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oc officials Begin Fy24 Budget process

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Salary increases, additional public safety positions, and a tax rate above constant yield highlighted last week’s introduction of the fiscal year 2024 budget.

Last Thursday, City Manager Terry McGean and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented the Mayor and Council with the fiscal year 2024 budget, launching a two-week review process. The proposed spending plan for all funds totals $155 million, with the general fund making up more than $104 million.

“I truly believe that this budget is a responsible reflection of the resources each department needs in order to fulfill their mission and in many cases improve the current level of services that we provide,” McGean said.

The proposed fiscal year 2024 budget maintains the current property tax rate at $0.4526 per $100 of assessed value, which is slightly higher than the constant yield rate needed to provide the same level of revenue for municipal services as the prior year. McGean said the additional revenue generated would allow the town to fund four additional full-time police officers and eight additional firefighter-EMTs.

“It does reflect an increase in the constant yield,” he said. “The current property tax rate is 45.26 cents per $100 of assessed value. The constant yield rate would be 44.76 cents per $100 of assessed value. The additional revenue of $478,005 from assessment increases above constant yield is what is needed to cover the gap to fund the eight new fulltime firefighter-EMT positions and the four new full-time police officers.”

McGean told the Mayor and Council part-time staffing shortages continued to be the town’s greatest challenge. While departments have implemented signing and retention bonuses, pay increases and housing stipends, he said more needed to be done to fill the ranks, particularly within the public safety sector.

“The proposed FY24 budget takes significant steps in police and emergency medical services,” he said. “We really have no choice but to continue the transition from a seasonal to a more full-time, yearround workforce in order to maintain the high levels of service that our residents and visitors demand.”

McGean told officials hiring full-time staff would reduce part-time and overtime costs, but that it would still impact the coming year’s budget. He said the proposed budget also includes pay increases for general employees and members of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

“The budget also includes all costs associated with IAFF and FOP contracts and increases salaries for all full- and part-time employees,” he said.

Officials note general fund revenue is estimated to increase $1.7 million. Under general fund expenses, the advertising budget is expected to increase $1.6 million, transfers to the transportation department are expected to increase $238,000

Approved CIP Includes Baltimore Avenue Project

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week approved a capital improvement plan that features a phased Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project beginning in fiscal year 2025.

After a contentious debate Tuesday, the council voted 5-1, with Councilman Peter Buas opposed and Councilman John Gehrig absent, to approve the fiscal year 2024 capital improvement plan (CIP). While the capital planning document was initially presented with a scaled-down Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project beginning in the coming fiscal year, it was amended to include a larger, phased redevelopment of the corridor beginning in 2025.

“Baltimore Avenue should not be removed,” said Councilman Frank Knight, “but just moved down the road one year

while we try and get funding.”

In January, staff presented the Mayor and Council with the draft CIP, which listed a major redevelopment project along Baltimore Avenue from North Division to 15th streets. Last month, however, the council agreed to put a pause on the project until grant funding opportunities could be explored.

Some of the work proposed for the phased Baltimore Avenue project included undergrounding utilities, widening sidewalks and improving the overall streetscape. While the Baltimore Avenue project was first presented with a price tag of $20 million – funded in part by a municipal bond sale and a combination of potential state and federal grants – the estimated price tag in recent months has more than doubled. To that end, town staff were tasked with providing the council with a breakdown of the project’s different com-

ponents.

Back on the agenda at Monday’s work session, City Engineer Paul Mauser presented the Mayor and Council with a revised CIP that included two separate projects for the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment. The first project, beginning in fiscal year 2024, would simply underground utilities from North Division to 15th streets at a cost of $26.3 million, while the second project, beginning in fiscal year 2028, would redevelop the easterly sidewalks along the same corridor at a cost of $4.2 million.

“When we last had this discussion, council asked me to look at the possibility of what the impacts would be if instead of doing the full project … to look at the cost of what it would be to simply underground all the utilities and do none of the other improvements,” City Manager Terry McGean said. “We did that.”

Councilman John Gehrig, however, questioned if the project was fair to other residents in town.

“The $26 million plus the $4 million, it’s a $30.3 million project with roughly $11 million in interest,” he said. “So it’s $41.3 million for a project focused on 15 streets in town, and you are asking for the entire city to pay for it equally when it benefits primarily a certain number of people. It is irrational to think there is equal benefit on 146th Street as there is on 2nd Street.”

Councilman Peter Buas argued that the project would benefit the entire town.

“As far as property values go, it affects the whole town not just one person,” he said.

Gehrig said he also took issue with the revised CIP, as the first draft proposed $18 million for the project in fiscal year 2024 while the second draft proposed $26.3 million for the project in fiscal year 2024.

“The only option in front of us is to spend $8 million more next year,” he said.

When asked about grant funding opportunities, McGean said the revised project would be financed through a bond sale.

“If we proceed in FY24, we will not be able to get the grant money in this matter,” he said.

Gehrig said he wanted to see the project planned over multiple years, with different cost estimates for different aspects of the project. He said the redevelopment of Baltimore Avenue was initially proposed as a public safety project.

Gehrig added that there should also be a town-wide plan for undergrounding utilities. He argued that the proposed project would mainly benefit neighboring property owners.

“So when we talk about how this is funded … maybe the people who are benefiting the most should pay the most,” he said.

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca disagreed.

“To think improving Baltimore Avenue doesn’t benefit the entire town is really absurd,” he said.

When asked for the staff’s opinion, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said he did not support the project, noting that the cost of undergrounding utilities was roughly $2 million per block.

“I thought the original goal of this project was pedestrian movement …,” he said. “If that was the original goal, it’s still achievable, and it’s achievable by building a wider sidewalk on the east side only where the predominant pedestrian movements would occur.”

McGean, however, said he supported the larger, phased project that included undergrounding utilities, widening the sidewalks and improving the streetscape.

“I think that brings the debt service down,” he said.

Gehrig said he wanted staff to get a quote for just widening the sidewalks. Mayor Rick Meehan, however, said he also supported the undergrounding of the utilities.

“I think we should do the project right,” he said.

After further discussion, the council voted 5-1 to proceed with the $44 million, phased redevelopment project, starting in fiscal year 2025, and to amend the CIP to reflect those changes. Gehrig left the meeting before the council voted.

Worcester Officials Seek Solutions To Inlet

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Local officials are not giving up on finding a long-term solution to address Inlet depth issues.

As the Worcester County Commissioners seek a meeting with federal representatives regarding their decision not to move forward with a project to address Inlet shoaling, fishermen – both commercial and recreational – are still facing the daily struggle of getting their boats through the increasingly shallow water. After nearly a decade of advocating for improvements, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said this week she will continue her efforts despite the latest setback.

“It will take a full-court press and a commitment at every level for us to keep the pressure on both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Maryland for needed assistance to address the longterm shoaling challenges at the Ocean City Inlet,” she said.

Last week, county staff advised the commissioners the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was not moving forward with improvements to the Inlet primarily because of the project’s cost.

Staff said USACE reported that the project was estimated at $16 million and would only reduce maintenance dredging by about 50%. The commissioners agreed to request a meeting with agency representatives for more information.

“Ultimately we’d like them to not give up

on a structural solution that would reduce the need for dredging,” said Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young, adding that perhaps there were other designs that could be considered.

Carozza said local officials, commercial fishermen, recreational boaters and community leaders have been working with the USACE since 2014 to find a shoaling solution. While USACE has been studying the issue, shoaling has only gotten worse.

“For years, each incoming tide has brought sand into the Inlet and deposited it in the bays and channels,” she said. “Now we’re facing a critical juncture where we have commercial fishing vessels like the Instigator which could not make it through the Inlet last week.”

Though the USACE regularly performs maintenance dredging to keep the Inlet passable, the local community has long

sought a more permanent solution, particularly as shoaling gets worse.

Brian Tinkler, general manager of Sunset Marina, says that while the issue initially only impacted commercial boats that draw eight to 10 feet of water, it’s now affecting recreational boats that draw just six to seven feet of water.

“It has an impact on a daily basis,” he said. “It’s a clear problem for both our commercial and our recreational boats.”

Carozza said the USACE decision to abandon the project after eight years of work at the municipal, county, state and federal levels was “frustrating and shortsighted.”

“We have had both a short-term immediate dredging approach and a long-term plan supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” she said. “The recent announcement by USACE officials to reverse course and not move forward with

the long-term OC Inlet shoaling plans means that we need to regroup with all our partners to ensure that we keep our Inlet open for our commercial fishing industry, recreational boating and the White Marlin Open, which brings in $10 million in our local economy on this one event alone.”

She said Congressman Andy Harris had been involved in the project from the start and she was hopeful he’d continue his efforts.

“We also will call on Governor Wes Moore and ask him to direct his Administration to assist in working with us to ensure that they are able to do both shortterm and long-term improvements to the Ocean City Inlet,” Carozza said. “This temporary setback will lead us to redoubling our efforts to protect our Ocean City Inlet and coastal bays, now and into the future.”

Worcester County Budget Presented With $11M Shortfall

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Worcester County faces a shortfall of more than $11 million as the annual budget process begins.

In a work session this week, county staff presented the Worcester County Commissioners with a proposed fiscal year 2024 budget featuring revenues of slightly more than $230 million and proposed expenditures of more than $241 million.

“This leaves a shortfall of $11,586,353 which must be reconciled, either with reductions in expenditures, additional revenues or a combination of the two,” a report from county administration reads. “Since the state budget is not finalized, the county could be further burdened by state cuts, continued unfunded mandates and/or the transfer of state respon-

sibilities.”

Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young told the commissioners the proposed budget included an increase in revenues over the current year. He said net property tax revenues were expected to increase by about $6 million, primarily as a result of increased assessments. Income tax revenue is expected to remain flat at $38 million.

“Other local taxes, transfer and recordation taxes, are looking to be down nearly $4 million,” Young said. “Interest on investments is increasing nearly $5 million due to the current rates of return. While these are not all the sources of our revenue, they’re some of the biggest movers.”

As far as expenditures, requests from county department heads total $241,756,064 which is an increase of $14,669,286, or 6.5% more than the current

year.

The largest projected increases come in public safety and the Worcester County Board of Education. The school system is seeking $106 million from the county, an increase of $4.8 million over the current year’s appropriation. The majority of that increase is related to salaries, as the school system plans to provide a step increase and a 4% cost-ofliving adjustment for teachers and a 4.5% cost-of-living adjustment for support staff. Bus contractor rates are also set to increase.

As far as public safety, the proposed budget includes $2.6 million for fire companies—based on the current funding of $250,000 to each fire company plus an additional $10,905 requested supplement to all fire companies. The continuation of supplement to rural fire companies for $20,000 is also included. The

proposed budget includes $7.3 million for ambulance grants.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office’s proposed budget is $1.2 million higher than the current year’s spending plan. Much of that is related to salaries, Sheriff Matt Crisafulli told the commissioners.

“We have quite an ask for our staff as you know,” he said.

Crisafulli said like all law enforcement agencies, his office was struggling to recruit and retain qualified officers, particularly with the impact of recent state mandates.

“We cannot put a cost on the institutional knowledge that is garnered throughout a deputy’s career,” he said.

As a result, he said he was seeking some step increases for his staff. He also wants to reclassify the department’s office assistant positions, as they do more than their current job descriptions imply.

“Support staff is critical for maintaining a professional law enforcement agency,” he said.

Crisafulli said his office was also seeking increased animal control funding, as those cases had increased, and capital funding for vehicles. He said the agency needed to replace eight older vehicles and wanted to purchase an armored rescue vehicle for $324,000.

“It’s essentially body armor on wheels,” Crisafulli said, adding that the vehicle could be used in a hostage situation or during severe weather events.

The proposed budget includes a $448,461 increase for the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, a jump that is primarily tied to salaries. State’s Attorney Kris Heiser said her staff had nearly doubled in size last year, which made it harder to find opportunities for cost savings this year.

“In good faith I’ve cut everything I can cut,” she said.

The budget for Worcester County Circuit Court is another area where expenditures are expected to increase in the coming year. Officials there want to spend slightly more than $100,000 to install audio visual trial presentation equipment in two additional courtrooms. There are also plans to upgrade some security measures.

Administrative Judge Brian Shockley said there was currently just one courtroom with AV capabilities.

“As a society we’re becoming more and more visual…,” he said, adding that attorneys needed to be able to show video in an effective way to prove and defend cases. “In speaking with the attorneys and prosecutors, it is something that’s missed.”

While no changes were made to the proposed budget Tuesday, the commissioners are scheduled to hold another budget work session on April 11.

The commissioners did vote 5-0 on Tuesday to advertise to maintain the current tax rate of $0.845 per $100 of assessment.

A public hearing on the tax rate will be held Tuesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. at the government center.

Local School Board Reaffirms Health Bill Opposition

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – The Worcester County Board of Education agreed to send state officials a second letter of opposition to a controversial state education bill.

The school board voted 6-1, with board member Elena McComas opposed, to send state officials a second letter of opposition to House Bill 119. The bill, which has drawn a variety of criticism in recent weeks, initially addressed health education but has been amended to give the state superintendent the authority to withhold funds from local school systems if they’re not following the guidelines set by the state.

“I feel like we need to keep the pressure on,” school board member Katie Addis said as she asked her peers to send another letter of opposition.

Numerous community members attended last week’s meeting to express opinions on House Bill 119. Speaker Jennie Rice expressed concern about the contents of the comprehensive health education framework the bill mandates.

“I cringe at the mention of these topics being introduced to our children,” Rice said. “It’s repulsive and demonic. Is it not the parents’ place to inform our own children when we feel the time is right? Are you not charged with educating our children on core subject matters?”

Ocean Pines resident Kate McCloskey said she felt HB 119 was being pushed despite public outcry against it. She point-

ed out that if Worcester didn’t adopt the framework and the state withdrew funding as result, the decrease wouldn’t be significant since Worcester receives just a small portion of state aid anyway.

“I don’t think these radical political ideas are helping us or our proficiency levels,” McCloskey said.

Ocean Pines resident Debra Fisher Reynolds said the school system’s own data showed the need for a comprehensive health framework. She said students needed health information to make good choices.

