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March 4, 2022

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Bayfront Serenity: Those folks walking around the path at Northside Park in north Ocean City were treated to a magnificent sunset Monday.

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Berlin Reviews New Rental Rules

Park Development Projects Discussed

Parking Issues Stall OC Hotel Hopes

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See Page 13 • Photo by Chris Parypa

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OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week agreed to create a new Recruitment, Inclusion and Diversity position, but not before a very frank and lengthy discussion of race and equality issues.

Over the past year or so, the Town of Ocean City has struggled with recruiting employees for a variety of reasons. In November, the council voted to unanimously to start the process of hiring a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) position and directed staff to begin crafting a job description. On a parallel course, town officials were also exploring a second potential recruiting, retention and inclusion (RRI) job description.

On Tuesday, City Manager Terry McGean presented to the Mayor and Council a single job description that would be able to handle both of the aforementioned positions. McGean explained recruiting would be the primary focus of the new position and suggested reaching out to previously untapped and under-represented communities close by to recruit and round out a diverse workforce.

“When I came on board, there were concerns from department heads and also concerns from the mayor with really two things coming up,” he said. “One is our need to do a better job recruiting employees and some of the challenges we’ve had, particularly in the last yearand-a-half. The second thing was trying to work on improving the diversity of our workforce and make sure the people we have working here are comfortable working here.”

McGean said the process began with the exploration of two positions, but after discussions with former City Manager Doug Miller, Mayor Rick Meehan and Human Resources Director Katie Callan, it was determined the responsibilities spelled out in the job descriptions could likely be handled by the same person.

McGean said the town might not always be looking in the right place for employees, not that it was intentional.

“I also think as we look at this, we look at our own next-door neighbors,” he said.

“We need to look at our closest neighborhoods and make sure we are looking at all of the resources that might be there. Maybe we haven’t done a good job with that in the past.”

McGean said the main focus is recruiting, but there is an element in the proposed job description to ensure the municipal workplace is a healthy one.

“I see this position first and foremost as improving recruiting, particularly in some of the non-traditional areas,” he said. “The second piece of this is making sure that we are promoting a diverse workforce and also when we bring people in here, they feel accepted and welcomed.”

Councilman John Gehrig asked if there were policies in place to handle complaints of discrimination in the city’s SEE PAGE 12

March 4, 2022

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OC Adventure Fest Approved With Gun Show Element

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A multi-faceted special event proposed for this September got the green light this week after concerns about a gun show element were allayed.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Tuesday a request to approve Ocean City Adventure Fest, proposed for the week of September 19-25, which would overlap with the often-troublesome unsanctioned pop-up event. Last October, promoter Cliff Sutherland, who has produced motorcycle events in Ocean City

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and in his native West Virginia in the past, pitched the concept of the special event to the Mayor and Council, who, at that time, directed staff and legal counsel to work through some of the details, particularly the proposed gun show element of the larger autumn hunting and fishing expo associated with Adventure Fest.

In the months since that meeting, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo and Convention Center Director Larry Noccolino have been working with the promoter to iron out some of the details with the proposed Ocean City Adventure Fest, which would take place

largely in and around the convention center. It would include police K-9 competitions and training, a police motorcycle rodeo in the parking lot, concerts at the Performing Arts Center and a hunting and fishing expo, including a gun show.

Sutherland, who owns a Harley Davidson dealership and a Greene Turtle franchise in his hometown of Morgantown, W.Va., has produced successful motorcycle rallies in Ocean City in the past and has hopes of building on that success with the series of events in the resort in September. On Tuesday, Perlozzo came back before the Mayor and Council with Suth-

March 4, 2022

erland seeking approval of Ocean City Adventure Fest after working through some of the challenges related to the proposed gun show with staff and City Solicitor Heather Stansbury.

“As you know, there is an unsanctioned pop-up event that week,” said Perlozzo. “The intent of this is to provide an additional police element in town. There is a police K-9 competition, a police motorcycle rodeo, two concerts and lastly, there is an autumn hunting and fishing expo, in your packet in parentheses, a gun show, which is the most controversial SEE NEXT PAGE

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March 4, 2022

element.”

Ocean City Adventure Fest is the latest effort by Perlozzo and his staff to bring more people to the resort and diversify the town’s special events.

“Keep in mind, my job is to bring people into town,” he said. “We feel like this is a great opportunity, and we need some direction going forward. If it’s a no, it’s a no. If it’s a yes, what are the conditions he needs to comply with to move forward?”

Sutherland told the council he was seeking approval for the special event because the clock was ticking on making arrangements.

“It has been four months and I’m pretty deep in the weeds trying to book entertainment,” he said. “We really are getting up against the calendar.”

Sutherland acknowledged Ocean City was not a conventional location for a gun show, but pointed out there are strict state and federal laws to comply with as well as town ordinances.

“I recognize how Ocean City in not the place to have a gun show,” he said.

“Maryland is probably the second or third toughest state with gun control laws. I’m not sure why we would need to supersede the third toughest gun control laws in the country.”

Sutherland explained the gun show element would be sub-contracted out to a company that produces nearly a hundred shows around the country and has been doing so for decades.

“We recognize doing a gun show is not in our wheelhouse, so we went out and found what we believe is the best company to be able to do that,” he said. “They do 92 shows a year and have been doing that for 50 years. They certainly understand all of the laws in all of the states.”

Stansbury said she has worked through most of the legal issues associated with hosting a gun show and was looking for some direction from the council to move it forward with approval of the event.

“This is supposed to be an expo-type show only,” she said. “Specifically, there would be no on-site gun sales. There is a way for Ocean City to have a gun show, but you can’t sell guns in the town because of the code. I don’t have the authority to amend the code without some direction from you. You don’t allow gun sales in the town. The code is very clear about that.”

City Manager Terry McGean said Perlozzo adeptly explained the proposed elements of the gun show, separating the handgun rules from the long gun rules.

“Mr. Perlozzo did a good job explaining you can’t have the sale of a handgun in town,” he said. “That cannot happen. During the presentation, it was stated no guns would change hands in Ocean City. They do intend to sell long guns at the show itself, but you can’t go into the show, purchase a long gun and walk out with it.”

Sutherland said the gun show promoter would strictly adhere to state and federal regulations. He said anyone that makes arrangements to purchase a gun during the show would complete the purchase at a licensed dealer with strict regulations in place.

“It’s a hunting and fishing show,” he said. “There are tough state and federal

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

laws in place. The person running the show will make arrangements for people outside of Ocean City to go and pick up their long guns, whether it’s in Delaware or Pennsylvania or wherever with strict laws in place including the waiting period.”

Councilman John Gehrig said he was comfortable with the experienced gun show promoter in place.

“You have a partner with decades of experience,” he said. “The gun show piece is the emotional piece. If they have done 92 shows for over 50 years, I think the risk is low.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said he too was comfortable with the gun show presentation and the town’s ordinance prohibiting the sale or trade of certain weapons.

“Where in the ordinance does it prohibit a Second Amendment right?” he said. “I see an event with K-9 certified training, police motorcycles and a strong law enforcement presence. In Maryland, buying a long gun requires an FBI instacheck. There are multiple layers of restrictions. These are federally-licensed vendors and the federal government regulates these shows so tightly.”

Again, it’s important to note Ocean City Adventure Fest will fall roughly around the same time as the unsanctioned pop-up motorized event. In fact, part of the plan is for the special event participants to eat up much of the accommodations in town and make it more challenging for the popup event participants.

In recent years, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and its allied partners have made strides in curtailing some of the illegal activity associated with the pop-up event, particularly last year. The OCPD and its partners use the convention center lot for staging for the pop-up event. OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro on Tuesday was asked if his department had any concerns about the gun show element.

“We have some concerns,” he said.

“We would prefer guns are not sold or traded in town. We are able to handle this event, as along as people do the right thing with firearms. If responsible people do the responsible thing, we won’t have any problems.”

Buzzuro was asked if he had any concerns about losing some of the staging area at the convention center during the pop-up event.

“We have assets at the convention center that weekend,” he said. “This would cause us to move those assets somewhere else.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said he wouldn’t want to see anything disrupt the progress law enforcement has made with the popup event recently.

“The OCPD and our allied agencies have made great strides in curtailing some of the illegal activity,” he said. “That needs to continue. Also, there will be a special event zone throughout the town that week, so you need to make sure your participants are aware of that and all that entails.”

With that said, the council voted 5-1 with Councilman Peter Buas opposed and Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent to approve Ocean City Adventure Fest and the associated gun show.

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Several Missing Berlin Cats Found At Philadelphia Shelter

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – When 10-year-old cat Maggie disappeared last fall, her owners blamed a fox.

Imagine their surprise last week when they were informed she was listed for adoption on a Philadelphia rescue’s website. When they called to claim her, they were told she’d been placed in a PetSmart for adoption the day before.

“It was just in the nick of time we found her,” owner Laura Stearns said. “She’s so friendly I know she would have been adopted in no time.”

Maggie was just one of several missing Berlin cats who turned up in the Philadelphia shelter. In recent months, posts about missing felines have popped up with some regularity on a community Facebook page. Stearns said her neighbor’s

cat disappeared in October, followed by her cat in November.

“Then we started noticing other cats disappearing in the neighborhood,” said Stearns, who lives on Main Street.

About a week ago, the owner of a missing cat from West Branch Street contacted the local group Community Cats Coalition and shared a photo in an effort to find the cat. It was after that point that Susan Coleman, director of the coalition, realized some of the cats that had been trapped by a Berlin resident and brought

by Community Cats Coalition to Philadelphia were pets.

“A woman was trapping on her private property,” Coleman said. “We were just the transporter.”

Coleman said she apologized for the situation and has helped ensure the cats who belong to town residents have been returned. The coalition is dedicated to the

rescue and care of stray and abandoned cats. Coleman said she simply responded to a call from a Berlin woman who said she’d trapped stray cats on her property.

The coalition agreed to pick them up and transport them to Philadelphia, where a high-volume clinic spays and neuters up to 90 cats a day.

“If they’re not microchipped we don’t know they’re people’s pets,” she said, adding that her group worked with the Pennsylvania organization because it was capable of handling more cats than local facilities were.

Stearns said she didn’t blame the nonprofits involved, as they were committed to a good cause, but was upset that the neighborhood resident who trapped the cats didn’t communicate with neighbors.

“They basically wiped out our whole neighborhood of cats because they didn’t care for them,” she said. “We’ve never had

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a feral cat problem in Berlin. They were lured into cages with food. She was putting the food out—of course they were coming on her property.”

Police Chief Arnold Downing addressed the situation during his regular report at Monday’s meeting of the town council. He said his department had been involved and worked to ensure cats were reunited with their owners.

“I’ve had the opportunity to speak to all the people affected in this,” he said.

“Out of all the cats we believe most of them have been returned. The one that hasn’t been returned we don’t believe was trapped.”

He stressed that Community Cats Coalition and the organization in Philadelphia were reputable, established nonprofits “that have a good mission.”

In this case, pets just happened to get caught up in the process.

“Them taking cats out of the community that actually have not been spayed and neutered that they think are feral cats, that’s a good thing,” he said. “In this situation several cats which were pets got caught up in the situation.”

In the wake of the unusual incident, he encouraged residents to put collars on their pets.

“If you have a pet, the universal way to say ‘I am a pet’—have a collar on,” he said. “That means dogs, cats, iguanas, whatever you got. If you have a collar on it, it goes ahead and says that I am a pet and I’m valued by my owner.”

Downing said missing pets should also be reported to his agency as well as Worcester County Animal Control.

“We know you’re going to post it on Facebook with a pretty picture of the cat or the dog or whatever the animal is,” he said. “Go and do that but make sure you contact us because we might have the phone call that, hey, someone picked up this dog or cat.”

He said he’d also advised Community Cats Coalition not to remove any more animals from town without contacting his department.

“Again, no animal that they take is ever euthanized at all,” he said. “They’re taken to a state where it’s a no kill. Maryland is not that. That is one of their missions, to make sure the cats themselves, animals, in this situation cats, are not hurt or harmed.”

He said that’s why pets that went missing as long as four months ago were able to be reunited with their owners.

“I think we have a whole lot of detectives out in our community, I might hire a couple of them,” he said. “I think the communication with everyone was the key and is the key. We have a lot of things to do but if it’s important to you it’s important to us and pets are part of the family. We value that. Again, help us help you. Pets should not be roaming freely in such a way they may go ahead and be hurt or injured.

Try to control your animals as best you can. That’s our statement to everyone.”

Stearns is now keeping her cat indoors.

Though Maggie doesn’t like it, her family wants to make sure she doesn’t go missing again. Stearns said they’re exploring the possibility of adding netting to the top of their six-foot high fence to ensure the cat doesn’t leave the property.

Former Board Candidate Denied Committee Appointment

March 4, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – The association’s board of directors voted last week to deny a former board candidate’s committee appointment, calling into question the reasoning behind their actions.

At the conclusion of last week’s meeting, members of the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors had before them a list of applicants to fill vacancies on several of the association’s committees. Among them was resident and 2021 board candidate Stuart Lakernick, who had submitted his application to volunteer for the Strategic Planning Committee.

“Consistent with the commitment I made to change the process for approving the committee appointments, I’m going to be following Resolution C-01.4(a) and C-01.4(b), in which the chairpersons present to us their recommendation individually and we vote on each one,” said President Colette Horn.

Going through the list, board members unanimously approved nine committee appointments and reappointments.

When it came time to vote for Lakernick’s application, the board voted against his appointment to the Strategic Planning Committee.

It should be noted an official release from the association reported the vote being 4-3, with Directors Doug Parks, Rick Farr and Amy Peck in favor. However, a video of the meeting shows a 3-2 vote, with Parks and Farr in favor and Horn and Peck abstaining.

“Lakernick has not been appointed,” Horn announced.

Following last week’s vote, Parks suggested that those opposing Lakernick’s appointment should explain their decision.

“Do you think it will be helpful to folks moving forward who would want to sign up for a committee as to some of the reasons why someone would not get approved for a committee?” he said. “In other words, it would help to understand what kinds of things would cause the board to not consider them for a committee … As a volunteer organization and many, many years of my life, one thing you don’t do is turn down a volunteer.”

Director Frank Daly told board members one of the reasons he opposed Lakernick’s application involved comments he had made against the Elections Committee during last year’s election process.

Directors Josette Wheatley and Larry Perrone, however, declined to comment.

“There’s no requirement to explain,” Perrone said.

In a statement this week, Lakernick said he was disappointed by the board’s decision.

“I think that the decision to disavow my application to volunteer for the Strategic Planning Committee was dreadful,” he said. “I do not understand the animus when dealing with me. I have been involved as a candidate for the last two Board of Director elections. I watch all the board meetings on YouTube along with all the Strategic Planning and Bylaws and Resolutions meetings in order

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

to stay involved with the current issues facing our community.”

Lakernick added that he had declined other opportunities in order to become more involved within the Ocean Pines community.

“I have been on the board of my local Rotary and was asked to run as President for my Lions group,” he said. “I turned them down last year because I chose to run for the Board of Directors in Ocean Pines. This decision by the board is nothing but vindictive and retaliatory in nature. All I want to do is bring my expertise as a successful businessman for the benefit of our wonderful town.”

Horn, however, argued it was the board’s duty to approve skilled applicants.

“It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to approve applicants who have the skill sets and attitudes that will support

t JusYou! For M

the committee's charge to provide sound advice based on their collective ‘expertise, research, and analysis,’” she said in a statement this week. “Committees are not meant to serve as a training ground for people who want to learn more about Ocean Pines nor a platform for pursuing other personal goals. They are meant to use the members' expertise relative to the committee’s charge and sound information and data to provide advice to the Board that furthers the mission and vision of OPA.” She continued, “I believe I can speak for my colleagues in saying that individual directors will vote to approve applicants who have demonstrated they can meet these expectations.”

Horn also highlighted segments of the association’s bylaws outlining the procedure for committee assignments.

“OPA Resolution C-01.3(a) states: ‘The

Page 9

role of each committee is to provide the Board of Directors with sound advice based upon committee members’ expertise, research, and analysis,’” she said.

“Section 4(a) states: ‘Committee members shall be appointed by the President with the consent of Board and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.’”

Horn said while she had planned on voting against Lakernick’s application, her vote wouldn’t have changed the result.

“My intention had been to vote against the application of Stuart Lakernick,” she said. “Apparently, my vote was not evident. As it stood without my vote, the result was two in favor, three opposed and one abstention. As Chair, my vote was not required and would not have changed the outcome.”

Perrone, Wheatley and Peck did not return requests for comment this week.

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OC Presents Annual Grant Request To County Officials

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL– The Town of Ocean City is seeking a slight increase in its grant from Worcester County as well as funding to support fire and EMS service in West Ocean City.

Local municipalities and Ocean Pines presented annual budget requests to the Worcester County Commissioners this week. Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan thanked the commissioners for studying fire and EMS funding countywide and again asked them for funding support for those services in West Ocean City.

“We want to thank the commissioners for recognizing our concerns with regard to the cost to Ocean City taxpayers of providing EMS service to the West Ocean City area and working with the town to develop a formula to reimburse the town for those costs,” he said. “That was a big step forward of all of us working together.”

Meehan said Ocean City’s fiscal year 2023 budget request didn’t differ much from last year’s request. He said the resort was seeking a 2.5% increase in its $2.6 million unrestricted grant from the county. He said the formula used to provide Ocean City with funding to support

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the fire and EMS service in West Ocean City would also need to be used again this year.

“Our request this year would be for $365,182,” he said.

He added that Ocean City was also asking for a continuation of the funding that helped with EMS coverage during peak hours in the past fiscal year. That amounted to $115,000.

Meehan said the resort was grateful the commissioners had supported the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s request to increase staff to deal with the Ocean City Police Department’s projected implementation of a body worn camera program. The resort has executed its contract with vendor Axon and expects to have police using body cameras this summer.

