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Officials Weighing Tram, Bike Hours

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Margaritaville Clears Final Hurdle

Snowy Owl Sighting: Earlier this month, a snowy owl was spotted from a respectful distance on a dune on

Assateague Island.

Photo by Allen Sklar

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Partners Rally For Ukraine Effort

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Ocean City Begins Budget Review

Springtime In OC: Visitors treated themselves to Thrasher’s Fries last Sunday while also walking along the

new Boardwalk surface.

Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

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OC Budget Introduced, Reserve Policy Increase Proposed

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY– Ocean City’s draft fiscal year 2023 budget was introduced this week, including a modest property tax decrease for some and a recommendation to increase the minimum reserve policy for the general fund balance.

City Manager Terry McGean and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp outlined the proposed fiscal year 2023 spending plan for the Mayor and Council on Wednesday.

The total proposed balanced budget for all funds is around $156 million, while the total general fund budget is about $101 million.

The proposed budget sets the property tax rate at the constant yield rate of .4526.

The constant yield is the tax rate needed to produce the same revenue as the prior year in order to provide the same level of

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

municipal services and programs as the prior year.

Last year’s budget was set at the constant yield rate of .4561, meaning this year’s constant yield tax rate would represent a modest property tax decrease for many. Residential properties in Ocean City were reassessed in the last cycle and the property values went up in general.

Those whose Ocean City properties are their primary residences are insulated from rising property taxes due to increased assessments are by the Homestead Tax Cap, which is set at 0% in Ocean City.

Non-resident property owners are not protected by the cap. McGean introduced the draft fiscal year 2023 budget on Wednesday. The Mayor and Council will meet almost daily over the next week with the various departments before put-

ting the wraps on the proposed spending plan.

“I am pleased to present the fiscal year 2023 budget,” he said. “This budget maintains the constant yield tax rate, requests no increases in other tax rates or parking rates and does not draw money from fund balance except for capital projects.”

McGean said the proposed budget is based on certain assumptions about major revenue sources such as room tax and parking revenue.

“In order to offset these increases, the budget assumes room tax and parking revenue equal to or increased from fiscal year 2022,” he said. “It also recognizes continued federal COVID relief funds.”

McGean said if room tax and parking revenue live up to expectations, there could be an opportunity to expand the general fund balance, or a rainy-day fund of sorts, or forward fund some planned

March 25, 2022

capital projects that would otherwise be bonded.

“After the summer season, if room tax and parking revenues are meeting or exceeding budget expectations, I will recommend a portion of the additional excess fund balance be used to fund additional capital projects including the OCDC housing project, major Inlet lot repaving and some of the Baltimore Avenue project rather than going to the bond market for the full amount.”

McGean said the healthy budget is the result of the town’s conservative fiscal policies and praised Knapp and his predecessor.

“The ability to fund these needed positions and projects comes from the combination of hard work, sound fiscal policy and aggressive marketing by current and previous mayors, councils, city managers and staff,” he said. “I respectfully would like to thank Budget Manager Jennie Knapp and former City Manager Doug Miller for doing most of the heavy lifting.”

Again, the ability to hold the tax rate at the constant yield is in part the result of rising property tax assessments in the resort. Councilman John Gehrig said when property values decline, the Mayor and Council do not raise the tax rate above the constant yield in order to balance the budget.

“So, it’s great when times are good and property values go up,” he said. “In a situation when the property values decline, what happens is taxes go up, but we’ve never done that. When the economy is good and there is a rising tide, property taxes drop.”

Councilman Tony DeLuca said what matters most to him is the bottom line.

“It’s all about the dollars to me,” he said.

“I don’t care about the rates or the percentages.”

McGean said Gehrig’s assessment was fairly accurate.

“If you want to stay with the constant yield rate, technically that’s how it happens,” he said. “Typically, when things have gone down, you guys have not increased the tax rates. Having that healthy fund balance has allowed us to do that.”

Indeed, the town’s general fund balance, set at a percentage of the total general fund budget, appears healthy. The stated policy for fund balance has for years been 15%. The proposed budget recommends increasing that threshold to 20%.

However, that is largely symbolic as the current fund balance is more like 30%.

The current fund balance is about $16 million over the 15% threshold. If it is moved to the recommended 20%, fund balance would be $11 million over the minimum threshold. McGean recommended leaving fund balance untouched in the proposed budget.

“Looking at how we’re budgeting this year, we’re assuming room tax and parking will be the same as they were last year,” he said. “It was a very good year.

The state calls its fund balance a rainyday fund. For us, that is literal. If we have a hurricane at the wrong time or if we have a rainy summer, we might need to rely on fund balance. My recommendation is we don’t dip any further into fund balSEE PAGE 6

March 25, 2022

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Page 5

Body Camera Costs Increase Sheriff’s Office Budget Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The cost of body cameras and increased trainings and evaluations is expected to increase spending for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office by more than $500,000 in the coming fiscal year.

In a budget work session Tuesday, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office officials reviewed spending for the coming year with the Worcester County Commissioners. The biggest new expense in the budget is $493,883 for camera equipment.

“This is because all Maryland law enforcement agencies are required to be fully functional with body worn cameras

by July of 2025,” Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said. “We are requesting the first installment funding in FY 23 to take advantage of the lowest purchase price.”

Crisafulli presented the commissioners with a $10.2 million budget request for fiscal year 2023, up 8% from the current year. While much of the increase was tied to cameras, which cost close to $500,000, spending is also set to increase in personnel, as the office wants to hire two civilian employees to support the camera program.

“These positions will be responsible for camera footage monitoring and submission to our state’s attorney’s office for cases needing to be brought to trial, as well as viewing and redacting footage as required for FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests from civilians, other agencies and the media,” Crisafulli said. “Because extensive training will be required for these positions, we are requesting approval to hire these two civilian positions in FY 23.”

Crisafulli said state mandates were al-

so forcing the office to spend more in other categories.

“The state has also significantly increased requirements for both continuing education and psychological services for all of my sworn personnel,” he said. “We have adjusted our cost increase total to span two years. This will allow us to accommodate half of our units each on alternate fiscal cycles.”

Crisafulli told the commissioners because of the increases he’d tried to reduce or defer requests for vehicles and equipment. He also asked them to keep in mind the importance of recruitment and retention as other agencies began to offer hiring incentives.

“Just for comparison, the Ocean City Police Department is set to offer a 26% increase over the span of the next three years for recruitment,” he said. “For retention of the excellent men and women of

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the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office I just ask you to keep that in mind.”

During Tuesday’s work session the commissioners also heard from Worcester County Jail Warden Fulton Holland.

While the jail’s $9.7 million proposed budget is slightly less than the current year’s spending, commissioners said they expected to see more of a reduction. The jail is set to see a significant decrease in inmates now that Maryland has banned local jails from working with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“I want us to have a plan where this loss of half your population is reflected in the cost of running the operation,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said.

Holland said that because of COVID and the related quarantine and isolation practices, the entire facility was still being used.

“We do have a lot of decreases but the facility still has to operate,” he said.

Holland said that despite the reduction in inmates, he was anticipating an increase in medical expenses. Much of that relates to drug use.

“Immigration, they were coming in from other facilities,” Holland said. “They went through their withdrawal prior to coming to us. The arrests we’re making in Ocean City and different people coming in, homeless people and people on drugs, it’s totally different.”

The commissioners are set to host a second budget work session March 29.

Because the budget presented earlier this month included an $11 million shortfall, the commissioners have asked the county’s department heads to suggest reductions.

…Current Reserve Fund Balance Exceeds 30%

FROM PAGE 4 ance until we get through the summer this year.”

Gehrig said the discussion on fund balance can be 15% or 20%, but the bottom line is the amount of fund balance already exceeds either of those minimum thresholds.

“Even if it is 15% on paper, we’re really more like 31%,” he said. “We’ve done a really good job blowing right by 20%.”

DeLuca said regardless of where the threshold is set, fund balance can be moved back and forth to the general fund if an unanticipated expense arises.

“It’s not really tying it up,” he said. “As easy as we can put it in, we can take it back out.”

Fund balance has always been couched as an emergency fund of sorts when hurricanes or major storms cause the need for unanticipated expenditures.

Councilman Peter Buas asked just what that means historically in terms of using fund balance in emergency situations.

“I’d like to see a cost analysis of some of the major hurricanes,” he said. “The Boardwalk got torn up during Gloria and there is street cleaning and other expenses. I know they are all different, but I’d like to see what some of the peak costs were.”

City Manager Recommends Mayor, Council Salary Hikes

March 25, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The salaries of Ocean City’s Mayor and Council positions could see a significant increase based on recommendations presented during a budget introduction session this week.

City Manager Terry McGean this week presented his research into elected officials’ salaries in municipalities across the state and recommended significant increases for Ocean City’s Mayor and Council based on his findings.

Currently, Ocean City councilmembers earn $10,000 per year, while the mayor earns $30,000 per year. The salaries for both positions have not been raised since 1989.

Based on the research, McGean recommended the mayor’s salary be increased from the current $30,000 to $50,000, representing a roughly 67% increase.

McGean also recommended the council’s salary be increased from the current $10,000 to $20,000, representing an increase of 100%. McGean also recommended the council president’s salary be set at $23,000, because of the added time commitment and responsibilities.

It’s important to note the proposed Mayor and Council salaries would be afforded to future elected officials. The current council could vote for the salary in-

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creases through an ordinance, or the pay hikes could be put on the ballot as a referendum to allow resort voters to decide the issue. In either case, the pay increases, if approved, would not go into effect until after the November 8 municipal election.

“I know there has been some discussion about Mayor and Council salaries,” he said. “This is not in the budget, but I wanted to give you all an idea of what the impact of this would be if you did want to pursue it.”

McGean explained he researched 23 municipalities around the state based on two factors, including population size and the size the budgets the elected officials manage.

“I looked at all of these communities,” he said. “Ocean City is unique in that we have a small population and a small number of square miles, but it’s really a decent-sized city.”

For research purposes, Ocean City’s average population size was assumed at 70,000, and the general fund budget was set at $88 million. McGean said those assumptions were modest, particularly on the population side, because of Ocean City’s uniqueness as a season resort the population of which swells to 200,000 during much of the summer.

“A lot of times what we’ve done in Ocean City is sort of assumed our population of around 100,000,” he said. “For these purposes, I stuck with a more mod-

est 70,000. I tried to adjust these salaries based on two things. One is population and one is what the budget was for the city. I did this for both the Mayor and Council.”

The research shows salaries, populations and budgets of 23 municipalities from one end of the state to the other. In Salisbury, for example, the population is 30,000 and the mayor’s salary is $25,000. In Annapolis, the population is 38,000 and the mayor’s salary is $98,000. In similarly-sized Frederick, the population is 65,000 and the mayor’s salary is $90,000. McGean said based on those assumptions, the recommendation for the Ocean City mayor’s salary could be higher than what he was recommending.

“If we adjusted it for population, it would be closer to $63,000,” he said. “If we adjusted it based what our budget is, it would be about $54,000. The staff recommendation, and when I say staff that’s basically me, because I don’t want to throw anybody under the bus, is that the mayor’s salary be increased to $50,000. The mayor’s salary has not changed since 1989.”

A similar formula was used to calculate the recommended council salary increases.

“I did the same thing for the council,” he said. “The population adjusted for similar cities is about 70,000. The council salaries have also not been changed

Page 7

since 1989. There are huge variations.

Part of it was just coming up with something that felt reasonable. Some of these factors really vary.”

McGean said he preferred the budget-based formula for determining if, and how much, the town’s elected officials’ salaries could be raised.

“If it were me, I’d use the budgetadjusted formula,” he said. “The population is a tough one because we’re so unique. To me, the budget really signifies a lot of the resources that you all are controlling and the responsibilities you have.”

Again, McGean said there was no need to move forward with the proposed recommendations, but he was getting them on the table at the start of budget deliberations.

“I know that I am springing this on you,” he said. “There has been a lot of discussion about it. I thought budget time would be a good time to review this.”

Councilman John Gehrig said salary increases could be an incentive for more candidates to throw their hats in the ring for municipal elections.

“Certainly, we have an election to get through,” he said. “That’s the way to do it and we can determine it. I know none of us are doing it for the money, but there are certain potential candidates that can’t do it because it takes so much time. If it gets more involvement in our elections, that’s a huge thing.”

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Mobile Home Park Seeks MDA To Treat 3K Acres For Spongy Moths Support For Sewer System

Page 8

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BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – More than 3,000 acres in Worcester County will be treated for spongy moths following recent pest surveys.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) advised Worcester County this week that the agency would be treating 3,082 acres to suppress the population of spongy moths—the insects formerly known as gypsy moths.

“The spongy moth devastates hardwoods,” said Weston Young, the county’s chief administrative officer.

MDA has been monitoring spongy moths—which entomologists agreed to rename last year to eliminate an ethnic slur—in Worcester County since the 1980s. The agency conducts egg mass surveys on a yearly basis. Between August and December 2021, state officials con-

ducted 145 spongy moth egg mass surveys in Worcester County, with 105 of those on private land and 40 on state land.

Those surveys identified 15 areas in the county with “potentially damaging” populations.

“When such infestation levels do occur, alternatives are considered area by area, including suppression with aerial application of insecticide,” MDA’s 2021 Spongy Moth Egg Mass Survey Report reads.

“MDA has proposed treatment on 14 privately owned areas and one state land totaling 3,082 acres for 2022 in Worcester County and an additional 4,354 acres in Somerset and Wicomico counties.”

Suppression activities are done in cooperation with county governments. In the coming year, Worcester will spend $73,935 —up from $1,700 in the current fiscal year—to attempt to suppress the moths.

“What we pay is a match,” Young said.

According to state officials, while there

is a fungus that has a negative impact on spongy moth populations, it was not found infecting any caterpillar populations in Worcester County. As a result, the upcoming treatment is critical.

“Spongy moth populations are currently low throughout much of Maryland,” the survey report reads. “Building populations were found in Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico counties. And, it only takes a season or two of favorable conditions for potentially defoliating levels to return. So it is important to monitor the populations on a yearly basis to recognize changes, and make timely and appropriate recommendations to land owners and managers.”

In addition to monitoring spongy moths, the state also surveys for beech leaf disease, invasive wood wasps, emerald ash borers, redbay ambrosia beetles, southern pine beetles and walnut twig beetles. None of those were found in Worcester County in 2021.

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March 25, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed this week to send the Maryland Department of the Environment a letter in support of a Bishopville mobile home park’s plans for a new sewer system.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to send the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) a letter in support of plans for a new sewer system at Riverview Mobile Home Park. The park can’t expand without the new system, which MDE officials have concerns about.

“The state’s being a bear on this to put it mildly,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs.

The connections of Riverview Mobile Home Park, located on Shell Mill Road in Bishopville, have been working for several years on expansion plans. They’d like to bring the park from its current 68 sites to the roughly 115 sites initially planned for the property. That can’t happen, however, without the construction of a sewer system, as the property is currently on septic.

“What’s being proposed is a treatment plant that would allow the development of other low-income housing in this development that is currently not built out,” said Weston Young, the county’s chief administrative officer.

The proposed plant would discharge into an area that drains to the Bishopville Prong. That, Young explained, is why MDE doesn’t like the plan.

“The state’s holdup is the water body that they’re discharging to is impaired for phosphorous …,” he said. “With a treatment plant, that’s going to remove over 1,000 pounds of nitrogen, it is going to add a trace amount of phosphorous and that seems to be a deal breaker for them.”

Mitchell said the park owner had requested the county’s help to come up with a solution that would allow the expansion to move forward and at the same time satisfy MDE. “What we’ve put together in this packet is what we feel is a very reasonable suggestion where the developer will put upstream phosphorous removing best management practices in the ditches,” Young said. Those phosphorous traps should help remove phosphorous related to the mobile home park and help minimize any coming from area poultry houses.

“So we think on paper and what we’re presenting, we’re actually going to have a net phosphorous reduction in addition to the thousand-plus pounds of nitrogen removed,” Young said.

The commissioners agreed to send MDE a letter in support of Riverview Mobile Home Park’s proposal. Commissioner Jim Bunting, who represents the Bishopville area, said what the park proposed was a big improvement over the current situation, as the septic could fail.

“It’s within 100 feet of the water,” he said. “It’s not a good situation.”

OP Board Approves Purchase Requests

March 25, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Association officials this week voted to approve more than $476,000 in purchase requests, including $175,000 for new pickleball courts and $260,000 for new golf carts.

On Wednesday, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve three purchase requests for various projects throughout the community.

General Manager John Viola told board members he was seeking their approval to work with ATC Corporation for the construction of new pickleball courts. The company’s bid, received through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, came in at $175,244.

“We did send out a lot of RFPs, and only a few companies responded …,” he said. “We’re putting together a game plan for us to do site work that’s needed for this type of situation. So it will be a combination between our team and an outside company.”

While the company would be responsible for constructing the courts and fencing, Viola noted the association would be responsible for $40,000 worth of in-house site work.

“With us doing the site work and them installing the courts, is there a concern about future liability if there are problems with the site work?” Association President Colette Horn asked.

Viola noted that the company would

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complete the base layer for the courts, while the association would mainly be responsible for drainage.

“We’ve had an engineering firm help us with this,” he responded.

With no further questions, the board voted unanimously to approve the purchase request.

“We were able to put together bids, as well as internal work … to get this completed,” Viola said.

The board on Wednesday also voted to approve a $260,908 purchase request for 76 new golf carts. Viola noted the association’s existing golf carts would be traded in for a new fleet.

“In 2016, you paid around $370,000 after trading in your fleet …,” he told the board. “This is going to come in at a purchase price less than what you paid in 2016. We feel like it’s a very good tradein value.”

Viola said the golf course’s existing carts were beginning to show wear and were no longer under warranty. He pointed out the lead time for receiving the new carts was roughly 15 months.

“I’m not talking about payment now,” he added. “I’m talking about something 15 months out for approval to purchase.”

Viola also came before the board this week seeking approval to work with Denney Electric Supply for the purchase of 16 new lights, which will be installed along the North Gate Bridge as part of an ongoing improvement project. The board voted unanimously to approve the $39,995 request.

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Pines Board Fails To Support Committee Appointment

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – With no motion to support his appointment, a former board candidate’s application for membership to an association committee was not recognized this week.