“They deserve to have medical information to protect them,” she said.

Ocean Pines resident Stacy Wilkins expressed unease about the information available in schools already.

“We’re not talking STDs here, we’re talking about blow jobs and anal sex,” she said. “My children do not need to know about those things.”

Berlin resident Lyndsay Greenan-Tyre, a second-grade teacher, said students needed age-appropriate sex education.

“They need to know how to put a condom on at a certain age,” she said. “That age is not 4 and 5. At 4 and 5 they’re learning how to hold a door for each other, say please and thank you, use manners, understand we don’t all look the same… At age 7 and 8, in my classroom, we’re still not talking about blow jobs. We’re talking about different cultures. We’re sharing our family experiences.”

She said schools were meant to create

future leaders and people who were capable of learning and working together.

“This bill is not the devil,” she said. “Nobody’s teaching your kid to give a blow job ... Please protect our kids from this extremism.”

Later in the meeting, school board member Bill Buchanan noted that the array of opinions expressed showed how difficult it was to be a school board member. Addis said she felt the school system needed to send a second letter of opposition to HB 119, as it trampled on the rights of local citizens.

“This is best left up to each local county, who understands the needs of their

community,” she said.

School board member Jon Andes, who noted at the last meeting that the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) opposed the bill, agreed that a second letter should be sent. He said the bill mimicked COMAR regulations that were already in place.

“If it gets passed, it will become law as opposed to regulation,” he said.

McComas said in addition to MABE, the Maryland State Board of Education opposed the bill.

“It’s getting very dicey for the legislators …,” she said. “Nobody’s for it. I can’t even imagine this thing is going to pass.”

Berlin To Issue RFP For Smart Meter Installation

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Smart meters should be monitoring water usage at homes in Berlin by this fall.

The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously this week to proceed with issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for smart meter installation. Meters should be in place this fall.

“Bids will be due on May 4,” said Jamey Latchum, the town’s director of water resources. “Usually there’s about a 30day grace period. It’s a 120-day contract

after that.”

Last year, the town agreed to spend close to $800,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase smart meters. The decision came after a study by the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP) revealed that the town was losing about $200,000 a year in water revenue because the town’s meters didn’t read accurately enough.

Latchum told officials this week the town now had nearly all of the new meters in its possession. He said his department was now ready to issue an RFP to find someone to install the meters. He ac-

knowledged that while the installation was set as a 120-day process, issues would likely come up during installation.

“The heart of the town is older infrastructure,” he said. “There’s going to be delays.”

While it will be relatively easy for crews to switch out the meters in the newer developments like Decatur Farms, Latchum said the process would be more involved at the historic homes in town.

“Decatur Farms, Henry’s Mill, Henry’s Green, they could go in there and knock out 50 to 100 a day,” he said.

Councilman Jay Knerr asked about notification procedures. Latchum said there wasn’t a specific plan in place yet but said officials would work hard to ensure everyone was aware of what was taking place. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said a mass notification could be included in utility bills and the town’s CodeRed emergency notification system could also be used.

“If people would sign up for CodeRed, this is the perfect time,” Latchum said.

He stressed that the new meters would benefit both the town and residents. With the new meters, leaks can be identified within hours because town staff will see the abrupt increase in water usage.

“I’m not saying we want to be big brother and watch your water usage,” Latchum said. “Right now if there’s water leaks it’s 30 days until you realize it. This can be done in a day now. You’re saving the town water, you’re saving yourself a lot of mon-

ey. Some of the money’s not recoupable. If it goes down your sewer, you still have to pay for your sewer.”

He explained that currently, customers were billed for usage by 1,000 gallon levels. If someone uses 800 gallons, they’re billed for 1,000 gallons. If someone uses 1,900 gallons, they’re also billed for 1,000 gallons because they haven’t yet reached the next threshold. The smart meters will measure actual usage.

“We feel it’s going to even out,” Latchum said.

He said his department would eventually recommend a water rate restructuring but not until the smart meters had been in place for some time.

“We feel we need six months to a year under our belt before we can ask for a water rate restructure,” he said.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said the town was following the SERCAP recommendations.

“That’s going to make it more equitable across the board… and we’re using the ARPA funds to correct something that’s really broken,” he said.

Officials encouraged Latchum to ensure the public was kept informed as the installation process moved closer.

“We’ll identify a window of time at which the meters will be replaced,” Tyndall said. “We would try to isolate those areas of town the best we possibly can to provide advanced warning to those homes. We’re going to also as we’re pushing this out advise folks they should be on CodeRed.”

Commission To Review Updated Gay Street Plans

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Officials are expected to review updated plans for a new building on Gay Street next week.

On Wednesday, April 5, the Berlin Historic District Commission (HDC) will renew its discussion of a new building proposed for 19 Gay St. Back in February, several commission members had concerns the proposed building was too modern and didn’t fit in Berlin. Since then, architect Jonathon Selway has been gathering input from HDC members.

“I look forward to and am excited to see his new rendering,” said Nornie Bunting, chair of the commission. “I’m hoping it’ll be keeping the historic integrity of our charming town with a little bit of his flair.”

In 2021, the HDC approved Selway’s request to demolish the old house currently located at 19 Gay St. He returned to the commission in February with plans for the new building he wants to erect on the site. He said the three-story, mixeduse structure would include commercial and residential space. While his architecture business will occupy half the commercial space, he hopes the other half will be leased as office or potentially art gallery space.

“Our goal with this building is to build a mixed-use structure in the heart of Berlin that provides new exciting housing and business opportunities for this region of the town,” he told the HDC in February. “Our vision for this building is very tied to this district being a little hub for the arts in town.”

While some HDC members complimented the design, others said it needed more historic detail and suggested it needed to fit in with the town’s existing structures.

“It’s our duty to protect the historic nature of this community,” HDC member John Holloway said. “That’s what we’re trying to do. It’s hard for us to sit up here and tell people what we want you to do with your property. It’s really hard. I’d like to see this building have a couple more features consistent with what’s in town.”

Bunting this week said Selway made efforts following the February meeting to consult with commission members individually to better understand their concerns.

“I’m excited to see what he has to offer,” Bunting said.

For his part, Selway is eager for the commission to review the updated design.

“After meeting with each member of the Historic District Commission, we have respectfully made changes to the facade of the building to address their concerns,” he said. “We are confident that our building design compliments and adheres to the Historic District of the Town of Berlin and look forward to the upcoming meeting.”

The HDC will meet April 5 at 5:30 p.m. at town hall. In addition to Selway’s project, the commission will review plans for improvements at The Globe, a proposal for new doors at Jeffrey Auxer Designs and various other requests.

Pictured is an updated rendering of the building architect Jonathon Selway has proposed for Gay Street in Berlin. Submitted Image

Berlin Advertises To Maintain Property Tax Rate

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – While budget development is still underway, town officials agreed to advertise for an 81.5-cent tax rate this week.

The Berlin Town Council agreed on Monday to advertise to maintain the current 81.5-cent tax rate. Officials said it was too early in the budget process to consider increasing the rate.

“I don’t even want to consider raising the tax rate,” Councilman Jay Knerr said.

Mayor Zack Tyndall presented the council on Monday with a draft of the advertisement the town was set to publish regarding the tax rate. The advertisement states that the town plans to maintain the current tax rate of $0.815 per $100 of assessed value. According to the

notice, the town’s assessable base is expected to increase from $515,257,481 to $537,944,112.

“In order to fully offset the effect of increasing assessments, the real property tax rate should be reduced to $0.7806, the constant yield tax rate,” the advertisement reads. “The Town of Berlin is considering not reducing its real property tax rate enough to fully offset increasing assessments.”

Instead, the town is considering leaving the tax rate at 81.5 cents. Tyndall said the budget for the coming year was under development and currently featured a shortfall of about $200,000.

“We’re still sharpening the pencils,” he said. “We’re still working as a group to make our way through that but know there is potentially a shortfall we’ll have to overcome. Will the tax rate stay at 81.5 cents? I don’t know.”

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the town was required to run an advertisement addressing the town’s assessable base and tax rate.

“We are required to run this exact advertisement prior to the public hearing for the tax rate,” she said. “The number you’re talking about tonight is not locking you in to anything.”

The council is set to have a budget work session next week, followed by introduction of the tax rate on April 10.

Councilman Steve Green said he felt the town should run the advertisement as presented even though a tax increase was a possibility. He said he felt an adjustment to the tax rate would have to be considered due to issues like inflation and the need to support staff salaries.

“However, I do believe this notice is a matter of protocol,” he said.

Bohlen agreed and said the town would not be wrong to run the advertisement as proposed.

“I think we’ve been transparent in the process — we’re working through that deficit,” Tyndall said. “There is much more to the process before it’s adopted. Work sessions, public meetings… all of those things exist for the tax rate as well as the adoption of the budget.”

Councilman Dean Burrell asked Dave Engelhart, the town’s planning director, about new construction. Engelhart said he’d been conservative with estimates because of inflation and the lag times on materials.

Councilman Jay Knerr said assessments were up. He said the assessment on his own home had gone up 7%.

“Even keeping the tax rate, everybody’s going to feel the pain and pay more,” he said, adding that he didn’t want to increase the tax rate.

Councilman Jack Orris said he didn’t want to adjust the advertisement.

“I think it’s way too early in the process to be going that route,” he said.

Tyndall said no one wanted to raise taxes.

“We’re going to do everything we can,” he said. “None of our department heads want to see that happen either. We’re all working together to make this fit within the tax rate the best we can.”

Councilman Dean Burrell, Mayor Zack Tyndall and Councilman Jay Knerr are pictured during Monday’s discussion of the tax rate. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Emergency Services, Public Safety Talk Budget Requests

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Lengthy discussions on salaries and full-time personnel highlighted this week’s budget work session with emergency services and public safety officials.

A review of the coming year’s budget continued this week with a work session of the Mayor and Council Monday. Representatives with the beach patrol, fire and EMS, the police department and more presented elected officials with their proposed spending plans for fiscal year 2024.

Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald said an increase in salaries and additional hiring incentives highlighted many proposed budgets. Under beach patrol, officials have proposed a $5,619 increase in salaries and wages, and a $25,000 increase in the department’s rental housing stipend.

“We are doing everything we can at this point,” he said. “It’s been a tough year.”

Officials said efforts to fill the beach patrol’s ranks have been challenging ahead of the summer season. When asked if the housing stipend has helped, Theobald he did not know.

“We are going to find out,” he said. “Hopefully.”

Beach Patrol Capt. Butch Arbin said several factors have made hiring a challenge this year. He highlighted increased housing costs and competitive wages.

“We are now behind the other beach patrols on Delmarva,” he said.

Arbin said he hopes the beach patrol will have enough lifeguards for the coming season. While advertising and recruitment have been successful, he said hiring has been a challenge.

“Yesterday, we had 20 sign up for the test, and eight showed up,” he said. “You have to swim to be a lifeguard. We’re having people who can’t even complete the swim or the run.”

When asked about wages, Arbin said other beach patrols paid between $1 to $1.50 more per hour. Theobald, however, said it wasn’t the only issue.

Public Auction at Devon Self Storage, 11906 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Property will be sold to satisfy the Owner’s lien for rent under the Maryland’s self-storage lien law. Property contained in the units will be sold to the highest bidder via an online auction at www.storagetreasures.com. Online bidding will begin on April 03, 2023 at 10:00AM and will continue until April 17, 2023, 2023 at 10:00AM, at which time a high bidder will be determined. Devon Self Storage reserves the right to set minimum bids and to refuse bids. Please refer to www.storagetreasures.com for all other terms and conditions governing the bidding and auction process.

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“We’ve done everything we could do to add enhancements and get the guards,” he said. “Compensation plays a factor, but not a major factor. The change is we have a different generation today. They don’t want to work 50, 60 hours a week … It’s a constant challenge but we will get to where we need to be.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said the council could make wage adjustments during the budget process. Council President Matt James asked if it was something the town’s human resources department could explore.

“To be honest with you, I’m pretty shocked to hear this now,” City Manager Terry McGean replied. “I’m a little disappointed. We will look into this and get back to you with a recommendation if we believe one is warranted.”

Representatives with the town’s career fire and EMS division also came before the Mayor and Council this week with a spending plan that includes funding for eight additional full-time firefighter-EMS providers. Officials also propose funding another four positions using a new Medicaid reimbursement program.

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“I think these 12 people will have a significant impact on our operations, as well as other things associated with 36-hour shifts,” said Ocean City Fire Department Chief Richie Bowers.

He noted the department struggled to recruit and maintain part-time staff. He said that has led to additional overtime for career personnel.

“That really impacts our day-to-day operations,” he said.

McGean told the council the town’s proposed budget only included eight positions, though officials expect to receive an additional $428,000 through Medicaid reimbursements.

“What we would ask is to move forward and hire those eight now,” he said. “The additional four would be funded through

Members of the Ocean City Council are pictured at Monday’s budget work session, where town staff presented their requests for the coming fiscal year.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

… Officials Discuss

Salaries, Personnel

Medicaid reimbursement - it’s a new program - pending state approval.”

McGean noted the addition of four fulltime positions in the current year’s budget had led to cost savings. He said an additional 12 positions in fiscal year 2024 would improve service.

“What the 12 additional full-time allows us to do is, in addition to how we deploy the personnel we have, is essentially to give us two full additional units,” he explained. “You will have four, two-person ambulance crews, one at each station, and then two three-person engine crews, one at headquarters and one at Station 4 until we move to the new station.”

DeLuca said he supported the 12 fulltime positions and suggested the council amend the proposed budget to include 12 positions instead of eight. McGean, however, said he wanted to suggest alternative funding sources for the additional four positions, should the town not receive the Medicaid reimbursement.

“I think we’re going to be able to get to 12,” he said. “It’s an additional $300,000 to do that. We’re 95% sure we’re going to get this Medicaid reimbursement, but I don’t like counting my chickens before they hatch.”

Officials noted that hiring full-time personnel would reduce overtime and parttime costs. Councilman John Gehrig pointed out that hiring full-time employees would cost the town $460,000 and result in savings of $170,000.

