March 24

Great Blue Heron is pictured seemingly posing for the photographer on the first day of spring this week at Nor thside Park.

Photo by Chris Parypa

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OC Council Debates Advertising Budget Increases

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week approved a budget amendment for fiscal year 2023, but not before a spirited discussion on the town’s advertising allocation.

On Monday, the council voted 6-1, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed, to approve the second reading of several budget amendments for fiscal year 2023.

The change, which reflects an increase in room, income and admissions tax revenues, also proposes an increase in grant, salary and advertising expenditures. Proctor said she opposed the transfer of additional funds to the town’s advertising budget.

“I just noticed we’re moving $4.7 million over to our advertising budget,” she said.

“Then I reviewed the advertising budget over four years, and we’ve spent an average of $6.7 million in advertising. Then in fiscal year 2023, we spent $11.6 million in advertising. That’s a 74% increase in our advertising budget.”

Proctor told officials this week she was concerned about diminishing returns. She said the town last year spent $6.1 million on advertising, with a 9% return in room tax revenue. Since the fiscal year 2023 budget was approved last July, she said the town has spent $11.6 million, with a 12% return in room tax revenue.

“We’ve increased our advertising budget by 74%, we’ve spent 74% more, and the return on our room tax that we’ve received was only 12%,” she said. “When I look at it, I have to question that and say does that make financial sense to do so.”

Proctor said a portion of the $4.7 million

being proposed for the advertising budget could be used to fund salaries for additional firefighters.

“I’m not saying we shouldn’t invest in our people, I’m not saying we shouldn’t invest in tourism, but we’re carrying $4.7 million over and the only thing we have in our budget is eight (firefighters),” she said. “We need an additional four. It’s $350,000. We could easily move $350,000 over to get them hired and up to speed and ready for the summer. Yet we keep moving it over and increasing that (advertising budget) budget.”

Among the budget changes approved on second reading this week was an amendment to the budgeted room tax, which exceeded revenue projections by $2 million.

Councilman John Gehrig said that overage was a direct result of the town’s ad-

vertising efforts. That additional money, he noted, will be used to pay for public safety, public works, roads and debt service, among other things.

“One year we had to pay for 10 new police officers that we didn’t know how we were going to fund,” he explained. “It turns out we funded it through an increase in the general fund contribution from room tax. And we are poised to do the same thing with 12 new firefighters, if we so choose that. At $80,000 apiece, that’s roughly a million dollars. Thankfully we have an overage of $1.2 million contributed to the general fund from tourism.”

Gehrig argued the town was receiving a return on its investment in advertising.

“What we have now is clearly working …,” he said. “If we didn’t have room tax, we would most certainly be raising property tax, without question. So we should be celebrating advertising.”

Councilman Will Savage questioned if the tourism department needed an additional $4.7 million. He also questioned the town’s ordinance, which sets a formula for the percentage of room tax revenue dedicated to advertising, marketing and special events.

“I believe the ordinance does leave some leeway for council’s discretion,” he said. “So does tourism need that?”

City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the council had the ability to reappropriate those funds.

“The ordinance does say, as it has said since 2007, that it’s subject to annual appropriation because it can’t pledge the full faith and credit of the Mayor and City Council …,” she said. “It can be done.”

Mayor Rick Meehan noted staff was seeking a budget amendment to balance the current year’s budget. He said the town had to recognize unused funds, including the $1.3 million state tourism grant the town received.

City Manager Terry McGean added that the $11.6 million in advertising for the current year included $3.6 million in encumbrances.

“Some of that is encumbered but have not been spent,” he explained. “So in other words, the ads have not run yet.”

However, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said those encumbered funds would still be spent.

“Unless we liquidate some of these encumbrances, and don’t spend them, we’re going to be spending that $11 million this year,” she said. “Encumbrance is a legal obligation to spend. So we have already contracted with companies to spend that and place those ads.”

Gehrig noted that those ads would ultimately generate additional room tax revenues in the coming months.

“We haven’t seen the return yet because the ads haven’t been placed yet … ,” he said. “We have 12% realized return and the season hasn’t even started yet.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-1 to approve the proposed budget amendments. Officials also agreed to review advertising revenues and expenditures at its upcoming budget work sessions.

“I would like to hear from tourism what that money went towards and going forward what the additional revenues would be spent on,” Savage said.

County Questions Inlet Shoaling Project

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – The news that a federal project to address Inlet shoaling has been abandoned has local officials seeking answers.

The Worcester County Commissioners this week agreed to request a meeting with representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) following the agency’s recommendation not to move forward with improvements to the Inlet. According to county staff, the Corps determined the project was too expensive.

“Obviously we’re very disappointed,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs.

After years of complaints about shoaling problems in the Ocean City Inlet, a renewed commitment to the cause by local officials in 2017 prompted the USACE to begin considering improvements through

the Continuing Authorities Program. Rather than the maintenance dredging that’s done regularly, USACE started looking for a long-term fix to the problem. In 2019, USACE shared plans for major improvements at the Inlet as well as a proposal to address a scour hole near Homer Gudelsky Park.

This week, however, Mitchell told the commissioners the Corps was not moving forward with the planned improvements.

“The scrapping of the project, after years of public meetings, planning sessions, modeling and design work did not meet their net economic benefit targets,” he wrote in a memo to the commissioners.

“In short, a structural solution to the shoaling problem was found not to be feasible and dredging, specifically more frequent dredging, seems to be the least costly option at the present time.”

Mitchell said the decision was outlined earlier this month that included various agencies. He said the USA-CE’s project

Commissioners Deny Quitclaim Deed Request

modeling showed that a structural solution would only reduce dredging needs by 50%. That fact, combined with the high cost of the project—which is estimated at $16 million—was enough to lead to the decision not to pursue it. As a result, the project agreement between USACE, the county and Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be terminated.

“Going forward with a $16 million project with close to $8.5 million of the project costs that will need to be covered by the local partners (Worcester and MD DNR) was not something the Corps was willing to commit, especially in light of the updated modeling and the results from their economic analysis,” Mitchell wrote.

The commissioners’ decision Tuesday to reach out to USACE for an explanation came at Mitchell’s request.

“It would really be helpful for everybody involved, including the Town of Ocean City,” he said.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County officials will not sign a quitclaim deed requested by property owners interested in selling their waterfront land to US Wind.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 Tuesday not to sign a quitclaim deed requested by US Wind related to lots on the commercial harbor the wind company has an option to purchase. Commissioner Ted Elder said he didn’t want to grant the deed when the county appeared to have no interest in the property.

“We don’t grant quitclaims to anyone that we don’t have a claim on the property to start with,” he said.

County attorney Roscoe Leslie told the commissioners Tuesday the county had received a request from James and April Reese for a quitclaim deed related to property the couple owned at the southeast corner of the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor. Leslie said US Wind had requested the quitclaim deed as part of a contract to purchase the Reese parcel. A quitclaim deed conveys any rights a party might have in a property to the grantee.

“The owner is trying to sell the property and the potential buyer has requested this to make sure they have an absolutely clear title to the property,” Leslie said.

He added that when he’d reviewed the land records he didn’t see where the county had any interest in the property. He said he’d contacted the county’s departments of public works and recreation and parks to be sure but that no one was aware of any issues.

The quitclaim deed was requested by John Robins IV, the attorney representing the property owners, in a February letter to the commissioners.

“As part of the plan to construct offshore wind turbines, US Wind Inc. has an option to purchase the Reese parcel,” the letter reads. “For reasons I cannot figure out, the title company for US Wind has requested that Mr. and Mrs. Reese obtain a quitclaim deed from Worcester County for their property situated on the southerly side of the harbor.”

Elder said he didn’t think the county should grant the request.

“I don’t see any reason the county commissioners should be involved in that whatsoever,” he said. “We have no claim on the property. We’ve got no deeds on it. I don’t think we should do anything.”

He added that officials didn’t know why US Wind wanted the quitclaim and it could have something to do with their future plans. Elder said the county didn’t have a claim on the property anyway. His motion not to move forward with the quitclaim deed passed 4-3. Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Chip Bertino and Eric Fiori voted in opposition.

Fiori and Abbott said after the meeting they’d voted the way they did because they felt they needed more information. Bertino said he felt the county should have approved the quitclaim deed request.

While US Wind is apparently interested in the Reese parcel, Ørsted, the other company pursuing a wind energy project off Ocean City, purchased property just west of the Reese parcel in 2021 for an operations facility.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Changes are underway at an Ocean City restaurant after neighbors expressed concerns.

A tiki bar constructed at Saltwater 75, the restaurant being built at the former location of BJ’s on the Water, is being removed after neighbors shared their objections with the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC). Area residents said the tiki bar on the beach was not what was originally approved for the site and would increase noise at the property.

“I went up there this morning and all is now removed down to the concrete base, and it will be razed as well,” Joe Moore, the attorney representing Saltwater 75, said Thursday. “My clients advise they are trying to complete the removal by this weekend. They are well underway.”

Last week, neighbors of Saltwater 75 planned to attend a meeting with the BLC where Moore was seeking approval of modifications to the restaurant layout. The board was expected to consider a request to decrease the privacy wall at the restaurant from 20 feet to 17 feet and was going to ask for approval to relocate the outdoor bar from a spot close to the restaurant to the beach.

Thee Christina C resident Carol Armstrong said she and her fellow neighbors were upset about the proposed changes, particularly since they’d already been made.

“The licensee is coming before you for permission to serve alcohol in an alreadyaltered premises that will be far more disturbing to our peace and tranquility than the premises you approved 18 months ago,” Armstrong wrote to the BLC prior to the meeting. “Our neighbors are united in opposition to the licensee’s requests.”

While several planned to attend the meeting, in the end they did not, as the request to alter the premises was pulled from the agenda. Moore said that was at his client’s request. According to Moore his client, who also owns the Ropewalk at 82nd Street, held an open house for neighbors the Saturday before the meeting and just two people showed up.

With the request withdrawn from the agenda, however, Armstrong and her neighbors felt even more frustrated about the situation. Armstrong said the premises had already been altered without BLC permission.

“The situation demands a public hearing …,” she subsequently wrote to the board. “The Board of License Commissioners approved transfer of an existing restaurant license to a new, larger restaurant, after imposing conditions to protect our neighborhood. What has been constructed is not the facility that the liquor board approved, and the changes to the exterior are harmful to the surrounding 100%-residential neighborhood. Therefore, I allege that the owners of Saltwater 75 are in violation of the liquor board's conditions for transfer of the license. I demand a competent investigation of the as-built premises and a hearing on this non-compliance at the board's April meeting.”

Residents of nearby Tobin’s Quarters

The connections of Saltwater 75 are in the process of removing a tiki bar, pictured above on the beach. Surrounding neighbors say the structure was not approved for the location. Photo Courtesy of the Saltwater 75 Facebook Page

County Officials Seek Reduction In Library Project Cost

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County officials say plans for a new library in Pocomoke won’t proceed until changes are made to bring costs down.

Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino, president of the board, clarified the county’s position regarding the new library branch planned for the former armory site in Pocomoke this week. He said he’d been getting emails from citizens in Pocomoke and wanted to provide an update on the situation.

“This body is very much in favor of the new library in Pocomoke, but we are also waiting for additional information that has been requested of the library director with regards to the plan for construction for that facility,” Bertino said.

“We have been waiting now for several weeks and we’d very much like to see that information so that project can move forward. Until we get that information the project is not going anywhere.”

In February, Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck shared plans for a new 13,000-square-foot branch in Pocomoke. She said the new facility, designed by Jeff Schoellkopf, was projected to cost $9,325,000.

Bertino’s comments came after Monday’s decision by the Pocomoke City Council to accept a loan from Worcester County to fund the demolition of the armory and other dilapidated structures in the vicinity.

“They are a safety risk,” Councilman Todd Nock said. “They have been an eyesore to this town for entirely too long … We cannot continue to bring new things into this town without fixing what is already torn up.”

At the meeting, Commissioner Caryn Abbott, who was in attendance, said citizens were asking if the loan was tied to the library being built on the site. Abbott told them the county was waiting on information requested from the library.

“I’m really waiting for information from the library to come back,” Abbott said. “That is undecided at this point.”

“That’s news to the library,” Ranck said from the audience. “That the project is undecided? That’s news to me.”

Abbott went on to say that the commissioners weren’t going to vote on something until they had all the information.

“I’m not trying to be mean I’m just telling you the truth,” Abbott said. “We cannot make informed decisions without the correct information.”

When contacted mid-week, Abbott said that while the commissioners supported the concept of a new Pocomoke library, there were specific issues that needed to be addressed before it could happen. She said she wanted to clear up misinformation being shared in the community.

“There won’t be shovels in the ground in May,” she said.

According to Abbott the commissioners have concerns about the cost of the proposed $9.3 million building. They’ve asked for some revisions to bring the cost down.

Ranck confirmed that in an email Wednesday.

“The Commissioners have asked the library to take a look at our current plans and evaluate ways to bring down the projected cost,” she wrote. “We had a design team meeting yesterday and plan to share developments with Commissioners in April. As the process continues, we are getting more and more excited about bringing a new, modern library to the Pocomoke community.”

Abbott stressed that she was not opposed to a new library in Pocomoke.

“We’re excited about getting a new library,” she said. “We just have questions that need to be answered before we move forward.”

Officials are seeking additional information regarding plans for a new

square-foot library in Pocomoke. Rendering courtesy of The Design Group

Grounded Vessel:

A commercial fishing boat ran aground Wednesday east of the Martha’s Landing development near the Inlet. As of Thursday morning, the vessel remained stuck. Though there were abnormally low tides this week, the Inlet area frequently shallows in between the routine maintenance dredging by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Photos by Campos Media

Worcester School Board Approves $132M Budget

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – The Worcester County Board of Education this week approved a nearly $132 million proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.

On Tuesday, the school board voted 61, with Katie Addis opposed, to approve the spending plan. The budget will now be forwarded to the Worcester County Commissioners for their review.

“On June 6 the county commissioners are scheduled to adopt their budget,” said Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief fi-

nancial officer.

In a presentation to the board at Tuesday night’s meeting, Tolbert outlined the proposed budget, which includes estimated revenues of $131,965,977. More than 80% of that will come from Worcester County while less than 20% will come from state aid.

“Our school system continues to be very highly dependent on our county commissioners for funding,” Tolbert said.

County appropriations are budgeted to increase $4.8 million while revenues from the state are also set to increase by nearly $3 million. Tolbert said that was due to

changes in the way the state identified FARMs (Free and Reduced Meal) students. Now, if students come from households that receive Medicaid they qualify as FARMs students.

Tolbert said the primary expenditure increase related to salaries. The budget includes $4,251,114 in salary increases— a step, a 4% cost-of-living adjustment for teachers and a 4.5% cost-of-living adjustment for support staff.

Health insurance rates are also set to increase almost 10%, but Tolbert noted that they had decreased in previous years.

“In the prior four years we’ve seen decreases or flat rates,” he said.

The budget also includes a $100,000 expenditure increase for materials of instruction.

“Inflation’s been out there,” Tolbert said. “The price of everything continues to increase.”

Bus contractors will also be paid more in the coming year. The budget will jump $403,742 in order to increase their hourly rate from $25 to $28. Their mileage rate will go from $1.62 to $1.76. The per-vehicle allotment will also increase to $22,385.

“That’s only for buses purchased in the upcoming year,” Tolbert said.

Alan Hudson, representing the Worcester County School Bus Contractors Association, thanked the school system for the proposed increases.

“This year has been much better than las year,” he said. “We appreciate the way

negotiations went.”

About $600,000 of the expenditure increases included in the budget are tied to the Maryland Blueprint. Tolbert said the school system had budgeted $100,000 for dual enrollment fees, $100,000 for salary increases mandated for teachers who received National Board Certification and $395,834 to pay for career counselors that are required by the Blueprint.

