March 19

The Dispatch March 19, 2021

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After a long and quiet winter, Ocean City was alive with energy again last weekend for the traditional St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Photo by Chris Parypa The Boardwalk is pictured last Sunday.

OC Invests In Drone Light Shows

Berlin Officials Collect Park Input

Boardwalk Bikers Gain Extra Hour

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Resort Commits To Drone Light Shows For This Summer

March 19, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

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OCEAN CITY – With a nod to the future, resort officials this week approved a plan to eliminate nearly all fireworks shows this summer and replace them with elaborate, state-of-the-art drone shows.

TEAM Productions’ Bob Rothermel last month presented his proposed lineup of value-added special events for the coming summer season, including, among other things, the giant American flag on the beach on Memorial Day weekend, a couple of big ticketed concerts, a summer concert series on the beach, drive-in movies and drive-in concerts at the Inlet, the OCtoberfest events in the fall and, of course, the weekly fireworks shows downtown and at Sundaes in the Park at Northside Park.

Rothermel and TEAM Productions each year produces a wide variety of special events with a budget of around $300,000 from the town. It’s important to note, the annual allocation comes from the tourism budget, which is funded through the room tax, and not the general fund.

When Rothermel presented the proposed lineup of events last month, some on the council questioned whether the weekly fireworks shows downtown and at Northside Park for Sundaes in the Park still resonated with the public, or if some other option should be explored.

Rothermel already had a tentative plan for elaborate drone shows synchronized to music over the ocean and at Northside Park up his sleeve, and the Mayor and Council directed him to go back to the drawing board and come back with some estimates on the drone shows after watching a show in Milwaukee online.

On Monday, Rothermel came back to the Mayor and Council with a plan to eliminate the weekly fireworks shows downtown and at Sundaes in the Park uptown and replace them with drone shows. There would still be the traditional Fourth of July fireworks, but the weekly shows would be replaced with the drone shows.

“I have revised the proposal,” he said.

“What I have before you is a bold undertaking. The event industry has been taken by storm with drones. When we come out of the gate for the summer, we need to talk loud and proud.”

Under the proposal, there would be eight drone shows downtown on Thursdays beginning at 9:30 p.m. from July 8 to Aug. 19. There would also be 12 drone shows at Northside Park following Sundaes at the Park from June 13 through Sept. 5. The fireworks shows originally planned for those dates and times would be replaced, according to Rothermel.

“There will be 12-minute drone shows SEE PAGE 34

March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Berlin Citizens Express Views On Berlin Park’s Future

Page 6

BY STEVE GREEN

EDITOR

BERLIN – Numerous suggestions, ranging from short-term solutions to dream scenarios, were made during Monday’s meeting on the future of Berlin’s underutilized Heron Park.

The intent of Monday’s online Mayor and Council Listening Session was to gauge the public’s level of interest in specifically selling two parcels of the park’s 62-acre property. Up for the town’s consideration is selling Parcel 57 (the southwest portion of the property off Old Ocean City Boulevard adjacent to the railroad tracks including most of the old poultry processing buildings) and Parcel 410 (a 10-acre rectangular portion of the property that runs behind the Cropper & Sons business that includes outbuildings, concrete slabs and open space).

The town has been approached by private interests about possibly purchasing the properties. At a previous meeting, Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said a potential buyer had Parcel 410 appraised and the value was deemed at $770,000. The appraised value of Parcel 57 is unknown.

Berlin purchased the park property in 2015 for about $2.5 million from Berlin Properties North, which was owned in part by Councilman Troy Purnell. The buy was financed through the bond market. The property for decades was home

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

to a poultry processing plant operated by Hudson Foods and then Tyson Foods. By virtue of financing the deal, the town will for the next 20 years annually face $200,000 debt service payments from the purchase in addition to maintenance expenses.

In 2019, the town had to spend more than $300,000 to clean up a chemical spill that occurred during the demolition of outbuildings on the once-industrial property. Last week the town learned its request for a $500,000 grant to demolish the existing structures of the property was not granted. Demolition of the buildings on the property was suggested by the now-defunct Heron Park Advisory Committee.

Monday’s two-hour meeting was divided into four pre-planned presentations and public input followed by council comments. What follows is a look at what many of the speakers reported to the council.

‘Heron Park Is A Resource’ First to present was former Berlin Council candidate Tony Weeg, who has been active in the community over the last two years and founded the We Heart Berlin non-profit that originated as a popular community Facebook page during his at-large district campaign last year. Though he was unsuccessful in his council bid, Weeg has been an active citizen advocating for new, responsible uses of town park land, including Heron Park.

“What I have to say tonight is not really revolutionary. … I believe that what we have in Heron Park is a resource and what we do with resources are we use them for our betterment, for our good,” Weeg said. “It also carries some debt, it carries some trash, it carries some metal and some industrial things that we have to clean up, and everybody knows that, but I tend to focus on the positive. The positive to me is we have some land that we can use that is green, that is beautiful and that is also fronted by some land that we could use for some other things that we do not actually have in Berlin yet. I believe the best course of action forward would be to step back from the process of selling it right off the bat.”

Weeg suggested the town consider holding a design charrette for the property. Design charrettes have been used in the past in the region when developers have sought public input from stakeholders on a proposed development.

Design charrettes are meant to include affected community members as well as industry experts in the planning and design process of prospective developments.

Rather than the pursuit of selling individual parcels of the park, Weeg proposed considering the property as a whole for now while understanding the town needs to reduce its annual debt payments on the public property in the future.

“I think we should relook at the front

March 19, 2021

areas where we typically drive in and relook at those areas as how we could design them to be interesting to developers where we could attract beds and heads to Berlin,” he said. “I believe there are things that can exist there like a skate park, an amphitheater, a dog park and many other little things. There are things that can be done on every piece of this map, but we need to recoup some money to make this less of a drag on the town’s budget.”

Weeg said he would support selling portions of the property fronting Old Ocean City Boulevard but with the appropriate permits issued by the town to guide the future decision-making process by the private developers.

“As a town we would say ‘this is what we want to see here, this is how we want to get it done,’” he said. “I think we take a step back, we look at the best use case for Berlin and then move forward once the town says that’s a great idea.

Then the developer says, ‘… I can make some money there and Berlin can make some as well.’”

Public-Private Partnership Eyed Berlin resident Ann McGinnis Hillyer, who operates State Ventures from her office on Bay Street Berlin, and Ocean City resident Brad Hoffman, who produces events like OC Jeep Week through his Live Wire Media business, presented a concept under the auspices of the Better Berlin Group (BBG), which SEE NEXT PAGE

… Majority Not In Favor Of Selling Both Park Parcels

March 19, 2021

is a name created solely for Monday’s presentation. Together Hillyer and Hoffman have more than 60 years of experience in event production and marketing.

The key piece of the BBG presentation involves retaining the entire property.

“We want the town to keep this. It’s a real asset to the town. This is something that can be fabulous for the entire town, not just the handful who are currently using it,” Hillyer said. “I think our group can really come in and do some exciting things. The only constraint is the town has to own the entire property … we are here because we want to get you excited and reinvigorated … Once it’s sold, it’s gone and so are the opportunities.”

Among the possibilities proposed by BBG was to host local, regional and national concerts as well as outdoor recreation opportunities in green space, efforts all geared toward providing a new family-friendly year-round event space for Berlin.

“Responsible development is on the top of all our minds with this project,” said Hoffman. “Our strengths in marketing and event production and our willingness to roll up our sleeves and bring some amazing events and assets and possibilities to the venue. I know everyone has heard this before … but I think we are a ‘can-do’ team who can bring the light to the end of the tunnel to watch this flower blossom in so many ways.”

BBG’s concept is to transform the park into an “anchor for the north end of Berlin,” generating revenues through a concert venue and fairgrounds by attracting more visitors to town and renting space to other events for additional revenue. In addition, the concept is to partner with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and Department of Natural Resources to “create a habitat/environmental showcase” through improved walking trails and a bike path and enhance the town’s family-friendly standing.

“We can take an existing drain on the Town of Berlin and turn it into a revenue generator and cultural gem,” Hillyer said.

“There’s no reason to stop and wait for more planning. We believe we can get going on this now iteratively. This site can create revenue for the town from concert and event ticket sales and concession contracts starting this year. The town retains ownership, but it can be a public-private partnership that can be the best way to get this work started.”

Hoffman suggested transforming the vision for the property into a “natural amphitheater” through connections with other public and private entities. BBG would work with the town to produce what town residents view as valued, whether it’s a skate park, additional basketball courts, a dog park, recreation rentals and concessions or an openair pavilion. Hoffman suggested extending the town’s arts and entertainment district to the park to allow for grant opportunities including purchasing a mobile stage.

“The entrance area would stay the

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same. There’s a lot we can do to dress it up and encourage people to see what’s going on back there at the park,” Hoffman said. “We want them back into the park … the amphitheater would be placed right off the parking lot with a mobile stage. We would provide an area for blankets and chairs for people up on to the hill like you see at Merriweather … it’s really a natural canvas and I’d love the opportunity to work with the town and Ann and others … to watch it blossom and see it be exciting for the community and a revenue stimulus as well for the town. … Obviously we want to bring business to downtown Berlin. We want to continue to make it an asset that drives economic stimulus to the town and at the same time brings value to the whole community, so they can utilize and access it in the way they seem cor-

rect.”

Expanding on the amphitheater concept, Hillyer said the concept is to mirror what works at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia where there is no fixed seating.

“People would sit on the slope facing the stage with their backs to the ponds.

This is a natural way to have a concert today,” said Hillyer. “There are so many things we can do short term … as we create a shared vision for what that park could become.”

As far as next steps, BBG is looking to form an official public/private partnership with the town through a Memorandum of Understanding, which would identify the roles for the town and BBG as well as a budget framework.

“We want to work with the town to create a win-win for residents, elected

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officials and businesses. We aren’t just consultants, we have a lot of connections and we will be invested in this,” said Hillyer. “We would only get paid if we generate revenue. We can get the job done.”

Hoffman, who previously rented the park for an obstacle course for the OC Jeep Week event he produces, added, “we are passionate about seeing this project come to life … it’s right there for us all.”

Councilman Jack Orris, who served on the Heron Park Advisory Committee, asked Hillyer and Hoffman why they were not involved in the park brainstorming sessions previously. Orris said the insights would have been welcomed during the group’s three years of meeting. “Where have you been?,” he asked.

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Ocean City Seeks Funds For Marketing, EMS, Police

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Town of Ocean City came before the Worcester County Commissioners this week to request funds for marketing, EMS services and police officer salaries, among other things.

On Tuesday, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan presented the commissioners with the town’s grant requests for the coming fiscal year. He noted 2020 was a challenging year for the resort, as it experienced significant revenue losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were down between $5 million and $6 million in revenue because so much of our revenue is based on our visitors,” he said, highlighting reduced capacity limits and nearly all weekend event cancellations. “That caused a significant

Worcester Looking To Reconcile $8 Million Budget Shortfall

loss of revenue for the town of Ocean City because so much of our revenue – as opposed to your revenue, which is property taxes – is based on tourism, visitation to Ocean City.”

Meehan said the resort was requesting continued grant funding for recreation, Ocean City Development Corporation, the convention bureau and the Park and Ride, as well as a 2.5% increase in undesignated grant funding.

“That’s a minimal amount,” he said.

“It’s probably about $65,000. It was some-

thing that was done last year and helps offset some of those expenses, some of those services we provide in lieu of the county providing those services.”

Meehan told the commissioners Ocean City was also requesting an additional $100,000 be added to the town’s tourism grant. He said the funds would be used to increase advertising and market Ocean City as a safe destination.

“Out of the lost revenue for this past year, we lost $1 million in room tax …,” he said. “This request was granted two years

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ago, it wasn’t granted last year. But we think it’s very appropriate this year considering what we went through and the loss we endured with regard to room tax, which is what we use to fund our advertising and tourism.”

The town is also seeking $154,000 to fund the balance of purchasing a new bomb squad robot, which is used throughout the county, as well as $14,180 to purchase a second Avigilon mobile camera that would be available to the sheriff’s office upon request.

Meehan said the town was also requesting $315,674 to offset the cost of providing EMS service to the West Ocean City area. While Ocean City had originally requested $423,387 – or the same grant funding as last year – he said officials had reviewed the funding formula and revised the amount.

“A lot of that had to do with less visitors to the area, particularly early on,” he said. “So our request this year to offset that cost, instead of $423,387, would be $315,674 … That really reflects the service that was provided, and we can take another look at that as we move forward.”

The town is also seeking $250,000 in funding to assist with the cost of hiring 10 additional full-time police officers. Meehan noted that adding those officers to the force would cost the town $1,085,281 annually.

“That’s a significant amount, but it’s also something we think is significantly important,” he said.

Wrapping up his presentation, Meehan thanked the commissioners for their continued support.

He also added that the town was eager to work with the county as it explores options for a sports complex that will host major tournaments and sporting events.

“We think that is the catalyst for future development and future economic success …,” he said. “We have all the infrastructure right here in Ocean City and West Ocean City and throughout this whole county to accommodate those type of visitors. It’s just the perfect place for it, and we look forward to that.”

The Worcester County Commissioners this week also heard requests from Wor-Wic Community College. President Dr. Murray Hoy said the college was seeking an additional $112,120 from the county in fiscal year 2022.

“Mid-year when we lost $1.2 million of state funding, you stepped up and we sincerely appreciate it, providing us an additional $112,000,” he said. “All we are asking for is a continuation of that.”

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, a former Ocean City Mayor and Council member, said requests would be considered when county officials begin their review of the coming year’s budget.

Chief Administrative Officer Herold Higgins noted general fund revenues are estimated to be $210,591,207, while requested general fund operating expenditures total $218,604,720.

“This leaves a shortfall of $8,013,513,” he said, “which must be reconciled either with a reduction in expenditures, additional revenues or a combination of the two.”

Extra Biking Hour Added With Later Boardwalk Tram Start

March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – There will be a later start time for the trams and an extra hour for bicycles on the Boardwalk this summer.

During a Transportation Committee meeting last week, committee members, at Mayor Rick Meehan’s suggestion, voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the council to move the Boardwalk tram start time from 11 a.m. to noon. The next day, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee voted to recommend moving the Boardwalk bicycle stop time from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The idea behind the former was to shorten the lightly-traveled early hour of operation for the trams, allow them to be moved into place at each end of the Boardwalk and save a little money on the process. The idea behind the latter is to give morning bicycle riders on the Boardwalk a little more time and ease the transition time between bikes and trams.

On Monday, however, the Mayor and Council voted to approve the noon start time for the trams in one measure. A short time later, the elected officials voted to extend the bicycle stop time on the Boardwalk to noon. The net result of the two votes is not much will change with the morning transition from bikes to trams on the Boardwalk, it will just happen an hour later.

Meehan said his original idea behind adjusting the tram start time to noon was more about logistics, but it could turn out to have an added fiscal benefit as well.

“It turned out to be a cost-saving measure,” he said. “It will make the tram operation more efficient and it also allows us to increase the hours for bike operators. I think this will be well-received by the bicyclists and the bike rental operators.”

Councilman John Gehrig questioned if there was even more wiggle room in the start time for the trams.

“Is noon too early?” he said. “What is our ridership at noon? Does it save us money to have a different start time during the week than the weekend?”

Meehan said those options hadn’t yet been considered, although he cautioned against making the tram start time too complicated. It should be noted the noon start time for the tram would be the daily summer schedule, but the trams would begin at 10 a.m. during Springfest, the two days of the air show and Sunfest.

“That’s a valid question,” he said. “I just think having different start times on different days of the week would create confusion. That can be monitored though.”

In a separate measure, the Mayor and Council voted to move the daily stop time for bicycles on the Boardwalk from 11 a.m. to noon. Last summer, when the trams did not run because of the pandemic, bicycles were allowed on the Boardwalk until 2 p.m. each day. Councilman Mark Paddack said he thought the plan for this year was to stop bicy-

Boardwalk bikers will have until noon daily to ride this summer.

File photo by Chris Parypa

cles on the Boardwalk at 11:30 a.m. in advance of the new noon start time for

the trams.

“Originally, I voted for an 11:30 a.m.

stop time for bicycles,” he said. “From a police standpoint, they give a grace period to get bicycles off the Boardwalk.”

With the completion of the new public works complex at 2nd Street and St. Louis Avenue, tram mobilization this year will change. The trams will leave the public works complex at 2nd Street where they will be stored and serviced, cross Philadelphia Avenue and Baltimore Avenue and enter the Boardwalk at the ramp at 3rd Street. After the first two trams enter the Boardwalk, more trams will be added during the day until peak time deployment is reached.

The trams are now equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that will trigger and synchronize the traffic signals at 5th and 2nd streets to allow them to safely cross Philadelphia and Baltimore avenues.

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Buas Proposes Downtown Parking Permits To Address ‘Sleepers’

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A proposed residential parking permit aimed at curbing some of the illegal activity associated with car sleepers in the downtown area was introduced at the resort committee level this week.

In a meeting of the Ocean City Police Commission Monday, Councilman Peter Buas presented members with an idea to establish a residential parking permit for areas west of St. Louis Avenue between 4th and 15th streets.

“It’s to get people moving through

there and not leaving their cars overnight,” he said. “Hopefully it deters some of the overnight sleepers and trash we get down that way. I know we have an issue patrolling that. It might be one more tool.”

Buas said he envisioned the permit would be similar to permits issued in the Caine Keys parking district. While it wouldn’t reserve a parking space, he said, it would allow permit holders to park on the street between the hours of 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.

“The people that are patronizing areas downtown, it doesn’t inhibit their parking ability at all,” he said. “It just gets

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rid of the sleepers.”

Buas said the parking permit wouldn’t be limited to residents between 4th and 15th streets. He said those who live on Baltimore Avenue could apply for a permit as well.

Ocean City Police Department Chief Ross Buzzuro said he supported the idea.

“In terms of enforcement, it could certainly assist us with enforcement down there,” he said. “We patrol that area throughout the summer months for those that are sleeping in vehicles, so that would assist us with that.”

Mayor Rick Meehan, however, said there were challenges with implementing a residential parking permit in the downtown area. Unlike the Caine Keys neighborhood, he noted, the downtown area featured several multi-family units.

“It’s a little different because that’s not all R-1 area,” he said. “It’s multi-family, which makes it a little more difficult as far as handling it.”

Attorney Maureen Howarth, a Caine Keys resident, also questioned how the city clerk’s office would monitor requests for temporary permits.

“Previous times, I would have to go down to City Hall and get a bunch of temporary paper ones for the summer when different family members would visit …,” she said. “I think it was more controlled up in Caine Keys because most of it is not rented. I can see a lot of requests for those extra passes down

there. It would probably be hard to verify, more so downtown in the multi-family area."

Buas, however, noted side streets to the east of St. Louis Avenue would remain as general parking for those without permits. He said officials could reach out to the city clerk’s office to determine the feasibility of implementing another residential parking permit.

“We have a staffing/procedural concern at city hall, not necessarily an issue with the concept of parking permits,” he said.

Howarth noted the town would have to amend its code to add another residential parking district. Meehan said the proposal warranted further discussion at future commission meetings.