On Wednesday, members of the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors had before them the names of applicants for various association committees, including 2021 board candidate Stuart Lakernick. Following last month’s denial of his application to the Strategic Planning Committee, a new application was brought

before the board this week seeking Lakernick’s appointment to the Ocean Pines Search Committee.

But despite an endorsement from the committee’s chairman, and comments of support from various community members, his appointment failed to receive the support of Association President Colette Horn, the committee’s board liaison.

“I did not endorse this applicant as having skills and attitudes or confidence in the quality of advice to be given,” she said.

“This is not based on political statements or statements made in public. It has to do with failure to follow the constraints on candidates when Mr. Lakernick was run-

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ning for the board. His failure to follow those constraints does not inspire confidence in me in his ability to give good advice to candidates who will run in the future.”

In February’s board meeting, the Board of Directors voted 3-2, with Directors Doug Parks and Rick Farr in favor and Horn and Director Amy Peck abstaining, to deny Lakernick’s appointment to the Strategic Planning Committee. Back on the agenda this week seeking an appointment to the Search Committee, Chair Tom Piatti came before the board seeking support for Lakernick’s application.

“I have three applicants, which are in your packet today …,” he said. “The third is Stuart Lakernick, and I notice in the board packet there is not a healthy endorsement for Stuart.”

Piatti noted he had endorsed Lakernick’s application, pointing out the candidate’s experience in previous board elections. He asked board members this week to trust his endorsement.

“In summary, you had confidence in me to appoint me as chairman of this committee,” he said. “Please have confidence in me to run my committee and appoint all three of these members to my committee today.”

Association member Joe Reynolds said while he respected Piatti’s request, it was ultimately up to the association president to appoint committee members.

“If I were president of the association, I would appoint Stuart Lakernick to this committee he’s applied to, whether I a-

March 25, 2022

greed with his OPA politics or not …,” he said. “I don’t agree with Mr. Lakernick’s politics, but there’s no reason at all to reject this individual.”

Association member Ken Waters also pointed to Lakernick’s election record.

“If you consider Stuart Lakernick, I hope what you consider is all the votes he garnered when he ran,” he said. “I think it should be taken into consideration.”

Director Frank Daly, however, said he had reasons for denying Lakernick’s application.

“When committee applications come up, and the committee chair thinks the person is a fit and meets the criteria, and we look at their recommendation and don’t accept their recommendation, it is no reflection on the committee chair …,” he said. “I may vote differently than he sees because of information I have.”

Parks questioned how Horn based her decision to deny Lakernick’s application.

“As I’ve said in previous meetings, if this information gets out in the public, it may set the criteria for those who would subsequently want to come up and apply for a committee membership, knowing there is a certain sentiment before they apply,” he said.

Horn pointed to an incident in the previous board election.

“There was a violation,” she said. “The violation was the constraint against distributing literature on Ocean Pines property in the previous election.”

With no motion put forward, Lakernick’s application was not considered.

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McGean Proposes New Deputy City Manager Position

Page 12

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A proposed reorganization of the city’s pecking order includes the creation of a new deputy city manager position.

City Manager Terry McGean took over his new position about a month and a half ago, and it has become apparent his office needs assistance in handling the ever-growing daily operations of the city.

During a budget introduction session this week, McGean pitched the idea of creating a deputy city manager position to whom some of the town’s many departments would report directly.

“When we talked about me taking on this position, there was talk about reorganization and the definite need for a deputy city manager,” he said. “I had ini-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

tial thoughts when I came up on that, and after sitting in that office for about a month and a half now, I’m glad I had that time because my thought process has changed a little bit. … My original thought was this would be a chief of staff. The departments underneath that position would be direct reports.”

While some departments would report directly to the proposed deputy city manager, most would continue to report directly to McGean.

“Some of those departments I believe need to stay as direct reports,” he said.

“My draft proposal is to create the position of deputy city manager. You have the job description.”

There are currently 16 departments reporting directly to the city manager.

Under the proposal, five would be siphoned off as direct reports to the dep-

uty city manager, while 11 would continue to report directly to the city manager.

The departments proposed for direct reports to the deputy city manager would be recreation and parks, risk management, grants and special projects, information technology and planning and community development.

The larger departments would continue to report directly to the city manager under the proposal, according to McGean.

“I feel very strongly that public works, tourism, police and fire always need to be a direct report to the city manager,” he said. “I felt the finance departments should always be the same way.”

McGean said the human resources department was currently consuming much of his time.

“As much time as I am spending with

March 25, 2022

human resources, I think they need to stay a direct report to the city manager,” he said. “I think it’s important the deputy city manager has direct reports. Otherwise, what’s the point of having the deputy?”

McGean said siphoning off some of the departments to the deputy city manager would make his office more efficient.

“They are departments that will take a significant load off myself,” he said. “As it stands now, I’m doing a lot of reacting and not a lot of proactive stuff. This is what I’d like to propose. I’ve met with all the department heads that would be impacted by this and they all understand my reasons for doing this. If you all agree, I will initiate the process to hire a deputy city manager.”

Councilman Tony DeLuca agreed the number of departments reporting directly to the city manager was onerous.

“There would still be 11 direct reports to Terry,” he said. “Before tourism was reorganized, there were 20-something departments. At one point, there were 23. That’s too much for one person.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed.

“I think you’ve put a lot of thought into this,” he said. “… After sitting where you are, I can tell you it’s essential that human resources report directly to you. It’s a very vital and important role that human resources plays in our community.”

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Margaritaville Project Gains Approvals

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After a pair of marathon hearings, the proposed Margaritaville project moved two big steps closer to becoming a reality this week.

The Mayor and Council on Monday had before them two separate issues related to the Margaritaville Hotel and Conference Center, which would encompass an entire city block downtown on the oceanside facing the Boardwalk between 13th Street and 14th Street. The proposed project over 12 different lots would include 265 hotel rooms and three restaurants, including the JWB Grill with high-end steaks and seafood, the Landshark Bar and Grill and a coffee shop and provisions store in the lobby. The project would also include three outdoor pools and one indoor pool, a wellness center and gym, 14,000 square feet of flexible convention space, retail stores facing the Boardwalk and many other upscale amenities.

On Monday, the Mayor and Council considered two different elements that will bring the project to fruition. The first was a public hearing on the conveyance of air rights over the section of public-access right of way on Washington Lane, which bisects the massive project. The second issue was approval for a planned overlay district, or POD, for the proposed Margaritaville project. A POD affords a developer some flexibility in designing a large-scale project in exchange for some concessions to the town on certain issues.

After the public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the conveyance of air rights over Washington Lane with conditions proffered by the developer, NOSC, LLC for improvements to the alley. The Mayor and Council then turned their attention to the POD application for the project, which was ultimately approved after a lengthy discussion.

Planned Overlay District Approved With the air rights conveyance issue resolved, the Mayor and Council turned their attention to, perhaps, the larger issue of the POD for the project. The POD is essentially a zoning map amendment to allow for the proposed redevelopment of the entire block.

The planning commission held a lengthy public hearing in November, after which it forwarded its findings of fact and a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Council for approval of the POD with a list

of 13 conditions of approval attached. By the time the lengthy discussion on the POD application was over on Monday, the council had added four more conditions of approval for the developer.

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville explained at the outset after careful review by the staff, a public hearing and due diligence of the planning commission and conditions proffered by the developer, the Margaritaville project as presented represented a good plan for the redevelopment of an entire city block in the downtown area.

“One of the things that started to come out,” he said. “This is a unique opportunity. It’s an opportunity to do something exceptional.”

Neville explained the POD provides the developer some flexibility to develop a best-use plan for the property, while the trade-off is assurances that steps are taken to minimize the impact on the surrounding community.

“That’s the test that goes into play with the POD,” he said. “We evaluate the POD on the principle to minimize the impact to surrounding properties. It provides some tools for us. When it moves forward to site plan review, the key is to ensure it adheres to that intent.”

The Margaritaville project as proposed carries over some of the code non-conformities afforded to the old Beach Plaza Hotel property. Mayor Rick Meehan said traditionally non-conformities go away when a property is redeveloped, but Ocean City generally favors extending them if it makes a redevelopment project better.

“Ocean City is one of the few places I know of that perpetuates non-conformity,” he said. “The reason for that is to encourage development and redevelopment.

What we like to see is the non-conformity reduced during redevelopment, or at least remain the same. We don’t like to see it increase generally.”

As expected, the major issue during the discussion of the POD application approval was parking. A condition of approval imposed by the planning commission reads, “The owner shall implement a comprehensive parking management system which includes valet parking for all arriving guests. No reserved or valet parking is permitted on public streets.”

Council President Matt James still had reservations about the proposed parking plan for the project.

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Ocean City Signs Off On New Rental License Ordinance

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With newfound cooperation, or at least conversation, with online rental hosting platforms, resort officials this week approved on second reading an ordinance requiring all rental properties acquire the appropriate rental license and remit room tax.

For the last couple of years, Ocean City has been working on code changes that will help ensure all rental properties are paying for rental licenses regardless of how the properties are rented, whether it is through a traditional rental agency, online or through a third-party hosting platform such as Airbnb, VRBO or Expedia, for example.

The second part of the equation is ensuring rental properties are remitting the appropriate room tax and sales tax, which

is sent to the county and come back to Ocean City through an established formula. With the proliferation of third-party hosting platforms, the resort has faced challenges in ensuring rental licenses are being acquired and room tax is being remitted.

When the ordinance was presented for first reading earlier this month, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury and Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville explained to the council there had been conversations with at least one of the third-party hosting platforms about cooperating with the resort in its efforts to identify room tax scofflaws. When the ordinance came up for second reading on Monday, Stansbury explained in the two weeks since, more of the third-party hosting platforms had reached out expressing an interest in working with the city on the rental license and room tax issues.

“If you recall, when this was accepted at first reading, we had had a discussion with one of the third-party hosting platforms – at that point it was just one,” she said. “Since that time, we have been able to make contact with several of them.

We’ve had various conversations and changes we’ve made are slight, but we think this makes better sense now that we understand what happens on their end.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the tweaks in the second reading version of the ordinance insulated the third-party hosting platforms from potential penalties for not acquiring rental license numbers from listings. He said the online listing application should include a field or a box where the property owner would be required to enter their rental license number.

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March 25, 2022

violation if there are no numbers or incorrect numbers,” he said. “Their responsibility is providing a field that requires me, for example, to put my unit on their platform. Whether I put the real number or a fake number is irrelevant to them.”

Neville said that is somewhat true, but the concessions made to the online platforms in the amended ordinance came with a benefit to the town. He said there were trade-offs with the online platforms in exchange for access to their databases and other information that could help the town track those listings without rental license numbers.

“You’re correct, but we’ve trade the rental violation for their willingness to give us the required field, giving us access to their database and their commitment that if we come up with an invalid license number, they will take it down. What we found by talking to them about it is they are willing to be a partner with us on those terms.”

Gehrig said it appeared under the amended ordinance the third-party platforms would include in the listing application a field in which the property owner would enter a rental license number, but that didn’t mean the hosting party would pull any listing without confirming if the number was accurate.

“So, they couldn’t pull it right away?” he said. “It would be pending until we validate it. I just don’t want to give that up.

This is nothing to them. No wonder they asked for this. They’re off the hook and we deal with it.”

Neville suggested recent conversations with some of the hosting platforms suggested a thawing of sorts in the rental license issue.

“Two or three years ago when we started down this exercise, it was a much different thing,” he said. “They weren’t taking any responsibility for trying to help us out. I do think we’ve made a lot of progress. We have a lot more to work with than we did a few years ago.”

Stansbury said the intent of the ordinance was to level the playing field for all rental types, including those listing on third-party hosting sites. She said the ordinance could be passed on second reading and could come back to them with amendments later if changes are needed.

“Our goal has been to treat everyone as fairly as possible, whether you are a hosting platform or a rental company in town,” she said. “The changes we’ve made here do that. We may come back to you if we find additional tweaks are needed. This is a substantial improvement from how things have been done.”

Gehrig said the amended ordinance was veiled as a partnership with the thirdparty hosting sites, but was really a means to shield them from penalties if accurate rental license numbers aren’t entered and confirmed. He said the ordinance presented for first reading at least had some hammer for the third-party sites.

“At least there is a consequence for them not following the rules,” he said.

“Basically, we’ve taken them off the hook and we’re back to where we are now, which is hunting people down.”

City Manager Terry McGean said the SEE NEXT PAGE

… Cooperation With Online Sites Improves

March 25, 2022

ordinance presented on Monday represented the next evolution in the town’s attempt to tighten the rental license and room tax issue.

“I think it’s a crawl, walk, run,” he said.

“If they agree now to share their database with us and they’ll share not only the names of the people, but also the rental license number, we ought to be able to go down that list pretty quickly and find out where the bogus rental licenses are.

We’re getting close to the season now.

We were crawling, but now we’re walking and next season we can run.”

Gehrig said the third-party hosting sites should be held accountable for collecting and confirming rental license numbers up front.

“If we’re serious about collecting the tax to make it fair for everyone – if that’s the intent – we shouldn’t just let the thirdparty hosting platforms off the hook,” he said. “We’re going to do the effort either at the end or at the beginning. I argue it will be less effort if we do it at the beginning.”

Stansbury said the third-party sites have expressed a willingness to collect the rental license information, but it would still fall on the town to confirm the information is accurate.

“We believe after speaking with these hosting platforms that this may be a better approach,” she said. “The ability for us to enforce that against the third-party sites relies on us telling them to pull the listings down until we get back to them.

If they say no, then our ability to have recourse against them becomes difficult.”

Gehrig opined following that reasoning, the town would remain at the “walk” stage and never get to the “run” stage.

McGean disagreed.

“I don’t think that’s fair,” he said. “We have always strived to get better. We are almost in April now. Anytime somebody goes to put their property on one of these services, the service first has to notify us.

Then, we have to go look to make sure the person has a rental license and then tell the service they can go ahead and post it. We’re adding an extra step for everyone.”

McGean said the process isn’t perfect, but it can be revisited.

“We can do that for at least this summer,” he said. “They give us, say once a week, a batch. Here’s the address and here’s the rental license number. I think we could quickly go through that and check if the rental licenses are valid.”

Neville said the newfound cooperation with the third-party sites was a welcome step in the ongoing process.

“We’re trying to get a cooperative relationship,” he said. “Without their cooperation, our ability to enforce this is very difficult. Enforcement against the renter is easier. We’re trying to work together so we can share this info to ensure our bigger goal, which is collecting the taxes.”

After considerable debate, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Lloyd Martin absent, to approve the amended ordinance on second reading. The council also unanimously approved a companion ordinance on second reading that outlines the penalties for a violation.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 15

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Berlin Baker Collects Donations For Medics In Ukraine

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 25, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN– More than $30,000 worth of medical supplies is bound for Ukraine thanks to the efforts of the Berlin community.

What started as a one-day fundraiser turned into a major donation this week as Ryan Nellans, better known as Berlin baker Sconer, partnered with Atlantic General Hospital to provide medical supplies to the Hospitallers, a volunteer medical battalion working in Ukraine.

“I was blown away,” Nellans said. “I knew we had good people in this town but this is beyond what I expected.”

Just days after the war started in Ukraine, Nellans, known for the scones he sells at the Berlin Farmers Market, decided he wanted to do something to help.

“It’s hard not to act when you recognize a call,” he said. “When there is a need, you can’t just sit there and pretend it’s not happening.”

After reading on Reddit about a Canadian baker who was donating a day of sales to Ukrainian causes, Nellans shared plans to do the same. In just one day, he raised more than $1,700 for Hospitallers.

Encouraged by the community support, Nellans set up a second week-long fundraiser. He also reached out to Atlantic General Hospital, hoping the organization could connect him with a dis-

Atlantic General Hospital staff worked with Berlin baker Ryan Nellans and other volunteers to load $30,000 worth of donated medical supplies bound for Ukraine.

Submitted Image

tributor so he could use the donations to buy supplies for the Hospitallers.

Instead, the hospital came back with a list of all the items Atlantic General could donate.

“It was stacks and stacks and stacks of stuff,” Nellans said.

When he realized he wouldn’t be able to transport it in his personal vehicle, countless community members offered

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their help. Schell Brothers and Seacrets both offered box trucks. On Tuesday, Schell Brothers sent a truck and three employees to Atlantic General’s warehouse to help Nellans and hospital representatives load up more than $30,000 in medical supplies. Among the items donated were isolation gowns, surgical gloves, masks and coveralls, and various other supplies.

“Having been the beneficiary of an outpouring of community support – donated food for front line workers, hand sanitizer and other supplies, hand-made masks – over the long COVID-19 pandemic, Atlantic General Hospital and Health System is now paying it forward,” a news release from the hospital reads.

Nellans said the crew from Schell Brothers transported the supplies to Wilmington, where Ukraine Express will prioritize them based on usefulness and ship them to Ukraine.

“It’s all going to make its way over there,” he said. He’s also sending over the more than $3,400 he raised from the two scone fundraisers.

Nellans is thrilled that he was able to do something to help the people of Ukraine and hopes his fundraiser serves as an inspiration to others.

“You don’t need to wait for your government, your church, your friends—you can get involved,” he said. “Get out there and do it yourself. You don’t need permission to do good.”

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North Ocean City Land Swap Approved

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With no further discussion, resort officials this week approved on first reading a pair of ordinances facilitating a land swap with Delmarva Power in the area of 100th Street.

Earlier this month, the Mayor and Council held a lightly-attended public hearing on the proposed swap of the pair of parcels in the area of 100th Street on the west side of Coastal Highway near the public library. On Monday, the council had before them a pair of ordinances on first reading that will move the land exchange forward.

The two parcels are adjacent and identical in size, and simply swapping them provides a mutual benefit to the town and Delmarva Power and Light (DPL). In February, the Planning Commission held a marathon public hearing on DPL’s proposed use for the parcel it will receive in the exchange. DPL applied for, and eventually gained approval for, the conditional use on the site to develop a battery energy storage system, or BESS, on the lot it is acquiring.

A BESS provides a fallback energy source in the resort for DPL during times of peak energy use on the barrier island. It’s part of DPL’s larger plan to improve and ensure reliability at peak times. In 2019, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) initiated the Maryland Energy Storage Pilot Program. The intent of the program is to explore the efficiency of deploying utilityscale energy storage throughout the state including Ocean City.

