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March 6, 2020
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White Horse Park Ruling Challenged
See Page 4 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe
Is Resort’s Reserve Fund Too High?
Spring’s Early Arrival: The calendar says spring begins on March 19, but it sure felt like it was here this
week with warm temperatures each day. Above, the sunset over Route 113 is pictured Tuesday. Below, some early blooms Photos by Mike Givens, above, and Chris Parypa are shown in Berlin Wednesday.
See Page 14 • Photo by Chris Parypa
Passionate Support For Bill Changes
See Page 10 • File Photo
Task Force Sought On EMS Funding
See Page 9 • Photo by Chris Parypa
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White Horse Park Residents Hope To Voice Concerns
Page 4
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BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
BERLIN – As the lawsuit regarding occupancy at White Horse Park moves slowly ahead, the fulltime residents at the heart of the issue say they’re still waiting for a chance to be heard. The residents who filed a lawsuit against Worcester County in November to stop the county’s plan to enforce seasonal occupancy restrictions believe the county’s motion to dismiss the case is just the latest attempt to suppress them. Still upset about the fact that they weren’t given a chance to speak in support of legislation that would have allowed them to remain in their homes, now they’re worried they won’t get their day in court. “They don’t want us to have a public hearing in any way, shape or form,” said
Sally Connolly, one of the residents hoping to continue to live in the park yearround. Connolly purchased her lot in White Horse Park 20 years ago, when she was working as director of human resources for a government contractor. She thought the waterfront community was the perfect location for an affordable second home. In the years since, she’s gone through a marriage, a divorce and an early retirement prompted by health concerns. In the wake of a tumultuous few years and heading in to the recession of 2008, Connolly made the decision to sell her house and move fulltime to White Horse Park. She says if she was given documentation regarding occupancy restrictions when she initially purchased the lot, it wasn’t something that came to mind years later when she
moved to Berlin permanently. “There were people living here fulltime,” she said. “The people in the office, they all knew I was moving in.” Though it started as a place for vacationers to park their RVs in the 1980s, White Horse Park today is a 465-lot community of park model and modular homes. Connolly became one of roughly 55 fulltime residents of the community. Those residents worriedly started contacting elected officials in 2018 when they were advised the county was going to begin enforcing occupancy restrictions — something that hadn’t been done in the park’s more than 30-year history. According to county code, as a campground subdivision, between Sept. 30 and April 1 the park’s units cannot be occupied for more than 30 consecutive days or an aggregate of 60 days. When then-Sen. Jim Mathias sug-
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gested the residents hire legal representation, Connolly contacted attorney Hugh Cropper. Though he’d intended to turn the case down, their story — the fact that they’d been encouraged to stay full-time to keep an eye on the community, that they’d been required by the county to build homes to the same specifications as year-round residences and that they paid property taxes like other year-round residents — convinced him to take the case. “For many, they had nowhere to go and I felt they needed a voice so I changed my mind,” Cropper said. In the year-and-a-half since, Cropper drafted various renditions of a text amendment allowing the existing fulltime residents, a group of about 55 mostly senior citizens, to remain in their homes. They were in the meeting room in September when the text amendment that Commissioner Josh Nordstrom was prepared to introduce was instead immediately rejected by his fellow commissioners. “It was pretty pitiful, all these people with their wheelchairs and walkers,” Connolly said, recalling the group’s frustration. When the county proceeded to send the park’s permanent residents a letter outlining fines that would be levied on people who didn’t abide by the seasonal occupancy restrictions, Cropper initiated an administrative appeal and lawsuit on the enforcement plan. “In my opinion the county has waived the right to fine people,” Cropper said when he submitted the appeals. “They’ve known about these year-round occupancies since the 1990s.” . In the months since the lawsuit was filed, there have been a few changes. One of the plaintiffs, 81-year-old Phyllis Rosenbaum, has passed away. The White Horse Park Board of Directors is also now officially a party in the case. “The Board of Directors has an obligation to enforce the recorded declaration of restrictions for White Horse Park, including the limitation on year-round occupancy of lots in the Park,” said James Almand, the board’s attorney. “Over 400 of the 465 lot owners are in compliance with that occupancy limitation, which has existed since the park was developed and the first lot sold. The majority of owners do not want the park changed to a year-round community as the plaintiffs in the case are demanding. Therefore, the board had to join the case to let its voice be heard on behalf of the community.” Cropper, however, maintains that no one is trying to change White Horse Park. “I only want these 55 people to be able to stay until they die, move out or sell,” he said. “They’ve been there another winter now and it’s a ghost town. Everybody that can afford to comply (with the seasonal restrictions) has complied.” As far as the lawsuit, a hearing regarding the motion to dismiss filed by Worcester County last month has been SEE PAGE 6