“I’m not opposed to considering it,” he said. “I don’t think we can do it in time for this year, but why don’t we look at it.”

Councilman Lloyd Martin said the town would also need to research the number of permits it could issue.

“We really need to know what the number is,” he said. “If you start issuing 20,000 permits for 200 spaces, you are doing nothing.”

Meehan noted the police department has plans to increase its sleeper patrols in the downtown area this summer. He said the proposed parking permit could be explored after that time.

“Let’s get some more information,” he said. “Let’s do the increased patrol this year and see where we are.”

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Council Advances Proposed Charter Changes On Elections

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and Council this week held a series of public hearings on proposed charter amendments, some of which had to do with elections and voting.

On Monday’s regular meeting agenda, there were five public hearings scheduled for proposed amendments to the town charter. Essentially, the hearings were mere formalities as no one from the public commented on any of them. Instead, the hearings were o-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

pened, and then closed, before the Mayor and Council voted to move them forward with the resolution process.

A couple of the charter amendments were related to the town’s election process, voter registration and polling. For example, the first acknowledges the Worcester County Board of Elections maintains the list of qualified registered voters for every town election. The City Clerk has not maintained the town voter rolls for decades and there are currently no names on the supplemental voter list.

The proposed amendment reads,

March 19, 2021

“The city clerk no longer registers municipal voters. Municipal voters register in accordance with state law and the town of Ocean City voter roll is maintained by the Worcester County Board of Elections and provided to the town for each election.”

The second public hearing on a proposed charter amendment dealt with the closing time at the polls for municipal elections. Ocean City municipal elections are held every two years at the convention center in conjunction with the state and federal elections. However, the municipal elections are held in a different area then the state and federal elections.

The proposed charter amendment would change the municipal election poll closing time from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., in order to coincide with the general election poll closing time, the proposed amendment reads. Councilman Mark Paddack took the opportunity to raise questions about early voting in Ocean City.

In a typical year, early voting in Worcester County is held at the Gull Creek assisted living facility in Berlin. In 2020, however, because of COVID restrictions on social distancing and gathering sizes, the Ocean City convention center was chosen as the polling site for early voting.

Many voiced concern because they could vote early at the convention center

for the state and national elections, but there was no provision for voting early in the municipal election. Instead, those who chose to vote early in the state and federal elections still had to return to the convention center on election day in November to vote in the municipal election.

“I received quite a few complaints about no early voting for the municipal election,” said Paddack. “Our voters had to show up on election day even if they voted early in the state and national election. I’d like consideration for a polling place for our early voting.”

City Clerk Diana Chavis pointed out there is no provision for early voting in the Ocean City elections, but there are other alternatives including absentee ballots. She also explained early voting at the convention center was likely a temporary situation because of the pandemic.

“I’ll bring it up to the board,” she said.

“We’ve never had early voting at the convention center, but that was done this year because of the space needed because of COVID. I assume it will probably go back to Gull Creek.”

The other proposed charter amendments were largely housekeeping measures, including adjusting the language in the purchasing and contracts section, formally changing the City Clerk’s title and elimination language in the code regarding the observation of the sabbath.

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Planning Commission Approves Changes For Fager Properties

March 19, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort planners this week approved three somewhat related site plan amendments for a vast property in the midtown area including Fager’s Island, Bad Monkey and the former Hall’s Restaurant.

While each site plan was reviewed individually by the Ocean City Planning Commission, they were all somewhat related because of the shifting of deeded parking spaces needed to accommodate the improvements.

Fager’s Island has existed along the bay at 59th Street since 1975, but in recent years, the company has acquired almost all the other property in the block from Coastal Highway to the bay. Fronting Coastal Highway on 58th Street is the Bad Monkey restaurant, while the former Hall’s Restaurant on 59th Street is going through a phased conversion to a commercial center with office and retail space including the new Monkee’s of Ocean City apparel store that opened this month.

It was a little unusual for one applicant to have three site plans presented for approval in a single meeting, but it was a welcome change for the planning commission. While each of the proposed improvements are independent of each other, each requires slight adjustments in dedicated parking spaces across the vast property, making their site plan presentations somewhat related.

“I think it’s a great idea,” said Planning Commission Chair Pam Buckley.

“We have had so many projects that they tried to do piecemeal and we weren’t sure what the end result was going to look like. This is a welcome change.”

The first site plan reviewed was for a roughly 1,000-square foot outdoor covered deck on the rear of the existing Bad Monkey building. It will be open, but covered with a roof and will have a small walk-up bar and some seating for guests waiting for tables, according to project architect Jeff Schoellkopf.

“It’s just adding an outdoor deck,” he said. “It would displace four parking spots, but they will be made up in other areas and there is plenty of ample parking. It’s pretty much just a waiting area.”

Owner John Fager told the commission it would essentially be a small waiting area used mostly during the day when the restaurant is on a wait. He said the plan was borne out of temporary COVID-19 adjustments last year and the plan has already been approved by the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners.

“We had an area set up out there last year with some outside seating and a walk-up area,” he said. “We had zero complaints from our neighbors. It will be closed at dark. It’s mostly for breakfast when we’re on a wait and it will be a pleasant place to wait.”

The second site plan reviewed on Tuesday was the next phase of the renovation of the old Hall’s Restaurant. The building is being converted to a commer-

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cial use and the second floor, for which the plan was presented on Tuesday, is the next phase of the conversion, according to Schoellkopf.

“This project has been underway for about a year-and-a-half,” he said. “The original permit was for office space, but we’re planning on a couple of uses including some retail. There will be some office space and some retail space upstairs.”

Schoellkopf said the plan will be a welcomed change for the long-vacant building.

“I’m just happy to see an old building put to good use,” he said. “I’m happy to be associated with this project.”

The third and final site plan presented on Tuesday was a reconfiguration and renovation of the entry area to Fager’s Island. It includes enclosed additions to the retail shop, restrooms and a waiting

deck area with a small open-air bar.

Schoellkopf explained, similar to the waiting deck for the Bad Monkey, the proposed addition will provide a waiting area for guests at Fager’s, along with restrooms and an expanded retail shop.

“On a big night with a concert or a special event, people line up out into the parking area to get to the ticket booth or waiting to enter,” he said. “This is a waiting area under a roof where they can wait and get a drink or something.”

Buckley said the waiting deck areas proposed for Bad Monkey and Fager’s Island was a great concept, especially when people are trying to social distance.

“It’s a wonderful idea,” she said. “People want to social distance while they’re waiting. It’s also safer for their guests because they’re not lined up waiting in the parking area.”

Page 13

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville agreed.

“I think it’s interesting Mr. Fager and Jeff are embracing this waiting deck concept,” he said. “That allows management to control the entry area. It also provides a covered space for people waiting to enter. It’s a great idea.”

Planning Commissioner Chris Shanahan also praised each of the related site plans presented on Tuesday, which were all approved unanimously.

“It’s a reflection on the management team to be aware and adjust and adapt their business,” he said. “They’re paying attention to their business, obviously, but they are making it more comfortable for their guests. They are reinvesting in their business and it shows.”

Buckley added, “Having the total package is huge. We can really see how the whole package is coming together.”

Page 14

Officials Break Ground On Major Drainage Project In Ocean Pines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

Pictured, from left, are Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting, Ocean Pines Association President Larry Perrone, Ocean Pines Association Directors Colette Horn and Doug Parks, Vista Design Principal Richard Polk, Worcester County Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell and Maryland Coastal Bays Program Watershed Coordinator Steve Farr.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

OCEAN PINES – Officials celebrated the start of an improvement project at Bainbridge Pond with a groundbreaking ceremony this week.

On Wednesday, officials broke ground at the site of a new improvement project at Bainbridge Pond in Ocean Pines.

The association says the project will achieve nutrient reduction by improving the quality of storm water runoff and improving flood protection resiliency through the retrofit of Bainbridge Pond and improvements to outfall channels within Ocean Pines.

March 19, 2021

Culvert replacements will be installed for Pinehurst, Sandyhook, and Beaconhill roads, while drainage swale enhancements and pond retrofit will be done within the Bainbridge Pond Park.

Construction is slated to begin this week, according to the Ocean Pines Association (OPA).

“We’re all working for the same end goal here, and that’s for the citizens of Ocean Pines,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs. “At the end of the day, it will help with flood resiliency, and it will help with cleanup. It’s a win-win, and we look forward to getting it done.”

Through its partnerships with Worcester County and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Ocean Pines was able to use $549,000 in grant funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and money from the association’s drainage reserve to dedicate more than $800,000 for the project.

“Ocean Pines is very appreciative, and we’re hoping this is just the first of many we can take care of because this is a big issue,” OPA President Larry Perrone said.

Director Doug Parks, the association’s project liaison, explained the Bainbridge project was years in the making.

He said what started out as an idea to seek grant funding for a water quality project had turned into an effort that addressed drainage issues as well.

“I want to thank the county because we as an HOA, as an entity, could not apply for grant funding, so we had to have someone who was an advocate for us,” he said. “So between Maryland Coastal Bays working us through the process and the county supporting us, we really arrived at this point. If it wasn’t for that collaborative effort, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino, who represents Ocean Pines, also recognized county and association staff – including Mitchell, OPA Public Works Director Eddie Wells and former Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips – for their assistance.

“I think this is an opportunity to show how the community can come together …,” he said. “It just goes to show when people look at the same thing and come up with ideas, anything is possible.”

Officials this week also praised the efforts of Sen. Mary Beth Carozza and engineering firm Vista Design. Company Principal Richard Polk said the project would not be possible without a collaborative approach.

“Without the help of everyone standing here and other Ocean Pines staff, this never would have happened,” he said. “The green-light thinking every time there was something that came up, the ability to work through issues as a team and resolve them as a team, is why we are here today.”

Proposed Timber Harvesting Questioned

March 19, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – State officials are currently reviewing comments from the public regarding proposed timber harvesting in the Pocomoke State Forest and Chesapeake Forest.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received more than 100 comments regarding the harvest of more than 2,300 acres of timber at the forests as part of the fiscal year 2022 annual work plan. Mike Schofield, forest manager, said staff will now review those before the plan is finalized.

“We have to sift through that,” he said. “The final plan will be posted online this spring.”

As proposed, the plan calls for 2,135 acres of the Chesapeake Forest to be cut and for 264 acres of the Pocomoke State Forest to be cut. Several of those who submitted comments objected to the inclusion of 121 acres of nearly 100year-old mixed pine and hardwood in the Pocomoke State Forest acreage meant to be harvested.

According to Schofield, timber harvesting is guided by the sustainable forest management plan, which was developed decades ago with input from conservation partners. The public comment period that ended early this month was the final part of a three-part process. The first step was internal review while the second step was a review by an advisory committee.

A key reason trees are harvested is to keep the forest healthy, Schofield said.

“We manage the forest and we cut timber for the health of the forest,” he said. “If you did not cut, it would grow, it would die, it would fall down. It would create potential fuel for a wild fire.”

Schofield believes it has the potential to become a “huge tinderbox,” as many forests were in years past.

“At the turn of the century, a lot of forests were on fire,” he said.

He added timber harvesting also helped prevent insect infestations and generated funding for important monitoring and research programs, such as those for the Delmarva fox squirrel and certain rare plants.

“All of that costs money,” he said.

“We’re a completely sustainably managed forest.”

Another issue is the part the forest plays in the state economy.

“We’re supporting the timber industry in Maryland,” he said. “Maryland is known for seafood, but the timber industry dwarfs the seafood industry 10 to 1 in Maryland.”

Those opposed to the practice, however, point out there are plenty of other lands being used for timber harvesting in Maryland.

“When the State forests were first acquired, their highest and best value was seen as their contribution to the viability of the timber industry,” wrote Joan Maloof, founder and executive director of Old-Growth Forest Network. “However, with three-quarters of the forests in Maryland on private lands, the State forests should not be artificially propping up this

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industry.”

Audubon Maryland-DC asked members to object to harvesting the 121 acres of nearly 100-year-old trees for the sake of biodiversity. The organization said the stand was located within the Pocomoke-Nassawango Important Bird Area and represented a more natural forest structure difficult to replicate.

“The Chesapeake/Pocomoke Forest Plan calls for cutting 2,398 acres,” a post on the group’s Facebook page said. “We are simply asking for restraint on 121 acres.”

In her letter of concern regarding the cutting, Maloof also questioned aspects of the public comment process. She cited the timing, which in late winter makes it difficult to know which herbaceous plants are in the area meant to be cut, and the fact some citizens were unaware of the opportunity to comment.

“I do my best to share information about the comment period, but I would expect DNR to do more,” she said.

Schofield said the process was open and transparent. He added that DNR took public comment into account and staff realized the importance of old growth forests, as there was a section of old growth that had been set aside and would never be cut. Schofield said the Forest Service tried to take into account opinions from all groups.

“We’re getting the most benefit for the most people over the longest period of time,” he said.

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Serious Talk About Improving High-Speed Connectivity

Page 16

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The multi-million-dollar price tag associated with bringing broadband to Worcester County isn’t deterring elected officials.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week asked a Chestertown company to return in April with a plan to deploy fiber throughout Worcester County in three years.

“If we have to bond money to get it done, we bond it,” Commissioner Ted Elder said. “It’s just imperative. Everything’s depending on it.”

Bringing high speed internet to the rural parts of the county has been a priority of the commissioners for years. The pandemic, and the months of remote working for many adults as well as the virtual learning expected of local students, high-

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Commissioners To Review Proposal On County-Wide Fiber Network

lighted the connectivity issues residents in Worcester’s rural neighborhoods have dealt with for years. While the school system provided mobile hotspots to those who needed them, students in remote areas often still struggled to join Zoom sessions and watch online videos from their teachers when schools were closed for in-person instruction.

Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief academic and operating officer for grades 9-12, acknowledged that distance learning had emphasized the need for more reliable internet throughout the county.

“We are grateful to the county commissioners for their continued focus on this issue,” she said. “It is imperative that our students and their families have equitable access to reliable internet connectivity.

This pandemic has exposed a significant gap in accessibility for many of our families. We look forward to working with the commissioners as they move forward with this initiative.”

Though a recent broadband study estimated countywide costs close to $50 million, the commissioners last week said they still wanted to see a proposal from Talkie Communications regarding the fea-

March 19, 2021

sibility of installing fiber in three years.

Commissioner Chip Bertino said fiber was no different than any other county infrastructure.

“Broadband connectivity is not a luxury nor should it be viewed as such,” he said.

“There are multiple internet carriers doing business within our county. But their economic viability models focus on population density. They are businesses focused on maximizing their bottom lines.

The reality is that much of our county is not densely populated and as such these areas are less attractive to providers who cannot justify the return on infrastructure investment.”

Bertino said that at this point in the 21st century, access to broadband was a necessity.

“For this reason, this is a narrowly defined circumstance when government has a responsibility to bridge the chasm created when business is unable to fulfill the needs of our residents, homeowners and business owners,” he said. “No different than our road system, water and sewer systems and the electrical grid, broadband is an infrastructure capital asset that must be in place to meet the needs of Worcester County residents now and in the future.”

He believes that with the newfound prevalence of remote working, with better internet access Worcester County could become a destination for those who want the quality of life here.

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom pointed out that it could also help bring new businesses — and jobs — to the county.

“We need more and better jobs here,” he said. “It’s hard to sell that when you don’t have reliable internet.”

As work, school and even applying for jobs is now done online, he says it’s imperative the county do what it can to expand broadband.

“It’s such an important part of everyday life we need to make it available to our citizens,” he said.

Elder, who campaigned on expanding broadband access in 2014, says he feels the county is finally on the verge of making it happen. Though the process has been slow, he said certain pieces — such as the county’s extensive broadband study — had to be in place before officials could select a partner. Now that that partner, Talkie Communications, has been selected, the company can pursue grants to help bring access to Worcester County.

“I’m a lot more optimistic now than I have been in the past,” Elder said.

And while the cost associated with the project will be high, Elder says that between grants and the bond market, Worcester County will be able to move forward.

“We’re finally getting somewhere,” he said.

Talkie Communications has been asked to return to Worcester County April 6 to present the commissioners with information on the cost and logistics associated with installing fiber throughout the county in the next few years.

“We’ll have to look at what we can do,” Nordstrom said. “We will have that and many other things to discuss during budget deliberations.”

Bike Repair Station Eyed For Boardwalk

March 19, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Officials will move forward in their efforts to establish a bike repair station at the south end of the Boardwalk.

Last week, the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee agreed to seek cost estimates and location approval for a bike repair station near the police department’s Boardwalk substation.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, committee liaison, said the idea was to test one location and add more repair stations if the pilot program is successful.

“If it’s successful, then it could grow,” he said.

In December, committee member and local bike shop owner Joe Marx presented BPAC members with an idea to provide bike stations on the Boardwalk to inflate flat tires. And in January, the committee agreed to explore cost estimates for installing two stations.

“It’s about eight inches in diameter and bolts to the ground to a piece of concrete,” Marx said at the time. “It’s just a manual pump, but it looks very commercial.”

Back on the agenda last week, Marx presented committee members with cost estimates for a standard stainless steel outdoor bike pump. He said each unit would cost roughly $700, but prices increased as additional features – like tools and bike chocks – were added.

“I would think, for ease of starting it, maybe put one at each end of the Boardwalk and one at Northside Park or something like that,” he said.

When asked about the feasibility of installing one at each end of the Boardwalk, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said he would have to look at proposed locations.

“I would have to look for locations that are not in conflict with other operations that may not be on the radar screen of anyone in this room,” he said. “You’ve got to make sure they’re close enough for the bikers, but remote enough where a Boardwalk tram is not going to run over top of it.”

Officials noted the town would have to explore funding sources to pay for the repair stations. Marx said he could also explore dealer pricing options that would make each unit cheaper to purchase.

After further discussion, the committee agreed to test one location at the police department’s Boardwalk substation, given the appropriate approvals.

Officials also agreed to explore different pricing options and funding sources within the public works budget.

“If you do one as a tester, I suggest putting it somewhere where there’s a City Watch camera,” said Ocean City Police Department’s Rick Wawrzeniak.

“You want to put it someplace where it’s routinely in view. That way if this is our tester and something happens, we can see what it was.”

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OCEAN CITY – Discussions on revising the town’s Boardwalk noise ordinance highlighted a resort commission meeting this week.

Last August, the town contracted with an engineering firm to take sound measurements at different locations and times on the Boardwalk to determine if the town’s noise ordinance needed to be amended. And late last month, the firm’s representatives presented their findings and recommendations to the Mayor and Council.

“The goal was to differentiate standard normal activities and establish a baseline,” RK&K consultant Kevin Hughes said at the time. “Those baseline conditions can then be compared to other activities such as performances, for example.”

From its study, the consultant recommended a baseline ambient noise level of 64 decibels (dBA) for areas of the Boardwalk south of 12th Street and 59 decibels for quieter sections north of 12th Street. The consultant also recommended an allowable decibel level above the established baseline by 11 decibels, and measuring decibel levels

March 19, 2021

at a distance of 15 feet for a duration of 10 seconds.