When the planning commission held its public hearing in February, uptown residents lined up to voice their concerns with DPL’s plans to develop a BESS on the parcel. The issues ranged from concerns about aesthetic impacts from the vast above-ground battery field and potential health risks to concerns about potential impacts on the bayside viewshed. At the time, DPL officials were able to allay most of those concerns, and when the Mayor and Council held its requisite public hearing earlier this month, just a single resident spoke, and it was not entirely negative.

The town has not made public its intentions for the parcel it will receive in the land swap. The town does have public works facilities on a parcel adjacent to the land in question. At one point, there was a discussion about utilizing the parcel for a potential seasonal housing project, but that has not come to fruition.

With no discussion, the council unanimously approved the two ordinances on first reading advancing the land swap proposal.

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March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

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Early Analysis Finds Favorable Outlook For Berlin Skatepark

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 25, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A feasibility study completed this week validates a local nonprofit’s plans to bring a skatepark to Berlin.

According to a new feasibility analysis, a 10,000-square-foot skatepark, which could be built in phases for roughly $700,000, could serve Berlin’s core skateboarding community. Members of We Heart Berlin, the nonprofit that’s been advocating and fundraising to bring a skatepark to town, are encouraged by the report’s findings.

“The biggest takeaway is it’s going to cost a lot less than we expected,” said Tony Weeg, president and founder of We Heart Berlin.

Since it was launched by Weeg last year, We Heart Berlin has been working toward expanding recreational opportunities in Berlin. Though the nonprofit has renovated the Henry Park basketball courts and is bringing ping pong to Burbage Park, its primary goal continues to be establishing a skatepark to Berlin. A feasibility analysis created by Salisbury University’s BEACON (Business Economic and Community Outreach Network) is expected to aid in that process. Though still being finalized, the report will be submitted to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore as We Heart Berlin seeks grant funding for a skatepark.

“It basically says Berlin is the perfect spot for this,” said Weeg after reviewing the report this week.

BEACON’s report reviews the demographics of the town and potential skatepark users as well as the proximity of other area skateparks — those in Ocean Pines and Ocean City. Weeg said the report estimates roughly 1,400 casual skateboarders in Worcester County with about 126 of them in Berlin. A 10,000-squarefoot park could serve about 60 skateboarders at a time.

Weeg, noting that the report was not yet final, said it didn’t even consider the bikers who could be using the park’s proposed pump track feature.

Weeg said the report, which is based on data from various sources, states that skateparks provide a safe environment

for skateboarding, as most injuries occur on the road.

“The lion’s share of injuries occur in streets and sidewalks, not on skateparks,” he said.

BEACON also reports that skateparks are often linked to positive outcomes for youth in the areas of “childhood obesity rates, depression and teen suicide rates, drug and alcohol abuse and gang related activity.”

Because he’s heard concern about drug use and skateparks locally, Weeg was thrilled to see his belief in the benefits of skateparks corroborated.

“Contrary to popular opinion skateparks are a proven deterrent,” he said.

BEACON’s study recommends a park in Berlin be constructed in at least two phases. The first, which would include site work and 5,000 square feet, is estimated to cost slightly more than $300,000. The second phase, which would include another 5,000 square feet of usable area, would also cost slightly more than $300,000. A potential third phase could address additional needs or issues not identified in the prior two phases.

The BEACON report is based on the concept of a skatepark being built at one of the town’s existing parks. Weeg is hoping to see it added to Henry Park. He sees Heron Park as more of a nature park, Stephen Decatur Park as a kids park and Henry Park as the place for more intense activity.

“It makes sense to turn Henry Park into more of an action park,” he said, adding that there was more than an acre of underutilized open space at the park.

He also thinks a skatepark at Henry Park could spur the state to more seriously consider the pedestrian bridge over Route 113 Berlin’s mayor has been advocating for.

“This is going to push the state toward that because Henry Park is really where we’re hoping to have this,” he said.

Weeg said that in the coming weeks the BEACON report would be finalized and its findings reviewed. It will be submitted to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore as We Heart Berlin tries to get grant funding for site and park design.

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officials discuss earlier tram time vs. extra Bike hour

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Boardwalk tram start time and the potential return of the unlimited ride pass were topics of discussion this week for resort transportation officials.

The Transportation Committee met on Tuesday to discuss a variety of issues with the summer season approaching. Among the topics were issues related to the Boardwalk tram, from the proposed start time for daily operations to the return of certain discount passes.

Two years ago, during the height of the pandemic, the Boardwalk tram operation was suspended for the entire summer season with strict distancing and other measures in place. Last year, the tram operation returned, but deployments were limited by staffing challenges.

One of the pivots during the difficult times was moving the daily start time for the trams from 10 a.m. to noon.

With staffing challenges, the concept was the later start time would allow for more trams on the Boardwalk at peak times. It was also determined ridership numbers and revenue were low during those first two hours before noon. On Tuesday, Mayor Rick Meehan asked if that schedule was still the plan for the upcoming season.

“What are plans for normal tram hours of operation?” he said. “We have been starting at noon. Is that still the case?”

Acting Transit Manager George Peaks said with recruiting and retention numbers looking good, the tentative plan was to return to the 10 a.m. start time.

“We’re going to run earlier,” he said.

“It looks like we’re going to have the personnel to do it this year.”

A side benefit to the noon start time

for the trams was extra morning time on the Boardwalk for bicycles. Meehan said he believed all along the noon start time would become a permanent thing.

“My understanding is those earlier hours weren’t profitable,” he said. “It also extends the bike hours.”

Councilman and committee member Frank Knight said he recalled the original conversation about the later start time for the trams.

“It was a whole bike-tram thing,” he said. “We decided to start the trams later and let the bikes stay out there longer.”

Meehan said he preferred sticking with the noon start time for the trams for a variety of reasons.

“I know that the noon start time was well received,” he said. “It made the bike people happy, but it was also based on ridership and revenue.”

There was a discussion about certain festivals and special events when it would be appropriate to start tram service at 10 a.m.

“There are a couple of holidays and weekends and events where we can start earlier,” said Meehan. “It does create some conflicts with bikes. I think Springfest and Sunfest should start at 10 a.m.”

The discussion then turned toward certain Boardwalk tram special rates and passes. The standard $4 fare still generates the highest percentage of tram ridership, but the town previously offered an $8 unlimited ride pass and a $26 discount punch card. Those passes and special rates went away when the tram service was eliminated or limited over the last two seasons.

Public Works Director Hal Adkins on Tuesday asked the committee if there was any interest in bringing those special rates back with the tram service returning to normal.

“They have been discontinued be-

cause it appears we will be fully staffed,” he said. “Is there any interest in bringing that back?”

Meehan said the $26 punch card created challenges because the drivers and conductors had to stop the trams to punch the cards of those boarding with the special pass.

“I’m not interested in bringing back the $26 punch cards,” he said. “I think it just slows the whole operation down.”

As far as bringing back the $8 unlimited ride ticket, Meehan said he was amenable to restating it this season.

“It looks like we’re good with staff,” he said. “We can rely on that, but it might be too soon.”

City Manager Terry McGean expressed little interest in going back to the special passes and discounted rates.

“My feeling is the tram is a ride,” he said. “It’s not a form of transportation in my opinion.”

Knight said he has heard few complaints from residents and visitors about the discontinuation of the passes.

“I work at the Boardwalk cottage all summer,” he said. “The main complaint is there are not enough trams.

We almost never hear anyone complain about the lack of passes.”

At any rate, Meehan said he wanted to be sure the demand for the tram was met this summer.

“We want to make sure we have trams out there when we need them,” he said. “We want to have the maximum number of trams out there at the peak times.”

Adkins said increased data collection could help drive the deployment schedule.

“We’ve never had per-hour ridership numbers,” he said. “I would like to have that. That would give us the data we need to determine deployments.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Columbia, Md., man was arrested last weekend after police allegedly determined the vehicle he was driving during a routine traffic stop was stolen in Baltimore.

Around 11 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 77th Street observed a Honda Accord traveling less than one car-length behind another vehicle. The officer conducted a background check on the Accord and determined its temporary registration had been expired since last July.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Kyjuan Adams, 20, of Columbia, Md., who reportedly told the officer he was following his friend in the vehicle ahead of him and they were looking for a place to get food, according to police reports. Adams presented a temporary registration for the vehicle, but could not provide insurance information. He reportedly told the officer he had just purchased the vehicle through a social media connection and his mother was going to put the vehicle under her insurance, but had not yet done so.

The officer asked Ocean City Communications to conduct a search on the registration, and the search revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Baltimore City Police Department, according to police reports.

At that point, Adams was asked to step out of the vehicle and he was taken into custody. During a search incident to the arrest, OCPD officers located in Adams’ jacket pocket a clear bottle containing four oxycodone pills, according to police

COPS & COURTS reports. During a search of the vehicle, OCPD officers located a title for the vehicle from Wisconsin and a Maryland registration plate. The registration plate was expired and had been assigned to a different Honda Accord, according to police reports.

During a subsequent interview, Adams continued to assert he had recently purchased the vehicle through a social media connection in Baltimore. OCPD officers made contact with the vehicle’s owner, who reportedly told police he had parked it on a Baltimore street in front of his daughter’s house and was gone for less than five minutes when he came out and saw a group of suspects drive away in it. Adams was arrested and charged with motor vehicle theft.

Domestic Assault Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Washington, D.C., man was arrested last weekend after allegedly hitting his girlfriend in the face during a domestic incident at a midtown hotel.

Around 1:10 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a hotel at 54th Street for a reported 911 call hang-up. Ocean City Communications advised a call was

received from a female, who reported her boyfriend, later identified as Devin Sparrow, 29, of Washington, D.C., would not leave her room and was “going crazy,” according to police reports.

Ocean City Communications advised the female caller had not provided a room number, and OCPD officers attempted to contact multiple rooms, but were not able to contact the victim or Sparrow. Officers called the victim multiple times and she eventually answered, saying “He left,” and “I’m fine,” according to police reports.

Officers asked the victim what room she was in so they could speak with her and check on her welfare, but she reportedly hung up before providing a room number. OCPD officer made multiple attempts to contact the victim, but she would not answer, and the calls went straight to her voicemail. At that point, OCPD officers cleared the scene.

About 40 minutes later, around 1:50 a.m., the victim again called police and reported Sparrow was back and she needed police assistance. This time, she provided a room number on the second floor. When officers responded to the room, Sparrow was observed pacing back and forth and yelling. When asked to provide his name, Sparrow reportedly told of-

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OCPD officers interviewed Sparrow, who acknowledges he had been in an argument with the victim, but the only physical contact had been chest bumping.

When the victim was interviewed, she told officers the couple had been arguing and Sparrow had hit her in the face just prior to her calling the police for a second time.

According to police reports, the victim had a four-inch bruise on her face with a small cut in the middle of it. Sparrow was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Boardwalk Sign Destruction OCEAN CITY – Two Baltimore-area men were arrested last week after allegedly knocking over signs and breaking potted plants while stumbling up the Boardwalk.

Around 11:20 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to the Boardwalk for a report of two males damaging business signs. Ocean City Communications advised they were monitoring the two suspects on the City Watch video surveillance system and were making contact with signs belonging to businesses on the Boardwalk.

Communications provided descriptions and current locations for the two suspects, later identified as Robert Pomier, 27, of Essex, Md., and Matthew Cullison, 24, of Baltimore. OCPD officers arrived on scene and located Pomier and Cullison as they walked north on the Boardwalk. The suspects were shouting as they walked toward the officer, accordSEE NEXT PAGE

March 25, 2022

... COPS & COURTS ing to police reports.

The officer reportedly observed Cullison kick a potted plant belonging to a Boardwalk restaurant at 6th Street, causing the pot to break and the contents to spill onto the ground. Pomier and Cullison were detained at that point. A review of City Watch surveillance video showed Pomier knocking over an A-frame sign belonging to a Boardwalk lemonade stand, according to police reports.

The video surveillance also reportedly showed Cullison punching a sign belonging to another Boardwalk restaurant.

Pomier was charged with disorderly conduct and intoxicated endangerment. Cullison was charged with malicious destruction of property and intoxicated endangerment.

Obstructing, Hindering Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Delaware woman was arrested last weekend after allegedly screaming at law enforcement officers conducting a traffic stop investigation.

Around 12:10 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was assisting a Maryland State Police trooper with a traffic stop in the area of 28th Street. While the OCPD officer was assisting the trooper, a female passenger in the vehicle later identified as Nicole Bradley, 32, of Milford, Del., began screaming, “We have a lawyer,” according to police reports.

The trooper asked the driver to step out of the vehicle in order to perform field

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch sobriety tests and again Bradley reportedly continued to yell “Stop,” and “We have a lawyer.” Bradley was told repeatedly to lower her voice, according to police reports.

As the trooper continued the investigation, Bradley’s yelling only got louder and louder, according to police reports.

The OCPD officer was assisting the MSP trooper during the investigation as the trooper attempted to perform field sobriety tests on the driver. Bradley’s yelling diverted the law enforcement officers’ attention away from their primary investigation. Bradley was ultimately arrested and charged with obstructing and hindering.

More Police Interference OCEAN CITY – A Virginia woman was arrested last weekend after allegedly obstructing resort police officers attempting to make a DUI arrest.

Around 2 a.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of 26th Street. Officers asked the driver to step out of the vehicle in order to conduct field sobriety tests. The driver was ultimately arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Because the vehicle was parked in the roadway more that 12 inches from the curb and partially blocking a travel lane, OCPD officers called for a tow truck.

Officers approached the vehicle and advised the front-seat passenger, later identified as Kristina Hansen, 28, of Herndon, Va., she needed to step out because the vehicle was going to be towed and officers had to perform an inventory of the vehicle’s contents.

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used explicit language about the officers’ intention to tow the vehicle. Hansen was asked numerous times to lower her voice, but she positioned herself between the officers and the vehicle, according to police reports. Hansen was reportedly blocking the officers from conducting an inventory of the vehicle’s contents before it was towed.

Hansen was told numerous times to move to the side and allow the officers to conduct the inventory, but she continued to scream at the officers, according to police reports. She eventually walked over a sat on a curb, but she stood up and continued to scream at the officers, according to police reports. She was advised at that point to stop yelling and obstructing the investigation or she would be arrested.

When the tow truck arrived, Hansen

Page 23 was asked if she needed anything from it before it was towed. She reportedly replied she needed her glasses, but when officers asked her where in the vehicle they would locate her glasses, she began yelling at them again in an expletive-laced tirade, according to police reports.

When the tow truck began to attach the vehicle, Hansen tried to open the passenger-side door, putting herself in danger, according to police reports. When officers asked Hansen to step away from the vehicle being towed, she reportedly began yelling at them again.

Meanwhile, residents at a nearby apartment had come out of their units to watch the commotion going on in the street, according to police reports. Hansen was ultimately arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing and hindering.

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Changes To Candidate Verification Process Approved

Page 24

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Proposed revisions to the association’s candidate verification process passed on second reading this week.

On Wednesday, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve on second reading amendments to Resolution M-09, which relates to the Search Committee and board candidate applications.

While amendments were initially introduced in January, the board last month elected to postpone the second reading after board members voiced their opposition to a revision allowing the association secretary to grant additional time to correct or complete candidate applications.

“These revisions have undergone two prior readings by the Board and discus-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

sion by the Board of the language changes noted,” Association President Colette Horn wrote in her motion. “Following the second review and discussion of this language by the Board, the document was reviewed by the Bylaws and Resolutions Advisory Committee.”

In January, Horn presented the board with proposed revisions to Resolution M09, Section 8, which outlines the candidate search responsibilities of the association secretary.

The amendments would require the secretary to use Worcester County land records or State Department of Assessments and Taxation records to verify a candidate’s property ownership. The revision would also require the secretary to include their reason for rejecting an application when notifying applicants of their acceptance or rejection of a candidate application.

The proposed amendments also allowed the secretary to grant an extension to the due date of the candidate application should any additional information be required. That language, however, has since been struck from the proposed revisions.

“I don’t think we can give the secretary the authority to extend the due date,” Director Larry Perrone said last month. “I think when these applications come in, if there’s a question, it should be addressed directly. The due date is the due date. If we take that position, I think it opens us up for a complaint being made if someone decides to put their application in too late.”

In Wednesday’s meeting, Director Doug Parks noted Resolution M-09 mentioned the term “owner of record,” the definition of which is the subject of proposed bylaw changes.

“If [it] gets approved, we’re going to

March 25, 2022

have some homework to do in the backend to reupdate this particular resolution to reflect that,” he added.

With no further discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve revisions to Resolution M-09 on second reading.

The board this week also voted to amend the attachment election information and candidate application form for Resolution M-09.

“Board discussions of the candidate qualifications the Bylaws and Resolutions Advisory Committee emphasized the benefits of gathering information about candidate characteristics that are distinct from qualifications that would also be of interest to voters,” Horn wrote in her motion.

“This proposed form provides for gathering information about both candidate qualifications and candidate characteristics.”

The second reading of revisions to Resolution M-09 comes months after a Worcester County Circuit Court judge ruled 2021 board candidate Rick Farr an eligible Ocean Pines homeowner.

Farr was disqualified during the election process last year after an anonymous tip raised questions about his status as a homeowner of the address listed on his candidate application.

School Board Votes To Adjust Final Exam Policy

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – School system officials updated the Worcester County Public Schools final exam policy last week.

The Worcester County Board of Education voted unanimously at its March meeting to reduce the weight of the final exam from 20% of a student’s grade to 10%.

The change was recommended by a committee of high school educators.

“The committee overwhelmingly agreed that we should return to final exams counting as 10%, not 20% of the final grade,” said Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief operations and academic officer for grades 9-12.

In January, school board member Jon Andes, who retired from the position of superintendent in 2012, suggested the school system’s executive team review the weight of the final exam. He said at one time it had been 10%, not 20%, of a student’s final course grade. Superintendent Lou Taylor agreed that he didn’t like the 20% stipulation either and agreed to have staff review the issue.

Wallace last week said she spent the past several months forming a committee and reviewing the issue.

“The committee was comprised of any high school principal or coordinator who wanted to be a part of that process,” she said.

After meeting via Zoom, the committee overwhelmingly agreed to recommend that the board reduce the final exam weight.

Andes thanked Wallace and the staff committee.

“As a lousy test taker — I am a horrible test taker — I deeply appreciate the change that’s being made,” Andes said.

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

OC Officials Approve FY22 Budget Change Fenwick Officials Discuss

Page 26

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With little discussion, resort officials this week approved fiscal year 2022 budget amendment number one, although a debate about the amount of room tax dedicated to advertising and marketing arose anew.