The proposed budget includes capital requests of $875,000. The bulk of that, $815,000, is to complete the schematic design and development fees for a new Buckingham Elementary School. About $60,000 is included for playground replacement at Cedar Chapel Special School.

School system officials are set to meet with the Worcester County Commissioners regarding the proposed budget April 18. Once the commissioners adopt their budget in June, the school board will be able to adopt its final budget.

Following Tolbert’s presentation, Addis said she’d taken it upon herself to scrutinize the budget and had numerous questions. Acknowledging the budget work session the school board held in February, she said she hadn’t realized the school board wouldn’t receive the entire document until Sunday. She subsequently made a motion to table the vote on the budget until the board had time to hold another work session so questions could be answered.

When there was no second to her mo-

SEE PAGE 12

Eastern Shore Physical Therapy

… Salary, Insurance Increases Planned

tion, she said she would be voting against the budget.

“I feel the need to get these questions answered,” she said.

Todd Ferrante, president of the board, said Tolbert had been working on the budget since last fall and had provided the majority of the figures at the work session.

“Those numbers really haven’t changed,” he said, adding that the school system had only just finalized the salary numbers. “Those were just negotiated.”

Board member Jon Andes, the county’s former superintendent, praised staff for their efforts in developing the budget.

“It’s not easy to put a budget together for the school system,” he said, adding that he’d participated in the process 16 years. “We have to balance the needs of everyone in the school system. It’s a challenge, especially in rural school systems, because we don’t have the same population in every single school.”

He said that years before he came to Worcester County, officials made it clear they wanted to provide the same education to students all over the county, whether they were in the south or the north. That means it typically costs more to educate students in the less populated areas of the county than it does to educate a student at Stephen Decatur High School, for example.

Issues like that, paired with restricted funding streams and managing state, local and federal dollars, make developing a budget for the school system complicated. Nevertheless, Andes said Tolbert did a great job.

“At any point in time if anybody has a question, pick up the phone and call him,” Andes said.

Addis said she appreciated Tolbert’s efforts but said the board needed time to digest the budget.

“It takes time to talk with our constituents, which is what we should all be doing,” she said. “It takes time to formulate decent and meaningful questions. I did my homework. I took the time to review it in its entirety.”

She said she still had questions.

“Could I have sent Mr. Tolbert a lot of emails? Sure I could have…,” she said. “That was not in a public setting. I’m trying to do my due diligence as a public servant to this community to make sure our questions are being answered and that they’re being answered publicly.”

Ferrante said more than 90% of the budget was essentially fixed charges, things like salary and transportation costs.

“There’s not a lot in this budget that varies year to year,” he said.

He acknowledged that the salary packages had to be negotiated and those negotiations typically weren’t finalized until just before the budget was presented for a vote. The majority of the budget though, he stressed, had been set early on in the process.

“Those questions could have been answered by Mr. Tolbert if you’d reached out to him,” he said.

The board voted 6-1 to approve the proposed budget.

OPA Cites Harassment By Knupp Supporters

BY STEVE GREEN EDITOR

BERLIN – The Knupp family officially maintained the high road this week amid accusations from the Ocean Pines Association supporters for justice are resorting to threats and bullying.

In a pointed statement issued last Saturday, OPA Board President Doug Parks called out the “Do It For Gavin” Facebook group for “harassment” of the Ocean Pines community. The Facebook group, which now has over 20,000 members, was created after last July’s tragic hit-andrun death of Gavin Knupp, 14, on Grays Corner Road.

“Beyond the foundation that was created in Gavin’s honor and the wonderful things that have been accomplished, a Facebook group named Do It For Gavin was formed to among other things, share information and opinions regarding the issue. We have been told that for the most part the group discussed things in a reasonable manner but at some point, the tone changed from sharing information to targeting businesses and conducting protests and boycotts,” Parks said. “Quite frankly, while some may disagree, we see no issue at all with that course of action. However, their actions also included bullying of the business staff, bullying of children at school and threatening organizations, customers and OPA board members. Their actions demonstrated a move away from justice to a support for vengeance.”

The statement continued, “What we have issue with is, given that the targeted business has been sold, the group has now turned its attention to Ocean Pines. Their tactics have been to bully and threaten organizations and entertainment providers from having events at our Yacht Club. As an example, because of the harassment that was going on the in the community by this group the Ravens Roost organization decided to move their planned fundraising event from the Yacht Club to another location. The Veterans Memorial FundRaising event was disrupted by this group as the planned entertainer backed out from performing. Organizers were told if the event was held at the Yacht Club, that the Memorial was going to be vandalized. On another note, the band that was scheduled to perform at the St. Patrick’s Day event last week backed out at the last minute due to being harassed by this group. Do these actions convey a desire for justice or vengeance?”

The motorist who struck and killed Knupp, who was crossing Grays Corner Road at night as a pedestrian, has been linked to the yacht club as his mother and stepfather both worked there last summer. The motorist fled the scene of the collision and has yet to turn himself in. The vehicle involved in the collision was confiscated by police shortly after the fatality at the alleged motorist’s family home. No other public press releases have been released by police since the vehicle was discovered.

Since last summer’s tragedy, the Knupp family has released official statements through attorney Neil Dubovsky. Family members and supporters have commented on social media and local television and radio broadcasts, but media statements have typically come through the attorney. In response to the statement from Parks, Dubovsky said the family will not be engaging in a back-andforth with the elected official, releasing instead a statement that read, “We see no reason to respond to a statement which confirms that the OPA elevates its own interests above those of the res-

idents they were elected to serve. We remain focused on the Foundation and honoring Gavin’s memory.”

The Gavin Knupp Foundation has raised $47,265 as of Feb. 21 with $36,842 coming through the 1st Annual Gavin Knupp Foundation Benefit held at Sinepuxent Brewing Company off Route 611 in October. To date, $8,244 has been distributed to local charities –$2,000 to the Ocean City Surf Club, $6,244 to a bingo event at Sterling Tavern for an 11-year-old local girl fighting for her life and $4,000 set aside for a local resident or two to attend Camp Woodward on a scholarship.

In his statement, Parks acknowledged the family’s “terrible tragedy,” saying, “No one can imagine the grief and suffering being endured by the parents at the loss of their child. As the investigation into this tragedy is ongoing, it is no surprise that frustration is growing as the time passes without official action by the State Attorney and the State Police conducting the investigation.” However, Parks said the harassment of the Ocean Pines community must end.

“When will they stop? I can answer that – they won’t. This is a call to all Ocean Pines Association members – raise your voices and be heard. We cannot let this vigilante group run roughshod over our community. By their actions and social media posts, they have demonstrated they care nothing about Ocean Pines and will go to whatever lengths it takes to disrupt our community and our livelihood. We would welcome a conversation with representatives from the Do It For Gavin group with the hope of understanding why they want to disrupt the Ocean Pines community and how their actions would serve to move forward with justice. Trust that justice regarding this case is what all of us want. Perhaps we could convince them that their anger should be directed towards those who are in charge of the investigation.”

Parks encouraged the community to help calm the situation, referring to potential financial hardships for the OPA.

“Talk to your friends, talk to your neighbors and talk to other association members to let them know these situations are taking place and that this group is promoting a level of disruption to our community that at some point will affect us financially, which in turn will most likely lead to an increase in annual assessments,” he said. “We must continue to do what it takes to protect our community and the amenities we have paid to enjoy. I ask the members of the Association to continue to support our amenities and fund-raising events as together we can maintain the things that make our community what it is for us. We all want justice for Gavin and our hope is that the case is resolved as soon as possible.”

As the case investigation remains active and ongoing, local authorities cannot comment. Last month, Knupp’s father, Ray, posted on the Do It For Gavin-Justice for Gavin Facebook page, which now has well over 20,000 members, “Met with SA (State’s Attorney) today. Won’t be much longer.”

Asked to expand on the past last month, family attorney Dubovsky said, “As their investigation works its way to a conclusion, we remain confident that (State’s Attorney) Kris Heiser and her incredible team will secure justice for the Knupp family and the entire community. We remain appreciative of everyone’s encouragement and support.”

Heiser and police have not commented on the case due to the investigation remaining active.

Commission OK’s Site Plan For Boardwalk Hotel

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A new restaurant and tiki bar highlight improvements to an iconic Boardwalk hotel.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve a site plan for the existing Lankford Hotel, located between 8th and 9th streets on the Boardwalk. Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy said project calls for a change of use of firstfloor tenant spaces and the addition of an outdoor bar associated with restaurant use.

“They are remodeling portions of the exterior façade, changing use of tenant space from all retail to 2,750 gross feet of enclosed dining area with outdoor dining and a small tiki bar on the existing

porch area,” she told the commission. “The entire gross square footage of the shopping center, plaza and stores with restaurant use is 7,455 gross square feet.”

Last month, property owner 8th Street Properties LLC received a special parking exception from the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals to waive 14 parking spaces for a change of use on the property. Gordy said the middle portion of the building currently occupied by retail will be converted to a restaurant.

“Because of it being on the Boardwalk, because of it being a walking destination, because of it being with 40 hotel rooms and other retail, it would be used by the people parked there and staying there anyway,” she said. “Those extra parking spaces were not necessary to change that use.

Gordy noted the project will also include a new tiki bar, which will be located along the Boardwalk in front of the property.

“The tiki bar does not require parking because it’s outdoors and unenclosed,” she explained. “They will have retail as well. It’s going to get quite a facelift from what you’ve been used to seeing.”

Commission member Kevin Rohe questioned where guests park. Gordy noted that a 39-space lot was located behind the property, with additional spaces on other lots.

“They have a couple different lots,” she said.

Attorney Joe Moore came before the commission this week to present his client’s plans for the property. While façade work is currently ongoing, he said the property owner was working with architect Joseph Thompson to add amenities.

“With regard to the change of use, it basically gives us an upscale, full-service hotel,” he said. “The old Lankford had no dining, it had no amenities that would keep people on the property, and we’re very pleased Mr. Thompson did a heck of a job with regard to the proposed enhancements.”

Moore said plans were also well received by the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners, which approved a seven-day beer, wine and liquor license for the property last week.

He noted that the proposed restaurant space would be located at the center of the property.

“We wanted to be mindful of being good neighbors,” he said.

Moore ultimately requested that the commission approve the site plan.

“We think the site plan certainly enhances our property and enhances the use and enjoyment of people on the Boardwalk,” he said. “It’s for that reason the Board of Zoning Appeals felt that a waiver of the parking requirements for 14 spaces was appropriate.”

After further discussion, the commission this week voted unanimously to approve the site plan for the property with the recommended staff conditions.

“I like it a lot,” Rohe said.

A rendering of the Lankford Hotel property shows plans for a new tiki bar, restaurant and retail space. Submitted Image

Council Adopts Hazard Mitigation Plan

BY BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – An update of the town’s hazard mitigation plan will allow Ocean City to retain its eligibility for federal assistance programs.

On Monday, resort officials approved a five-year update to the Town of Ocean City’s hazard mitigation plan. Emergency Management Planner Bob Rhode said the changes have been reviewed by both the state of Maryland and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“We have forwarded it to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, they have put their stamp of approval on it …,” he said. “They are just waiting the adoption of a resolution.”

Every five years, the town is tasked with updating its hazard mitigation plan, which identifies Ocean City’s long-term strategies for reducing disaster losses and breaking the cycle of repeated damage. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville said the plan not only allows the Town of Ocean City to secure mitigation grants but meets the requirements of the town’s community rating system, administered by FEMA.

“It supplements that program by adopting a set of responses and plans associated with the flood risk in particular,” he said. “So that keeps us from having to do a flood plain management plan that would otherwise have to be adopted separately.”

Working with Smith Planning and Design and members of hazard mitigation planning committee, efforts to update the plan began last spring. The process, Neville said, also included a public survey.

“That was our way of incorporating new concerns, new risks,” he said. “And our emergency services

group helped put together a new section on emerging infectious disease as a risk to the community. That didn’t used to be in our plan, and now after our experience with COVID it’s been documented and included and is part of our response to that risk.”

Rhode added the updated plan included new standards, which will be implemented in April.

“One thing to keep in mind – which we did with this plan, through planning and zoning and our vendor we use – in April of 2023 the entire standards will change to the hazard mitigation plan …,” he said. “This has been updated to those standards. Not that there won’t be changes needed in the future, but we have made sure that was done to coincide with the changes being proposed by the feds taking effect, I believe, April 20.”

Officials told the Mayor and Council this week they were ultimately seeking approval and adoption of the updated hazard mitigation plan, which will be added to the town’s website for review.

“If we can get it approved prior to April 1, it keeps it from having to go through another review cycle with the state and FEMA,” Neville said.

With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve and adopt the 2023 hazard mitigation plan.

Neville added that the plan complemented other plans adopted by both Worcester County and the state of Maryland.

“After reviewing the final project, I’m very pleased with the fact the consultant we were working with had incorporated a lot of our suggestions and ideas and had synced it up with the hazard mitigation plan that has been adopted by both the state and Worcester County,” he said. “That integration with all the other plans is a guideline that FEMA wanted us to do, and it has been accomplished with this document.”

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Worcester EMS Service Impacted By Out-Of-State Calls

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL– Worcester County will be reaching out to neighboring jurisdictions to share concerns about EMS coverage.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously this week to write to officials in Sussex County, Somerset County and Accomack County regarding ambulance service. The move comes after they were made aware that Worcester County emergency responders are answering calls in those jurisdictions, leaving gaps in Worcester County’s coverage.

“We need to worry about the citizens of Worcester County and making sure they have an ambulance there in the appropriate amount of time to handle any emergencies they may have,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

Mitrecic, chairman of the county’s fire funding work group, told the commissioners this week that the ongoing meetings between county officials and fire company representatives had been very informative. They’ve also identified some deficiencies. Mitrecic said the fact that Worcester County EMS providers responded to calls in Sussex County, Accomack County and Somerset County meant there were fewer crews on hand in Worcester. Mitrecic referenced the way the Town of Ocean City had approached Worcester County seeking funds to sup-

port the EMS service the resort provided to West Ocean City. He said Worcester County needed to tell Sussex County the same thing the Town of Ocean City had told Worcester County.

“That either they come up with the money it costs us to run those areas or we stop running them,” Mitrecic said. “We can no longer continue to allow the cost of running these other areas affect the Worcester County taxpayers. We keep giving more and more money to these emergency medical companies and we’re not getting anything out of Sussex.”

Mitrecic said fire company representatives had made it clear the emergency response system was already strained.

“If there’s one thing that we’ve heard… we’re one call away from a complete total meltdown,” he said. “That’s been stressed to us.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino agreed.

“If our apparatus is in another county… we’re hard up to find service,” he said.

Mitrecic said fire officials had pointed to various instances when companies in Worcester municipalities had to cover for each other when they were on calls out of the county. He said in one case, Showell was the first due responder in Snow Hill because Pocomoke crews were on a long run and Snow Hill EMS was responding to a call in Pocomoke.

“I don’t think this happens often but

there was an instance last year where that was one of the things that actually happened,” Mitrecic said.

He added that in Sussex County, the county had chase cars rather than ambulances. According to Mitrecic if none of the local Sussex volunteer companies had an ambulance available, EMS from the fire company in Bishopville responded when a patient needed transport.

“The same thing happens in Virginia and Somerset also,” he said.

Bertino noted there was even more development underway in southern Sussex County that was likely to further impact the situation.

“If we tell Sussex, ‘hey we can no longer run into your area unless you want to subsidize our EMS division; I think that’s where we need to go,” Mitrecic said.

When asked if Showell also felt the impact, Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said the issue primarily affected Bishopville though the impact did reach other companies. He said that in 2020, Bishopville was requested to respond to Sussex County 21 times while there were no records of a Delaware company responding into Bishopville’s “first due” area. In 2021, Bishopville was asked to respond to Sussex 30 times while there were two instances of a Delaware company responding to Bishopville. Last year, Bishopville was asked to help in Sussex County 47 times while

Sussex companies came into Bishopville just three times.