The council ultimately directed its legal counsel to draft a revised noise ordinance for the Boardwalk and present it to the Ocean City Police Commission for a recommendation.

On Monday, attorney Maureen Howarth told commission members she was seeking their thoughts on the proposed ordinance before submitting a draft to the full council.

“If they are over the dBA citation limit they can be cited,” she explained. “If they are under it, they cannot be cited.”

When asked about taking sound measurements and calibrating the equipment, Ocean City Police Department Lt. Dennis Eade explained officers would be trained.

“And the engineers will take a look at them prior to our season to make sure they are all up to date and ready to go,” he added.

Howarth also asked law enforcement officials if they had concerns about taking noise readings from a 15-foot distance. Eade noted that the department would follow the consultant’s recommendation.

“Obviously that’s going to put us up close and personal with the folks we’re measuring, and that’s fine,” he said. “They are going to see us take the measurements and turn the volume down, something of that nature. But being sneaky about getting measurements at 15 feet … we’ll make it work.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said that was fine, so long as it deterred people from violating the town’s noise ordinance.

“Just by being proactive and having an ordinance in place that we could effectively enforce should discourage some of that noise to begin with,” he said.

Howarth added that the ordinance ensured everyone was treated the same.

“It also allows the performers and businesses to express themselves,” she said, “but at an appropriate level.”

Commission members this week also questioned if noise ordinance violations would be complaint-driven.

“I think it’s pretty bad if we have an officer walk by, knows it’s a violation and keeps walking because they can’t do anything,” City Manager Doug Miller said.

Councilman Lloyd Martin agreed.

“It shouldn’t be complaint driven …,” he said. “Whatever it is, they should be able to address it.”

Howarth told commission members a draft ordinance would be introduced at the council’s first meeting in April, allowing officials time to adopt the ordinance ahead of the summer season.

“The sooner the better …,” Meehan said. “It’s best to start out being consistent early than placing catch-up. Setting the tone is very important.”

Chief Confident In Summer Police Force Numbers The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s police chief said his department is on target to meet, and possibly exceed, last year’s seasonal recruitment totals for the coming summer.

On Monday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro presented the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on seasonal recruitment for the coming summer season.

For decades, the OCPD has enhanced its workforce with seasonal officers and public safety aides (PSA) during the summer months. And while interest in the seasonal law enforcement program has waned in recent years, officials have pointed out positive trends in recruitment statistics for the 2021 season.

In a monthly report presented this week, Buzzuro told commission members the police department recently concluded its test dates for the program. In February, the OCPD reported having 42 seasonal officer applicants and 24 PSA applicants.

“The numbers that came in were very promising,” he said.

In terms of seasonal officer recruitment, Buzzuro said 53 candidates remain in the process while 28 have been given conditional offers for employment.

He noted the number of applicants for seasonal officer positions increased from 158 last year to 198 this year.

“That’s a pretty good jump,” he said, “up about 20% from last year.”

On the PSA side, 42 candidates remain in the process while 20 have been given conditional offers for employment.

“With public safety aides, we’re just about on par with where we were last year,” he said. “This year we’ve have 81 applicants through the door, total. Last year we had 89. But the failure rate balances that reduced number. We had 13 this year versus 19 last year.”

Last year, the department hired 114 seasonal officers and PSAs. Buzzuro told commission members he hopes to at least meet, if not exceed, that number for the coming year.

“All things considered, given some of the challenges that we faced, all in all we are in a pretty favorable condition for the upcoming season.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed. He pointed out that the number of conditional hires had increased for both seasonal officers and PSAs. “I think that’s exactly what we were hoping to achieve,” he said. “We’re moving in the right direction.”

When asked about the department’s virtual recruitment efforts this year, Buzzuro said it was successful.

In addition to video conferencing, he said, the department increased its advertising and expanded its territory to reach more people.

“We had to do that given the challenges we faced coming into the year,” he said. “So it’s worked out well.”

Buzzuro added the department also leaned on its relationships with colleges and universities in its recruitment efforts.

“They’ve also come through,” he said. “That relationship is there, and it’s given us a helping hand.”

Meehan said the department could continue its new recruitment practices in the years to come.

“Hopefully some of those things are things we can continue,” he said.

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Wicomico Prosecutor Appointed Fed Immigration Judge

Page 20

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Former Worcester County prosecutor and Wicomico County Deputy State’s Attorney William “Billy” McDermott has been appointed as a federal immigration judge by the U.S. Attorney General.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has appointed McDermott, 35, a resident of Girdletree, as a federal immigration judge assigned to the New York City Court effective March 28. McDermott, a Worcester County native who

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

McDermott: ‘A Bittersweet Time For Me’

graduated from Snow Hill High School, served as deputy state’s attorney under former Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby.

When Oglesby was appointed to the Worcester County Circuit Court bench in January 2018, McDermott, his top prosecutor, was appointed Ad Interim State’s Attorney for Worcester County. He announced he was running for the office full-time, but lost a narrow election to cur-

rent Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser later in 2018.

McDermott was immediately picked up by the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he has served as lead prosecutor ever since before his appointment as a federal immigration judge this week. As deputy state’s attorney for Wicomico County, McDermott has prosecuted many important cases over the last few years, including the WILLIAM Jamel Gould homicide MCDERMOTT trial, the Brendon Fields homicide trial, the Jonathan Megee homicide trial, the Barbara Pilchard animal abuse trial and the Salisbury University hate crime graffiti case, for example.

Outside the courtroom, McDermott has assisted in the creation of the new Prosecution Integrity Unit. He has also testified in Annapolis on several pieces of important public safety-related legislation and led the first annual Wicomico County State’s Attorney Summer Camp for youth.

“We are incredibly excited and proud of Billy’s appointment,” said Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes.

“This may be the opportunity of a lifetime

March 19, 2021

for him and his family, and we know that our country will be well-served by those qualities that will make him an excellent judge.”

For his part, McDermott is excited about the opportunity.

“This is a bittersweet time for me,” he said. “I am deeply saddened to be leaving such an incredible office with so many talented public servants under the extraordinary leadership of Jamie Dykes.

This office has become like a home, and the people who work here are family.”

McDermott was raised in Worcester County and graduated from Snow Hill High School. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors as a criminal justice major from Long Island University and went on to graduate with a Juris Doctorate with a certificate in law and public policy from Catholic University’s School of Law. McDermott said with Dykes at the helm and the talented people around her, the transition will be a smooth one for the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office, but emotionally challenging for him.

“I’m excited to serve in this new capacity, but my last day here may well be one of the hardest of my life,” he said.

“The people of Wicomico County should know how blessed they are to have such an amazing team in the Office of the State’s Attorney. Their work always goes on.”

Anti-Litter Campaign To Launch In May

March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 21

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Messages and signage for the “Litter Free OC” campaign should begin popping up around the resort beginning in May. Members of the town’s Coastal Resources Legislative Committee are pictured reviewing concepts this week.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – With a new slogan and plans for extensive messaging, officials say the resort will be ready to launch its anti-litter campaign by May. Last Wednesday, the Coastal Resources Legislative Committee, or Green Team, continued its discussion on a resort-wide anti-litter campaign focused on outreach, enforcement and recognition.

“This meeting is like our ‘pull the trigger,’” said Gail Blazer, the town’s environmental engineer, “and we’ll start to get things rolling and launched.”

Last year, the Green Team began discussing the resort’s growing litter problem after a particularly troublesome summer season. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, committee liaison, said the issue was raised after town officials started receiving emails about the amount of trash littering the Boardwalk and side streets.

Despite the efforts of the town’s public works department and beach and street cleanup programs, officials said the town continued to experience an extreme amount of trash last year.

To that end, the Green Team began exploring a campaign that involved community partners both in and around the resort. And in January, representatives from town departments, environmental organizations, the hospitality industry and local schools met for a roundtable discussion on a multi-faceted initiative called “Every Litter Bit Hurts.”

In an update last week, Marketing Coordinator Jenna Knight told the committee that campaign messaging had shifted in the weeks following that January meeting.

“We received some feedback, so we shifted to a more positive focus,” she said. “This is what you are seeing today, ‘Litter Free OC.’” Knight also highlighted the town’s efforts to launch the Litter Free OC campaign in recent weeks. She said officials have developed messaging for newsletters, emails, banners and billboards, social media and the Boardwalk trams.

DeLuca told committee members last week the trams currently had twelve open advertising spaces.

He said he wanted to fill those blank spaces with antilitter messaging.

“We fill every blank with what we can afford,” he said.

Blazer noted the town had already ordered signage for three of those empty spaces. DeLuca proposed purchasing the other nine panels – at a cost of roughly

$4,100 – using grant funds from Keep America Beautiful.

“My thought is we can put messaging on the tram, like ‘Please discard cigarettes in our butt huts …,’” he said. “Keep America Beautiful will pay for anything that says cigarette butts.”

Officials this week also highlighted the campaign’s new webpage, oceancity.green, which features volunteer opportunities, a calendar of upcoming cleanup events, and an anti-litter pledge, to name a few things.

“This is just a starting point,” Blazer said.

In addition to its outreach and recognition efforts, officials this week also highlighted planned enforcement measures.

Capt. Elton Harmon said the Ocean City Police Department will enter into a strict enforcement phase ahead of the summer season. He noted residents and visitors will see more officers on the Boardwalk, smaller patrol sectors and public safety aides stationed at the street ends.

“Hopefully some of the stuff we are doing we’ll be heading it off before it becomes a violation …,” he said.

“Warnings are part of enforcement, but I will forecast it will be more enforcement than warnings.”

Public works officials last week also highlighted their contributions. Director Hal Adkins noted that the department would allocate more money this year to provide additional weed spraying in the downtown area.

Officials noted weeds tended to trap litter on the town’s side streets.

In the last month, the public works department has also been more aggressive in its efforts to tag broken waste wheelers during residential trash collection.

“This is how we notify the property owner their can is busted, leaking, the lid is missing, and that they need to contact us to replace it,” he said.

Adkins pointed out the public works department had also reduced the amount it charged for replacing trash cans. While he believed the department was selling the trash cans at cost, Adkins said he recently found out that wasn’t the case.

“We’re now moving forward with selling them at cost …, he said. “It will make it more attractive for an individual to become compliant.”

Officials say the Litter Free OC campaign will launch with a proclamation at the May 17 Mayor and Council meeting. From there, Blazer said, officials will “hit the ground running” with programs and messaging.

“We need to keep it spit shined here, or else no one makes money, no one’s going to come …,” she said.

“If you see a clean community, you are going to feel safer in it.”

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Grant Progress Report Reviewed

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – An update on the use of COVID-19 grant funds highlighted a public hearing this week.

Last August, Worcester County was awarded $64,265 in COVID-19 grant funding through the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, a federally funded program designed to assist governments with activities directed toward neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic developed and improved community facilities and services.

Through the first round of grant funding, the Worcester County Developmental Center received $31,400 and Diakonia, Inc. received $32,865 as program sub-recipients.

March 19, 2021

In a public hearing this week, Senior Budget Accountant Kim Reynolds provided the Worcester County Commissioners with information on the progress of the grant award.

“I just want to bring everyone up to speed on what has been spent so far,” she said.

Reynolds said the developmental center had used $24,900 of its $31,400 to purchase 100 Chromebook laptops for its clients, while Diakonia had used more than $25,000 of its grant funding.

“So far Diakonia has used $630 of their funding for COVID testing supplies and $24,960 on cost of staffing expenses due to the impact of the pandemic,” she said.

Following the public hearing, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve the CDBG grant progress report.

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BERLIN – A grant will allow the town to install a rooftop solar array at the Schoolfield Street substation.

The town has received a $122,375 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration for a solar array for the substation on Schoolfield Street.

“We were the first to apply and the first to receive the grant,” Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said.

When officials from the Maryland Energy Administration attended a ribbon cutting event celebrating the town’s natural gas generator last year, Fleetwood said they shared news of a solar grant program with municipal officials. As a result, the town applied for funding late last year. Officials learned this month that the town’s application had been successful.

Berlin will receive $122,375, the total cost of the project.

Fleetwood said Carter Machinery, the

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same company the town worked with on its natural gas generator, would handle the project.

“They were the obvious choice,” Fleetwood said, noting the satisfactory work the company put in on the prior project.

The solar array will generate an estimated 65 megawatt hours of electricity a year. While a ground array, which could have also been located at Schoolfield Street, would have generated more electricity, Fleetwood said the grant was only available for rooftop systems. He says the new solar array will be a positive for the town even if the amount of power is modest.

“It’s not a huge generator for us but it’s a step in the right direction,” he said.

According to its website, the Maryland Energy Administration manages grants, loans, rebates and tax incentives meant to help the state achieve its goals in energy reduction, renewable energy, climate action and green jobs.

NEWARK – Worcester County Public Schools will announce its 2021 Teacher of the Year during a virtual celebration scheduled for next week.

On Friday, March 26, Worcester County Public Schools will a virtual ceremony to announce the school system’s finalists and 2021 Worcester County Teacher of the Year.

In a school board meeting this week, Superintendent Lou Taylor encouraged the community to tune in to the livestream at 6 p.m.

“Later this month, while we would have loved to have held our Teacher of the Year celebration in all its glory, we will instead be holding a livestream celebration the same evening,” he said. “I hope all of you will join us on our website, www.worcesterk12.org, and on our social media channels Friday, March 26, at 6 p.m. to celebrate this remarkable group of

educators … These teachers are outstanding examples of high-quality teaching occurring in our classrooms throughout this great school system.”

Candidates for this year’s Worcester County Teacher of the Year award include Mia Byrd, Snow Hill Elementary School, Beverly Hart, Pocomoke Middle School, Catherine Herr, Ocean City Elementary School, Cara Kurtz, Snow Hill Middle School, Kurt Marx, Stephen Decatur High School, Ellen Masters, Berlin Intermediate School, Melissa Reid, Buckingham Elementary School, Stacey Russell, Cedar Chapel Special School, Aarti Sangwan, Worcester Technical High School, Jennifer Taylor, Pocomoke High School, Nicholas Traud, Snow Hill High School, Lauren Walker, Pocomoke Elementary School, Laura Wheeler, Showell Elementary School, Caleb Wilson, Stephen Decatur Middle School.

The teacher chosen to represent Worcester County will move on to the state level competition later this year.

March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

Cops & Courts

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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OCEAN CITY – A local woman was arrested on second-degree assault charges last week after allegedly striking her livein girlfriend multiple times during an argument at a midtown residence.

Around 10:40 a.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on 72nd Street for a reported assault that had already occurred. According to police reports, the officer met with a female victim who advised she and her girlfriend had been in a verbal argument that morning.

The victim reportedly told police her girlfriend, identified as Latoshia Hines, 37, of Ocean City, was about to leave the room in anger when the victim called her a name.

According to police reports, Hines came back into the room and struck the victim in the left cheek with a closed fist.

When the victim fell on the bed, Hines allegedly jumped on top of her and struck her several more times, according to police reports. Hines also attempted to bite the victim on her left cheek.

The officer reportedly observed redness and swelling on the left side of the victim’s face, consistent with her version of the events. The officer spoke with Hines, who did not deny striking the victim, according to police reports. Hines reportedly told police her relationship with the victim had become strained in recent months and their confrontations have become physical in the past. Hines was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Hotel Disturbance Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Glen Burnie woman was arrested on multiple charges last week after allegedly causing a disturbance at a downtown hotel.

Around 2:30 a.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to the hotel for a reported disorderly individual. Ocean City Communications advised a woman later identified as Angela Morgan, 55, has returned to the hotel with her daughter and her daughter’s fiancé after drinking at a downtown bar.

An Uber took the trio back to the hotel where Morgan became irate and upset for unknown reasons, according to police reports. Morgan began yelling outside, drawing the attention of other hotel guests. The OCPD officer arrived and located the daughter and fiancé standing by their vehicle. Both agreed to speak with the officer independently and each provided a similar version of the events, according to police reports.

The couple reportedly told police they were staying with Morgan at the hotel and were planning on leaving later that same morning. When Morgan began yelling, her daughter called the police because she feared the disturbance would upset

March 19, 2021

other guests and would lead to their eviction from the hotel, according to police reports.

The OCPD officer approached the unit on the fourth floor and Morgan came to the door. As the officer attempted to speak with Morgan, she would constantly interrupt with various expletive-laced phrases, according to police reports. The officer reportedly told Morgan her daughter did not want her to leave, but rather wanted her to lower her voice and go to bed, and to stop creating a public disturbance.

Morgan reportedly grabbed her bag full of clothes and informed the officer she was leaving. Morgan reportedly told the officer she would rather by “stranded on the streets,” than stay in the unit. The officer gave Morgan a lawful order to lower her voice or she would be subject to the town’s noise ordinance and informed her she could leave the unit.

According to police reports, the officer observed Morgan as she crossed Baltimore Avenue and sit in the bus shelter at 3rd Street. The officer returned to the daughter and her fiancé and told them of Morgan’s decision. The daughter and fiancé reportedly told the officer they were going to stay in their vehicle until they were sober enough to drive back to Anne Arundel County, according to police reports.

Meanwhile, the officer reportedly observed Morgan run down the hotel stairway and run toward the couple’s vehicle where she began yelling again. As the officer approached Morgan, she attempted to walk back up the steps to elude the officer. She was ultimately arrested for disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, failure to obey a lawful order, intoxicated public disturbance and a noise violation.

Weapons Recovered During Stop OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore woman was arrested last week on weapons charges after resort police allegedly located a knife, brass knuckles and a baton in her purse during a traffic stop.

Around 12:35 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle parked in front of a hotel at 25th Street. The driver was not able to produce her vehicle’s registration and a background check revealed the vehicle was not insured. As officers were speaking with the driver, they detected a strong odor of raw marijuana coming from the passenger compartment.

OCPD officers identified the rear passenger-side occupant as Maude Branch, 31, of Baltimore. On the rear passenger seat, the officers located a black purse, which they had observed Branch wearing around her shoulder during the initial stop. Inside the purse, OCPD officers reSEE NEXT PAGE

... Cops & Courts

March 19, 2021

portedly located a three-inch fixed-blade knife in a sheath, a baton that extended to approximately three-feet long and a pair of silver brass knuckles. Based on the evidence recovered in her purse, Branch was arrested for carrying and possessing concealed dangerous weapons.

Drug Possession Charges OCEAN CITY – A North Carolina man was arrested on drug possession charges last week following a traffic stop in north Ocean City.

Around 10:45 p.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 123rd Street observed a vehicle roll through a red traffic signal and continue northbound at a high rate of speed. According to police reports, when the driver, later identified as Riley McGee, 35, of Raleigh, N.C., observed the officer, he made an abrupt lane change across three lanes and turned onto 125th Street.

McGee reportedly did not stop initially, continued east and attempted to back his vehicle into a parking spot and exit the vehicle, stating “I’m just trying to park my car,” according to police reports. The officer advised McGee why he was being stopped and asked for his license and registration. While speaking with McGee, the officer reportedly observed a box of Narcan in the driver’s side door.