The council approved budget amendment number one on Monday. Once a town’s fiscal year budget is struck, there are often budget amendments on different occasions throughout the year to make adjustments for unforeseen changes on the revenue and expenditure sides. Typically, funds are moved if there are shortfalls on the estimated revenue side, or redirected if a windfall is determined.

During last Tuesday’s work session, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp was prepared to present budget amendment number one for fiscal year 2022 to the Mayor

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

and Council.

Typically, Knapp presents a detailed slide-by-slide presentation on the proposed budget amendment. Knapp reported room tax and parking revenues are expected to exceed what was budgeted.

Pension expenses have been reduced.

Grants received since the budget was adopted last spring are also realized in the amendment. Knapp’s presentation included a slide-by-slide PowerPoint, showng a balanced budget in most departments and categories, and gains in others, including room tax.

All in all, the estimated amount required from prior year reserves, or fund balance, increases from $3.4 million to $4.8 million. The key indicator in the presentation were gains in room tax revenue, which almost always sparks a lively debate.

Under the town’s allocation formula, about 60% of room tax revenue goes into

the general fund, while about 40% goes into advertising and marketing. Councilman John Gehrig said he could already anticipate the pushback on the room tax gains in the presented budget amendment.

“I’m sure we’re going to hearing soon from a constituency that calls us fools for spending money on advertising,” he said.

“It’s nice to see that our room tax increased by about 20%.”

Gehrig said the room tax contribution to the general fund, to pay for fire and police and public works, etc., insulates property owners from tax increases.

“I’m just saying this for the public,” he said. “There is not a will among the council to discuss raising the property tax. Tourism is our business and the investment in tourism is yielding income that helps pay our bills. People say everybody knows where Ocean City is. This is not 1975. We need to defend our customers and we need to get new customers.”

March 25, 2022

Future DelDOT Projects

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A discussion on state-led sidewalk and pedestrian projects highlighted a Fenwick Island committee meeting this week.

On Monday, the town’s Pedestrian Safety Committee met to discuss upcoming projects in Fenwick Island.

While the town is currently working on the first phase of its sidewalk construction project, Mayor Vicki Carmean, committee chair, told members this week the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) had included the remaining blocks into its 2024 Capital Transportation Plan.

“One of the things that has been promised for over 20 years is that the state would eventually come into Fenwick and do sidewalks on both sides of the road …,” she said. “The good news is DelDOT has a capital project planned for 2024 that involves doing whatever is left over on both sides of the street.”

In 2019, Fenwick Island initiated the first phase of its sidewalk construction project, which includes about five or six bayside blocks south of James Street.

Instead of pursuing a state-led project – which had a cost estimate of roughly $10 million – town officials decided to handle the first phase of the project themselves.

Last month, the Fenwick Island Town Council signed off on a contract with Century Engineering to begin the first phase of construction next fall. When asked this week why the town would not wait for the state-led project to commence, Carmean said she was eager to make the town’s business community pedestrian friendly.

“At least if we have one area where pedestrians can feel safe, I would feel better,” she said.

Carmean told committee members this week that town officials had also met with DelDOT representatives to outline the town’s need for lighting along Coastal Highway.

“What DelDOT is proposing as a quick fix is to attach lights along the existing Verizon poles for now …,” Town Manager Pat Schuchman added. “Once they go up, we would assume the cost of maintaining them.”

Carmean noted that the town had also requested a crossing system at Coastal Highway and Houston Street, as well as for DelDOT to evaluate the intersection of Coastal Highway and Bayard Street.

“We wanted to know if it could wrap into the sidewalk project,” she said.

The town has also requested a transition zone on the north side of Fenwick to address speeding.

“Right now we go from 55 mph to 35 mph …,” she said. “If we had a transition zone, the thought was this would not only be a safety thing but well appreciated by pedestrians.”

Schuchman told committee members the proposed transition zone, as well as temporary lighting, could be implemented soon.

Crematorium Ordinance Approved

March 25, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Town officials approved an ordinance that will allow crematoriums as possible uses on industrially zoned property.

Despite opposition from a nearby property owner, the Berlin Town Council last week voted 4-0 to approve an amendment that permits crematoriums as a conditional use in the industrial zoning district. The change was proposed by Kirk Burbage of Burbage Funeral Home, as he hopes to one day establish a crematorium on property near Route 113.

“It would be discreet,” he said. “It would be in good taste. It would be nothing that would be a shame to this community.”

Town staff told the council last week that the Berlin Planning Commission had reviewed the text change that would permit crematoriums as a conditional use and had given it a favorable recommendation. As a conditional use, a crematorium would still require approval from the town’s board of zoning appeals.

When the council opened a public hearing on the proposed change, attorney Jon P. Bulkeley, representing the owner of more than 200 acres across the street from the potential crematorium site, expressed various concerns.

“Do you want a crematorium at the gateway to the coolest small town?” he said.

Bulkeley said there was a crematorium in Millsboro.

“It’s an atrocity,” he said. “There’s smoke pouring day and night. I don’t think you really want that at 818 and 113.”

He added that the Environmental Protection Agency didn’t regulate crematoriums and said he was worried about potential emissions. He also talked about tax downsides.

“How big can the assessed value of this crematorium really be?” he said.

Bulkeley said a crematorium on Burbage’s property would deter residential development on his client’s property.

He argued that working crematoriums into the code as a conditional use was a “procedural back door” that essentially made the use a permissible one.

He urged the council to delay voting on the change.

“The town needs to take some time to look through these issues,” he said.

Attorney Bradford Kirby, representing the same property owner, agreed and said crematoriums weren’t in the code because they weren’t intended to be in town.

Attorney Joel Todd, representing Burbage, said his client ran the longest established family funeral home in the entire state. He said the issue in front of the council wasn’t whether a crematorium should be built on Burbage’s land near Route 113, but rather if it should be allowed as a conditional use

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

in the industrial zoning district. Todd said Burbage was a longstanding member of the community who cared about the town.

“Mr. Burbage doesn’t want to do anything that’s going to adversely affect the conditions anywhere in the Town of Berlin,” he said.

According to Todd, most of Burbage’s clients these days wanted to cremate their family members, which was why Burbage wanted to be able to offer cremation.

“On average Burbage Funeral Home has 350-400 funerals a year,” Todd said. “At this point 70% of the funeral services the Burbage Funeral Home provides are cremations. There certainly is a demand for this.”

As far as the negative descriptions of the Millsboro crematorium, Todd said they were falsehoods.

“Don’t you think if that was the truth he’d have a picture here to show you tonight?” Todd said.

He stressed that Burbage wouldn’t pursue a project that would hurt the community, as he was known for the care he took of the funeral home property as well as Merry Sherwood.

“I’m frankly offended that some outsiders, some outside attorneys, would come in here and accuse me of doing something sinister by following this legal pathway and accuse my client of trying to wreck the Town of Berlin,” Todd said.

Burbage said the allegations from the attorneys opposed to the ordinance were ludicrous. He said he was just trying to use land that had been in his family since the 1940s to serve a community need.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols noted that like Burbage’s property, the property across the street was zoned industrial and would need to be rezoned in order to be developed residentially.

Todd said zoning was zoning.

“I don’t think that property owner should be able to hold my client hostage while he tries to make up his mind what he’s going to do with that property,” Todd said.

Dave Gaskill, the town attorney, said that with the existing zoning Burbage could develop the property with uses such as a seafood processing plant or saw mill.

“I just want to put that into perspective,” Gaskill said. “The only thing a conditional use would do would be to allow a property owner to apply to the board of zoning appeals to approve that conditional use. The board of zoning appeals would look for detrimental impacts on surrounding properties.”

Councilman Jay Knerr, a former board of appeals member, said the board scrutinized each request carefully.

“Not every decision was a cookie cutter decision,” he said.

The council voted 4-0 to approve the ordinance as proposed.

Page 27

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 25, 2022

People in Society Students of the Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology, Aishia Hazzard, Bethany Bucka, and Alondra Medira headed up the nail station at the Ocean Pines Mardi Gras Themed Children’s Spa Day.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Bank of Ocean City employees Tina Rogers, Earl Conley and Mellissa Von Bank talked with visitors at their booth for the OC Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Spring Trade Expo.

Promoting their June Convention with a booth at the OCHMRA Spring Trade Expo were Kate Loveless, Lynn Hawkins and John Denver of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association.

Courtyard by Marriot OC Director of Sales Kerryann Martin and General Manager Jamie West hosted the Downtown Association Committee of OCDC for an After Dark event in their newly renovated Captain’s Table Restaurant.

At the March Downtown Association Committee of OCDC After Dark, Executive Director Glenn Irwin spoke with Michele Burke of the Worcester County Economic Development office about upcoming developments.

Ocean City Development Corporation Events Planner Mary Ann Manganello and Marjorie Hagood sold the 50/50 raffle tickets at the recent After Dark gathering of the Downtown Association Committee.

Dewey Crush made its premier in the Maryland market at the OCHMRA Spring Trade Expo, with Paul Bauer and Jarret Stopforth sampling the three flavors to thirsty attendees.

During this year’s Delmarva Wool and Fiber Expo, Boy Scouts of America Troop 2173 Scout Master Mark Spear and Event Master Lynnette Roscoe fundraised for the organization.

Spindoctor Victor Ho, M.D. and Colleen Ware showed off their skills at the 8th Delmarva Wool and Fiber Expo.

Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department presented a Mardi Gras Themed Children’s Spa Day with event organizer Katie Goetzinger and volunteer Carol Ludwig welcoming in the participants.

Dredging Group Seeks Project Sites

March 25, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – With major studies now complete, a Fenwick Island committee says it will continue to explore deposit sites for a long-awaited dredging project.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Dredging Committee met to discuss the next steps in its Little Assawoman Bay dredging project.

Since its last meeting in February, Councilman Bill Rymer, committee chair, noted the town has completed all the required studies identified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) as part of the preliminary permitting process.

“Overall, we have finally reached an important milestone …,” he said.

“We’ve done the sediment sampling and we’ve just finished the second round of the archaeological study. Now we’re at the point where we have done everything that we can for our own dredge materials, our own channels.

The number one project we have now is to find a location.”

Simply put, the dredging project is expected to address shoaling in the back-bay system and connect boating channels along Fenwick’s bayside canals to the main channels in the Little Assawoman Bay. As part of that effort, roughly 19,000 cubic feet of dredged material would be moved to another side for reuse, though it remains to be seen what that location would be.

In December, committee members began exploring a partnership with Seatowne, a residential community north of Fenwick. The proposed beneficial use project would use Fenwick’s dredged material to replenish roughly 19 acres of wetlands near the community.

“They’ve got a board of directors of their homeowners association, which is meeting in early April,” Rymer explained. “If that goes well and the board supports it, they will then have a presentation to their entire community at the end of May and have a community wide vote.”

But officials noted that is not the only avenue the town is exploring for its dredging project. A subcommittee has also been formed to explore an alternative deposit site at Seal Island, located in the middle of the Little Assawoman Bay. “We’ve already had several discussions with members of DNREC,” said member George Murphy. “They are supportive of the idea, but obviously a lot of questions need to be answered.”

Officials say the idea is to begin reconstituting Seal Island one cell – or area – at a time with material from the town’s dredging project. They noted, however, that the possibility would require additional studies and funding.

“Community support for this is huge,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

and if we can make it happen that would be a great step …,” Rymer said. “The fact we can do it via a cell approach maybe makes it financially viable. I’m not excluding anything based on financials today because the game is let’s find the right location and see what kind of grant money we can get our hands on.”

Committee members last week also discussed the results of a Phase 1B archeological survey of the Little Assawoman Bay. Last month, the town agreed to pursue a second-phase study after it was learned an underwater object had been detected in one of the proposed dredge areas.

“There was one probe that made contact with a small object, but there was never another contact made,” said Anchor QEA’s Steve Bagnull. “The contact was made below the proposed limit of the dredge channel. All the results are not indicative of this being any item of cultural or historical significance.”

Plans for a dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay began in earnest in 2018, when the town hired Tony Pratt, former administrator for DNREC, to guide them through the funding and permitting processes. By the following year, Anchor QEA, a Lewes-based engineering firm, was brought on board to provide design, bidding and construction management services.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

New Practitioner BERLIN – Atlantic General Health System announced that Wendy Corkran, CRNP, has joined Atlantic General Health System to provide primary care to the communities of southeastern Sussex County, Del. After providing patient care for more than 13 years as a registered nurse, Corkran earned her Master of Science in nursing at Wilmington University in 2017 to become a family nurse WENDY CORKRAN practitioner.

Corkran practices alongside Dr. Ellen Rowe at Atlantic General Primary Care in West Fenwick, Del., and is currently accepting new patients.

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

Retirement Recognized SNOW HILL – On March 15, the Worcester County Commissioners recognized the career accomplishments of Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon, who will retire March 31. McMahon joined Worcester County Government (WCG) on March 9, 1987. He played a pivotal role in transforming the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office (WCFMO) from a oneman shop into a team of highly-trained deputy fire marshals whose responsibilities include fire inspections and plan reviews, instructing fire safety awareness programs in schools and communities, investigating fires and explosions, and responding to hazardous materials incidents.

“In his role leading the WCFMO, volunteering with area fire companies, and heading up hazardous materials responses, Jeff has made a number of noteworthy marks on public safety in Worcester County,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

McMahon, who worked as a program director at WDMV radio in Pocomoke JEFF and also worked at WKHI, MCMAHON began his career with WCG in Emergency Services and was quickly promoted to the position of supervisor. During that time, he played a key role in developing and maintaining the computer aided dispatch system and the original 911 addresses, which required measuring and adding a physical 911 address for every 50-foot section of roadway in the county. When the WCFMO was separated from Emergency Services in 1994, McMahon was recruited to the position of assistant fire marshal. Eighteen months later the commissioners appointed him to lead the young department as the fire marshal.

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy, a world-class flight training institution on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announced it has been chosen by Textron Aviation Cessna Aircraft as the “Top Hawk” Cessna Pilot Center for 2022. As part of the Top Hawk recognition, a ceremony was held on March 22 at the Textron Cessna headquarters in Wichita, Kan., where Ocean Aviation was presented with a brandnew Cessna Skyhawk. The aircraft will be registered as N795TH and painted in Ocean Aviation's company colors with the Ocean Aviation logo proudly displayed on the tail and "Top Hawk" painted on the wingtips. An open house is planned at the Ocean City Airport on Saturday, March 26 to welcome the new aircraft. In addition to flight training, Ocean Aviation will use the custom branded Cessna Skyhawk to promote aviation at air shows and recruiting events.

Submitted Photo

Following the terrorist attacks on Sept.

11, 2001, he worked with local, state, and federal partners to establish the 40-member Special Hazards Response Team.

This team consists of county, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS) professionals, and volunteers who are trained to respond to biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives. He also succeeded in having the WCFMO selected to serve as a beta tester for the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms BATS (Basic Arson Tracking System).

McMahon spearheaded the development of the Fire Training Center in Newark, along with the 2006 replacement of its main classroom building, which now houses the special hazardous response equipment and serves as a training facility for fire, EMS, law enforcement, military, and Worcester Technical High School students earning certification as fire fighters and emergency medical technicians. He also authored the current policy requiring county fire marshals to be trained and certified as law enforcement officers, enabling the WCFMO to be officially recognized by the Maryland Police Training

Commission as a law enforcement agency. This certification grants police authorities to deputy fire marshals when investigating fire and explosive-related crimes.

McMahon also cultivated close working relationships between the WCFMO and other departments and agencies, which resulted in the sharing of manpower and specialty resources as needed with the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office and with the ten volunteer fire departments and all law enforcement agencies in Worcester County to investigate fires, particularly so when the origins are suspicious, involve fatalities, high-dollar losses, or other suspicious circumstances.

In addition to his service to WCG, McMahon was a paramedic for 24 years, served as vice president and president of the Maryland Fire and Explosive Investigators Association and sat on several National Fire Protection Association subcommittees. He is a 41-year member and former assistant chief of the Girdletree Volunteer Fire Company as well as a current member of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

March 25, 2022 Upon his retirement, McMahon will pass the torch of leadership to incoming Fire Marshal Matt Owens.

Business Expansion SALISBURY – Glo Fiber, powered by Shenandoah Telecommunications Company ("Shentel"), announced an agreement with the City of Salisbury to deploy next generation fiber-to-the-premises broadband services. Construction is set to begin in early 2023 to deliver an all-fiber choice for high-speed, reliable service to over 11,000 homes and businesses. This expansion marks the company's second fiber community in Maryland, joining the City of Frederick.

Glo Fiber provides multi-gigabit internet access, streaming TV, and phone service in the mid-Atlantic region, with optional wall-to-wall WiFi service that allows customers to connect anywhere in their home or business. WiFi is optimized via automatic updates and intelligent routing that "learns" the layout of the building – enabling outstanding coverage during a time when connectivity is crucial. Glo internet pricing is all-inclusive with no additional fees or surcharges, excluding taxes.

"We continue to expand our coverage areas throughout the mid-Atlantic region with a mission to provide future-proof, reliable internet service to communities where choice is limited," says Chris Kyle, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs at Shentel. "With a 100% fiber network, businesses and residents will be able to take advantage of high definition quality video, plus symmetrical download and upload speeds for virtual learning, video conferencing, gaming, and e-commerce."

Physician Assistant Hired BERLIN – TidalHealth is pleased to welcome Valerie Golembeski, PA-C, to the TidalHealth Gastroenterology team in Ocean Pines, Maryland. She will practice alongside Dr. Canakis and Erika AndersPinto, PA-C. Golembeski received her Bachelor of Science degree in the Accelerated Pre-Physician Assistant Program from Marywood University. She later earned her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Marywood University.

VALERIE Golembeski is a mem- GOLEMBESKI ber of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. She lives in Ocean Pines and likes to stay involved with young professional groups in the area.

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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COMMUNITY News In Photos

Members of the Worcester County Garden Club (WCGC) gained an understanding of the important role mushrooms have on our ecosystem and health during a recent presentation by Matthew Harhai. Harhai owns and operates Goat Tree Plum Farm with his wife Anmei. Pictured from left to right are Anmei Harhai, WCGC President Deb Young and Matthew Harhai.