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 5
… Attorney Hopes To End ‘Humanitarian Crisis’ Towns Seeking
Page 6
FROM PAGE 4 set for April 16. Court documents filed by attorney Victoria Shearer on behalf of the county argue that the White Horse Park Declaration of Restrictions made it clear the facility was for seasonal use. “Plaintiffs presumably were provided with a copy of the declaration at the closings when they purchased their properties in White Horse Park,” court documents read. “Even if they were not, they are presumed to know the contents of the declaration for the subdivision in which they live, and it does not permit year-round occupancy (regardless of what any realtor or builder allegedly told one or more of the plaintiffs).” The documents state the county has the right to enforce the law. “Plaintiffs admit that they are in violation of the declaration and the county code, and they provide nothing in their
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
amended complaint that entitles them to be exempt from the law,” the documents read. Connolly, referencing the 30 pages accompanying the motion to dismiss, pointed out the county was using taxpayer dollars to pay a Baltimore-area attorney to fight the case. “I’d like to know what the taxpayers would have to say about that,” she said. According to Kim Moses, the county’s public information officer, the county brought in an outside attorney “due to the time involved in this case in addition to an existing heavy caseload.” She said the cost of the lawsuit to date had been $19,782.02. Connolly stressed residents who’d filed suit seek to simply stay in their homes without facing fines up to $1,000 a day from the county. As the parties wait for next month’s
hearing, Cropper this week submitted a new text amendment. It would allow property owners who resided in the campground subdivision continuously for a minimum of one year prior to June 2018 to remain in their homes until they move, pass away or the unit is sold. Cropper acknowledged it was similar to what he’d proposed last year. “I hope the commissioners have now come to their senses and they understand the issue and the humanitarian crisis more clearly,” he said. If it’s introduced by the commissioners, there would be a public hearing on the amendment. “When you’re looking at the county code, and not people, it’s easy to say we’re not changing the code,” he said. “When you see people in their 80s packing up and moving out of their homes, that’s a different story.”
March 6, 2020
Funding Increases BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – Local municipalities are asking the county for more financial support as the budgeting process for the next fiscal year begins. Representatives from Berlin, Ocean Pines, Snow Hill and Pocomoke presented budget requests to the Worcester County Commissioners Tuesday. All of the municipalities are asking for an increase in funding. “The town is committed to maintaining our greatest assets — public safety, economic vitality and quality of life — but we need your help to continue to do this,” Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said. Williams told the commissioners demands on his town’s budget had increased in recent years, particularly because of fire and EMS needs. “We are here today to ask for ongoing financial support but I also need to be very frank in that the Town of Berlin, even after having the largest property tax increase in our history, even having the largest increase in our water and sewer rates in our history, is still under financial stress because of the increasing cost of essential services,” Williams said. He said the town was seeking a 3.2% increase — or $15,000 — to its typical county grant of $465,000. Snow Hill Mayor Gary Weber focused on the infrastructure repairs needed in his jurisdiction. He said that the town’s wastewater treatment plant served the town’s residents as well as county, state and federal employees. He said Snow Hill was seeking a county grant of $500,000 as well as a $100,000 contribution toward the replacement of water and sewer infrastructure on Purnell Street. Weber also asked for the town to receive $42,854 — the equivalent of 10% of the table games revenue received by the county. Jeremy Mason, interim city manager in Pocomoke, was seeking a grant of $465,000 as well as $42,854 to represent table games revenue. Like Snow Hill, he said Pocomoke needed water and sewer infrastructure repairs. The town’s lift stations are outdated and need to be replaced. “If they continue to fail and we can’t maintain bypassing these services to keep them running, we could run into some serious overflow problems,” Mason said. Doug Parks, president of the Ocean Pines Association, told the commissioners the community asked for funding to help with public safety, roads and bridges, and tourism/parks and recreation. He said the association was seeking $525,000 for police, $100,000 for roads, $25,000 for tourism and $40,000 for recreation. Ocean City officials, who were unable to attend this week’s meeting, are expected to present the resort’s funding request March 17.