A registration check revealed the vehicle’s registration had expired in February and the vehicle was no longer registered. As per protocol, the officer

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch called for the unregistered vehicle to be towed. An inventory of the vehicle’s contents revealed a metal spoon with cocaine residue, a glass smoking device with cocaine residue and a plastic pipe with cocaine residue. McGee was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

Probation For Hotel Fracas OCEAN CITY – A Maryland couple, arrested in October after causing a scene at a midtown hotel, each pleaded guilty to separate charges this week and each was placed on probation for one year.

Around 11:50 p.m. last Oct. 16, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a hotel at 66th Street to assist hotel staff with an eviction. The responding officers met with the hotel manager, who reportedly told police she had walked past a room on the eighth floor and heard aggressive yelling and arguing. The officers made contact with the male occupant of the room, identified as Tavon Anderson, 29, of Hyattsville, Md., who told police he was staying in the room with his girlfriend, identified as Bridgette Bailey, 22, of Mount Ranier, Md. Anderson reportedly told police he and Bailey had been consuming large amounts of alcohol and began to aggressively argue. Anderson told police he began to pack his bags to leave the hotel.

Bailey was interviewed and told police a similar version of the events leading up to their arrival.

OCPD officers and the hotel manager advised Anderson not to leave the hotel because of his level of intoxication. The OCPD officers then left the room, but as

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they were heading to the elevators, the hotel manager ran toward them and advised Anderson and Bailey were arguing again.

As the officers re-entered the room, they observed Anderson screaming at Bailey, who was allegedly cowering in the corner of the balcony. According to police reports, Bailey appeared to be scared and told the officers “I just want you to come in and make him go.”

The hotel manager issued a trespass warning to Anderson, who ultimately refused to leave the property and was placed under arrest. While the officers were escorting Anderson to the elevators, Bailey approached them aggressively and demanded they release him. According to police reports, as the elevator doors were closing, Bailey forced them back open, pushed one OCPD officer to

Page 25 the side of the elevator and grabbed onto Anderson.

At that point, Bailey was also arrested for second-degree assault on an officer and obstructing and hindering. When an officer attempted to handcuff her, she allegedly pulled her arms away in an attempt to avoid being taken into custody.

Once Anderson and Bailey were escorted out of the hotel and onto the public sidewalk, they reportedly began arguing again, screaming profanities and attracting the attention of a crowd of people who had gathered at the scene. This week, Anderson pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and was granted probation before judgment and placed on probation for one year. Bailey pleaded guilty to obstructing and hindering, also received probation before judgment and was placed on probation for one year.

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Fenwick Petition Moves Forward After Judge Denies Dismissal

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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FENWICK ISLAND – A petition to have the Town of Fenwick Island enforce its town code will move forward this week after a Superior Court judge denied the town’s motion to dismiss the case.

Late last month, Delaware Superior Court Judge Craig Karsnitz heard oral arguments from attorneys regarding a motion to dismiss a complaint alleging the town had violated its zoning code by allowing an outdoor, rooftop bar at the newly constructed Fenwick Shores hotel on Coastal Highway.

While the plaintiffs in the case – a group of Fenwick Island property owners – believe the outdoor bar violates numerous sections of the town code, the town contends the bar is a hotel amenity, meaning it has no control over where the bar would be located.

In an order issued Tuesday, Karsnitz denied the town’s motion to dismiss the complaint.

“The motion and response address the facts as the respective party sees them,” the opinion reads. “If the Town’s version of the facts is accepted, it is undoubtedly entitled to have its motion granted. Petitioners’ version presents a more complicated case, and the Town has not addressed this version of its analysis. As a result, and applying the standard for a motion for summary judgement, I am denying the motion.”

Last August, 17 plaintiffs filed a petition for writ of mandamus in Delaware Superior Court demanding the Town of Fenwick Island address and prohibit alleged zoning violations at the Fenwick Shores.

In 2018, developer Spiro Buas demolished the aging Sands Motel and began building a new Tapestry brand hotel in its place. The hotel, which features 65 rooms, also includes amenities such as a gym, event space and a second-floor pool deck with an outdoor bar. As part of the process, Buas applied with the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (ABCC) for a hotel liquor license. The application also sought a patio permit and variance to permit live entertainment, external speakers, a paging system and a wet bar on the second-floor patio of his property.

Since that time, however, several property owners have voiced their objections to his request and argued the town code did not allow for an outdoor bar.

“Fenwick has failed to enforce the Code by permitting the Sands Hotel: (a) to have a bar, (b) to have a bar not connected to a restaurant, (c) to have a bar area in any outside service area, (d) to have an outside service area more than three feet above ground level, (e) to

March 19, 2021

have music or entertainment on an outdoor deck on the top floor of the hotel, and (f) to have a large outdoor deck bar and entertainment area on the top floor of the hotel …,” their petition reads.

“The foregoing are violations of the Fenwick Code and violations of Fenwick’s duty to enforce the Code.”

The plaintiffs also took issue with a letter the town sent to the ABCC, in which it took no position on the liquor license application.

“Although the Town has previously confirmed that a hotel is a permitted use of the above-referenced property according to the Town’s Zoning Code and takes no position either in favor of or in opposition to the pending application, the Town finds that it is prudent and necessary to clarify that certain types of outdoor entertainment events requires the advance approval of the Town Council,” Town Manager Terry Tieman wrote to the ABCC last March.

In November, legal counsel for the town filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, “contending it is nothing more than an attempt to impermissibly have me substitute my judgement for that of the building officials,” Karsnitz wrote in his opinion this week.

The judge ultimately denied the town’s motion, pointing out “significant disputes of fact” between the town and the property owners.

“At argument, counsel for Petitioners told me that the Town was unaware of this rooftop bar until it was brought to its attention by a letter from the Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (‘DABCC’) … The DABCC requires a letter from local authorities indicating the applicants comply with local zoning regulations. The response from the Town was less than clear, but seems to have expressed the opinion the applicants did meet Town regulations, but added it was taking no position on the application,” the opinion reads. “On the other hand, the Town’s counsel told me the Town was aware of the proposed rooftop use as early as 2019, and approved it as in compliance with its zoning code. If this information is correct, parties aggrieved by the decision (presumable some or all Petitioners) could have appealed the decision to the Town Board of Adjustment.”

When reached for comment this week, a statement from the town noted the judge’s ruling on the motion did not negate the town’s actions.

“The town is still reviewing the court's decision and conferring with legal counsel about next steps in the pending case,” a statement reads. “However, the decision does not invalidate the lawful decision of the town relative to the construction of the Fenwick Shores Hotel.”

The plaintiffs’ attorney, William Rhodunda, did not return requests for comment this week.

March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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March 19, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Renovations at the decades-old Fenwick Inn are moving forward after resort planners this week approved a site plan for an expansion of the pool area and the addition of a fitness center.

The Ocean City Planning Commission conducted a site plan review Tuesday for an expansion of some of the accessory uses at the Fenwick Inn, which has existed on the site at 139th Street since 1975. The plans call for a 1,000-square-foot expansion of the existing swimming pool facility attached to the rear of the building and a 363square-foot addition of a fitness center, both of which are considered accessory uses of the existing hotel.

The expansion of the pool facility and the addition of the fitness center are just part of the major renovations going on at the Fenwick Inn. Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy explained the owners – the hotel was purchased by The Carousel Group in 2019 – currently have applied for a building permit for extensive interior renovations, including eliminating the rooftop restaurant that has existed for years. She said the site plan for the pool and fitness center additions were being handled separately.

“This is a pretty minor addition to

the Fenwick Inn property,” she said.

“This portion is being broken out so they can move forward with the other interior renovations. It’s pretty straightforward and the staff is recommending site plan approval with any conditions you see fit.”

The pool and fitness center additions will result in the loss of four parking spaces, but the property already has parking in excess of what is required by the code. The code requires 226 spaces for the entire property, but the Fenwick Inn is providing 234. That is largely due to the conversion of the former restaurant to housing, which is a less intense use.

“The restaurant is going away and some of that space will be converted to rooms,” said project architect Heather Morrison. “That’s the plan. There will still be gathering space, but there won’t be a full-service restaurant.

Gordy explained the rooftop restaurant that existed in various incarnations over the years is being removed, but there will be meeting space and banquet facilities.

“They don’t have a kitchen, but they could have something catered,” she said. “It’s basically a banquet hall.”

With little discussion, the planning commission approved the site plan for the pool and fitness center addition with a 5-0 vote with commissioners Palmer Gillis and Peck Miller absent.

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March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

Juvenile harp seal recovering Fundraising effort organized

to help Farmer after home Fire

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A juvenile seal rescued from the beach in Ocean City earlier this month is on the mend at the National Aquarium’s Animal Care and Rescue Center.

On March 2, the juvenile harp seal was rescued from the beach in coordination with the Ocean City Beach Patrol and the Ocean City Police Department.

The seal, now named Stuart Little, in keeping with the aquarium’s theme this year of naming rescued marine mammals after beloved children’s book characters, was observed eating sand on the beach when it was rescued.

When a harp seal is observed eating sand or rocks, it’s important to act quickly because it is a sign the animal is stressed and is likely dehydrated, according to National Aquarium staffers. Sand and rocks can cause damage to the seal’s digestive system, according to National Aquarium Animal Rescue Director Jennifer Dittmar.

“Harp seals typically eat ice for hydration during periods when they don’t have access to food,” she said. “When they move south into areas where there isn’t ice, they maintain this behavior and can

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STAFF WRITER

Stuart Little is pictured in the pool at the National Aquarium. Submitted Photo

eat whatever is around them, often sand and rocks. This behavior can also be a stress response.”

Upon arrival at the National Aquarium, Stuart Little was treated with fluids to hydrate him and flush the sand out of his system. The team took radiographs of the seal’s abdomen to check for rocks and, fortunately, none were found. Stuart Little, however, does require treatment for intestinal parasites. The seal now has full-time pool access and has started eating about 10 pounds of fish per day.

WHALEYVILLE – A local farmers market merchant is left picking up the pieces this week after losing his home in a fire.

Just before 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 7, firefighters from multiple departments responded to a reported house fire on Donaway Road in Whaleyville.

Resident Joe Timmons said he and his eight-year-old son were home at the time. He said he had placed a pan of vegetable oil on the hot stove. When he returned a few minutes later, the kitchen was on fire.

“It was bad,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything. My son started screaming, saying ‘Daddy we need to get out.’”

He said several fire trucks and ambulances responded to the scene. His roommate, who lived on the other side of the house, had to be pulled out of the fire.

“I called my roommate when we got out, but I didn’t think she was there at the time,” he said. “She was actually asleep in the house.”

Timmons recognized the firefighters

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March 19, 2021

for their quick response and assistance in putting out the flames. While his house has been deemed uninhabitable, he said he was grateful everyone had survived.

“I still can’t wrap my head around everything,” he said.

Timmons said he is currently residing in a camper in the front yard. He explained he is staying on the property to tend to his goats, which are integral to his small business, Goatopia LLC. “Five mommy goats had six baby goats in the last month …,” he said, “so I had to be there.”

Timmons noted his business operates from his home. The fire, he added, destroyed all the materials he uses to craft his goat milk products.

“We have to start over again …,” he said. “Everything is on hold right now.”

Meanwhile, community members have stepped up to help Timmons and his family.

“We’ve had people bring out necessities, like canned food, towels and other day-to-day things you take for granted,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough. I am overwhelmed by the support we’ve gotten.”

Family friend Amy Roche has also organized a Go Fund Me page to assist the family.

“Joe Timmons has been a long-time friend of the family, growing up in the local Salisbury area with my husband,” she said. “Joe is a kind, compassionate and hard-working small business owner of Goatopia LLC, where he farms goats and makes goat-milk lotions and soaps.

When Joe’s house burned down, he not only lost his home, but he also lost his ability to continue running his small business.”

Roche said funds collected through the Go Fund Me page will help Timmons rebuild his home and his business. As of Thursday, more than $2,200 had been raised.

“Please consider making a small donation to a local community member so he can once again begin selling his homemade products at the local farmers markets in Ocean Pines, Berlin, and surrounding areas,” she said. “With your help he will be able to get back on his feet and carry on.”

March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

… Public-Private Partnership Pitched To Operate Park

Page 32

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 7 Hillyer said it was a great question.

She said her feeling was the town had a plan and vision for the park all along.

When she heard the town was considering selling a portion of the park, she and Hoffman immediately began brainstorming possible ways to get the best use of the park.

“I think if you sell off any parts of the park for development, particularly residential but any development really, you will shut down your ability to do big things with that park,” Hillyer said. “As soon as you get residents inside that park, they will be able to tell you they don’t want music or something that’s noisy or they don’t like skateboarders.

I think that’s why we acted when we did.”

Council member Shaneka Nichols, also a member of the advisory committee, praised the presentation, but she questioned the grand scheme outlined because of concerns over costs associated with transforming the park. As a member of the advisory committee, Nichols said funding was always the problem. Social media commenters during the presentation echoed her concerns.

Concept plans were created in the past by the committee, but there was no financial way to pull them off within the town’s budget.

“The concepts and thoughts have always been there. I want to be completely positive here, but what does this mean for the town? What could this possibly cost the town?,” Nichols said. “Are you saying there is no additional cost to us at this point and this could happen immediately?”

Hoffman said the MOU would outline all the responsibilities and financial aspects of the public-private partnership.

“We are willing to take our assets and bring our collaborative abilities with sponsors, grant writing, naming rights and not come to the city with big money, but to create an MOU where we have the freedom to do these things,” Hoffman said. “None of this can be done until the Mayor and Council and the community deem it acceptable. … The next step would be to figure out how we do this and that would involve a deep meeting with the Mayor and Council and design areas in the MOU that outline re-

sponsibilities of both sides. Everybody winning is our goal in this.”

Property Sale Encouraged Town resident Marie Velong encouraged the town to sell the property through a photo album showing the troubled site today. The pictures showed the delipidated buildings, standing water on the low lying areas on the site, high-tension wires running through the site, the need for a safety fence around the retaining ponds, questionable water quality in the ponds, lack of emergency medical access for ambulances and debris and hazards throughout the property.

“We have always referred to Heron Park as the ‘scary park,’” said Velong.

“The only thing I see the park is good for is to walk your dogs, observe the birds, ducks and geese. I have seen foxes and snapping turtles there, too. The money the town would get by selling this property would reduce the debt and free up the funds for other purposes in the town.

Personally, I think the whole park should be sold, but I do understand the idea of preserving nature in the back parcel. My objection to keeping that part is the same as the front parcels. Though the birds and animals adapt to the industrial nature of the land, no one has cleaned up those areas of the many pipes, cement slabs and construction debris that abound in the back part as should have been done before it was purchased for a park. I have no doubt lawn mowers have been damaged by the many pipes left sticking up along the banks of the ponds. If someone slips and falls there is a danger of them seriously hurting themselves. There is no safety equipment to help someone should they happen to stumble and fall into the ponds.

What is the town’s liability if any of those things happen?”

Velong supported the skate park concept for Berlin but not at Heron Park.

She said a skate park would be ideally located at Decatur Park.

“We have to ask what age the skate park would be for?” said Velong. “Are we doing it to attract business to the town or to give our children a safe place for them to practice their skateboarding skills? I truly believe there is enough land in Stephen Decatur Park that could house a reasonable skate park for our

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young people. I am wondering, are there objections from the community around Stephen Decatur Park, that keep it from being the ideal place for a skateboard park?”

Comprehensive Park Plan Needed Ron Cascio, a resident of Berlin and member of the Berlin Planning Commission for 15 years, said it’s important for an historical perspective of the property to be shared. The park property was once “the bane of our little town” because of the stench from the former poultry processing plant. Cascio walked through the history of the property and the town’s stated reason for buying it before summarizing, “all we are getting at this point from this boondoggle is a path to walk around the wastewater lagoons.”

Since “this property is bleeding money,” Cascio said the town should seriously consider selling the parcels under consideration but cautioned the town would be at the mercy of the buyers.

“I think there is a way to create value in this property of ours. A responsible way to consider selling off a small portion or two that could begin to retire some of the debt service and fund the infrastructure for the kind of place we want for the townspeople in the way of recreation and possibly entertainment,” Cascio said. “And a way to add more commerce and housing in the form of mixed-use development – very similar to downtown. All of this on our own terms.

We just need to think like smart developers. We need to imagine a way to create value in this land of ours.”

Cascio offered a means to find the value he seeks through the creation of a comprehensive master plan for the entire property. He said the process will allow the town to identify what parts of the property will be best to sell and which to retain. “… It would be far better to take the plans we create to permit before flipping it. This is what very smart developers do,” said Cascio, who developed the Walnut Hill residential community off William Street. “This way we get exactly what we want in what will likely become the entrance to the town’s recreational park. We, as owners, have total control.

We, as owners, are the primary regulatory body that determines what goes on there – a developer’s dream. Why would

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we want to lose control that we paid so heavily for?”

Cascio suggested the town hold meetings to evaluate all possible scenarios and hold a design competition, or charrette, to develop a comprehensive plan for the property.

“We need to come together to work on our shared vision, one that creates a situation with the best interest of the people of Berlin in mind,” he said. “Then develop a plan, take it to permit, exercising our right as developers to control what goes on there in perpetuity, even if we still sell off small portions. We claim to be America’s Coolest Small Town.

Now let’s act like it.”

Citizen Comments Kate Patton, long time Berlin resident and executive director of the Lower Shore Land Trust, read from a letter she sent the council earlier this year. Patton served for three years as a member of the Heron Park Advisory Committee before it was disbanded, a move she did not support. “… Selling parcels 410 and 57 really should not be a consideration. Possibly 57 could be done but only with careful consideration … having that permitted by what we want to see happen in town and designated a specific way is appropriate, rather than being reactive when someone comes with a proposal to the town,” Patton said. “We want to see something that truly does benefit the community. At this point, I encourage you, Mayor and Council members, to consider the future of Berlin … It’s exciting to think, and maybe right now it’s a challenge, what this park could provide for Berlin.”

Berlin resident Edward Hammond called it “unfortunate” the town is in the current position with the park property.

In his comments, he sought more information from the town on who is seeking to buy the two parcels in question.

“I think it’s appropriate for the town to solicit and entertain offers on the property, but because it’s a park – that’s what we call it – there’s a very strong public interest in the ultimate use,” Hammond said. “We can put covenants and restrictions on what the future buyers can do, but … I’m ultimately confused because I thought I would hear tonight what these SEE NEXT PAGE

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… Comprehensive Master Plan Process Suggested

March 19, 2021

prospective buyers had in mind. I would really like to know who the bidders are, what they intend to do and what the town can do to ensure that use and the money would be appropriate for what we see as a potential future use of that land.”

In response, Mayor Zack Tyndall attempted to provide clarity on the current process.

“We had a group of people approach us about the property and the different parcels and this is just the first part of getting to hear what the public has to say …,” said Tyndall. “It’s the very early stages and it’s not saying that’s the route the council will go, but it’s something we wanted to hear from the public about.”

Resident Tyler Betz supports retaining the park. His family currently enjoys it and he sees value in the open space.

Betz said he was among the citizens who turned out six years ago to encourage the town to purchase the former poultry plant property to prevent the wrong use of the site. He said he was surprised to hear the town was considering selling any part of the park.