“We feel this is not only for the safety of our officers but for the safety of our residents and visitors,” he said.

Meehan said the Town of Ocean City would be providing the state’s attorney with a small amount of office space in the court house at 65th Street. He added that the offer of expanded space at the town’s new public works facility still stood as well.

“If we can work with you we certainly will,” he said.

Meehan also thanked the county leaders for aggressively pursuing a site for a sports complex. He said Ocean City officials took a trip to Virginia Beach with Weston Young, the county’s chief administrative officer, to tour a new 285,000

March 4, 2022

square foot indoor sports facility there.

“One of the things we did learn in Virginia Beach—they have a beautiful new facility—was how important that was, not just to economic development and to their business community but to their residents,” Meehan said. “We feel the same way in Worcester County. They explained in great detail how so many teams, sporting events are held there and their residents, some that may not have ever had the opportunity or never would have had the opportunity to be able to utilize such a first-class facility are able to do so. We think that is what will occur in Ocean City as well.”

The final issue Meehan brought up with the commissioners was the need for housing for seasonal workers.

“It’s been a challenge for a number of years and we’re working through every avenue we can to address that,” he said.

“I do know there are some projects that are being proposed or considered in West Ocean City that would supply seasonal housing not just for Ocean City but for that entire area… We’re going to do what we can do to support any projects off the island by providing transportation to and from Ocean City and whatever else we can do to help those projects be successful and actually be viable. I know there’s been some discussion about tax abatements for these type of projects, they are essential. I would just ask that you consider that because I know how important that is not just to the Town of Ocean City but to Worcester County.”

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Page 11

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… Resort Council Believes New Diversity Position Needed

Page 12

FROM PAGE 4 workforce.

“If we have an employee that’s disrespectful to another staff member regarding race, or sex, or sexual orientation, do we have a discipline policy in place?” he said. “If someone is mean, do we have a procedure in place to deal with that?

Have we received any complaints that that is not the case?”

McGean said there were such policies in place, although there had not been too many issues. As for Gehrig’s questions about the job description for the new position specifically, McGean took exception.

“I strongly disagree,” he said. “It’s part of the job description. My thought is the primary focus of this is recruitment.

We’re getting ready to talk about spending millions of dollars on employee hous-

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ing. There might be people that live a lot closer and don’t need that. We need to do a better job of reaching out to them.”

Gehrig continued to question what policies and procedures were in place to handle employee complaints. The long and short of it is, there are evidently layers of procedures from immediate supervisors, to department heads, and human resources and ultimately the city manager. McGean said he wasn’t entirely comfortable with how Gehrig was leading the conversation.

“The way you’re leading the discussion is are we punishing people for doing wrong,” he said. “The answer is yes, we are punishing people who do the wrong thing, but we certainly aren’t excluding anybody. The question is, are we reaching out in an effective way? Are the traditional methods we use effective? To

me, that’s the most important part.”

McGean explained the traditional means by which the town advertises employment opportunities and job descriptions might not always reach the right people or the best candidates. Gehrig, however, said that assertion might be illfounded.

“All people consume media,” he said.

“It’s not like some people are using the internet and other people are using the pony express. What are our problems?

What are the challenges? I don’t think we’re solving a problem with this. We need to make sure our policies match our definitions.”

McGean emphasized the main thrust of creating the new position was recruiting and making sure job opportunities were being presented to all sectors of the population.

March 4, 2022

“To me, our biggest problem right now is getting people,” he said. “That’s the primary focus of this position. We go overseas to find people, and we don’t, in my opinion, reach out to our own communities. I don’t know the answer, but I do know if you don’t know the right way to shake somebody’s hand, if you don’t know the right way to shake your neighbor’s hand, how do you even introduce yourself.”

Gehrig questioned what the intent of the creation of the new diversity position was.

“Are we talking about foreign kids?” he said. “Are we talking about retired military, are we talking about women, Black, white, Asian? To me, it’s everything because we’re all people. I never look at the leadership of my company and think 90% of my people are women. I don’t even look at things like that until this shows up on the agenda.”

McGean said without reaching out to all communities, the town could be missing potential employment candidates.

“The purpose of this is to find those good people, because we might be missing them,” he said. “This is not accusing people. This is not excluding people.

I’m not accusing any of our department heads of being racist. We just need to reach out to some of these communities because clearly we’ve never done a good a job as we can do.”

As far as perceptions, McGean said it is difficult to put oneself in another’s shoes, which is part of the reasoning behind creating the new position.

“It would be conceited of me to sit here in my position and the way I’ve lived my life and who I am and say I know the culture in Ocean City is great for everybody,” he said. “I know the culture in Ocean City is great for people who think like me. I don’t know if somebody who doesn’t look like me shares my feelings about Ocean City. I don’t think anybody in this room does.”

Gehrig agreed not everybody sees Ocean City, or its work environment, or anything really, the same way.

“I understand we all look at life through different lenses,” he said. “That doesn’t make anybody better or worse. It’s just different. Honestly, I think the world is a better place.”

Meehan agreed.

“We want to make sure we’re not looking at everything through our eyes only” he said. “Sometimes, we can all be guilty of that. It’s really about reaching out, expanding the net. Maybe by casting a bigger net, we get better people and more people. We’re not always perceived as we think we are.”

After considerable debate, the council voted 5-1 with Gehrig opposed and Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent to approve the job description and the creation of the new position. The discussion about salary and benefits will resume later this month when budget deliberations begin for fiscal years 2023.

McGean said he anticipated the starting salary to be around $60,000, with a total fiscal impact in the first year around $80,000 when benefits are added.

Parking Lease Issues Stall Project

March 4, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The fate of a proposed redevelopment of a historic bayfront property downtown still hangs in the balance this week after resort officials could not pull the trigger on a proposed lease of parking spaces.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Tuesday a proposed lease agreement with the developers of the bayside property at the base of downtown on South Philadelphia Avenue.

The plan calls for a 90-room hotel and spa complex with restaurants and other amenities.

Over the years, the site was once planned as Jennieville, a mixed-use project, and Holt’s Landing. Most recently a site plan for an eight-story condo project had been approved, but that project never came into fruition. Off and on for decades, there have been attempts to redevelop the old Holt’s Landing property at South Philadelphia Avenue to no avail. Recently, a development group that has done other notable projects in the resort has begun moving forward with a potential resort hotel complex on the site, but has run into challenges with meeting the required amount of parking for the odd-shaped parcel.

The project as proposed has 61 total parking spaces on-site, including 47 standard spaces, four handicap spaces and 10 compact spaces. The project developer last fall proposed leasing an additional 52 spaces off-site, potentially from the old town-owned Whiteside property, which, for years, served as a downtown public works department annex, but has since been used as a public parking area.

At the time of the proposal in October, the Mayor and Council directed staff and legal counsel to go back and work on terms for the lease of off-site parking for the project. With the 61 onsite parking spaces and another 52 leased from the town, either from the Whiteside lot or other spaces within 600 feet of the property, the total would reach around 113 total spaces for the 90-room hotel complex. Last month, the Board of Zoning Appeals denied a request for a 12-space waiver for the project.

In the months since, a new entity has emerged, H&S Parking LLC, which includes project developer Christos Sarantis and the Harrison Group, which may in the future redevelop the old Oceanic Motel property at the Inlet. H&S Parking has requested an agreement to lease up to 104 parking spaces from the town to accommodate the hotel project and a future redevelopment of the Harrison Group property.

On Tuesday, staff returned to the Mayor and Council with a recommendation for the terms of the proposed lease.

The proposal called for a lease of parking spaces from the town to the developer at a number and location determined by the Mayor and Council. The

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

annual rate for the leased spaces would be $2,000 with an annual increase equal to the summer peak rate for downtown parking each year. The terms of the lease would run for 99 years beginning in April 2022.

After a lengthy debate, however, the council decided the proposed parking lease agreement would be better discussed in an open public meeting on a Monday with downtown residents having an opportunity to weigh in and not during a Tuesday work session. Councilman Peter Buas made a motion to lease the requested spaces at a rate of $2,300 annually per space for a term of 10 years with an option to renew after the 10-year period, but the motion got little traction.

Attorney Hugh Cropper, representing the developer, Sarantis, and H&S Parking, said the project as proposed represented an opportunity for the parcel to be developed with an attractive hotel and spa complex after years of sitting vacant.

“It has been approved for different uses over the years,” he said. “There have been seven or eight site plans approved for the property and nothing has been able to move forward. This property only has one point of access. It’s a very unique property and nobody has been able to develop it.”

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Berlin Reviews Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance

Page 14

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Elected officials introduced an ordinance regulating short-term rentals this week.

On Monday, the Berlin Town Council held a first reading of an ordinance that establishes regulations governing shortterm rentals. The ordinance, which will be the subject of a public hearing March 28, is the result of several work sessions.

“I think it’s a little clearer than it was in previous drafts,” Planning Director Dave Engelhart said.

Engelhart told the council he’d worked with Mayor Zack Tyndall, Town Attorney Dave Gaskill and Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood to simplify the ordinance following the last work session. As proposed, the ordinance allows short-term rentals in all residential zoning districts

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Initial $350 Application Fee Would Require $125 Annual Renewal

and in the B-1, B-2 and B-3 business zoning districts.

“In those business districts it is possible to have dwelling units on the upper floors,” he said.

The ordinance sets an initial application fee of $350 as well as an annual renewal fee of $125. He said the application fee was set at $350 to allow for the cost of the inspections associated with setting up a rental.

“It’s basically all our initial legwork,” Engelhart said. “Our paperwork, our in-

spections, are the major thing. We have to pay someone to do those for us.”

Short-term rentals will be required to have a responsible agent available for contact 24 hours a day. That agent has to be located with a 30-mile radius of town.

As for parking, the ordinance requires one additional space for each bedroom rented.

Councilman Jay Knerr said he’d checked one of the online rental platforms and found 26 properties available for short-term rentals in Berlin. He pointed

March 4, 2022

out that several of them offered long-term rental of the spaces as well.

“Who’s going to regulate that?” he said.

Engelhart said if a property was being rented on a long-term basis it would be covered by the town’s existing rental license program. He stressed, as he has in the past, that enforcement of rental ordinances would be complaint driven.

“I certainly am not going to snoop in backyards at 12 o’clock on a Saturday,” he said.

Knerr said the language in the initial draft of the town’s short-term rental regulations required that short-term rentals in the R-1 and R-2 district be an owner’s primary residence per state records.

“That was removed,” he said. “Can we talk about that? Is that something we want to retain?”

Engelhart said that had been removed as a result of the public comments at the town’s last work session on the ordinance.

“There were people here who had said that if they did that they couldn’t afford to have the home in Berlin and use it part of the time, and that the short-term rental actually gave them the ability to own a home in Berlin,” he said.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said that while citizens in attendance had shared comments along those lines, those who had emailed the town supported the primary residence requirement.

“My question to you is the validity of having the emails if we’re going to take into consideration just those that are present,” she said.

Tyndall said the draft had been changed to reflect themes from the discussion.

“The ordinance was amended to reflect some of the discussion items,” he said. “The council, it appeared during the dialogue, was divided. Some were for allowing people to own or not own and still have a short-term rental whereas some felt. that was a necessity.”

He said the ordinance could be amended again following the public hearing March 28.

Nichols said she wanted to make sure residents who contacted their officials via email were given the same consideration as those who attended meetings to speak.

“It’s not just that either,” Tyndall replied. “I think that part of the work that we do is, doing research on things that may work in other areas and also gauging that with the people we engage with every day. When we’re in the supermarket, when we’re out walking, what do people say to us as representatives. It’s also weighing what’s said during the public hearing, emails and things of that nature that come in, but I don’t think any particular one makes up the whole of the decision.”

Nichols acknowledged that but said she still didn’t agree with the change to the ordinance.

“After the public hearing you can propose amendments to this,” said Dave Gaskill, the town’s attorney. “If you’re not satisfied you can vote against it.”

Two Bidders Propose Berlin Park Redevelopment Projects

March 4, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Residents shared mixed opinions regarding proposals submitted for Heron Park this week.

Residents who aren’t ready to sell park property, others who favored the commercial proposal submitted and even the two developers who provided bids spoke to the Berlin Town Council during a special meeting Monday. Mayor Zack Tyndall said the issue would be revisited in late March and urged citizens to weigh in before then.

“All of us are accessible,” he said.

“Please take some time to let us know how you feel, what points you think need to be adjusted or things you would like to see. We do need to settle in on some kind of decision as it relates to Heron Park. I don’t think it’s right to string any of the entities along …”

The Town of Berlin received two bids for the disposition and development of Heron Park. Gillis Gilkerson (GGI) presented plans for commercial development. The company would give the town $1.5 million and two acres for an amphitheater in exchange for parcels 57, 410 and 191. Natelli Communities presented plans for 78 single family homes and some commercial space. It would give the town $1.6 million and five parcels near Stephen Decatur Park.

Town staff graded the proposals, giving Natelli a score of 100 and Gillis Gilkerson a score of 90.

“From our opinion both had merits,”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said.

“We felt very strongly that the monetary aspect of it was kind of the black and white, $1.6 million versus $1.5 million … The use and redevelopment of the property, that went back and forth amongst us.”

At Monday’s meeting, the roomful of citizens in attendance were invited to share their thoughts on the proposals. Resident Gina Velong said she had concerns about both. She pointed out that residential development had a substantial impact on town infrastructure and said she was concerned about the details of the Gillis proposal.

“They said a lot of the buzz words we want to hear but none of it was put concretely,” she said.

Resident Tony Weeg praised Gillis Gilkerson’s other projects in the region and said he thought the Gillis project had the right spirit. He also praised the developer’s plan to give the town two acres back

Page 15

Competing bidders Palmer Gillis and Tom Natelli are pictured before the Berlin Town Council speaking to citizens on hand about their respective redevelopment visions.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

for an amphitheater.

“The other proposal has considerations for a development that is so unfitting for

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… Citizens Express View On Projects

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 4, 2022

At left, a 78-home community is proposed by Natelli Communities, which developed Sunset Island in Ocean City, among other local projects. Above is a site plan for a commercial project outlined by Gillis Gilkerson.

FROM PAGE 15 the Natelli plan, is best for Berlin in that space.”

Resident Ann Hillyer said she was disappointed the town was pursuing the sale of portions of the park when the advisory committee had put so much effort into exploring options for the property.

She said that if the town did sell the property, she firmly supported the Gillis Gilkerson proposal.

“I think they include amenities and park land for the town residents to use,” she said. “I don’t think they put the burdens on the infrastructure the other project does and they’re not charging the town for the demolition.”

Like Hillyer, resident Matt Stoehr ex-

pressed concern about the condition in the Natelli proposal that leaves the town paying for demolition costs at the property beyond the $500,000 covered by the strategic demolition grant the town received.

He added that if the town did pursue some sort of large project, something that could be considered was a special tax district.

“That money is used to fund infrastructure in that area,” he said.

Residents Kate Patton and Joan Maloof, both members of the now disbanded park advisory committee, expressed hesitation about selling the property. Patton cited the stormwater, traffic and environmental impacts development would have.

“We need to be careful we don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater,” she said.

“I have to ask if either of these proposals are what we want.”

Resident Ron Cascio, a member of the town’s planning commission, said he appreciated aspects of both proposals but didn’t think the town should act yet.

“I don’t believe on this site either one of them do a service to the possibilities there,” he said, adding that he felt both undervalued the property.

Resident Sara Hambury said she preferred the Gillis Gilkerson proposal and noted that the school system couldn’t handle the influx that would come with 78 new homes.

Eric Fiori, who owns property near Heron Park, questioned the debt currently associated with the park. When staff con-

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firmed that there was $2.4 million in debt associated with the entire park property, he said it had to be addressed. He urged officials to take the Gillis Gilkerson offer.

“I don’t think we could pick a better partner,” he said. “At some point we have to quit kicking the can down the road.”

Other residents talked about the lack of sidewalks in the vicinity of Heron Park.

Gillis Gilkerson’s Palmer Gillis and Natelli Communities’ Tom Natelli also spoke to elected officials. Gillis said both proposals had merit and that the community would have to make a choice. Natelli noted that his company had experience in Ocean City and Sussex County. He said the project proposed was conceptual at this point.

“It’s not set in stone,” he said. “We’re here to get feedback.”

When asked about the pricing of the homes proposed, Natelli said it would depend on market conditions.

Gillis said his family lived in the Berlin area and was excited take part in the development of Heron Park.

“We’re going to put our heart and soul in it,” he said.

Tyndall thanked residents for sharing their input and said he was pleased the town had gotten high quality proposals from two professional companies.

Councilman Troy Purnell said the town needed a new appraisal on the park property now that it had offers in hand. His peers agreed. Councilman Jack Orris said he wanted to ensure the process kept moving, however.

“I would like to if we can, put some sort of timeline on this,” he said.

While appraisals typically take six to eight weeks, Tyndall said he was optimistic the town’s last appraisals could simply be brought current and wouldn’t take that long. He suggested the council resume discussion of the proposals at the second meeting in March.

“It gives us time to digest the information that was here this evening, review this more in depth,” he said.

The council voted 4-0, with Councilman Dean Burrell absent, to get an updated appraisal of the property. Councilman Jay Knerr noted that even if the town did sell a portion of the park for $1.5 or $1.6 million, that would not cover the park’s entire debt. He added that storage buildings currently in use by the town would be lost with the sale and have to be rebuilt elsewhere at a cost of potentially $400,000.

Masks No Longer Required At Local Schools, On Buses

March 4, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Masks are now optional at Worcester County’s public schools.

Following a decision by the Maryland State Board of Education to permit local school systems to decide on whether students should wear masks, the state’s Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee (AELR) voted last Friday to end the statewide mask mandate. Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) Superintendent Lou Taylor announced in a statement immediately following the committee’s decision that face coverings would no longer be required in school facilities.