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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Committee Rejects Proposed Sales Tax Expansion Bill
Page 8
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY – While Ocean City wrestles with ways to encourage more year-round residents and make homeownership more affordable, a bill in the General Assembly that threatened to derail those efforts on the state level died in committee late Wednesday night. On Monday, House Bill 1628, or the Sales and Use Tax-Rate Reduction and Services bill, had a hearing in front of the House Ways and Means Committee in Annapolis and the local, regional and state Realtor community was well-represented both inside and outside the committee chambers. The proposed legislation would, if approved, lower the state sales tax from 6% to 5%, but it would also expand
taxes on many previously untaxed services in Maryland. Primary among the services that could be taxed under the legislation is an additional tax on many real estaterelated services. In addition, the proposed tax could be applied to a myriad of other services including, for example, but not limited to legal services, accounting and tax preparation services, insurance services and more. Late Wednesday, the seven-member revenue subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee – including five Democrats and two Republicans -- voted to kill the bill. By Thursday morning, the Coastal Association of Realtors (Coastal) were celebrating. “Thanks to the efforts of Realtors, business owners, residents and more who spoke up, House Bill 1628 died
last night in committee,” the brief statement reads. “We anticipate additional efforts to increase taxes for the purpose of funding Kirwan Commission recommendations, but this bill in particular is no longer a threat to Maryland homeownership.” The intent of the legislation was to provide a funding source for the ambitious recommendations from the Kirwan Commission. The commission’s recommendations include funneling an additional $4 billion into public education in Maryland annually and creating a tax structure on many services provided in the state would help meet those lofty goals. For example, the bill would have generated an additional estimated $2.9 billion per year, according to the state’s Department of Legislative Ser-
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vices. However, much of that revenue would be borne on the backs of the state’s real estate industry. To that end, Realtors from all over the state crowded into the committee hearing on Monday and hundreds more rallied outside the state house in a show of solidarity. Inside committee chambers, Maryland Realtors President Joseph Harrison said the unintended consequence of the proposed legislation would be an increased strain on homeownership for many first-time buyers. “This will hurt working families the hardest,” Harrison said. “It’s unclear who will pay this tax. Will it be the seller? Will it be negotiated as part of the contract? Will it be the buyer? Either way, this tax will be tough on sellers and buyers.” According to a study commissioned by Maryland Realtors, the industry already contributed $9.4 billion annually to the state’s economy. Harrison said the proposed tax on real estate services would burden those scrimping and saving to buy their first home by adding layers of additional taxes on the various services in the home buying and selling process. Coastal President Joe Wilson said the local contingent was in strong support of its statewide brethren in opposition to the legislation. “CAR went to Annapolis this week to ensure the Realtor voice is loud and clear on this bill,” he said. “$9.4 billion is enough. Our association stands with Maryland Realtors in its opposition to this bill that reaches into the pockets of every single Marylander, especially our members and their clients.” Back inside the state house, Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C), who represents Ocean City and Worcester County and serves on the Ways and Means Committee, questioned the bill’s sponsors if the impact on the cost of a home had been considered. “We heard mention of the cost of a new home,” he said. “I want to take that a step further and try to figure out how you’re going to offset the cost of ownership overall if that new home comes in $10,000 higher because of this tax, for example.” Ironically, that rather nebulous $10,000 figure Hartman mentioned is around the same amount resort officials are trying to reduce from the cost of a new home in Ocean City. Hartman said the tax on real estate commissions would just be the tip of the iceberg. “We’ve heard discussions about the tax on commissions, for example,” he said. “If you look at the typical settlement table, you have fees for the surveyor, fees for termite inspection, real estate commissions, you have a title fee, you have other legal fees, the appraisal and the home inspection. All of those are services and they would be taxed under this proposal. Have you calculated the increased cost of homeownership from this bill?”
Mayors Seek EMS Funding Task Force
March 6, 2020
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – The mayors of Worcester County’s four municipalities this week called for the formation of a task force to study EMS funding concerns. Berlin Mayor Gee Williams told the Worcester County Commissioners this week that the mayors had met to discuss the need for additional funding for emergency medical services. They asked the commissioners to form a task force to address the growing problem. “In Worcester County the funding and equity of EMS services is becoming a crisis regardless of the size of our communities,” Williams said. Though Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting, Williams was joined by Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison and Snow Hill Mayor Gary Weber as he advocated for an increase in EMS funding. He said the four had met and shared their concerns regarding inadequate EMS budgets. “This is a priority issue for all four mayors and it should be for Worcester County,” Williams said. He said the demand for services was growing in all of the municipalities and their respective fire departments needed more emergency medical services personnel. Williams asked the commissioners to consider increased EMS funding for the coming fiscal year
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
and also to form a task force—including representatives of each town—to address the issue. “In the past when funding for EMS services in Worcester County has been discussed and determined, none of our municipalities have been invited to the table,” he said. “That can no longer be the case.” In Snow Hill, Weber said the town was at a disadvantage because it had a high percentage of residents over the age of 65. The lack of sufficient EMS coverage had pushed some residents to leave Snow Hill. “This issue has been the greatest factor in our decrease in population,” he said. “This is not only a life and death issue but also an economic one, as our seniors are leaving Worcester County, moving closer to medical services in Salisbury.” Though he wasn’t present Tuesday, Meehan last month approached the commissioners to talk about the financial toll providing EMS coverage to West Ocean City was having. He indicated that if the resort was going to keep providing the service, it would need compensation from the county. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic thanked the mayors for their input and said the board had already agreed to set up a work session to discuss EMS funding. “We will certainly consider formation of a task force at that point in time,” he said.