“Like many people, we thought there was a committee and there was a plan.

We were waiting for the vision to be executed on this property … This property was purchased on a vision and I just assumed as a person who lived here I didn’t need to participate because you had the committee …,” Betz said. “There have been all these ideas that have

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

come out tonight after the council simply broached the subject of gathering input.

We have heard some great ideas … I support the concept of a comprehensive master plan for the park. …”

Resident Gina Velong asked the council to exercise “fiscal responsibility” when evaluating the future of the park.

She said the council needs to improve existing infrastructure, better maintain its current parks, address stormwater issues and update roadways.

“I think we should sell the park, or at least the bulk of it,” she said. “… this was supposed to be passive. It was not supposed to affect our budget according to what was said at the time of the sale.

Now it is. We have all the control as to who buys it. We can set the parameters. … There are other things we need to reallocate our budget for to make this town look just as pretty on the outskirts as it does on Main Street … let’s get all the other streets up to par before we start looking at bigger and better dreams.

Let’s take care of what’s here now.”

Former Heron Park Advisory Committee Chair Amy Field supports retaining Parcel 410 because of its proximity to the pond area at the north end of the property. If Parcel 57 or other sections were to be sold, Field agreed securing permits for the future use would be wise before selling it to a developer.

“We need to control what that looks like and have as many people as we can weigh in on that in a strategic way in a

vision of our town,” Field said. “Those of us who have been on the park advisory committee we know you can go in a lot of different directions with this park.

You can think long-term, short-term, big ideas, what can be done tomorrow.

Through the discussion tonight, it’s clear a lot of people care about this property and want more information about it … I encourage folks to look at the interpretative plan from 2017 that’s on the town’s website. It goes through all the reasons why the park is what it is and why some trees are not cut in some areas, there’s a strategy behind it to protect native species … ultimately, I think for our town to have the green space and the variety of parks is going to increase value of our town and our properties … Personally I love walking back there and feeling like I’m a world away from the downtown area that I love as well. It’s very special and a huge asset to our town. We should be very slow to give up control of that property.”

Berlin Skate Park Unite Director Alexander Mitchell, an Ocean Pines resident, supports installing a pop-up pump track for kids to ride bikes and skateboard.

“We have a simple plan that is just moving dirt around. I’ve already done one for Worcester County, but it didn’t come to fruition,” Mitchell said. “The topography you have there really lends itself to a pump track … it can just be nestled right into the facility there. Funding yes it costs about $20,000 for a track

Page 33

but maybe we can get a low-interest loan, or a grant or try and raise the money. … We are a nonprofit who would like to help.”

The council also heard from Mark Stevanus, who owns Heavy Metal Playground in Boonsboro, Md. Stevanus has been looking for a site in Worcester County for his business, which allows patrons to use heavy equipment – a Bobcat 335 -- to dig dirt, stack tires and smash things. He said he was interested in being included in the discussions of Heron Park’s future or anywhere else in Berlin.

Council Comments Each elected official thanked the citizens of Berlin for taking part in the session and for offering their insights and suggestions on the park.

From his communications with citizens, Councilman Jay Knerr believes a majority support retaining Parcel 410 closest to the ponds and selling Parcel 57 where the existing buildings are located. He said about 75% of the people he talked with want to keep Parcel 410 with the remainder wanting to sell it all.

“I think we need to have further discussions and look at both options,” Knerr said. “If we do sell 57, we need to look at what potential development would go there and how we can control what goes there. It’s extremely important rather than blindly selling it to any developer. We also need further discussions to explore all options presented.”

… In ‘Bold Undertaking,’ Drone Shows Replace Weekly Fireworks

Page 34

FROM PAGE 4 after Sundaes in the Park,” he said. “It’s what’s coming in the future. Fireworks are what was old, but drones are what is new.”

The proposal presented on Monday includes the giant American flag on the beach downtown on Memorial Day weekend along with a weekend-long United Beams of Light show with beacons shining into the night sky honoring those who lost their lives in the service of their country along with those on the front lines of the pandemic for the last year-plus.

Under the plan, there would be drivein concerts at the Inlet lot during the first weekend in June, a major beach concert at the beach at North Division Street in late August featuring a national act yet to be named, and another major ticketed concert during the Art X event at North-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

side Park in August. The original plan called for a series of free beach concerts downtown on Thursdays during the summer. However, those concerts were eliminated in the revised plan in order to make the budget numbers work with the drone shows.

“In order to pay for the drones, we had to take some money from the beach concerts,” he said. “We’ll still have a major concert on the beach in August and another concert at the Art X event.”

Councilman Mark Paddack embraced the drone show concept and made a motion to approve the revised summer special events plan.

“Drones are the future,” he said. “We still have fireworks on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. Technology is passing by so quickly, and we want to get out in front of this. If Ocean City wants a bang, we advertise the drone shows

synchronized to music.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca pointed out the council directed Rothermel to revise the plan and come back with something different, and the promoter was able to accomplish that. DeLuca seconded the motion to approve the revised plan.

“I agree with everything Councilman Paddack said,” he said. “You did everything we asked of you. You took a pencil to it and came back with a great proposal. It’s a wow. It’s time for a change.”

However, not all were keen on completely eliminating fireworks, save for the Fourth of July show, which have been a staple in the resort for decades. Council President Matt James voiced concern about eliminating the fireworks uptown and replacing them with the drone shows.

“My biggest concern is taking away

March 19, 2021

all of the fireworks from Northside Park,” he said. “All along condo row, in Montego Bay and throughout north Ocean City, people look forward to those fireworks. I think you can see the fireworks probably from 94th Street all the way to the Delaware line. I know we cater to the folks at Sundaes in the Park. My concern is no fireworks for the folks in north Ocean City.”

James questioned the range from which the drone shows would be visible, and the quality of the shows the further one moves away.

“From how far away can you see a drone show?” he said. “From how far away can you see what it’s supposed to look like? Obviously, you can be behind fireworks and they would look like they would from almost anywhere else. If you’re behind the drone show, it’s going to look mirrored or opposite right?”

Rothermel explained the expected viewing range for the drone shows.

“You have about a 180-degree viewing angle,” he said. “In this case, if you were behind the drones at Northside Park, you’d be in the water. I would think you could see them across Coastal Highway at least. When you look at the pictures, they’re from a great distance away.”

He explained the drone shows have become popular all over the country and referenced a recent show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as an example of what will be produced in Ocean City.

“It’s all very controlled by the FAA,” he said. “It’s a certified operation and we will have certified operators out there. These are not drones you buy on Amazon.”

Rothermel said there were some initial weather-related concerns about the drone shows, but those concerns would be the same if the town was sticking with fireworks.

“Some of my concerns about doing drones were wind issues, but we’ve pretty much nailed those wind concerns down,” he said. “There are some concerns about rain, but I don’t think we’ll have people out there in the rain anyway.”

James reiterated his concerns about completely eliminating the weekly fireworks, especially at the popular Sundaes in the Park event at Northside Park.

“I’m worried with the drone show, you won’t see it from a great distance, multiple blocks away,” he said. “It’s been nice when you can see the fireworks from a great distance away at the end of the event. My only concern is removing fireworks completely and not having them at Northside Park for the residents and visitors.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said beach fireworks can also be seen all over the downtown area, but said it was time to consider a fresh, new idea.

“You can say the same thing about downtown as well,” he said. “There is something special about fireworks shot out over the ocean. We’re going to have something different. We’re going to be cutting edge and we’re going to have SEE NEXT PAGE

… One-Year Commitment For 20 Drone Light Shows

March 19, 2021

something that we can really promote as new in Ocean City.”

Meehan said after the summer of COVID last year, vacationers are looking for a fresh start, and adding the drone shows can provide that this year.

“In 2021, especially after 2020, I think people are looking for something big and something different and I certainly support the drones,” he said. “I support what has been presented. This is a nice, new, fresh direction at a time when people are looking for something different.”

Councilman Peter Buas voiced some concern about a two-year commitment for something relatively new. The total price tag for the package presented on Monday, including the concerts, the drive-in events, the Memorial Day celebrations and the drones comes in at around $382,000, of which the drones alone contribute over $269,000.

Buas also said he would have preferred to have some input from the Tourism Commission before making such a major decision, but it was pointed out time was of the essence to lock in the package with the summer season approaching.

“I would much rather have had some feedback from the tourism commission,” he said. “I think fireworks are so cool when you see them over the beach or over the bay. We know how people love the fireworks at Sundaes at the Park. This is a two-year commitment. I’m concerned about taking away something

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

The finale of last November’s drone light show is pictured from Milwaukee.

File Photo

we know people like.”

James pointed out the fireworks in Ocean City are a proven, time-honored tradition.

“I think the fireworks, while some people think they’re stale and an old concept, it’s almost like something you can count on,” he said. “Everybody likes fireworks, and some people like them more than others. I’m just worried this is going to turn out like the laser show or the light show, where it was okay, but we kept doing fireworks year after year because people like them.”

Rothermel said the two-year commitment on the drone portion of the package was recommended because of the

upfront investment is company will have to make in the technology, but he would be willing to back off on that request if that was the council’s desire.

“If this means that much to the Mayor and Council, I would do it for one year and see what you want to do,” he said.

“I’ll put that out there. I’ll do one year with the hope of a renewal. I’d rather not, but if that’s what you all want, then we can do it.”

Meehan said the two-year commitment protects TEAM Production’s investment, and said he was confident the town would be signing up for drones again next year.

“I know it’s a big investment and

you’re putting out a big investment to do this,” he said. “You’ve been a great partner and I certainly hope we can come to some agreement. I think this is going to be very successful and we’re going to want to do this again.”

Paddack was asked to consider amending his original motion to include just the first year with an option for a second year. In response to Buas’ comment about the tourism commission, Paddack said he appreciated all the feedback from the subcommittee level, but pointed out the Mayor and Council ultimately have to make the decisions.

“I thought it was a two-year deal,” he said. I’m not sure if the tourism commission is the dog or the tail. We’re the Mayor and Council and we make the decisions, but I’ll amend the motion to one year with the option for renewal based on the feedback, positive or negative.”

DeLuca agreed to second Paddack’s amended motion for one year with a one-year option.

“I agree with one year and a one-year renewal,” he said. “I agree with Councilman Buas about the two-year commitment. It’s less risk. It’s actually half the risk.”

James reiterated his concerns and was the lone dissenting vote in a 6-1 council vote to approve the special events package.

“If it’s absolutely horrendous and nobody likes it, we have the option not to renew it for the second year,” he said.

Community

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 19, 2021

News In Photos

Tony Green, center, accepts a donation from the Ocean City Lions Club on behalf of the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC). With Green are Lions Club President Mike Hooper, left, and WCDC Executive Director Jack Ferry.

Ocean City Elementary School recently celebrated Read Across America Day with the help of special guest readers. Andrese Foreman's fourth grade students had the pleasure of having Senator Mary Beth Carozza visit their classroom via Zoom. Students interactively read a Dr. Seuss book with her, followed by a question-and-answer session about her role and responsibilities in Maryland's government.

Submitted Photos

Ocean City Lions Club President Mike Hooper presents a donation to Tracy Fairman of the Cedar Chapel Special School, which is located in Snow Hill and serves students with disabilities from across Worcester County.

Caleb Foltz, junior vice commander of the VFW Meuse Post No. 194 and Auxiliary, Jack Lewis, former department commander, and Danny Stinson, commander, present a $3,000 check to Fred Howard, director of veterans services at Wor-Wic Community College. The VFW provides three $1,000 scholarships each year to three honorably-discharged combat veterans from Worcester, Wicomico or Somerset counties who have completed at least 12 credit hours at Wor-Wic.

Ocean City Museum Society President Nancy Howard recently spoke to the Ocean City Lions Club about the resort’s Life Saving Station Museum. Located on the boardwalk at the inlet, the historic building was built in 1891 as a life saving station and houses artifacts and displays about Ocean City's history. Pictured, from left, are OC Lions Club President Mike Hooper, Howard and Lions Club 1st Vice President Scott Stark.

Ocean City, Seacrets Extend Street-End Lease Deal

March 19, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An extended lease renewal has been approved for a portion of 49th Street.

Last month, at the request of the Police Commission, the Mayor and Council agreed to renew a one-year lease with Seacrets for a roughly 250-foot section on the west end of 49th Street. The town leases the 250-foot section of 49th Street for $2,400 on a year-to-year basis and the lease had expired at the end of 2020.

However, after the one-year lease renewal was approved last month, Leighton’s West End LLC came back before the Mayor and Council last Tuesday seeking a reconsideration of the oneyear lease and instead seeking a threeyear lease. The company was also seeking relief from a provision in the lease that allows no signage of any kind on the city-owned property.

The options on the table for the Mayor and Council were to simply stick to the one-year lease agreement, renew for three years with a “kick out” option if the situation changed, or offer a oneyear lease with automatic renewal unless one or both parties canceled in advance. The council ultimately approved the latter.

“The police commission recommended renewing the lease for one year, as

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

has been the practice in recent years,” said City Manager Doug Miller. “They’re asking for a renewal of three years.

Some years, it sneaks up on us and expires. They’re asking for a three-year renewal to prevent that.”

The lease agreement is considered a win-win situation for both parties. It allows Seacrets to control and manage the area directly in front of the establishment. Restaurant staff directs pedestrian foot traffic, regulates vehicle movement

and stages areas for taxi cab pickups and deliveries and other management and control crowds. The benefit to the town, apart from the modest $2,400 lease, is the assistance provided to the Ocean City Police Department in that area. With Seacrets’ vast bar security operation controlling the area for the most part, the OCPD does not have to devote as much attention to it.

The other issue to resolve was the company’s request for relief from the

signage prohibition in the existing lease.

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said Seacrets did not desire to automatically place signs in the city-owned property, but merely wanted the option to apply for a permit during certain special events and other occasions. Stansbury said the company would have to go through the proper channels for approval including the planning commission. The council ultimately approved the request with the state regulatory caveat.

SALISBURY – The Salisbury Zoo’s female jaguar, Kaya was transferred last week to the Lee Richardson Zoo in Kansas.

Kaya came to the Salisbury Zoo in 2010 from the Erie Zoo to become a companion to the Zoo’s older female jaguar named Maya. This recommendation was made by the jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP). Many visitors remember Maya, the melanistic (black) jaguar who was a favorite at the zoo.

The two cats got along well and were exhibit mates until 2014 when Maya passed at the age of 22.

Zoos work closely with SSP animal programs to best serve the species within captive populations. Kaya is a part of

a managed species within SSP. She will become a companion to a three-yearold jaguar named Luna at the Lee Richardson Zoo. With the help of SSP animal programs, zoos are able to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied population.

The Salisbury Zoo is excited to be working with the lynx Species Survival Plan coordinator to bring two cats to the Salisbury Zoo. They will find their new home in the current jaguar exhibit in the near future. In the meantime, zoo staff will be making some modifications to the exhibit. The zoo is accepting donations to help fund this project. For more information on helping fund these improve-

ments, email Mary Seemann at mseemann@salisbury.md

Salisbury Zoo’s Jaguar Relocated To Kansas

Kaya had been at the zoo for 11 years.

Photo by Brinkley Rayne

Page 38

During last weekend’s St Patrick’s festivities, Charles Beattie, Jim Wright, Bob Broderick, and Marty Kwesko of the First State Detachment Marine Corps League promoted their Semper Fi Bike Ride.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Working the line for their Friday Lenten Fish Fry were Joe Kostelac, Chuck Lutz, Bob Pellenbarg, and Richard Fix of Knights of Columbus Council #9053.

In Society

March 19, 2021

Everyone came together for a local charity last Saturday including Brad Smith, Ryan Maccubbin, Rob Dunne (Bearded Men Society president), Zev Sibony (45th Street Taphouse owner) and Bee Miller (executive director of Diakonia).

Hotdoggers Saucy Spencer Bernhardt, Sweet Relish Sean Clougherty, and Relish Rachael Aul were delighted with the crowd who came out to see the Oscar Mayer Weinermoble in Ocean City.

Volunteers John and Vicki Brown had fun celebrating St. Patrick’s while selling Irish-themed t-shirts at American Legion Post #166.

Members of the Bearded Men Society, Mark Dembo and Bob Haller, were happy to help Diakonia during their recent fundraiser at 45th Street Taphouse.

The two Joann’s (Konschak and Wengart) got the corned beef platters to hungry patrons at American Legion Post #166 on St. Patrick’s Weekend.

For the first fundraiser dinner of the year at the Knights of Columbus on 99th Street, Tom Irwin and Richard Thomas rang up the food and beverages.

Collecting donations for Diakonia were Bearded Men Society Treasurer Danny Woods and Secretary Anthony Palmigiano at 45th Street Taphouse last Saturday.

Jolly Roger representatives Chris Richardson and Dean Langrall welcomed the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile into Ocean City during the last week of February.

Trimper’s To Host April Events Film Festival Plans Drive-In Weekend

March 19, 2021

OCEAN CITY – Trimper’s Rides, the oldest continuously family-owned and operated amusement park in the country, announced this week its newest event series.

This year, Trimper’s will open the park on the first weekend of April and launch Kids Fest, themed family-friendly events each weekend of the month all with the mission of celebrating and empowering kids.

“Trimper’s is thrilled to bring another great event series to Ocean City, and we couldn’t be more excited to see our 2021 season kick off with Kids Fest,” said Jessica Bauer, marketing manager or Trimper’s Rides. “Our park staff has worked tirelessly to ready the park for Easter and will continue our standards of safety and cleanliness. Keeping everyone protected and happy is our number one priority.”

Bring the whole family to enjoy rides and games at the beach, indulge in made-from-scratch foods with a carnival twist, and engage in themed weekends designed to educate and inspire. Special activities will be free of charge and unlimited ride wristbands will be discounted to $20. Doors open at noon.

Kids’ Easter Celebration: On April 3 and 4, Peter Cottontail — the Easter Bunny himself — will welcome all visitors and host Easter egg hunts each day at noon in the Carousel building. On Saturday, the hunt will include golden eggs and the lucky kids who find one will help declare Trimper’s “open” and commemorate the beginning of the 2021 season. The hunts will be divided into three age groups -- 1 to 2, 3 to 5 and 6 to 8. Socially distant pictures are encouraged. Bring your baskets and seek out those eggs.

Kids Create: In partnership with the Art League of Ocean City, Trimper’s will stimulate kids’ inner Bob Ross with hands-on art projects the weekend of April 10-11. Kids can join a collaborative effort to make community artwork and create their own masterpieces to take home. Arts and crafts leaders will be on hand to assist with projects, but kids will be encouraged to express their personal style. Be ready to spread color and your artistic vision.

“The Art League of Ocean City is excited to participate in Kids Fest. Our goal is to inspire kids to think creatively, and Trimper’s new event series aligns with our mission to empower youth to reach their creative potential,” said Rina Thaler, executive director of Art League of Ocean City. “We will continue to offer and support classes, camps and other community art events, like Kids Fest, to bolster the positive impact of arts in our region.”