“I’m not saying if we spend $640,000, we should save $640,000,” he said. “I’m just surprised that we spend $640,000 and save $170,000.”

Bowers said the addition of full-time personnel was not only about cost savings.

“One of the variables to figure in is the fact that our part-timers do not give us availability on the weekends, which costs us holdovers and overtime,” he said. “That’s hard to calculate … Those are some of the variables that challenge us. We know full-time staff are coming in on the weekend. We control their schedule.”

Councilman Will Savage agreed.

“We have to recognize it’s not sustainable the way these guys have been operating,” he said.

Gehrig questioned if the fire department supported the town’s special events.

“We’re going to have to pay for this somehow,” he said. “That means bringing more people into town … You’re good with that, right? We won’t hear about the strain it’s putting on the department?”

Bowers said his department would be able to support special events with additional full-time staff.

“Secondly, volunteer personnel also help with staffing. That helps us tremendously …,” he added. “Both career and volunteers have and will continue to step up in the special events arena.”

Officials this week also heard presentations from the fire marshal’s office, Ocean City Police Department and the volunteer fire company. Budget work sessions continued throughout the week.

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COPS & COURTS

Weapons, Drugs Charges

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man faces weapons and drug charges after a recent encounter with law enforcement.

William D. Dunn, 55, of Chesapeake City, was questioned in an Ocean City hotel room on March 21 around 3:51 a.m. Dunn gave police consent to enter the room where “a white powdery substance” was seen atop a dresser. Nearby a glass smoking device was observed on a nightstand along with loose ammunition.

During questioning, Dunn acknowledged having a new van in the parking lot that he allowed police to search. Crack cocaine was seen in the vehicle and a black revolver was found under the driver’s seat. Later during questioning Dunn admitted the crack cocaine was his and that he purchased the gun the day before. A records search found Dunn, who did not hold a Maryland conceal carry permit, was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2009 burglary conviction in Pennsylvania.

With a search warrant secured, police then returned to the hotel room and found 13 bags containing methamphetamine, totaling three quarters of an ounce. A digital scale was located nearby along with more than $3,000 in varying cash denominations. The individual bags contained varying weights of methamphetamine commonly sold on the street, according to police. Investigators concluded Dunn was dealing drugs out of the hotel room.

Dunn was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance of schedule II (crack cocaine), possession of a controlled dangerous substance of schedule II (crystal methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition due to a burglary conviction and other charges.

Motorists Injured In Crash

BERLIN – Maryland State Police are investigating a multi-vehicle suspected impaired driving crash in Worcester County.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m. on March 24, troopers from the Berlin Barrack responded to Route 589 at Adkins Spur Road in Berlin for a report of a multi-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, a 2011 Honda CRV, driven by Shannon Handy, 43, of Selbyville, Del., was traveling south on Route 589. A 2008 Ford F-150 truck, driven by Antonio Aguilar, 42, of Berlin, was attempting to make a left turn onto northbound Route 589 from Adkins Spur Road. While attempting the turn, the Ford truck crashed into the Honda CRV in the southbound lane of Route 589.

Handy was flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for treatment of her injuries. A 41-year-old female passenger was transported to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Aguilar was arrested for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol. Aguilar was transported to the Berlin Bar-

rack for processing. Additional charges are pending in this case.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation into this case. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, along with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, assisted with road closures and traffic control following the crash. Route 589 was closed for approximately four hours following the crash.

Police Officer Assaulted

SELBYVILLE – A Delaware police officer was randomly attacked this month.

On March 20, a Selbyville Police Officer was seated inside of a fully marked patrol vehicle at the Selbyville Police Department on Church Street.

For an unknown reason, Anselmo Chun-Niz attempted to ambush the police officer. Chun-Niz opened the driver’s door of the officer’s vehicle, began to actively attack the officer and resisted arrest. He was taken into custody and brought inside the building where he continued actively resisting.

Chun-Niz was charged with resisting arrest, offensive touching of a law enforcement officer and disorderly conduct.

Speeding Then Knife

OCEAN CITY – Speeding on Coastal Highway led to an illegal weapon charge earlier this month.

Tyrell T. White, 19, of Pikesville, Md., was observed March 16 northbound on Coastal Highway driving 55 mph in a 40 mph zone. During the traffic stop, the smell of burning marijuana was detected. White allowed police to search him, resulting in an assisted opening knife being located. A bag of marijuana was also located on him.

White was charged with possession of an assisted opening knife, which is illegal in Ocean City.

Taser Used In Arrest

OCEAN CITY – An unruly individual faces charges this month after becoming combative during police questioning.

On March 18, Ocean City police on uniform patrol clocked Vincent K. O’Brien, 48, of Sykesville, driving 48 mph in a 35mph zone on Coastal Highway around 31st Street. Police pulled O’Brien’s Ram pickup over and suspected he was driving while intoxicated based on slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol. When police asked O’Brien to step out of his vehicle, the motorist became combative with police using expletives and attempting to return to his vehicle to leave the scene, according to police reports. An officer tried to stop O’Brien from returning to his vehicle and subsequently tried to arrest him and place him in handcuffs. O’Brien resisted to the point police used a Taser twice to gain compliance.

O’Brien was charged with driving while impaired, intentionally obstructing and hindering a police officer and resisting lawful arrest.

County Recognizes Teacher Of Year

OCEAN CITY – At an awards banquet Friday night, Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) announced Jaimie Ridgely of Stephen Decatur Middle School as the 2023 Worcester County Teacher of the Year.

During its annual Teacher of the Year celebration, Worcester County Board of Education President Todd Ferrante made the announcement following a program honoring all 14 school-level teachers of the year and their commitment to providing a high-quality education to the young people of Worcester County.

“I am so proud of both Jaimie and all of the incredible teachers we have honored this evening,” said Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor. “Jaimie will be a fantastic representative not only for her school, but our entire school system as she progresses to the state-level program. Her passionate advocacy for building student literacy is to be commended.”

A National Board Certified teacher, Ridgely prioritizes writerly identity exploration, joy, and agency in her Enrichment and Technology Education classes at Stephen Decatur Middle School. She believes community, voice, choice, and reflections are the cornerstones of building a student-centered classroom.

“Writing has transformational properties for both writer and reader. When one discovers their voice and their ability to capture their ideas with words, then they hold the power to make a difference in the world. When students learn that their words can have a lasting impact, then they become aware of the value of their gift,” Ridgely said in her portfolio. “In this way, teaching students to write well becomes an act of service to the world, one writer at a time.”

Ridgely has earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Salisbury University, where she also serves as an adjunct professor. With over 21 years of teaching experience, Ridgely also serves on her school improvement team, is a peer mentor and professional learning facilitator, and Worcester LEAD teacher. She also dedicates time afterschool to stoking the interests of her students through programs like her Book Club, Dungeons & Dragons, and tutoring sessions.

Ridgely was one of four finalists announced during the program, who were in the running for the prestigious title. The other outstanding finalists were Michelle Bradley of Pocomoke High School, Silviya Gallo of Worcester Technical High School, and Wendy Macrides of Ocean City Elementary School.

Ridgely was selected by a panel of judges representing experts in the field of education, community leaders, and the current reigning 2022 Worcester County Teacher of the Year. All candidates were judged based on a rigorous set of criteria in alignment with both the state and national level Teacher of the Year programs, which include instructional abilities, collaboration, building connections with our community, leadership and innovation both in and out of the classroom, and the ability to articulate their education beliefs and advocate for how to better this field.

Brief bios for the other individual school’s teacher of the year winners can be found below:

Chris Adkins earned a Bachelor's Degree from Salisbury University in Physical Education and a Master's Degree in Athletic Administration from Ohio University. He has taught for fourteen years, with ten years at Snow Hill High School. Mr. Adkins teaches Physical Education/Health and serves as Athletic Director. He believes in cultivating a supportive, positive, and inclusive culture and strives to be a servant leader for his school community. Adkins has coached wrestling for 18 years and golf, football, softball, and volleyball during his time at Snow Hill High School. He participates in the LEAD Cohort at SU, led the Safety School Improvement Team, and established the "Do One More" initiative.

Michelle Bradley, a proud graduate of Worcester County Public Schools and Salisbury University, is currently enrolled in Salisbury University’s educational leadership program. In her seventh year, Bradley serves as an AP calculus, AP statistics, and algebra teacher, department chair and instructional coach at Pocomoke High. She is the cofounder and advisor of LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Awareness about Disabilities). Her leadership is showcased in her many

Worcester County Teacher of the Year Jaimie Ridgely, center, is pictured with Superintendent Lou Taylor, right, and members of her Stephen Decatur Middle School leadership team, from left Assistant Principal Mark Shipley, Principal Lynne Barton and Assistant Principal Theresa Torpey. Submitted Photo

FROM PAGE 21

roles: Mu Alpha Theta advisor, Math SIT lead, new hire and intern mentor, and a member of the instructional leadership team, innovation team, and PBIS team. These positions allow Bradley to advocate for student belonging for all.

Dawn Davis of Snow Hill Elementary earned two associates degrees from Wor-Wic Community College. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Early childhood and Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University. She has been teaching for 12 years, with eight years in Pre-K. She strives to create an environment that students can enjoy learning and feel loved and safe. She mentors university interns and new colleagues, she is a part of PAC and the math committee and is the Pre-K team leader.

Carli Dixon earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Salisbury University, while she also was a member of the University’s Women’s Soccer team. She is currently working on her Masters of Education in School Counseling. Dixon is in her sixth year of teaching and currently teaches Kindergarten at Pocomoke Elementary School. She strives to create a culture and environment through the formation of trusting relationships in which students want to learn and have fun. She willingly supports her school and community by teaching Afterschool Academy, Summer Academy, as well as coaching youth soccer and refereeing high school sports.

Silviya Gallo, an immigrant from Bulgaria, has received a Maryland Regent Scholarship from Wor-Wic, a Bachelor and Master of Science in Mathematics Secondary Education from Salisbury University. This “Most Promising Mathematics Educator” Awardee teaches Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering and Architecture, GIS, Geometry and Precalculus at Worcester Technical High School. Her love for learning, technology and innovation inspired the creation of Worcester Tech Laser Shop and has ignited the same passion in female students to pursue studies in STEM. Gallo has taught Robotics at Showell Elementary and Berlin Intermediate and is leading the Summer STEM Academy at Worcester Tech.

Michaela Hatlee earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University and is currently working towards her Masters in Reading Instruction. Hatlee has completed six years in Worcester County Public Schools, where she has taught both PreK and Kindergarten. She is a member of the WCPS Apple Vanguard Team and a mentor teacher to university interns. Every day is a fresh start in Hatlee’s Pre-K classroom at Buckingham Elementary with understanding and humility at the forefront of her philosophy.

Wendy Macrides has been an educator for 25 years and is in her 18th year of teaching at Ocean City Elementary School. She teaches fourth grade Math,

Honorees pictured last Friday night included, front from left, Kristina Salvarola, Snow Hill Middle; Carli Dixon, Pocomoke Elementary; Elizabeth Singer, Showell Elementary; Kristin Morris, Cedar Chapel Special; Dawn Davis, Snow Hill Elementary; Jaimie Ridgely, Stephen Decatur Middle; and Chris Adkins, Snow Hill High; back, from left, Wendy Macrides, Ocean City Elementary; Stephen Zubko, Pocomoke Middle; Michelle Bradley, Pocomoke High; David Wells, Berlin Intermediate; Brittany Tracy, Stephen Decatur High; and Michaela Hatlee, Buckingham Elementary. Not pictured was Silviya Gallo, Worcester Tech. Submitted Photo

Hearing Planned For Surplus Property Sale

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Worcester County is expected to host a public hearing regarding the sale of two surplus properties in Snow Hill next month.

The commissioners voted unanimously March 21 to schedule a public hearing for the sale of the former liquor control warehouse and the former economic development building. A request for proposals for the properties yielded one bid for the liquor control warehouse and two bids for the economic development building.

“We are looking to part with two properties we’re no longer utilizing,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said.

Proposals for the properties were due March 8. Nicholas Rice, the county’s procurement officer, reported that one proposal was received for the liquor control ware-

house from Talkie Communications in the amount of $380,000. Talkie Communications has been leasing the space on a month-to-month basis. The former liquor control warehouse, located on Snow Hill Road west of town, is a nearly eight-acre site with a 47,575-square-foot warehouse building.

Two proposals were received for the former economic development building. The first was from Davis Strategic Development in the amount of $125,000 and the second was from Garibay Construction in the amount of $280,000. The economic development building, located at 100 Pearl St., is a three-story, 4,554-square-foot commercial structure. County staff have moved from the building, which has some structural issues and an uninhabitable third floor, to newly leased space on Green Street.

“Both properties are not in the best structural shape,” Young said. “We includ-

ed the information we had in the bid process. Ultimately, we’re looking for someone to buy these, fix them up and get them back on the tax rolls.”

Both Davis Strategic Development and Garibay Construction included future plans for the Pearl Street property in their bids. Davis plans to have retail on the first floor while the second and third floors could be kept as offices or remodeled into apartments. Garibay Construction said plans included commercial offices for the first floor and residential apartments for the second and third floors.

The commissioners last week agreed to set a public hearing regarding the potential sale of the properties. The public hearing, expected to be held in late April, will give citizens the chance to weigh in on the potential sales. After that, the commissioners can decide to accept the proposals and sell the properties or decide to retain them.

Hospital Issues Notification Letters After Cyber Attack

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital is currently notifying individuals whose personal information might be impacted by the cyberattack that occurred in January.

On March 24, Atlantic General Hospital began mailing letters to potentially impacted individuals. The hospital also updated its website to include notice of a data privacy event.

“AGH encourages individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing personal account statements and monitoring free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors,” the notice reads.

On Jan. 29, AGH experienced a ransomware attack that resulted in network outage issues. While interruption to patient care was limited, operations impacted included the outpatient walk-in lab, pulmonary function testing, outpatient imaging and RediScripts. While the hospital was fully operational again with-in a couple weeks of the incident, investigations have been underway since to determine what information was impacted by event.