Page 9
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Passionate Support In Annapolis For Special Event Bill
Page 10
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY – A bill strengthening the resort’s motorized special event zone legislation, including, for the first time, certain offenses for which violators could be arrested, had a spirited hearing in a Senate committee this week. After yet another troublesome unsanctioned motorized special event last September, resort officials promised everything was on the table in terms of possible solutions to some of the reckless and wanton activity. A first
step was taken in January when Ocean City announced it was moving its signature Sunfest event to the first weekend in October after nearly 50 years. The potential second piece of the puzzle is a bill introduced in the General Assembly aimed at enhancing and strengthening the existing special event zone legislation. State Senator Mary Beth Carozza introduced Senate Bill 878, which among other things, adds the offense of exhibition driving to the original legislation approved two years ago. Delegate Wayne Hartman introduced companion House Bill 1462, which includes identical lan-
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guage. Hartman’s bill is in the House Environment and Transportation Committee and is scheduled for a hearing next Tuesday. On Wednesday, resort elected officials, local and state law enforcement officials and other stakeholders traveled to Annapolis to testify on the legislation in the Judicial Proceedings Committee. In addition to the oftenpassionate testimony, the presentation included a lengthy video highlighting the nefarious activity associated with a certain unsanctioned pop-up motorized special event in late September. Ocean City’s special event zone is currently implemented during three motorized special events each year including two that are sanctioned and one that is not. The latter, referenced often as the H2O International event, or H2Oi, is not sanctioned by the town and is largely a social media-driven pop-up event. The official H2Oi event has long since moved to Atlantic City but, fairly or not, the unsanctioned pop-up event in late September is referred to frequently as H2Oi, including during Wednesday’s Senate committee hearing. Senate Bill 878, and its companion bill in the House, would create a new enforceable violation called exhibition driving. According to the bill’s language, among the offenses under the umbrella of exhibition driving are operating a vehicle in a manner that produces abrupt acceleration of decel-
March 6, 2020
eration, skidding, swerving, raucous engine noise, gear grinding or wheels losing contact with the ground. For the first time in the evolution of the special event zone legislation, the potential penalties described in the bill include potential jail time. For example, violations could result in a term of imprisonment not exceeding 60 days, or a fine of $1,000 or both. Carozza opened Wednesday’s hearing with a brief history of the original special event zone legislation and why resort officials were back again seeking to add more teeth to the bill. “To refresh the committee’s memory, in 2018 this committee approved the current special event zone bill which has been of assistance in addressing speeding during unsanctioned and other motor vehicle special events,” she said. “However, it did not address these other types of driving. That’s where our limitation has been.” Carozza painted a picture for committee members of the illicit behavior associated with the events. “During the last two seasons, the out-of-control dangerous driving at this pop-up mob event has dramatically increased,” she said. “It has put locals, residents, visitors, businesses and law enforcement in great danger. Senate Bill 878 is needed to put an end to this type of reckless, unsafe and lawless behavior in Maryland’s family-friendly SEE NEXT PAGE
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… Legislators Urged To Support Changes
March 6, 2020
seaside resort town of Ocean City.” Carozza explained the bill is very limited in scope and would basically affect three motorized special events that require a special event zone designation. Essentially, if approved it would be in place about 15 days out of the year. She related her own experiences with the event as a long-time resident of the resort. “I have lived in Ocean City since the fifth grade,” she said. “On every busy weekend, whether it’s Memorial Day or the Fourth of July of Labor Day, I walk across Coastal Highway and walk the entire length of the Boardwalk to see what’s going on in my hometown. I have to tell you on that weekend in late September, I have never seen my hometown so out of control. This unsanctioned event wreaked havoc and disrupted our seaside town to the point where locals and visitors alike were held captive in their homes and hotel rooms out of fear.” While Carozza verbally painted a picture of some of the reckless behavior, perhaps more compelling was a video presented to committee members of the weekend-long pop-up event in September. In addition, Carozza presented each committee member with a binder full of hundreds of emails from concerned residents and visitors. After the video, Mayor Rick Meehan addressed the committee. “We would not be here today if it were not for the fact that we firmly believe the safety of our residents and visitors is in jeopardy,” he said. “As you watched the video, those just aren’t the highlights. That is what happens throughout these events. What you see depicts what we’re up against. There are more police officers on duty on that Saturday night in Ocean City than in anywhere else in the state of Maryland.” Indeed, it was pointed out later in the proceedings the number of law enforcement officers in Ocean City during the motorized special events exceeds even the number in Baltimore City. Meehan said certain participants in the motorized special events make it known in no uncertain terms they are coming to Ocean City to wreak havoc. “When you see the participants in some of these events arrive in our town with taped letters on their vehicles saying ‘F’ the Ocean City Police Department, I think that let’s us know right up front what we’re in for,” he said. “What I can tell you is our residents and visitors are terrified. The thing to remember is Ocean City is a tourist destination, but we’re also a community of residents and families. Our residents and visitors are looking to local government to resolve these issues and they understand our challenge and they have been patient.” Meehan stressed the intent of the bill is not to fill Ocean City’s holding cells with lawbreakers, but merely to provide a stronger enforcement tool SEE PAGE 12
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… Mayor: ‘Our Residents And Visitors Are Terrified’
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FROM PAGE 11 because the current tools available are not a deterrent for most. “Our goal is not to arrest people, our goal is to deter these things from happening,” he said. “Currently, with the minimal fines for some of these activities, the people you see in these videos are wearing citations like badges of honor. We believe Senate Bill 878 will give the tools that our law enforcement partners need to protect our community.” Senator Ronald Young (D-Frederick County) asked how the proposed Senate Bill 878 differed from the existing special event zone legislation. “I like to support local bills,” he said. “I guess my question is what does this bill do that the police can’t already do? It looks like every one of them is a road violation, so what is it you’d be doing
under this bill that you can’t do now?” Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro explained having arrestable offenses on the books would allow allied law enforcement agencies to extricate the most egregious offenders. “We’re limited to a citation only for a good number of these violations,” he said. “The spinning of tires right now is a $70 fine, for example. The most egregious violations would allow us to make a misdemeanor arrest and remove that motorist and that vehicle from the equation. We don’t have that tool right now. The best we can do is write a citation in front of a good number of bystanders and watch them just jeer and egg on this activity and allow it to fester and continue.” Again, while the bill focuses on at least three motorized special events,