Kids Build: Large construction vehicles — dump truck, excavator and skidsteer loader—will enhance the park’s landscape during Kids Build on April 17-18. Construction vehicles in the outdoor park give kids a safe and unique perspective of a worksite. Inside the carousel building, stations will be set up to let kids “build” with craft materials, al-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

lowing Trimper’s young guests to be architects, contractors, and home designers for the weekend.

Kids Unite: Being safe is cool on April 24-25 as attendees will join local first responders while they shepherd kids through urgent situations. Kids will learn what to do in emergencies, like being lost on vacation or getting caught in a riptide and how to prepare and stay calm. Emergency vehicles will also be available for kids to admire close up.

Kids Fest guests can purchase wristbands at the park or online. Stay up to date on Kids Fest and other upcoming events by visiting www.trimperrides.com/upcoming events and following us on Facebook and Instagram. Park events are weather-dependent, and social distancing and masking will be observed for the well-being of all.

OCEAN CITY – The 5th Annual Ocean City Film Festival continues next weekend with a special outdoor event to bring people together while socially distanced. The festival will hold a Drive-In Weekend on March 26-27, with three showings on Friday and Saturday at the Ocean City Inlet Parking Lot, where attendees will view films safely from their private cars.

Friday, March 26, at 8 p.m. is Local’s Night featuring two locally-produced films. First up is a music video, “Sheena Doesn’t Mind,” by Berlin natives and sister-and-brother team Emmi and Tate Shockley. The feature film is “Reggie’s Forest,” directed and produced by Dave Messick of Unscene Productions. This is a new cut of the film that premiered at the 2020 Film Festival about local Reggie Mariner and the preservation of his 600-acre forest in Worcester County.

Page 39

The Saturday matinee on March 27 at 3 p.m. features eight award-winning short films from the 5th Annual OC Film Festival, plus this year’s Best Feature award winner, “The Lights of Baltimore,”

by Parisian movie maker, Dr. Sabrina Bouarour.

Saturday night, March 27, at 8 p.m. is horror night. Mardela Springs native and WBOC alumnus Eric Walter’s movie, “My Amityville Horror,” features the story of the family who lived in the notorious house of horror.

Tickets are $25 per car per showing, and there is a limit of 200 cars per showing. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at OCMDFilmFestival.com.

Showings are weather permitting, and no refunds will be issued. Gates open one hour prior to showtime. Films are not rated, and viewer discretion is advised.

Page 40

Obituaries

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Sadie Lee Hudson BISHOPVILLE – Sadie Lee Hudson, age 77, formerly of Bishopville passed away suddenly Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury with her husband by her side.

She was born in Baltimore and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lena Mae (Stewart) Sanzone.

Lee worked in retail and last worked as a cashier at Food Lion before her retirement. She was a member of Bish- SADIE LEE opville Vol. Fire Dept. HUDSON Ladies Auxiliary and AMSA. She is survived by her husband of

46 years, Tom Hudson, formerly of Bishopville; three daughters, Marie North Davis (Rob) of Cambridge, Kathy Littleton (Sean Tushup) of Delmar and Cindy LeCates (Tom) of Seaford; two sisters, Mary Lou Lynch (Lee Roy) of Seaford and Sherree Miller (Garry) of Littlestown, Pa.; a grandson, Robert Davis (Emily); three great-granddaughters, Katherine Davis, Evelyn Davis and Nora Moody all of Cambridge; a nephew, Rick Sanzone (Candace) of Cape Coral, Fla.; and two grand nieces, Cierra Sanzone of Orlando, Fla.

and Brittany Sanzone and her son Josiah of New York.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date to allow travel time for out of state family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 863765, Orlando, Fla. 32886.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Ralph Hamilton Elliott SALISBURY – Ralph Hamilton Elliott, born Nov, 28, 1929 in Seaview, Va., passed away March 12, 2021. He was the husband of Pauline June Wood El-

March 19, 2021

liott.

He also leaves behind his daughter, Debra Elliott Tabor and her husband, James; his son, Ralph Dana Elliott and his wife, Lynn; his stepsons Jerome and John Wood; his six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Ralph was a Chief Engineman for 23 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and captain of clam vessel, Miss Toby and RALPH riverboat Maryland LaHAMILTON dy in Salisbury. He was ELLIOTT also a life member of Capeville Masonic Lodge #107.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Md. 21811. Please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

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

OCEAN CITY – The 5th Annual Ocean City Film Festival announced the winners of the 2021 festival, which screened more than 90 independent films. Festival goers exercised more than 1,000 unlocks to view films during the week-long virtual event March 4-11.

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“It’s amazing how international this year’s festival was,” B.L. Strang-Moya, Film Festival creative director, said, “given the limitations placed on filmmakers by the pandemic. We are so proud to have winners from all over the country and the world who didn’t let the challenges deflect from their dedication and passion for the art of film.”

The award for Best Feature Film went to "Lights of Baltimore" by Dr. Sabrina Bouarour of Paris, France. The Best Animation award went to "All Hail the Champion" by Eric Lochstampfor of Manassas, Va. "Grace" by Michael Strassner of Los Angeles, Ca., won Best Dramatic Short.

“Radde" by Ali Lavarimonfared of the Islamic republic of Iran won Best Environmental Short. "Alang and David" by Mark Perry of Lancaster, Pa., won Best Short Documentary.

The Best Funny Short Award went to “In-Between: Full Series" by Kathleen "KP" Poliski and Melanie Carmichael of Philadelphia, Pa. "Trick or Bleat" by Evan Gloyd and Jimmy McDonald of Laurel, Md., won Best Horror/Sci-fi Short.

“Lady A" by Sandi Johnson of Los Angeles, Ca., won Best Feel-Good Short.

"Days Like This" by Alisanna Vincent of Woodbine, Md., won Best Youth Short.

Filmmaker Jimmy MacDonald, who won the award for Best Horror Film, also won the Ocean City Giveaway Package that includes a two-night stay at the Hilton Suites Oceanfront; gift cards to Blue Fish, Bad Monkey, Annabelle’s and Coffee Beanery; an official OC Film Festival hat and 2021 poster, signed by the artist; a pass to the festival drive-in on March 26-27; and a free one-year membership to the Art League of Ocean City.

The Ocean City Film Festival is a project of the Art League of Ocean City, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the arts to the community through education, exhibits, scholarship, programs, and community art projects.

Page 41

Sports

Former Seahawk Aluma Named All-ACC

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 19, 2021

Seahawks Rout Bennett, Start 2-0 In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team in its unusual abbreviated spring season, jumped out to a 20 record with a pair of wins over Parkside and Bennett.

The Bayside Conference resumed play two weeks ago with a full complement of fall sports. The fall sports teams are currently playing a shortened spring season, with the traditional spring sports returning next month.

New Head Coach Jake Coleman has the Seahawks off to a fast start in his first season at the helm. Coleman was introduced as the new head coach last February, replacing Coach Bob Knox, who ran the Decatur program for over

three decades.

The Seahawks opened the short spring season two weeks ago against Parkside, and routed the Rams, 38-12.

Quarterback Ashten Snelsire had a big day in the opener, throwing for over 300 yards and four touchdown passes. His favorite target, wide receiver Brycen Coleman, also had a big game, as did featured running back Zimere Handy.

Last weekend, the Seahawks continued their early winning ways with a 528 rout of Bennett on the road. The Seahawks will play their home opener on Friday against Wicomico. Decatur will play Parkside, Bennett and Wicomico each twice in the shortened spring format and will finish against Snow Hill in the traditional season-ender for both teams.

Tough Guy Of The Week Award Returns

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN- The Stephen Decatur High School varsity football “Tough Guy of the Week” awards return to the sports section of The Dispatch this week, marking the 20th season of the annual tradition.

Started 20 years ago by Atlantic Physical Therapy (ATP) patriarch Bob Hammond, the “Tough Guy of the Week”

award is handed out weekly to the Decatur player who most exemplifies the spirit of Seahawk football. The award acknowledges the efforts of an individual player, or sometimes a unit on the team, that do the little things to help the team win that don’t necessarily show up in the box score. At the end of the season, a “Tough Guy of the Year” is presented to the player who best represented the qualities of the award week in and week out throughout the season.

Former Stephen Decatur standout and Virginia Tech basketball player Keve Aluma was named this week to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-ACC Second Team.

Photo courtesy Virginia Tech Athletics

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Former Stephen Decatur varsity basketball standout Keve Aluma, who transferred to Virginia Tech in the Atlantic Coast Conference two years ago, was named this week to the AllACC second team.

Aluma was a four-year letter winner and three-year starter at Decatur before beginning his collegiate career at Wofford in South Carolina. After a successful two-year career at Wofford, Aluma announced after his sophomore year he was transferring to Virginia Tech, following former Wofford head coach Mike Young, who took the head coaching job there. Because of NCAA rules,

Worcester Girls Finish With 5-1 Mark

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Tough Guy Of The Week:

The first Atlantic Physical Therapy “Tough Guy of the Week” award went to junior tackle Khi Reid for his outstanding performance in a 38-12 win over Parkside. Pictured above is Reid (center) flanked by Atlantic Physical Therapy Director of Clinic Operations Bobby Hammond (left) and Head Coach Jake Coleman (right).

Submitted Photo

Aluma had to sit out the 2019-2020 campaign.

Aluma is enjoying a highly-successful season at Virginia Tech this year, averaging nearly 16 points per game, along with eight rebounds. He was second in the ACC in free throw attempts and free throws made. He racked up six double-doubles during the season, which was fourth highest in the conference, and had five 20-point plus games.

Twice during the season, Aluma was named ACC Player of the Week and also earned the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week one time during the season. This week, he was named to the All-ACC second team, while Young was named ACC Coach of the Year.

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team last week closed out an abbreviated season with a pair of wins over Salisbury School and Holly Grove.

The Mallards played a shortened sixgame schedule against Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) opponents and finished with a 5-1 record. After dropping its season opener against old rival Saints Peter and Paul back on February 17, the Mallards ran the table, earning wins in their last five games.

In the penultimate game of the season, Worcester beat Salisbury School, 57-46, in overtime. The game was tied 46-46 at the end of regulation, but the Mallards scored 11 points in the overtime period while Salisbury School was blanked in the extra period.

In the season finale, the Mallards overcame an early deficit to beat Holly Grove, 41-30. The game was tied at 19 at the half, but Worcester pulled ahead, 30-25, at the end of the third quarter.

Worcester then pulled away for the 4130 win to close out the season, 5-1. Lily Baeurle led Worcester with 17 points in the season finale, while C.C. Lizas finished with 15.

Business And Real Estate News

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

More Construction On Pines Health Campus SALISBURY – Founding Principal Palmer Gillis of Gillis Gilkerson (GGI) recently announced the groundbreaking of the firm’s final development and construction project for TidalHealth within their Ocean Pines campus on Cathage Road in Worcester County. The new structure will complete the 120,000-square-foot healthcare campus, adding a variety of medical disciplines to its current offering.

In the new building, TidalHealth plans to add orthopedics, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), endocrinology, medical imaging, and weight loss and wellness clinics. The addition of these medical specialties supplements those already in place – primary care and gastroenterology physicians, a pharmacy and laboratory, an adult fitness center, and the Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute.

“In partnership with Gillis Gilkerson, we broke ground on our Ocean Pines campus in 2014, and over the past seven years we’ve been warmly welcomed by this community,” said Chris Hall, TidalHealth’s Vice President of Strategy and Business Development and Chief Business Officer. “This final building rounds out the site at nearly 120,000 square feet of healthcare space

operated by the largest and most complex healthcare provider in our region.

This reinforces TidalHealth’s commitment to our campus and to offer services, like award-winning cancer care, cardiology, and more, in communities like Ocean Pines, providing exceptional healthcare options that are close to home, the greatest value for that care, and the delivery of those services in the most appropriate and convenient setting.”

Gillis said, “We have had a successful working relationship with TidalHealth for over 25 years. Through our partnership we have created a scope of work and straightforward implementation process to deliver ‘keys in the door’ in less than 12-months, start to finish.”

Within the last year, Gillis Gilkerson and TidalHealth have partnered to develop nearly 50,000 square feet of premier medical real estate. Three of the four new buildings are located within

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Woodbrooke (Salisbury) and Berlin Main Place (Berlin). The fourth building is situated within close proximity to the active Ocean Pines development.

“Most of these projects started with a need and a simple sketch,” said Gillis.

“As a design-build contractor and developer, we have created over two million square feet of medical office space on Delmarva.”

Professors Recognized SALISBURY – Salisbury University recently announced the members of its recent Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Fellows cohorts.

Spring 2020 members are Dr. Stacia Kock, assistant professor and faculty director of SU’s Thomas E. Bellavance Honors Program; Margaret Sebastian, director of SU’s TRIO Student Support Services program; and Dr. Joshua Sokoloski, assistant professor of chemistry.

Spring 2021 members are Stephanie Davis, University Writing Center (UWC) academic program specialist; and Drs. Jennifer Nyland, associate professor of biological sciences and director of the Henson Honors Program in Science and Mathematics; Kim Quillin, senior lecturer of biological sciences; Beth Towle, assistant professor of English and associate UWC director; and Lena Woodis, assistant professor of chemistry.

Fellows work with the University Analysis, Reporting and Assessment Office and SU’s SoTL Faculty Learning Committee (FLC) to explore, implement and promote best practices in SoTL while also pursuing a proposed project. Each project is supported with a $900 stipend.

Projects are geared toward supporting the success of students and other SU community members.

Kock’s project is “Developing and analyzing Tools for Measuring Learning Outcomes in HONR 111: Critical Thinking and Writing.”

Sebastian is focusing on “Mid-Level Student Affairs Professionals of Color Making Meaning of Their Success During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

Sokoloski is working with Dr. Rhyannon Bemis, director of SU’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, to study “Individual Student AcSEE NEXT PAGE

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How Year-End Legislation Could Impact Tax Season Wealth Of Knowledge

March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN – In late 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included many tax provisions and extenders as well as additional COVID-19 stimulus relief.

For example, the ability to deduct up to $300 in charitable contributions if the taxpayer doesn’t itemize has been extended for an additional year. The business meal deduction has been in-

creased from 50% to 100% through the end of 2022. The act also extended the repayment period through Dec. 31, 2021, for employers that opted to defer employee payroll taxes in the latter part of 2020.

As we approach tax season, it could be beneficial to get up-to-date on provisions that may apply to your filing this year. We’re noting just a few here. We recommend you work with a qualified tax professional to understand the opportunities that may benefit you and en-

ademic Trajectory and Traditional Ensemble Analyses Related to Experiences with Undergraduate Research or Independent Creative Activities.”

Nyland is focusing on “Integration and Evaluation of Bioethics Interventions in Biology Courses.”

Quillin’s project is “Employing and

Evaluating Equity and Inclusion Interventions in Gateway Biology Courses.”

Towle and Davis are “Assessing the University Writing Center’s Impact on Marginalized Students.”

Woodis is examining “Civic Reflection as a Tool for Closing the Equity Gap in General Chemistry Courses.”

All will present their projects on campus, with most presentations during the spring 2022 SU Teaching and Learning Conference.

BY KRISTIN COANE

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

. . Business News

Page 43

sure your taxes are filed accurately and on time. If you would like to learn how insurance products may help you create tax-efficient strategies moving forward, please feel free to reach out to our office.

One of the tax provisions the appropriations bill made permanent was the lower medical expense deduction floor. This means taxKRISTIN COANE payers may deduct unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income — down from 10%. However, the bill also extended some tax provisions for another two years, including the residential energy efficient property credit.

Speaking of energy efficiency, other credits extended for one year include the qualified fuel cell rules for alternative motor vehicles, the alternative fuel refueling property credit and the credit for two-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles.

Penalty-free distributions from qualified retirement plans for COVID-relat-

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ed reasons expired at the end of 2020.

However, the act offers a similar option for non-coronavirus-related disasters, such as wildfires and hurricanes. If a taxpayer is affected by any type of federally declared disaster, he may withdraw up to $100,000 from a qualified plan or IRA through June 25, 2021.

Similar to the COVID-related withdrawal rules, disaster-related distributions are exempt from the 10% early withdrawal penalty that normally applies but are subject to ordinary income tax treatment. Taxpayers can repay the distribution over a three-year period with no tax implications.

Note that individual COVID relief payments paid out by the Treasury are not taxable. However, eligible taxpayers who did not receive the full amount of last year’s two distributions can claim the missing amount as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 taxes this year.

(The writer has been part of the Key Financial team for over 15 years. The entire team can be reached at 410-629-0357.)

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ROOFING

The Dispatch

Page 44

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

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

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

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

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

BUSINESS OFFICE Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

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

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

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

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

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 19, 2021

Ocean City’s Risky Drone Play Unnecessary HOW WE SEE IT

There was no need for a massive shift in Ocean City’s special events planning this summer, but it’s clear the city’s elected officials wanted a bang for this season.

On one hand, the bold change in plans for the peak season in March is laudable. It signals Ocean City wants to demonstrate confidence and grandly provide visitors some new value-added events. Conversely, an argument could be made investing 70% (about $269,000) of the town’s $382,000 special events budget into 20 drone light shows is an unnecessary risk, one many visitors may not enjoy as much as fireworks.

We believe this summer is all about progress toward normalcy. This season will be complicated. The overall fate of the season relies on two factors – the weather (as it always does) and the labor market. If the latter is like it was last summer, many Ocean City businesses are going to be hamstrung again. No matter capacity concerns, many businesses in 2020 had to self-regulate themselves based on a shortage of employees. Operators had to make the dif-

ficult call of passing up revenue because there was not enough staff to serve customers. With foreign worker numbers expected to be down considerably and possibly minimal, staffing is going to be another struggle.

On the flip side, coming out of a pandemic with consumer confidence seemingly improving, Ocean City could be a huge benefactor of these indefinite times. The beach is an easy trip for millions of people and Ocean City by its nature offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and open space.

However, there remains a lot of uncertainty as spring begins, though much more hopeful than this time last year.

We did not feel a massive investment of this sort on the drone shows was needed this season. We hoped the city would wait a year and let the natural progression of correction continue this summer.

Instead, the city decided to replace 20 planned fireworks displays with drone light shows. The city committed to one year with a second-year option depending on how they go this summer.

“If it’s absolutely horrendous and no-

body likes it, we have the option not to renew it for the second year,” said Ocean City Council President Matt James about the one-year commitment, confirming some apprehension on his part.

It’s our hope these shows are a major success story this summer. There certainly is potential, based on the numerous videos of shows across the country. These displays are exciting and impressive. For Ocean City, the positive side of these shows is they will bring a huge dose of free marketing to the resort. There is nothing like these drone light shows being held in this region.

They will create a tremendous buzz for Ocean City. This is a great thing.

Measuring the return on investment on value-added events is impossible, but the fact there is something new and exciting in Ocean City should create an early-season buzz and give tourism folks something new to talk about during media tours. It’s a heavy price tag that comes with some risk. We think the timing was wrong for this bold play, but we admire the thought process behind it.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Reasons To Sell Park Parcels

Editor: (The following letter was addressed to Berlin Mayor and Council members with a copy forwarded for publication.)

I would like to tell you why I feel selling Parcels 410 and 57 is the best course for the town to pursue.