Ocean Pines Police Chief Leo Ehrisman, left, is pictured with Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Tim Lund after speaking to the Kiwanis Club about computer and telephone scams. Ehrisman, who has worked in law enforcement since 1986 and been chief in the Pines since 2020, advised club members how to recognize prevalent scams.

Submitted Photos

Jack Gerbes, director of the Maryland Film Office, Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, and B.L. Strang-Moya, creative director of the Ocean City Film Festival, attended the opening night reception of the 6th annual festival at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center on March 3.

The cat Magic Mike visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City on March 2 as club members heard from representatives of Town Cats, a local nonprofit that helps homeless cats. Pictured from left to right are Kiwanis Club President Tim Lund, Town Cats Treasurer-Secretary Nancy Carter, Magic Mike, Town Cats Vice President Elizabeth Scott and Town Cats President Susan Mohler.

The Worcester County Commissioners presented a retirement commendation to K9 Officer Karma. During nearly nine years of service, Karma was instrumental in removing illegal drugs, guns, and other contraband from Worcester County and other communities across the Delmarva Peninsula. She also assisted in the apprehension of dangerous, felonious persons, prevented injury to both criminals and law enforcement officers, and served as a canine ambassador to area residents and visitors, while serving and protecting with her handler, Lieutenant Bethany Ramey, who is pictured with Karma.

Katy Durham and Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan attended the First Friday opening reception on March 4 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts and the "Movie-Mania" exhibition celebrating the 6th Annual Ocean City Film Festival.

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Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 25, 2022

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, piles of the removed wooden boards from the Boardwalk are pictured in the Inlet with the replacement wood in the background. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 58

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Be ward position. Best advice: Deal with it careful about doing someone a favor immediately. The longer you delay, the when you don't know the full story be- more difficult it will be to get out of it. hind the request. Don't rely on someSCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): You one's unsubstantiated assurances. In- should feel recharged and ready for sist on all the facts before you act. whatever your workaday world holds TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): for you. The same positive energy spills That workplace problem still needs over into your personal relationships. your attention before you finally can SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. close the book on it. Meanwhile, a long- 21): A prospect might be less than it anticipated reunion gets closer to be- appears to be. Like the Archer in your coming a happy reality. sign, you always aim for the truth. And GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You this is no time to settle for less than full might be demanding more from others disclosure. than they can give. Best advice: Have CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): a long and frank talk to determine what Start doing some serious thinking athe facts are. Tensions should abate as bout a career move that could entail the week winds down. more than just changing job sites.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Some lifestyle changes also might be Aspects are favorable throughout this involved. week for making contacts that could be AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): important to your career plans. Mean- With tensions easing at the workplace, while, an old friend offers the advice a more positive environment once ayou're seeking. gain encourages the free flow of ideas LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): It's time so typical of the always-innovative Ato stop licking your wounds from past quarian. mistakes. Get up and get going toward PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): your future. Loyal friends will be there Show some of that usually hidden to help the Lion get back into rip-roar- steel-strong Piscean backbone, and ing shape. stand up for yourself if you hope to VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Take make a case for that promotion you time out to go over what's expected of know you deserve. you before you begin your new project.

BORN THIS WEEK: You enjoy doOtherwise, you run the risk of pushing ing new things and staying ahead of the yourself harder than you need to. crowd. You would make a fine sports LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): An un- coach or military leader. (c) 2022 usual request could put you in an awk- ON PAGE ANSWERS 46King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 36

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

OCEAN CITY

March 25, 2022

WITH BUNK MANN

Signs of spring blooming March Madness upsets A restful vacation

Smooth roller coasters

All the recent NFL trades An easy I-95 trip

“The Last Kingdom” on Netflix

Trying and liking a new restaurant My kids’ faces on a roller coaster Hotels with great guest service A quick healing injury

Ocean City’s original Pier building was completed in 1907 on the Boardwalk at Wicomico Street. In addition to shops and a dancing pavilion, it also featured a theatre and several refreshment stands. It was also the entrance to the Ocean City Fishing Pier. The building was raised 10 feet above the beach and built on wooden pilings. Part of it actually extended over the water as the beach was very narrow in that era. The original Pier building had its share of misfortune. In 1918, a snowstorm caused its roof to collapse and the theatre was replaced by a bowling alley. On Dec. 29, 1925, the ill-fated building burned down and was replaced by the current Pier building in 1929.

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County Extends Ag Jimmy Charles To Headline Jellyfish Festival Tank Moratorium

March 25, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County leaders have agreed to introduce new legislation extending a moratorium on the issuance of building permits for certain agricultural storage tanks.

Last week, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to introduce a legislative bill extending a moratorium on the issuance of building permits for dissolved air flotation (DAF) storage tanks that hold poultry rendering waste.

“We want to get further details on these types of containers and other processes to hold materials that are closely aligned with DAF,” said Councilman Josh Hastings.

The topic of DAF tanks was first introduced in 2019, when Wicomico County Planning, Zoning and Community Development issued a building permit allowing a local farmer to construct a three-million-gallon storage tank containing byproducts on his property in the area of Porter Mill Road. Several nearby residents, however, have since shared their concerns with the council regarding the smells and potential hazards associated with the tank. There has also been litigation in Wicomico County Circuit Court challenging the validity of that storage tank and the permit issued for its construction.

While the moratorium – first enacted in 2019 – does not affect that particular project, officials in Wicomico County agreed it would allow for further review of the permitting process and zoning issues related to DAF storage tanks. In recent months, for example, the county council and planning and zoning staff have met to discuss proposed zoning amendments relating to agricultural storage tanks.

“The storage of waste byproduct known as DAF – that includes matter from the washdown – is a concern voiced by county residents who reside near the locations where it’s being applied,” council attorney Andrew Mitchell said last week. “The county previously determined further study of DAF tank matter is needed, and the county has, in fact, undertaken such a study. Planning and Zoning is working that up, and it has been presented.”

Mitchell added that the legislation introduced last week would extend the moratorium for a period of six months.

“The council desires to avoid issuance of permits for tanks or facilities for its use, continuing the moratorium on the issuance of such permits imposed by legislative bills 2019-07, 2020-01, 2020-13 and 2021-05 to allow the county council time to review legislative recommendations submitted by the Wicomico County Planning and Zoning Commission pertaining to the storage of DAF material …,” he said. “The legislative bill will take effect 60 days after its passage unless a proper petition for referendum is filed.”

A motion to introduce the moratorium extension passed unanimously.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – Jellyfish Festival announced this week country rocker Jimmy Charles as the main stage headliner for the Saturday, June 4 event.

“What a perfect way to spend an evening – a cold beer in your hand and Jimmy Charles performing with his full band,” said Jellyfish founder and director Brad Hoffman. “One of Ocean City’s favorite sons, returning from Nashville. He promises to put on a rocking show that will leave fans wanting more.”

A national recording artist, Charles is a rising star in the world of country music. From his hometown of Ocean City, fans came to know him through TV shows “American Idol” and “Nashville Star.” In 2020, he was named Male Artist of the Year by the Nashville Industry Music Awards, and his “Never

Jimmy Charles is pictured during a recent performance.

Submitted Photo

Had A Bad Day” won Song of the Year.

He has shared the stage with superstars like Travis Tritt, Kacey Musgraves and Lady Antebellum.

This year, Live Wire will be partnering with production company Outer Control Entertainment and recording studio Cozy Recordings to put together an amazing vibe, according to Hoff-

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man. Cozy will be presenting the BStage inside the interactive Vendor Village.

Returning to the Jellyfish Festival grounds over the June 4-5 weekend is the fan favorite Shore Craft Beer Fest.

The afternoon event will feature more than 20 regional breweries including Burley Oak, Fordam & Dominion, and Big Oyster.

The June event will also mark the return of the East Coast Cornhole Championships, presented by the Maryland Cornhole Organization. The tournament, played right on the beach, is open to both professional and amateur teams, who will compete for cash and prizes. For more information, visit MarylandCornhole.net.

Concert tickets and Shore Craft Beer Fest tickets are on sale now at JellyfishFestival.com.

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Nordstrom Family Fund Created to impact Children’s Lives The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SALISBURY – More than half a million dollars will benefit the needs of foster children and children in crisis situations in the Lower Shore community. The Nordstrom Family Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore was created by Ray and Bonnie Nordstrom after they were inspired to grow their impact while continuing to make a difference in the lives of area children.

“We have worked with so many local organizations serving families in need, but our hearts are always drawn to the children. They are our future and we want to help them, in some small way, to be the best they can be,” said Bonnie Nordstrom. “I hear of foster care children being moved to new families with all their belongings in a black plastic bag. Our hope is to provide some basic resources to less advantaged children, so that personal dignity and well-being is elevated during the experience.”

The Nordstroms have a history of philanthropy and recognize that in creating an impact, it is critical to meet the day-to-day needs, but also to help iden-

tify opportunities to improve the systems that those in crisis have to navigate.

“My father grew up very poor, but always said that education was the great equalizer in life,” said Ray Nordstrom.

“For educational opportunity to find fertile soil, certain basic needs need to be met. We hope to provide decent clothes, shoes, and personal items to foster care children and children of families in need.”

It was the family’s financial advisor, Eric Johnston of InFocus Financial Advisors, Inc., who connected the Nordstrom’s with the Community Foundation. He knew that a Donor Advised Fund was an efficient and flexible way for the family to support a variety of causes that were close to their heart.

“By utilizing the resources offered through the Community Foundation, the Nordstrom’s gift will make a long-lasting difference,” said Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “Through earned interest, their gift will be able to continually grow, which in turn creates more money available in the future for these important causes.”

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Date announced For cRIckeT center’s annual Fun Walk

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – The CRICKET Center, Worcester County’s only Child Advocacy Center, will hold its 9th Annual “5K Fun Walk for Kids” event on the Ocean City Boardwalk on Sunday, April 24 from noon until 3 p.m. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday April 30.

Proceeds from the event will directly support children that have witnessed or experienced abuse in Worcester County.

Registration is $25 per person and includes the walkand admission to a reception following the walk with refreshments, swag bag, and other kid-friendly activities. Trophies will be awarded during the reception for both the top individual fundraiser and team fundraiser.

Event registration is available online at www.thecricketcenter.com, by calling the CRICKET Center at 410-641-0097, or on the day of the event beginning at 11 a.m. at Hooters Restaurant, 5th Street and the Boardwalk.

The CRICKET Center’s goal is to reduce childhood trauma and abuse by helping local agencies come together to address the needs of each child. The multidisciplinary team consists of law

enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, legal professionals, advocates, mental health therapists and medical personnel. The team works together as one unit to investigate crimes against children and to prosecute the individuals responsible.

Team members meet regularly to communicate and collaborate on child abuse cases, which are reviewed beginning with the victim’s initial outcry through investigation, treatment and prosecution.

The CRICKET Center not only aids

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CRICKET Center Executive Director Lauren Cooper said the “5K Fun Walk” is the center’s largest fund-raising effort of the year. The CRICKET Center has partnered with Hooters of Ocean City for this year’s event.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 25, 2022

STUDENTS In The News

Worcester Preparatory School’s Chess Club Tournament winners were recognized in front of their classmates and awarded with a trophy recently. Led by Head of Lower School Dr. Sara Timmons and Upper School Social Studies teacher Paul Cyryca, the club had much interest this year maxing out at 40 students participating. The club met twice a month since the start of the 2021-2022 school year and had its final Chess Tournament March 3.

During lunch on Wednesday, Dr. Timmons presented the winners, Liam Doran (‘30), above, 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 2-4 was Tejal Pillai (‘31) and Allen Martikan (‘31) and in the Grades 5-8 was Liam McAllister (‘29).

To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, Lisa Kristick’s Pre-K3 class at Ocean City Elementary School identified how each student is different and special after reading the books, “Just Ask” and “You’re All Kinds of Wonderful.” They learned how their classmate Tommy was born with one extra chromosome and has Down Syndrome. The entire school dressed in blue and yellow to celebrate this special day. Kristick and assistant Kathy Elmer are pictured with students from their class.

Submitted Photos

Worcester Preparatory School Lower School celebrated reaching the 100th day of school this month. Students from Pre-K to fifth grade participated in a variety of educational and philanthropic activities throughout the day to commemorate their milestone. Above, third graders pictured are Gavin Dennis, Jad Salem, Colton Duffie, Evan Kaufman, Luca DiFebo, Jamil Salem and Soloman Prosser.

Below, showing off their creative shirts were, front from left, Raia Gorfinkel and Isabella Rice; second row, Clara Collins-Ellingsworth and ViviAnna Grinestaff; and, back row, Elif Tekmen, Lillyan White and Sadie Kremer.

First grade students at Ocean City Elementary recently enjoyed a visit from a tooth fairy helper, who taught them all the healthy ways to take care of their teeth.

Pictured are Cora Handel, Emma Stallings, Noelle Fritzsche, Wyatt Brown, Charlie Hammond and Amelia Purnell.

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

Page 42

… Overlay District, Air Rights OK’d

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 13 “My concern is the parking situation,” he said. “Are they any other properties in town that are valet parking only?”

Neville pointed out there will be times of the year when the resort hotel is filled just to a fraction of its capacity, and at those times, particularly during the winter, a parking management system should be maintained, but that does not necessarily mean a complete valet service.

“A condition the planning commission included is a managed parking system,” he said. “I don’t know if in January they will need a full-time valet system. There has to be some flexibility.”

Having read the findings of fact and the favorable recommendation from the planning commission and staff, Councilman Mark Paddack was prepared to make a motion to approve the POD application for the Margaritaville project.

“It’s pretty obvious to me that the planning commission is very clear in its memo,” he said. “The commission held work sessions and considered everybody’s testimony. There are 91 pages of testimony from the planning commission. I appreciate the work of the planning commission and staff to bring us a thorough recommendation.”

Again, the POD provides flexibility for the developer to create an aestheticallypleasing project. In the case of the Margaritaville project, that means easing some of the setback requirements in order to allow the rooms and amenities to be spread over the entire property. For example, the proposed design has some elements of the project just 15 feet from the Boardwalk, but the restaurants, outdoor pools and pool decks and other amenities are gradually tiered-back toward the highest tower of rooms in the center of the property. Meehan pointed out the relatively close proximity of some of the elements to the Boardwalk and said the sacred standard for many years has been 32 feet.

“This building comes within 15 feet of the Boardwalk,” he said. “This would be closer than anything else in that area with the exception of the Holiday Inn. This is different. I like how it is tiered back from that point, but it will set a precedent.”

Meehan said a POD approval is supposed to cut both ways.

“A POD gives a developer a great degree of flexibility,” he said. “It’s also supposed to be the trade-off to create a better project for the area and by moving everything in a little and putting the parking underneath, it creates more open space and visually creates a better project.”

Meehan then addressed some his concerns about the parking issues, concerns he has apparently heard from constituents.

“This is the result of a lot of comments we have gotten,” he said. “This building will affect parking probably as far south as a couple of blocks and as far north as a couple of blocks, and probably back to the bay.”

While the parking management system, or valet system, will control parking within the site or on lots the developer owns, Meehan voiced concern about the trickle-down effect on parking in the entire area.

“It is going to have a significant impact

March 25, 2022

parking-wise on that surrounding area going back to the bayside and into the residential areas,” he said. “It might result in other things taking place that will make parking in that area more difficult. It is going to change things dramatically. Does the quality of this building and what it brings to Ocean City offset that? I think it does in many ways.”

Again, Meehan said he strongly supported the project as presented, but believed there could be a few tweaks to make it more palatable to the surrounding neighborhoods.

“I’m thrilled you’re here to present such a project,” he said. “I do believe there are things that could have been done to make this project a little smaller and more conducive to that area, but, overall, what you’re bringing to town and what you’re proposing is certainly a first-class project.”

James also continued to voice concern with the overall parking issues associated with the major project.

“Parking is probably my biggest hangup with this project,” he said. “This neighborhood is already significantly short on parking. It’s going to significantly impact the neighborhood.”

With that said, the council at long last was prepared to vote on the motion made

by Paddack with five conditions added to the 13 conditions included in the planning commission’s recommendation, including any valet fee must be included in the overall room rate between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and outside of that, it doesn’t have to be included if self-parking is available.

Other conditions included in the council’s motion included a bus stop on Baltimore Avenue provided by the developer, security gates with emergency vehicle access at 13th Street and 14th Street and the Boardwalk, the removal of any signs along Baltimore Avenue that encroach in the right of way, and the placement of fire hydrants at the direction of the fire marshal’s office.

After considerable debate, the council voted 5-1 with James opposed and Councilman Lloyd Martin absent to approve the POD application for the Margaritaville project.

Air Rights Over Washington Lane Conveyed Before the Mayor and Council took on the larger POD application issue, there was a public hearing on the proposed conveyance of air rights over the portion of Washington Lane the bisects the property. Last summer, Attorney Hugh Cropper III, who represents project developer NOSC, LLC, presented a conceptual plan for the town to essentially abandon that portion of the alley and convey it to the project developer.

Under the new proposal, that 16-foot wide portion of Washington Lane that bisects the Margaritaville property would remain a public right of way and the developer would make significant improvements to it. For example, the existing 16foot-wide alley would be widened to 23 feet, allowing for two vehicles to safely pass through that section of Washington Lane.

In addition, five-foot wide sidewalks would be added on either side of the alley, along with a dedicated three-foot-wide biSEE NEXT PAGE

… Officials Discuss Hotel Parking, Alleyway Concerns

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

cycle path. Because of the changes, the portion of Washington Lane that bisects the Margaritaville property would have to be realigned by about nine feet, so it would align with the sections of the alley to the north and south.

In order to accomplish all of those changes, the developer was seeking the rights to the air space over the public right of way. The air space would be at least 14 feet above the roadway, or a height prescribed by the fire marshal’s office. Cropper explained the air rights are needed in order to connect the elements of the project on either side of the alley.

“It’s a unified development of the entire Beach Plaza property,” he said. “It’s considered in-fill development. It’s a very exciting project. We’re asking to acquire the air rights over Washington Lane. Our position is, without the air rights, we cannot do a unified project.”

Cropper said without the conveyance of the air rights over the alley, the project could not be completed as designed and proposed.

“The air rights do not serve any public purpose,” he said. “If you don’t have the air rights, you have two separate buildings. It doesn’t work. It will actually be a public benefit.”

Cropper then called on a laundry list of witnesses during the public hearing, the majority of whom spoke in favor of conveying the air rights to the developer. Former longtime Ocean City Zoning Administrator Blaine Smith, who serves as a consultant on the Margaritaville project, ex-

Resort officials voted this week to allow for a planned overlay district, as well as the conveyance of air rights over an alleyway, for the Margaritaville project.