“This is an unsustainable trend that’s pulling critical units out of Worcester County to basically clean up the lack of response in our neighboring counties,” Young said.

The commissioners voted unanimously to contact the three neighboring counties to initiate a discussion regarding EMS response. Bertino thanked Mitrecic and Commissioners Jim Bunting and Ted Elder for their efforts on the work group.

“It has not been easy and I don’t think it’s going to get any easier as we go forward,” he said.

Mitrecic said the group was making progress though much of its discussions up until this point have addressed immediate needs rather than long-term funding solutions.

“As chairman of the committee, if nothing else this committee has brought a tremendous amount of stuff to light over the last year and half,” he said.

He said the group’s discussions had identified deficiencies in the system currently as well as issues—like the response to neighboring counties—that could potentially be addressed.

“Moving forward I think things look good,” Mitrecic said. “We’re still a long way away from a budget impact for this year but hopefully we can look at something moving forward.”

Ocean City Arrests, Service Calls, Crimes Decrease In 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A decrease in arrests, service calls and serious crimes highlight the Ocean City Police Department’s annual report.

On Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro presented the Mayor and Council with the department’s 2022 annual report. The 24-page document not only reports crime statistics and comparisons, but information on community events and activities within each police division.

“I want to say this year in review really showcases the hard work and effort of your police department – the fine men and women, civilian and sworn – that gave everything they had in 2022,” he said.

In this week’s presentation, Buzzuro detailed the department’s community engagement efforts in 2022, including the OCPD’s participation in the Special Olympics of Maryland Torch Run, the Polar Bear Plunge and National Night Out.

“Our top priority is partnering with our community,” he told the Mayor and Council. “It’s no secret that our success, our effectiveness, is forging a relationship with the public.”

He also highlighted the effectiveness of the department’s body-worn camera program, which was deployed last summer. Buzzuro explained body-worn cameras have contributed to less Taser use and fewer assaults on officers. From 2021 to 2022, assaults on officers decreased from 184 to 132.

“It’s already paying dividends …,” he said. “What we’re already seeing is increased public confidence in our police department. We are seeing less use of force. We’re seeing a reduction in complaints. So that resource, that asset, is already working really well for us.”

The OCPD also reported 39,752 officer-initiated calls for service and 17,233 citizen-initiated calls for service. Buzzuro said that didn’t include the roughly 500 business checks officers conducted each week.

“When we look at calls for service, we are going in the right direction,” he said.

Under its Uniform Crime Reporting, which includes all serious crimes that occurred within the Town of Ocean City, the department reported a 4% decrease.

“In 2022, we recorded 1,579 Part I crimes …,” he told the Mayor and Council. “Looking back, it’s the second lowest we’ve had in 30 years. We’re not only below where we were pre-COVID, but we’re moving in a direction to our all-time statistical lows in terms of Part I crimes.”

He also highlighted a decrease in criminal citations, controlled dangerous substance arrests and custodial arrests, which had declined from 2,843 in 2021 to 2,178 in 2022.

“We’ve decreased arrests somewhat significantly, over 600 less this past year,” he said. “It’s one of the fewest we’ve ever had in the last five years.”

The Mayor and Council this week also received statistics on traffic stops, colli-

sions and criminal investigations. Buzzuro said the criminal investigation division handled 162 cases in 2022, which included 52 Part 1 crimes.

“Their clearance rate for closure is 96%,” he said. “That means 19 out of 20 cases are getting solved, getting closed. That is way above any national average.”

Buzzuro this week also presented the Mayor and Council with an update on the department’s seasonal recruitment.

“There have been challenges in hiring seasonal officers and public safety aides,” he said. “We are finishing up our recruitment efforts, and I am pleased that we’re going to announce we’re going to be very close to where we were last year … In this environment, that’s a pretty big accomplishment.”

Buzzuro also announced the department’s transition to the National Incident-

Based Reporting System, or NIBRS. While law enforcement agencies across the country have used the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program for decades, officials say the shift to NIBRS will provide more useful statistics on crime within the community.

“It’s a more comprehensive, drilled down approach to reporting crime,” he said.

Officials report the NIBRS system captures every separate offense that occurred during each crime incident, while UCR collects more limited information. They say that would result in higher crime numbers when compared to UCR.

“The NIBRS system will change the number of crimes,” Buzzuro said this week. “And when they are being recorded and produced, we will be able to flesh out the reasoning behind the different crimes and what is actually occurring.”

On body-worn cameras, Chief Ross Buzzuro said, “We are seeing less use of force. We’re seeing a reduction in complaints. So that resource, that asset, is already working really well for us.”

Heroin Possession Arrests

OCEAN CITY – Two Delaware residents face drug charges after two traffic stops within an hour.

On March 17 shortly after midnight, a silver 2004 Mercedes was seen by Ocean City police failing to stop before the marked crosswalk on 74th Street at a traffic light. Robin C. Stephens, 40, of Dover, Del., was identified as the driver. The suspect tried to give police a fake name and date of birth when questioned. Stephens asked if he could retrieve a jacket from the vehicle during questioning. Police handed the jacket to Stephens and noticed a portable scale in the pocket used to weigh drugs. A computer search found Stephens was wanted on a bench warrant for failing to appear in district court for a previous driving while impaired charge in Ocean City. Stephens was placed under arrest.

Officers allowed the passenger of the vehicle, Molly R. Deckoff, 30, of Dover, Del., to leave the scene with the vehicle while Stephens was processed at the Public Safety Building. Twelve minutes after leaving the scene, Ocean City police conducted a traffic stop near 135th Street on the same sedan for crossing lanes of travel. Deckoff was identified as the driver. When she was asked to exit the vehicle, police noticed “seven paper wax folds” bound together fall from the driver’s side door, according to police reports. Police reported each wax fold contained heroin. Police identified signs of impairment on the motorist but no odor of alcohol. She was arrested for driving while impaired by alcohol and/or CDS and possession of CDS not marijuana. A vehicle search also revealed co-

COPS & COURTS

caine, a glass smoking pipe with burnt cocaine inside, a plastic tube used to inhale CDS within Deckoff’s purse and an empty plastic Baggie used to store cocaine. Deckoff was also charged with cocaine possession and drug paraphernalia. Because he was connected to the arrest earlier, Stephens was hit with the same charges because it was known the drugs were within the vehicle when he was driving as well as giving a false statement to police.

Weapons Charges

OCEAN CITY – Various weapons charges have been filed against a North Carolina man.

On March 19 shortly after midnight, Ocean City police pulled over a 2022 Chrysler 300s for suspected illegal window tint as well as an unilluminated headlight. Police immediately noticed the smell of burning marijuana with Scott Penaloza, 21, of Charlotte, N.C., as the driver, a female in the passenger seat and a 2year-old male child asleep in the backseat unrestrained by a seat belt. Penaloza was unable to produce a driver’s license.

During a search of the vehicle, police

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found a prescription bottle with no label containing 58 pills of oxycodone, a schedule II narcotic. A further search of the vehicle found a Ruger 57 handgun in the glove compartment with a loaded magazine of 20 blue tip bullets. The gun had a round in the chamber. A kitchen knife was also found in the glove box. Police confirmed through the Maryland gun center the gun was last registered to Penaloza but he did not possess a concealed carry permit in Maryland.

Penaloza was charged with carrying a handgun in a vehicle on public roads, carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle on public roads, possessing a kitchen knife and five counts of Schedule II drug possession of oxycodone.

Sentenced For Assault

SNOW HILL – De’Jhuan Collic, age 28, of Baltimore, was sentenced to serve 20 years in the Division of Correction after pleading guilty to one count of firstdegree assault.

Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Brian D. Shockley suspended all but 10 years of the sentence, placing Collic on five years of supervised probation upon his release and required him to submit a DNA sample.

The charges originated from a June 5, 2022, incident at a convenience store in West Ocean City. Maryland State Police troopers responded to a reported assault on a pregnant female. Further investigation revealed the victim and the suspect stopped at the convenience store after leaving Ocean City and became involved in an argument while at the gas pumps. Collic became irate and struck the victim several times in the head and face with a closed fist and then began choking her. She tried to escape by running away, but Collic pushed her, causing her to fall into their vehicle’s side mirror. Troopers observed injuries to the victim consistent with her statements. Collic then took the vehicle and fled the area but was apprehended soon after by troopers on Route 50 westbound.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser thanked TFC Kreiling and TFC Pinto for their swift action in locating and detaining Collic. She also thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Pamela Correa who prosecuted the case.

Fatal Fentanyl Case Sentencing

BERLIN – The second of two suspects linked to a fentanyl overdose has been sentenced to prison time.

On Feb. 16, Leigh Ann Williams, age 35, of Willards, became the last of two co-defendants to be sentenced for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl by Judge Beau H. Oglesby of the Worcester County Circuit Court. Williams was sentenced

to 10 years with all but five years suspended and placed on three years of supervised probation upon release for her role in the distribution of fentanyl in September 2021, which resulted in the death of 37-year-old Christopher Price of Berlin. Previously, in May of 2022, her codefendant, Bryan Zimmerman, age 35, of Ocean City, was convicted of distribution of fentanyl for the same incident, and in July 2022 was sentenced to serve 20 years, with all but 10 years suspended and placed on five years of supervised probation upon his release.

Price, employee of an Ocean City hotel, failed to show up for work in September of 2021. Hotel employees made entry into Price’s apartment, discovered him deceased and immediately contacted police. Detectives assigned to the case in Ocean City obtained cellphone records, revealing that Price had been in recent contact with Zimmerman. After extensive analysis of digital evidence, detectives were able to establish that Zimmerman and Williams traveled in a vehicle together to sell Price what Price believed to be Xanax. Detectives also learned that Zimmerman had been arrested two days prior for possession of fentanyl. Autopsy results of Price indicated his cause of death was fentanyl and ethanol intoxication.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser thanked OCPD’s Criminal Investigation Division for the detailed and thorough investigation in this case, and commended Assistant State’s Attorney Joaquin Cabrera who prosecuted both matters.

“This case highlights the continued need for education and prevention efforts in the war against drugs, especially now that the fentanyl crisis has exploded in our country,” Heiser said. “Those in our community need to understand that fentanyl is being found in every other type of drug, even those that appear to be prescriptions, and that one pill can kill. My office will continue to hold drug dealers accountable while encouraging all those suffering from substance abuse to seek treatment to avoid any further loss of life.”

Fatal Accident In South End

POCOMOKE – Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred late Tuesday evening in Worcester County.

Shortly after 11:20 p.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack responded to US Route 113 at Groton Road for a report of a multi-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, a box truck was traveling north on Route 113 when it crashed into a Kia Forte, which was traveling west on Groton Road.

The driver of the Kia, identified as Chauncey McKinley Johnson, 54, of Stockton, Maryland, was declared deceased at the scene. The driver of the truck remained at the scene. No other injuries or fatalities were reported. Route 113 was temporarily closed as a result of the crash.

DE’JHUAN COLLIC

LEIGH ANN WILLIAMS

BRYAN ZIMMERMAN

Ocean Pines Residents Share Concerns Over Routes 589, 90

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Residents shared frustration regarding Route 90 and Route 589 traffic at a recent meeting in Ocean Pines.

Several residents brought up the need for the widening of Route 90 and Route 589 at a town hall meeting hosted by Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino last Wednesday. Officials stressed that both were state roads but said they would continue advocating for improvements and communicating with representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

“We’ll have a better gauge this summer when we meet with them one on one,” said Weston Young, the county’s chief administrative officer.

At Bertino’s meeting at the Ocean Pines library last week, Young told attendees that county staff communicated regularly with MDOT and Maryland's State Highway Administration (SHA) regarding projects in Worcester County. He said each year, the county sent MDOT a letter outlining local transportation priorities. He said at the moment,

staff wanted to make sure progress continued on Route 90, which then-Gov. Larry Hogan announced some funding for in 2021.

“Governor Hogan and his staff have put a lot of things in motion that hopefully it’ll be hard to unwind and we can work towards dualization of Route 90 then we can focus on our other needs such as dualization of Route 589,” Young said.

Young said he and Dallas Baker, the county’s director of public works, met with MDOT officials each summer during the Maryland Association of Counties convention in Ocean City. He said that gave them the opportunity to advocate for local improvements. When asked if residents would have more opportunities to comment on potential Route 90 improvements, Young said it was likely.

“The last feedback we got, they’re accepting comments throughout,” he said.

A resident who was relatively new to Ocean Pines asked if there was room for a Route 589 expansion. Bertino said it would be expanded on the opposite side but noted any expansion was a long way away. He said he’d served on a stakeholder committee related to Route 589 about 20 years ago.

“So far, the state has made it very, very clear to the county there is no money or funding available to widen 589,” Bertino said. “I suspect I will be long gone before they put a shovel in the dirt to address the situation.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting said the county’s planning commission considered the need for roadway expansion when they approved development projects.

“The right of way of 589 varies,” he said. “It’s wider than what you think it is.”

Others pointed out that new development impacted the already congested road. The Atlantic General Hospital facility currently underway, for example, will bring another stoplight to Route 589. One audience member suggested a moratorium on commercial development on Route 589. He said the road was already choked with traffic in the summertime.

“You make a very good point,” Bertino said. “That’s not something truthfully the commissioners have discussed.”

Patti Stevens, co-chair of the Worcester County Bike and Pedestrian Coalition, said she wanted to see more safe crossings for pedestrians and bikers on Route 589. Bertino said he felt her group’s efforts had gotten that process started.

“I think we’re doing that,” he said. “We need to continue doing that to an effective end.”

OCDC Announces Bankert As Director

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The introduction of a new executive director and a request to extend an office lease highlighted an annual presentation of the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC).

In a work session last week, OCDC Board President Kevin Gibbs and outgoing Executive Director Glenn Irwin presented the Mayor and Council with an annual review of the organization’s downtown revitalization efforts, which will soon be led by OCDC’s new executive director, Zachary Bankert.

“Through an extensive process through our search committee the last couple of months, we honed it down and made a hire to replace the irreplaceable Glenn …,” he told the council. “We feel as a board we made a great selection in handing off this responsibility to Zach.”

Irwin said OCDC continued to revitalize the downtown area through its programs, including its green building initiatives and its facade program, which has allowed 273 building renovations to date.

“The facade program has been the mainstay of our downtown redevelopment program” he said. “It fits very well with our design standards. Over $8.5 million of private investment goes into these projects … As long as we get grant funds from the state, which I think we will, we’ll keep that program going.”

Irwin added that the organization also focused on public art, special events and development assistance for workforce housing.

“We started two years ago really to assist where we can to improve and expand employee housing in the downtown area …,” he said. “We keep on looking for new opportunities to provide more employee housing in the downtown area.”

He also highlighted new construction projects occurring in downtown Ocean City, including residential projects.

“There’s a lot of exciting things going on in the downtown area besides building renovations,” he said.

OCDC officials also came before the Mayor and Council last week seeking approval for a display lease and tables agreement on Somerset Plaza, a lease amount to OCDC toward the cost of Somerset Plaza special events, and the extension of OCDC’s office lease at 108 Dorchester Street. Irwin said the organization was seeking a lease agreement through December 2025.

“We’re responsible for not only management but all the improvements …,” he explained. “We’re asking to possibly extend that another year or two … We’d prefer a three- or four-year lease rather than a two-year lease.”

After further discussion, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Frank Knight absent, to approve OCDC’s requests.

ZACHARY BANKERT

Ocean Pines Considers Incentives For Police Recruitment

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – An effort to implement a new contribution plan for the Ocean Pines Police Department led to a larger discussion last week about the association’s lack of participation in the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System (LEOPS).

Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a defined pension and equivalent contribution plan for the Ocean Pines Police Department. General Manager John Viola said the plan is expected to help with recruitment and retention efforts.

“This will make us competitive with every other municipality and every other police department in the area,” he said. “The cost of this would probably increase

the budget by $175,000 a year.”

As proposed, the plan will amend the police department’s current 401(k) plan. Association President Doug Parks said the revision would include a 5% employee contribution, a 5% employer match and a 15% employer discretionary contribution, which would be provided at the end of each fiscal year.

“Ocean Pines would like to be more competitive with other agencies who offer pension plans to their departments,” he said. “The recommendation from the general manager is to amend the current 401(k) plan.”

Director Frank Daly questioned how the contribution plan compared to those of other police departments.

“How does this proposed plan exactly compare to what’s called LEOPS?” he asked. “And how does it compare with Ocean City, which I understand has a bet-

ter pension than LEOPS, because that’s going to be our competitor.”

Viola said the proposed plan was similar to the LEOPS program.

“This basically puts us right there,” he said.

Director Colette Horn questioned how the program would be funded. She asked if the annual cost of $175,000 was included in the coming year’s budget.

“This was not part of the budget process because we didn’t know what we could or couldn’t do …,” Viola replied. “What I would ask for is to transfer from our realized retained earnings of approximately $175,000 to cover this in the budget year starting May 1.”

Director Steve Jacobs noted the association was not a municipality and couldn’t participate in the LEOPS program. He questioned if there were other large homeowners associations in Maryland

wanting to join LEOPS.

“There are very few homeowners associations of our size that provide police coverage …,” he said. “If it’s a small number it might be possible to get a change in statute to recognize that some homeowners associations acting like a municipality, as is in this case, should be allowed to enter LEOPS.”

Viola said the association has reached out to its state representatives. Director Rick Farr said he supported seeking a change in state statute, as well as a change to the association’s current 401(k) plan.

“This type of plan is very good, very attractive for new staff getting on board,” he said.

Parks noted that recruitment and retention continued to be an issue for the police department, as there were currently eight unfilled positions. He said officials were hoping the proposed contribution plan would help.

“Through John and his efforts, we decided it’s in our best interest to try and stimulate participation and get the police force we need,” he said.

Daly made a motion to amend Viola’s request by adding the association’s realized retained earnings as the funding source for the contribution plan. Director Colette Horn said retained earnings should be used for public safety initiatives.

“This is exactly the reason I was not happy with the way the budget discussion went last month,” she said. “The priority we need to have is public safety. This is a $20-per-property-owner cost, which I’m in support of. This is much more important than discussions of using our retained earnings to lower fees, lower assessments. We need to prioritize public safety when it comes to using retained earnings.”

A motion to amend the general manager’s recommendation, as well as a motion to approve the request, passed unanimously.

Viola also presented the board last week with an update on the police department’s hiring efforts. He said the agency was aggressively looking to fill open positions.

“The good news is we’ve received many resumes or applications,” he said. “We have also put in a new process for testing. There’s a written test and we’re working with the physical so that when they go to the academy they would be more prepared. What I’m being told is we have more success when we test. So apparently we are putting that in. We haven’t done it in the past.”

He also updated the association regarding an ongoing investigation within the Ocean Pines Police Department. In January, Ocean Pines Police Chief Leo Ehrisman was placed on administrative leave after officials learned a reported burglary had occurred in a storage shed used by the agency.

“I know people have been reaching out to several of us asking,” he said. “It is an ongoing investigation. There’s nothing new to report since the last time.”

Pines Board Approves Elections Recommendations

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Officials in Ocean Pines this week voted to support procedural changes ahead of this year’s election.

In a meeting of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors last Saturday, Director Rick Farr presented recommendations relating to the 2023 election process. Submitted by the Ocean Pines Elections Committee, Farr, committee liaison, said the group was seeking board approval to research credible scanning software and conduct testing with an independent contractor, as well as approval to suspend online voting for 2023 while the committee continues research on a new contractor.

“By approving recommendations by the elections committee, it will provide a level of confidence to all homeowners that vot-

ing procedures, when followed, can provide accurate and verifiable tabulations for each candidate and that every vote is properly counted and tabulated,” he said.

Results from the 2022 board election were first called into question last September, when a hand count of votes revealed significant discrepancies in vote totals. Five of the six candidates had between 100 and 300 less votes than originally reported. The difference between the third- and fourth- place candidates had also narrowed from 152 votes to 15 votes, and the total number of votes had decreased from 9,053 to 8,113.

“This hand count also verified that the tabulation program needs to be investigated to identify the reason for the reporting an excess of votes, above the maximum number of paper ballots, that were scanned on 8/11/22,” a report from the former committee chair, Carol Ludwig, reads.

Following the resignation of elections committee members, the board last October voted to appoint five new volunteers, who have since been tasked with investigating discrepancies in the voting process. Their findings have led to recommendations that new scanning software be used for paper ballots, and that a new contractor be used for online vote, though not in the 2023 board election.

During last week’s meeting, Director Colette Horn questioned the committee’s recommendations. She said she saw no evidence that there were issues with the association’s scanner or online voting process.

“This motion appears to me to be premised on a few assertions. One is that the software used by the scanner is flawed … ,” she said. “Another premise is the use of paper ballots has occurred flawlessly for decades … Then, the assertion is the on-

line voting system is unable to be audited, and I saw no evidence of a discussion of this topic in the meeting or in the reports the elections committee put forth that provides evidentiary support of that assertion.”

Director Frank Daly said he wanted more information on the number of lots that voted manually and the number of lots that voted electronically. He said those totals would show any issues with the 2022 online voting process.

“I own one lot, and if you see my lot on the manual list and the electronic list, you’ve got a problem,” he said. “Why can’t we do that, and why hasn’t that been done, and why hasn’t that information been made public to the board and the community?”

Director Steve Jacobs commended the committee on its work and making changes to the paper ballots for the upcoming election. However, he said the committee left several issues unresolved. He questioned why the committee recommended an outside vendor to count mail-in ballots.

“We have no idea if the committee wants to bring an outside vendor, what the cost would be or even who the vendor would be if one is necessary,” he said.

He also highlighted a March 10 meeting of the elections committee, during which members had identified a potential contractor that utilized a different method of online voting.

“They stated they found a company that may be able to handle voting using a control number method for tracking votes,” he said. “While that is welcome news, there does not appear to be any suggestion or follow-up with the idea of possibly having online voting for this year’s election.”

Jacobs ultimately argued that the committee had focused their efforts on correcting the paper ballots, but had done little to address any potential issues with online voting.

“Both committees have identified no problem with online voting, yet we were left with a recommendation that we should stop electronic voting, with no reasoning or justification …,” he said. “I will tell you it would have been far better if the committee had invested just as much time and effort addressing the issues of electronic voting with the same level of achievement it found in addressing the paper ballot issue, which is where all the problems arose in the first place.”

Horn agreed.

“This committee came into this with a foregone conclusion,” she said. “That conclusion was that paper ballots should be used, not online voting.”

Association President Doug Parks said there was no recommendation to abandon online voting, but to further research an online voting contractor to be used in future elections.

“Because the election is so close, because there is so much more work that needs to be done, I think it’s important to go back to commonality, where we had a specific result we were comfortable in, and that was paper ballots,” he said.

After further discussion, a motion to accept the committee’s recommendations passed with Parks, Farr and Directors Stuart Lakernick and Monica Rakowski in favor, and Horn and Jacobs opposed. Daly abstained from voting.

Berlin Woman Dies In 113 Accident

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A Berlin woman died in a crash involving a tractor trailer on Route 113 last Saturday afternoon.

Maryland State Police (MSP) confirmed that Berlin resident Linda Brown, 69, died in a Saturday afternoon accident at the Route 113 intersection with Georgetown Road in Berlin. Authorities this week continued their investigation into the crash, which left the road closed for several hours.

According to police, troopers responded to the intersection of Route 113 northbound at Georgetown Road shortly after 3:30 p.m. on March 18 for a reported crash involving a tractor trailer and a 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The preliminary investigation and witness accounts of the incident indicate the driver of the Tacoma failed to stop at a stop sign, driving west on Georgetown Road attempting to cross the northbound lanes of US 113. The tractor trailer was traveling northbound on Route 113 when the crash occurred.

Brown, the operator of the Tacoma, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, Marius Bouw, 72, of North Carolina, was not injured.

Troopers from MSP’s Berlin barrack responded to the incident, as did the MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division. Members of the Berlin Fire Company (BFC) provided assistance, along with members of the Berlin Police Department and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. Personnel from the Maryland State Highway Administration helped organize detours and road closures.

Berlin Councilman Jack Orris, who happened to be on a ride-along with the Berlin Fire Company when the accident occurred, said he saw firsthand the incredible amount of collaboration that occurred among first responders. He was with BFC members who were assisting a woman awaiting helicopter transport after a fall from a horse when the Route 113 call came in. Orris accompanied BFC responders as they rushed from one scene to another.

“What I observed was an amazing collaboration between various allied agencies ranging from law enforcement to State Highway,” he said. “That just proves how special the area is where we live, where professionals truly come together in a time when residents need help the most.”

He offered his condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

“I also think this can remind us to appreciate the gravity of situations our first responders face every day,” he said.

Authorities and first responders are pictured at the accident scene on Route 113 last Saturday.

Photo by Jack Orris

Negotiations Continue For Heron Park Property

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Municipal officials say negotiations are ongoing regarding Heron Park.

The Berlin Town Council met in closed session Thursday evening so members of the Heron Park subcommittee could update their fellow elected officials regarding negotiations.

“That executive session is to brief the group on where we are at and discuss the negotiating strategy to move for-

ward,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said Tuesday.

Last May, the town entered into negotiations with Palmer Gillis’s Coastal Ventures Properties LLC – one of two entities that submitted a proposal for the Heron Park property. Since then, Tyndall, Councilman Jack Orris and Councilman Jay Knerr have served on a subcommittee to work with the company to negotiate an agreement.

The Gillis proposal offered the town $1.5 million for three parcels – parcel 410, 57 and 191 – and would involve partial demolition of the existing structures

to create a commercial project on the site.

Gillis said on Monday he met last week with the subcommittee.

“Right now we are still moving forward,” he said. “The town and ourselves all seem to be excited about the updated redevelopment plan. We presented an economic issue, and I believe the town may meet this Thursday about it but I am not sure. They have a process to follow.”

Tyndall confirmed this week elected officials would meet March 23 in an executive session.

“We hope to have an outcome that’s good for the people of Berlin,” Tyndall said. “We’ve all put a lot of work into it.”

He added that he hoped to see movement in 30-60 days, as the town has time constraints related to its strategic demolition grant.

The town received the $500,000 grant from the state in late 2021. The funding is expected to allow the town to demolish the old chicken processing building located on parcel 57.

“The town has a tight timeline we want to hit,” he said. “We want to give ourselves enough time to spend the demolition funds. If we can overcome this hurdle some action should occur pretty quickly.”

Orris said the group had been working diligently through negotiations and he was looking forward to sharing the committee’s efforts with the public.

“Our subcommittee has been working on this for over a year, so I’m looking forward to finally being able to present to the council as a whole, and soon the public, the possibilities available in moving forward with the Heron Park property,” he said.

caR awards Grants: The Coastal Association of REALTORS (Coastal) announced this week it has awarded $7,750 in grants to local charities through the Coastal REALTORS Foundation during its latest round of funding. Since 2018 Coastal REALTORS Foundation has given close to $70,000 to local charities in Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset counties. The 13 organizations that received grants in latest round of funding included Asbury Child Development Center, Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group, Brooke Mulford Foundation, Coastal Hospice, Crisfield Smith Island Cultural Alliance, Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Rackliffe House Trust, Smith Island United, The Cricket Center, Unstoppable Joy Co., Wicomico Child Advocacy Center, Wicomico Grows Kindness and the Worcester County Humane Society.

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Matt McQueeney and Ian Postley paused for a photo at the Art League of Ocean City during the March First Friday reception.

Cathy Russo, Mary DeCarlo and Carole Vales helped serve food at the St. Joseph’s Festival.

Marie Grimes, Jean Delcher and Palma Devic greeted visitors at the St. Joseph’s Festival, sponsored by the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy.

Carole Spurrier and Sharyn O’Hare are pictured at the First Friday reception at the Art League of Ocean City. Elaine Ferguson and Deb Reda paused for a photo at the busy St. Joseph’s Festival.

Susann Palamara and Anita Giordano Akob welcomed guests to the 11th Annual St. Joseph’s Festival.

Volunteers from the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy are pictured at the St. Joseph’s Festival, which raises money for various charitable causes in the community.

Eileen Salafia and Mary Loeloff are pictured at the St. Joseph’s Festival, which raises money for charitable causes.

Lorraine Gualtieri and Janice Nippes pause for a photo at the St. Joseph’s Festival sponsored by the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy.

Volunteers are pictured at St. Andrew’s Hall during the St. Joseph’s Festival Saturday.

‘The Five Tides’ Eyes State Park

BERLIN – The Assateague Outfitters company has been awarded the contract to operate the concessions at Assateague State Park, formerly known for many years as the "Pony Express."

The new concept, now called "The Five Tides," will offer fresh, made to order food options, as well as classic beach staples, fresh grab and go sandwiches, and hand scooped ice cream.

The Five Tides will also include a retail area that will feature a curated collection of local artisans, beach and camping supplies, as well as an ever-expanding line of Assateague Outfitters custom apparel.

As with their other ventures, Assateague Outfitters will operate The Five Tides utilizing sustainable business practices including, but not limited to, biodegradable packaging, initiating a recycling program for the restaurant, and coordinating with The Maryland Coastal Bays Program and Assateague State Park on environmental initiatives.

Assateague Outfitters was formed in 2014 as a unique partnership between the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and SuperFun Eco Tours. Together they operate concessions on Assateague Island with 50% of profits going directly to the Maryland Coastal Bays Program.

CEO Tom Simon, left, and President Neil Nimrichter, right, are pictured with The Five Tides General Manager Nick French. Submitted Photo

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Dr. Ray Hoy, president of Wor-Wic Community College, left, and Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the foundation and director of development, accept a donation from Glenda Clarke and Dr. Robert Clarke. The Clarkes have pledged $275,000 as part of the college’s “Preparing for a Stronger Tomorrow” campaign, and their donation will fund the William J. and Wilda B. Clarke scholarship.

Submitted Photos

Harry Ballantyne Sr. of Selbyville was honored last month by Ocean City American Legion Post 166, receiving a service award for 50 years of unbroken membership in the national veteran’s organization. With Ballantyne, holding the award, was his wife, Ann, and daughter Karen Edmondson with her husband Steve.

During the Ocean City St. Patrick’s Parade, First State Detachment Marine Corps League rode the parade route in their military Humvee pulling their Toys for Tots trailer while also highlighting their charitable mission of supporting the Semper-Fi America’s Fund, and the Believe in Tomorrow Foundation. Left to right, lined up before the parade start, are Bill Aguirre, Don Coffin, Gene Dankewicz, Tom Redding, Jim Wright, Al Soto, Bob Broderick, and Fred Womer.

Randy's Crew recently made its second donation to the Worcester County Humane Society. Pictured from left to right are Kaitlyn Fitzhugh (of the humane society), Jackie Siejack (board member), Gerri Littleton (board member), Randy, and Sandy Summers (humane society).

The ladies from the local Shriner’s Auxiliary recently restocked the diaper supply at the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health located in Berlin. Pictured with some of the diapers they delivered are April Lewis, illustrious commandress, and member Michelle Briddell.

More than 4,500 students from 10 counties visited JA Inspire at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center last week. The event, which exposes eighth graders to various job opportunities, featured 120 exhibitors from across Delmarva. The Ocean Downs exhibit, which featured retired racehorse Wynnfield Savannah, is pictured.