•Both of these parcels will require much more money to accomplish the goals most people have in mind for them.

•The area is more commercial or industrial than recreational or park-like.

•It is not a favorable place for young children to be without supervision. At this time, I feel it should be posted with ‘enter at your own risk’. There is much industrial debris scattered throughout the park.

•There are no sidewalks leading to the park except from the West side of Berlin. There are no sidewalks to walk from the East side of town.

•It is not close to the East side of town, so of little benefit to that part of town or to unifying the town.

•The fact that you would require an easement to access the park means it is not that accessible and has only one road access off of Old Ocean City Blvd., which is already too busy.

•The deserted nature of the back parcels has no other access by emergency services. It is backed by Rt. 50 and Rt. 113. It would be quite easy for someone to park and grab someone in the rear part and no one would know.

There is spotty cell phone reception to-

ward the back of the park.

•We have always referred to Heron Park as the scary park.

•How is activity at the proposed skate park going to be monitored? Both Ocean Pines and Ocean City have their skate parks accessible to law enforcement and EMS if they are needed.

•There is talk now of the need for a traffic light at the corner by Cheers, what will happen with the addition of a skate park and whatever else you may have in mind for this property.

•The proximity to Burley Oak and Cheers and alcoholic beverages is also problematic as far as young people are concerned.

•The only thing I see the park is good for is to walk your dogs and observe the birds, ducks and geese. I have seen foxes and snapping turtles there too.

•The money the town would get for this property would reduce the debt service and free up funds that could be used for other purposes in the town.

Personally, I think the whole park should be sold, but I do understand the idea of preserving nature in the back parcel. My objection to keeping that part is the same as the front parcels. Though the birds and animals adapt to the industrial nature of the land, no one has cleaned up those areas of the many pipes, cement slabs and construction debris that abound in the back part as should have been done before it was purchased for a park. I have no doubt lawn mowers have been damaged by the many pipes left sticking up along the

banks of the ponds. If someone slips and falls there is a danger of them seriously hurting themselves. There is no safety equipment to help someone should they happen to stumble and fall into the ponds. What is the town’s liability if any of those things happen?

I am in favor of a skate park for the children of Berlin, just not at Heron Park.

•We have to ask what age the skate park would be for?

•Are we doing it to attract business to the town or to give our children a safe place for them to practice their skateboarding skills? I truly believe there is enough land in Stephen Decatur Park that could house a reasonable skate park for our young people.

•Stephen Decatur Park is central to the entire town. You can see that by its usage.

•It is across the street from the Police Department and easily accessible from the West and East sides of town. To me it is the ideal place to put a skate park.

It would be fun for all to be able to watch the young skateboarders in action.

•I am wondering, are there objections from the community around Stephen Decatur Park, that keep it from being the ideal place for a skateboard park?

•We do not need an entertainment venue.

I asked two eighth grade boys that were skateboarding back on Purnell Street near Buckingham Elementary SEE NEXT PAGE

March 19, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR what they thought of a skate park at Heron Park vs. Stephen Decatur Park and they said they would rather Stephen Decatur Park. Their dad said the same. He said he was at Heron Park once and that was enough.

You did a poll to name Heron Park online, why not do one about the sale of Heron Park?

I am unsure what you will do with the recycle or storage that you are using at this time, but I believe you can find other places. Put the recycle back where it was. I find going to the current site in the evening is a little scary.

Thank you for your attention.

Marie Velong Berlin

Wind Farms Response Editor: Jared Schablein’s recurrent litanies regarding wind farms are not only getting old, they acknowledge a painful ignorance of the fine print involved. Just a sample: Most of the parts for a wind turbine are built in Germany and Denmark.

It requires 60 gallons of oil to lubricate the turbine (where do you think that oil leaks when a seal fails?). Wind farm technicians regularly power wash the oil off of the turbine towers, which ends up in the ocean.

Each wind turbine costs an average of $3 to $4 million. They require extensive initial and refresh lubrication that is also extremely expensive to perform.

Wind turbine blades are changed out quite often, normally every two to three years. The blades, which are made of a toxic fiberglass combination, are buried in landfills in Wyoming.

Countless maintenance necessities all require the use of fossil-fueled vehicles!

The turbine has to spin continuously for seven-plus years just to replace the energy it took to manufacture the turbine.

It has to run continuously for 50 years just to pay for the cost to manufacture and install the turbine. However, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the lifespan of a wind turbine is less than 20 years.

Turbines do not spin 24 hours/day.

Many go days at a time without being operational. Most require a minimum of 8 mph of wind to operate. A lot of times there is not enough wind to run them.

Then there are times that there is too much wind. Anything over 35 mph wind speed and wind farms have to shut down the turbines so they don’t end up overheating.

According to a fact sheet about the Jersey Atlantic Wind Farm, their five turbines save 11,000 barrels of oil a year.

For perspective, that is just 16 rail cars of oil. For more perspective, the US uses over 20 million barrels of oil every day.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that between 140,000 and 500,000 bird deaths occur at wind farms each year. They also disrupt the feeding and nursing grounds of valuable fish, including striped bass and

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

summer flounder.

Most importantly, the incredible damage they would do to OC’s No. 1 tourism commodity, our ocean view.

Oh and one more thing – Texas.

Phillip Guggenheim Ocean City

Article Understated Cost Editor: In your article that appeared in The Dispatch on March 12, 2021 entitled "Public Works Campus Ribbon Cutting Set," it leads off stating, "Resort officials this week got their first look at the town's new state-of-the-art, $25 million public works campus at 65th Street with a walking tour in advance of next week's formal ribbon-cutting ceremony."

This is not accurate because the Public Works Campus has actually cost at least $39 million. The article further states, "The project came with an estimated price tag of around $25 million, of which the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) was on the hook for about $14 million, with the town responsible for the remaining $11 million, although there were some change orders and other adjustments along the way." The $14 million and the $11 million amounts are also not accurate.

In a letter to the editor which I wrote, and which appeared in The Dispatch on Jan. 29, 2021, I spelled out the details regarding the fact that the MTA funded a total of $20.3 million, with federal grant funds for the project. I further pointed out that the Town of Ocean City had $18.7 million in the project. Below is what I wrote in part, in my January letter: "Initial Needs Assessment studies, Design and Engineering cost the Town over $1.75 million, and the MTA funded an additional $1.75 million. Construction and construction management oversight cost the Town nearly $11.1 million, and the MTA funded an additional $18.5 million. Land at 64th Street, originally purchased for Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, but now developed as a ground level parking lot as part of the Campus Plan, along with early land improvements and interest paid on the 2010 bond to fund the acquisition cost the Town nearly $2.28 million. Interest over the next several years on the 2018 bond to fund the Campus Plan construction is over $4.9 million.

These totals will cost the Town over $20 million. The MTA has funded a total of $20.3 million. Thanks to a bond premium of almost $950,000 which is cash applied to the construction, along with almost $376,000 in interest on bond proceeds, the Town is able to reduce their costs by over $1.32 million. With this reduction, the cost to the Town drops to $18.7 million."

In my January letter, I added, "What was presented as a $25 million project will now cost at least $39 million dollars."

Editor, I would appreciate your setting the record straight on this matter.

Thank you.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City

Page 45

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

This week’s listening session on the future of Heron Park was productive, provocative and enlightening. The meeting was specifically planned to solicit feedback from the community on selling two parcels of the park property to nearby landowners. The consensus among the citizens was to keep the property near the ponds on the north side of the park and to explore selling the parcels where the rundown buildings are currently.

Before any major changes are considered, town officials and residents would be wise to revisit existing documents and plans on the town website that were created by the Heron Park Advisory Committee, which never should have been disbanded earlier this year. There is a lot to be gleaned from the work already completed by the volunteer group. Documents available to review include a detailed 28-page document outlining potential concept plans; a 20-page interpretative plan for the site; a 74-page engineering report on remedial investigation and cost estimates to deal with the former waste lagoons; and a 46-page report on current buildings’ condition assessment. As I listened to the proposals discussed by those wanting to retain the park, I couldn’t help but note most talking points expressed this week have already been discussed by the advisory committee at length.

Even the most optimistic among us should agree the town is in a terrible situation with the park. I believe good can come from the park, but there is no denying this property acquisition has to date not gone well for the town. Specifically, the significance of the cleanup operation from the 2019 chemical spill cannot be downplayed. It cost the town more than $300,000 to address and equally important the long cleanup process stunted the work of the well-intentioned citizen advisory group. This group was on a good track until the chemical spill essentially grounded the effort. Any hopes of the town spending some money on improving the site were crushed by the costly chemical spill.

After this week’s meeting, a logical next step for the town would be to reconvene the advisory group. While Council members Jack Orris and Shaneka Nichols – who were both advisory committee members -- should remain involved, as they invested their times as citizens to be a part of the process, I think some new individuals, such as some of those who spoke this week, would benefit the group. A subcommittee approach to evaluate a possible public-private partnership or an update comprehensive master plan is needed.

Much discussion at this week’s listening session talked about the need for planning and building community support. While all well and good, there is no need to start over here. The work has been done. The town needs to deeply weigh selling Parcel 57 (the old processing plant buildings and office space along the railroad track) to reduce annual debt payments, but much foresight must go into who purchases it. Parcel 410 should be retained to allow for some big-picture plans to be developed for the open space areas.

The advisory committee’s quality efforts and work over three years cannot be for naught. There is plenty to cull from their meetings and plans. There is already a conceptual master plan on paper. It includes a nature center, an amphitheater, outdoor BMX bike trail and zip line park, a central lawn, lakeside trail, pedestrian bridges, a pavilion, a waterfall (hence the former Berlin Falls Park moniker), a potential dog park, an outdoor skate park, a connection to a planned regional bike trail and other passive activities.

Productive work has been done by this team of citizens. Fresh eyes and tweaks need to be made to their plans, which largely focus on circulation of pedestrians and bikers and general wellness. The challenge the town faces is transitioning it from its current passive park status – no amenities, events or activities on site – to some more moderate uses. The town would be wise to avoid grandiose plans that are unrealistic. It’s clear the town simply cannot afford a major investment in the property. The town must live within its means while adding some uses to the site through grants, private fundraising efforts and potentially a public-private partnership of some sort, while also stepping up maintenance at existing parks like Decatur Park. Bringing back the advisory committee to work with the council is a solid short-term step for the town to form a workable five-year plan.

With the tram sidelined last year, Ocean City allowed bikers to ride the Boardwalk until 2 p.m. It was widely well received and obviously the Boardwalk bike rental folks benefited from the extra rental revenue. A biker himself and seeing the popularity of last summer’s move, Mayor Rick Meehan suggested the city consider delaying the start time of the tram an hour in exchange for allowing the bikers to have extra time.

What was initially proposed as an extension till 11:30 a.m. from 11 a.m. is now until noon seven days a week with the exclusion of a few special event weekends. This is a solid move by the city and the benefits provided to locals and visitors is well worth any lost revenue from pushing the tram back an hour. The good news for the city is the change could actually end up saving money in the long run because the expenses associated with operating the tram from 11 a.m.-noon traditionally did not meet the revenue. It’s a win-win for all because it makes the tram more efficient, helps Boardwalk bike merchants and gives bicyclists more time.

Page 46

Best Beats

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 19, 2021

on the beach

Who’s Where When 45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2201 4507 Coastal Hwy. Tuesdays: Aaron Howell Wednesdays: Aaron Howell (137th St. Tavern)

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, March 19 Crawl St. Tavern: Tuesdays

BEATS BY WAX Crawl St. Tavern: Sundays Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays

ATLANTIC HOTEL 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley BUXY’S SALTY DOG DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, March 20: TBA COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Wednesdays: DJ Wax CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd. Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, March 21: Otto Grundman, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, March 24: Smooth & Remy, 5 p.m.

CRAWL ST. TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, March 19: King’s Ransom, 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 20: (Cork) Lennon & The Leftovers, 4 p.m.

Shots Fired, 9 p.m.

Sunday, March 21: Bilenki Duo, 2 p.m.

DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, March 24: DJ RobCee, 10 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay

OTTO GRUNDMAN Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, March 21

BEATS BY ADAM DUTCH Purple Moose: Saturdays 2 p.m.

BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Saturdays & Wednesdays

LENNON LARICCI & THE LEFTOVERS Cork Bar: Saturday, March 20

KARAOKE W/WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays

AARON HOWELL 45th St.Taphouse: Tuesdays Taphouse Tavern: Wednesdays

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 20

March 19, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

Who’s Where When Friday, March 19: DJ RobCee, 9 p.m., Saturday, March 20: DJ Groove, 9 p.m.

KING’S RANSOM Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, March 19

SMOOTH & REMY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, March 24

STEAL THE SKY DUO Seacrets: Friday, March 19

BILENKI DUO Crawl Street Tavern: Sunday, March 21

HONEY SHINE Pickles Pub: Saturday, March 20

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Saturday, March 20 & Thursday March 24

ALTER EGO Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, March 19 & 20

ROASTJOHN The Globe: Saturday, March 20

$ 00

1 OFF

Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-21 • MCD

15% OFF

Cheers!

Any Case Of Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-21 • MCD

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750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-21 • MCD

BEER • WINE • SODA Open 7 Days A Week Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Gas • Ice Cigarettes 410-641-2366 • Main St. & Old O.C. Blvd., Berlin, Md.

GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rte. 611, West OC Tuesdays: Bingo with Blake Haley PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, March 19: Beats By Styler, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 20: Honeyshine Mondays: Karaoke With Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Streets On The Boardwalk Friday & Saturday, March 19 & 20: Alter Ego Saturday, March 20: DJ Adam Dutch, 2 p.m.

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 19: Late Last Night Duo, 5 p.m., Steal The Sky Duo, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 20: Full Circle Duo, 5 p.m.

Stealing Savannah Duo, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 25: Full Circle Duo, 5 p.m.

The Dispatch Classifieds

Page 48

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

TECHNICIANS

HELP WANTED LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have valid DL. Reliable transportation to work. Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CONDO CLEANERS: Clean condos in Ocean City. Spring, Summer, and Fall. Lisa’s Cleaning Service. 443-783-5033.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hwy. 410-2131572.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FULL MOON SALOON: Now hiring a full time server. Apply within at 12702 Old Bridge Road, WOC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WORSHIP MUSIC LEADER: Vocal and instrumental skills. Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, Berlin, MD. Call 410-641-4882 or email secretary@htcanglican.org ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PURPLE MOOSE JOB FAIR: Sat., March 27, 10am-1pm. Hiring doormen/security. Between Caroline & Talbot Streets on the Boardwalk.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BALI-HI RV PARK: Bishopville, MD. Maintenance Man/ Groundskeeper. Grass cutting. Experience in plumbing and electric.

40 hrs/wk, $15/hr. 410-352-3140.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Call 410-352-5252

Now Hiring

• DELIVERY DRIVERS Make Up To $20/Hour Full-Time or Part-Time Call 443-856-5652 or Apply In Person Downtown Location 710 N. Philadelphia Ave.

Now Hiring •ALL KITCHEN POSITIONS

Apply in Person IN THE OF FENWICK

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Must have: Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD North Location 129th Street, OC Hiring: Host/Hostess Bus Person Foodrunners Must be flexible with hours Email:

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME SEASONAL: FRONT DESK HOUSEKEEPING MAINTENANCE/ BELLMAN Daytime & Evening Positions Available

jenvank@yahoo.com

APPLY IN PERSON

Or stop in to fill out an application.

1800 Baltimore Avenue Monday-Friday 11am-4pm

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! Large automotive center with auto parts/ marine store, service centers, and used car dealership, is now hiring for: ~Service Parts & Advisors ~Experienced Tow Truck Drivers ~Technicians ~Maryland State Inspector Excellent Pay and Benefits.

Call: 302-344-9846

I NDI A N RI VER MA R INA NOW HI R ING SUMMER POSI TI ONS!

•FUEL DOCK ATTENDANT •DOCK HANDS •RAMP ATTENDANTS

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

Come Join Our Winning Team!

Now accepting applications for the following positions!

HIRING AT BOTH LOCATIONS ALL POSITIONS INCLUDING MANAGEMENT APPLY IN PERSON South Location 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 North Location 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

Reservationist Over Night Front Desk Front Desk Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Room Inspectors Maintenance Server Cashier Barista

Upcoming Yard Sale?

Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Print & Online

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

The Dispatch is the best way to get the word out!

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

Peninsula Irrigation, Inc. is expanding & currently seeking exp. installation & service technicians.

Exp. pref., but will train right person.

Must be self-motivated, have drivers license & transportation.

March 19, 2021

NOW HIRING AWESOME PEOPLE

Holding open interviews

EVERY SAT & SUN 11am-2pm

(Starting Feb. 12th-March 21st)

for:

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

Come by and join our 2021 family!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round Positions ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~LAUNDRY ~LOBBY ATTENDANT ~OVERNIGHT CLEANER ~HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ~FRONT DESK AGENT ~NIGHT AUDIT ~RESERVATIONS ~PAINTER ~FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR Seasonal Positions ~SERVER ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNERS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~GRILL COOKS ~BEACH STAND ~SECURITY EXCELLENT BENEFITS! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

The Dispatch

Classifieds

March 19, 2021

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

Currently hiring manpower for

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

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

NOW HIRING - YEAR ROUND FULL TIME DRIVER Call 410-726-7061 for Interview NOW HIRING SEASONAL SALES ASSOCIATES FULL-TIME & PART-TIME POSITIONS

Set Schedules. Starting Wage $12.00/hour.

Must be 18 years or older.

Apply On Website: www.ronjonsurfshop.com/thecompany/careers Send Resumes To: OCSales@rjss.com Store Address: 6701 Coastal Highway #8, Ocean City, MD 21842

The Castle in the Sand Hotel and The Barefoot Mailman are currently seeking applicants for the following positions for the 2021 season.

FRONT DESK ATTENDANTS NIGHT AUDITOR HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES FOOD & BEVERAGE STAFF Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required. We require a satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants. Please contact Bob at 410-2896846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

’S E T OC WES UN PLAC F T MOSTO WORKE MAK AND $ $$$

NOW HIRING - YEAR ROUND COOK OCEAN PINES LOCATION

Call 410-726-7061 for Interview

NOW HIRING! YEAR-ROUND FULL- OR PART-TIME

•LINE COOKS Please apply in person.

Greene Turtle West, Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500

RESTAURANT ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT POSITION Seeking a highly organized detailed individual to support management team with accounting operations.

Strong bookkeeping and restaurant payroll skills a must.

Experience with POS systems, HR, food and beverage inventory and costing, managing day to day cash, posting to accounts, as well as various other office duties.

Familiarity with industry specifics.

Please send resume to wmspds@aol.com

I NDI A N R I V ER MA R I NA I S NO W HI R I NG! •MAINTENANCE •NIGHT WATCH 3PM-11PM SHIFT

•GENERAL CLERICAL

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

FULL TIME OPERATIONS MANAGER BAY FOREST COMMUNITY, OCEAN VIEW, DE Bay Forest Community, a fast growing Homeowners Association, in Ocean View, Delaware, is looking for a full time Operations Manager who must demonstrate proficiency in some or all of the following areas: grounds management, facilities management, and community operations. Operations Manager must exhibit good interpersonal skills, have good written and oral communication skills, basic computer knowledge, and ability to perform small repairs and maintenance. If you are a team player, looking for a challenging yet rewarding position, please send resume to Stefanie.Minemier@casinc.biz by April 1, 2021. Salary dependant on experience.