“However, WCPS still strongly recommends the wearing of face coverings for both our students and staff, especially as current guidance regarding quarantine and exclusion remain unchanged,” Taylor said. “…we also look forward to receiving updated guidance from federal and state health officials soon to assist school systems like ours with our goal of keeping our students in the classroom, where we know they learn best.”

Officials from Worcester County and the school board reached out to the state last month asking for more local control related to masking and COVID-19 protocols.

“Once again, the Worcester County Board of Education is very pleased that the AELR voted to support the state board of education’s action earlier this week to place decision making back into the hands of local school system leaders,” Worcester County Board of Education President Elena McComas said in a statement last Friday. “We are thankful for the Committee’s action today, as it is time for our local leaders to now take the reins and make decisions that are in the best interest of our communities.”

Though Taylor advised parents in a message that students would have to continue to wear masks on buses, as that was a federal requirement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced late last Friday that it was no longer requiring that masks be worn on buses and vans operated by school systems. Taylor confirmed the CDC change in a message to parents on Saturday and said masks in school and on school transportation would be optional but strongly recommended.

When asked this week about how many students continued to wear masks, staff reported a mix.

“While I don't have any hard data on this, in my observation from walking around a few schools and talking with others who have done the same, it seems to be a fairly strong mixture across the school system—both in terms of students and staff—of those who have chosen to not wear face coverings and those who have continued to wear them,” said Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs.

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Pines Seeks $10K Grant For Trails Assault Charge For Knife Threat

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – A $10,000 grant is expected to improve walking trails in Ocean Pines.

Last week, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors voted to approve a grant application seeking $10,271 to improve trail infrastructure within the community.

“We’re actually under a time constraint as for approval for a grant, which is being submitted through AARP,” said Director Rick Farr, board liaison for the association’s Recreation and Parks Committee. “The Recreation and Parks Committee, together with the Recreation and Parks Department, would like to submit a grant application to AARP to receive funds to make improvements to the Library Trail and the Robin Hood Trail in leveling of the surfaces, improving drainage and safety, adding trail signage with distances and arrows and larger informational signs with maps for the trail entrances.”

Committee Chair Patti Stevens told board members the grant proposal also included a plan to host monthly walks once trail improvements are made. She said part of the grant funding, if awarded, would be used to install trail counters.

“Part of what AARP’s focus is is to build community engagement and connected communities,” she said. “We think walking together is a really great way to

do that, but we need to make the trails safer … The infrastructure improvements are one part, and fostering and facilitating community walks is the second part.”

When asked if the proposal complemented ongoing infrastructure work at the staff level, General Manager John Viola said it did.

“This fits right in …,” he said. “We definitely welcome this.”

Director Amy Parks said data from the association’s most recent community survey supported the grant application.

“The community survey showed that the number one response was for improved walking trails and bike trails …,” she said. “36.2% of survey respondents were very or extremely interested in improved walking trails. And in the survey the walking trails had the highest claim of usage with 1,216 of the survey respondents, or 66% of all the respondents, saying they used the trails.”

Director Colette Horn said she was also in support of the grant application, but shared her concern over some of the claims in the application form.

“I’m in support of this, conceptually,” she said. “I think it’s a little misleading in this grant application to say any of these trails are going to make it possible for people who don’t have transportation to more easily access any of the public services in this area.”

After further discussion, a motion to approve the grant application in the amount of $10,271 passed unanimously.

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on first-degree assault and other charges last weekend after allegedly threatening another man with a knife at a downtown residence.

Around 9:30 p.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on Caroline Street for a reported disorderly individual. While responding, Ocean City Communications advised the caller said he wanted another individual to leave the residence and that he had a knife, according to police reports.

Ocean City Communications advised the caller claimed he had a knife and asked if he could stab the other individual, according to police reports. The officer arrived on scene and reportedly heard a lot of screaming and loud banging coming from an entrance to a stairwell.

The officer reportedly observed a male victim running down the stairwell.

Uncertain of the situation and knowing there was a knife involved, the officer drew his handgun and ordered the victim to drop what was in his hand, according to police reports. The victim had a cell phone in his hand and complied with the officer’s order to drop it, according to police reports.

While the officer was standing on a landing of the staircase, a second male, later identified as Yonatan Yoseph, 33, of

March 4, 2022

Ocean City, came running down with a knife in his hand. According to police reports, Yoseph was pointing the knife toward the officer with the blade exposed.

Yoseph was screaming something undiscernible at the officer, who ordered him multiple times to drop the knife. Yoseph eventually dropped the knife and complied with the officer’s order to lay on the ground, according to police reports. Yoseph was reportedly within feet of the officer before dropping the knife and complying with orders to get on the ground.

The officer interviewed the victim, who advised he and Yoseph had been out drinking at a bar, and when they returned to their residence, Yoseph ordered the victim to leave the residence.

The victim reportedly told police Yoseph threatened to beat him up if he did not leave, and the victim attempted to leave the residence before any more confrontation, according to police reports. That is when Yoseph pulled out the knife, according to police reports.

Yoseph was extremely uncooperative when OCPD officers were attempting to take him into custody, according to police reports. While awaiting a transport vehicle, Yoseph reportedly told officers “When I get out of jail, I’m going to [expletive deleted] kill him.” During booking, Yoseph reportedly spit saliva from his mouth directly in the face of a custody officer. He was charged with multiple counts of first- and second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

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March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19 Sunday 3/6 • 5pm Trade Show After Party w/ Side Project

chambers awards Banquet: The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce held its 2022 Annual Awards

Celebration last week honoring five individuals and one nonprofit. Awards were presented to Hudson Behavioral Health, Nonprofit of the Year; Allyson Knight of the Commander Hotel, Young Professional of the Year; Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro, First Responder of the Year; Jonathan Bauer of Atlantic General Hospital, Citizen of the Year; Buck Mann of Mann Properties, Businessperson of the Year; and Ruth Waters, Lifetime Achievement Award. Above, Bauer, joined by his wife Wendy and daughter Ava, are pictured with Mayor Rick Meehan, Commission President Joe Mitrecic, Delegate Wayne Hartman and Pat Schrawder, representing Senator Mary Beth Carozza. Below left, Mann is presented his award

by Chamber President Stephanie Meehan after being introduced by Dr. Sally Dowling of Atlantic General Hospital, award sponsor. Below right, Waters is pictured with award sponsor OC Air Show’s Steve Webster and Meehan. Third row left, Knight is pictured with Chamber Executive Director Lachelle Scarlato and Stephanie Meehan. Third row right, Buzzuro is pictured speaking to the crowd with City Manager Terry McGean and Rick Meehan. Bottom, Board member Toni Keiser and Hudson Health CEO Leslie Brown are pictured with Rick Meehan, Mitrecic, Hartman, Schrawder and Eric Joseph of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, award sponsor.

Photos by Dana Marie Photography

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...Downtown Property Redevelopment Eyed For Ocean City

Page 20

FROM PAGE 13 there are challenges with finding the appropriate number of parking spaces, but said the finished product would be worth overcoming those challenges.

“It will be an exciting addition for Ocean City,” he said. “I know parking will be an issue. We’re looking to keep it in the family. I truly believe the revenue from the parking will be beneficial to the town. It will increase the value of the surrounding properties.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said the project as proposed represented a great opportunity for the town despite the parking challenges.

“Thank you for wanting to invest in Ocean City,” he said. “If you look at our comprehensive plan, it talks about a bayside boardwalk, it talks about moving people around downtown. The comprehensive plan says that area is recognized as a prime area for hotel development.”

Meehan said the project as proposed could serve as the catalyst for the redevelopment of the downtown area.

“If you look at it overall, this will create another landmark,” he said. “That’s what has been envisioned there for years. It will get more business into the downtown area. This checks a lot of those boxes.”

Buas said the intent of his motion was to find a way to lease the needed off-site parking spaces at fair market

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

value, but also to encourage the developer to find other downtown parking.

That’s why he set the proposed annual rate per space at $2,300, or higher than what was recommended by staff.

“The goal is to get high-density development down there,” he said. “Your proposal is lovely. We want to encourage people to go downtown. If the town is going to lease the parking, the rate should incentivize the owner to find more parking downtown and see if there is a better way to alleviate the parking issues.”

Councilman Mark Paddack questioned if every alternative to get more parking on-site had been explored. The project calls for on-site parking on the ground level, but Paddack questioned if a two-story parking garage was a possibility.

“From the constituents, nobody is opposed per se,” he said. “Why can’t the hotel be designed with a two-floor parking garage? What can’t we get two levels of parking on the property?”

Project architect Keith Iott said including a two-story garage would not work with the building height restrictions in place.

“We are proposing a seven-story building with the height of an eight-story building,” he said. “To have a ramp, we would lose 12 to 14 parking spaces. We have designed an 80-foot building with seven stories and we have complied

with the setback requirements.”

Iott said the developer had approached the town about buying the old Whiteside lot instead of the proposed lease agreement. He said redevelopment in the town could be the impetus for developing a parking garage at the town’s Worcester Street public parking lot, a concept that has been discussed off and on for years.

“The original intention was an outright purchase of the Whiteside lot,” he said. “If this lot is redeveloped, if the Oceanic Motel is redeveloped, there will be sufficient business downtown to justify a parking structure at the Worcester Street lot.”

Iott said the project is ready to move forward if the parking lease agreement could be worked out.

“We’re ready to move now,” he said.

“With us coming first, it will serve as the impetus for redevelopment down there.

It’s a once in a lifetime property.”

Sarantis said he was willing to work with the town and meet the town halfway if the parking lease could be agreed upon.

“This is very important to me,” he said. “I had worked out some numbers and I left some room. I just want both parties to be happy. It might be $2,300 if you can show me why.”

City Manager Terry McGean explained how the recommendation for the $2,000 annual rate per leased parking space was derived.

“The reason why staff came up with $2,000 is because that’s what we get at the Worcester Street lot,” he said. “We are not leasing them the Whiteside lot, we are leasing spaces within 600 feet of the property. I just want to be clear on that.”

Council President Matt James said the project as designed was attractive, but he was hopeful there could be a way to get the required parking on-site.

“It’s a wonderful project,” he said.

“We’ve been getting a lot of emails from downtown residents. I would much rather see the council allowing them to go higher and accomplish all of the parking on-site.”

Councilman Lloyd Martin said the Whiteside lot wasn’t even part of the

March 4, 2022

downtown parking equation until recently and that he could not support the motion as proposed.

“Whiteside wasn’t even a parking lot until a couple of years ago,” he said.

“Now, it is a parking lot. The not knowing bothers me the most. I can’t vote for this motion. That’s where I am right now.

I could support a parking garage at Whiteside.”

Councilman Frank Knight said he had concerns about giving up public parking spaces in the already-stressed downtown area and pointed to a recent precedent.

“The request is for 104 spaces,” he said. “That would be 134 spaces being removed from downtown parking. A couple of weeks ago, the council voted down giving up 125 parking spaces for a pedestrian and bike-friendly alley. I can’t vote for giving up 134 spaces downtown.”

Councilman John Gehrig agreed he could not support the motion as presented.

“I think we all like it,” he said. “I think there are other alternatives. Previous developers have paid dearly for meeting the parking obligations. The agreement presented is weak. There is no way I’m voting for it.”

Sarantis, for his part, said he was willing to meet the town in the middle some how on the parking lease issue for the project.

“I want to make it amicable,” he said.

“I need you to embrace this project and let us revitalize downtown.”

Meehan said there had to be a way to work out the parking lease issue to allow the project to become a reality.

“When you look back at downtown and some of the buildings, a lot of them got parking exceptions,” he said. “It’s the first step in a process that has been stalled for 30 years. It’s certainly worth a discussion. Hopefully, we can find a way to accommodate your needs and make everybody happy down there.”

After considerable debate, the council decided to revisit the terms of the proposed lease and bring it back to a regular Monday night open session to allow the public a chance to weigh in on the proposal.

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Changes To Candidate Verification Process Postponed

March 4, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – A second reading on proposed revisions to the association’s candidate verification process has been postponed.

In last week’s board meeting, Ocean Pines Association President Colette Horn withdrew a second reading to amend Resolution M-09, which relates to the Search Committee and board candidate applications.

While amendments to the resolution were introduced in January, Horn told board members last week she would withdraw the second reading after board members voiced their opposition to a revision allowing the secretary to grant additional time to correct or complete candidate applications.

“I don’t think we can give the secretary the authority to extend the due date,” Director Larry Perrone said. “I think when these applications come in, if there’s a question, it should be addressed directly.

The due date is the due date. If we take that position, I think it opens us up for a complaint being made if someone decides to put their application in too late.”

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

The amendments would require the secretary to use Worcester County land records or State Department of Assessments and Taxation records to verify a candidate’s property ownership. The revision would also require the secretary to include their reason for rejecting an application when notifying applicants of their acceptance or rejection of a candidate application. The secretary must then submit the list of eligible candidates to the Elections Committee, and the list of eligible candidates and their registration form would then be released to the public.

The proposed amendments also allow the secretary to grant an extension to the due date of the candidate application should any additional information be required.

Horn told board members last week the amendment allowing an extension to the due date was proposed by Director Doug Parks, who argued candidates could need additional time to seek additional information requested by the secretary.

“Your language states that the secretary can determine if an extension to the due date is warranted,” Horn told Parks last week. “I don’t have a problem with that, but we do need to make sure the due date does not extend beyond May 31 in order to get the list of candidates to the Elections Committee by the first of June.

So I would want to add that language.”

Parks said he had objections. Perrone, however, said he objected to the entire amendment.

“I see no reason why the information that has to be provided can’t be provided timely,” he said. “Once the applications come in, the secretary does have some time to determine who is eligible and who

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

isn’t eligible. I don’t think I can support this because I’m concerned about what could happen again in the future from a legal standpoint.”

Parks said he agreed there was some ambiguity, but said the intent was to give applicants time should they need it.

“There could be a condition, through no fault of their own, that the information that was requested couldn’t be provided in time,” he said.

Horn added the current resolution provides five days between when applications are due and when the list of approved candidates must be submitted.

She argued the proposed revision would give the secretary more time.

“That’s not a lot of time for the secretary to work with someone and gather that information, particularly depending on what days of the week those dates fall on,” she said. “So I lean toward pushing

the due date out further or allowing for a drop dead due date to be specified in the resolution for the purposes of gathering more information.”

Parks agreed.

“Is that rife with speculation? Of course it is,” he said. “I just think there’s a little bit of flexibility, not to the point where it puts us at risk but it recognizes that there might be conditions that would warrant a consideration for extension.

Now, it should be the exception not the norm.”

Perrone, however, asserted the amendment only created more ambiguity.

“I think the whole idea of what we’re trying to do here is shift the responsibility for providing the qualifying documents and information from the secretary to the candidate,” he said. “And if that candidate doesn’t provide that information and it isn’t easily correctable, that’s unfortu-

Page 21

nate.”

After further discussion, Horn agreed to withdraw her motion to revise Resolution M-09 to give the board more time to discuss the proposed amendment. She also withdrew an attached candidate application, which also featured revisions.

“I think we ought to go back to discussing this, looking at this, and in the March 23 meeting we need to be prepared to approve changes,” she said of the revised application.

The second reading of revisions to Resolution M-09 came weeks after a Worcester County Circuit Court judge ruled 2021 board candidate Rick Farr an eligible Ocean Pines homeowner. Farr was disqualified during the election process last year after an anonymous tip raised questions about his status as a homeowner of the address listed on his candidate application.

Berlin Baker Raises Funds To Help Medics In Ukraine

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 4, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A local business raised more than $1,400 for a medical battalion in Ukraine with a day of baking.

Sconer, the popular Berlin Farmers Market vendor, will be donating more than $1,400 to Hospitallers, a medical battalion operating on the front lines in Ukraine, following a fundraiser Monday. Ryan Nellans, the Berlin baker behind Sconer, is thrilled with the community support and said he just wanted to do what he could for the people in Ukraine.

“My family has a strong military background,” he said. “It was eating me up I couldn’t do something.”

That desire to help found an outlet Sunday when Nellans saw a post on Reddit from a Canadian baker who shared his plans to donate a day of sales to Ukrainian causes. Nellans researched the aid organizations in need of financial support and opted to donate to Hospitallers, as quick treatment for those with traumatic injuries is critical.

“People can suffer long term effects if not treated immediately,” he said.

Nellans announced at noon on Sunday on his Sconer social media pages that he would donate 100% of Monday’s scone sales to the Hospitallers medical battalion.

In less than 24 hours, he had more than 50 orders and said he would be able to donate $1,400. He also had five dozen

Sconer's Ryan Nellans, left, bakes scones Monday with the help of volunteers Kurston Reister and Elena Prince. The local business has raised more than $1,400 to benefit a medical battalion in Ukraine.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

eggs donated by Masterpiece Flowers and an offer of baking help from two volunteers.

Nellans noted that some of the people who supported his fundraiser wouldn’t even be receiving the scones they paid for themselves.

“Over a dozen batches were bought

by people out of the area who asked that I donate the scones to local services, such as police, firefighters and hospital workers,” he said.

Nellans said he was happy with the fundraiser’s results and was glad being a cottage food business—a small home based business that produces in a resi-

dential kitchen—allowed him to do it.

“This is the kind of thing the cottage industry laws are made for,” he said.

Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director, praised the fundraiser’s success.

“I love the support our community gives to our businesses,” she said.

North Gate Improvements Continue In Ocean Pines

March 4, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – A discussion on lighting, cost estimates and lane expansions highlighted an update on North Gate bridge improvements.

In a meeting of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors last week, General Manager John Viola presented an update regarding ongoing improvements to the North Gate bridge.

In November, the board agreed to changes at the northerly entrance after fielding homeowner complaints about its dated appearance. In addition to power washing the bridge, officials also presented plans for adding new light fixtures and removing the guard house, located between the span of bridges.