New Director

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) welcomes Zach Bankert as its new executive director, replacing long-standing executive director Glenn Irwin, who plans to retire at the end of March.

Bankert will be leading the nonprofit organization, whose mission is the revitalization of downtown Ocean City through building improvement funding, public arts, and community events.

A native of Salisbury, Md., the OCDC was happy to hire a candidate with knowledge of the local area. Bankert is a licensed Realtor and real estate investor, focusing on affordable housing and student housing, residential property management, and residential remodeling. The board believes that Bankert’s real estate background makes him an excellent candidate to continue the OCDC’s Facade Improvement and Green Building Initiative programs, as well as help address the workforce housing shortage. He has a small business experience as the previous owner and operator of Scooter Boy (a motorcycle and scooter shop) and Shore Inspections (a lead paint inspections business), as well as a current co-owner in Bankert Rentals, which invests in residential rentals and flips primarily in Wicomico County.

Bankert has a history of volunteering for numerous community event and public arts organization in Wicomico and Worcester counties. He’ll lean on this experience to continue the events hosted by the OCDC and to plan future public arts projects. He is a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a degree in English and political science and a past winner of the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business Philip E. & Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery Contest.

Casino Revenues

BERLIN – Ocean Downs Casino generated $6.8 million in revenie from slot machines and table games during the month of February, in a new report by Maryland Lottery and Gaming.

The total represents a revenue increase of $244,570, or 3.7%, from February 2022.

Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $157,055,925 in revenue from slotsand table games last month, representing a decrease of $5,909,379 compared to February 2022.

Casino gaming contributions to the state in February 2023 totaled $66,923,277, a decrease of $1,313,782 (-1.9%) compared

to February 2022.

Contributions to the Education Trust Fund (ETF) in February 2023 were $48,655,992, a decrease of $986,121 (-2.0%) compared to February 2022. Casino gaming revenues also support the communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

Maryland’s six privately owned casinos offer both slot machines and table games: MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County; Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County; Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City; Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County; Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County; and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming is responsible for regulatory oversight of the state’s casinos. In this role, the agency provides direction and guidance to its casino partners on financial, security, regulatory and licensing procedures for the facilities.

Promotions Announced

BERLIN – Taylor Bank is pleased to announce several recent promotions: David Lee was promoted to information systems administrator.

Meagan Farber was promoted to finance and accounting supervisor.

Carl Vandivier was promoted to senior information systems administrator.

Carolynn Vogel was promoted to compliance officer/internal auditor.

Casey Robinson, manager of Ocean Pines branch, was promoted to assistant vice president.

Heather Godwin, regional manager/relationship officer of the South Ocean City branch and Ocean Landing branch, was promoted to assistant vice president.

Eureka Herring, electronic services manager, was promoted to assistant vice president.

Tori Grundman, marketing director, was promoted to assistant vice president.

Jen Scott, manager of the Main Office branch, was promoted to vice president.

Sandy Duncan, vice president, was promoted to director of deposit operations.

Kathy Allam, vice president, was promoted to chief information technology officer.

“Each of these talented individuals has made significant contributions to Taylor Bank and represents a strong commitment to excellence in serving our customers and communities each day in their respective roles,” said Ray Thompson, president and

CEO of Taylor Bank. “With their continued leadership, and that of their collective teams, Taylor Bank continues to strive for best-in-class service while consistently adapting and enhancing our ability to help our customers meet their financial goals.”

spectives to our clients, and Jack’s background in agriculture and his experience working with farmers will be essential,” said Principal Ben Alder.

“I was born with a passion for farming and the outdoors, and this opportunity at TLG lets me turn my passion into a career,” said Boniface. “My goal as a Land Advisor is to see every acre I work on used to its best ability and maintained to its highest quality for future generations.”

Boniface currently resides in Darlington, Md., with his wife Caroline and daughter Eleanor. He is an avid hunter and fisherman along the Chesapeake Bay and is a Board member of Maryland Grain Producers.

The Land Group provides land brokerage and consulting services throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The “We Sell Dirt” group represents the largest portfolio of land available to purchase in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, totaling over 40,000 acres.

Award Winner

SALISBURY – TidalHealth is pleased to announce that Mona Flannery, RT(R)(M), is TidalHealth Peninsula Regional’s Fourth Quarter 2022 Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen Award recipient.

This award is given to TidalHealth Medical Imaging professionals and is named after Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, a German physicist and mechanical engineer who discovered X-rays in 1895.

Advisor Welcomed

SALISBURY – The Land Group (TLG) has added another land advisor to their team of fourteen serving Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Jack Boniface joins TLG with a background in agriculture and conservation.

Boniface has been working since 2016 to assist farmers in making profitable seed decisions on their row crop and forage operations across Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. He is well-versed in state and federal soil conservation programs and promotes restoration projects that support wildlife and water quality. He earned a B.S. in agricultural science and a certificate in ag business from the University of Maryland.

As a land advisor, Boniface will work with farmers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts to assist them in the purchase and sale of land.

“I’ve worked to assemble a diversified team that offers a variety of unique per-

Flannery was nominated not once, but twice for this award and is an incredible asset to the radiology team at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.

Flannery is honest, hardworking, and brings a great attitude to work each day. She is a team player and is a joy to work with. She is always willing to help and works efficiently and effectively to execute her job duties in a timely manner. She also is very professional in communicating with staff and patients.

Flannery can always be counted on to provide exceptional patient care. She ensures her patient's care and safety are at the forefront from the moment she steps into their room until her tasks are complete. She remembers her patients and treats them with respect and compassion, ensuring they receive the best possible care while in her hands. She also ensures that the proper exams and tests are ordered the first time to decrease unnecessary stress on patients by having to undergo several X-rays.

LEE FARBER

VANDIVIER VOGEL ROBINSON

GODWIN HERRING GRUNDMAN SCOTT DUNCAN ALLAM

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, the renovation of the Northside Park playground project continues. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): The adventurous Aries won't: be disappointed with taking on a new challenge, despite some initial misgivings. Look for this move to open other opportunities down the line.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Let that beautiful Bovine smile not only put you at ease, but also show that you're ready, willing and more than able to confound the naysayers around you. Also, a new admirer has important news.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Be careful how you handle a relationship that you're hoping to save. You already have the facts on your side. Avoid weakening your position by embellishing it with unnecessary dramatics.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Taking definitive stands isn't easy for the often-wavering Moon Child. But you not only need to stay with your decision, but also reassure others that it was the right thing to do.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): As a proud Lion, you're right to be upset about those who might be lying about you to others. But the best revenge is proving them wrong by succeeding at what you set out to do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Caution is still advised before making a financial commitment to a "promising" project. Look for the facts behind the fluff. Meanwhile, devote the weekend to loved ones.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A

Taurus offers comfort and advice as you deal with an upsetting event. Use this as a learning experience that will help you avoid similar problems in the future.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A romantic situation creates some chaos for single Scorpions. But it's well worth the effort to work things out. A trusted friend can offer some helpful advice.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Expect to make new friends as your social circle expands. Also, remember to tell that family member how proud you are of their achievements.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): New ventures continue to be favored. With your self-confidence rising all the time, you'll want to see how well you can do with a new challenge. So, go to it.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): This is a good time for the usually serious-minded Aquarian to let loose and enjoy some fun times. Expect to get good news about a workplace issue.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Changed plans might upset some people, but your needs should be respected. Offer explanations when necessary. Don't let yourself get talked into changing your decisions.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for bringing people together. You would make a very fine judge or counselor..

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

The feeling of taking ski boots off Trying out a new restaurant

Letters to the editor expressing both sides of an issue

Lab puppies

A road trip with no traffic issues

Vermont

A hearty cobb salad

Live music

Finding a new show to binge with my wife

The ceiling tile art at Roadie Joe’s

The start of the spring season

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITYWITH

Granville D. Trimper was the grandson of Windsor Resorts/Trimper’s Rides founder Daniel B. Trimper. Long active in the family business, he was the public face of the famous amusement park for many years prior to his death in 2008. Granville is credited with bringing rides such as the Tidal Wave roller coaster and the Himalaya to the park as well as conceiving the idea for Trimper’s Haunted House on the Boardwalk. He also founded the Wheels of Yesterday car museum in West Ocean City.

Granville served on the Ocean City Council for 18 years and became interim mayor following the death of Harry Kelley in 1985. He was a lifetime member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, a past president of the Ocean City Lions Club and served as a Worcester County Commissioner. In 2000, he was honored by the Chamber of Commerce as Ocean City’s Citizen of the Year.

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

Photo courtesy Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum

BUNK MANN

The Dispatch Classifieds

$15/Week for Minimum of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line

Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch

(Contract Discounts Available)

Deadline for Insertions, Cancellations & Payment is 3pm Tuesday Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard

HELP WANTED

MAINTENANCE: FT, YR. Perfect job for jack of all trades handyman. Company provided vehicle. Looking for dependable, quality worker. Call 410-250-1111 or email resume to Fred@paradiseoc.com

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TECHNI-

CIAN: Full or Part Time, No Weekends, No Nights, Will Train, Must have good driving record, & some Basic Mechanical Skills. Perfect for Retirees. Small Local Co. 30 Years Serving Delmarva. 410-641-4411.

FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN: Full Time Position. Exp. wi/Low Voltage a Plus, but will Train. Some Electrical/ Mechanical Skills Are Required. Must Have Good Driving Record. Monday- Friday. Paid Vacation and Holidays. Small Local Co. 30 Years Serving Delmarva. 410-641- 4411.

SMALL OFFICE POSITION: Accounts Payable, general office duties, knowledge of commonly used operating systems, Access, Excel, Office Word, etc. Full or Part Time. Perfect for retirees. Small Local Co. 30 Years Serving Delmarva. 410641-4411.

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

SECURITY POSITIONS: Positions in Salisbury, Ocean City & Berlin. Must be reliable. Call 443-5134198 or email: abcoinvestigations@yahoo.com

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

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING DAYSHIFT MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT/ HOUSEMAN

APPLY IN PERSON

1800 Baltimore Avenue

Monday-Friday 10am-3pm

Hiring For The Summer Season!

May 1 - Sept 30 Weekdays

Start At $17/Hour

Must Have Reliable Transportation.

(We Reimburse .50/mile)

End Of Season Bonus!

PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT POSSIBLE

Text or Call 443-640-7983

COMMUNITY MANAGERS

This position is an entry level/new to the industry, Community Manager role. The Community Manager is responsible for providing oversight and management to assigned community association(s)/properties. This position interacts with internal and external customers including homeowners, vendors, board members and committee members. This position is based out of our Ocean City, MD corporate office. However, travel to local community properties would be required.

3+ years of Customer Service Experience preferred but, not required

For more information, please reach out to Jasmine McKinnon, Human Resources Recruiter, 571-567-6378 or jasmine.mckinnon@associaonline.com

Currently Hiring Manpower For: Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work

o Experience preferred.

o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus.

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING!

•GENERAL CLERICAL

•FUEL DOCK ATTENDANTS

•DOMESTIC

•RAMP ATTENDANTS

•DOCK HANDS

•BOAT YARD ATTENDANT

•NIGHTWATCH

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071

EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

Worcester Preparatory School is seeking experienced teachers.

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

Candidates with experience and an interest in coaching are desirable.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City beaches, Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school of over 500 students in grades pre-K -12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus.

AII graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation. Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion. gender, national 0rigin, age, disability. veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials.

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

SEASONAL STAFF

Beautiful community in Ocean View is seeking parttime seasonal staff May through September to work in our clubhouse and pool areas.

Availability to include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Excellent people skills a must! Some computer skills preferred. Competitive salary and incentive bonus program offered.

Perfect position for individuals looking for extra income. Send resume to: susan.brewer@casinc.biz

Please apply

410-213-1500

The

ENGLISH TEACHER

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

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

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

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials. Interested persons should mail or email resume with cover letter to:

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

CARPENTERS

Must have Tools,

rhp510@aol.com 410-641-9530

NOW HIRING SECURITY GUARDS

Security guard positions available at local high rise condominium.Part time and/or full time. Good starting pay with salary increases and bonuses available annually. Send resume to apurnell@legumnorman.com

ROOMMATE J1 VISA STUDENTS, SUMMER SEASONAL WORKERS & BUSINESSES

LOOKING FOR EMPLOYEE HOUSING

Extra large furnished clean room to share in Ocean City. Available May through September. All utilities included. Full house privileges. $2,400 for season. 3 easy payments of $800. Call 443-880-2486

ROOM(S) FOR RENT: Seeking Roommate(s). YR or Seasonal. Indoor Hot Tub. Males only, No couple/kids. 20-30’s preferred. Non smoking, pets welcome. Single Family Home, 94th St. area. Rent negotiable. Call/text for more info. 410-726-5200.(Job inhibits phone calls, text if can’t reach by calls).

Am I to witness the loss of Who I love most As the cock crows thrice?

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

Third

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19610

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

will.

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, 2023.

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

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

(2) Two months after the per-

sonal 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 10, 2023

LESLIE ANN JUSTICE Personal Representative

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

NOTICE OF

APPOINTMENT

CREDITORS

ESTATE NO. 19476

To all persons interested in the estate of MARGARET T. BRAND,Estate No. 19476. Notice is given that ANTHONY J. CAIN, 701 DEERPARK ROAD, WESTMINSTER, MD 21157, was on FEBRUARY 27, 2023, ap-

pointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARGARET T. BRAND, who died on JULY 18, 2022, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

Six months from the date of

the decedent's death; or

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

•TWITTER BROADENING OUR COMMITMENT EXPANDING OUR REACH

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-10, 3-17, 3-24

MARK T. WILLEN, ESQ WILLEN, LIMSKY, STAMPER & DOWLING P A

4 RESERVOIR CIRCLE SUITE 201 BALTIMORE, MD 21208-7301

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19544

To all persons interested in the estate of GERTRUDE RUSSOEstate No. 19544. Notice is given that MARSHALL ASHER, whose address is9515 DEERECO ROAD. SUITE 710. TIMONIUM, MD 21093. andMARK

T. WILLEN, whose address is4 RESERVOIR CIRCLE, #201, BALTIMORE, MD 21208, was on MARCH 07, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GERTRUDE RUSSO who died on DECEMBER 06, 2022, with a will. 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 7TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

within two months from the mailing or other 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 10, 2023

MARSHALL ASHER MARK T. WILLEN Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 17, 2023

AMES, JR, who died on DECEMBER 22, 2022 without a will.

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

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

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

tice is given that PATRICIA S. O’BRIEN, 38230 ROCK ELM DRIVE, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975, was on MARCH 07, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JOAN E. LINDBERG, who died on JANUARY 28, 2023 without a will.

SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19634

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

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

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

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

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 14TH day of SEPTEMBEr 2023.

Any person having a claim

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-17, 3-24, 3-31

(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 17, 2023

DANIEL HUNTER TODD AMES

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) 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.

To all persons interested in the estate of MATTHEW HERRMANN, Estate No. 19634. Notice is given that KIMBERLY BANKARD, whose address is 11203 TAMMY TERRACE, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MATTHEW HERRMANN, who died on FEBRUARY 17, 2023 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 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

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

To all persons interested in the estate of FREDERICK RAYMOND AMES, JR, Estate No. 19630. Notice is given that DANIEL HUNTER TODD AMES, whose address is 8203 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MARCH 14, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FREDERICK RAYMOND

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-17, 3-24, 3-31

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

PATRICIA S. O’BRIEN

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

(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.

To all persons interested in the estate of JOAN E. LINDBERG, ESTATE 19617. No-

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

First Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ.