“Through our investigation, we learned that certain files within our network were subject to unauthorized access during the period of unauthorized access,” the notice reads. “AGH then undertook a comprehensive review of these files to determine what data was contained within the files and to whom that data relates. On March 6, 2023, AGH determined that the impacted files contained certain information related to patients and/or employees.”

While AGH has seen “no evidence of misuse of any information related to this incident” the data privacy notice states the scope of information involved could include an individual’s name, social security number, driver’s license number, financial account information, date of birth, medical record number, treating/referring physician, health insurance information, subscriber number, medical history information or diagnosis/treatment information.

While speaking at a town hall meeting earlier this month, AGH CEO Don Owrey said that while the attackers, a well-known group based in China, accessed the hospital’s network, they did not get into the hospital’s electronic medical records. Those are hosted remotely.

“We’re 100% confident that access to electronic health records did not happen,” he said at the time.

The hospital’s data privacy event notice says that people who want more information can call 1-888-338-9887 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The notice also includes information on how people can monitor their credit reports and set up fraud alerts.

Berlin Spring Celebration On Tap

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town will kick off a busy season of events with the Berlin Spring Celebration on April 8.

An egg hunt, breakfast with the Easter Bunny and a bonnet parade are among the attractions at this year’s Spring Celebration. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 8.

“We’ve taken a pretty hard look at not just our Spring Celebration, but all of our events, and are fixed on making every aspect the best it can be,” said Ryan Nellans, executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. “Spring Celebration isn’t just an already amazing egg hunt, it will now have every concession you can imagine — singing and dancing, wild animals and a dozen midway games — free to play, with prizes.”

The day kicks off early, with the Berlin Fire Company hosting “Breakfast with the Easter Bunny” from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event, which is $5 for kids under 10 and $10 for adults, will be held in the upstairs event hall at the station on Main Street. All-day parking will also be available at the firehouse, where cash donations will be accepted.

The Spring Celebration itself will begin with some fanfare, as a bonnet parade will run from the firehouse to the festival grounds on Main Street at 10 a.m. There, the best bonnets will win prizes as children are invited to participate in a dozen midway style games being set up by local nonprofits. This year’s “Midway on Main Street” will give participants the opportunity to win prizes donated by Jolly Roger Amusements.

The big draw at the Spring Celebration, the egg hunt, is set for 11:30 a.m. at the lawn of the Taylor House Museum. Nearly 5,000 eggs will be scattered on the lawn.

This year’s Spring Celebration also includes live music — Shake it Up Jam with Lisa Mathews—face painting by Lollipop the Clown & Company, Scales and Tales from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and food from a variety of popular local vendors.

“The Spring Celebration has been a

Berlin staple, year after year, and our great opportunity to give back to the children in the community. That sentiment has been echoed by our many donors, sponsors, and friends: Jolly Roger Amusements, The Berlin Arts & Entertainment District, Atlantic General Hospital, The Sterling Tavern and The Treasure Chest,” Nellans said.

The Berlin Spring Celebration is free to attend. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook or berlinmainstreet.com.

Last year’s Easter egg hunt in Berlin is pictured on the lawn of the Taylor House Museum.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Compliance Board Cites Berlin For Open Meetings Violation

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A January contract discussion between Town of Berlin officials regarding the Berlin Fire Company should have been open to the public, according to the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board.

The board on Friday issued an opinion advising that a Jan. 23 Berlin Town Council meeting about the Berlin Fire Company (BFC) should not have been held in closed session. The complaint was filed by resident Jason Walter when town officials failed to address his concerns prior to the meeting.

“Our representatives are obligated to understand and follow the open meetings act, there is no real excuse not to,” Walter said. “The state provides ample guidance and training material to assist with com-

pliance.”

The town’s attorney, however, does not believe the council did anything wrong.

“I don’t agree with it but there’s no right of appeal,” said David Gaskill, the town’s attorney.

Last month, Walter filed a complaint with the Open Meetings Compliance Board (OMCB) related to the Jan. 23 closed session meeting. The meeting was closed in accordance with a section of Maryland Code that states a meeting can be closed “Before a contract is awarded or bids are opened, to discuss a matter directly related to a negotiating strategy or the contents of a bid or proposal, if public discussion or disclosure would adversely impact the ability of the public body to participate in the competitive bidding or proposal process.”

Walter said that didn’t apply in the town’s case. He also advised the OMCB

that he’d submitted a written objection to the closure of the meeting before it was to be held. That objection was not noted by Mayor Zack Tyndall when he closed the meeting on Jan. 23. The council then voted 3-1, with Councilman Jack Orris opposed and Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols absent, to enter into closed session.

According to the March 24 opinion from the OMCB, the board agreed with Walter. According to the opinion, approving, disapproving or amending a contract is a quasi-legislative function that must be performed in an open meeting unless a certain exception applies. In Berlin’s case, the council cited the procurement exception related to the competitive bidding process.

“Based on the facts before us, we conclude that this exception did not authorize the Council to close its January 23 meeting to the public…,” the opinion reads.

“Here, nothing in the submissions indicates that the contracts at issue were connected to a competitive process.”

The board also addressed the council’s use of the legal advice exception, which allows a public body to enter closed session to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice. That exception, however, covers the interchange between the lawyer and public body. Once the advice is given, however, the body must return to open session.

Walter said his complaint was prompted by frustration with the level of communication exhibited by elected officials.

“Maryland's Open Meetings Act is a statute that requires public bodies to meet openly with only a few, limited exceptions… ,” Walter said. “In observing the abundance of and the topics used for closed session it appeared clear the Town of Berlin was continuing to abuse their ability to meet behind closed doors.”

He added that when he attempted to challenge the meeting locally, “a brick wall was hit” so he reached out to the compliance board for the second time in two years.

At Monday’s council meeting, Gaskill acknowledged the OMCB opinion but said he disagreed with the board’s reasoning that the negotiating exception was only to be used when there was a competitive bidding process. He added, however, that the board’s opinions were advisory.

Tyndall said he disagreed too. Councilman Jay Knerr asked about whether Tyndall had been notified of the closed session objections before the meeting was held. Tyndall indicated he was not sure but Councilman Jack Orris said Walter had emailed him as well as Tyndall and Knerr. He said Tyndall’s failure to acknowledge the complaint was why he’d voted against entering closed session.

“If there’s an objection that exists, then object and say why please,” Tyndall said.

Orris said three of them on the dais had the objection from Walter prior to the meeting. Councilman Steve Green pointed out this was the council’s second violation in two years and asked if more training was needed.

“I think the first time we learned a lot… ,” Tyndall said. “This one, I don’t know. I don’t see any actionable feedback.”

Nichols said those with objections to a closed session should reach out to the entire council. Tyndall said the objector should attend the meeting in person to share objections because there wasn’t a virtual mechanism in place for the solicitation of objections.

“What I’m hearing is you have to be here to object,” Orris said.

“No, what I said was there’s not a mechanism in place,” Tyndall responded, adding residents could email concerns to the town’s general email address but that there was no guarantee an email would be read before the meeting.

Orris said the town could ask the OMCB about what constituted an objection and whether they could be emailed.

“If someone emails you again pass it along to everybody,” Gaskill said.

Nichols said residents should reach out to all council people.

“Please make us all aware,” she said. “Some of us knew nothing.”

Trimper Rides Will Kick Off 130th Season Next Weekend

OCEAN CITY – Trimper Rides has announced its grand re-opening on April 8 at noon. Guests will be welcomed to officially cross the threshold for the start of the 130th season.

Locals and visitors are invited to join Peter Cottontail in the Trimper Rides’ Carousel Building as he hosts the 3rd Annual Trimper Rides Easter Weekend April 89. Lucky guests will partake in egg hunts, egg rolls and bunny dance parties. Events will be spread throughout the weekend, but the traditional egg hunt will be held both days. Guests can take advantage of a $25 discounted ride-all-rides wristband. For the early birds, wristband sales will start at 11 a.m. on the Boardwalk, allowing families to skip the pass procession and line up right away for the Easter Egg Hunt.

The egg hunt at 12:30 p.m. on April 89 sparks the Easter themed events. The egg roll on April 8 and bunny dance party on April 9 are new to the Easter events schedule. The new events will start at 3 p.m. each day. New rules and regulations have been added to help with traffic and give the best experience for all. Please see Trimper Rides’ website for full details and to sign up to participate.

“We are thrilled to bring this familyfriendly event back to Ocean City and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off our

130th season in the park,” said Trimper Rides President Scott Savage.

All park events are weather-dependent and wristbands can be purchased at the park or online. Stay updated by visiting https://www.trimperrides.com/events and on Facebook and Instagram.

Trimper Rides of Ocean City is a Maryland amusement park serving generations over the past 129 years. Trimper Rides is affiliated with Windsor Resorts Inc. which also operates Marty’s Playland and the upcoming Inlet Village, employing 200 workers each year. The Board of Directors includes Wendy Delamater, Wendy Dibuo, Bill Hopkins, Laura Minker, Scott Savage and Chelsea Trimper.

Easter egg hunts are planned inside the Carousel building on April 8 and 9.

Submitted Photo

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Pam Anthony, Kristy and Scott Anthony and Michael and Courtney DeVito enjoyed the western themed Worcester Preparatory School Gala.

Worcester Prep alum Hugh Cropper and wife JL are pictured at the gala at Seacrets with Courtney and Jim Baeurle, parents of WPS graduates.

WPS parents Mike Ramadan, Noor Khalaileh, Kozma and Artiola Gjikuria and Emily and George Tunis had fun catching up during the Worcester Prep Gala.

Father and daughter alumni, Hannah (’14) and Adam (’76) Showell, are pictured at the western themed Worcester Preparatory School Gala.

WPS teachers Nick Busko and Mike Mariotti and Mike’s wife, Vikki, were excited to join other faculty members and families at this year’s WPS Gala.

Brooke Borelli and Mary Bellis paused for a photo during a Relay for Life charity bingo game at Sterling Tavern.

Holly Mueller is pictured playing bingo to benefit Relay for Life at Sterling Tavern.

Makenna Nichols, MaryAnn Rutzler and Makayla Murphy volunteered at Project Prom, an event presented by the Briddell Family Foundation that provided area teens with prom attire.

WPS parents, Dr. David (right) and Amy Pyne (left), enjoyed themselves at the annual WPS Gala.

Angie McTernan, Dawn Hodge, Jeff Claypool and Deb Haas are pictured during a Relay for Life charity bingo game at Sterling Tavern.

New Accountant

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners named Lynn Wright as the new senior budget accountant in County Administration.

“I am thrilled to have Lynn join the budget team,” Budget Officer Kim Reynolds said. “With her prior knowledge and experience, she will be a true asset.”

Wright, who earned an associate degree of Science in accounting and a Bachelor of Arts degree in human resources management from Wilmington University, brings 19 years of experience in local government to her new position. From 2011 to 2023, she worked for Wicomico County Government, where she served as the human resources manager and later as the accounting supervisor. Prior to that time, she served with the City of Salisbury.

“I would like to thank the commissioners for allowing me this opportunity to serve the residents of Worcester County and to work alongside a dedicated group of talented professionals,” Wright said.

Wright resides with her husband, John, in Somerset County. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

She will administer grants procurement and grants compliance, track capital projects, and assist the budget officer in all phases of budget preparation, maintenance, and analysis of financial data and audit compliance.

Directors Named

BERLIN – The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra has elected Philip J. Webster and Philip Davis to its Board of Directors.

A long-time resident of St. Michaels, Webster brings decades of volunteer service with arts organizations to the orchestra. In the arts, Webster served as public relations director of the Seventh U.S. Army Symphony Orchestra in Europe; manager of The Handel and Haydn Society of Boston orchestra and chorus; board member of the Boston Women's Symphony Orchestra; chairman of the Walnut Street Theatre of Philadelphia, America’s oldest theater; public relations committee of the Philadelphia Orchestra; chairman of International House of Philadelphia and its annual Fes-

The advisors with SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate recently attended the SVN National Conference, bringing home several top honors, including the Humanitarian of the Year Award, the President’s Award, the Achiever’s Award, and the Partner’s Circle Award. The company also closed out another year as a top 10 firm for SVN International Inc. Above, advisors with SVN Miller are

tival of World Cinema; and producer of the International Choral Festival in Symphony Hall, Boston with choruses from 15 countries.

On the Eastern Shore, Webster has served as the founding board chairman of the Avalon Theatre and Avalon Foundation; vice president and board member of Chesapeake Music; and chairman and founder of the Aspen Institute Wye Fellows and its music series. He has also served locally on the boards or as a committee member of Sultana Education Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Miles River Yacht Club Foundation, Eastern Shore Land Conservatory, ShoreRivers, Waterfowl Chesapeake, Christ Church-St. Michaels, Episcopal Diocese of Easton, Chesapeake College Foundation, Mid Shore Community Foundation and Aspen Institute Wye River Campus.

Davis was raised in a Chicago suburb but came east for college and law school. After graduating from The George Washington Law School, Davis clerked for a federal district court judge and then joined the Washington, D.C., office of Kirkland & Ellis, where he became a litigation partner in anti-trust, employment and general commercial matters. He eventually left Kirkland to become a founding partner at what is now known as Wiley Rein. At Wiley, his litigation practice evolved into a nationally recognized government contracts practice, representing a diverse array of cli-

ents that did business with the federal government, primarily in the defense field. Besides his legal practice, Davis served for several years in firm management and as the firm’s recruiting partner. Now, as senior counsel, he has a less demanding schedule, but still periodically advises his colleagues and clients when called upon.

On the Eastern Shore, Davis has gradually become a more involved member of the community. He is a mentor with Talbot Mentors, a youth mentoring organization that provides support, guidance and coaching to young people in Talbot County; he currently mentors a junior at Easton High School. Davis is also a member of Christ Church, St. Michaels, where, among other activities, he serves on the vestry.

Board President Jeffrey Parker said, “The addition of both Philip Webster and Philip Davis will reinforce and strengthen an already motivated and ambitious board of directors. We welcome them and look forward to all that they will bring to our great organization.”