“As you know, we took down the guard shack,” Viola said. “The price pretty much came in-house at $2,500 to remove it. It was completed somewhere around the first week in February.”

Viola told board members last week plans for the North Gate bridge include adding six light poles on each side of the bridge, as well as lights on the bridge’s four outer corners.

He said the association had received one bid of $45,707 to replace and add lighting to the bridge. He noted installation and labor was expected to cost an additional $10,000.

“We do plan to get two other bids, but as I said we have received one bid already and we’re excited about it,” he said. “Hopefully we are able to go forward with it.”

Viola explained the association was also working with the Maryland Department of Transportation to extend the bridge guardrails. He said he and his staff were also exploring the possibility of adding a third lane.

“One thing in taking down the guard shack is looking at the width and what exactly we have there with the bridge,” he said. “These are high-level, 40,000feet things we are talking about, and that is what we would need to do if we proposed or looked at putting in another lane … I hope to have more on that for discussion going forward.”

Viola last week also updated the board on a project to add a wall, closet and doors to the Clubhouse banquet room.

“Basically, this has all been done inhouse with public works,” he said. “The projected cost with materials … is coming in around $15,000. We are working on that as we speak.”

He also explained plans to add a mobile audio system to the banquet room.

“If we decide, after this is all tested – and I do want to go through a testing process – we can possibly move it to the (Community Center) Assateague Room if we want to move a board meeting or have it there. Also, by doing that there, we believe we’ll probably come in $1,000 less than what was budgeted for this project, which was about $14,000 or $15,000.”

Man Arrested, Charged After OC Assault The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Takoma Park, Md., man was arrested on first-degree assault charges after allegedly attacking his wife in a downtown hotel room in the presence of their young children.

Around 12:15 p.m. on Feb. 15, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel at 32nd Street for a reported domestic assault.

OCPD officers arrived and found the female victim, who had been relocated to a different room with her children. The victim reportedly had red marks on her throat and shoulder areas.

The victim told police her boyfriend, identified as Scott Edward Jones, 30, of Takoma Park, Md., had choked her and slammed her to the ground about 15 minutes before she called 911, according to

police reports.

The victim reportedly told police they had gone to breakfast and she mentioned Jones’ drinking to him, which made him mad and aggressive. When they returned to their room, Jones was reportedly playing inappropriate music and the victim asked him to turn it off. This only made Jones more mad and aggressive, according to police.

The victim told police she contacted Jones’ mother for advice on how to calm him down and asked his mother to talk to him about his drinking, which made him angrier. The victim told police she became angry when Jones threw their one-yearold daughter on the bed too hard when he went to change her diaper, according to police reports.

The victim began to gather her children and pack their belongings because she wanted to leave at that point. The victim

Page 23

reportedly told police she was attempting to open the door when Jones grabbed her neck and throat area and threw her to the ground, according to police reports.

The victim told police during the incident her five-year-old son attempted to stop Jones from assaulting her. Officers asked for permission to interview the fiveyear-old and the victim agreed. According to police reports, the child told police “Daddy knocked Mommy to the ground five times,” and “Don’t let daddy back into the house.”

The victim reportedly told police she tried to get the five-year-old to run and get help, but Jones would not let him leave the room. The victim told police her juvenile son attempted to hit Jones with a pillow to stop him from assaulting his mother. Jones was ultimately arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 4, 2022

STUDENTS In The News

Berlin Intermediate School recently celebrated its seven finalists in the Eastern Shore Literacy Association's Young Authors' Contest. Principal Ryan Cowder was on hand to recognize and congratulate the finalists. Pictured, back from left, are Cowder, Catrina Donmayer, Aberle Bunting, Ellie Wells and Brynlee Waters; front, Skylar Miller, Stefan Michelle and Elias Baldridge.

Submitted Photos

Savanna Akins' kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary celebrated the 100th day of school by dressing up and creating projects with 100 items.

Heather Dennis’s kindergarten class took a break from Valentine’s celebrations to take a group photo. Pictured, front from left, are Jacque Hillion, Palmer Hammonds, Noah Ramadan and Thomas Cason; second row, from left, Deegan Adkins, Cullen Kaufman, Henry Hudson, Carly McCallum, Lisa Stanevich and Declan Parks; and, back, from left, Sloane Gludelsky, Casey Huen and Avery Anderson.

Worcester Preparatory School’s fourth grade took advantage of Valentine’s Day party down time to craft blankets to be donated to Project Linus.

The idea came to fourth grade teachers Kimberley Jankowski and Erin Shimko from homeroom mom, Sara Gorfinkel, and was supported by homeroom moms Wendy Caba-Labin, Kimberly Kappes and Jenna Hoch. Gorfinkel, along with her daughters Raia (fourth grade) and Nora (sixth grade) pre-cut all the blankets for the students to complete during their Valentine’s party on Friday.

Project Linus provides love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gift of a new, handmade blanket lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” The local chapter, Project Linus of Lower Delmarva, is celebrating over 18 years of service to children of Delmarva, and over 13,000 huggable handmade blankets donated.

Pictured, above from left, are Cullen Giardina, Jack Hornung, CJ Labin, Landon Carmean and Nick Cipollone. Below, from left, are Teaghan Weinstein, Alessia Ziman, Emma Mealy, Keller Hoch, Estelle Damouni, Elena Kappes and Taj Sands.

Bottom are Mara McClanahan and Raia Gorfinkel.

School Raises Funds For Draheim Family

March 4, 2022

BERLIN – Students and faculty participated in “Wear Pink” day on Valentine’s Day at Worcester Preparatory School to support the local family of Lakelyn Draheim.

Lakelyn is a sweet, charismatic and determined 4-year-old who loves gymnastics and dance. In January she was diagnosed with DIPG (Diffuse Infiltrative Pontine Glioma) Stage 4, an inoperable brain tumor. She is currently undergoing pinpoint radiation treatment at the Children’s National Hospital located in Washington D.C. WPS Senior Camden Rayne is Lakelyn’s dance teacher. She partnered with WPS Volunteers to start a fundraiser at school to support the community’s efforts to help send the Draheim family to Disney World. In doing so, all students and faculty were asked to wear the color pink on Monday and donate $2 each to the cause. By the end of the day, WPS raised nearly $5,000 for the Draheim family.

To learn more about Lakelyn’s story visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/lakelyndraheim or follow the Facebook page “Lakelyn Strong-Defeating DIPG”. To donate towards a trip to Disney, visit the GoFundMe page, www.gofund.me/eca79d83.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

Lower School students are pictured gathered together in pink during their lunch breaks to show their support.

Submitted Photos

Pandemic’s Impact On Boomers’ Retirement Intentions

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 4, 2022

WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE

BY COLLIN MACOMBER

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – The pandemic has become a new variable in deciding when to retire.

Some near-retirees lost their jobs and decided to not seek new opportunities. Others were focused on the health risk and determined it was better to retire while they were still in good health. Still, others have used this crisis as a catalyst to reexamine their career and reprioritize their work interests.

Odd though it may seem, now may be a good time for near-retirees to consider launching a new career. One reason is the labor shortage has employers clamoring for experienced talent — and that gives aging baby boomers new leverage.

We’ve been hearing a lot about the “Great Resignation” over the last six months. As it happens, job quitting is a luxury enjoyed mainly by young adults who may have their parents as a financial backstop, adults with no debt or high-income workers who have saved well and have resources to fund time off. A recent study of quit rates among U.S. workers

found that resignation rates are highest among mid-career employees and in the technology and health care industries.

You can imagine how those scenarios work out — mid-career workers and tech professionals may have enough savings to take time off and evaluate what they want to do next; health care workers are likely suffering from burnout. And while a pandemic may not have been on anyone’s financial bingo card, it’s here, and a lot of people are using this time to take stock of their lives. This sort of crisis can happen at any time — either you lose COLLIN your job, or you lose your MACOMBER motivation to continue that job. Either way, we can help you position the assets you’ve accumulated to get your money to work harder and longer — so you don’t have to.

Contact us for ideas.

Historically, most people past a certain age would retire once they left a job. However, new studies show some older workers are viewing the pandemic as a gap year. Many report they do plan to go back

into the workforce at some point, either because they must work because they can’t afford to retire, or they simply want to create a better financial foundation for their retirement. Still, others plan to go back to work because the sojourn into retirement isn’t quite what they were expecting.

Interestingly, one study found baby boomers in their 60s were no more likely to leave their jobs than people in their mid-to-late 50s. In fact, the retirement rate among workers aged 55 and up barely changed from a pre-pandemic average of 12% to 13% in 2020.

Another interesting fact from a Federal Reserve Board study revealed one-third of retirees go back to work on a full- or parttime basis — a phenomenon dubbed “reverse retirement.” Here again, this tends to happen among lowest-income workers and the highest-income workers — both at 35%.

Regardless of the reasons for returning to work, there is some evidence that working longer can be fulfilling for more than monetary reasons. Stephen Hawking is quoted as saying, “Work gives you meaning and purpose, and life is empty without

it.” Even working as a volunteer provides a rewarding sense of giving to others and the community. Often enough, a job offers an automatic set of colleagues, friends and associates, not to mention tapping your intellectual and physical energy.

If you’re considering going back to work now or sometime after the pandemic is better contained, you may worry about the perception of ageism in the workplace. But there is good news on this front as well.

Research has shown that “mental horsepower” begins to decline after age 30.

However, knowledge and expertise, which are generally key indicators of job performance, continue to grow even past age 80.

Furthermore, personal traits such as curiosity drive learning new skills during late adulthood. There’s no official age limit to new skill acquisition, so don’t be intimidated by things like new technology or processes. Be curious, ask questions and build your knowledge base. These are commodities employers are looking for and will serve you well.

(The writer is an investment advisor with Key Financial Services. The entire KFS team can be reached at 410-629-0357.)

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ocean Pines officials considering electronic Voting

March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Officials in Ocean Pines are exploring options for electronic voting.

Last week, Elections Committee Chair Carol Ludwig presented the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors with a presentation on electronic voting for future elections.

“We’ve put our foot out there to say we strongly suggest the Board of Directors vote in favor of online voting with a phonein option, which would be looked at by our general manager,” she said.

In last week’s presentation, Ludwig outlined the association’s challenges with the current election process, which utilizes mail-in ballots with business reply envelopes for ballot returns.

She said not only did the community’s bylaws provide a tight timeline for mailing and receiving ballots, but that there were concerns about duplicate ballots, election security and lengthy scanning times. Ludwig pointed out the number of late, or invalid, ballots had also increased from 182 in 2020 to 289 in 2021.

“The process right now is obviously

negatively impacted by the postal service,” she explained.

By using electronic voting, Ludwig said homeowners would be mailed an ID number and asked to login and vote through a website.

“We still have to do some type of mailing,” she said.

Ludwig noted, however, that the online process would provide election results within minutes of the deadline and save the association money on postage, scanning equipment and paper.

“Right now there is a real challenge with paper,” she said. “We’re even talking Ocean Pines may have a challenge getting out the next newsletter because of the inability to get paper.”

Ludwig added the new process could also include a phone-in option.

“We thought with the addition of a phone-in option, which a few contractors provide, the owners can call in their vote if necessary,” she said.

Estimates provided to board members last week showed the current election process costing the association more than $15,000. Cost estimates from online voting vendors ranged from $3,414 to $13,827.

Page 27

President Colette Horn asked if there was any consideration for a hybrid voting system, giving association members the option to either vote online or by mail.

“The purpose is not simply cost savings, it’s time savings,” she said. “We’ve heard the slowness of the mail is a major concern.”

Director Frank Daly also questioned if the association’s bylaws allowed for electronic voting to replace mail-in ballots.

“Does this require a bylaws change?” he said. “As I recall, there’s a statement in the bylaws that says the ballots will be mailed.”

Board members agreed they needed a legal opinion. Daly also suggested trying electronic voting for proposed shortterm rental regulations, which require a referendum to change the association’s declaration of restrictions (DR).

“DR changes are not governed by the bylaws …,” he said. “If that works, we can hold off for this election, so we can get our ducks in a row.”

Perrone agreed.

“I’m concerned about using this process for this year’s election,” he said. “I would feel much better if we got our data by doing the DR changes.”

When asked if a bylaw change on the election process could be included in the upcoming referendum, officials said it was too late, as a notification of proposed referendum questions had already been mailed to homeowners.

“I really think we’re dancing with the devil to try and do it in this referendum,” Daly said.

After further discussion, the board agreed to direct the general manager to explore an electronic voting process and potential vendors. Officials also agreed to form a workgroup to explore online voting for the upcoming short-term rental referendum.

“Based on this conversation we have a couple of action items,” Director Doug Parks said. “One of them is to basically frame the vote on the DRs as a separate task … The second part is we have to agree that in concept we’re going to continue with the current way of doing our elections in conjunction with our Elections Committee. And the third thing is we’ll have some follow-up information as to how we start to transition into electronic voting to include a change to the bylaws, so we can move forward in the most appropriate way.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 4, 2022

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Lions Club District Governor spoke on the topic "Strengthen the Roots of Service" at a recent Ocean City Lions Club meeting. The Lions are the world's largest service organization and their single mission since 1917 is simply “To Serve.” Pictured left to right are 2nd Vice District Governor Kathy Crockett, 1st Vice District Governor Carol Schoonover, Cabinet Secretary Ginny Studley, District Governor David Studley, Cabinet Treasurer Ronnie Dorr and OC Lions President Scott Stark.

The General Levin Winder Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) donated items for Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Chaplain’s Clothes Closets. Pictured with the donation are, left to right, Jane Bunting, Darlene Stevens, Carol Wanzer, Connie Duke, Gail Weldin, chapter regent, Pat Arata, Beth Sise and Barbara May. The DAR is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education.

Submitted Photos

The Seaside Boat Show, the major fundraiser for the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, was held Feb. 18-20. Each year North Bay Marina donates a pontoon boat as the major door prize at the show. Pictured from left to right are Charlie Dorman (boat show co-chair), Scott McCurdy, Mary McCurdy (North Bay Marina), Gov. Larry Hogan and Mayor Rick Meehan. North Bay has been donating a boat for over a quarter of a century.

On Feb. 19, Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645 initiated 45 new members, one of its largest new classes. New members mingled with older members and were treated to lunch in the social quarters of the lodge.

The Republican Women of Worcester County’s Red Shoe Book Club met and discussed “To Rescue the Republic: Ulysses S. Grant, The Fragile Union, and the Crisis of 1876,” written by Bret Baier. Pictured in the first row are Raye Simpson, Marge Matturro, and Gloria Moyer. Pictured in the second row are Pat Prince, Carol Frazier, Susan Ostrowski, Nina Willett, Linda Siriani, Kathleen Tallmen, and Liz Mumford. The Red Shoe Book Club meets quarterly to discuss timely books that focus on various topics of social, political, and historic interest to its members.

At its Feb. 23 meeting, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City provided a donation to 4STEPS Therapeutic Riding Program in Parsonsburg. Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Tim Lund is pictured presenting a $500 donation to Sandy Winter, executive director of 4STEPS. The 4STEPS program uses horses to “enhance and improve the lives of children and adults with special needs. The program is adventure-based therapeutic/adaptive horseback riding and equine-assisted services.”

March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

New Location OCEAN PINES – Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates (POA) relocated its Berlin office, formerly 314 Franklin Ave., to a brand new location in Ocean Pines. The new location address is 11107 Cathage Road, Unit 101, Berlin, MD 21811. POA Ocean Pines offers orthopaedic services, physical therapy and occupational therapy. The new office is fully equipped with 17 spacious exam rooms, on-site DME and x-ray imaging and offers a wide variety of orthopaedic specialties including foot/ankle, wrist/hand, elbow/shoulder, hip, knee, sports medicine, joint replacement and urgent care/same day appointments.

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

Grant Awarded SALISBURY – The Maryland Community Health Resources Commission (CHRC) recently awarded nine grantees under the new “Pathways to Health Equity” program, investing a total of $13.5 million in new resources in underserved communities across the state.

TidalHealth, in partnership with the local health departments and a coalition of community-based stakeholders, was awarded $1.2 million to support the Rural Equity and Access to Community Health (REACH) project. The REACH project was the only grantee on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

The project is a two-year pilot with the potential for another five years of funding to become a sustainable Health Equity Resource Community as defined by the Maryland Health Equity Resource Act approved during the 2021 state legislative session. The REACH Project will specifically address disparities in diabetes and hypertension experienced by the Black and Haitian population on the lower Eastern Shore.

“The REACH program will support multi-level, cross-sector strategies to advance health equity throughout the lower Eastern Shore,” said Kat Rodgers, MPH, Director of Community Health Initiatives at TidalHealth. “The project is the result of a community coalition working together with the same vision. We aim to empower people from historically disadvantaged neighborhoods to co-create systems that improve access to care and health literacy so that everyone has an equitable opportunity to achieve their optimal quality of life.”

Asthma, heart disease, mental health, substance use disorder, maternal and child health, and Sickle Cell Disease will

The Coastal Association of REALTORS® welcomed 19 new members during New Member Orientation on Feb. 18. Pictured, back from left, are Lance Hair with Long and Foster, Tanner Moxley with Keller Williams, Brenda Hornung with Compass, Lisa Chamberlain with Newport Bay Realty, Kim Dixson with Redfin, Lachelle Scarlato with Coastal Life Realty, Brian Dave Ringold with Northrop Realty, Daniel Kacprzak with Northrop Realty and Dan Erb with Brennan Title. Pictured, front from left, are Bradley Bjorkland with Keller Williams, Kim Brawn with Keller Williams, Brett Miller with Hileman Real-Estate, Tricia Krynitsky with Long and Foster, Erica Grim with Sheppard Realty, Isabel Medford with Keller Williams, Brian Swafford with Long and Foster, Lisa Perdue with Century 21, Alli Rash with ERA Martin and Peter McGough with Brennan Title.