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19632

To all persons interested in the estate of DAVID PAUL MULKAY, III, ESTATE 19632. Notice is given that BRUCE YANDELL LIEBERT, 504 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on MARCH 15, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DAVID PAUL MULKAY, III, who died on DECEMBER 07, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) 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 24, 2023

BRUCE YANDELL LIEBERT, 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 3-24

First Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19595

To all persons interested in the estate of BARRY LEE FRIEDMAN, Estate No. 19595. Notice is given that RANDI SUZANN ANDERSON, whose address is 1214 WEST MARKET STREET, YORK, PA 17404, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARRY LEE FRIEDMAN, who died on NOVEMBER 12, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

tor 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 24, 2023

RANDI SUZANN ANDERSON Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19633

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM PAUL ASHER, AKA: WILLIAM P. ASHER, Estate No. 19633. Notice is given that ELIZABETH KAREN ASHER, whose address is 512 NORTH HIGH STREET, SELINSGROVE, PA 17870, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM PAUL ASER, who died on NOVEMBER 15, 2022 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

(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 24, 2023

ELIZABETH KAREN ASHER Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) 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 24, 2023

DENISE MCINTYRE Personal Representative True Test Copy

the estate of GLORIA JEAN STRICKER, who died on DECEMBER 05, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19635

To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT J. STRICKER, ESTATE 19635. Notice is given that DENISE MCINTRYE, 220 POMPTON DRIVE, UNIT B, AUSTIN TEXAS, 78757, was on MARCH 15, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ROBERT J. STRICKER, who died on NOVEMBER 08, 2022 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any ob-

TERRI WESTCOTT

Register of Wills for Worcester County ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE ONE W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 1x 3-24

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE19636

To all persons interested in the estate of GLORIA JEAN STRICKER, Estate No. 19636. Notice is given that DENISE MCINTYRE, whose address is 220 POMPTON DRIVE, UNIT B, AUSTIN TEXAS, 78757, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

DENISE MCINTYRE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE19621

To all persons interested in the estate of HORACE FRANKLIN CAMPBELL, Estate No. 19621. Notice is given that FRANK W. CAMPBELL whose address is

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

9062 OLD OCEAN CITY ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MARCH 09, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HORACE FRANKLIN CAMPBELL, who died on FEBRUARY 22, 2023 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 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MARCH 24, 2023

FRANK W, CAMPBELL

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

First Insertion

TREVOR A. KIESSLING, JR, ESQ.

8482 FORT SMALLWOOD

ROAD SUITE A PASADENA, MD 21122

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19627

To all persons interested in the estate of HAROLD D. KING, SR, AKA: HAROLD DAVID KING, SR. Estate No. 19627. Notice is given that DONNA M. CAPEROON, 308 16TH AVENUE, BROOKLYN PARK, MD 21225, was on MARCH 13, 2023, appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of HAROLD D. KING, SR., who died on JANUARY 25, 2023 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 13TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other 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 24, 2023

DONNA M. CAPEROON

Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT,

Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

First Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19606

To all persons interested in the estate of DENNIS GREGORY MAKUCHAL, Estate No. 19606. Notice is given that PENNY MAKUCHAL, 4906 BIG MILL ROAD, STOCKTON, MD 21864, was on MARCH 16, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DENNIS GREGORY MAKUCHAL, who died on APRIL 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 16TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

LOOKING EVERYWHERE? CHECK HERE FIRST! THE DISPATCH CLASSIFIED PAGES CAN POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!

Date

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

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

Publication MARCH 24, 2023

On April 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. on the front steps of the Circuit Courthouse in Snow Hill, MD. the above unit at 14001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD. will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder. For the complete notice of sale, call Vie Parsons or Maureen Howarth at 410 723-1400.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023 2x 3-24, 3-31

3-31, 4-07

Who’s Where When

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C.

Tuesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Thursdays & Fridays:

DJ Billy T

Saturday, March 24:

Rogue Citizens, DJ Jeremy

Sunday, March 26:

Pickin’ Party

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Joey Harkum

Saturday, March 25:

Rogue Citizens

Sundays: Beats By Deogee

Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, March 24 & 25: Social

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, March 24: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, John McNutt Duo, Cherry Crush Band

Saturday, March 25: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, The Way Outs, John McNutt Band, Screaming Monkeys

Thursday, March 30: DJ Connair, Full Circle Duo

SOCIAL Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, March 24 & 25

ROCKOHOLICS Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, March 25

HYDRAFX Fager’s Island: Friday, March 24

MONKEE PAW Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, March 26

SCREAMING MONKEYS Seacrets: Saturday, March 25

PICKIN’ PARTY Harborside: Sunday, March 26

JOEY HARKUM Pickles Pub: Friday, March 24

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443-8808444.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410-289-4725.

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City. Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410-250-2645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302-4369577 or BeachSingles.org.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting

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

March 25: Carryout Dinner

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

March 25: Breakfast Buffet

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

March 25: Artist’s Talk

Patrick Henry will present an artist’s talk from 10 a.m.-noon at Germantown School Community Heritage Center, 10223 Trappe Rd. Berlin. The talk will discuss his show, Untold Stories: Chronicling our Delmarva History, a curated cross-section of his historical photographs and stories dating from

Things To Do

the late 19th into mid-20th century. Space is limited. To reserve space email germantownschool@gmail.com, call 443-235-9803 or 410-641-0638.

March 25: Chicken Platters

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

March 26: Luncheon, Silent Auction

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ocean City will hold a spaghetti luncheon and silent auction from noon-3 p.m. Silent auction includes Orioles memorabilia and game tickets. Cost is $20 for adults; $10 ages 6-12; kids five and under free. For tickets, 443604-8068.

March 28-30: Safe Boating Course

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

March 30: Sip And Science Series

Maryland Coastal Bays Program Educational Forum about the Conservation Bird Project will be held at the Assateague Coastal Trust building on Worcester Highway. Event is free at 5:30 p.m.

April 1: Fried Chicken Buffet

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church will host an all-you-can-eat fried chicken buffet with vegetables, beverages and dessert at 11 a.m. Adults are $15 each and children $7.50 and free for under 6. Carry-outs available. Bake sale table.

April 1: Egg Hunt

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

April 5: Charity Bingo

Sterling Tavern will host the Atlantic Gen-

eral Hospital Foundation for its monthly bingo fundraiser at 6 p.m. Proceeds support the hospital’s associates campaign.

April 8: Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfast

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

April 9: Resident Golf Day

Ocean Pines Golf Club will feature free greens fees for Ocean Pines residents, playing tips, fun activities, and a chance to learn more about Ocean Pines golf groups. Tee times have been set aside for residents from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Greens fees are free; cart fees are $25 per player for 18 holes and $15 per player for nine holes. An Ocean Pines resident ID card (available at the Ocean Pines Administration Building) must be shown at check in to receive the special rate. Free greens fees are for registered golfers only – no additional riders or walkers are allowed. Representatives from the new Golf Academy in Ocean Pines, the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association, the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association and the Ocean Pines Golf Advisory Committee will be on hand with information and sign-up opportunities. Golf professionals will be on the driving range offering tips, and other fun activities will be available. To make a tee time, call the Golf Shop at 410-641-6057.

April 12: AARP Meeting

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

April 13: Memorial Ceremony

The Ocean Pines Garden Club will once again hold its Arbor Day Memorial Ceremony at Pintail Park at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is held to honor and remember friends and family who passed away in 2022. The ceremony includes a tree planting, music by the Delmarva Chorus, a bagpiper, readings by garden club members, and commemorations by local dignitaries. All are welcome.

April 21: Putt Putt Benefit Women Supporting Women, a local nonprofit organization providing awareness, education and support to individuals who are affected by breast cancer, will hold the first annual “Putt the Night Away” miniature golf fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at Old Pro Golf – Under the Sea indoor course on 68th Street in Ocean City. Family and friends are invited to an evening of unlimited mini golf play that includes a Hole in One Contest, basket raffle and a meet and greet photo op with Mermaid Tasha, the Marlin Mermaid. Entry for adults is $15 and $10 for children 12 and under which includes unlimited mini golf play, one slice of pizza and a bottle of water.

April 22: Earth Day Cleanup

The Fenwick Island Environmental Committee will host its Bay to Beach Cleanup to celebrate Earth Day 2023. Event begins at Town Hall at 8:30 a.m. Refreshments, supplies, door prize raffles and a commemorative token will be provided. Rain or shine event.

April 29: Guest Speaker

The Worcester County Republican Central Committee presents “Character Matters” with guest speaker former USMC Lt. Col. Stuart Sheller, who served in Afghanistan, and is the author of “Crisis of Command: How We Lost Trust and Confidence in America’s Generals and Politicians.” The event will be held from 3-6 p.m. at the Ocean City Golf Club located at 11401 Country Club Drive in Berlin. Tickets are $50 and includes a happy hour buffet/cash bar. Tickets will be sold for a two-day concealed carry training raffle, a $1500 value. Seating is limited. Send checks to WCRCC, P.O. Box 1432, Berlin, Md. 21811. Or contact WorCoRcc@gmail.com or 443-668-8864.

May 2: Prayer At Local Schools

The Interfaith Friendship Association and other local churches in the Berlin area are holding a prayer walk and vigil for schools. Participating congregations and houses of worship are adopting a local school and will each be meeting at the flagpole of those schools. Volunteers will then march around the school grounds praying for the students, their families, all of the staff and administrators of the school, and the bus drivers associated with that school, etc. Afterwards, all the various represented congregations will gather at Stephen Decatur Park to come together as one voice in prayer and fellowship. There will be refreshments and music at the prayer/praise gathering at Stephen Decatur Park for all.

May 4: Prayer Day Speaker

Three-time Olympian Jim Ryun will address the 11th annual Salisbury Area National Day of Prayer Breakfast at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury. Doors at the Civic Center open at 6:30 a.m. Prior to the program, from 6:30 to 6:55, a special area will be set aside for attendees to join local pastors in a time of corporate prayer for the city, region and country. The breakfast program begins at 7 a.m. Tickets for the prayer breakfast are $22, available in Salisbury at The Country House, or by mail. Make checks payable to Salisbury Area Prayer Breakfast Committee, P.O. Box 521, Salisbury, Md. 21803. For information, call Ted Evans at 410-4304189.

May 10: AARP Meeting

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

June 14: AARP Meeting

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

William Carl Link

OCEAN CITY – William Carl Link was born Jan. 9, 1950. Bill, as he was warmly referred to, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11, 2023, with his wife and close friends by his side.

Born in Arbutus and son to the late George Link and Bertha Ruthkowski Link, Bill was raised alongside his six siblings, George Link, Joe Link, Linda Cashman, Lois Hackerman, Mary Terzui and Barbara McCann. Bill graduated from Lansdowne High School and then went on to pursue an accounting degree from the University of Baltimore. Bill and Jeanne raised their five sons in Westminster, where they spent 40 years of their life together. They later moved to Ocean City where Bill continued to be a dominant personality in every aspect of his life.

Bill is survived by his wife, lifelong love, best friend, and business partner of nearly 50 years, Jeanne Louis Hampshire; their

five sons and their families, Albert Phillips and wife Kathy, Jeffrey Link and wife Erin, Richard Scott Link and wife Erin, Martin Link and wife AnnaMarie, and Robert Link and wife Hanna; along with 14 grandchildren, Justin Janowitz, Natalie Phillips, Riley Link, Alex Link, Lena Link, Addison Link, Nora Link, Gabriella Link, Judah Link, Luciana Link, Veronica Link, Maria Link, Grace Link and Arthur Link. As well, he is survived by his three great grandchildren, Lillian, Andrew and Delaney Janowitz.

It’s hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember. Bill’s life helped to strengthen and grow so many lives, organizations, and communities. His contagious energy, unwavering faith in God, fervent love for his family, remarkable positivity, and inspiring work ethic made a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Anyone who knew Bill, knows that he

was leader, advisor, mentor and coach, to countless individuals, charities, businesses, and organizations.

Bill served his country as a US Army National Guard in his early days. As an athlete he played semi-pro football for the Baltimore Eagles 69’-72’. Bill is the former President of Arbutus Refrigeration, a Link family business, and inaugural President of The National Heating and Air Conditioning Association. Alongside his wife, Jeanne, Bill founded, co-owned and operated Jeanne’s Gourmet, a national fundraising company. As well, throughout his life, Bill was an active residential and commercial real estate developer, with one of his most recent and notable projects being the redevelopment of St. Brigit’s School in Baltimore City for the purpose of multiuse family living.

In his free time, he was a generous patron with both his time and resources. He was a mentor to many and coached youth

football in Arbutus and lacrosse at Gamber Smallwood in Westminster. He was a devout Catholic with strong ties to the Catholic church. Bill was a proud lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus where he earned the 4th “Patriotic” Degree Knighthood and was actively engaged with multiple councils.

Bill slowly became an avid golfer over the years, with holes in his pockets and never able to score below 90. But those that golfed with him remembered his innate ability to become anyone’s best friend in a four-hour round. His love for people, a cold Natural Light, and humble approach to life will be carried in our hearts forever. He will forever be loved and remembered by his family, friends, and his community as an individual that always put others first, well before himself.

Services were held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Knights of Columbus Council 1393, Westminster, Md. or The Knights of Columbus Council 9053 Ocean City Md. in Bill’s name.

Arrangements by Pritts Funeral Home and Chapel, Westminster.

Aubrey Blades Bishop Jr.

WILLARDS – Aubrey Blades Bishop Jr., age 60, of Willards, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional in Salisbury. He was born in Salisbury and was the son of the late Aubrey Bishop and Amanda Lee (Hastings) King.

Aubrey owned and operated Bishop's Auto Body Shop for 47 years and worked along with his dad in Aubrey B. Bishop's Used Cars and Bishop Towing on Elm Street in Ocean City and later on Route 50. He was a member of Sons of the American Legion Post #123. He is survived by two sons, Aubrey Blades "JB" Bishop, III of Cambridge, and Michael L. Bishop of Willards; fiancé, Lillian Parsons Azbell; three half-sisters, Patsy Adkins of Berlin, Sally McCabe and Louise Hall both of Bishopville; and two grandchildren, Aubrey Blades Bishop IV and Sadie Mae Bishop.

Services were held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to American Legion Post #123,10111 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin, Md. 21811. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

Janet Patricia Karick

SALISBURY – There’s a lady who’s sure, all that glitters is gold and on March 12, 2023, surrounded by her loving family at home, Janet Patricia Karick went to dance along the light of day after her brave and hard fought 15-month battle with cervical cancer.

She is survived by the love of her life and soul mate, Robert “Bob” Karick; daughter Mary Karick; son Robert Karick; grandson Bradly Lowe; mother Patricia Johnstone; her siblings and best friends Ruth Benzin (Mark), Anne Benedict (Glenn), Jim Ireton, Jr. (Ryan); niece Catherine Benzin; and nephews Patrick Miller and Matthew Benzin. She is proceeded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Bill and Florence Kline; sister-in-law Linda Miller; and

JANET P. KARICK

AUBREY BISHOP JR.

step-father David Johnstone.

Gracing this world with her presence on Aug. 29, 1958, at the Naval Base in Norfolk, Va., Janet was a Navy brat moving around the East Coast before settling in Salisbury in 1970, the place she would call home for the rest of her days.

Janet was 16 when she fell in love with the long-haired hippie with whom she would make her life. They wed on March 19, 1983 and moved to Eden in 1985 where they would raise their children before moving back to Salisbury in 2013. Most of Janet’s favorite moments were spent with Bob anywhere. From the grocery store to Duck, N.C., there wasn’t much she loved more than spending time with him.

Her children were so lucky to have her as their mom. You could always find her in the background volunteering at school functions and swim meets, sewing on boy scout patches and making costumes for school events. She was so involved with her children and their passions; Janet took on the responsibility of being the ELKS Pool Manager in the Summer of 2001. Even to their chagrin, Janet couldn’t wait to wake them up with a smile and a song. Not only was she their mom, but a mom to their many friends as well.