Above, a rendering shows the proposed complex from the Boardwalk.

Image courtesy of Becker Morgan Group

plained the many ways improving the alley would benefit the public in general.

“There are structures over alleys in other areas with no negative impact,” he said. “It would have a positive impact.

Two-way traffic in the alley is a public benefit. Sidewalks on either side is a public benefit. The slight offset to the north provides traffic calming, so that’s another public benefit.”

Meehan supported the conveyance and the improvements to the alley, but

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voiced concern about the proposed width of the bike path.

“I think you’re doing a lot to improve the alley,” he said. “I do have some concerns about two-way bike traffic. I’m just worried the three-foot bike lane is not wide enough.”

Steve Smith, a principal in the Chesapeake Hospitality Hotel Management Company, a partner in the proposed Margaritaville project, presented pictures of the interior spaces of the proposed project

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over the alley.

“When you look at what’s above the alley, it shows the connectivity,” he said.

“A well-connected resort allows for an extended tourist season. The guests never have to go outside if they don’t want to.”

Margaritaville Hospitality CEO John Colhan also testified about the importance of the air rights to the project. Colhan has been partners with Jimmy Buffett for over two decades and helped transition the company from a small restaurant in the Florida Keys to a nationally and internationally-known brand. Colhan was asked why Ocean City and why now for the company’s next big undertaking.

“Ocean City would have been great at any time for our development,” he said.

“Ocean City already fits the brand. It’s ideal now, but it would have been at any time. I can’t think of any place in the country that would be a better fit for this project. I couldn’t be more excited.”

During the public comment portion of the hearing, there was just a smattering of comments made. Resident and former councilman Vince Gisriel raised concern about the town potentially conveying the air rights without determining what their value was through an appraisal.

“What is the value of air rights?” he said. “If you were talking about conveying an alley, that could set a precedent down the road considering the density.”

After considerable debate, the council voted 6-0 with Martin absent to approve the conveyance of the air rights over Washington Lane to the developer.

Page 44

Mallard Swimmers Strong At Junior Olympics

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

March 25, 2022

Ocean City High State Championship Recalled In The News

Three Worcester Prep swimmers representing the Mako Swim Club turned in strong performances at the Mid-Atlantic Junior Olympics last weekend with a handful of medals won and plenty of personal bests. Pictured above from left are Gabriella Damouni, Anna Mumford and Jude Damouni.

Submitted Photo This week 70 years ago, the Ocean City High School team, pictured above, won the school’s one and only state basketball championship. Ocean City High School was housed in what is now City Hall for much of the first half of the 20th century before Stephen Decatur High School opened. Photo courtesy of the Ocean City Lifesaving Station Museum

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Seventy years ago this week, the Ocean City High School boys’ varsity basketball team won its one and only state championship.

Ocean City High School for decades existed in what is now City Hall through the first half of the 20th century. On March 22, 1952, the Ocean City High School team won the state Class C championship at the University of Maryland in College Park.

It was quite an accomplishment for the Ocean City High School team.

Ocean City High School was one of the smallest high schools in the state in terms of enrollment. The team had reached the state championship games two times prior in 1948 and 1951.

After finishing with a 16-2 regular season record in 1952, the Ocean City team advance through the state Class C playoffs. On March 21, 1952, Ocean

City beat Barton High from Alleghany County, 70-60, in the state semifinals to reach the championship game. The following day on March 22, 1952, Ocean City beat New Windsor of Carroll County, 70-55, in the title game to claim the Maryland Class C championship.

City Hall served as both an elementary school and the high school for 38 years. Two years after Ocean City High School’s basketball team won the state championship in 1952, the student body merged with Berlin’s Buckingham High School to move into the brandnew Stephen Decatur High School.

Players on the 1952 state championship team included Burt Raughley, Art Herbst, Gary Hurley, Robert Mumford, George Hurley, Ray Shockley, Ron Bassett, Jim Shockley, Bill Brown, Forrest Bradford, Paul Brown, Ben Lewis, Lionel Massey, and Dick Hall. The team was coached by Richard DeHart and managed by John Russell.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Three Worcester Prep swimmers representing the Mako Swim Club turned in strong performances last weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Junior Olympics with each dropping their times in their events and adding a few personal bests over the course of the fourday event.

For Jude Damouni (Class of 2026), Gabriella Damouni (Class of 2027), and Anna Mumford (Class of 2027), hard work and hours in the pool with the Mako Swim Club paid off last weekend. Each of the Worcester Prep swimmers competed in multiple events and placed or medaled in several at the Mid-Atlantic Junior Olympics last weekend.

For example, Gabriella Damouni finished second in the 200-freestyle, fourth in the 1,000-freestyle, fifth in the 1,650-freestyle, ninth in the 100freestyle and 10th in the 500-freestyle.

Gabriella collected four medals during the meet and recorded personal bests in seven of the events in which she competed.

Anna Mumford finished second in the 1,000-freestyle and fourth in the 1,650-freestyle and earned two medals. Mumford also finished 22nd in the 100-freestyle, 17th in the 200-freestyle, 24th in the 100-backstroke, 23rd in the 200-backstroke, 19th in the 200-individual medley and 15th in the 400-individual medley.

Jude Damouni finished 28th in the 200-freestyle, 18th in the 1,000-freestyle, 19th in the 1,650-freestyle and 56th in the 100-butterfly. Jude also set personal bests in four of his events including the 200-freestyle, the 1,000freestyle, the 1,650-freestyle and the 100-butterfly.

Each of the Mallard swimmers dropped times in all of their events, which is what their coaches are looking for. Dropping times from one meet to another indicates their hard work and dedication to the sport are paying off and they are getting faster.

With their strong performances and medals won, Gabriella Damouni and Anna Mumford advanced to Mid-Atlantic Swimming’s Senior Championships this weekend at the Keystone Aquatic Center in Carlisle, Pa.

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OBITUARIES Kevin Chester BERLIN – On Wednesday, March 16, Kevin Chester, father, husband and friend, passed away suddenly at age 54.

Kevin was born in Salisbury to Sandra Foskey and Richard Chester. He was raised with love and support from his mother and stepfather William Sutton.

Kevin enjoyed surfing, traveling, watching his son play soccer and spending time with his family.

Kevin graduated from Laurel High School in KEVIN CHESTER 1986. He cooked at restaurants in the Ocean City/Bethany area.

He cherished all of his coworkers and considered them extended family.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Jenice Chester of Ocean City; a son, Leonardo Chester; a daughter, Stella Chester; sister Tracy Chester of Ocean City, and her son Mick Chester; and Paula Sutton of Laurel, Del,. and her son Issac Stabel; his uncle Bob Chester; and his cousins, Phillip Chester and Chris Chester, who Kevin considered his brothers.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 27, at Mothers Cantina on 78th street, between 2-5 p.m.

Andrea L. McGuigan BETHANY BEACH, Del. – Andrea L. McGuigan, age 59, of Bethany Beach, Del., went home to be with the Lord after a 20-year battle with ovarian cancer. She passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home while surrounded by her loved ones on the first day of spring, Sunday, March 20, 2022.

Andrea was born in Newton, NJ on Jan. 21, 1963, daughter of the late Stephen Keenan and the late Ethel Daisy (Ebersten) Keenan. She had worked as the settlement coordinator and paralegal for Joseph C. Raskauskas, P.A. Andrea was also the driving force in ANDREA L. her family business, Cap- MCGUIGAN tain Mac’s Bait & Tackle for 32 years and Captain Mac’s Fish House for the last eight years. She was the guiding light and factor pushing the business in a different direction after Hurricane Sandy.

She was truly a master of all trades, from payroll, accounting, and permit liaison, to painter and decorator, to food critic, therapist, and all other tasks that go with small business.

Andrea’s love was for her family. She provided a nurturing environment and always wanted the best for the people she loved. It was this loving and caring for others, over herself, that made her such a special person. She never wanted to burden others; as such, many did not know the severity of her illness. Her perseverance and strength (spiritual, mental and physical) throughout her fight with cancer continues to inspire. Andrea was a steadfast wife, a devoted mother, and a loyal friend. The things that will be most missed are her wit, gentleness, good nature, and guidance.

Andrea was a faithful member of St. Ann Catholic Church and served on the planning board for the Most Blessed Sacrament School in Ocean Pines. She loved the outdoors and looking at God’s amazing creation. Andrea loved life on the water, spending time at the beach and in the boat with her family and dear friends, or simply birdwatching.

She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Bruce C. McGuigan; a daughter, Kirsten McGuigan and her husband, Andrew Kleinstuber of Frankford, Del.; a son, Matthew McGuigan and his fiancée, Alyssa Giansanti of Dagsboro, Del.; her most faithful friend, Brego; and three siblings, Neil Keenan of Dowelltown, Tenn., Linnea Albright and her husband, Odell of Charlotte, N.C. and Merrill Keenan of Sparta, N.J. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2022 at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Rd., Ocean View, Del. 19970. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. The interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, DE. The mass will also be livestreamed by visiting www.facebook.com/stannbb.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Andrea’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org, Shriners Hospitals for Children by visiting www.shrinerschildrens.org or the American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

Maria Pepe WILLARDS – Maria Pepe, 60, of Willards, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022.

Born in Darby, Pa., she was the daughter of Phyllis (Egan) Pepe and the late Robert E. Pepe, Sr. She graduated from North Penn High School and then later in life went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition Science from Keiser University.

Maria lived in many places over the years including Florida, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. She enjoyed knitting, baking, spending warm sunny days at the beach, and her fellowship in AA. She is survived by her children, Stefanie, Michael, and Christopher Minemier, and two grandchildren. She is also survived by her three siblings, Monica Pepe, Robert Pepe, Jr. and Richelle Kozlusky.

No service is planned at this time, but a celebration of life will be held in South Carolina in April and in Maryland this summer on the beach with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the American Cancer Society or the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation.

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home. Visit www.hollowayfh.com to express condolences to the family.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

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

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

March 26: Bull and Oyster Roast Sons of the American Legion Post 166 on 23rd St in Ocean City will host from 4-7p.m. Includes pit beef, oysters, hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, cheese tray, dessert and draft beer. Music with DJ Mikey. Cost $40 per person or $300 for a table of eight. Tickets available at the post or call 410 289-3166. Tickets are limited.

March 26: Lincoln Day Dinner The Worcester County Republican Central Committee will host the Ocean City

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 25, 2022

Things To Do

made soups including peas and dumplings and veg. beef. Bake sale items will be available. No pre-orders. Call 410835-8796 or 443-880-8804 for more details.

Fontainebleau Hotel. Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. $75 per person.

Make checks payable to WCRCC, PO Box 1432, Ocean Pines, Md. 21811. For reservation form and to select your meal choice between beef medallions grilled salmon and chicken breast, call Loretta 443-614-4953 or Mary 443-880-3740.

March 26: AUCE Breakfast Buffet AUCE breakfast buffet at the Whaleyville United Methodist Church located at 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road in Whaleyville, MD. $8/adult and $4/child.

Saturday, March 26th from 7am-10am.

Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages.

April 2: Spring Food Drive Join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Food Lion in Ocean Pines. Members will be collecting canned goods, nonperishable food items, toiletries and monetary donations for local food banks. Food banks receiving donations this month include St. Mary’s/Holy Savior Church and St. Vincent de Paul Society (Ocean City), Sarah’s Pantry & Community Church (Berlin), Delmarva’s Homeless Helpers (Salisbury), Chincoteague Island Food Closet (Chincoteague, VA), and Shepherd’s Office (Georgetown, Del.). The needed items include ready-to-eat and microwave-ready meals, single-serve cereals, shelf stable milk, breakfast and granola bars, fruit cups, juice boxes, individual snack packs, cases of bottled water, and microwave rice cups. Additionally, baby/infant needs include formula, diapers, and wipes and one of the recipients is able to distribute fresh fruits and vegetables. Paper products, such as paper towels and toilet paper, and personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, soap, toothbrush and paste in regular or travel size, are also needed. Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional food items to ensure well-rounded donations are provided to each organization.

April 2: Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church is offering from 11 a.m. until. For $14,

guests receive four pieces of fried chicken, string beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, cole slaw, apple sauce, roll and cupcake.

April 8: Annual Cash Bingo The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding their annual cash bingo at the main station on Friday, April 8. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early birds begin at 5:45 p.m. Regular games begin at 7 p.m. There will be 20 regular games, two specials and jackpot and a 50/50 raffle. Food and beverages available for purchase. Call 619922-9950 to reserve your limited tickets.

April 21: OP Boat Club Meeting The Ocean Pies Boat Club's annual Spring General Meeting in the Ocean Pines Community Center's Assateague Room. Doors open at 6 p.m. for socializing and light refreshments. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Speaker is Michael Castoro and his subject is “The History of the Pride of Baltimore.” Public invited.

April 23: Bikers For Autism Join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation for the Inaugural Bikers for Autism ride. This premier event will raise funds for the Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County. Bike registration will be held from 9-11 a.m. at The Cork Bar (motorcycles park along Wicomico Street) followed by the ride, escorted by the Wicomico and Worcester County Sheriff’s departments. Following the ride, join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation and other enthusiasts from noon to 3 p.m. for a block party sponsored by The Cork Bar, The Bearded Clam and Crawl Street Tavern with live music from The Chest Pains. The $25 registration fee includes a buffet lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. All are welcome to join the ride and the block party. There will be silent auctions, raffles, and a 50/50 raffle.

April 23: Drive Thru Church Lunch From 10 a.m. until sold out at the Powellville UM Church located at 35606 Mount Hermon Road, Powellville. Drive thru luncheon features oyster fritter sandwiches, homemade chicken salad, home-

April 24: CRICKET Center Walk The CRICKET Center, Worcester County’s only Child Advocacy Center, will hold the 9th annual “5K Fun Walk for Kids” event on the Ocean City Boardwalk from noon until 3 p.m. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday April 30. Proceeds from the event will directly support children that have witnessed or experienced abuse in Worcester County. Registration is $25 per person and includes the walk, admission to a reception following the walk with refreshments, swag bag, and other kid-friendly activities. Trophies will be awarded during the reception for both the top individual fundraiser and team fundraiser. www.thecricketcenter.com to register or call 410-641-0097 or on the day of the event beginning at 11 a.m. at Hooters Restaurant, 5th Street and the Boardwalk.

May 11: Hospice Fundraiser Coastal Hospice will be hosting its annual signature event, Taste of Finer Things! featuring a pairing of fine wine and delectable food from local restaurants. This spectacular evening is a chance to sample some of the best that the Ocean City area has to offer. Reservations for this sell out event are $100/person and includes open bar, wine and food pairings, live entertainment and dancing by “On the Edge” Band, free play, and so much more at the Ocean Downs Casino 6-9:00 p.m. To learn more about Taste of Finer Things, sponsor or attend www.coastalhospice.org/taste/.

June 11: MC Walk Registration is under way for MAC’s Soles for Seniors, a one-mile walkstepping off from the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Registration and check-in starts at 8 a.m., the walk begins at 9 a.m., and awards and food are planned for 10 a.m.

Registration is $10 and includes a visor, breakfast and the awards ceremony. Donate a total of $50 (which includes registration) and also get an event T-shirt. All ages are welcome. Children under age 5 walk for free and don’t need to register.

Proceeds will benefit MAC’s Life Bridges Dementia Dare Day Program and Connections senior center activities. To register, visit www.macinc.org.

March 25, 2022

Who’s Where When COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 25: Full Circle Wednesdays: DJ Wax CORK BAR Saturday, March 26: Lennon LaRicci & The Leftovers Sunday, March 27: Dust N Bones Duo

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Best Beats

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, March 25

On The Beach BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, March 25: Hurricane Kevin Sunday, March 27: Brian Bishop Tuesday, March 29: Catch The Drift Wednesday, March 30: Robin N Hoods CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, March 25: Dust N Bones Saturday, March 26: Rogue Citizens

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Pickles Pub: Mondays Karaoke with Wood

THE BUZZER BAND Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, March 25 & 26

ROGUE CITIZENS Harborside: Sat., March 26 • 1pm Crawl St. Tavern: Sat., March 26 • 8pm SYDNEY SMITH BAND Pickles Pub: Saturday, March 26

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, March 25: DJ Greg, DJ Robcee, The Poprocks Saturday, March 26: DJ Hook, Darin Engh & Friends, Justin Trawick & The Common Good, Party Foul HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, March 26: Rogue Citizens, DJ Billy T Sunday, March 27: Pickin’ Party, DJ Billy T Thursdays: DJ Billy T

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, March 25

JPARIS Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, March 25 & 26

FULL CIRCLE Coins Pub: Friday, March 25 Seacrets: Thursday, March 31 (DUO)

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, Wednesdays

OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The OC Friday & Saturday, March 25 & 26: The Buzzer Band PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Styler Saturday, March 26: Sydney Smith Band Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Thursday

THE POPROCKS Fagers Island: Friday, March 25

CRASH THE PARTY Seacrets: Saturday, March 26

DUST N BONES BAND Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, March 25 DUST N BONES DUO Cork Bar: Sunday, March 27

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON Between Talbot & Caroline Streets On The Boardwalk 410-289-6953 Friday & Saturday, March 25 & 26: Jparis Saturdays: DJ Adam Dutch SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 25: DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, John McNutt Band, The Event Horizon Saturday, March 26: DJ Cruz, John McNutt Band, Until Sunrise, Crash The Party Thursday, March 31: Full Circle Duo, DJ Bobby O

BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

KAROAKE WITH JEREMY Greene Turtle West: Sundays

CATCH THE DRIFT Crabcake Factory Bayside: Tuesday, March 29

LENNON LaRICCI & THE LEFTOVERS Cork Bar: Saturday, March 26

Page 48

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 25, 2022

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 49

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

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

HELP WANTED FULL MOON SALOON: Hiring Year-Round Server. Great family atmosphere. Apply within. 12702 Old Bridge Road, West OC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– P/T DENTAL HYGIENIST: Small, family oriented Dental Office seeking part time Dental Hygienist.

Please send a resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GREENE TURTLE WEST: Now hiring Line Cooks, Dishwasher & Barback. Paying top dollar. Apply within on Route 611 West Ocean City or call 410-213-1500.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– C L E A N E R S / VAC AT I O N RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BREAKFAST COOK: Hiring part time experienced breakfast cook to join the awesome team at Jimmy’s Kitchen in Fenwick Island. Willing to train as well. Great pay, great hours, 5am-1pm, lots of beach time! Apply in person Mondays or Fridays, 1300 Coastal Highway.

