schools is going straight to the source Our school system website, which is a hub for all of our schools and Board of Education information, is available 24/7 at www worcesterk12 org If you can’t find the information you’re seeking, again, please don’t hesitate to reach out, we are here for you

Thank you for your continued partnership and support

Louis H Taylor

(The writer is the Superintendent of Schools for Worcester County Public Schools )

Halt Wind Farm Project

Editor:

As a property owner, and commercial property owner, in Ocean City, I am writing in -opposition- to the proposed wind turbine farms, with regard to their height and proximity to the beaches of Ocean City

I understand the need for future energy alternatives, but the wind turbine companies are continuing to change the initial agreed upon distances from the beach, and height of the proposed wind turbines

Ocean City government officials initially proposed this idea, promised the residents, property & business owners, that OC's commitment to wind energy was ‘Green and Unseen’

This promise continues to be broken to the detriment of future business, not to mention the ‘view shed’, the environment, and the birds and sea life

I cannot support these continued changes which are happening in behind closed door meetings, and that effect so many aspects of my home town of OC, it’s nature, beauty, and the natural environment of the only beach resort in Maryland

Please halt this project until further research into the current multiple whale deaths is better understood, and the promise of ‘Green & Unseen’ is adhered to by these wind energy companies

Thank you for your assistance in this matter, and thank you for acknowledgement of my concerns

Open communication about this project is the right of every tax paying citizen

Dinah Warfield Ocean City

Puzzle Answers

by Steve Green

E(Editor ’s Note: The following is a reprint from March 18, 2011 ) lephants scare the daylights out of Beckett, and we have no idea why

This fear surfaced when Beckett, 2, was a baby and does not appear to be something that’s fading away as he gets older

We learned of this extreme trepidation when he was just a few months old

One day, he was watching Baby Einstein in his swing having a bottle when an elephant roared on the television It sent Beckett into tears immediately

More than two years later, the mere image of an elephant can send Beckett into a screaming fit Throw in an elephant roar and matters get particularly heated No matter what he’s doing, elephants literally stop him in his tracks and usually spark a breakdown of some sort

Beckett’s elephant phobia runs deep On Christmas morning, he wanted nothing to do with a toy elephant he found under the tree that had a fan inside it and could blow little items across the room I was fascinated by it because it truly looked like the elephant was lifting his trunk and blowing out these little bowshaped pieces of paper

Beckett spent Christmas walking over it (and even kicked it a couple times), in favor of basically any other toy That went back to the store within the next couple days

Over the last couple months, I was thinking this aversion might just be a thing of the past That was until last weekend in Salisbury at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, which was hosting The Commerford Zoo

When we heard about the traveling zoo carnival and kids fair, we figured this would be something Beckett and Carson would enjoy After all, there were all sorts of games and kids activities as well as a variety of animals, from donkeys, cows and monkeys to camels, zebras and ducks

Of course, there were also a couple elephants on hand to give rides

I really thought Beckett would be fine when he saw them and realized they were restrained and were actually fairly docile creatures My wife thought otherwise and worried the mere sight of the elephants in person would spark a meltdown

Well, Pam was on the money, as Beckett lost it when he spotted them across the room

The plan was to not take him directly to the elephants Instead, we walked around and let him look at the smaller animals, getting a little bit closer to where the elephants were slowly but surely When we got about 50 yards away from the elephants, things went south in a hurry

Apparently, one of the elephants looked at him, sparking a meltdown of enormous proportions

He never truly regained his composure until he spotted a huge inflatable slide in an adjacent room

As he likes to do, he now tells the story something like this, “there was a big, big elephant there, and it looked at Beckett, it scared me and I cried I cried a lot ”

ith one kid running around the house and one still learning how to walk, life can get a little crazy

That’s on a normal day, but we have been even more on edge over the last week, thanks to Carson’s recent surgery and the fact Beckett has a penchant for something he calls “human bowling ”

Fortunately, Carson, 16 months, seems to be just fine now from last week’s surgery, and the last few days seem to be all about trying to keep him from climbing stairs, crawling on the fireplace and scaling furniture

A couple times this week, we have seen him standing by himself in the middle of the room, attempting to walk or simply stand without any help Unfortunately, it’s still a work in progress, as this is typically followed by pretty decent falls

One evening this week, while Pam was working, it was boys night – me, Beckett and Carson and the two dogs, Fletch and Bailey

I was getting Beckett’s dinner ready and all of a sudden realized it was too quiet in the house Neither kid was making any noise In my house, silence is usually only present when the kids are asleep

I peeked over the bar in the kitchen into the living room to find an unusual sight

Beckett was flat on his back and Carson was sprawled out atop him on his stomach I have no idea how this happened, but I know by the time I got to them both of them were laughing extremely hard

When I asked Beckett what happened, he uncharacteristically didn’t have an answer That tells me he was surprised by whatever it was that transpired

Later, I was able to get a little something out of him and apparently what happened was Beckett moved the ottoman Carson was using to prop himself up with and subsequently there was a little brother-brother pancake session

Much later, Beckett took this situation as an opportunity for a little reciprocation of a different variety I had a front row seat for this occurrence, as I watched him crawl along with Carson across the floor until that apparently bored him

To liven things up, he decided to sit on Carson’s back, all the while saying, “give me a piggyback ride, Carson, yippee ” Due to their major weight differences, that piggyback session turned into Carson being quickly pushed into the floor

As I rushed to get Beckett off him, Carson just laughed and laughed, prompting Beckett to say, “see Daddy he likes it ”

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

PUZZLE ON PAGE 47