Officer Welcomed

SALISBURY – Perdue Farms, a 103year-old privately held Maryland-based food and agricultural products company, announced that Catherine Muldoon

has joined the Company as chief compliance officer.

As chief compliance officer, Muldoon will lead the Office of Business Ethics & Compliance. In this role, she will manage and oversee all aspects of how Perdue Farms’ businesses and brands comply with all federal, state and local rules and regulations, and other external regulatory requirements, as well as internal policies. In this position, she will establish, implement, and administer a compliance structure to strengthen the Company’s existing compliance efforts.

“We’re pleased to have someone with Catherine’s depth of experience to help bolster our current compliance practices,” said Herb Frerichs, general counsel and corporate secretary for Perdue Farms. “The animal protein industry and broader agricultural sectors are becoming increasingly complex. Creating a centralized structure to oversee our companywide compliance program will ensure that we are not just complying with laws and regulations but exceeding them, while living up to our culture of trust and integrity and doing the right thing.”

Before Perdue Farms, Muldoon served as long-time chief legal officer at BDP International, a global logistics transportation firm, where she created a comprehensive code of conduct and business ethics program. Most recently she served as general counsel for Baldor Specialty Foods Inc., a U.S. food procurement and distribution company. She has won several awards including Best Chief Legal Officer from the Philadelphia Business Journal, Best Global General Counsel from the Association of Corporate Counsel and Ethisphere Person who Matters in Ethics from 2015-2018.

Muldoon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, a juris doctor from the School of Law at Seton Hall University in New Jersey, and an executive master’s in business administration from the Lebow College of Business at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She has served as the co-chair of the Corporate Counsel Forum with the International Bar Association, and as a member of the Business Ethics Leadership Alliance, TRACE International, and Association of Corporate Counsel.

LYNN WRIGHT

PHILIP DAVIS

PHILIP WEBSTER

pictured at this year’s conference. Submitted Photo

CATHERINE MULDOON

Worcester County Teachers Of Year Recognized

Science, and Writing in a Special Education Inclusion setting. Her passion for teaching is evident as she focuses on the individual strengths of her students while making authentic personal connections. Wendy received a bachelor of science degree from Salisbury University and earned a master’s in education from Walden University. In addition, Wendy facilitates an after-school STEAM academy, “Fly Like a Girl” and serves as an active Session Elder and chairperson of the Mission Ministry for Buckingham Presbyterian church in Berlin.

Kristin Morris earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Salisbury University and received her master’s degree in School Counseling from UMES. This is her seventh year in Worcester County, currently teaching middle school special education at Cedar Chapel. Her love for her students transports beyond the classroom by coaching Special Olympics skiing and basketball as well as attending the Torch Run each year. Making connections and having fun with each student, daily, is her personal philosophy for student success. Morris believes every student has something to

contribute. She is also the Head Cheerleading Coach at Salisbury University.

Kristina Salvarola is dedicated to leadership, advocacy and student success. She has obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, is currently completing her Masters of Education in Administration from University of Phoenix. In 2022 she completed the Academy for Leadership in Education at Salisbury University as a Worcester County representative. She is a leading member on her School Improvement Team at Snow Hill Middle, mentors rising educators, and supports the district to advance existing curriculums. She is an advocate for student’s families and the empowerment of her fellow educators. Inspiring students to reach their highest potential, her passion for students is evident in her classroom culture.

Elizabeth Singer has earned a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in STEM from North Carolina State University and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Salisbury University. She has been teaching for 11 years, seven years were spent at Snow Hill Elementary and the last four years have been spent teaching fourth

grade at Showell Elementary. She is a member of her school improvement team, mentor to Salisbury University students, team leader, and has been part of various county-wide committees. She creates a classroom focused on student ownership of learning and real world experiences and connections.

Brittany Tracy is an educator who is invested in growing learners. She takes pride in building long-lasting, meaningful relationships with students to help them achieve their personal, academic, and career goals at Stephen Decatur High School. Brittany earned a Master’s degree from Wilmington University (2012) and a Bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University (2010). She is a Worcester LEADS teacher charged with developing and executing strategic projects to improve student and teacher outcomes. Additionally, she is a mentor to students and interns, a co-advisor of the Leo Club, a member of the STAR Committee, and a lead teacher in one of the School Improvement literacy initiatives.

David Wells from Stephen Decatur High School, attended University of Maryland Eastern Shore earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education.

This is his 19th year teaching in Worcester County Public Schools where currently he is a special education teacher at Berlin Intermediate School. He serves on the School Improvement Team and has begun the Athlete Academy after school program for student athletes. Wells strives to create a positive and fun learning environment for all students. He believes that a teachers impact on a child is immeasurable, therefore, providing a positive and caring attitude is essential for success.

Stephen Zubko graduated Magna Cum Laude from Misericordia University earning a Bachelor’s in History/Secondary Education and is currently completing a Master’s in History from Liberty University. Zubko has been an educator for 12 years and has spent the last seven teaching both Foreign Language and sixth grade Social Studies at Pocomoke Middle School. He strives to build rapport with all his students, and to challenge each student to think critically about the past. Moreover, he has started the Pocomoke Leadership Basketball Team, and through his tenure has been involved in both After-School and Summer School Academies.

new Playgrounds Planned For Bishopville, newark

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Parks in Bishopville and Newark are set to get new playground equipment this summer thanks to grant funding.

The Worcester County Commissioners this month approved plans to purchase new playground equipment for Newark Park and Bishopville Park. The cost of the new playgrounds will be covered by grants through the Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure (LPPI) program.

“These two playgrounds were chosen as they are the oldest ones,” said Kelly Rados, director of Worcester County Recreation and Parks. “Our plan is to replace and upgrade all playgrounds over the coming years based on the order of their age.”

County staff approached the commissioners this week seeking permission to purchase new playground equipment for the two parks from Cunningham Recreation. The prices, $200,000 for Newark and $223,670 for Bishopville, were negotiated through a cooperative contract with Omnia Partners. Omnia Partners is a co-

operative purchasing organization that competitively awards purchasing contracts on behalf of itself and its participating agencies, according to the county’s procurement officer.

County staff will be removing the existing playground structures, recycling the materials and prepping the sites in an effort to keep costs down.

Rados said now that the commissioners have approved the purchase, staff will be able to schedule the installation. They’re hoping both playgrounds can be complete by July. Jacob Stephens, parks superintendent, noted that the lead time on equipment was approximately 10-16 weeks but indicated the installations should be in place and ready to use sometime this summer.

He said the playground equipment at Newark Park and Bishopville Park was more than 20 years old, which is why it was targeted for replacement. They would have needed significant repairs if not replaced.

“The new playgrounds will incorporate new innovation to allow for a better play area,” Stephens said.

Prospective looks for a new playground planned for Newark are pictured. Rendering by Cunningham Recreation

COMMUNITY News In Photos

A group of local children from the Nature Adventurers 4-H Club recently helped collect trash at White Horse Park in Ocean Pines. The club is a nature and public-service focused group based in Berlin and predominantly made up of homeschool students.

Submitted Photos

The Republican Women of Worcester County held their February meeting at Worcester Technical High School. Guest speakers were Julie Giordano, county executive of Wicomico County and Patrick Kerr, president, College Republicans, Salisbury University. Pictured from left to right are Liz Mumford, 1st vice president RWWC, Julie Giordano, Kerr and Sandy Zitzer, president RWWC.

On March 6th, 2023, as part of their Caring for America mission, the Republican Women of Worcester County presented a $500 donation to the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health. Pictured left to right are Vera Beck, Caring for America chair, RWWC; Joann Manole, Grace Center executive director; Sandy Zitzer, president RWWC and Amy Mike, recording secretary RWWC and a Grace Center board member.

Pittsville recently donated a police vehicle to Wor-Wic Community College. From left, Dr. Ray Hoy, president, and John C. Moses, director of criminal justice at Wor-Wic, accept the donation of a police vehicle from Sean M. McHugh, Pittsville commission president, and Robert D. Harris, chief of the Pittsville Police Department. Wor-Wic will use the vehicle as part of its Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy.

Linda Linzey, of the Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee (SCCC), recently gave a presentation on American suffragists and women's history to the United Women in Faith (UWF) at Community Church at Ocean Pines. Pictured from left to right are Linda Baker, president of UWF and Linzey.

The Briddell Family Foundation presented Project Prom at Worcester Technical High School on March 25. The event, created by Makenna Nichols, gave area teenagers a boutique style experience as they were provided with prom attire. Pictured is the Project Prom “glam squad” ready to open the doors and greet attendees.

Reassessment Project Delayed In Sussex County

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say a property reassessment project will likely be delayed by another year.

In a Fenwick Island Town Council meeting last Friday, Mayor Natalie Magdeburger presented community members with an update on the county’s reassessment project. She noted a delay from the appraiser will likely push the deadline for completing the project by one year.

“The good news is that they are not on track to meet the projected deadline,” she said. “Therefore, they will be asking the state to push it back an entire year. So the good news is whatever our new tax rate is going to be will likely be pushed back a whole year before we have to pay it.”

In 2020, the Delaware Chancery Court issued a ruling that determined property taxing systems in each of the state’s three counties were unconstitutional and did not comply with Delaware law. To that end, Sussex County contracted with Tyler Technologies to survey roughly 182,000 residential, commercial and agricultural properties over a three-year period.

The new assessment values, the county reports, are being set at what is projected to be the fair market value of the property as of July 1, 2023. Following the reassessment, property tax rates will be adjusted, and the corresponding tax bill will be generated in 2024.

“While it is too early to determine whether the value of an individual property may increase, decrease or stay the same, there will be multiple opportunities to appeal your property’s valuation if it appears to be too high, including through both an informal and formal process,” a statement from the county’s assessment department reads.

In an update last week, Town Manager Pat Schuchman said efforts to reassess properties continue. She noted that Tyler Technologies had already visited more than 90,000 properties, representing 47% of the overall parcel count.

“Due to Tyler Technologies staffing issues – that’s the appraiser for the county – the data collection is not currently on track to meet the projected deadline for data collection, which is by July 1, 2023,” she said. “The county is looking to extend the project timeline a year, which would change the first billing to be impacted by the new assessments to the fall of 2025.”

Magdeburger noted that the appraiser will continue to visit properties in the coming months.

“Everyone down here is getting reassessed, and you’ve probably seen them in and around town …,” she said. “They’ve got a job and their job is to figure out how much your properties are worth for Sussex County.”

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above a scene from downtown Ocean City’s bayside is pictured last week during an abnormally low tide this month. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 54

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Someone you relied on might resist your request for help. Get the facts behind their decision before jumping to conclusions. You might be in for a surprise.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It's a good time for the winter-weary Bovine to start plans for spring redecorating. Indulge in something super beautiful for your home. You deserve it.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): An inner conflict might keep you from taking the first step toward healing an old wound. Seek the advice of a trusted friend for help in dealing with your uncertainty.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Change can bring confusion. You need to take a strong stand to make sure your rights are respected despite all the fuss and fury going on around you.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Your financial situation continues to improve, although you still need to watch those expenses. Something from the past could affect a current situation.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Problems adjusting to a new job and unfamiliar surroundings might tempt you to give up. But hang in there -things get better in time.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): De-

cision time is near. Talk out your doubts with trusted advisers. If your misgivings still outweigh your enthusiasm, it's best to rethink the whole deal.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A situation has you puzzled. Be patient. The answers you seek will soon come from a source very close to the person at the center of your curiosity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Your usually active social life is in super-high gear through this week. Your hectic party-going pace eases into a period of quiet time by the weekend.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): You need to start narrowing down those several new options that have come your way to just the two or three you really want to pursue.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): It's a wise Water Bearer who nurtures a fading friendship back to vibrant health. At work, a once-shelved idea is suddenly being reconsidered.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You might feel swamped by a flood of work-related obligations, but the support of a trusted associate helps you get through each one successfully.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are a caring person who often puts your own needs aside to help others. You have a gift for cultivating beautiful gardens.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 46

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Watching a ski instructor at work

Iowa’s Caitlin Clark’s shooting range

People who choose to work with special needs individuals

One-hour school delays for fog

Finding money in a jacket pocket

Still reading at least one newspaper each day

No-wrinkle shirts

Early spring lacrosse games

Firewood honor systems on Assateague Road

Reading my kids’ faces

An excited dog at the bank drive thru

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY WITH

BUNK MANN

The “Showell Block” was on the Boardwalk between Caroline Street and N. Division Street. Located just north of the original US Coast Guard Station, it was the site of Ocean City’s first swimming pool built in 1917 by John Dale Showell, Jr.

The Showell Block was the home of the famous Showell’s Bath House where one could rent a bathing suit with a locker and have a shower after a day on the beach. The building also contained a bowling alley where pins were set by hand into the late 1950s.

Edwards 5 and 10 opened in 1937 and became Ocean City’s year-round department store for over half a century. It was said by locals that “if you couldn’t find it at Edwards, you didn’t need it in the first place.” The original building was razed in 1988 and replaced by a modern masonry structure. The Quiet Storm Surf Shop is the primary occupant today.

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

Photo from Bunk Mann’s collection

The Dispatch Classifieds

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

Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch

(Contract Discounts Available)

Deadline for Insertions, Cancellations & Payment is 3pm Tuesday

Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard

HELP WANTED

CLEANERS/VACATION

RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

DISHWASHER: Hiring Seasonal, Part-time Dishwasher. The Grove Market, Bishopville. Call 410-3525055.

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

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

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

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

ADVANCED MARINA

410-723-2124

66th St. Ocean City Advancedmarina.com

NOW HIRING: •MECHANICS

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To Apply, Call or email 410-723-2124 advancedmarina@aol.com

ENGLISH TEACHER

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

May 1 - Sept 30

Weekdays

Start At $17/Hour

Must Have Reliable Transportation.

(We Reimburse .50/mile)

End Of Season Bonus!

PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT POSSIBLE

Text or Call 443-640-7983

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE

The T-Shirt Factory in Ocean City seeking a full-time, year-round Warehouse Associate. Candidates must have a minimum of 6 months warehouse experience, valid drivers without points, ability to drive a box truck and lift up to 50 lbs. or more. Benefits and pay depends on experience.

To apply send resumes to bkmoira@yahoo.com or call the Corporate Office at (410) 213-9650.

NOW HIRING SECURITY GUARDS

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

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Must have Tools, Transportation, Drivers License Experience Preferred

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS rhp510@aol.com

410-641-9530

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

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

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

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

LOOKING FOR A REWARDING SUMMER JOB?

Coastal Kayak is hiring all positions! No experience necessaryjust the desire to learn! CoastalKayak.com for more info and application.

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING!

•MAINTENANCE

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•NIGHTWATCH

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071

AA/EOE

This position is an entry level/new to the industry, Community Manager role.

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

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

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

EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

Worcester Preparatory School is seeking experienced teachers.

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

Candidates with experience and an interest in coaching are desirable.

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

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

SEASONAL STAFF

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

RENTALS

WINTER

WEEKLY RENTALS

Utilities Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com

410-289-8581

SUMMER BEACH CONDOS

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Sign

THE

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The Dispatch Legal

JAMES A. LIST, ESQ.

THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES A. LIST

5700 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 100

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

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

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

Notice is given that JAMES A LIST, ESQ ,whose address

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

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

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

their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14TH day of SEPTEMBEr 2023.

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

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

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

be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

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

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

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

Third

JAMES A. LIST, ESQ.

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

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO

CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19630

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

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 17, 2023

DANIEL HUNTER TODD AMES

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

Second Insertion

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

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

To all persons interested in the estate of MATTHEW

HERRMANN, Estate No. 19634. Notice is given that KIMBERLY BANKARD, whose address is 11203 TAMMY TERRACE, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of MATTHEW HERRMANN, who died on FEBRUARY 17, 2023 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

KIMBERLY BANKARD Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3-24, 3-31, 4-07

Second Insertion

SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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

Second Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ.

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

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

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM PAUL ASHER, AKA: WILLIAM P. ASHER, Estate No. 19633. Notice is given that ELIZABETH KAREN ASHER, whose address is 512 NORTH HIGH STREET, SELINSGROVE, PA 17870, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM PAUL ASER, who died on NOVEMBER 15, 2022 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

ELIZABETH KAREN ASHER

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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

Second Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ.

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE19636

To all persons interested in the estate of GLORIA JEAN STRICKER, Estate No. 19636. Notice is given that DENISE MCINTYRE, whose address is 220 POMPTON DRIVE, UNIT B, AUSTIN TEXAS, 78757, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GLORIA JEAN STRICKER, who died on DECEMBER 05, 2022 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

DENISE MCINTYRE

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

Second Insertion

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE19621

To all persons interested in the estate of HORACE FRANKLIN CAMPBELL, Estate No. 19621. Notice is given that FRANK W. CAMPBELL whose address is 9062 OLD OCEAN CITY ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MARCH 09, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HORACE FRANKLIN CAMPBELL, who died on FEBRUARY 22, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other writ-

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

ten notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MARCH 24, 2023

FRANK W, CAMPBELL

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

Second Insertion

TREVOR A. KIESSLING, JR, ESQ. 8482 FORT SMALLWOOD ROAD SUITE A PASADENA, MD 21122

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

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

Personal Representative of the estate of HAROLD D. KING, SR., who died on JANUARY 25, 2023 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

ing dates:

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MARCH 24, 2023

DONNA M. CAPEROON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

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

Second Insertion

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

To all persons interested in the estate of DENNIS GREGORY MAKUCHAL, Estate No. 19606. Notice is given that PENNY MAKUCHAL, 4906 BIG MILL ROAD, STOCKTON, MD 21864, was on MARCH 16, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DENNIS GREGORY MAKUCHAL, who died on APRIL 30, 2021 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or be-

fore the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

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

PENNY MAKUCHAL Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

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

First Insertion

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19644

To all persons interested in the estate of DOROTHY BELLE GODFREY, Estate No. 19644. Notice is given that LISA ANN NUGENT, 11426 MUNFORD ROAD, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on MARCH 23, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY BELLE GODFREY, who died on JANUARY 4, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 31, 2023

LISA ANN NUGENT Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-31, 4-07, 4-14

First Insertion

D. NICOLE GREEN, ESQ. D. NICOLE GREEN, PA 300 EAST MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19646

To all persons interested in the estate of JOSHUA MICHAEL HATKIN, AKA: JOSH HATKIN, Estate No. 19646. Notice is given that JANET L. HATKIN, 8203 SHAVOX CHURCH ROAD, WHALEYVILLE, MD 21872, was on MARCH 23, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSHUA MICHAEL HATKIN, who died on JANUARY 19, 2023 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MARCH 31, 2023

JANET L. HATKIN Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-31, 4-07, 4-14

First Insertion

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

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN

HEIRS

ESTATE 19642

To all persons interested in the estate of ADAM GORDON HOLDER, ESTATE 19642. Notice is given that BERNARD HOLDER, 1005 EDGEWATER AVENUE, #102 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on MARCH 21, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of ADAM GORDON

HOLDER, who died on FEBRUARY 07, 2023 without a will.

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

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 First Insertion

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

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

ESTATE 19650

To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH E. BAINE, Estate No. 19650. Notice is given that GEORGE TOWNSEND, 3932 MARKET STREET, PO BOX 34, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on MARCH 28, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPH E. BAINE, who died on MARCH 10, 2023 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 31, 2023

GEORGE TOWNSEND

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

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

3x 3-31, 4-07, 4-14

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET

P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19612

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES ALBERT BLUMENAUER, Estate No. 19612. Notice is given that, DIANA LYNN KARPAVAGE whose address is 1323 MT HERMON ROAD SUITE 2B, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on MARCH 22, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES ALBERT BLUMENAUER, who died on FEBRUARY 18, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the

Register of Wills on or before the 22ND day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

SHERIFF’S SALE ORLEANS COURT CONDOMINIUM UNIT 35 (A/K/A 222)

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

Who’s Where When

SPRING

Tuesday - Seafood Frenzy

Wednesday - $20 Make Ya Holla

Thursday - Seafood & “Lobsta” Sunday - Prime Rib 8 oz. $18

$19 Crabcake Entree

Twin Crabcake Entree $18 - 8 oz. Prime Rib $29 - 16 oz. Prime Rib

O.C.

Friday, March 31: Nelly’s Echo

Saturday, April 1:

FAGER’S

Friday, March 31:

RobCee, DJ Greg, The JJ Billings Band

Saturday, April 1: DJ Groove, Broken Stil, The Loop

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C.

Tuesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Thursdays & Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, April 1: DJ Billy T

Sunday, April 2: Opposite Directions

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, April 1: The Dunehounds

Sundays: Beats By Deogee

Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Fri., March 31 & Sat., April 1: Wazzup

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, March 31: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, Jason Dumm Duo, Late Last Night

Saturday, April 1: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, The Big House Band, The Beverlees, Feel Free, Crash The Party

Thursday, April 6: DJ Connair, Opposite Directions

WAZZUP Purple Moose: Fri., March 31 & Sat., April 1

FUNK-SHUÉ Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, April 1

THE LOOP Fager’s Island: Saturday, April 1

LENNON LARICCI & THE LEFTOVERS Cork Bar: Saturday, April 1

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, April 2

THE BIG HOUSE BAND Seacrets: Saturday, April 1

JACK & T LUTZ Coins Pub: Saturday, April 1

THE DUNEHOUNDS Pickles Pub: Saturday, April 1

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup

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

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting

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

April 1: Fried Chicken Buffet

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

April 1: Egg Hunt

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

April 5: Charity Bingo

Sterling Tavern will host the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation for its monthly bingo fundraiser at 6 p.m. Proceeds support the hospital’s associates campaign.

April 7: Good Friday Service

St. John United Methodist Church will host at 6:30 p.m. Guest speakers include Min.

Things To Do

Major Purnell, Rev. Star Purnell, Rev. Eloise Henry-Gordy, Rev. Betty Smith, Min. Sandra Foreman, Sis. Beatrice Spence and Sis. Geraldine Rhock.

April 7: Prayer Service

Good Friday Prayer Service, self-guided prayer stations, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin.

April 7-8: Easter Art & Craft Show and Kids Fun Fair

Convention Center 41st. Street, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Activities, contests, Beanny the Easter Bunny and more. Artists displaying unique gifts. Adults $5, seniors 60+ $4, students $4, fire/military/police with ID $2, kids 3 & under free. oceanpromotions.info.

April 8: Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfast

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

April 9: Resident Golf Day

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

April 9: Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast

6:30 a.m. service at Assateague State Park; breakfast follows at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin.

April 12: AARP Meeting

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

April 13: Memorial Ceremony

The Ocean Pines Garden Club will once again hold its Arbor Day Memorial Ceremony at Pintail Park at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is held to honor and remember friends and family who passed away in 2022. The ceremony includes a tree planting, music by the Delmarva Chorus, a bagpiper, read-

ings by garden club members, and commemorations by local dignitaries. All are welcome.

April 15: Bikers For Autism Ride

Join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation for the 2nd Annual Bikers for Autism ride in Ocean City to 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 12:30 to 3 p.m. for a block party sponsored by The Cork Bar, The Bearded Clam and Crawl Street Tavern with live music from Shots Fired. The $25 registration fee (cash only) 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. www.acsgwc.org.

April 16-30: OC Restaurant Week

Citywide special menus, great deals at participating restaurants throughout Ocean City. Tempt your taste buds. oceancityrestaurantweek.com.

April 19: Town Cats Benefit

From 5-10 pm. Shotti’s Point Lunas (formerly Full Moon Saloon) will be donating a portion of sales to Town Cats. Check out the new menu and support your local cat rescue.

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

April 22: Earth Day Cleanup

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

April 22: Drive Thru Church Luncheon

From 10 a.m. until sold out at the Powellville UM Church located at 35606 Mount Hermon Road. Drive thru luncheon features oyster fritter sandwiches, homemade chicken salad, homemade soups including peas and dumplings, and veg. beef. Bake sale items will be available. No pre-orders. Call 410-835-8796 or 443-880-8804 for more details.

April 23: Kennedy-King Dinner

The Democratic Central Committee of Worcester County will hold its annual gala dinner at Lighthouse Sound. Special guest speaker to be announced. Reception at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:15. Tickets are $100 per person. Make check payable to DCCWC, P.O. Box 34, Berlin, Md. 21811. Please include your dinner choice of Prime Rib, Grilled Salmon, Chicken Chesapeake or Vegetarian. For further information call Vicky Wallace 410-208-2969 or email vick1947@aol.com.

April 23: Dinner Dance

The Polish American Club of Delmarva (PAC) will hold its Spring "Majowka" Dinner Dance from 1-5 p.m. at the Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Avenue. Tickets are $35 per person and includes a delicious dinner platter, dessert, beer, wine, soda, coffee and tea. Polish/ American Variety dance music will be provided by the "JOY" Trio of Maryland. For tickets and further information contact Denise 443-857-9054 or Steve 443-857-3802. No tickets will be sold at the door.

April 29: Guest Speaker

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

May 2: Prayer At Local Schools

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

May 4: Prayer Day Speaker

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

… tax rate to Bring additional $478k

FROM PAGE 4

and transfers to the convention center are expected to increase $162,000.

Other budget highlights include a $2.7 million increase in estimated room tax revenue, an $85,000 increase in estimated casino revenue and a $20,000 increase in estimated income tax revenue.

Councilman Frank Knight questioned the town’s advertising budget.

“The increase in the advertising budget, is that based on the increase in room tax?” he asked.

Knapp said it was. She noted that 42% of room tax revenues are dedicated to advertising and tourism.

Councilman John Gehrig said he took issue with the way advertising was reported as an expense in the town’s general fund account.

“We need a way to report this differently because really advertising is making a

HAPPINESS

contribution to the general fund,” he said.

McGean also highlighted capital projects included in the coming year’s budget, including street paving, canal dredging and more. Cost estimates for the approved projects total $3.3 million, with $1.5 million funded through fund balance.

“The city fund balance continues to be healthy, and this budget maintains that,” he said. “It does transfer $1.5 million from fund balance to the capital maintenance fund and uses an additional $1,086,000 from fund balance to pay for other onetime equipment costs such as variable message sign replacements, playground equipment and cardiac monitors, while still exceeding the minimum 17% reserve and leaving additional funds set aside for potential pension impacts.”

McGean told the Mayor and Council a review of the town’s budgets over the last decade highlighted the town’s ability to

add projects and programs while keeping up with inflation.

“I think for us it’s been good,” he said. “I think we’ve been able to keep the budget indexed to inflation while adding services.”

He added that the town’s main source of revenue has also shifted from property tax to room tax.

“These fees can be much more volatile compared to property tax,” he said. “Therefore, similar to last fiscal year, there are some items I would like to revisit after the summer, once we have a solid, confidence level in room tax receipts, particularly another adjustment to the general employee pay tables to bring their pay increases more in line with those approved for the IAFF and the FOP.”

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2024 can be found on the town’s website. Budget work sessions continued throughout the week.

Dr. Joseph H. Cutchin, Jr.

QUANTICO – Dr. Joseph Henry Cutchin, Jr., 87, passed away at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 after a short illness. He was the son of the late Dr. Joseph Cutchin and Frances Blackman Cutchin of Easley, SC. He was the grandson of the late Braxton Murray Cutchin and Mary Cutchin of Franklin, Va.

He is survived by his wife, Paige Cutchin; a daughter, Ashley Paige McEwen (Sean) of Portsmouth, Va.; two sons, Joseph H. Cutchin III (Anne) of Hudson, Ohio and William Marshall Cutchin (Barbara) of Windsor, Colo.; daughter-in-law, Aubrey

Quantities

Cutchin of Nellysford, Va.; eight grandchildren, Max, Quinn, Ellie, Damian, Gavin, Derowen, Wills and Amelia; and two great grandchildren, Jo-Jo and Blake. He was predeceased by his first wife, Eloise Marshall Cutchin, and his son, Thomas Cutchin.