much of the testimony was related to the unsanctioned event. Senator Chris West (R-Baltimore County) questioned how Ocean City could implement a special event zone for an unsanctioned and unscheduled event. “I’m totally sympathetic to your situation,” he said. “My question is it appears the provisions in this bill would be available during these designated special events. By your own admission, this is a pop-up event so you’re probably not going to know about this until an hour or two before it happens. How in the world could you designate a special event zone when you find out about it an hour or so before? It seems you would want to have these provisions available 365 days a year if someone should choose to schedule a pop-up event with no warning to you at all.” Meehan explained Ocean City knows
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all to well when the unsanctioned event is coming. “Our police department monitors social media constantly,” he said. “The thing about events such as this is they like to get the word out and spread this so everybody knows in advance. Specific to today, this would help with our situation now, but you are correct, this might be something that needs to be expanded in the future.” Buzzuro told the committee issuing citations under the existing special event zone legislation was not always achieving the desired results. “By their very nature, the motor events bring a high degree of challenges,” he said. “An alarming number of motorists willfully and repeatedly violate established traffic laws. In many cases, these activities occur in close proximity to spectators and the general public. This is truly becoming a recipe for disaster. We made over 1,000 traffic stops in four days, issued over 1,600 citations and made over 100 arrests. It’s clear the enforcement of existing penalties is having no affect as a deterrent for this very dangerous public safety threat.” For his part, Councilman John Gehrig made an impassioned plea to the committee to advance the bill. “In Ocean City, we welcome visitors from all over the country and all are welcome here,” he said. “This event has grown out of control. When you watch the video, this doesn’t even seem real. Imagine if this was your home. We are desperate for your help and we need your support. We need you to help us help ourselves.” In general, the committee seemed responsive to the proposed legislation although no vote was taken. West questioned if a broader approach beyond the confines of the special event zone would be more appropriate. “Why wouldn’t we want to add a law to the code that says in Worcester County it is a crime to engage in exhibition driving in front of at least 25 onlookers at any time, period?” he said. “Just make it a misdemeanor punishable by fine or imprisonment and don’t define it in terms of the special event zone.” Also testifying in favor of the bill on Wednesday was Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli and Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack Commander Lieutenant Earl Starner among others. Perhaps the most compelling testimony came from Ocean City Communications Director Jessica Waters, who spoke not in her official capacity but as a mother of two young children. “As a resident of Worcester County and a mother, our family is held hostage during these motor events,” she said. “We do not feel safe leaving our homes to go to the grocery store, take our children to their sporting events or even venture out to the park. I am terrified when my kids have to ride the school bus, where they ride side by side with cars doing donuts, running red lights and burning out their tires on nearly every block.”
March 6, 2020
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OC’s Growing Reserve Fund Debated
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BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY – Just how much reserve fund balance is the right amount and at what point should some of the town’s reserve be returned to the taxpayers was the subject of a philosophical debate among resort leaders this week. The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday a rather routine vote on a proposed fiscal year 2020 budget amendment, an essential process during a budget cycle when funds are reallocated due to projected revenues or expenditures changing slightly during the course of the year. Before the vote was taken, however, former City Councilman Vince Gisriel, as he has done often in the past, raised the issue of the town’s growing reserve fund balance. It has been the town’s stated policy for years to maintain a reserve fund balance, or a rainy-day fund of sorts, of 15% of the general fund balance. However, during recent strategic planning sessions, the stated goal was to increase fund balance to 20%, which provides a nest egg in the event of an emergency such as a major storm, for example, to ensure the town can continue to operate and provide essential services. Fund balance is also a reserve for
March 6, 2020
certain pay-as-you-go projects such as street repaving and canal dredging, for example. Before the vote on the proposed budget amendment on Monday, Gisriel pointed out the fund balance had grown to nearly 23%, or considerably higher than the stated goal. As a result, the town has a reserve fund of around $7.3 million. Gisriel suggested even lowering the fund balance back to the stated goal of 20% could save around eight cents on the property tax rate. That discussion sparked a larger philosophical debate about the positive direction in which the fund balance was growing annually. Councilman John Gehrig, who has been a staunch advocate for re-investing reserve funds in economic development in general and rebranding the resort as a youth sports marketing destination specifically, questioned the philosophy of simply allowing the emergency fund balance to grow. “We’ve been fortunate and we’ve been blessed and we’ve been making money,” he said. “We refuse to put more money in economic development, which has been my thing. We’re sitting at 22.6% and we have a line of credit now. I know we’re talking about this in case there is a hurricane, but we’ve had hurricanes before.” Gehrig was suggesting fund balance over and above the stated goal of 20% should be reinvested in economic development or, in the alternative, returned to the taxpayers. “We may want to talk about a tax cut if we’re not going to invest in economic development,” he said. “We can’t just have this money sitting there growing and growing. We’re either going to invest in the future, or we should give it back.” Council President Lloyd Martin pointed out fund balance is a reserve in the event of an emergency. Martin said steadily growing the town’s fund balance has been the result of being fiscally conservative. “I don’t disagree to a point, but what I do agree with is being conservative up here and having savings,” he said. “We never know when we’re going to need it.” Martin pointed to a potential pandemic as the type of emergency for which the town should be prepared. “Right now, we have the coronavirus out there nationwide and worldwide,” he said. “How will that affect us this year? If we don’t get our seasonal workers in, what about the room tax? They’re not going to be able to sell the rooms because they won’t have anyone to clean the rooms.” Martin said the town should look for ways to continue to grow the fund balance, even if it exceeds the stated percentage goal. It’s a luxury not afforded to some jurisdictions with graver budget concerns. “We have a lot of things to look at,” he said. “We always think we’re covered, we’re covered, we’re covSEE NEXT PAGE
… $7.3M A Healthy Balance For Emergencies Or Excessive?