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

Call 410-641-4411.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COOKS, KITCHEN HELP, FOOD RUNNERS: Flexible schedule.

Clean kitchen. New equipment.

Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment. American Legion Post #166, Ocean City. Contact Sam Wiley at 443-235-0876.

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

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

Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have reliable transportation to work. Call 410641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SECURITY: F/T & P/T year-round positions available in OC. Great opportunity. If interested, please call 443-513-4198.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: For busy Landscape Contractors office in Berlin. This is a multi-tasking position for detail oriented individual including customer scheduling & routing crews. Must have strong computer skills and a pleasant personality. Call The Moore Companies, 410-641-2177.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WHISKERS PUB: Now Hiring Cook and Server. Apply in Person.

118th Street, Whiskers Pub. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

B.E.S.T. Motels Now Hiring

Housekeepers for 2022 Season Apply In Person, ONLY

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

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

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

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 4-4-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Associa is currently hiring for a Custodial/Maintenance role in the Ocean City, MD Area!

This position will assist the Manager in ensuring the community’s grounds and buildings are clean and in working order.

Full-time position with a great hourly rate and benefits.

If interested please apply on-line at Associaonline.com or Email your resume to msmith@associaonline.com

Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD

Now Hiring For: Kitchen Expeditor

Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

NOW HIRING - ALL SHIFTS FRONT DESK AGENTS, NIGHT AUDITOR, HOUSEKEEPING Paying $13-$17/hour for all positions.

We require satisfactory background check by all applicants.

Must work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Apply On Site - Safari Motel 13th Street & Boardwalk | 410-289-6411

Associa is currently hiring a Maintenance and Contract Sales Specialist in the Ocean City, MD Area!

This position will be instrumental in helping us grow our sub-contracting business and ensure tasks are completed on schedule.

If interested please apply on-line at Associaonline.com or Email your resume to msmith@associaonline.com

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

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

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

Excellent people and computer skills are a must.

Please provide a resume and cover letter.

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

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

Full Time or Part Time, Flexible Hours and Days.

Experience Helpful, BUT NOT NECESSARY. Great for retirees!

Call Us at 410-641-4411.

NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS Retail and Manufacturing $15 and Up! Apply Online at Dolles.com

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME: EVENING MAINTENANCE/ HOUSEMAN DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING STAFF APPLY IN PERSON 1800 Baltimore Avenue Monday-Friday 10am-3pm

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

HELP WANTED EXTERIOR PAINTERS & CAULKERS

TOP PAY!!!

PLEASE CALL 443-614-0234 Beautiful Community in Ocean View, DE is seeking part-time seasonal staff to work in our clubhouse and pool areas, May through Mid-September.

Availability to include days, nights, weekends & holidays.

Excellent people skills a must! Some computer skills preferred. Competitive salary offered.

Perfect position for individuals looking for extra income.

Send resume to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz

EOE

CUSTOMER SERVICE/CASHIER Looking for Fun, Energetic, Fun-Spirited Person to work Day or Night.

Cool Company to work for.

Competitive Wages.

Serious Inquires Only. 410-250-5678

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •SHIP STORE CLERK •GENERAL CLERICAL (SEASONAL YEAR ROUND) •NIGHTWATCH •BOATYARD •MAINTENANCE •FUEL DOCK

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

Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD Now Hiring Administrative Assistant / Front Desk Part-Time, Seasonal Position.

Must be able to work day shifts and weekends. Excellent people skills and Microsoft Office skills are a must! The position starts April 15th and runs through October 1st.

Please send resume to - Olivia.Smith@casinc.biz Salary: $13.00 - $13.50 per hour Location: Ocean City, 67th Street, Bayside

Warehouse Assistant/ Parts Runner Seaside Plumbing $13+ per hour Full Benefits Mon-Fri, some Sat Apply online or email: seasidenatec@gmail.com

March 25, 2022 SEASONAL OC HOTEL NOW HIRING FOR:

PT SEASONAL MAINTENANCE PERSON Fenwick Towers Condominium 15-20 hours per week Perfect for retiree Contact our office at 302.539.6087 Fenwick Towers Fenwick Island, DE

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT For Beautiful Award Winning Master Planned Community in Ocean View, DE Administrative Assistant/Front Desk Help Needed.

Year-Round, Full Time Employment. Excellent people skills and Microsoft Office a must! Experience taking meeting minutes and website knowledge a plus.

Holidays, vacation, and personal time offered along with a competitive salary.

Please send resume with salary history to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz EOE

Associa is currently hiring for an Experienced Community Association Portfolio Manager in the Ocean City, MD Area!

This position will be responsible for providing the overall supervision of assigned community association(s). The Community Manager interacts with internal and external customers including homeowners, vendors, board members and committee members, as well as staff. This position is a fulltime salaried position with benefits.

If interested please apply on-line at Associaonline.com or Email your resume to msmith@associaonline.com Come Join Our Winning Team!

Now accepting applications for the following positions!

Front Desk Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Room Inspectors Maintenance Server Cashier Barista Line Cook Kitchen Utility Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

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

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

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

NOW HIRING!

•FRONT DESK ASSOCIATE •NIGHT AUDITOR •HOUSEMAN/ HOUSEKEEPING •MAINTENANCE •SERVERS & COOKS Apply in person Best Western Plus 6007 Coastal Hwy, OC, MD or apply online:

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

bestwesternplusoceancity.com

Must have:

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

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

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

Must Be Dependable.

Call Seahawk Motel

410-250-3191

Hiring For The Summer Season!

May 1 - Sept 30 Weekday and Weekend Hours Available.

Start At $16/Hour Weekdays & $17/Hour Weekends Must Have Reliable Transportation.

(We Reimburse .55/mile)

End Of Season Bonus!

Text or Call 443-640-7983

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

54

Apply in Person

FENWICK ISLAND

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER FLOATER Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker/Floater position available for our North Ocean City and Millsboro locations.

Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please email resume to kelly.drexel@fbwbank.com or call Kelly at 410-250-1512 Application cut off is 4-4-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

LOOKING FOR A JOB? WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU!!!!

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Seasonal Housekeeping Positions

Pointe On The Bay Small family oriented timeshare/condominium resort.

We’re looking for a part time, year round, reliable person to join our team.

Duties include working with another team member to maintain safety standards of building, including keeping walkways, stairways and balconies clear when needed. Occasional repair and paint in units on an as needed basis. Other tasks as listed in job description.

Salary dependent on job skills.

Phone: 410-310-8692 Email: suzannewatson18@gmail.com

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

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

Salary commensurate with experience.

Email resume with salary history to kclark@monogrambuilders.com

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Classifieds

The Dispatch Legal Notices

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

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

HOUSING NEEDS

Third Insertion

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19101

COMMERCIAL

NOW HIRING FULL TIME COOK, DRIVER, & BARTENDER Call Pam at 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street

B.E.S.T. Motels Now Hiring

Desk Clerks for 2022 Season All Shifts Available Apply In Person, ONLY 12 noon-3pm Tuesday –Friday ONLY Executive Motel 3001 N. Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

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

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTALS

SPRING WEEKLY RENTALS Rooms-SuitesApartments Utilities & Internet Included Starting at $295+tax

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

The Dispatch Can Now Be Viewed In Its Entirety ONLINE! Updated Every Friday At -

Easy Navigation Featuring Latest Page-Flip Technology Zoom In And Out For Easy Viewing Search, Print And Share Functions At Your Fingertips

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

To all persons interested in the estate of SUSAN PEARSON, ESTATE NO. 19101.

Notice is given that ASHLEY LAZAR, 314 BUENA VISTA AVENUE, FEDERALSBURG, MD 21632, was on, MARCH 01, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SUSAN PEARSON, who died on FEBRUARY 18, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 ASHLEY LAZAR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House

One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

Third Insertion I. WILLIAM CHASE 1190 W. NORTHERN PKWY, SUITE 124 BALTIMORE, MD 21210 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000052 WILBARGER, LLC P.O. BOX 2367 DENVER, CO 80201 Plaintiff vs.

RMB HOLDINGS, LLC C/O ROBERT E. BROOKS, JR. LAST KNOWN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND MEMBER 29022 REDFOX DRIVE SALISBURY, MD 21801 AND WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR AEGIS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES TRUST MORTAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2004-4 C/O CSC-LAWYERS INCORPORATING SERVICE CO. RESIDENT AGENT 7 ST. PAUL STREET SUITE 820 BALTIMORE, MD 21202 AND AMY MANDART, TRUSTEE 3250 BRIARPARK DRIVE, SUITE 400 HOUSTON, TX 77042 AND UNKNOWN OCCUPANT RESIDING AT 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 AND THE COUNTY OF WORCESTER SERVE ON ROSCOE LESLIE COUNTY ATTORNEY 1 W. MARKET STREET ROOM 1103 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 AND ALL OTHER PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE,

Page 51 POCOMOKE, DISTRICT 01, ACCOUNT NUMBER 020293 Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE, DISTRICT 01, ACCOUNT NUMBER 020293, assessed to the RMB Holdings, LLC, and sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiffs in these proceedings: 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE, POCOMOKE, DISTRICT 01, ACCOUNT NUMBER 020293 The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid, although the required time for filing a Complaint has elapsed.

It is thereupon this 4TH OF MARCH, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation once a week for three successive weeks, before the 3rd day of May, 2022, warning all persons interested in said property to be and appear in this Court by the 3rd day of May, 2022, to redeem the property, 508 BONNEVILLE AVENUE, DISTRICT 01, ACCOUNT NUMBER 020293, and answer the Complaint of or thereafter a final decree will be rendered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff, WILBARGER, LLC a title, free and clear of all encumbrances, except for ground rents.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

Third Insertion FREDERICK R FRANKE, JR, ESQ. 151 WEST STREET, SUITE 301 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19102 Notice is given that the CHANCERY COURT of NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DE, appointed VIVIENNE DELANO, 25 SLASHPINE CIRCLE, HOCKESSIN, DE 19707, as

the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of RAPHAEL SARAWESKY, who died on OCTOBER 22, 2021, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is FREDERICK R FRANKE, JR, whose address is 151 WEST STREET, SUITE 301, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 VIVIENNE DELANO Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19117 To all persons interested in the estate of DANIEL L JACKSON, ESTATE NO. 19117. Notice is given that PATRICIA D JACKSON, 6369 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, NEWARK, MD 21841, was on, MARCH 04, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DANIEL L JACKSON, who died on JANUARY 30, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the

Page 52

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

for service of process is WILLIAM M. GATESMAN, whose address is 8209 JONNIE LANE, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20882.

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:

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 PATRICIA D JACKSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

Third Insertion WILLIAM M. GATESMAN 8209 JONNIE LANE GAITHERSBURG, MD 20882 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19122 Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT of PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL, appointed SALLY B. SHARBAUGH, 4 YACHT CLUB PLACE, TEQUESSTA, FL 33469, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of EDGAR J SHARBAUGH, who died on FEBRUARY 05, 2021, domiciled in FLORIDA, USA. The Maryland resident agent

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 11, 2022 SALLY B. SHARBAUGH Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-11, 03-18, 03-25

Second Insertion THOMAS J MALONEY ESQ COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. 313 LEMMON HILL LANE SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19124 To all persons interested in the estate of CATHERINE M. CANNON, ESTATE NO. 19124. Notice is given that JOHN M. CANNON, 123 RAMBLEWOOD DRIVE, GLENMOORE, PA 19343, was on, MARCH 09, 2022, appointed Personal Repre-

sentative of the estate of CATHERINE M. CANNON, who died on OCTOBER 20, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 JOHN M. CANNON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

Second Insertion NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19125 Notice is given that the SURROGATE COURT of GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ, appointed SHARI RUSSELL, 333 BUCK ROAD, GLASBORO, NJ 08028, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of BENNIE COATES JR., who died on SEPTEMER 05, 2021, domiciled in NEW JERSEY, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is JUVSON LYONS, whose address is 8161 TELEGRAPH ROAD, SEVERN, MD 21144.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 SHARI RUSSELL Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

Second Insertion THOMAS K. COATES ESQ COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19133 To all persons interested in the estate of LOUIS E. CATALFAMO, ESTATE NO. 19133. Notice is given that MATTHEW C. CATALFAMO, 25661 WINNER CIRCLE DRIVE, SEAFORD, DE 19973, was on, MARCH 14, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LOUIS E. CATALFAMO, who died on OCTOBER 14, 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 14TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

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

March 25, 2022 dersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 MATTHEW C. CATALFAMO Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 MELVIN J. CALDWELL ESQ. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

Second Insertion Second Insertion KATHRYN A WHITEHEAD, ESQ. CALDWELL & WHITEHEAD, P.A. 109 CAMDEN STREET PO BOX 4520 SALISBURY, MD 21803-4520 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19136 To all persons interested in the estate of BESSIE MILDRED BISHOP, ESTATE NO. 19136. Notice is given that MELVIN J. CALDWELL ESQ., 109 CAMDEN STREET, SALISBURY, MD 21801, was on, MARCH 14, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BESSIE MILDRED BISHOP, who died on FEBRUARY 26, 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, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-21-000194 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

DODD FANALE, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-21-000194 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM the fol-

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com lowing timeshare intervals: Condomimium Time Unit Interval 402 402 402 403 403 403 403 403 403 403 403 403 403 403 403 404 404 404 404 404 404 405 405 405

45 48 52 1 3 8 10 12 15 37 45 46 48 50 51 6 7 8 44 47 49 1 6 7

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the pay-

ment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000005 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

GROUPWISE INC., ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000005 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, APRIL 02, 2022 at 11:15 AM the following timeshare intervals:

Condomimium Unit 409 409 409

Time Interval 20 22 36

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: The full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such payment to be made by e-check or credit card. Bids for intervals will open at $50.00. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the payment made may be forfeited and the property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-6728107, or email at afletcher@mdpropertyattorney.com.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

Page 53 the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000029 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

JAMES SMITH, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000029 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, APRIL 02, 2022 at 11:30 AM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 206 206 206 208 301 301 311 311 401 403 409 409 410 410 410 411 411 411 501 501 501

Time Interval 49 51 52 39 2 6 38 39 6 37 22 36 20 25 36 27 38 39 1 2 4

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000045 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

JAMES LANDIS, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000045 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, APRIL 02, 2022 at 11:45 AM the fol-

lowing timeshare intervals: Condomimium Time Unit Interval 205 205 205 205 205 205 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206 206

14 40 43 45 50 51 2 6 7 9 11 14 16 18 31 34 37 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

The Dispatch Legal Notices

Second Insertion

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000049 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

DANIEL HARRIS, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000049 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, APRIL 02, 2022 at 12:00 PM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 501 501 501 501 501 501 501 501 501 501 502 502 502 502 502 502 502

Time Interval 8 11 13 14 16 17 18 33 50 51 1 2 3 6 14 15 17

502 502 502 502 502 502 502 502

18 21 38 40 41 42 43 45

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI

AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000055 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

MILDRED BUTT, ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000055 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, APRIL 02, 2022 at 12:15 PM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Time Unit Interval 409 409 409 410 411 412 412 507 508 508 508 509 509 510 510 510 510 510 511 512

17 18 20 18 17 18 19 17 17 18 20 20 37 18 19 20 36 38 19 18

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

dominium unit and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

Second Insertion AYRIKA FLETCHER, ESQ. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843-3307 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000062 BAY CLUB TIME-SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATES, INC. P.O. BOX 3307 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21843-3307 Plaintiff vs.

CYRIL BYRON, SR., ET AL. Defendants TRUSTEE’S SALE OF TIME SHARE INTERVALS IN BAY CLUB CONDOMINIUM, OCEAN CITY, MD By virtue of a certain Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester

March 25, 2022 County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-22-000062 the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the entrance of the BAY CLUB RESORT, located at, 302 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND the following described property located in Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland, on SATURDAY, APRIL 02, 2022 at 12:30 PM the following timeshare intervals: Condomimium Unit 207 208 210 210 210 211 211 211 212 212 307 308 308 309 309 310 310 401 405 407 407 407 408 408

Time Interval 18 19 18 19 21 17 18 38 17 21 18 20 36 18 19 17 19 46 16 17 18 20 17 36

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

The property will be sold in an “as is” condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties and guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw any interval from the sale and/or to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of the sales price per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes, 2022 maintenance fees and all other settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be within fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the

defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: Ayrika Fletcher, Esq., Trustee, at 443-672-8107.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 18, 2022 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-18, 03-25, 04-01

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19137 To all persons interested in the estate of BENJAMIN ALEXANDER COLEMANRAMMER, ESTATE NO. 19137. Notice is given that ALANNA CRAWFORD, 105 THOMAS COURT, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, MARCH 17, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BENJAMIN ALEXANDER COLEMAN-RAMMER, who died on MARCH 04, 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 17TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

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

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

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

ing dates:

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com ALANNA CRAWFORD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-25, 04-01, 04-08

First Insertion MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19140 To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL MARIE HOLDER, ESTATE NO. 19140. Notice is given that

JULIE MARIE ALLEN, 13209 MANOR DRIVE S., MOUNT AIRY, MD 21771, was on, MARCH 17, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL MARIE HOLDER, who died on FEBRUARY 24, 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 17TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 25, 2022 JULIE MARIE ALLEN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-25, 04-01, 04-08

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Page 56

Little Reason For Permanent Daylight Savings Time The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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

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

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

ART DEPARTMENT COLE GIBSON Art Director cole@mdcoastdispatch.com PAUL HALLAM Graphic Artist/Webmaster phallam@mdcoastdispatch.com

BUSINESS OFFICE PAMELA GREEN Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

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

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

March 25, 2022

How We See It

Should daylight savings time continue throughout the entire year?

The U.S. Senate thinks so as it passed this month in bi-partisan fashion the Sunshine Protection Act. The House of Representatives is expected to review the bill, but there appears to be more concerns in that chamber. Pundits say the bill will not get anywhere this year, but it’s likely to return in future years for consideration.

The legislation’s name makes little sense as the bill – no piece of law for that matter – will affect the length of the time sun will shine each day. It changes how people get the daylight and when. The sun will simply rise later in the day depending on the time of the year and set later.