Submitted Photos

be additional disparities targeted by the new grant.

License Earned SALISBURY – Meredith Mears, advisor with SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate, earned her Delaware real estate license. Mears is currently licensed in Maryland.

Mears specializes in the sale and leasing of industrial, medical, and retail properties, as well as land development.

Mears has 20-plus years MEREDITH of client experience inMEARS cluding local and statewide governments, commercial property owners and investors, and privately operating companies across the globe. In 2020, she was named a Top 100 Woman in the state of Maryland by The Daily Record for her vast contributions in business, community, and mentoring.

Scholars Named SALISBURY – Salisbury University (SU) has been named among the na-

tion’s top producers of Fulbright Students by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for the fifth year in a row.

SU also has been named among the nation’s leading producers of Fulbright Scholars and was one of only five institutions to make both lists.

The Fulbright is the country’s flagship international exchange program. Topproducing campuses were highlighted in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

SU Fulbright recipients during that academic year were alumni and recent graduates Abiodun Adeoye ’20, Jessica Pierce ’21, Julia Rohrer ’21, and Kathryn Stout ’15.

Adeoye, a history and political science major from Hyattsville, Md., was awarded an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Kyrgyzstan. Pierce, a biological sciences and psychology major from Silver Spring, Md., earned a research award to study neuroscience in Norway. Rohrer, an English for speakers of other languages major, from Silver Spring, Md., received an ETA in Panama. Stout, an English major from Lus-

Page 29 by, Md., won an ETA in Serbia.

SU has had 25 Fulbright Students since its first in 2012. Fifteen SU students are Fulbright semifinalists for 2022-23. More than 90 SU students have won national and international fellowships, scholarships and awards in the past decade.

SU faculty also earned multiple Fulbright honors for 2021-22. They included Dr. Dean Kotlowski, professor of history, named a Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the Australian National University; Dr. Andrew Martino, dean of SU’s Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College, selected for the Fulbright International Education Administrators Program; and Dr. Tina Reid, professor of nursing, who was selected for a fouryear term on the national Fulbright Specialist Roster.

SU has a long history of faculty, administrator and alumni Fulbrighters, and has twice before been among the nation’s top producers of those awards.

Property Sale LEWES, Del. – John McClellan and Kelly Jeter, advisors with SVN Miller, recently settled on 18422 Coastal Highway in Lewes, DE. The 1.64-acre parcel located directly on the coveted Route 1 corridor in Lewes, Del., was being utilized as a commercial rental property.

An unsolicited offer prompted the sellers to investigate potential opportunities with their commercial real estate advisors, McClellan and Jeter. The analysis indicated that while the offer was strong, it may have been below market given the current level of activity. The McClellan Team advised the sellers to publicly list and market the property to receive maximum value. After four strong offers were received, final negotiations lead to a selling price over 50% greater than the original offer with a timely closing before the end of 2021.

“I am confident that our success was largely due to our efforts to maximize publication and marketing of the property and avoiding a ‘pocket listing’ mentality,” said McClellan of the McClellan Team. “It was our pleasure to work with the buyers on this transaction to bring our client’s goals to fruition.”

Joe and Brent Reed of Cape Realty represented the buyer. The new owners are presently evaluating various uses for the property and are actively seeking tenants.

Page 30

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 4, 2022

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a unique view of the bayside of north Ocean City. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 50

HOROSCOPES ARIES (March 21 to April 19): This is a good time to reassess important relationships, both personal and professional, to see where problems might exist and how they can be overcome.

Keep communication lines open.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It's not easy to bring order to a chaotic situation, whether it's in the workplace or at home. But if anyone can do it, you can. A pleasant surprise awaits you by week's end.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Be careful that you don't make an upcoming decision solely on the word of those who might have their own reasons for wanting you to act as they suggest.

Check things out for yourself.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): A personal relationship that seems to be going nowhere could be restarted once you know why it stalled. An honest discussion could result in some surprising revelations.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): That unexpected attack of self-doubt could be a way of warning yourself to go slow before making a career-changing decision. Take more time to do a closer study of the facts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): A workplace problem needs your attention now, before it deteriorates to a point beyond repair. A trusted third party could be helpful in closing the gaps that have opened.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A recent family situation could give rise to

a new problem. Keep an open mind and avoid making judgments about anyone's motives until all the facts are in.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Rely on your always-sharp intuition to alert you to potential problems with someone's attempt to explain away the circumstances behind a puzzling incident.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Although you still need to do some snipping of those lingering loose ends from a past project, you can begin moving on to something else.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): With your self-confidence levels rising, you should feel quite comfortable with agreeing to take on a possibly troublesome, but potentially well-rewarded, situation.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Travel is favored, both for business and for fun. The end of the week brings news about an upcoming project that could lead toward that promised career change.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You might feel suddenly overwhelmed by a flood of responsibilities. But if you deal with each one in its turn, you'll soon be able to hold your head above water and move on.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a wonderful way of offering comfort as well as guidance. You would do well in the healing arts. (c) 2022 King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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OCEAN CITY vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Ukraine’s courageous spirit

March 4, 2022

WITH BUNK MANN

Netflix’s “Inventing Anna”

Shows of local support for Ukraine Ski resorts getting snow in March

Monitoring the markets every day

When it looks warm outside and actually is Watching college lacrosse

Flowers popping up in the cold weather The talented journalists in Ukraine An uninterrupted night of sleep

Overhearing a good coach’s instructions

Baltimore Avenue was Ocean City’s “Main Street” when this postcard was printed circa 1920. This view looks north from Wicomico Street and includes some of the town’s most historic structures.

The building in the left foreground is the Seaside Hotel (built in 1876) and beyond it with the tall brick smokestack is the electric power plant. In the right foreground is the original Atlantic Hotel. This was the first hotel built in Ocean City and its opening on July 4, 1875, is considered by many as the resort’s official birthday.

All of these buildings along with two blocks of the Boardwalk were destroyed in a huge fire that began in the early morning of Dec. 29, 1925.

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Postcard from Bunk Mann’s collection

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March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Handgun Arrests OCEAN CITY – Two southern Maryland men were arrested last weekend after allegedly displaying loaded handguns to a victim during a verbal altercation at a midtown hotel.

Around 4:20 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a restaurant at 41st Street for a reported weapons violation. Officers responded when a male victim had called 911 to report a suspect had displayed a handgun to him at a nearby hotel, according to police reports.

OCPD officers met with the victim, who told police he worked at the restaurant and was staying at the hotel when he walked back to his room to retrieve his phone charger, according to police reports. The victim was clearly distressed and shaking as he told officers about the incident, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police he was walking down the hallway to his room at the hotel when he encountered the group of suspects. The victim told police he had a brief and minor verbal altercation with one of the suspects in the hallway of the hotel.

When the victim exited his hotel room, he was encountered by two suspects, later identified as D’Nico Williams, 23, of Waldorf, Md., and Thomas Corbett-Jones, 21, of Temple Hills, Md., according to police reports. Williams removed a silvercolored handgun from his waist area and pointed the barrel directly at the victim, according to police reports.

Corbett-Jones also made a motion toward his waist area and the victim believed he was also retrieving a handgun, according to police reports. The victim re-

COPS & COURTS portedly told police he feared for his life and did not want to return to the hotel.

A description of the suspects was broadcasted, and additional officers responded to the scene. Williams, Corbett-Jones and two other suspects were located in a nearby candy store. During a search, Williams was found with a handgun in the waist of his pants, while Corbett-Jones was found with a handgun tucked in his waistband below his hooded sweatshirt.

Williams was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault, carrying a loaded handgun on his person, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Corbett-Jones was charged with carrying a loaded handgun on his person.

Traffic Stop Weapons OCEAN CITY – A South Carolina man was arrested last weekend after a traffic stop revealed a loaded handgun and a metal baton in his vehicle.

Around 1:45 a.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the area of 28th Street observed a man later identified as Edward Hubbard III, 38, of Irmo, S.C., stumbling while allegedly intoxicated along the sidewalk in front of one restaurant and bar. As

the officer watched, Hubbard reportedly staggered to the parking lot of a neighboring establishment, got into his vehicle, started it up and backed out of a parking space.

The officer watched as Hubbard drove north through the parking lot and the officer activated his lights and siren and stopped Hubbard in the parking lot. Hubbard pulled into a parking spot. The officer reportedly asked Hubbard why he didn’t get a cab or a ride to his hotel, which was only a fraction of a mile from where he was pulled over. Hubbard told the officer he was not doing anything out of his limits and was fine to drive.

According to police reports, Hubbard was clearly intoxicated and should not have been driving a vehicle. As Hubbard exited the vehicle upon the officer’s request, the officer observed a large black metal baton in the driver’s door pocket of the vehicle, which was clearly within easy access of the driver, according to police reports.

The officer escorted Hubbard to a nearby bench and out of the rain and told him he was not allowed to carry a concealed deadly weapon in his vehicle.

When asked if there was any other weapons or anything illegal in the vehicle, Hubbard told officers there was a handgun in the vehicle with a round in the chamber,

March 4, 2022 according to police reports.

During a search of the vehicle, the officer located a silver handgun in a plastic tub in the center console with rounds in the chamber. Hubbard was arrested and charged with numerous traffic violations and possession of deadly weapons.

Police Officer Assault OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested last weekend after allegedly resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer following a routine traffic stop.

Around 12:30 a.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling uptown and observed a traffic violation in the area of 139th Street. The officer conducted a traffic stop and determined the driver, later identified as Stephen Smith, 25, of Ocean City, had a restriction on his license that permitted him to drive to work only, according to police reports.

The officer used a background check to determine Smith had been stopped in January for driving in violation of his license restriction. The officer reportedly asked Smith where he was coming from and where he was going, and Smith told him he was just driving home, according to police reports.

The officer was in the process of writing and printing a citation for Smith for violating his license restriction and a warning for driving while suspended. While the officer was completing the citation and warning, Smith drove away from the traffic stop, according to police reports.

The officer followed Smith until he parked his car in the driveway of his residence at 136th Street. The officer approached Smith, who backed away and SEE NEXT PAGE

March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

... COPS & COURTS stood in front of his vehicle. The officer attempted to arrest Smith and place him in handcuffs, but Smith pulled away and resisted, according to police reports.

Another officer arrived on the scene to assist, and when that officer attempted to place Smith under arrest, Smith kicked the officer in the hip area, according to police reports.

When officers did detain Smith and attempted to put him in a patrol vehicle for transport, Smith grabbed onto the outer frame of the door to prevent officers from placing him in the vehicle. He was charged with second-degree assault and resisting arrest, along with the traffic violations.

Suspended Sentence For Assault OCEAN CITY – A Fallston man, arrested last August after assaulting family members at a north-end condo, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault this week and was sentenced to six months in jail, all of which was then suspended.

Around 10:15 p.m. last Aug. 22, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of 142nd Street for a reported assault that had occurred. The caller was a 13-year-old male, whoe advised his uncle, later identified as David DeVries, 35, of Fallston, Md., had assaulted him and his grandmother, according to police reports.

Officers arrived and interviewed with

the 13-year-old and his aunt, who advised DeVries had slapped her during an argument the night before. The investigation revealed DeVries had been in an argument with the female victim about who had rented the condo in which they were staying. The argument escalated with DeVries reportedly striking the female victim, punching her and slapping her in the face, according to police reports.

When the 13-year-old boy attempted to intervene, DeVries allegedly pushed the boy down to the ground, according to police reports. When OCPD officers arrived, DeVries was no longer at the scene.

The female victim reached DeVries via cell phone and OCPD officers attempted to speak with him, but he was uncooperative and refused to return, according to police reports.

About two hours later, DeVries returned to the residence and forcefully broke the door in and entered the unit.

The 13-year-old victim told police he was so scared that he hid in a bedroom with a frying pan.

OCPD officers returned to the scene and found DeVries in the unit and arrested him for second-degree assault. OCPD officers observed dents to the exterior door and the interior door had been dislodged from the wall. No other damage to the unit was located. The investigation revealed several members of the family were on vacation at the condo rented in the female victim’s name. DeVries was charged with three counts of second-degree assault.

This week, Devries pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault and was sentenced to six months, all of which was suspended. He was placed on supervised probation for three years.

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Page 36

Worcester Doles Out Winter Sports Awards

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

March 4, 2022

Decatur Girls Advance With Buzzer Beater In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team edged Chesapeake of Anne Arundel, 61-59, on Tuesday to advance to the state 3A regional championship.

The Seahawks were perfect in the regular season, finishing with a 19-0 record. The Decatur girls did fall to Queen Anne’s in the Bayside Conference championship, but earned a number-one seed and a first-round bye in the 3A region sectional.

On Tuesday, the Seahawks took on Chesapeake at home in its state playoff opener. The Decatur girls trailed for much of the game, but never by more than a couple of points. With five seconds left in the game, Shelby Rosemond hit a bucket to put the Seahawks ahead and they survived to advance.

Decatur faced Crofton in the regional championship on Thursday in a game played too late to be included in this edition. Crofton advanced in the state regional playoffs by beating Northeast and Oxon Hill.

Several Worcester Prep varsity basketball players were honored with Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) awards. Pictured from right are Griffin Jones, Brice Richins, Michael Wehberg, Myranda Beebe, Morgan White and Lily Baeurle.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

BERLIN – Worcester Prep last week doled out awards for participants in the school’s winter sports seasons.

For the boys’ varsity basketball team, the Most Valuable Player Award went to Griffin Jones, while Brice Richins received the Coach’s Award and the Most Improved Player Award went to Harrison Humes. For the girls’ varsity basketball team, the Most Valuable Player Award went to Lily Baeurle, while Myranda Beebe won the Coach’s Award and the Most Improved Player A-

ward went to Bella Marinelli.

For the boys’ junior varsity team, Hunter Simons was named MVP, the Coach’s Award went to Owen West and the Most Improved Player award went to Ryan Mann. For the girls’ junior varsity team, the Most Valuable Player was Danielle Carr, the Coach’s Award went to Lydia Schwartz and the Most Improved award went to Maxine Ruggerio.

For the cheerleading team, the Most Valuable Player award went to Kate Abbott, Anna Carpenter received the Coach’s Award and the Most Improved award went to Sophia Haines.

freestyle relay, the team of Karcheuski, Castanares, Gill and Stearn finished 11th.

On the girls’ side, in the 200-yard medley relay, the Decatur team of Katie Mitchell, Vienna Williams, Emma Coyman and Molly Hoffman finished 16th.

In the 22-yard freestyle, Sierra Wakefield finished seventh. Natalie Canham finished eighth in the 200-yard individual medley, while Coyman was 17th.

Trista Harner was 11th in the 50-

yard freestyle, while Kayden Hamby was 18th. Wakefield was 10th in the 100-yard butterfly, while Hamby was 14th. Harner finished 10th in the 100yard freestyle. In the 200-yard freestyle relay, the team of Canham, Wakefield, Hamby and Harner finished fifth. Canham finished 11th in the 100-yard breaststroke. The Decatur team of Canham, Wakefield, Hamby and Harner finished ninth in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

MANAGING EDITOR

Decatur Swimmers Turn In Solid Performances In State Meet

Decatur’s Shelby Rosemond launches the game winner with five seconds left on Tuesday as the Seahawks advanced in the state regional tournament.

Photo by James Cathell

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity swimming teams turned in strong performances in the state 3A-2A-1A championship meet with solid team scores and several strong individual performances.

The Decatur girls finished eighth overall among the 26 schools participating in the meet. The Decatur boys

finished 12th overall among the 28 teams participating in the meet.

On the boys’ side, in the 200-yard medley relay, the Decatur team of Daniel Karcheuski, Gavin Stearn, Mason Castanares and Bryce Gill finished 11th. In the 200-yard individual medley, Karcheuski finished fifth. Stearn finished fourth in the 50-yard freestyle.

Karcheuski was seventh in the 100yard butterfly. Stearn finished third in the 100-yard freestyle. In the 200-yard

Fenwick Island Committee Advances Striping Project

March 4, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A proposal to restripe the town’s streets will advance to the Fenwick Island Town Council with a favorable recommendation.

On Tuesday, the Fenwick Island Infrastructure Committee voted unanimously to recommend a proposal to restripe the town’s streets. Officials say the town had received one bid from Straight Line for a total cost of $9,792.

“We’ve worked with this company in the past …,” said Councilman Richard Benn, committee chair. “They can also do it in the timeframe that we need.”

In a review of the proposal this week, committee member Jay Ryan questioned if the town needed more than one bid for the project. Benn said it wasn’t required.

“There’s no requirement in the town charter to do multiple bids on anything,” he replied.

Committee member Amy Coombs said she supported the idea of a second bid.

“I feel strongly, given the history and contention of the past few years, that we should get a second bid …,” she said.

Benn, however, said seeking another bid would require companies to complete a site visit.

“I’m even having trouble getting two bids for an asphalt project,” he said.

Officials also noted the timeline for the restriping project, as it needed to be completed before the summer season. Committee member Bob Warburton added that something also needed to be done to address striping near mailboxes.

“Some of the reasoning they give for striping was to have access to the mailboxes,” he said. “In some instances, the white line comes within a couple feet of mailboxes, and if someone parked there the [postal service] wouldn’t have access to it. I wonder if they would revisit some of these places and consider changing that.”

Public Works Manager Mike Locke said staff had reached out to the postal service and received no complaints. He said the bid submitted to the town proposing keeping the same striping plan for the most part.

“We spoke to the town’s postal service driver and he has no problems with the way it’s stripped right now,” he said.

“So we went along with the way the striping is right now.”

After further discussion, the committee agreed to advance the proposal to the town council with a favorable recommendation.

“Except for a few changes, this was just a bid for redoing what we have now,” Locke said.

When asked if the town had thought about repaving the roads, Benn said it was part of an ongoing discussion about road maintenance.