March 6, 2020
ered, but we won’t be if we don’t have that cushion. I believe in saving every day. I believe that piggybank should grow. The bigger it is, the better off we are.” Martin said maintaining a healthy fund balance has allowed the city to keep the tax rate steady. For years, the town’s property tax rate was maintained at the constant yield, or the rate at which the same amount of revenue is garnered to maintain city services. Last year, the budget was adopted at the constant tax rate, or the same rate as the previous year, which, depending on semantics could be construed as a modest tax hike with property values increasing. Nonetheless, Martin said the town’s healthy fund balance allowed Ocean City to maintain an amenable tax rate while improving services and making infrastructure improvements. “We are using the money for good stuff,” he said. “We’re not raising the tax rate. We kept it at the constant tax rate last year. We’ve tried to hold the line. We have a zero tax cap for the people who live here and we’ve done a lot of things for the people who live here and visit here.” Martin defended the council’s track record of fiscal conservatism. “Being conservative is what we do up here,” he said. “Yes, sometimes we have money left over because we’ve been so conservative. I think we should stay that line and stay the course. If the fund balance goes to 25%, I’m happy with that. Our bond rating is good right now and we’re borrowing money at a lesser rate. We’re going to make money by saving money.” Martin pointed to several pay-asyou-go initiatives for the town that would not be possible without a healthy fund balance. “We’re investing $2.5 million each year into our roads,” he said. “We’re doing that by paying as we go, so all of that stuff doesn’t come out of the general fund. If we could do more we would, but we don’t have the time because we have people here on those roads. We do what we can to make the town better and I think we’ve done a great job because we’ve been very conservative.” Councilman Tony DeLuca pointed out it seemed, in his opinion, disingenuous for Gehrig to suggest returning some fund balance in the form of a tax cut when he supported the constant tax rate approved in the last budget. “I think it’s ironic that Councilman Gehrig would say we should reduce taxes when he voted last year to raise taxes on both our businesses and our non-resident taxpayers,” he said. “That’s just me I guess.” Gehrig took the comment in stride and returned to his point of using fund balance above and beyond the stated goal for economic development. “This is the best conversation I’ve
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
had all day,” he said. “Now, we’re talking about something important. When times are good, that’s when we need to be investing in the future so we’re ready when times are bad. Last year, we kept the constant tax rate and the so-called increase actually turned out to be less for our businesses in real dollars. It basically turned out to be a tax cut.” Gehrig said the healthy fund balance at roughly 23% is still over the desired goal of 20% and the extra funds should be reinvested in economic development projects. “Now, it’s just a matter of how we use those funds,” he said. “I had a whole spreadsheet of what we could do with the funds and how we could invest in economic development so that we could make even more money,
but we just don’t do it. A year later, we’ve done nothing with that.” Gehrig said if there was no desire to reinvest excess fund balance, it should probably be returned to the taxpayers. “If we’re not going to use the funds to prepare for the future and we’re just going to go year by year, we should just give it back,” he said. “We represent the taxpayers. It’s their money.” Gehrig acknowledged the financial flexibility the healthy fund balance provides in terms of maintaining a safe, clean and working city, but said those funds go grow further with creative investments. “We do a lot of things pay as you go with the roads and the canals, etc. and I’m not suggesting we reduce our
Just For You ...
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services,” he said. “If we’re not going to use the funds for a productive purpose, if we’re not going to use the funds to be better, then let the people keep their own money for what they determine to be best for them.” Gehrig said he had a plan for investing reserve fund balance and would present it again or he would present an alternative. “I gave you guys a plan that was completely paid for and it just goes nowhere,” he said. “I’ll present the plan at budget time again and I’ll also present another plan with a tax cut. It has to be one way or the other. We’ve seen 20% turn into 25% and 25% will turn into 30% and we’re going to assume Armageddon is coming and we’re all going to be living underground or something.”