With her siblings, they could be found singing and dancing everywhere. There were no secrets between them and thick as thieves is a gross understatement. You rarely found one without the other three from family outings and events to random Friday nights. Janet shared a close bond with her mother, and they could often be found beading at the Ocean City Library.

Graduating with the infamous Bennett High School Class of 1976, Janet was in high school when she found a passion for sewing. This became her lifelong career with a talent that was untouched on the Lower Eastern Shore. From a simple hem on suit pants to intricate alterations on the most extravagant wedding dresses, Janet was the go-to. From Custom Sewing and Alterations to Men’s Warehouse, her enthusiasm for her craft constantly shined through in her work.

Periodically, she would allow her love of herbs and vegetation to reign supreme in her career path. As Assistant Head Grounds Keeper of Peninsula General Hospital, her favorite time of year was winter when she would get to operate the heavy machinery to plow the lots for patients and staff. From the time she graduated, Benedicts Garden Center was the job she would call her favorite. On any given day you would find her talking and singing to the plants in the yard while she was watering them.

Janet loved to volunteer and signed up for it all. She loved being a Hebron Lion, and you could find her pouring soda at the Hebron Carnival, peeling sweet potatoes for Pie Days, or pouring beer at concerts and the Good Beer Festival at Pemberton. With the Friends of the Ocean City Library, she would spend her spare time buying every bead in sight to make bracelets. For many years, she sewed all the patches onto uniforms for Boy Scout Troop #817.

If you want to, you can look for her in a sun rise where the dawn meets the ocean. Or perhaps deep in the jungle of Guatemala enjoying the local celebrations

and foliage. She could also be found in the melody of any Led Zeppelin song and definitely in your flower beds or vegetable gardens. We know for sure that she made it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded. Wherever you choose to look for her, please don’t cry because she is gone; instead, be happy that she was here, and you got a chance to know and love her too.

Her family wishes to celebrate her life on March 26, 2023, at the Elks Lodge at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you instead donate to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer helping to find a cure for cervical cancer.

Richard Birch Cropper

SALISBURY – Richard (Dick) Birch Cropper, 75, of Salisbury, suddenly passed away on March 15, 2023, at the hospital from cardiac arrest. He was born in Salisbury on April 2, 1947 to Miriam Birch Cropper and Leroy James Cropper, Sr.

Mr. Cropper was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Sarah Cropper Hoar and Miriam Cropper Bishop, and brother Leroy James Cropper, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susan Rawlings Cropper; his daughters Susan Russell (John) and Lisa Cropper and son Michael Cropper (Amy); grandchildren Stephen Russell, Jami Howard, Courtney Keller, Sofia Cropper and Josslyn Cropper; great grandchildren Kaylee Howard, Ellena Russell, and Juliet Russell; sister Susan Cropper Birch (Vic); sister-in-law Martha (Marty) Cropper; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Richard grew up in Ocean City. He graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1965 and worked at Paul’s Tackle Shop on Talbot Street for many years. He attended Strayer Junior College where he met his future wife, Susan. He worked for Crown Cork & Seal (can manufacturer) starting in 1968 in Salisbury as an Assistant Accountant and became Manager of Accounting in 1969, was transferred to St. Louis, Mo. where he met some of his best friends, was transferred to Chicago, Ill. in 1979 and promoted to Plant Manager in 1982, then in 1986, he returned to the Salisbury plant and retired from Crown in 1995.

Dick always enjoyed music. He played drums in the marching band at Stephen Decatur and in the band “The Scavengers” in the late 60’s. There was an encore performance as a drummer at his son’s wedding when he played Wipe-Out (his favorite drum song) with his son’s band. He enjoyed bowling, racquetball, and golf. His favorite destination was the Daytona Beach area, he relaxed as soon as he drove under the big welcome sign at the Daytona International Speedway. His favorite hobby was driving and he made two cross country trips with his wife. He always loved going to Ocean City and driving through the inlet parking lot to check out the waves as it reminded him of growing up in Ocean City on Dorchester Street.

Dick was very dedicated to his wife of 54 years, his family, his work, and was always ready and willing to help others. He loved to tease, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He requested no service or flowers, but please keep the family in your prayers.

RICHARD B. CROPPER

officials, contractor address tram ad sales

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say they are working with a new contractor to secure advertising on the resort tram fleet ahead of the summer season.

Last week, public works representatives presented members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee with an update on tram advertising. Officials say concerns over advertising sales prompted a meeting with the town’s new advertising contractor, Gateway, and that the town is now targeted to reach its goals.

“It was a very positive meeting,” said Transit Manager Rob Shearman.

Shearman told officials that Gateway was working on advertising sales with the town’s tourism department. He noted the contractor would also be responsible for installing digital ad displays on the back of the town’s trams.

“They would initially purchase and own

all the hardware, and they would amortize that cost over 60% of the remaining 5 years on their initial contract term,” he explained. “They would then credit revenues derived from that sold space against that percentage until the capital investments are covered.”

In a Mayor and Council meeting Monday, Councilman John Gehrig questioned who would be responsible for advertising sales.

“Is tourism selling the ads?” he asked. “What’s going on?”

Mayor Rick Meehan, transportation committee chair, noted the tourism department was connecting Gateway to advertising sponsors.

“They are working with the new advertising agency on all of the advertising to connect them with all the businesses in town and give them leads or sponsors and other people to increase the advertising,” he explained.

Gehrig also questioned how the digital

signage would be managed.

“If you are talking about the displays on the back of the trams, what’s going to happen is tourism is going to fund purchasing those displays,” City Manager Terry McGean replied. “In exchange, tourism is going to get a certain amount of time for each display to promote city events and those types of things. The remaining amount of time will be sold by Gateway, the ad agency, to other businesses and we would get the revenue from those.”

Gehrig asked if tourism would be selling the ad space to businesses.

“Is that part of their marketing plan?” he said.

McGean explained that Gateway would be responsible for advertising sales.

“Gateway is selling it to the businesses,” he said. “Tourism, the town, gets, free of charge, time and space to promote our own events as well. We get the revenue from the businesses.”

residents oppose liquor license change

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Citing written opposition from nearby property owners, Delaware’s alcoholic beverage control commissioner will hold a public hearing on a local restaurant’s request for a liquor license amendment.

On April 12, the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC) will hold a virtual hearing on a protested application from Matt’s Fish Camp, located in Fenwick Island. While the licensee – MFC Fenwick LLC – is seeking 10 additional barstool seats at its restaurant, those opposing the changes voiced their concerns about parking and neighborhood disturbances.

“MFC Fenwick LLC, a subsidiary of the conglomerate better known as SoDel Concepts, and more specifically, Matt’s Fish Camp, has been breaking the rules of Fenwick Island, Delaware since purchasing their first restaurant here in 2021,” property

owner Jonathan Welsh wrote in his protest to the OABCC. “Whether parking illegally in the commercial and residential zone, parking and gathering in empty residential lots during and after work to smoke and hang out, overserving patrons, or blocking Atlantic Street (just south of Matt’s Fish Camp) with their cars during renovation, there has been no end to their torment.”

Welsh argued the additional barstool seating would encourage the alleged disturbances to continue.

“MFC Fenwick LLC has shown an inability to manage the current space they operate and show no signs of improving,” he wrote.

The OABCC also received written complaints from property owners Gail Warburton and Janice Bortner, a member of the Fenwick Island Town Council.

“I’m against any more accommodation for additional seating at this location since there isn’t adequate parking for the patrons and staff already,” Bortner wrote. “This will

create a negative impact on residential neighbors.”

In recent months, parking at Matt’s Fish Camp has been at the center of a debate about commercial off-street parking in Fenwick. And last month, the town council voted unanimously to change its commercial parking ratios in an effort to address a growing parking problem. Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said changes made to an ordinance in 2013 had eroded the town’s parking space requirements to the point they no longer met the needs of the business community.

“What that did, in context, was that you had a 212-capacity restaurant built immediately after that ordinance change that had employees of 20 to 30 people and was only required to have 29 parking spaces,” she said last month.

The OABCC will hold its public hearing April 12 at 5 p.m. Matt’s Fish Camp did not respond to requests for comment this week.

Changes Underway At Saltwater

FROM PAGE 7

on 74th Street said they were concerned the modifications would increase noise in the neighborhood and create more of a nightclub atmosphere rather than that of a restaurant.

“The current liquor license restrictions are based on Saltwater 75’s sworn testimony that the only bar on the beach would be a small, 2-sided, 12 seat bar tucked into the rear corner of the building,” Ruth Vernet, another Thee Christina C resident, said in an email. “They also promised to be ‘good neighbors’ to the surrounding residents. Then, without notice to neighbors, Saltwater 75 constructed a large, 4-sided ‘tiki bar’ on the beach and tried to get retroactive approval from the Liquor Board during the offseason. That’s not proper, that’s not ethical, and that sure as heck is not neighborly.”

When contacted this week, Tom Coates, the BLC attorney, indicated the board was following the situation.

“The board is aware of the issues and the concerns of the neighbors,” Coates said. “A hearing may be scheduled in April if the licensee does not take corrective action.”

In an interview this week, Moore confirmed that the bar was being removed. As far as the wall, he said it was still under construction. He added that some area residents had expressed concern about the restaurant’s beach on the bay as well. That, however, he says is under the purview of the Maryland Department of the Environment.

“We are under the jurisdiction of the

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Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) as to our shoreline,” Moore said. “We got approval from MDE to locate our beach where it is.”

As far as the restaurant’s privacy wall and its proximity to the water, he said that was decided by MDE as well as the fire marshal.

Moore added that in response to objections neighbors shared when the license was initially transferred, the restaurant was not permitted to have outside music past 8 p.m. and couldn’t seat patrons on the beach past 10 p.m.

“The board did that in response to concerns from the neighbors,” he said.

Moore added that his clients had faced opposition from neighbors when they developed Ropewalk at 82nd Street.

“Those same neighbors are now some of our best customers,” he said.

Moore believes the Saltwater 75 team just needs time to show area residents that they have good intentions and don’t want to harm the neighborhood.

“If my clients get the chance, they can show what they’ve shown at 82nd Street,” Moore said. “They’re responsible, experienced operators.”

“Now that the liquor board's attorney has acted, I hope the proprietors of Saltwater 75 will come to our neighborhood with options for resolving our remaining issues,” Armstrong said. “This cove is a peaceful place for watching amazing birdlife and spectacular sunsets and we hope Saltwater 75 will become the good neighbor it has testified that it wants to be.”

Large On-Line Only Auction – Whaleyville, MD!

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Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com

Antique and Modern Furniture, Ster ling Silver, Glasswar e, Col lectables, Clocks, Persian Rugs & m ore!

Personal Property Preview: Monday March 27th from 5 PM – 7 PM

On-Line Only Auction – Ocean Pines, MD!

On-Line Only Auction Sale – Parsonsburg, MD!

Selling from the Estate of Shirley Truitt and many Eastern Shore Estates and Consignors! Bidding Ends Wednesday April 12th, 2023 Starting @ 5PM Auction conducted online at AMauctions.com via HiBid!

Items located @ the A&M Auction Facility, 8000 Esham Road, Parsonsburg, MD Selection of Antique & Modern Furniture, Artwork, Glass/China, Collectibles, Jewelry, Oriental Rugs, 1999 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible & more!

After-School "Fly Like a Girl" Academy fourth grade students at Ocean City Elementary applied the engineering design process as well as the concepts of lift and thrust they learned from flying drones to construct their own gliders. The "Fly Like a Girl" Academy was taught by OCES teacher of the year, Wendy Macrides. Pictured, from left, are future engineers and scientists Katie Vornicu, Gracie Buckworth, Lia Walls, Maleah Maness, Katerina Spallino, Mikayla Bayline and Afua Agyei-Mensah.

Submitted Photos

Worcester Preparatory School’s Chess Club Tournament winners were recognized in front of their classmates and awarded with a trophy. Led by Head of Lower School Dr. Sara Timmons, and Upper School Social Studies teacher Paul Cyryca, the WPS Chess Club had much interest this year maxing out at 40 students participating. Chess Club met twice a month since the start of the 2022-2023 school year and had their final Chess Tournament on Wednesday, March 8.

During lunch on Thursday, Timmons presented the winners, Arian Zheng, above, (’31) of the Grades 2-4 bracket and Artemiy Klimins (’29), below, of the Grades 5-8 bracket with their trophies. The runners-up in the Grades 3-4 division were Tejal Pillai (’31) and Grade 56 was Liam Doran (’30).

STUDENTS In The News

Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club President Christine Dolomount-Brown presented Worcester Preparatory School with a $1,500 donation to support the Class of 2023 prom afterparty. Pictured, front from left, are WPS senior Sophia Spadaro, Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club President Christine Dolomount-Brown and senior Jenna Hess; and, back, Assistant Head of School/Head of Upper School Mike Grosso, seniors Riley Moyer and Owen Schardt and Head of School Dr. John McDonald.

The Shirley Hall Youth Art Show was held at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on First Friday, March 3, showing art from Worcester County middle and high school students. Betsy Hall Harrison, Shirley Hall's daughter, judged the show and awarded cash prizes in memory of her mother. Pictured above are Worcester Prep seventh grader Elena Gjoni, first place, left, and Stephen Decatur High senior Ruby Murray, third place. Below are Stephen Decatur Middle eighth grader Jory Picker, left, second place, and Ella Kukel, seventh grader from Most Blessed Sacrament, honorable mention.

How We See It

Forever In Memory

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

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

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

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The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $260 per year.

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Cooperative Spirit Needed On Festival Layout

Should the Oceans Calling Festival grounds include a large swath of the Boardwalk? If so, should the festival be able to recoup 15% of Boardwalk business sales in exchange for essentially being a concert vendor.

It's complicated and there are some hard feelings among small business owners toward Ocean City and the concert promoter based on the proposal. More meetings are needed to work through these matters because there are many layers to the changes proposed this year.

Everybody is excited for this fall’s Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City with the hope Mother Nature does not foil the three-day live music and culture event as it did last year. The lineup was announced last week and is overall comparable to last year’s bookings. Early ticket sales were robust, confirming a high demand for the music festival – the likes of which Ocean City has never seen before.

It was learned in recent weeks the

Our Children, Our Rights

Editor:

You may have read recently that the Worcester County Commissioners oppose state legislation that would, without parental consent, allow for questionable curriculum regarding social and sexual education for all grades starting with kindergarten. This legislation is yet another effort to remove from our County local control. Further, and more egregiously, it demonstrates a perverse influence by many in the Maryland Legislature over parents on how best to rear children. Such condescension is alarming and it is wrong. Parents know what is best for their children. And, elected Boards of Education know what is best for their communities.

Our county should not be victimized by state legislators who espouse dependency on the state over self-reliance of the family and who celebrate, promulgate and legislate wrong-headed ideas about how best to educate our children.

Education priorities should not obsess over whether little Johnny and little Janie are white or black or Asian or Hispanic or all of the above. They should not focus on making them feel guilty about being white or black or Asian or Hispanic or all of the above. Nor should they concentrate on or encourage how little Johnny and little Janie identifies him or herself.

Such thinking may be fashionable in the high couture circles of self-righteous state legislators but I prefer my fashion off the rack, not off the wall.

Education priorities should ensure that little Johnny and little Janie are respectful, tolerant, productive, successful, disciplined, confident individuals, equipped to take on the challenges of

concert promoter has a different idea of how this event will look this year. Last year the festival was contained to the beach and did not block Boardwalk access. This year the proposal is to fence in the Boardwalk from North Division to South Division streets, prohibiting public access to these businesses throughout the weekend of Sept. 29-Oct. 1. In exchange for being part of the festival grounds – which may or may not result in larger sales than usual for the Boardwalk businesses – the concert promoter wants 15% of total sales and for operators to use a different point of sale system to track revenues.