“We need a comprehensive plan to maintain the roads,” he said, “and we need a budget for it.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION

A $249 VALUE FOR ONLY $99 • Check the electrical service panel and wiring • Tighten screws and lugs on circuit breakers to ensure proper functioning • Apply Noalox on branch circuits’ aluminum wires • Check all outlets with tester for loose connections, open grounds, neutral wires, proper polarity

• Test/inspect GFCI outlets and breakers • Check for double tapped breakers to eliminate overloading a circuit breaker • Survey for proper surge protection • Check smoke detectors and make recommendations for compliance with local electrical codes

Call 410-641-1434 Worcester County Lic. #M917 • Maryland Lic. # 3506

Page 38

Who’s Where When COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, March 5: Shortcut Sunny CORK BAR Sunday, March 6: Wes Davis

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Best Beats BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Buxy’s Salty Dog: Monday, March 7

Pickles Pub: Mondays Karaoke with Wood

FIRST CLASS Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5 BRYAN CLARK Fager’s Island: Monday, March 7

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, March 4: DJ, Greg, DJ Robcee Saturday, March 5: DJ Greg, DJ Hook, Jumper Monday, March 7: Bryan Clark HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, March 5: The Dunehounds, DJ Jeremy Sunday, March 6: Opposite Directions Thursdays: DJ Billy T

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, March 4

On The Beach

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, March 4: Acoustic Campfire Tuesday, March 8: Cal Toner Wednesday, March 9: Jack & T Lutz CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, March 4: Scrapple Saturday, March 5: Lennon LaRicci & The Leftovers

March 4, 2022

SHORCUT SUNNY Coins Pub: Saturday, March 5

SCRAPPLE Crawl Street Tavern: Friday, March 4

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, Wednesdays

OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The OC Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5: First Class PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Styler Saturday, March 5: The Dunehounds Sundays: Side Project & Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 4: Nowhere Slow, DJ Tuff Saturday, March 5: Full Circle, My Hero Zero, DJ Tuff,DJ Cruz Thursday, March 10: Full Circle Duo

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Thursdays

THE DUNEHOUNDS Harborside: Saturday, March 5 • 1PM Pickles Pub: Saturday, March 5 • 9PM

DJ TUFF Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, March 9

BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

KAROAKE WITH JEREMY Greene Turtle West: Sundays

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Saturday, March 5 - Band Seacrets: Thursday, March 10 - Duo

JUMPER Fagers Island: Saturday, March 5

March 4, 2022

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

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

Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

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

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

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

March 3-6: OC Film Festival In partnership with the Art League of OC, this festival features films by local and international filmmakers of every background and genre. Screenings at multiple venues around OC. ocmdfilmfestival.com.

March 5: Drive-Thru Fried Chicken Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Willards will host starting at 11 a.m.

Menu includes four pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cole slaw, apple sauce, roll and cupcake. Price $14.

March 5: Reminiscing Session What did healing look like in 19th and 20th century African American communities? Did you know that spiderwebs played an important part? Join County Commissioner Diana Purnell and members of the Germantown School community at the Germantown School (10223 Trappe Road) from 10 a.m.-noon as they reminisce about the healing memories of their childhood. Seating will be limited.

COVID protocols will be followed. Register by email germantownschool@gmail.com or call Karen Prengaman (443-235-9803). For more information, visit the Germantown School Facebook page.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

Things To Do

Seating will be limited. COVID protocols will be followed. Register by email germantownschool@gmail.com or call Karen Prengaman (443-235-9803). For more information, visit the Germantown School Facebook page.

March 6-7: Spring Trade Expo Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association’s 48th Annual Ocean City Spring Trade Expo is an experience and is the fastest and most convenient way to see, taste, discover and learn about the new product innovations that are sure to inspire. Expo hours are Sunday, March 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Monday, March 7 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. After March 2, on-site registration is $25 per person with proof of being in the industry. For complete Expo information, check out www.oceancitytradeexpo.com or call 410-289-6733.

March 11-13: Wool, Fiber Expo At the Ocean City Convention Center, there will be vendors associated with the wool industry with raw and finished products for sale. Many classes available.

Visit www.woolandfiber.com for class information and sign up. $4 admission or $5 for the weekend. 443-235-2926 for more information.

March 12: St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sponsored by the Delmarva Irish-American Club, the procession begins at noon on Coastal Highway at 57th Street and marches south to the 45th Street Shopping Center, where the viewing bleachers and judging stand will be located.

Live music festival at 45th Street during and after parade.

March 18: Fried Chicken Dinner Berlin Fire Company will hold carryout dinner 4:30-7 p.m. (until sold out) featuring fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, string beans and roll for $12.

March 18-20: Annual Home Show Home, Condo & Outdoor show plus art & craft fair at the Ocean City Convention Center, 40th Street. Hundreds of pros offering thousands of ideas...decorating, remodeling, accessorizing, and more.

Hours Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday 10:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Admission. oceanpromotions.info.

March 19: St. Joseph’s Festival In less than a month, Ocean City’s largest Italian-American festival will reopen its doors for the first time in two years. Inside, the aroma of homecooked Italian foods will greet visitors, from minestrone soup to pasta and meatballs and sausages, fried dough specialties, and baked goods, breads, cakes, muffins and more. All from the kitchens and recipes of local Italian-American home cooks. Event will be held in St. Andrew’s Hall, Sinepuxent Avenue and 144th Street, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. The festival is sponsored by the Ocean City Lodge of the Sons and Daughters of Italy. Proceeds are used to fund scholarships and charitable causes.

Food may be the essence of this annual celebration, but it is not the only attraction. As in past years, the St. Joseph’s Festival will feature raffles for overstuffed gift baskets, silent auctions with local bargains from restaurants, local stores and grocery stores, the sale of specialty Italian items, and St. Joseph articles for sale. Also available to bid on will be tickets from area professional sports teams, as well as team-themed gift baskets. All of this will come with a backdrop of Italian music provided by Baltimore’s Mario Monaldi band.

March 19: Fried Chicken Dinner Drive-thru pickup only at New Hope United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. until in Willards. Menu includes mashed potatoes, greens, string beans, roll and dessert. Cost $14. 410-543-8244.

March 19: History Lesson What did African American education look like in the early 20th century? Join Dr. Clara Small (Salisbury University professor emeritus) at the Germantown School (10223 Trappe Road in Berlin) from 10 a.m.-noon to learn about the role of Rosenwald schools in shaping Worcester County education. Meet students who attended the Germantown School, one of 11 Rosenwald schools in Worcester County and tour the school museum.

Things To Do activities are printed free of charge. To ensure that an event is listed in a timely manner, please submit information as early as possible, since all items will be listed in advance as space permits. Be sure to include the date, name of event, time, location, address and a contact number. Email to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com; fax to 410-641-0966; or mail to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

March 22: Medicare Class If you are getting ready to turn 65 in the next 6 months, or will be signing up for Medicare soon, MAC’s “Aging Into Medicare” class is for you from 2-4 p.m. Registration is required and class size is limited. Masks must be worn while in the MAC building. Turning age 65 is a time when major Medicare planning takes place.

This free class will provide you with information needed to make your best Medicare decisions, and how to avoid possible penalties and delays in coverage for failure to enroll during the specified Initial Enrollment Period. Discussion also will include how Medicare works, what it covers, and how and when to apply. The class will be presented by Michelle Parker, coordinator of MAC’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

To register for a class, call 410-742-0505, Ext 150.

March 24:Pfizer Vaccine Clinic From 6 to 8 p.m. at Atlantic Health Center. 9714 Healthway Drive, Berlin.

This clinic is for those ages 5 and older. Registration is required. To register, please visit www.agh.care/vaccine.

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

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

March 26: Bull and Oyster Roast Sons of the American Legion Post 166 on 23rd Street and Philadelphia Avenue will host from 4-7 p.m. Includes pit beef, oysters, hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, cheese tray, dessert and draft beer.

Music with DJ Mikey. Cost $40 per person or $300 for a table of eight. Tickets available at the post or call 410-289-3166.

Tickets are limited.

Page 40

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 4, 2022

People in Society Taking orders for the carry-out spaghetti dinner were Larry Hall, Dave Bradford, and Phil Simpson of the Berlin Fire Company. Fried Chicken is on tap for March 18.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Representing the 45th Street block at the 3rd Annual SOUPer Bowl Throwdown were Vernon Smith and Anthony Eppolite of The Lookout Lounge and Brian Lee of 45th Street Taphouse.

Local Boy Scouts Dylan Maine, Ben Goodman, Brad Degraw, and James Degraw were in charge of packing up the orders for the Berlin Fire Company carry-out spaghetti dinner.

Serving the carry-out spaghetti dinners with a smile were Molly Eckman, Robert Taylor and Ron Eckman at the Berlin Fire Company Headquarters.

The Believe in Tomorrow’s Sports Day at the Beach fundraiser will help support the Draheim family, with Molly Hoffman and Kayla Lewis selling the 50/50 tickets.

45th Street Taphouse’s Zev Sibony partnered up with Believe In Tomorrow Prom King Jeremy Brink to host the 3rd Annual SOUPer Bowl Throwdown benefit for the Children’s House by the Sea.

Sello’s Jess Iacona and Pickles Pub Mark Jahnke were tablemates for the 3rd Annual SOUPer Bowl Throwdown to benefit Believe in Tomorrow.

Collecting admission donations at the door for the Believe in Tomorrow’s Sports Day at the Beach were Walt and Jill Lambert.

Hooper’s Crab House managers Michele Dunn and Charlie Macewan organized the vendor tables for Believe in Tomorrow’s Sports Day at the Beach fundraiser.

Believe in Tomorrow volunteers Heather and Fred Snyder helped out at the raffle table for the Sports Day at the Beach event.

March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

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

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

HELP WANTED P/T DENTAL HYGIENIST: Small, family oriented Dental Office seeking part time Dental Hygienist.

Please send a resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NOW HIRING

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

118th Street, Whiskers Pub. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HELP WANTED: Bottom Painter for West Ocean City Boat Yard. $15.00 an hour. Call 410-2131383.

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

Competitive Wages.

443-754-1047.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

*Awesome People*

Retail and Customer Service Experience a MUST! Call, E-mail or Fax your Resume: Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM Phone: 410-250-8200 Fax: 410-250-8274 E-mail: sunsationsoc-ap@ sunsationsusa.com

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

HELP WANTED EXTERIOR PAINTERS & CAULKERS

TOP PAY!!!

PLEASE CALL 443-614-0234

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •NIGHTWATCH •BOATYARD •MAINTENANCE •FUEL DOCK

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

54

Apply in Person

FENWICK ISLAND

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS Must have:

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

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

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

Berlin’s Newest Eatery!

Now Hiring For: Front & Back of House Positions Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

Maryland EMT/Firefighter I - Berlin Fire Company/EMS

Fire Protective Services, Inc. Small, Local Company of 35 years, Looking for Office Staff.

Full Time or Part Time, Flexible Hours and Days.

Experience Helpful, BUT NOT NECESSARY. Great for retirees!

Call Us at 410-641-4411.

OFFICE PERSONNEL Front Desk Assistant

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy seeks professional motivated individual for Front Desk Assistant position.

Must have excellent customer service skills. We are seeking a candidate that is organized and has at least two years of office experience. Must be computer proficient. Weekends Mandatory.

Email resume to mfreed@flyoceanaviation.com

WORK ON THE BEACH IN OCEAN CITY, MD. • Rent Umbrellas & Chairs To Beachgoers • Now Hiring Students For Over 80 Positions • Make Friends & Memories • Earn Valuable Sales & Customer Service Skills • Energetic Individuals Wanted • Hourly + Commission + Tips

NOW HIRING AWESOME PEOPLE

Holding open interviews

EVERY SAT & SUN 11am-2pm for:

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

Come by and join our 2022 family!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

The Dispatch Online - www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Berlin Fire Company/EMS is accepting application packets for one full time with benefits Maryland EMT/Firefighter I position. Requires Class B noncommercial drivers license or ability to obtain within six months from date of hire. Submit resume, copy of driver's license, three year non-certified driving record, copies of all fire and EMS certifications and training by Thursday, March 10 at 2:00 pm to: Berlin Fire Company EMS ATTN: Employment, P.O. Box 382, Berlin, MD 21811 No phone calls or visits to the station. All questions will be answered during the interview process.

Also accepting resumes with copies of certifications to update our part-time/on-call/as-needed paramedic and EMT lists. Please mail to same address as above.

Please use USPS Express or Priority Mail so you can track your application packet to ensure timely delivery.

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

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 3-14-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 4, 2022

The Dispatch Classifieds

The Dispatch Legal Notices

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

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

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

NOW HIRING FULL TIME BARTENDER Call 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street

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

NOW HIRING

YARD SALES

Third Insertion

•FRONT DESK REPRESENTATIVES

ESTATE/YARD SALE: Everything must go by end of March. 12604 Balte Road, WOC. Beds, bureaus, electric fireplace, generator & more. Come by anytime Saturday and Sunday OR call for appointment to see. 443-373-5178.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19036

SERVICES •BACK OF THE HOUSE •KITCHEN HELP Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required.

We require satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants.

Please contact Bob or Jeff at 410-289-6846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER Ocean Area Tire now has an opening for a Full Time Tow Truck Driver to join our team. Experience preferred but will train. Must have a clean driving record, pass DOT physical and a minor background check.

Bi-weekly salary along with a generous percentage of after hour calls. Apply in person at any one of our three locations - Ocean View, DE; Millsboro, DE; or Ocean Pines, MD. Or call our Tow Manager, Lee, at 443-878-5362 to schedule an on the spot interview.

HOWARD’S LAWN MAINTENANCE

Over 30 Years Experience Call for Free Estimate for Lawn Mowing & Other Landscaping Needs

443-513-0271

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE BY OWNER: Huge spacious double wide with outside building in nice park in West OC. Excellent condition. Fully furnished. All real wood furniture. All appliances, etc., etc. Call for more details and appointment to see.

443-523-7878.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTALS

CurriCulum Coordinator

HOUSE IN OC: 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom furnished house in Montego Bay. Available now for monthly rental. Call 410-340-6999.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Curriculum Coordinator provides leadership for Worcester Preparatory School's curriculum and teacher development across all grade levels. This includes working with the administration and faculty to plan and design comprehensive, school-wide curriculum and foster instructional best practices which meet the college preparatory mission of the school. This position works with the administration and faculty to coordinate and articulate curriculum throughout the school while providing input on the selection of textbooks and digital/learning materials, as well as coordinating professional development opportunities and instructional resources. The Curriculum Coordinator will focus on maintaining the present highquality curriculum, while helping to adjust the program accordingly to meet the future needs of students.

WEEKLY RENTALS

Worcester Preparatory School, a coeducational college preparatory day school serving over 400 students in grades PK-12, is currently seeking a Curriculum Coordinator.

Master’s degree or higher preferably in administration/ supervision/curriculum. Minimum of 5 years teaching experience (preferably in independent school education).

Employee must be legally qualified to work in the United States and must pass a background check conducted by a neutral third party. References will be contacted and all information provided will be verified. EOE

Please Contact: linda Watson 410-641-3575 or lwatson@worcesterprep.org

Poolfront: $245 Efficiency: $275 2 BR Apartment: $350 3 BR Suite: $425

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

COMMERCIAL STORAGE WEST OCEAN CITY: 2 car garage with attached work room. 775 sqft. Call 410-7260075.

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

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Dispatch Is On Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Follow Us Today & Get Daily News Updates As They Happen.

To all persons interested in the estate of NANCY MILLIONIE, ESTATE NO. 19036.

Notice is given that KATHERINE TWEEDLE, 1812 HILLCREST ROAD, GLENSIDE, PA 19038, was on, FEBRUARY 03, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NANCY MILLIONIE, who died on JANUARY 7, 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 3RD day of AUGUST, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 18, 2022 KATHERINE TWEEDLE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County

Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-18, 02-25, 03-04

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19067 To all persons interested in the estate of ANTHONY D SMITH AKA: ANTHONY DAVID WEST, ESTATE NO. 19067. Notice is given that TERESA A. WEST, 32 BOATSWAIN DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, FEBRUARY 09, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANTHONY D SMITH, who died on JANUARY 2, 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 9TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

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

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

TERESA A. WEST Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-18, 02-25, 03-04

Third Insertion VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19075 To all persons interested in the estate of JUDITH M. JONES, ESTATE NO. 19075.

Notice is given that CRAIG A. JONES, 1 PLAYER CIRCLE, MASHPEE, MA 02649, was on, FEBRUARY 09, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JUDITH M. JONES, who died on JANUARY 30, 2022, with a will.

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

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

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

March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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 sented 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 FEBRUARY 18, 2022 CRAIG A. JONES Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-18, 02-25, 03-04

Third Insertion AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, P.A. VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19076 Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT of MANATEE COUNTY, FL, appointed KATHLEEN C HERMAN, 2925 TERRA CEIA BAY BOULEVARD, PALMETTO, FL 34221 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of MAURICIO M HERMAN, who died on JULY 18, 2021, domiciled in FLORIDA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, whose address is 6200 COASTAL HWY, SUITE 200, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

lished notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 18, 2022 KATHLEEN C HERMAN Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-18, 02-25, 03-04

Third Insertion CHRISTOPHER S ROBINS, ESQ. ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A. 128 EAST MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19082 To all persons interested in the estate of ROSE MARIE JAUREGUI, ESTATE NO. 19082. Notice is given that CYNTHIA M MAGEE, 41 CATOCTIN COURT, SILVER SPRING, MD 20906, was on, FEBRUARY 15, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROSE MARIE JAUREGUI, who died on NOVEMBER 27, 2021, with a will.

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

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 claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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 AUGUST, 2022.