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER Farmers Bank of Willards has a Full-Time Personal Banker position available at the Talbot Branch, Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 03-31-2021 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

PART-TIME FRONTLINE ASSOCIATE Farmers Bank of Willards has a Part-Time Frontline Associate position available at the Talbot Branch, Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 03-31-2021 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

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

Please email your resume to kelly.drexel@fbwbank.com or call Kelly Drexel at 410-250-1512 Application cut off is 03-31-2021

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The Dispatch

Classifieds

Page 50

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

The Dispatch

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

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

THIRD INSERTION

RENTALS

ROOMMATES

SUMMER SEASONAL: 2 rooms, Sleeps 2 per room. May-September. Electric included. $4000 per person. Call Tricia 443-610-4665.

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

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ROOM FOR RENT: Ocean Pines, about 1 mile in from North Gate.

Males only.

Non-smoker. $600/month. Call 267-784-2588.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

WEEKLY RENTALS Poolfront Room $215.

Efficiency Room $245.

2 BR Apartment $350.

3 BR Suite $400.

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

FOR SALE BEDS/BEDDING: 2 twin beds with full bedding $350. 410-250-0067.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPSCALE MIDTOWN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: 2,130 sq.ft.

No CAM fees. 443-880-2225.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SERVICES NEED KINDLING?: I will crack it at your house. $25/hour. Call Bill at 443-717-1635.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

BOATS PONTOON BOAT WANTED: 27’ Tri-Hull with Trailer. Ocean Pines or surrounding areas. 410-8323824.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

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March 19, 2021

JAMES A. LIST, ESQ. THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES A. LIST 5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 100 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18617 To all persons interested in the estate of SAM B. SMITH JR., ESTATE NO. 18617. Notice is given that FRANCES A. ZIMMERMAN, 12321 FALLS ROAD, COCKEYSVILLE, MD 21030 was on, FEBRUARY 24, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SAM B. SMITH, who died on JANUARY 23, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (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, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper:

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 05, 2021 FRANCES A. ZIMMERMAN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-05, 03-12, 03-19

THIRD INSERTION

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18621 To all persons interested in the estate of EUGENIA HICKMAN PERDUE, ESTATE NO. 18621. Notice is given that JOHN AVERY PERDUE, 6618 SNOW HILL ROAD, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on, FEBRUARY 26, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EUGENIA HICKMAN PERDUE, who died on JANUARY 30, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26th day of AUGUST, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this

published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 05, 2021 JOHN AVERY PERDUE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-05, 03-12, 03-19

THIRD INSERTION

REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18622 To all persons interested in the estate of SANDRA M. QUILLIN, ESTATE NO. 18622. Notice is given that JEHU DIRICKSON QUILLIN III, 11107 CHARLIE DRIVE, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 was on, FEBRUARY 26, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SANDRA M. QUILLIN, who died on DECEMBER 22, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26th day of AUGUST, 2021.

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

Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 05, 2021 JEHU DIRICKSON QUILLIN III Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-05, 03-12, 03-19

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18605 To all persons interested in the estate of JESSIE CAUSEY, ESTATE NO. 18605. Notice is given that WANDA GORDY, P.O. BOX 45, FRUITLAND, MD 21826 and LESLIE SHRIEVES, 1691 ST. LUKES ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on, MARCH 01, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JESSIE CAUSEY, who died on JANUARY 13, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the

The Dispatch

March 19, 2021

LEGAL RATES

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021 WANDA GORDY Personal Representative LESLIE SHRIEVES Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18626 To all persons interested in the estate of RALPH THOMAS PHILLIPS , ESTATE NO. 18626. Notice is given that RALPH PHILLIPS JR., P.O. BOX 1695, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, MARCH 02, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RALPH THOMAS PHILLIPS, who died on NOVEMBER 9, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2ND day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021 RALPH PHILLIPS JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

SECOND INSERTION

WILLIAM E. ESHAM III ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 18633 To all persons interested in the estate of PEGGY SHARP PITMAN, ESTATE NO. 18633. Notice is given that SANDRA BEATTY, 221 VIRGINIA AVENUE, ST CLOUD, FL 34769 and LAWRENCE C PITMAN JR, 10521 FOXBERRYPARK COURT, RENO, NV 89521 was on, MARCH 04, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PEGGY SHARP PITMAN, who died on OCTOBER 20, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021 SANDRA BEATTY Personal Representative LAWRENCE C PITMAN JR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18634 To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT FRANCIS GRADY, ESTATE NO. 18634. Notice is given that KATHLEEN DOROTHY FOWLER, 64 WATERTOWN ROAD, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 was on, MARCH 04, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT FRANCIS GRADY, who died on FEBRUARY 27, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021 KATHLEEN DOROTHY FOWLER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18637 Notice is given that the PROBATE COURT of SUSSEX COUNTY, DE, appointed KAREN MOTON, 22 S. MAIN STREET, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 as the EXCUTRIX of the Estate of CHARLES D. MOTON, who died on DECEMBER 13, 2019, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is DOROTHY SWIMM, whose address is 3 SILVERWOOD CIRCLE #3, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021 KAREN MOTON Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

SECOND INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18646 To all persons interested in

Page 51 the estate of JEANNE MARIE STEVENS, ESTATE NO. 18646. Notice is given that JEFFREY L STEVENS, 17 70TH STREET 23, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on, MARCH 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JEANNE MARIE STEVENS, who died on DECEMBER 29, 2020, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021 JEFFREY L STEVENS Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

SECOND INSERTION LESLIE LOBOS, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL PINES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000028 VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES BORDERLINKS

The Dispatch

Page 52

LEGAL RATES

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Legal Notices

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

TIMESHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. 11029 CATHELL ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 Plaintiff v.

LOLITA F. MAXWELL, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN THE VILLAS OF OCEAN PINES, BORDERLINKS CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN PINES, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000028, the undersigned Trustee, will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the Villas of Ocean Pines, located at, 438 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Maryland, the following described property located in Ocean Pines, Worcester County, Maryland, on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit Bq43 Ag7

Time Interval 3 43

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

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

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

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 12, 2021 3x, 03-12, 03-19, 03-26

FIRST INSERTION

MARK H. WITTSTADT, ESQ. JUSTIN HOY, ESQ. QUINTAIROS, PRIETO WOOD & BOYER, PA 1966 GREENSPRING DRIVE, SUITE LL2 LUTHERVILLE-TIMONIUM, MD 21093 SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S SALE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY 409 BONNEVILLE AVENUE POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND 21851 By virtue of a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Ernest J. Barnes to Bank of America, NA dated April 20, 2005 and recorded in Liber 4449, Folio 392 in the Land Records for Worcester County, Maryland, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction, at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, (Sale will be held at the courthouse door), on APRIL 5, 2021 AT 1:00 PM All that lot or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Town of Pocomoke, in the Election District, Worcester County, State of Maryland, and BEGINNING for the same on the Northeasterly side of Bonneville Avenue at the line of the

property now or formerly of Lewis Gunby, and running thence by and with said Bonneville Avenue in a Southeasterly direction a distance of 47 feet and 6 inches the line of the property now or formerly of George H. Long, which was conveyed to him by deed from Quince Ashburn and wife; thence running in a Northeasterly direction by and with said Long land a distance of 85 feet to the line of a certain Johns Sidney Collins to a point a distance of 102 feet from an iron pin driven in the ground on the inside of the sidewalk on Fifth Street, said iron pin being a boundary between the property now or formerly of the said John Sidney Collins and the property now or formerly of Harrison Hargis; thence running in a Northwesterly direction by and with the line of the said Collins property a distance of 47 feet and 6 inches to the line of the property now or formerly of Lewis Gunby; thence running in a Southwesterly direction by and with the line of the said Gunby land a distance of 85 feet to the place of beginning; The improvements thereon being known as 409 Bonneville Avenue, Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851.

The property is residential and is believed to be improved by a dwelling. The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable but is offered for informational purposes only.

Neither the auctioneer, the Trustee nor their agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of the information.

Prospective purchasers are urged to perform their own due diligence with respect to the property and the uses thereof, prior to the foreclosure auction.

The property will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $2,345.00 in the form of certified check or cashier’s check will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price to be paid in cash within 10 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester

County. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If the purchaser fails to settle within the aforesaid ten (10) days of ratification, the purchaser relinquishes their deposit, and the Trustee may file an appropriate motion with the court to resell the property.

Purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed with the Court in connection with such motion and any Show Cause Order issued by the Court and expressly agrees to accept service of any such paper or Order by certified mail and regular mail sent to the address provided by the purchaser and as recorded on the documents executed by the purchaser at the time of the sale. Service shall be deemed effective upon the purchaser 3 days after postmarked by the United States Post Office. It is expressly agreed by the purchaser that actual receipt of the certified mail is not required for service to be effective. If the purchaser fails to go to settlement the deposit shall be forfeited to the Trustee and all expenses of this sale (including attorney fees and full commission on the gross sales price of the sale) shall be charged against and paid from the forfeited deposit. In the event of resale the defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property regardless of any improvements made to the real property. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase money at the rate of 6.375% per annum from the date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Trustee. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, condominium fees and/or homeowner association dues, all public charges/assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for the costs of all transfer taxes, (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), documentary stamps and all other costs incident to settlement. Purchaser shall be responsible for physical possession of the property.

Purchaser assumes the risk of loss from the date of sale forward. If the Trustee is unable to convey either insurable or good and marketable title, or the sale is not ratified for any reason by the Circuit Court including errors made by the Trustee, the purchaser’s sole remedy at law or in equity shall be limited to a refund of the deposit without any interest.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 19, 2021 MARK H. WITTSTADT SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE

March 19, 2021

JUSTIN HOY SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE AUCTION.COM 1 MAUCHLY, IRVINE, CA 92618 3x, 03-19, 03-26, 04-02

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18644 To all persons interested in the estate of DANIEL HERMAN RUNDE, ESTATE NO. 18644. Notice is given that PAMELA RUNDE, 23246 COURTHOUSE AVENUE, ACCOMAC, VA 23301 was on, MARCH 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL HERMAN RUNDE, who died on FEBRUARY 11, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 19, 2021 PAMELA RUNDE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-19, 03-26, 04-02

FIRST INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18649 To all persons interested in the estate of THORNTON FREDERICK THOMAS FRANK, ESTATE NO. 18649.

Notice is given that JENNIFER LOUISE FRANK BURNS, 700 AUGUSTA DRIVE, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48309 was on, MARCH 09, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THORNTON FREDERICK THOMAS FRANK, who died on DECEMBER 25, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 19, 2021 JENNIFER LOUISE FRANK BURNS Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

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March 19, 2021

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One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-19, 03-26, 04-02

FIRST INSERTION

MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 19, 2021

Do You Know 6,500+ People Receive The Dispatch’s Daily Buzz Every Day? Sign Up At www.mdcoastdispatch.com And Get Local News As It Happens!

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18654

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.

To all persons interested in the estate of C GRISE MCCABE JR AKA CHARLES MCCABE, ESTATE NO. 18654. Notice is given that GERALD E MCCABE, 35966 PEPPER ROAD, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 and GREGORY E MCCABE, 30175 RABBIT NAW ROAD, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 was on, MARCH 10, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of C GRISE MCCABE JR, who died on JANUARY 30, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

GERALD E MCCABE Personal Representative GREGORY E MCCABE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 03-19, 03-26, 04-02

FIRST INSERTION

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18650 To all persons interested in the estate of GINA KOPPENHAVER. Notice is given that DEBORAH GABRIEL, 889 OCEAN PARKWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MARCH 09, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of GINA KOPPENHAVER, who died on JANUARY 22, 2021 without a will.

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

All persons having any ob-

Page 53 jection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails

or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 19, 2021 DEBORAH GABRIEL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 03-19

Page 54

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

t’s natural as a parent of two boys, 12 and 11 years old, to wonder what it would be like with girls.

I have a good buddy with two daughters and therefore get to see a few times of year the differences between the boys and girls for extended periods of time. When the kids are young, the differences are insignificant. Sure, there are natural personality differences present at times, but generally they were more alike than not in their approaches to life while young.

Nowadays, with my oldest son about to turn 13 soon, the differences seem to be vast between boys and girls. Though I am sure there are exceptions, it’s clear to me boys at his age are much quieter.

The tween in my house acts like an undercover CIA agent when his mom or I ask him questions about anything. He seems either completely disinterested, feigns hearing issues, claims exhaustion or makes privacy invasion accusations.

For example, there was an unfortunate situation at our house in the backyard involving some kids a couple weeks back. We heard several different accounts of the situation from our kid, other boys around and even a few parents. Each version of the story was different. We were unaware of the true facts until we spoke with a girl who was at our house. She clearly laid out what transpired in incredible detail. She cited first and last names of the kids and what school they attend and their grade levels. We learned more from her in five minutes than we had from talking to our son and his friends six different times.

Communication issues arise constantly with our son. It’s tough to handle because he was once a verbose child who was clear with his emotions and expressed every thought in his head. I do find comfort in talking with other parents who say their kids of similar ages are the same way. One parent recently

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told me I was lucky my kid shares some of his thoughts because all her tween son shares with her is “nothing” and “I don’t know.”

Along these lines, an article on raisingteenstoday.com, headlined ‘Boys: The Communication Barrier,” took a deep dive on this topic.

Case in point. When my daughter used to come home from middle school it went something like this: Me: “Hey hon, how was your day?”

My daughter: “Hey, mom! What’s up? You won’t believe what happened today! Brandon threw up in the lunchroom which totally grossed everyone out! Melissa broke up with Dillon – you know, the boy I was telling you about who was caught drinking in his parent’s basement last weekend? Oh, and my math teacher, Mrs. Sanders – well, she got engaged! Can you believe it? Everybody’s talking about it! Anyway… are you making meatloaf for dinner? I love meatloaf… but don’t put carrots in it – I really hate carrots. Oh, and I’m so mad!

My ELA teacher gave us a huge assignment and only gave us two days to finish it! Like really? Like two days? Is that crazy or what?”

Me: “Wow, you had an action-packed day!”

When my son walked in the door, however, the conversation was completely different. It typically went something like this: Me: “Hey, sweetie! How are ya?

How was school today?”

My son: “Umm…It was ok.” Me: “How did you like your lunch? I put those good chips in there that you like.”

My son: “They were good, thanks.” Me: “Do you have a lot of homework?” My son: “Yeah. Some.” Me: “Whatever happened to that friend of yours who got caught cheating last week?” My son: “I dunno.” Me: Did you find out what grade you got on the history project? You really did a great job on that.”

My son: “Not yet.” Me: “Ok…. well

then…I’m so glad you had a good day!”

My son: “Yeah… I’m gonna go to my bedroom for a bit.” Me: “OK babe… meatloaf for dinner!” My son: “OK.” … It’s literally like pulling teeth to get boys to communicate. And, for parents of teen boys, it can be hugely frustrating. It’s all too easy to take their behavior and lack of interaction personally. … Typically speaking, boys simply don’t process information as quickly as girls. In fact, one study showed that it takes boys on average, seven hours longer to process “hard emotive data.”

The book goes on to say that boys often feel totally overwhelmed when their mom asks a ton of questions. And, if they have sisters who are chatty and contribute to the “noise” in the room, it only makes matters worse for them.

Boys need time to step away to their “cave” to get away from the stimulation which, if you think about it, explains why at 10 o’clock at night, (approximately seven hours later), when you’re totally exhausted and ready for bed, your boy comes to you ready to talk about his day. (Of course, when he does, we’re so excited and eager to hear what he has to say that we listen, hanging onto his every word trying not to fall asleep!)

Communicating with teen boys can be a challenge. But, once you understand why they react and communicate the way they do and better understand how they communicate, you’ll be far better equipped to break through the communication barrier. Above all, understand that your boy is learning how to communicate. Give him the freedom to express himself in his own way at his own pace. With a little patience, understanding, and guidance your son will eventually learn the art of communication.

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

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March 19, 2021

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): The week promises a calmer aspect. Although there might be some lingering effects of a recent job problem, things should continue to ease up. Also expect a change in a home-based situation.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): If you feel uneasy about a colleague's suggestion, it might be that your wise inner Taurean guide is alerting you to a potential problem. Stepping away could turn out to be the right thing to do.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A family get-together opens up new opportunities for renewing ties. It can be especially effective in dealing with disagreements that should have been, but never were, fully resolved.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You might be surprised at the response you get to a recent decision. You might be even more surprised by the reasons behind it. In any event, you'll learn something important.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Your aspects favor resolving any tensions left over from a recent incident. You might want to consider having a "clear the air" talk as soon as you can. A call can lead to a change of plans.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Avoid repeating yourself. If your first few efforts fail to connect, maybe it's because you haven't found the right way to get your message across. Try changing your approach.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Good intentions plus a strong resolve to suc-

vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ceed can take you where you want to go. Don't give up just because someone suggests you might be pursuing an impossible cause.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): An unexpected setback can be a blessing in disguise. Use it to recheck your facts and how you've presented them. Meanwhile, look for ways to expand your contacts.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): You should finally be seeing a positive change in a recent personal situation.

However, an on-the-job matter might need more attention than you realized.

Stay with it.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): While you should be close to completing an important matter, you still need to focus on being focused. But things ease up in time for weekend fun.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): A certain matter might take an unexpected turn. Don't simply accept it; ask for an explanation. What you learn might be helpful in shifting the situation around to your benefit.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Projecting a positive attitude helps restore calm even when you're confronting some pretty stormy situations. Stay the course. The outcome will be well worth your efforts.

BORN THIS WEEK: While you enjoy tradition and stability, you also appreciate the good things that change can bring. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

OCEAN CITY

Page 55

WITH BUNK MANN

St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church has occupied the northeast corner of 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue for well over a century. The first service in the historic building was held on June 7, 1901.

The earliest Episcopal service in Ocean City was held in the former Congress Hall Hotel in the summer of 1878 and a small chapel was built on Philadelphia Avenue near today’s Inlet three years later. Following the gift of two lots on 3rd Street by Washington, DC resident John Waggaman in 1898, the cornerstone of the existing church was laid on June 6, 1900.

The wood-shingled Gothic Revival church has survived innumerable hurricanes and Nor’easters including the famous March Storm of 1962. A tragic fire in 2013 damaged the attached rectory and claimed the life of the rector, the Rev. David Dingwall.

A quick response by the Ocean City Fire Department saved the church and its beautiful stain glass windows.

The church today remains one of the most historic buildings in downtown Ocean City.

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

Postcard from Bunk Mann’s collection

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

Being able to sit outside again Hearing live music on the streets of Berlin Lines outside local restaurants A nice stretch of blue sky days A lost dog reunited with its family Events canceled last year being held this year When a home remodeling project is all done Trying out a new restaurant in a new town Facebook memories Comeback athlete stories Generous charitable acts ANSWERS ON PAGE 54

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 19, 2021