The festival footprint encompassing the Boardwalk and dozens of Boardwalk stores relegates these operators to concert vendors with no access to the public. Considering as many as 50,000 people will be at the festival each day, it should be a positive thing for these businesses. However, it’s not a certainty and the forced nature of a new point-of-sale system and profit sharing is a clear irritant to

The Dispatch Letters To The Editor

their generation and of future generations.

Worcester County taxpayers pay more than taxpayers in any other state jurisdiction to educate each child in the public school system, close to $20,000 per student. County taxpayers fund about 84% of the Worcester County school system budget. For generations, County government has prioritized education, accepting its obligation to provide students with an optimum learning experience. It will continue to do so.

However, we are not obligated to suffer gladly the interference of misguided Annapolis legislators who, by their actions and comments, pander to a farfetched ideology that mocks loving parents who want instilled in their children the values of family, community and decency. When you read about state efforts to hijack the prerogatives of our local school board, when you believe parental and taxpayers rights are being suffocated, raise your voices in discontent, write our state delegation, and, if you are a parent, remain engaged in your child’s education. Because if you don’t, who will?

As a community, as a society, we have no greater responsibility than to teach our children well.

Chip Bertino Ocean Pines

(The writer is the president of the Worcester County Commissioners.)

Defending A Charade

Editor:

Given Mr. Taylor’s kind offer for information, I will start with a couple requests intended to publicly confirm what I was given by Mr. Andes in 2012 regarding the county. What was the cost per stu-

businesses who pay considerable taxes and rents to operate.

The comments and concerns shared at last week’s meeting will now be shared with the concert promoter. It would seem logical for some middle ground to be achieved. Last year the city said no to fencing in the Boardwalk. Aside from logistical concerns with alcohol and emergency response, it’s unclear why the city is okay with the plan this year.

We think it’s reasonable to not include the Boardwalk in the festival grounds for a first-year event. Considering the magnitude of the event and the clear worries over public transportation after the event, it’s appropriate for the same footprint to be used as was planned last year. After the first year, grander plans and potential changes can then be considered. Allowing for some perspective and experience from going through the event at least once will help Boardwalk businesses, the city and the concert promoter gain the knowledge needed to know if the proposals under review now are beneficial.

dent in 1970? What percent of students were accepted at four-year colleges in 1970? What is the cost per student today and what percent of graduating seniors are accepted at four-year colleges today? Mr. Andes had given me the costs, and I had calculated a 300% increase per student after inflation, why? And the percent of acceptances to fouryear colleges had gone down, why? The reason I don’t use standardized tests like SAT’s, is because National Education Administration (NEA) has been complicit in “dumbing these down,” three times last century and once after 2000.

I prefer the international PISA test in which we have failed in every category except expense.

The startling statistics you refer to have been getting worse despite your inappropriate “health education” that you say “has been a hallmark of education for decades”. Don’t you think the decline of morals and family values are directly correlated to your “age-appropriate information on sexual health”?

Mr. Taylor please don’t straddle the fence between Wokeness and Christian values by misusing good Judeo-Christian words. “Equity” and “inclusion” lead to privilege. They are all Woke terms that are destroying our traditional beliefs. While “empathy” is a good Judeo-Christian concept, please don’t throw them all in the same salad.

I am a product of the public school system in Fairfax County, Va., a similar system to Worcester County. Both were and are in the upper quintile for expenditures per child in the nation.

In fourth grade I had a tremendous teacher, Mrs. Moore. When I was dozing during class, Mrs. Moore would sneak

Letters To The Editor

up and snap her yard stick on the back of my desk chair. In fourth grade I could not read, and Mrs. Moore had a special class for me. Mrs. Moore took her time to put me in detention at least once a week. I used to stay afterschool and write something on the blackboard 100 times that started with “I will not . . .”. One day I struck out at kickball and said softly “shit.” Well Mrs. Moore heard me and grabbed me by the earlobe and dragged me to the principal’s office where there was a bathroom, saying along the way. “I am going to wash that filthy little mouth out.” And boy did she. When she stuck the bar of soap in my mouth and held it with her hand, I thought I couldn’t breathe. I thought I would die. All the time pulling on my earlobe to keep control. Mrs. Moore was a great teacher.

Later I had Ms. Spindle, my ninth grade English teacher, who was mortified every time I tried to write in the English language. My papers always looked like a red ink battlefield. She would make me write and rewrite over and over again. I was blessed with good teachers in High School, Colonel Mare in Government, Mr. Gerhardt in Mathematics and Admiral Tackney, our substitute in Physics, who said he had something to do with the design of the Bay Bridge. In High School I was president of my class and graduated with eight Varsity letters.

During the Vietnam error, I attended William and Mary, left my senior year and was drafted, flunked my physical. I later went to work as a narcotics officer for Lee Ward in Ocean City and was subsequently deputized in the county working with Ed Horner and Frank Mazzone, in Baltimore. But I wasn’t quite through with school and teachers.

I returned to school at nights at George Mason University in Northern Virginia at age 28, working during the day and paying my own way. I had studied psychology and social sciences at William and Mary. I studied economics at GMU. I was blessed with some great teachers, Howard Block, from Princeton and the department head Dr. Snavely; as well as renowned. adjunct professors who were in the Reagan Administration, Steve Entin, Paul Craig Roberts and Arthur Laffer, and finally Tulloch and Buchannan in the PHD program. All my teachers based on merit had very significant impacts on my life. Today’s teachers have strayed from reading, writing math and history and started to take over family responsibilities to the detriment of the family and worsening the social decline.

I would strongly recommend that the school system workforce, the teachers, be hired solely on merit and not be “a reflection of the students it serves”. The teachers should be models for the students period, like Mrs. Moore was for me. Further I would recommend that all teachers be offered merit pay based solely on their academic performance, and that guidance counselors and administrators be told to either teach or get a different job. Please return the respon-

sibility of teaching and control to the classroom teacher.

Also, a word to the Commissioners tell the state thanks but no thanks, keep your money and get out of our education. The productivity and savings will be huge.

Tony Christ Falls Church, Va and Ocean City

Wind Farm Letter Response

Editor:

As a lifelong shore resident with family ties to the Eastern Shore for the last 300 years, I understand the importance of preserving the natural beauty of Ocean City. However, I must refute the letter by Dinah Warfield misconstruing offshore wind and its impact.

It is important to note that Off-Shore Wind energy is a crucial component of transitioning towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy system that can help mitigate the effects of climate change. It will also bring many good paying jobs and industry back to our region.

When it comes to affecting the view wind turbines will not be a major impact on the viewshed of Ocean City. Even on the clearest days, the turbines will appear as the size of a thumbnail off in the distance meaning 99% of people will never be able to see these turbines.

When it comes to damaging the view of Ocean City, other man-made structures such as banner planes, advertising boats, high-rise buildings, and power lines are already present in the area. In comparison, wind turbines are relatively unobtrusive and are designed to blend in with the natural surroundings.

Regarding the issue of whale deaths, it is important to note that there is currently no conclusive evidence linking them to offshore wind turbines. Many studies have shown that wind turbines do not pose a significant threat to marine life and are in fact less harmful than traditional fossil fuel sources.

Open communication and public discourse are essential for any large-scale project such as the proposed wind turbine farms. However, it is important to note that changes to the project plan may be necessary to accommodate new information and research findings. These changes should not necessarily be viewed as broken promises, but rather as an indication that the project is being developed in a responsible and adaptive manner.

While I respect the concerns raised by the property owner in Ocean City, I believe that the benefits of clean, renewable wind energy outweigh the potential drawbacks. We must take a longterm view and prioritize the health of our planet over short-term concerns based on misleading information and unfounded fear. By working together and engaging in open communication, we can ensure that the proposed wind turbine farms are developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Jared Schablein Pittsville

(The writer is the chair of Lower Shore Progressive Caucus.)

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Last year seemed quieter than usual on the crime front in Ocean City, and the annual police report confirmed as much this week. Nearly every indicator – such as calls for service, assaults and serious crimes – were down considerably in 2022 compared to 2021. This is good news and seems to be a trend since the concerning pandemic summer of 2020 when a series of major assaults dominated the headlines. It was hoped at the time that concerning summer was an anomaly due to unique economic and travel circumstances caused by the pandemic. The numbers of recent years are confirming it appears the season was an outlier to a degree.

Some key takeaways from the Ocean City Police Department’s 24page annual crime report include a 28% reduction in officer assaults from 2021 to 2022 (credited to body cameras); a 4% drop in serious crimes; and a 23% decrease in criminal citations issued by police. In presenting the report to the Ocean City Mayor and Council, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro pointed out, “In 2022, we recorded 1,579 Part I crimes … Looking back, it’s the second lowest we’ve had in 30 years. We’re not only below where we were pre-COVID, but we’re moving in a direction to our all-time statistical lows in terms of Part I crimes.”

It was also interesting to note Buzzuro touched on the first year of Ocean City police officers wearing body-worn cameras during his report. The chief credited the cameras with resulting in less Taser use and the 28% reduction in police assaults last year compared to 2021. He said, “It’s already paying dividends … What we’re already seeing is increased public confidence in our police department. We are seeing less use of force. We’re seeing a reduction in complaints. So that resource, that asset, is already working really well for us.” This does not even mention the built-in accountability the cameras provide in the event police officers’ use of force is questioned during arrests.

Making a public statement bashing passionate supporters of the Gavin Knupp justice quest was a strange play last Saturday by Ocean Pines Association Board President Doug Parks. The comments in general showed questionable judgment, but what was intolerable was specifically connecting a potential rising assessment for Ocean Pines property owners to the ordeal if citizens did not begin to defend the yacht club. It’s particularly interesting when assessments are proposed to be slightly declined in the proposed budget.

In trying to call out the supporters who have arguably from time to time gone too far with their online comments and personal attacks, Parks essentially did the same thing he claimed against the subjects of his comment. Parks did some of his own bullying when he maintained if community citizens didn’t step in and stop the vitriol from some supporters of justice in the Gavin Knupp case it could hit them in the wallet. He said, “When will they stop? I can answer that – they won’t. This is a call to all Ocean Pines Association members – raise your voices and be heard. We cannot let this vigilante group run roughshod over our community. By their actions and social media posts, they have demonstrated they care nothing about Ocean Pines and will go to whatever lengths it takes to disrupt our community and our livelihood…. Talk to your friends, talk to your neighbors and talk to other association members to let them know these situations are taking place and that this group is promoting a level of disruption to our community that at some point will affect us financially, which in turn will most likely lead to an increase in annual assessments.”

This statement has done nothing but further incense the ardent Knupp supporters further and make the Ocean Pines Association Board look foolish. Through their attorney, the Knupp family simply said, “We see no reason to respond to a statement which confirms that the OPA elevates its own interests above those of the residents they were elected to serve. We remain focused on the Foundation and honoring Gavin’s memory.”

After a year of far too many events being canceled by the weather, it was a relief to see the St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in Ocean City earlier this month. The weather was far from ideal, but organizers made the right call in staying the course with the event and not canceling it amid a concerning weather forecast.

In fact, Ocean City had double weekends to celebrate St. Patricks Day based on how the calendar fell. The parade weekend was huge for bars, restaurants and hotels and last weekend was solid as well with the actual “holiday” falling on March 17 and the weather a bit more tolerable.

It was widely reported by the business community as a strong stretch of weekends for mid-March. In fact, Shenanigans on the Boardwalk posted some data showing the volume of what went into celebrating all things Irish over two long weekends. Over eight total days of operations, the bar hosted 43 hours of live Irish music and served 830 pounds of corned beef. Patrons consumed 31 kegs of Guinness and 99 bottles of Irish whiskey. The bar also mentioned 810 runners for the annual Boardwalk run on parade day morning. Five charities were also supported with 31 staff members serving customers in one fashion or another.

Puzzle Answers

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

It was 3:15 in the morning when Pam woke me up questioning a beeping sound.

We happened to be in a rental house on vacation in Vermont for a ski trip. Therefore, it was much more of an unknown than if we were at home. A major storm had also passed through the day before, dropping more than four feet of snow. I followed the beep to the bottom floor where a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm was sounding. The bottom floor in this house featured a game room and hot tub along with a garage area where the heating and air conditioning units were located.

After some cursory investigating by my non-mechanical self, like hitting the reset button, we ultimately decided to call 911 because we were concerned carbon monoxide was filling the house. We figured it was better safe than sorry in the unfamiliar home and the storm conditions outside. The 911 operator’s advice was to vacate the house immediately and keep all windows and doors closed until the West Dover Fire Department arrived to allow for accurate air condition readings.

For the most part, considering the time of night, Beckett, 14, and Carson, 13, handled the emergency well. Beckett initially asked to stay in bed until the firefighters arrived. I admitted to him my concern and the seriousness of the situation. He eventually accepted the situation’s gravity. As I worked to motivate Beckett, Pam said Carson immediately jumped out of bed confused but got his stuff together quickly, following her instructions. Due to the ongoing severe weather conditions, it took the first responders about 90 minutes to arrive. We would learn later the roads were horrible and along the way to our place the fire truck needed to help a plow in need of assistance. At one point, during the long wait and amid questions from the kids about wireless internet access in the truck, Pam

surmised whether the situation might have had something to do with the plow truck coming to our house while we were asleep.

The guess turned out to be accurate as the huge mounds of snow piled up near the house had apparently overflowed against the house, blocking a furnace vent along the foundation. Despite the snow and cold conditions, it was inspiring to watch the firefighters attempt to diagnose the issue.

When they arrived, I walked two firefighters – who apologized for their delay -- into the house to show them around the house. One firefighter quickly stopped us, referring to his reader alerting him of high levels of carbon monoxide. Another firefighter informed me the protocol subsequently changed – they needed to retrieve their oxygen tanks.

From that point on, I stayed outside and listened to the firefighters communicate on their radios. While the carbon monoxide level was high on the first floor, once the firefighters were on the bottom floor the readings went above 260 ppm (35 ppm sets off an alarm). It was clear the source was on this floor as the second and third floor detectors had not yet sounded.

The firefighters were looking to determine where the furnace vent entered the house. A series of knocking from inside the home then took place with the firefighters on the outside communicating via radio. One firefighter then said, “found it, I got it, just need a shovel.” I tossed a couple shovels to them from the house.

A few minutes later, we heard a loud burp come from the vent followed by an overwhelming odor of gas. Once the snow was cleared, the firefighters inside then went about ventilating the house and getting some fresh air inside. The readings immediately began to decline, and we were soon back inside. Altogether, the ordeal last about three hours. We were rattled but relieved.

Beckett went back to sleep for a couple hours until it was time to ski. Carson bemoaned the lack of internet due a downed antenna from the storm for a couple hours until it was time to leave the house. Pam and I reflected on what could have been.

Though this vacation will forever be remembered for this incident, the vacation was memorable in other ways.

We were initially scheduled to head to Vermont in mid-February but had to postpone our plans by a month. We were a bit worried about the snow still being around that late in the winter. Those thoughts seemed silly while the four feet of snow fell, resulting in a great week of skiing for all of us.

A daily highlight was able to ski trails with Beckett and Pam during our days away. These are lifetime memories to me. For his part, Carson took part in the Adaptive Mountain Sports program, which matches volunteers and/or staff with special needs individuals. It’s essentially a modified ski school for people with disabilities, some of whom are in a wheelchair and others, like Carson, have neurological differences requiring special treatment.

On the second to the last day of the trip, the adaptive program volunteers were comfortable enough to take Carson to the summit and have him sky down with assistance. Pam, Beckett and I timed it so we could ski past Carson without him knowing. We were then able to watch from the side of the mountain as he skied down with his assistants. It took him a while as he is cautious, but it warmed the heart to see him doing something he had never done before. It was special to be able to observe his incredible achievement. He only did it once, but he did it.

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

PUZZLE ON PAGE 35