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this pub-

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 18, 2022 CYNTHIA M MAGEE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-18, 02-25, 03-04

Second Insertion WILLIAM E. ESHAM III, ESQ AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19074 To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL ANNE HAGEMAN, ESTATE NO. 19074. Notice is given that JACQUELINE ZENESKI, 250 TUTHILL ROAD, SOUTHOLD, NY 11971, was on, FEBRUARY 16, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL ANNE HAGEMAN, who died on NOVEMBER 15, 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 AUGUST, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 25, 2022 JACQUELINE ZENESKI Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19084 To all persons interested in the estate of NORMAN EDWARD GEBO, ESTATE NO. 19084. Notice is given that CHRISTOPHER GEBO, 800 BRISTOL PLACE, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on, FEBRUARY 16, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NORMAN EDWARD GEBO, who died on JANUARY 27, 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 16TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

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

Page 43 to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 25, 2022 CHRISTOPHER GEBO Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Second Insertion LISA KUNITZ GETZ ESQ. GETZ LAW OFFICE, LLC 26 S. MAIN STREET BEL AIR, MD 21014 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19090 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN H. WILLIAMS AKA: JOHN HERMAN WILLIAMS, ESTATE NO. 19090. Notice is given that SUSAN A GRETZ, 2301 HIGH POINT ROAD, FOREST HILL, MD 21050, was on, FEBRUARY 18, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN H. WILLIAMS, who died on JANUARY 1, 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 18TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 25, 2022 SUSAN A GRETZ Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19060 To all persons interested in the estate of MABLE TOWNSEND, ESTATE NO. 19060. Notice is given that ANTHONY TOWNSEND, 4213 BETHEDEN COURT, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on, FEBRUARY 18, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MABLE TOWNSEND, who died on NOVEMBER 9, 2021, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 18TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the credi-

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 25, 2022 ANTHONY TOWNSEND Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

Second Insertion REENA J PATEL, ESQ. 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19091 To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES HENRY TREGOE, ESTATE NO. 19091. Notice is given that ANGELA PONATOSKI, 520 HORN POINT DRIVE, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403, was on, FEBRUARY 22, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLES HENRY TREGOE, who died on DECEMBER 17, 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 22nd day of AUGUST, 2022.

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 25, 2022 ANGELA PONATOSKI Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 02-25, 03-04, 03-11

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19087 To all persons interested in the estate of JOANNA D TURNER. ESTATE NO. 19087. Notice is given that CAROL M CRIBBS, 1125 MARINER CAY DRIVE, HAINES CITY, FL 33844, was on FEBRUARY 23, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of JOANNA D TURNER, who died on JANUARY 8, 2020 with a will.

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

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

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

Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 CAROL M CRIBBS Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 03-04

First Insertion COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A. RAYMOND D. COATES JR, ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19092 Notice is given that the ORPHANS COURT of CHESTER COUNTY, PA, appointed BRIAN P BOWIE, 128 SPUR LANE, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of BETTY ANNE BOWIE, who died on MARCH 21, 2020, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D. COATES JR, whose address is 6200

COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04 , 2022 BRIAN P BOWIE Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-04, 03-11, 03-18

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19097 To all persons interested in the estate of HOWARD LESLIE STEPHENS SR. ESTATE NO. 19097. Notice is given that RENEA LYNCH, 8932 MARSHALL CREEK ROAD, NEWARK, MD 21841, and HOWARD LESLIE STEPHENS JR., 302 SOUTH BAY STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, and RICHARD STEPHENS, 37105 HUDSON ROAD, SELBYVILLE, DE 19975, was on FEBRUARY 09, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of HOWARD LESLIE STEPHENS SR., who died on JANUARY 1, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills

March 4, 2022 within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 RENEA LYNCH Personal Representative HOWARD LESLIE STEPHENS JR. Personal Representative RICHARD STEPHENS Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 03-04

First Insertion B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19098 To all persons interested in the estate of MARIE ELIZABETH KING, ESTATE NO. 19098. Notice is given that JAMES EDWARD KING, 30059 FOSKEY LANE, DELMAR, MD 21875, was on, FEBRUARY 23, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARIE ELIZABETH KING, who died on JANUARY 16, 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 repre-

sentative 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 AUGUST, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 JAMES EDWARD KING Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-04, 03-11, 03-18

First Insertion SUSAN J. LAND ESQ. 7310 RITCHIE HIGHWAY SUITE 704 GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19100 To all persons interested in the estate of JANICE LYNN SPIELER, ESTATE NO. 19100. Notice is given that ELLIOT SPIELER, 1903 CATALINA AVE., CINCINNATI, OH 45237, was on, FEBRUARY 25, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JANICE LYNN SPIELER, who died on JANUARY 11, 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

March 4, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25TH day of AUGUST, 2022.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 ELLIOT SPIELER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-04, 03-11, 03-18

First Insertion PATRICK J. HOWLEY SHULMAN, ROGERS, GANDAL, PORDY & ECKER, P.A. 12505 PARK POTOMAC AVENUE, 6TH FLOOR POTOMOC, MD 20854 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19103 To all persons interested in the estate of KATHLEEN KAREN O’CALLAGHAN. ESTATE NO. 19103. Notice is given that SHARON JOAN WORTH, 35 ROMA STREET, NUTLEY, NJ 07110, was on FEBRUARY 28, 2022, appointed Personal Represen-

tative of the SMALL ESTATE of KATHLEEN KAREN O’CALLAGHAN, who died on OCTOBER 7, 2021 without a will.

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

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 SHARON JOAN WORTH Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 03-04

First Insertion THOMAS J MALONEY ESQ COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. 313 LEMMON HILL LANE SALISBURY, MD 21801

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19107 To all persons interested in the estate of SIMONE M BILES. ESTATE NO. 19107.

Notice is given that PAMELA M. WEBB, 8369 CLINTON ROAD, UPPER FAIRMOUNT, MD 21867, was on FEBRUARY 28, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of SIMONE M BILES, who died on NOVEMBER 2, 2021 without a will.

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

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

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

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 PAMELA M. WEBB Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 03-04

First Insertion W. HANK FISHER III, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000044 KHURRAM RIAZ 429 W. MARKET STREET SNOW HILL, MD 21863 Plaintiff vs.

DONDA LEE SHOWELL 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND BETTY JEAN BROWN SHOWELL 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND GLENDORA BURTON 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND FRANK SHOWELL 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND BETTY MAIZE 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND ANTHONY MAIZE 1101 MAPLE STREET DELMAR, MD 21875 AND WORCESTER COUNTY

Page 45 ATTN: PHIL THOMPSON, COLLECTOR OF TAXES 1 W. MARKET STREET, ROOM 1105 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

AND

It is thereupon this 2nd of March, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland,

ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MD DESCRIBED AS: 75 X 80 X 70 X 90, 409 DIGHTON AVE. SNOW HILL, TAX ACCOUNT NO. 02-017717 Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: ACCOUNT NO.02-017717, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 75 X 80 X 70 X 90, 409 DIGHTON AVE, SNOW HILL, DEED REFERENCE: 6587/218, ASSESSED TO DONDA LEE SHOWELL AND BETTY JEAN BROWN SHOWELL, BUT ALSO OWNED BY GLENDORA BURTON, FRANK SHOWELL, BETTY MAIZE, AND ANTHONY MAIZE, DEED REFERENCE: W.C.L. LIBER NO. 1280, FOLIO 442 ET SEQ.

ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 30th day of APRIL, 2022, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgement will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 04, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 03-04, 03-11, 03-18

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Margaret Colbert BERLIN – Margaret Gallagher (Caswell) Colbert, 79, passed away due to congestive heart failure Feb. 17, 2022.

She was the daughter of Marty Gallagher and Rita (McBride) Gallagher of Bethesda. Margaret graduated from The Academy of the Holy Cross, Kensington, Md. in 1960 and worked at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda.

Margaret married Philip B. Caswell in 1961. In addition to raising three children, Sharon, Kevin and Kelly, Margaret was employed for many years at Organized Research MARGARET Institute (ORI) in Silver COLBERT Spring, Md. as a security officer and she also owned and managed the Rocking Horse Stables in Damascus.

Margaret married Edward Colbert in 1994 and they celebrated 27 years of marriage in 2021. Margaret and Ed moved to Worcester County in 1997 to open and manage the Deer Run Golf Course, which they did for 18 years until their retirement in 2015. Margaret was in charge of all food related issues and accounting. Deer Run contributed over $1 million supporting and running golf tournaments for local charities, including the Red Cross, Coastal Hospice, Diakonia, Women Supporting Women and many other Worcester County charities.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen (Jean) of Frederick; niece, Kara Ciapetta of Washington Grove, Md.; and her nephew, Mikey Gallagher of Chehalis, Wash.

Surviving her in addition to her hus-

March 4, 2022

Roland Kent Fink Jr.

time.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 7 at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Rev. John Lunness will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park near Berlin. A donation in his memory may be sent to Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, MD, 21811, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

BERLIN – Roland Kent Fink Jr., age 57, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022 at his home in Ocean Pines, after a long illness.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Roland K. Fink, Sr. and Carole (Thompson) Fink. He is survived by his wife, Iris Fink, and daughters Crystal Kuluski of Delmar and Jacqueline Fink of Salisbury, and ROLAND KENT step-daughter Courtney Phillips of Millsboro, Del. FINK, JR. There are three grandchildren, Layla Webster, and Anthony and Marissa Kulski.

Mr. Fink was owner/operator along with his wife Iris, of Atlantic Plumbing Company. He attended St. John Neumann Catholic Church. In his spare time, he had earned his pilot’s license, and enjoyed flying his airplane. He also loved being out on the water.

The family would like to thank Rev. John Lunness for his kind and compassionate sensitivity during this most difficult

BERLIN – Roger Van Leer Dorman, age 85, of Berlin passed away at home on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022.

Born May 6, 1936 in Bishopville, Roger was one of nine children born to Dorothy Ellen Shockley Dorman and Lloyd Timmons Dorman.

Roger retired from Acme Markets, Inc. after working for over 35 years.

Roger served in the Delaware Army National Guard where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, DE Medal for Military Merit, and the DE Medal Service in Aid to Civil Authorities.

ROGER VAN Roger had a heart for LEER DORMAN serving others. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Berlin. He served SEE NEXT PAGE

OBITUARIES band Ed are his children, Kim Holly (Butch) of Daytona Beach, Fla. and Leo Colbert (Leslie) of Wilmington, N.C.; Margaret’s daughter, Sharon Lynn Peterson (Steve) of Wilmington, N.C., and grandsons Zane, Dylan and Ryder; Margaret’s son, Kevin Gordon Caswell (Joann Pleasants) of Frederick and grandsons Bryan and Christopher; Margaret’s daughter, Kelly Rita Dellies (Dave) of Ocean City, and granddaughters Marissa and Madison; step grandchildren Bella and Jackson; and her siblings, Martin Gallagher (Bill) of Hagerstown, Tim Gallagher (Cathy) Millsboro, Kevin Gallagher (Sue) of Frankford, Sheila Convis (Dan) of Friendsville and Kathy Johnson (AJ) of Silver Spring; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Margaret was a published author of the book “Irish Warrior,” written about her father Marty Gallagher, a heavyweight boxer in the 1930s era who was inducted into the Washington, D.C. Hall of Stars at RFK Stadium in 1983. She was athletic and loved bicycle riding and kayaking. In 2013, she participated in a cycling event sponsored by Salisbury University, where she completed the 65-mile course.

Margaret was playful and loved being a grandmother. She spent much of her time with her grandchildren. Devoted to family, she hosted family golf tournaments at the golf course for over a decade and family gatherings several times each year in their home.

Margaret had a strong faith and attended the Holy Savior Catholic Church.

A celebration of life for Margaret will be held Monday, March 7, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1705 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Donations in her memory may be made to Holy Savior Catholic Church (address above) or Coastal Hospice at coastalhospice.org.

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Roger Van Leer Dorman

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March 4, 2022

... OBITUARIES several years as a Deacon and Trustee.

He was very active volunteering in other ministries of the church including the Christmas Parade Ministry, Thanksgiving Dinners and the weekly food pantry.

In addition to the church ministries, he volunteered for short-term missionary trips to Scotland, Mexico and New York City after Hurricane Sandy. He was a volunteer for Ben's Red Swings construction at the Salisbury Park, and his grandson's Eagle Scout Project in 2016.

In 2019 he was one of the WBOC recipients of the Jefferson Award, which honors individuals who perform extraordinary public service in their local community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Laura, and three daughters, Judy Hurley and her husband Danny, Janice York and her husband Gil, and Dawn Spicer and her fiancé Vernon Redden. He is also survived by a brother, Richard Dorman of Vermont; a sister, Valerie Rebecca Davi of New Jersey; two sisters in law, Betty Gregg and Ruth White; and a brother in law, William Long and his wife. Roger's survivors include 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service, officiated

by Brad Diehl, was held at the Berlin First Baptist Church. Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Roger Dorman Memorial Fund c/o Berlin First Baptist Church, 613 William Street, Berlin, Md. 21811.

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

Francis Vetare EAST FISHKILL, N.Y. – Francis "Frank" Vetare, passed away Feb. 15, 2022.

Vetare was born and raised in Putnam County, N.Y. by his parents Frank and Caroline (Coviello) Vetare. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joan (Cropper); his sons, Mark and his wife, Sarisa of Thailand, Matthew and his daughter Juliette of Hopewell Junction, N.Y. and Michael and his wife, Lissette, of Hopewell Junction, N.Y. Frank is also survived by three granddaughters, all of whom live in Southern California, Courtney, FRANCIS Caitlin and Chloe, daughVETARE ters of Caroline Francesca, Frank and Joan’s deceased daughter.

Frank was the middle son of his Italian Immigrant family and was reminded that education was the key to success. Mr. Vetare attended or graduated from several learning institutes: Brewster High School; Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Naval School of Aerial Photography; Rochester Institute of Technology (B.S. Degree); Syracuse University; University of Rochester; and American University.

During his third Kodak assignment, Frank became an important name as a pioneer in changing the Typographic Hot Metal Method to Phototypesetting. He was the Kodak link working with I.B.M., RCA, Harris Intertype, National Geographic, and more to change typography all over the world from hot metal to phototypesetting.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch He retired from the Eastman Kodak Co. and retired, with his wife, Joan to Berlin. In 1999, they moved to Hopewell Jct., New York. He died in Hopewell Jct., New York on Feb. 15, 2022.

Mr. Vetare will be cremated and asked that only relatives attend any service. He also reminds us that we only come this way once and if you live it right that's all you need.

Donations may be made to Hospice.

Carol Marie Holder OCEAN CITY – Carol Marie Holder, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Ocean City on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022.

Born in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Gordon Olson and Agatha (Jones) Mason.

She is survived by her children, daughter, Julie Marie Allen of Mount Airy, Md., son, Adam Holder (Angela) of Berlin, and six grandchildren, Abby, GrifCAROL MARIE fin, Madilyn, Tyler, Chase and Russell. Also survivHOLDER ing is her beloved companion Jeff Smith of Kensington, Md., and her former husband and dear friend, Bud Holder (Lisi) of Ocean City.

Carol was a graduate of Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda and had worked as a secretary with the federal government. She was an avid animal lover and strong supporter of the ASPCA and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, along with many other charities.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at 11 a.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 3801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, Md. 20906 on March 26 at 10:30 a.m. A donation may be made in her memory to The ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/ways-togive, or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Diana Lynn Boening SALISBURY – Diana Lynn Boening, age 70 passed away on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022 at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional in Salisbury.

Born in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Betty (Higgs) Pristoop. She is survived by her husband, Michael Boening; nieces Tina and Robyn; nephew Wesley; great nephews Devin and Josh; and great nieces DIANA LYNN Ashley and Leigha. Also BOENING surviving are her siblings, Steven and Virginia.

Diana worked as a cosmetologist in several beauty shops around Baltimore, and then locally at Kutz n Kurls when she and husband Michael moved to the Eastern Shore. Her favorite place was her home, where she enjoyed cooking, collecting recipes, and watching the wild birds.

Cremation followed her death. No formal services are planned at this time. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Page 47

Robert L. Walker, Sr. MILTON, Del. – Robert L. Walker, Sr., age 84 of Milton, Del. formerly of Ocean City, went to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, departing from Hospice Center in Milford, Del. Bob was born on Oct. 18, 1937, in Arnold, PA. to the late James H. Walker, Sr. and Ella J. McCutcheon Lochwood.

Upon graduating from Saltsburg High School in Indiana County, Pa. Bob enlisted in the United States Navy. During his enlistment, Bob spent time in the Mediterranean and Cuba. It was on a “Weekend Pass” and attending a Dance at the ROBERT L. YMCA that he met the WALKER, SR. “Love of his Life” Dolores E. Unger who

later became the wife and forever partner on Nov. 2, 1958. Upon completing his four-year active duty and two years of Reserve, Bob and his Bride made their home in Baltimore. At this time, he became a Correctional Officer at the Maryland Penitentiary when his name’s sake Robert L. Walker, Jr. was born. Several years passed and Bob left the Penitentiary, worked for Roy Baughman, and learned his Plumbing Trade and later to have the birth of his second son Michael C. Walker.

After spending fun filled weekend trips to the beach in Ocean City, he decided to move in 1974 to make Ocean City his permanent residence. He opened his prosperous Walker Plumbing business where he retired from in March 2021. His business continues to be successful being operated by his son Mike.

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Page 48

Complex Talk Confusing Editor: I continue to be puzzled why the majority of Worcester County Commissioners continue to pursue a sports complex.

Their 2017 study pointed out that even after a period of stabilization of three to five years, a taxpayer subsidy of 25% would be required to operate the facility. This does not include the cost of land, nor construction costs. Furthermore, some tournament promoters indicated concerns about the oversaturation of these facilities in the mid-Atlantic region.

The county officials decided to forgo the project, perhaps after their own staff believed the projected economic impact was overly optimistic.