Dr. Cutchin graduated from Woodberry Forest Prep School and received his undergraduate from the University of Virginia where he got to live on The Lawn. He then went to the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston and then back to the University of Virginia for his internship and residency. After training, he went to Quantico Ma-

rine Base as a Lt. Commander in the Navy. Upon discharge he moved to Quantico, MD to establish his OB-GYN practice and work at the PGH in Salisbury, MD. He delivered babies until 2003 and after that he did primary care as a locums and retired two years ago.

Dr. Cutchin was the first medical director of the Life Crisis Center and helped acquire the land for its safe home. He was the first director of the Delmarva Foundation for Health Care in Easton and built the first Ambulatory Surgery Center that was AAAHC accredited in Maryland. As well as being Chief of Staff and Chief the OB Department, he was the first president of Maryland’s OBGYN Society from the Eastern Shore. He brought the first OB-GYN ultrasound to Salisbury.

He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and a member of the Society of Cincinnati. His hobbies included fishing, flying, his HAM radio W3ETT, his bluebirds and martins, and his cats. He was an avid reader of military battles and was an instrument rated pilot flying his Cessna 210 732GD for thousands of hours across our great country.

Dr. Cutchin cherished the women in his tri-state community (Delaware, Maryland and Virginia) and loved delivering babies and helping infertility patients achieve their goal.

He was laid to rest at the family gravesite next to his son, parents, and grandparents in Franklin, Va. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to the Life Crisis Center, P. O. Box 387, Salisbury, Md. 21803 or the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 400 N. High Street, Franklin, Va. 23851. www.wrightfuneralhome.org

Gary Joel Greenberg

FLAT ROCK, N.C. – Gary Joel Greenberg (77), died at Four Seasons Hospice Elizabeth House on March 10, 2023 in Flat Rock, N.C. surrounded by family. Gary was born on January 14, 1946 to Abraham (Al) and Rose (Gold) Greenberg in Elizabeth, NJ. He was preceded in death by his parents and older twin sisters Audrey Zweig and Myra Greenberg. He is survived by his wife Kathleen (Driscole) of 49+ years, his daughter Lori of Venice, FL and many extended family and friends.

Gary graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1971 with a BS In Pharmacy. His Phi Delta Chi fraternity brothers became lifelong friends, who he cherished dearly. Gary practiced retail pharmacy until his retirement in January 2009. He liked to be active in the community and it showed. Gary was President of the Ocean Pines Association, President of the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce, and Grand Marshall of the Ocean Pines 25th Anniversary Parade.

After Gary’s retirement, and his newly diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease, he and his wife started traveling as much as possible including 39 countries and 45 states.

Gary was loved by all who met him, always quick with a smile and a joke. He was a kind, gentle and loving husband, father and friend, and will be missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on what would have been their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 5, 2023. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel To Towers, a charity he truly believed in.

Dorothy Martha Ross

OCEAN PINES – Dorothy Martha Ross, age 102, passed away at her home at the Woodlands in Ocean Pines on Sunday, March 26, 2023. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa. July 17, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Skledar and Rose Lippold Skledar. She was the oldest of six children.

Dorothy graduated from Perry High School in Pittsburgh in 1938. She met the love of her life Chester Ross in 1937 and married on Dec. 6, 1941, the day before Pearl Harbor. Dorothy and Chester raised four children, all of whom were able to attend college thanks to their encouragement.

In 1969, Dorothy and Chester moved to Salisbury. Dorothy loved children. She served for 15 years as a teacher at the Salisbury Co-op Nursery School, where she was affectionately known as “Miss Dot.” She also served several terms as a Deacon at Wicomico Presbyterian Church where she was known for her colorful bulletin board designs and was vice-president of the Wicomico Bird Club in the 1970s. Moving to Ocean Pines in 1997, she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City where she served in Women of Worship. Well into her 90’s, Dorothy gave rides to church from the Pines. Dorothy was also active in Red Hats.

She is survived by her brother, William Skledar, and his wife Rose of Ocean Pines, and four children: David Ross (Martha) of Jamesville, NY, Linda Cashman (Greg) of Fort Collins Colo., Diane Turner of Honeoye Falls, N.Y. and Robert Ross (Sonja) of Dover, Del.; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City. An internment service for family will be at the Springhill Memory Gardens near Hebron. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of the deceased to the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean City, 1301 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842 or the Maryland Ornithological Society Sanctuary Fund, c/o MOS Treasurer,11925 Oden Ct., Rockville, Md. 20852.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

GARY J. GREENBERG

DOROTHY M. ROSS

are limited. While supplies last. April 2023

SoDel Addresses Protested Application

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – The operator of a Fenwick Island restaurant is speaking out after complaints were filed against its application for a liquor license amendment.

SoDel Concepts, the operator of Matt’s Fish Camp, reaffirmed its commitment to the Fenwick Island community this week after its application to extend seating at the restaurant resulted in written opposition from nearby residents.

Nelia Dolan, vice president of marketing for SoDel Concepts, said the company is cognizant of residents’ concerns and is doing everything it can to improve operations at the restaurant.

“We try to be good neighbors,” she said. “That’s part of our business.”

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

In an interview this week, Dolan said Matt’s Fish Camp is looking to expand its bar seating capacity. She noted the liquor license amendment will better allow the restaurant to serve patrons.

“Our bar gets crowded when people are on a wait for tables, when people are waiting for dinner service,” she said, “particularly in the summer, when the bar gets

the most use.”

Dolan also acknowledged residents concerns about parking in the area. She pointed out the restaurant rented a lot across the street, where employees and patrons could park.

“I’m pretty sure no other businesses are doing anything like that,” she said.

Those opposing the restaurant’s liquor license amendment also cited neighborhood disturbances around Matt’s Fish Camp. Dolan, however, said the restaurant does not cater to the bar crowd.

“The latest we close at night is 10 o’clock at night,” she said. “We try to be good neighbors. Most of our restaurants are seen that way, that we are responsible business owners.”

Dolan added SoDel Concepts has made significant improvements at the property.

“We are part of the community, and we do a lot of things with the community,” she said. “We live here, our kids go to school here, and we understand it’s an important part of what we do.”

The OABCC received written complaints from Fenwick Island property owners Jonathan Welsh, Gail Warburton and Janice Bortner.

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

The agency will hold a public hearing on the protested liquor license amendment April 12 at 5 p.m.

In The News

Seahawks Outlast Mallards, 20-19

SD’s McLaughlin Tosses First No-No

BERLIN – Senior Ryan McLaughlin’s first trip to the hill this season was an outstanding one – a no hitter against Bennett last Friday.

Decatur is off to a fast start this season, earning shutout wins in its first two games over Bennett, 6-0, and Wi-Hi, 200.

In an interview on WMDT after his pitching gem, McLaughlin, who has committed to play baseball at the University of Delaware, said, “I think that’s my first

no hitter so I am pretty excited. It feels great because we lost to them last year in the playoffs, which ended our season. I was just trying to come out here and get revenge. We are a family … ”

Decatur began a long home stretch yesterday against Parkside, followed by home outings against Kent Island, April 4; West Deptford High in a scrimmage April 8; Nandua, April 12; Snow Hill, April 13; Wi-Hi, April 14; and Pocomoke High, April 17.

Stephen Decatur boys’ lacrosse team remained undefeated on the young season Tuesday night, defeating Worcester Prep 20-19 in a thriller. Decatur maintained the lead for nearly the entire game, but the Mallards would not go away, never letting the lead grow beyond four goals. For Worcester Prep, seniors Griffin Jones and Jack Gardner led the way, scoring eight goals apiece on attack. Sophomore Ryan Mann added three goals and two assists, and junior midfielder Dylan McGovern had two assists. For Decatur, freshman Ashton March led the way from his attack position with five goals and four assists, followed by three goals each from Luke Popielaski and freshmen Parker Mason and John Fohner. Graham and Gabe Geiser each scored two goals. Worcester fell to 0-3 on the season with previous losses to Bennett, 11-9 and Easton, 13-2. Above, Fohner loads up for one of his goals in the first half. Below, senior Griffin Jones is shown drawing a penalty and maintaining possession in the box. Photos by Steve Green

Decatur Cruises To Easy Win:

After allowing the first goal of the game to Worcester Prep, Stephen Decatur’s girls lacrosse team stormed back to gain the lead at 2-1 with 15 minutes left in the first half. At halftime, Decatur led 7-1, but Worcester came out quick with three quick goals behind senior Caitlyn Hoen getting hot at the draw. Decatur was able to widen the lead with its speed and depth, cruising in the second half to a 14-7 win. The loss was the first of the season for the Mallards after two opening wins over Bennett, 12-7, and Easton, 16-13. For Decatur, the win represented a solid bounce back from a 16-8 loss to Sussex Academy on March 23. Above, senior Mia Kemp uses her wheels to blow by Mallard defenders. She would later score on a free play. Below, Worcester Prep junior Madilyn Nechay drives to the goal in the first half.

Photos by Steve Green

Ground Broken On New Fire Station

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Fire Department officially broke ground on a new $9.8 million fire station on 65th Street this week.

"Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for the Ocean City Fire Department," said Fire Chief Richie Bowers. "We are excited to have a state-of-the-art facility that will allow us to better serve the community and provide our firefighters with the necessary tools and resources to keep them safe."

The new station will replace the existing Station 3, located at 74th Street and Coastal Highway. The first floor in-

cludes four double deep, drive-through apparatus bays, independently ventilated turnout gear storage, and a multitier decontamination suite. Three independent mezzanines provide auxiliary storage, host various in-station high angle training exercises, and a dedicated fully enclosed fitness area. The front and rear egress stairs are designed in a manner that allows them to be utilized for training, providing vital space for EMTs and firefighters to hone their skills.

Construction on the new station is expected to be completed by late summer of 2024.

Ocean City officials and fire department representatives and supporters gathered during the ground breaking ceremony.

Photo by Chris Parypa

How We See It

Forever In Memory

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

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

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

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Budget Calls About Balancing Needs, Wants

Rising property values equal more tax revenue for governments if the property tax rates remain constant. This message was featured in three stories this week about budget sessions in Ocean City, Berlin and Worcester County.

The question as governments everywhere take deep dives into their budgets is whether the additional dollars will meet the needs of governments to provide the services the community deserves. Inflation pressures, rising pay and health insurance needs for employees, maintaining infrastructure and meeting the service expectations of citizens must all be accounted for during these budget talks.

This week marked the time in the budget process when governments must decide what property tax rate to post in an advertisement, which usually starts with a message about a “proposed real property tax increase” because most governments do not reduce the current tax rate to the con-

Objective Look At Sewer Systems Needed

Editor:

Worcester County’s planners have a poop problem, but their solution may make us look more like Sussex County than the family vacation destination we claim to be.

Frontier Town and Sea Oaks Village gobbled up much of the Mystic Harbor sewage treatment system’s capacity to dispose of treated wastewater, leaving little capacity to continue developing the Rt. 611 corridor and elsewhere.

According to the county’s staff, options for expanding Mystic Harbor’s disposal capacity are limited. Spray irrigation on local golf courses is seasonal. Underground injection of wastewater has been problematical and suffers from public perception: where we use wells and drink groundwater, using injection wells for disposal of wastewater isn’t considered a long-term solution. Finally, there are caps limiting how much wastewater the county can send through the West Ocean City sewer system to the Ocean City treatment plant for ocean disposal.

One solution now gaining traction is to build a new wastewater pipeline from Mystic Harbor to the Riddle Farm treatment/storage facility, where there is excess capacity — sufficient capacity for the thousands of new homes and businesses developers are dreaming of building on the western side of Route 611. The County Commissioners are listening to the dreamers. Tuesday (March 21) the Commissioners agreed to hire consultants to evaluate new wastewater pipeline routes, each of which was selected to stimulate development along Route 611.

stant yield rate, which brings in the same amount of revenue from the previous year based on property values. It’s part of the process and oftentimes the final budget call does not jive with this required advertisement.

By keeping the tax rate the same, which is 4.4% higher than the constant yield, Berlin’s government will receive $185,000 in new revenue because of rising property values. The assessable base in Berlin is forecasted to grow from $515,257 to $537,944 for the tax year beginning July 1, 2023. The same process is playing out in Worcester County, which will stand to gain $6 million in new revenues at the same tax rate due to rising assessment. It has been learned during Worcester County’s early budget process the requests far outstrip the new tax dollars, as an $11 million deficit currently exists between revenues and expenditures. In Ocean City, a constant tax rate will produce a net revenue gain of $478,000, which is being proposed to offset new

The Dispatch Letters To The Editor

Building any new wastewater pipelines would be a dream fulfilled for the bankers and developers who see the swamps, farms and trees west of Rt 611 as an unproductive and underutilized use of prime real estate. Each proposed route could open a vast area extending west of Route 611 to the Holly Grove Road intersection with Route 50. The land in between would be ripe for draining and scraping bare so cookie-cutter houses could be planted as they have done in Sussex County. Some speculate as many as 5000 new homes could be built.

Responsible development is important for Worcester County. To a planner or engineer, an interconnection might make engineering sense if the goal is primarily to support growth along Rt. 611. But what about the taxpayer cost or the ecological impact of repurposing the swamps, forests and farmland that serve as an important environmental buffer helping to protect our struggling coastal bays.

Instead of building upon any of the existing arrangements serving the Rt. 50 corridor, a new pipeline will ultimately lead to more public spending on roads, water and wastewater services, police and fire services and schools. That means more taxes. The bankers and developers want the public to pay for this infrastructure, not the investors looking to maximize their profit.

Taking a broad look at our investment in water and wastewater services in Worcester County is long overdue. But the process should not be driven by bankers, real estate developers, planners or engineers.

Years ago, the prevailing view in the wastewater treatment business was “the solution to pollution is dilution.” That is a

expenditures for eight new full-time firefighter/EMT positions and four new full-time cops.