For most states, daylight savings time began this year on March 13 and will end on Nov. 6. Arizona and Hawaii do not use daylight savings time. Around these parts, most of us do not enjoy setting our clocks

back in the fall because it signals the beginning of the sun setting about 5 p.m. It represents the onset of the winter doldrums in a seasonal beach resort community. Conversely, falling back in the spring has come to mean a revival with warmer weather approaching and blooms coming out of the ground.

Losing an hour of sleep in the spring in exchange for evening daylight and gaining one in the fall while losing the later sunsets is an annoyance. It’s a trivial one, however, and one that does not merit a national legislative action to undo.

If daylight savings time is made permanent with no standard time usage, the sunrise time on the shore will hover between 8 and 9 a.m. from late November until early February. This means school children will go to school in the dark for about one third of the time they go to school. As a result, if the change passes, some school systems may simply start their days later to adjust for the dark

morning and bright nights.

The 53-year-old system does not appear to be broken and in need of a drastic change. Year-round standard time has its flaws as does 12-month daylights savings time. The current system works fine.

There are downsides and upsides. It’s a matter of individual perspective. There’s no national cry for change. It was tried once before in the 1970s but after a year abandoned for several reasons.

While the legislation has sponsored some interesting dialogues online and in real life, it was surprising to see a matter of making daylights savings time permanent surface in the Senate with weighty matters impacting our daily lives, like skyrocketing inflation, national security concerns, foreign aid disparities and domestic issues, such as soaring fuel prices. The negatives outweigh the positives with making this move in our view.

Our legislators should focus on more important matters.

Letters To The Editor Environment Bill Support Urged Editor: I would like to express my support for the Environmental Human Rights Amendment (EHRA) that is being considered in our General Assembly now. The EHRA is a critical foundation for Maryland’s muchneeded march into the future as a leader in environmental justice. If three-fifths of each House passes it, it will go on the ballot as a referendum in November for we the people to vote on it.

This amendment, should it become part of our Constitution, would ensure the right of every single resident of Maryland to a healthful environment. That means cleaner air, soil and water. That means restoration of our declining wildlife habitats. That means rehabilitation and reconstitution of areas degraded by lax enforcement of existing environmental laws.

Even though in 1973 the state adopted the Maryland Environmental Policy Act, recognizing every resident’s fundamental and inalienable right to a clean environment, this fundamental right has not been protected. Our natural resources have not been preserved and protected. It’s past time to make that right.

Jacky Grindrod Berlin

Health Commission Needed Editor: It is no secret that the American healthcare system is broken and immoral.

While other industrialized nations have achieved universal coverage, we have millions underinsured or uninsured and can’t afford the care they need. We’ve prioritized profits over people for way too long.

While it is true the expansion of Medicaid in Maryland has caused a significant decrease in the rate of the uninsured,

there are still major gaps in health care access. Almost 6% of Marylanders are still uninsured, and Marylanders living in or near poverty are almost three times as likely to be uninsured.

Deductibles and out of pocket expenses create barriers for Marylanders who are insured from accessing prescription drugs and life-saving medical services.

In addition, rural areas like the Eastern Shore have a dangerous lack of access to vital health services resulting in most of us traveling over two hours or to a different state for care.

To make matters worse, under our current healthcare system, there are discrepancies between white and minority patients. This often results in a lower standard of care and more cases of death in patients of color than white patients.

We know that providing health care coverage to all Marylanders will drastically lower costs for the state and provide better health outcomes in our communities. This is why passing SB493-HB610 Commission on Universal Healthcare sponsored by Senator Paul Pinsky and Delegate Sheila Ruth is crucial.

The Commission on Universal Healthcare would create a Kirwan-like commission to develop a plan for a state universal healthcare program. This commission would be a significant victory for the Eastern Shore and the entire state. It is time for the Maryland General Assembly to give us care and pass SB0493HB0610.

Jared Schablein (The writer is the chair of the Lower Shore Progressive Caucus Wicomico County.)

Film Festival A Hit Editor: On behalf of the Art League of Ocean City, thank you to everyone who supported and made the 6th Annual Ocean

City Film Festival a huge success, including our generous sponsors, attendees, filmmakers, committee, 59 volunteers, moderators, and staff. A special shout out to our title sponsors, the Town of Ocean City and Ocean Downs Casino.

We are so glad to be back live and inperson this year. The festival was truly a citywide happening and a real boost to the shoulder season in Ocean City. We thank the venues that screened the films for their hospitality- Flagship Cinemas, Fox Gold Coast Theater, Ocean City Performing Arts Center, Ocean Downs Casino, and Seacrets Morley Hall. And also to the local businesses who supported us with the popular after-parties- Residence Inn, Mother’s Cantina, Fager’s Island and Princess Royale.

Thank you to the diverse group of filmmakers from around the world, many who attended, who allowed us to share 100 compelling films to more than 1,000 attendees. The festival showcased industry professionals as well as university students, young filmmakers, and local talent and gave them opportunities to network with others who share their passion.

Thank you to our additional supporting sponsors: Peter Glenville Foundation, The Maryland Film Office, Good Clean Fun Life, Peter Glenville Foundation, WRDE Coast TV, Bank of Ocean City, Blue Fish, and West O Bottle Shop. Also, Coins Pub, Truist, The Buzz Eatery, OCMD Hotels, HMRA, Shore United Bank, O.C. Chamber of Commerce, IG Burton, Taylor Bank, O.C Development Corp, and O.C. Organics. And to our media sponsors: O.C. Today, Coastal Point, The Dispatch, Ocean 98.1, OceanCity.com, and Unscene Productions.

We are grateful to author Brent Lewis, who led a filmmaker panel discussion at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.

Finally, to our audiences who laughed, SEE NEXT PAGE

March 25, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor shed a tear, asked insightful questions, and enthusiastically applauded, we appreciate you choosing to spend your time with us.

Mark your calendars for the 7th annual festival in March 2023. In the meantime, join us for our monthly film nights at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St., where you can experience independent film screenings year-round. And look out for the next Ocean City Film Challenge in summer 2022.

Rina Thaler B.L. Strang-Moya (Thaler is the executive director of the Art League of Ocean City Executive Director, while Strang-Moya is the creative director of the Ocean City Film Festival.)

One Pill Can Kill Editor: The fentanyl crisis is getting worse, not better. Fake pills with deadly amounts of fentanyl are popping up everywhere. It’s in fake Xanax and Percocets, it’s being laced in cocaine and ecstasy. A single pill can kill. Families Against Fentanyl founder James Rauh, who lost his son to fentanyl poisoning. I attended an information session sponsored by Worcester Goes Purple and the Worcester County Sheriff’s office. The event, entitled “One Pill Can Kill,” was aimed at educating parents of school-age children about the dangers of fentanyl poisoning.

Sadly, there were no parents in attendance. There were sessions in Snow Hill, Pocomoke City and Berlin also and very few, if any, parents, attended those either.

The three grandparents who attended the Ocean Pines session were given a lot of information regarding the dangers of fentanyl. The following are some of the facts we learned. Fentanyl is laced into OTC medications as well as prescription drugs such as Xanax and Percocet, as well as illegal drugs that are not fatal, but become so with the addition of Fentanyl.

Fake pills are being mass-produced and sold as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public.

Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and are often sold on social media making them available to anyone with online access (we were also given a handout entitled “Fifteen Apps Parents Should Know About”).

As little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal.

In 2021 there were 60 opioid overdoses in Worcester County, 10 of which were fatal.

Pre-teens and teens experimenting with drugs are the most at risk. One time is all it takes to end a life if a person receives a counterfeit pill or a laced drug.

Young people today are more at-risk than ever before. Adults who work with them (teachers, counselors, first responders, etc.) are extremely concerned about their mental and emotional health. These issues make young people much more vulnerable.

I encourage parents to please contact Debbie Smullen at Worcester Goes Purple (410-870-5161) to obtain the information we were given at the session. Please start a dialogue with your friends, neighbors, church members and co-workers.

And please, please talk to your kids about this.

We parents and grandparents have been bombarded by one crisis after another for the last two years, but this is one crisis we simply must address.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Impressive Movies Editor: I stepped into a movie theater for the first time in over two years. And I am so glad I did. The Ocean City Film Festival never seems to disappoint. These movies, in my opinion, are so much better than the Hollywood fluff. The movies are more real, truer to real life, more authentic, more entertaining than the million dollar movies. The funny shorts, “Don’t Jump” was a favorite. We really enjoyed “Psychopomp”. The aquatic shorts were very good, especially, “The Beaver Boys”. And as always, the animation shorts tend to bring the kid out in you. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be, “Bucket Hat!”. As the film festival was nearing the end on Sunday, we were left with a tough decision.

Should we stay at Seacrets where we had been watching films all day or should we head to the Flagship and finish the day there. Three movies were playing at the same time, starting at 3:30 p.m.

“Sometimes I Dream In Farsi” was playing at Fox. Probably, a decent movie, but it came down to, “Mary Tyler, Millenniel” or “The Issue With Elvis.” “Mary Tyler, Millennial” sounded intriguing, but something drew us to go see “The Issue With Elvis”.

And boy we were glad we did. The movie was fantastic. By far our favorite. Written, directed, and produced by Charlotte Wincott, starring her husband Jeff Wincott and their son Wolfgang Wincott. Truly, a family affair. Such a meaningful movie. It touched your heart, made you smile, induced you to shed a tear. The gist of the movie had two lost souls find each other under unusually circumstances. One lost soul was a young kid and the other lost soul was a grown man. Watching this movie, I am confident many people would be able to relate to it! The three family members were all there for the Q&A. Like the movie being our favorite, the Q&A turned out to be our favorite. Three wonderful people who were so authentic, so real, so kind, so caring. I could go on and on. When everything was wrapped up, I had a chance meeting with Jeff (Dr. Mercer) in the bathroom. I told him that out of all the movies we saw, their’s was the best. Jeff seemed to be truly flattered and appreciative of what I said. We continued our conversation in the hallway for a good 15 minutes. What a great guy. We found to have much in common. Ironically, 20 yards away, I noticed that my wife was talking to Jeff’s wife. All of this by chance.

We found out that they recently bought a place in Ocean City and plan to spend much of the summer here. I invited Jeff to bring Wolfgang (Elvis) to the 2nd Street beach stand and hang out for the day. I am thinking Charlotte might want to do a film in Ocean City. I am going to put a bug in her ear that there would be no better story than the life and times of a 63-yearold beach boy. That would be 47 years of stories to tell, and a lot of film on the floor of the editing room.

Drew Haugh Ocean City

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Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green In the early budget process, the Worcester County Commissioners annually face a vast disparity between revenues and expenditures. This year it’s about an $11 million gap with general fund revenue at $218 million (including a bump of $4.1 million in property tax revenue due to rising land values) and requested expenditures from all departments totaling $229 million.

Rather than make the cuts themselves, the commissioners voted unanimously last week to have the county departments take another look at their respective budget and make their own reductions with the realization decreases must occur. The concept is department heads must realize they will not get everything they have requested because the county is not going to raise property taxes to bring in additional revenues.

Though not a novel approach, it’s smart for the commissioners to let the folks who are asking for additional funds decide what they can live without. It’s a normal process for private businesses to decide what’s essential and what’s not. In all reality, it should be a simple exercise for county officials. It’s understandable to outline all needs in an initial budget request but also a reasonable expectation to realize not everything will ever be funded. Letting the askers – the departments in this case – weigh their own priorities and return with reduced budgets is a solid approach.

Ocean City officials have a decision to make – return the Boardwalk tram to its traditional 10 a.m. start time or stay with last summer’s noon beginning? It’s not a simple matter and bicycles are involved in the call.

When Ocean City went with the noon start time last summer, the city voted to allow bikes on the boards until noon, from the typical 11 a.m.

Two summers ago, when the tram service was suspended due to the pandemic, bikes were allowed until 2 p.m. This is an interesting decision, and Mayor Rick Meehan clearly wants to see noon again be the tram start time and bike stop time.

The full Mayor and Council will ultimately decide this summer’s direction after reviewing the transportation committee’s recommendation.

With a driver shortage not expected to be the huge challenge it was last summer, city staff seemed to be leaning toward returning to a tram start time of 10 a.m. with bikes stopping at the traditional 11 a.m., while elected officials, led by Meehan, preferred keeping the same hours of last summer (noon start time for tram and stop time for bikes).

This decision will ultimately come down to weighing revenue loss vs. saved expenditures with the service reduction, but a contributing factor here should be the enjoyment of biking on the Boardwalk. Allowing bikers an extra hour surely helps the bike rental shops, but it also spreads out the crowds a bit during the height of the season. Biking on the Boardwalk is a lovely experience for everyone with tremendous views, especially those who don’t get to do it but once a year on vacation. My vote would be keep with the extra hour for at least another summer and evaluate it again after the season, which hopefully will be more normal in all aspects. A future compromise could be 11 a.m. on the weekends and noon on the weekdays.

Not an avid American Idol watcher, but I had to tune in this week to see Salisbury’s own Jay Copeland wow the judges. Copeland, who graduated from Salisbury University in 2020, is well known in Salisbury and has been a rising star since he was young student in the local public school system. In fact, he appeared on WBOC’s Delmarva Life a couple times as a kid and dazzled at James M. Bennett High School’s yearly Rock & Roll Revival shows. Big things were forecasted for the young man and it appears he could be getting his big break. The American Idol judges gushed over him and gave him one of only three platinum passes, meaning he advances deep into the competition automatically.

In a press release issued by SU this week, Copeland said, “Singing in front of [judges] Katy Perry, legendary Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan was an eye-opener for me not as an artist, but as a person. It showed me that I truly can do anything I set my mind, body and spirit to. Before entering the room, I prayed to God, telling him that if he didn't do anything else for me, that this was enough. I honestly couldn't believe, after everything I went through in those two short months back in the fall of 2021, that I would be singing in front of three celebrity judges. However, when I walked into the room, I made sure I remained true to who I was and who I am. I walked into the room as myself and no one else. The three of them were simply amazing. They began with small talk as if we had met before. Once it was time to sing, I gave it all I had.”

It's impossible to not be rooting for this charismatic young man. One of his biggest supporters is SU Associate Professor of Music Dr. John Wesley Wright, who believes Copeland’s versatility makes him a true contender. “I believe Jay has an exceptional chance of going deep on American Idol and even walking away as the winner,” said Wright “Why? Because Jay is smart, astute and understands the true meaning of stylistic integrity. He knows how to turn a phrase in the styles he’s more familiar with, like gospel, pop and Broadway, then can turn around and deliver a country song - convincingly! And all from the heart.”

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Puzzle Answers

A

March 25, 2022

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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fun week was spent at Universal Orlando Resort. I figured it would be a great time for the kids, but my goal was to also score some relaxation while away.

When Pam was making our travel plans and securing the park passes, I encouraged her to allocate at least one full day for nothing. I knew the other days we would be getting up early and getting to the parks to try and beat the crowds. On every vacation, I personally need some moments of restful awareness to contrast with what I would be doing if working. It’s a cathartic reflection and makes me appreciative. It would be tough to do if every day involved 10 hours of amusement rides and 25,000 steps.

Some highlights from our time away: •“But it’s dark out.”

It was what Beckett said the first morning after daylight savings time began as we were getting ready to leave our hotel room.

Since it was spring break and clearly Orlando was jamming, we knew it was going to be a busy week at any park we went to the entire week. We warned the kids we were going to get after it early and often while the weather was a little off and to manage the crowds. Starting early was the way to go, even if it meant getting up each morning the same time on vacation we would for work and school.

Overall, the kids were great about accepting the unusual vacation wakeup times. After the first few days and recognizing the crowd differences between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., they realized their parents were right. There is always a sweet vindication when that happens. Due to early starts, some days we left the parks at lunchtime for the pool the rest of the day. It was a good balance.

There were some funny moments

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each morning though as we rushed to get out of the hotel room. Beckett, 13, is the slower of the two kids in the early morning hours. On the first morning, while he was eating his bagel in the room, I was applying sunscreen to him.

It was 6:55 in the morning and the spray coming out of the can was freezing. As he screamed, which always makes me giggle, I encouraged him to stay still and be quiet in my best loving voice.

It was when he said, “but it’s dark out,” questioning why sunscreen was needed. I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. A few hours later on a cloudy day, while we were getting on a ride, he poked fun a bit, saying, “at least if the sun ever does come out today, I’m prepared.”

•Not that Universal needs my endorsement, but anyone with kids who enjoy the Harry Potter series – as mine do – must check it out. Both parks offer experiences with several rides themed to represent memorable parts from the books. It was a frequent sight to see wands being waved around making magic happen throughout the parks.

It only took about 10 minutes for Beckett to request one. We crammed into the designated gift shop with the most special of wands evidently. After waiting in line for 30 minutes to pay, I was lectured by the cashier on the uniqueness of the wands and how there will be nowhere in the park the prices are different. I had heard this a dozen times already by virtue of being in line.

Being nosy by nature, I asked a couple questions, but he was unfazed and continued on with his spiel. The $59.99 wand came with a map and a special box.

A couple days later, I asked Beckett why he was not taking the wand to the park each day. He said he just wants to keep it on his bookshelf as a souvenir.

As for Carson, 12, he passed on the

wand and opted for a few other expensive items at the gift shop. It was interesting he picked out items totaling about $60. It seems fair is fair.

•After a busy morning standing in lines and dealing with crowds, the hotel pool was the perfect place to unwind along with hundreds of other people. It was a week of crowds to be certain.

Therefore, when the wait staff came over to us shortly after we kicked our legs up around the pool with a drink menu, Pam and I indulged. After the wand experience, I was unfazed by the prices. The server was excellent and always nearby whenever we needed a refill. After a couple drinks in record time, he did us a solid, returning with a couple ice waters. He seemed to know what ails parents on a family vacation.

Nearby on his iPad, Carson – who always seems oblivious but never truly is – had a good laugh. He knew what was going on. Mom and Dad needed a break.

•After eight nights in a hotel room with our boys, I woke up the morning we were to check out on a mission to get home. We had a super nice room, but home was calling. Therefore, I was looking to make the 13-hour drive the same day.

When I got a quick breakfast for everyone that morning from the lobby market, I also put together a lunch to avoid stopping for an extended time. I did not want to spend the night on the road. Traffic would be the key to seeing whether that happened.

All in all, it was a smooth drive and we made it home about 10:30 p.m. after leaving Orlando at 8 a.m.

I love my kids, but admit I enjoyed the Monday morning school drop immensely.

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

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