Two years later, the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) of Ocean City wanted to push the concept. They paid $49,400 to have a new study conducted. The same consultants were used to provide an update, of sorts. The latest 2020 study which the M&CC sat on for nearly two years before it was released, did not refute the concerns of the 2017 study. In fact, the 2020 study continues to caution about the challenges and threats of competition from regional and national indoor and outdoor sports facilities. The 2020 study makes it clear that the increase of outdoor sports venues in our region needs to be monitored to prevent market saturation. In the 2020 study, there is no mention that Hagerstown is studying the possibility of a multi-use sports & events facility; nor is there any mention that St. Mary's County, Maryland is also considering a youth sports tournament complex.

We should note the growth of sports complexes in southern Delaware, partic-

... OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 47 Bob was always a very active person outside of the home. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and American Legion Post #0166 in Ocean City. Bob was not a stranger to the sewing machine.

He made numerous couples costumes which awarded him and Dolores first place. He was an avid bowler, which resulted in becoming a Maryland State Team Champion.

As his family grew, his active role evolved into an avid field hockey, tennis and softball fan rooting for his precious granddaughters born to his son Bob and Terry (Wyatt) Walker. He would be seen on the sidelines of Pop Warner football games and YMCA basketball games cheering his grandsons born to his son Michael and Sandi (Hopkins) Walker. He was an important part of the coaching staff of Lewes Little League and standing next to his son Mike. Bob was known by many members in the League as “Pop”.

Bob longed for the work week to end because he knew it was time for the beach. Most weekends were spent on the beach with his entire family together. His granddaughter quoted “she would love watching the joy on people’s faces as they watched this white-haired man body surf all day long”. He grew a love for surf fishing which he learned from both of his sons. He never lost the ability to “Get his

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor ularly the one in Frederica and the two near Georgetown.

A glaring flaw in the 2020 study is that they have put Maryland in the South Atlantic geographic region, when we are in the Middle Atlantic region. The significance of this is that sports participation rates in the south are significantly higher in the south than in our region. For example, outdoor lacrosse is shown as almost four times as active in the south as in the mid-Atlantic. Outdoor soccer is shown as almost three times as active in the south as in our region.

Another interesting fact is that in the 2020 study, indoor sports participation rates drop noticeably between 2014 and 2018. The only increase shown is cheerleading. All other sports listed including basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, martial arts and wrestling show a decrease in participation rates. The same occurs in outdoor sports. From 2014 to 2018, every sport reported including soccer, baseball, softball, football and lacrosse showed a drop in participation rates.

Note, these drops occurred before COVID. Regarding proposed outdoor activities, total event days, number of participants and spectators, and total attendee days all drop in 2020 from the 2017 study. It begs the question, have the majority of County Commissioners even read the latest study?

In conclusion, the M&CC had a survey conducted in 2021 to determine tourist interests and feedback. When asked what attractions and activities did Groove on” on the dance floor, which is photographed at his grandchildren’s weddings. Bob thoroughly loved and enjoyed his life and had a contagious smile and personality.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James H. Walker, Jr.; his sister, Barbara A. (Walker) Green; his brother, Donald G. Walker; and his first born and name’s sake, Robert L. Walker, Jr.; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law who thought of Bob as a son, Alvin Edward and Ethel Marie (Nash) Unger.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dolores (Unger) Walker of Milton, Del.; his son, Michael C. (Sandi) of Lewes; his granddaughters, Lindsay Harrington (Nick) of Frankford, Del., Caitlin Daw (Joe) of Berlin; his grandsons Steven (Sara) of Bealeton, Va. and Bradley of Lewes, Del; his great grandchildren, Makenzie and Madelyn Harrington, Teagan and Wyatt Daw and Marshall Walker; his always and will be daughter-in-law Terry (Wyatt Walker) Pouliot (Brian) of Berlin; his sister in law Nancy (Unger) Ledger (Sandy) of Thurmont; and his numerous nieces and nephews and their additional family members; and his beloved best feline friend Charlie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Final care for Bob has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes, Del. Please visit Bob’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.

one partake in their most recent trip, the combined category of "trade show or sports tournament" scored lowest in answers. Only 7% of the respondents took part in that combined category out of eleven categories listed. That statistic may forecast volumes.

I look forward to a public hearing on the sports complex so that county residents can weigh in on this important project.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City

Remembering Margaret Colbert Editor: Margaret was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sibling. She supported me in every endeavor I took on.

She was my biggest support. She used to say I was garage kept and that was so true. She took great care of me.

She loved her three children, Kevin, Sharon and Kelly and her grandchildren to a fault. She loved her siblings who returned their love.

Margaret and I met in 1990 at a friend’s dinner party. She was suffering from a divorce and I was suffering the loss of my wife Marian to cancer. The Lord put us together and we spent 32 wonderful years together.

We moved 13 times, ending up in Ocean City. We built a golf course, Deer Run Golf Club. We raised over $1 million for Worcester County charities by hosting golf tournaments.

We introduced golf to Margaret’s siblings and all of our grandchildren. It was the highlight of our time together.

In addition, Margaret took time off to train for a 65-mile bike ride from Salisbury University to Assateague Island at age 72.

She also wrote about her family father called Irish Warrior. Her father was a prize fighter in the 1920s and 1930s. He had 76 fights and defeated Two Ton Galento who was ranked the No. 1 heavyweight contender in the world.

She painted, she took in horses that no one wanted, built a stable and fence and even delivered a baby horse that became a show horse.

Margaret strongly believed in God and she accepted her faith and was looking forward to going to heaven. She is now an angel with God with no more pain and suffering. She will always be there to talk to and to help us all.

She told me she is ready to be with her savior, Jesus. Margaret, I miss you.

I hope to see you in heaven soon.

Ed Colbert West Ocean City

Park Proposal Support Editor: .

(The following letter was sent to the Town of Berlin with a copy forwarded for publication.)

After reviewing both proposals for Heron Park, I would like to share with you my thoughts and recommendation.

The Gillis-Gilkerson project has appeal only in the fact that it would not require 78 EDUs, though there is no mention of

March 4, 2022 how many EDUs are involved in its development that I remember seeing. They both talk about walkability but do not mention sidewalks on Old Ocean City Boulevard connecting the development to either Main Street or the shopping areas in the other direction. Is the state going to widen that road enough for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely navigate?

If Gillis-Gilkerson project were putting in some type of well-paying industry that would be one thing, but we do not really need more restaurants and whatever else Gillis-Gilkerson project is offering, and we have a need for more affordable housing. I am inclined towards Natelli Communities, even though they called Old Ocean City Boulevard the wrong name (Old Bridge Road). They are offering enough commercial space to be in line with the other commercial establishments and a nice residential community would be more appropriate around the pond areas of Heron Park. Both will be disruptive to the nature park (we are forgetting that is what that actually is), a residential development would be less so.

On the Natelli Communities drawing I did not see where the access to the park was. I am assuming it would be similar to Herring Creek Park in West Ocean City. The Natelli proposal’s real attraction for me is the parcels they are willing to give up around Stephen Decatur Park.

That is an area worth developing into the things people talk about for Heron Park.

You could conceivably put a small amphitheater at Stephen Decatur Park if we ever get our finances straight. Those parcels would be big enough for a skate park, a dog park and more parking for the park and town events. Parcel 1508 is access to Bay Street which would open the park to more walkability for those on the other side of Route 113. It would make Stephen Decatur Park the center uniting the “East” and “West” sides of Berlin. The police department is right across the street and would be a good deterrent for any problems encountered by those at the skate park or dog park.

It would put those amenities close to where you are proposing the Community Center, which could also serve the amphitheater purpose.

The concerns that were expressed about the demolition costs were valid, but they are offering more in monetary value. It seems fair. As to the safety of the area free of environmental issues, I would think that is also fair. It is unfortunate our previous council and mayor did not have that same clause. If the town had enough EDUs to consider the project across Route 50, this one is half of that.

You know I am not in favor of development, but this is something that will give us back $200,000 a year in debt service while adding to the tax base and amenities of the town. It is a project that does not require annexation or much in the way of zoning changes. It might even deter more development for the time being. The added benefit is we would be doing something for the kids of Berlin, not just the “business” of Berlin. If you don’t have any other offers, I truly hope you will consider Natelli Communities as I believe it is a win for the town of Berlin.

Marie Velong Berlin

March 4, 2022

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

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

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Worthy Proposals To Weigh For Park

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

How We See It

Residential vs. commercial – it’s the most simplistic way to compare and contrast the two redevelopment acquisition proposals submitted to the Town of Berlin for parcels at Heron Park.

The town’s Request For Proposal (RFP) process yielded two interesting and polar opposite visions for the parcels of the park property along Old Ocean City Boulevard.

The good news is the RFP process was fruitful and gained the attention of reputable companies with local backgrounds and development experiences. Both proposals utilize the recently acquired $500,000 demolition grant and involve funds coming to the town as each involves the developer buying large parcels of the park property. Selling off pieces of the road front parcels will lower the crippling debt burden from the property purchase in 2016.

Now the town must conduct its due diligence and thoroughly evaluate the projects and their impacts on the town.

After evaluating, town staff surprisingly ranked the 78-home redevelopment proposal from Natelli Communities 10 points higher than the commercial project from Gillis Gilkerson. Staff evidently viewed Natelli’s higher acquisition price of $1.6 million more favorably when coupled with the land donation near Stephen Decatur Park. Gillis Gilkerson is offering $1.5 million to the town and the creation of an amphitheater to be run by the town or another entity.

Both projects also call for attractive access to the nature area on the north side of the property.

Berlin sits in a solid spot currently on the park. Having choices was the desired position, and there was no guarantee the RFP process would result in suitable projects being proposed. These are two valid visions worthy of intense scrutiny from the public and government. Many residents have given the proposals their attention. The slight consensus seems to be for the commercial project among the citizens on hand at this week’s meeting, but now the town must take deeper dives exploring the finances as well as the public’s sentiments. An updated appraisal is a solid first step to ensure the town is getting what it should be for the parcels up for sale.

Considering the projects at their most simplistic, we heavily favor a commercial development on this site rather than a housing community. In fact, it would be inconsistent of the town to choose a 78-unit single family community project based on recent concerns expressed with new residential propositions as well as potential annexations for more homes.

Page 49

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green Sooner or later specifics on a proposed sports complex in northern Worcester County will have to be publicly disclosed. Funding and location remain two huge unknowns. For months, the thought was the officials in the know in Worcester County and Ocean City are privy to the details, but it’s become clear the whole proposition is very much up in the air at this point.

Last month the Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 to include $11.2 million in a bond issue for the acquisition of property for the sports complex. The concept being the funds would be used to buy the property – reportedly in the Berlin area off Route 50 – with the state’s Program Open Space funds retroactively disbursing money to the county government. The commissioners against last month’s vote – Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder – want more specifics on the project before supporting it. The reality is the three of them have stated numerous times their opposition to public funds – whether it be county or state – being used for what they believe should be a private sector deal.

Bertino is outspoken on believing any such complex should be located in the south end of the county to spur economic development, although he reiterates his opposition to public dollars being used in anyway no matter the site. The subject was broached during an interesting radio interview on Ocean 98 last Friday. Bertino was discussing his re-election bid when the potential sports complex was addressed, resulting in Ocean City Councilman John Gehrig and Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo calling in to challenge Bertino’s claims the county has not seen one plan on a sports complex. Perlozzo specifically said Bertino’s comments were “inaccurate,” as he worked on the initiative as a county department head for three years. It was a compelling exchange with Bertino saying multiple times his mind will not be swayed on the topic.

With the funds included in the bond, the county must now get moving with property negotiations. Worcester County Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young recently joined Ocean City officials on a tour of a new sports complex in Virginia Beach. Clearly, the county intends on entering the sports complex industry. Word is the property in question is near the high school and middle school in Berlin after talks never materialized for land on Route 589. As of now, the plan seems to be to get a contract on the property, hold a public hearing and then another vote of the full county board. With the current 4-3 vote and an election looming, time is of the essence. Next fall’s election could sway the board’s current majority vote.

It’s time to get rolling on this project or at least start to get more details on how it will be operated and whether it’s run by the county or a private sector entity. At this point, there are far more questions than answers about the whole thing and the time is now for a change in that years’ long trend.

Over the last couple weeks, it seems a collective decision was made by society – driven by elected and appointed health officials – to move beyond COVID-19, specifically easing the precautions and restrictions on our lives. The drastic decline in case rate and hospitalizations fueled the major ideology shift, but there is no disputing there has been a shocking, although welcome, cultural adjustment to the pandemic.

The most dramatic noticeable change in direction has occurred within schools. The statewide mask requirement was lifted officially last week along with the federal mandate on facial coverings on buses, and Worcester and Wicomico counties quickly responded by making masks optional.

I was in a couple local schools this week, and my educated estimation is about 20% of students and faculty were still wearing facial coverings of some sort. It’s safe to say most school-aged families and teachers cheered the change in direction on masks, although the close contact tracing protocols must soon be lifted as well.

While it’s great to see choices finally being able to be made in all segments of society, the cynic in me thinks a lot of this abrupt push forward is political. Of course, the declining metrics are a major part of it, but there is more at play behind this abrupt change over the last few weeks. Election season is a major reason, as both parties look to claim responsibility for the improving health conditions associated the pandemic in the face of uncertain economic recovery in many sectors.

As far as moving forward, a team of scientists and doctors penned an informative piece March 1 on mckinsey.com this week I thought worthy of sharing.

“Prospects for the rest of the year and beyond hinge on the questions of whether and when future variants will emerge. As long as Omicron remains the dominant variant, there is reason for relative optimism. Our scenario analysis suggests that Omicron-related hospitalizations are likely to continue to decline in the United States and remain at relatively low levels through the spring and summer. We might then expect to see a seasonality-driven wave of disease next fall and winter, but hospitalizations would likely peak well below the level of the wave we just experienced.

The default scenario, in which Omicron remains the dominant variant, represents a continuation of the transition toward managing COVID-19 as an endemic disease that is already underway in many locations. With Omicron as the dominant variant, the pandemic phase will feel like it is over for more and more people, though certainly not all.”

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March 4, 2022

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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ver the last few months, this column has turned heavy. I suppose it’s inevitable through the teenager years for the content to change. The days of explosive diaper changes in rest stops and chaotic double bath times have been replaced with daily complexities of raising teens that leave me waffling between stress exercising for hours and pouring a few stiff drinks to soothe the soul. Some days both happen honestly.

The teen years are tough, but I do try and understand these days are difficult on them as well. Adults strive all their lives for the perfect work-play balance, and teens often find themselves juggling far more than they can handle when school, activities and social life are considered. Mix in some daily requests from parents for information and better communication and the result can be combustible at times.

It’s this acceptance and understanding colliding with generally high expectations that makes parenting so complicated. Therefore, it does me good to spend some time in light thought considering the crazy antics of raising kids.

A few instances to share: •One day I recently I went outside to do some yard work without my phone.

When I came back in, there were 12 missed calls from Beckett, who I figured must have hurt himself somewhere in the house. I raced up the stairs to his room to find him on his bed. It turns out there was nothing wrong. He just wanted me to know he was out of Gatorade in case I was at the store or near it. It was nice of him to try and help me, but I couldn’t help but notice how he didn’t seem to like not being able to reach me easily.

It reminded me of this meme I saw recently that said, “You know you’re the parent of a teenager if they won’t answer any of your calls, but they’ll call

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you 27 times in a row until you answer.”

•Maybe it’s just my 13-year-old kid, but it seems like teachers have been throwing a lot of pop tests and pop quizzes lately. I feel like there are multiple each week.

This sort of forgetfulness about the important things in his life drives me crazy. When I asked him about it over dinner, he said, “I don’t know what’s going on, but it must be a covid thing.”

It’s hilarious to me he actually thinks we believe he knew absolutely nothing about the impending tests. There were some wrong choices made.

•Both kids love convenience store stops on road trips. They truly get excited going into a Wawa or Royal Farms. It’s all about the snacks, and they quickly accumulate a lot in a short period of time.

Beckett is obvious about his desires because he says every single thing on his mind. He can’t just have one box of M&Ms. He needs three different kinds.

He also must seek out the drink with the most sugar, touching off a negotiation every time.

Carson is a bit more methodical in his approach. He also takes advantage of me while I limit Beckett’s grabby hands. When I went to check out on a recent road trip, I was using the selfregister and was shocked at what was put in my shopping bin while I limited Beckett. The quiet kid was working me over.

As I scanned the items, Carson, usually right by my side in public places because he gets anxious, was a few feet away flipping through a coupon book smiling. When I said, “really Carson?” to three bags of Carolina BBQ chips, he turned his head and looked up at the ceiling, as if he knew nothing of what I was talking about.

When we got back to the truck, Pam asked, “what did we get?” I think I said everything before going back in because I never did use the bathroom –

the whole intention of the stop.

•Serious questions were fired at me when I returned back from the grocery store without cookies. When I said look in your drawer there are two packages in there. Beckett pulled them out, opened them and emptied the crumbs on the floor. We then had a fun backand-forth chat over whether I was in the wrong for not checking to see if they were empty or if he was to blame for not disposing of the empty packages when he finished their contents. I left that little chat not as smart as I entered it.

•We headed to Dick’s Sporting Goods in Salisbury Saturday for a new lacrosse helmet. I am pretty sure his old helmet would have fit if it were not for his voluminous hair. As soon as I got back from the store with his expensive new helmet, I saw a friend post on Marketplace a rarely used helmet for half of the cost. Because he has great taste, he begged to be able to keep the new helmet rather than the hand me down.

•I am proud to have turned Beckett on to some classic rock of late. His previous favorites were hip hop and rap, which I just don’t know much about.

A song he has been playing repeatedly lately has been Mary Jane’s Last Dance by Tom Petty, one of his parents’ favorite musicians.

During a recent ride, Pam asked if he knew what the song was about.

When he replied no, she explained it was referring to Mary Jane as marijuana and Petty’s battle with drug addiction. He seemed shocked, saying something along the lines of but this song was released in the early-90s. He seemed to be maintaining there were not drugs that long ago.

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

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