Most governments do not consider a constant yield tax rate because of rising expenses and increased needs from their various departments. It’s an easy call for them at this point, but the question as the budget processes play out is whether higher tax rates are needed. It’s common in the year after elections for adjustments to the tax rate to occur. Raising the tax rate is never the preferred option, but this reluctance needs to be balanced with keeping communities safe from infrastructure and public safety viewpoints as well as maintaining a quality education system. We would not be surprised if small tax rate hikes gain favor over the coming weeks, but these decisions should involve deep analysis and cuts where possible without compromising quality of life for our community and the financial stability of our governments.

philosophy that created nutrient rich, oxygen starved dead zones in the Chesapeake Bay. We shouldn’t let that discredited philosophy justify the growth this interconnection initiative is intended to support.

Down the road we will hear proposals for connecting this new pipeline to the treatment plants discharging into the St. Martin River and off our Atlantic beaches. When that day comes maybe our politicians will object as loudly as they do now to building wind farms far off the Ocean City shore.

Stephen Katsanos South Point

Public Schools Budget Scrutiny Necessary

Editor:

For those who watched the board meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, there was a recurring theme, up until the very end of the night. That theme was the fact that I couldn’t even get a second for my motions to initiate a discussion amongst board members for the issues that were at hand. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/uYRCYM6bZx0?feature=share.

My first topic of discussion for my motion had to do with safety (2 hours, 22 minutes in video), I made a motion to develop a policy in which board members are notified of incidents involving law enforcement, ambulance calls, or student/personnel altercations. Motion denied as I couldn’t get a second.

The Board of Education is a team, and we all need to work together with each other as well as the superintendent and administration of the board. When citi-

Letters To The Editor

zens of this county (our supervisors) contact me in regards to an incident, I want to be able to ensure the situation is being handled, not be hearing of the incident for the first time through potentially unreliable sources or hearsay.

My second topic of discussion for my motion had to do with the education budget (2 hours, 45 minutes in video). The budget was given to board members three days before our initial work session in early February. The “work session” was quick moving and as stated in the meeting minutes from Feb. 7 Mr. Tolbert, “provided an overview of the proposed FY24 expenditures by category.”

During the budget overview, Dr. Andes (District 3) asked one question in regards to the cost of energy and Mr. Ferrante (District 7) asked one question in regards to health insurance costs. I asked two questions in regards to the cost of updating iPads and about the bus contractors’ requests and when they would be finalized.

For a budget that encompasses over half of the overall county budget, just under $132 million, there should have been more than five minutes of questions from the board members in February.

On Tuesday, I presented a motion that stated we table the vote on this budget for one to two weeks at which point we would have an emergency open work session to discuss all aspects of the budget in its entirety. I made clear that we owe it to the taxpayers of this county to be prudent with our decisions and to be fiscally responsible with their money.

This was not supported by the board as I could not get a second for this motion either. Board members indicated Mr. Tolbert has spent a lot of time preparing this budget. They stated I had over a month to get any questions answered and coming from the superintendent, what I was proposing was a “waste of time.”

1. Demanding transparency and asking for additional time to make an educated, prudent decision is not a waste of time. In fact, I would argue that it would be the best time spent as a board to truly understand the inner workings of the most expensive budget in the county.

2. I have no doubt Mr. Tolbert spent a lot of time preparing this budget, that is, in fact, his job. I would hope that he spent a lot of time preparing this budget.

3. As stated at the board meeting, I easily could have sent emails or called Mr. Tolbert to answer my stack of questions, but then that would have taken a very important aspect out of this behindthe-scenes approach… My questions would not have been heard or answered in a public forum where the public (my supervisors) could digest for themselves what is being heard. It is imperative to not only say we as a board are for full transparency, but to actually display and act on that stance.

4. Arguably the most important point: The Board of Education Members ridiculed me for not doing my homework, and simultaneously voted on a budget that did not have all questions answered. The role of the Board of Education is to be the checks and balances to the superintendent and to ensure he is executing his directions from the board, via mo-

tions, made to his staff members. We are not to simply take what the administrators have to say at face value. Our job is to scrutinize the school system on behalf of the citizens of Worcester County.

The final motion made by myself the evening of March 21 had to do with sending a second letter of opposition to the state for HB119/SB199 (3 hours, 27 minutes in video). Many counties across the state have written opposition letters for HB119 to the state. For those of you not following the bill, instead of listening to the constituents on how this bill tramples on the rights of Maryland citizens and local control, the legislators in the House led by Del. Atterbeary decided to amend the bill and make it notably worse.

Instead of this bill forcing each county to follow a health framework, they have amended the bill to control and punish counties that don’t comply with the demands of the state. Forcing local school boards to surrender their authority to the state, this bill enables the state superintendent to punish local boards by taking away up to 20% of their funding from the state. This threat would only harm the students.

Never has the legislature or the appointed Superintendent demanded elected school boards what to teach, which comes down to curriculum and courses of study. The opt-out was also nullified in the amendment, as an opt-out must now meet the requirements and definition of the state (which could be anything). The votes of the citizens are undermined, which removes the rights for locals to determine the curriculum and courses of study. This is best left up to each local county who understands the needs of their communities.

I made a motion to send a strong second letter to the state, to not only oppose HB119/SB199, but to reject this bill in its entirety and to allow input and approval from board members before sending the letter to the state. And shockingly, I received a second. Dr. Andes seconded my motion because of the stance MABE (Maryland Association for Boards of Education) has on the bill. MABE opposes this bill as well.

Ms. Elena McComas (District 5) couldn’t understand why I wanted to write a second letter of opposition for the same bill when we already wrote once, and the majority of the state seemed to oppose the bill as well. She didn’t believe it would pass. I explained, because the bill has been amended, which has changed the verbiage of the bill in its entirety; it is virtually a brand new bill with the same bill number. The bill has passed in the House and is now in the Senate. Now, more than ever, we need to keep the pressure on our state senators and make sure this bill is not supported by local boards of education.

The motion was made, and the motion passed 6-1 with Elena McComas voting no to writing a second letter. Third motion was the charm.

Small wins are happening every day. Thank you to all citizens who are staying involved with our local education system.

Katie Addis

(The writer is a member of the Worcester County Board of Education.)

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

During an Ocean 98 radio interview this week, Tiffany Knupp, mother of Gavin Knupp who was killed in a hit-and-run collision walking across a road last July, reiterated her trust and faith in justice. She said 260 days have passed since her son was killed crossing Grays Corner Road to return to a vehicle driven by his older sister. The vehicle that struck Knupp did not stop at the scene and was later seized by police from a residential garage in West Ocean City. Police have not issued requests for help in locating the suspected motorist because he has been identified. The investigation into possible charges remains ongoing.

“We have all the confidence in our State’s Attorney and even more now. Justice will be served, and we have even more confidence now it will be sooner than later. We are waiting on that,” Tiffany Knupp said on the radio. “Mrs. Heiser has been absolutely amazing. She is completely transparent. Any questions or concerns we have she helps us out with. Basically, she’s just a bad ass. I would not want anyone else on our team. … We have full faith in her and her team.”

Knupp also touched on the recent remarks coming from the Ocean Pines Association about the Do It For Gavin-Justice For Gavin Facebook page and claims of harassment and bullying toward the Ocean Pines Yacht Club, board members, nonprofit organizations in the community and even school children. In a statement, OPA Board President Doug Parks said, among other things, “Talk to your friends, talk to your neighbors and talk to other Association members to let them know these situations are taking place and that this group is promoting a level of disruption to our community that at some point will affect us financially, which in turn will most likely lead to an increase in annual assessments.”

Knupp addressed the statement during the radio interview, saying, “I hope they have good attorneys, and we are going to let our attorney handle the allegations that have been put against us. It’s just kind of pathetic as an Association … they are relentless for coming after us. They are saying the management company for the yacht club is being harmed and we are bullies and basically a gang is what they are insinuating. What it comes down to is our community is just standing together and bonding together and refusing to let criminals run our businesses. Hands down the facts are the facts. My son was hit by a car. That car was in a garage. They knew about it. I don’t understand what other facts need to be said. If you want to support businesses that support that and hide that, go for it. Just don’t contact me. … I am fighting for my son and my daughter right now. We are going to continue to do that, and we are going to continue with the foundation and try to make a positive impact on our local community, not try to destroy it. … Gavin’s story is a community together vs. not ashamed or scared of the big boys or the big boys with the good old boy money. We are not scared of that anymore. It’s a community coming together and making a change and we want to get that story out there.”

There are more questions than answers into a fatal vehicle fire that occurred in Ocean City late Tuesday night.

What is known is Ocean City first responders were alerted to a vehicle fire in the east parking lot of Northside Park. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and afterwards located a deceased individual in the vehicle. The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for identification and an autopsy.

As of Thursday afternoon, there is no other information available. There is no indication whether foul play was involved or if the fire was accidental in nature.

While most of the Worcester County department requests represented small increases or flat funding, an outlier at Tuesday’s budget workshop was the Sheriff’s Office, which is seeking $1.2 million more than currently budgeted. The funding request represents an 11.7% overall increase over the current fiscal year budget including an 8.6% jump in personnel expenses and a 49.8% jump in capital outlay.

Crisafulli acknowledged, “we have quite an ask for our staff, as you know … law enforcement across the nation has seen an unprecedented increase in recruitment and retention challenges and my office is not immune from these challenges.”

One of the surprises in Crisafulli’s significant request was a $324,000 armored rescue vehicle the sheriff views as important for his agency during emergency hostage situations and natural disasters. He said the vehicle, “is comparable to an F550 .. it’s essentially body armor on wheels. This is like having a life insurance policy and you cannot put a price tag on saving a life. For instance, if there’s a hostage situation that ARV can get right up to a structure as it has body armor for our STAR team … it can help save their lives as they go in tio potentially save a life. Again you can’t put a price tag on that. Well, we will put a price tag on it of $324,000 but overall you cannot put a price tag on lives.”

Due to the nature of the work session, there was no indication from the five commissioners present on whether the overall or specific requests would be funded. Those decisions will come at meetings in the coming weeks.

Puzzle Answers

by Steve Green

Parenting teens brings out the best and worst of me. In some ways, I feel like I am going through puberty all over again with my son, Beckett, who turns 15 in May. He’s a great kid with a huge heart. His positives far outweigh his negatives, but there are moments when he upsets me and his mom by the way he treats us or approaches things.

I am a patient person but there are times when my teenager frustrates me and I lose my cool and raise my voice. There have been some passionate conversations that could be construed as screaming matches. These sorts of confrontations are the worst, and I have come to realize it’s bad for him and us.

Scrolling through social media this week I came across a story on the Raising Teens Today website headlined, “6 Eye-Opening Reasons Why You should Stop Yelling At Your Teen.” It was a good read with a few takeaways to remind me to take a deep breath, walk away and chill before raising my voice.

#1 Yelling is More About You Than Your Teen: You’ve asked your 15-yearold son to take out the trash five times. Yet, every time you ask him you get a “I SAID I will… just hold on a minute!” response. Eventually, it sends you over the edge.

Your daughter is yelling and screaming at you. She’s furious that you said “no” to something she wants to do that’s simply too dangerous in your eyes. Even though you know you’ve made the right parenting decision, you can’t help but chime in and yell back. Before you know it, you’re in a full-blown shouting match and no one is winning.

You have to own up to your behavior. It’s ultimately up to you to decide how you respond to your child. As difficult as it might be at times, we have to set an example. Our kids are taking in everything we say and do. If we yell, so

will they. If we toss out inconsiderate, nasty remarks, so will they. If we insult them, they will retaliate in some way.

#2 It Conditions Your Teen to Ignore You UNTIL You Yell: You’ve tried everything and nothing works… until you yell, that is. So every day you find yourself yelling at your teen to hurry up, get off their computer or phone, start their homework, come down for dinner, or clean their room.

Heads up, parents… it isn’t your yelling that’s prompting your teen to finally listen, it’s the fact that you’ve conditioned them to ignore you UNTIL you reach the boiling point and yell.

#3 It Fuels Anxiety, Low-Self Esteem, and Depression: Nothing can shake a teen’s confidence more than being yelled at continuously by the parents they’re counting on to love them unconditionally.

In fact, Neil Bernstein, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and author of There When He Needs You: How to Be an Available, Involved, and Emotionally Connected Father to Your Son, says that negativity is the fuel anxiety and depression need to exist and that being yelled at creates an “explosion of negativity that lingers for a long time.”

Scientific studies have also shown that conflict literally wreaks havoc on our kids’ brains. A flood of stress hormones is released which causes our kids to go into a “fight or flight” mode and when that happens complex-decision making shuts down.

#4 It Creates a Pattern That Breaks Down Your Relationship: … The fact is, yelling can become a nasty habit — a habit that can slowly break down the foundation of your relationship with your teen.

Whether you have a low boiling point or you just have a tendency to do conflict “loudly,” you’re not doing your relationship with your teen any good by blowing up every time they do something you don’t like or don’t agree with.

Chances are, they totally shut down when you yell or start yelling back to defend themselves – neither of which is healthy, productive, or drawing your teen closer to you – it’s pushing them away.

#5 It Makes You Look Out of Control:

According to an article in the New York Times, Alan Kazdin, professor of child psychology at Yale says, “If the goal of a parent is to get their frustration out of their system and show just how mad they are, then yelling is perfect. However, if the goal is to change their child’s behavior or develop a positive habit in their child, yelling is not the way to do that.” There are other strategies that don’t involve screaming like a maniac.

#6 Harsh Verbal Discipline Mirrors the Negative Affect of Physical Discipline: Most parents wouldn’t dream of punishing their teens physically. Yet, a study conducted by Ming-Te Wang, assistant professor of psychology in education at the University of Pittsburg’s School of Education, found that a parent’s use of verbal discipline – defined as shouting, cursing, or insulting their teen – may be just as detrimental to their teen’s long-term well-being as physical discipline.

… When you do yell, just remember, it’s not the end of the world. You’re human. Changing crummy habits can be tough, but with a little self-reflection and self-control, you can establish a calmer, more respectful dialogue with your teen.

“The louder your teen gets, the quieter you should be. The angrier your teen becomes, the gentler you should become. The meaner your teen behaves, the kinder you should be.” ~ Eva Rito

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

PUZZLE ON PAGE 35