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Charges Filed In Afternoon Burglary Spree In Resort
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BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY – A local woman faces 24 total charges, including multiple counts of first-degree burglary, for an alleged break-in spree in the middle of the afternoon last Sunday. Around 4 p.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on Sunset Drive for a reported breaking and entering that had already occurred. The officer arrived at the address and observed two units with broken windows and glass
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
on the ground directly next to the front doors. In addition, one unit had an open window with the screen cut. The officer met with a victim who lived in one of the units who told police he left his residence around 9:40 a.m., returned hours later and discovered the window was broken and someone had entered the unit and stolen various items, according to police reports. The victim told police his laptop and external computer hard drive were stolen. In addition, another laptop computer, a cellphone, earphones and a
winter jacket had been stolen. The owner of the property on Sunset Drive arrived and told police three of the units in the building were unoccupied. A check of those units revealed nothing appeared to be missing, although one had a window broken near the front door along with a cut screen, according to police reports. All in all, the investigation revealed three units in one building and one unit in another adjacent building on Sunset Drive had been broken into with various items reported stolen. Additional OCPD officers arrived on the scene and began to canvas the neighborhood for evidence and possible suspects. A witness who lived in a nearby building told police he had observed a female suspect break into one of the units with a hammer earlier in the day and that he had recorded the incident on his cellphone. The officer viewed the video footage and observed Rachel Cloud, 26, of Berlin, approach one of the units with a hammer. According to police reports, Cloud looked around several times to see if anyone was watching. She then swung the hammer at the window and broke the glass. Once the glass was broken, Cloud crawled through the window and entered unit three. Another OCPD officer was in the area conducting follow-up investiga-
March 6, 2020
tions when he reportedly saw a woman matching Cloud’s description inside a unit nearby. The officer knocked on the door and made contact with a female resident, who told police no one else was inside. However, the officer could see a suspect matching Cloud’s description through a window standing behind the front door. According to police, the occupant of the unit came out the front door with Cloud following behind. At that point, Cloud was taken into custody and charged with burglary, theft, malicious destruction of property and other related charges. The investigation determined four units had been broken into on the street. The manner of entry through a broken window near the front door was consistent in each of the break-ins. In addition, a witness had allegedly recorded Cloud breaking a window with a hammer to gain entry to one of the burglarized units. The officer suspected the items reported stolen were in the unit where Cloud was located and obtained a search warrant for the premises. The subsequent search recovered the stolen items as well as the hammer found during the search. Cloud was charged with 24 total counts including multiple counts of first-degree burglary, theft and malicious destruction of property.
Amendment Approved For Redevelopment
March 6, 2020
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – A text amendment approved by county officials this week is expected to allow redevelopment of Mad Fish, the West Ocean City restaurant destroyed in a fire last summer, to move forward. The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a text amendment to ease parking requirements in the commercial marine district. The change will allow Mad Fish to have most of its parking area across Harbor Road from the restaurant. “You still have to have the exact same amount of required parking, it just lets you put it on the other side of the road,” said Hugh Cropper, the attorney representing Mad Fish owner Cole Taustin. County staff told the commissioners the text amendment would increase the percentage of off-premises parking allowed in the commercial marine district from 50% to 90%. The amendment received an unfavorable recommendation from the Worcester County Planning Commission. Cropper, however, said the change would benefit the area around the harbor. He said the parking, even if it was across the street, would still be within 500 feet of the restaurant. Leighton Moore, owner of Seacrets, also spoke in support of the proposal. “I have no fiduciary reason for being here,” he said. “Cole’s a friend of mine, I designed the restaurant for him out of friendship at this point.” Moore said the restaurant he was envisioning for the site would be smaller and pushed back from the water to allow for sand and palm trees. “I think you should want green area, logically, in a restaurant against the water as opposed to that box sitting there, so I moved the building back,” he said. Mad Fish would lose seven on-site parking spaces but would still have plenty of parking across the street, according to Moore. He said the size of the restaurant played directly into its ability to be successful. “You have to have a certain amount of square footage in order to make it,” he said. “We’re only really making money three to four months a year. The rest of the time we lose money, unless we’re closed and you still lose money.” He ended his comments by pointing out if the Town of Ocean City hadn’t allowed him flexibility in parking, Seacrets would consist of just a tiki bar. “I have to have my people cross a leased piece of property from Ocean Pines,” he said. “I have 450 spaces that I would not be able to use except the city allows me to have parking within 600 feet. They don’t care if I have to go across private property. They don’t care if it has to go across the road.” The commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the text amendment.
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 17
Solid Support At Committee Level For EpiPen Legislation
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BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
ANNAPOLIS – Although no action has yet been taken, a bill to allow certain food-service operations to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, or EpiPens, in the event of an emergency had a successful first state Senate committee hearing last week. In late October, local businessman Chris Trimper suffered an extreme allergic reaction during a reception at a local food service facility and did not survive. In the wake of Trimper’s passing in October, resort officials began to question if the outcome might have been different if the restaurant stored and main-
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
tained EpiPens and had staff on hand trained in their usage. Cursory research confirmed Maryland is just one of 14 states that currently do no allow private entities including most restaurants and foodservice operations to obtain, store and utilize EpiPens during emergency situations. In the aftermath of the October tragic incident, resort officials and the local business community called for legislation that would, under certain circumstances, allow food-service operations in Maryland to obtain, store and utilize EpiPens during emergency situations. To that end, State Senator Mary Beth Carozza introduced Senate Bill 477, which would “authorize food service facilities to store and make
available for administration auto-injectable epinephrine for a certain purpose under the program, authorize participating food service facilities, except under certain circumstances, to obtain a certain prescription for and supply of auto-injectable epinephrine, and require participating food service facilities to store a supply of auto-injectable epinephrine in a certain manner.” Over in the House, Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-38C) along with other state delegates introduced sister legislation House Bill 1462. Last Friday, Senate Bill 477 had an initial hearing in the Senate Finance Committee, and although no action on a favorable recommendation has yet been taken, there was no opposition
March 6, 2020
to the legislation. In fact, during the hearing, an Annapolis restaurateur’s testimony on the bill was cut short by a committee member who essentially said the committee had heard enough in favor of the legislation. At the outset of the committee hearing, Carozza provided a brief history of the catalyst for the bill. “I became aware of the need for this legislation after the tragic death of Chris Trimper, a beloved community and business leader who died suddenly this past October of anaphylaxis related to a shellfish allergy,” she said. “Shortly after Chris’s death, several civic leaders and business owners brought to my attention their strong interest and support of allowing restaurants to have the option of obtaining and storing epinephrine on their premises to be used in emergency situations.” Carozza explained a food-service operation’s participation in the epipen program would be strictly voluntary. In addition, provisions in the bill would provide immunity from liability under the state’s Good Samaritan laws. “Restaurants and stand-alone food service facilities would be able to obtain, store and administer EpiPens,” she said. “It would include the same immunity from civil liability as the current law. Data shows death from anaphylaxis occurs more often when the individual is away from home.” During testimony at the committee hearing last week, Carozza cited a written statement from a 15-yearold Stephen Decatur High School student. “Individuals with food allergies don’t always carry epinephrine for various reasons,” the student’s written statement reads. “They may not know the severity of their allergy. Perhaps they forgot their EpiPen. That is why it’s important for restaurants to carry EpiPens and for the staff to receive the training.” “I believe this legislation would be a truly preventative measure for individuals who deal with food allergies on a daily basis,” Carozza said. “Having epinephrine available in public places helps create safer communities and potentially save our most vulnerable citizens.” The bill would require an eligible food service institution to get a certificate allowing it to obtain, store and administer auto-injectable epinephrine in an emergency situation. Under the legislation, the partici-pating facilities would designate the employees who are certificate holders who will be responsible for the storage, maintenance and control of the supply or auto-injectable epinephrine. A participating facility would not be able to obtain or store the EpiPens unless it has at least two employees who are certificate holders.
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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Thousands Explore Career Fields In Ocean City The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
March 6, 2020
BY BETHANY HOOPER
STAFF WRITER
OCEAN CITY – Mock emergency rooms. Cosmetology stations. Virtual reality labs. Masonry demonstrations. These displays, and many more, filled the exhibit hall of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center as thousands of eighth-grade students took part in a career exploration event designed to engage and inspire. On Feb. 27, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore held its second annual JA Inspire event in Ocean City. Throughout the course of the day, roughly 3,000 students from Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, Dorchester, Caroline and Talbot counties interacted with representatives from 140 businesses across the Eastern Shore to learn about various career paths. “Every one of them have something that’s hands-on and experiential so the students can truly grasp what a day in the life of that career looks like,” Junior Achievement Development Manager Lisa Thornton said. “Every vendor has been instructed to talk about salaries, the skills needed, how to get that job and what the educational requirements are. That way kids can leave here inspired, but also leave here with a roadmap on how to get that job.” Leading up to Thursday’s event, Thornton said eighth-grade students
Students are pictured speaking with a representative from NASA at last week’s JA Inspire event. Photo by Bethany Hooper
spent time in the classroom learning about different industries, taking skills assessments, and identifying potential careers based on personalities, likes and dislikes. “When they come here they’ve already formulated questions to ask the employers …,” she said. “It’s more meaningful and they can leave with the information they need.” Kasmier Williams, a student at Wicomico Middle School, said she was eager to learn more about potential law or veterinary careers at JA Inspire.
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“I think this is a great event because I get to find the job that I want to do,” she said. Officials said the goal of JA Inspire is to expose eighth-grade students to career opportunities on the Eastern Shore as they plan their high school coursework. And for employers, the event is an opportunity to engage with the future workforce. McKenzie Bear, associate food technologist for Perdue Farms, said she wants students to know the company SEE NEXT PAGE
… JA Inspire Event Hosted 3,000 Middle School Students
March 6, 2020
includes several divisions, each with its own skillset. She noted that the products and machines on display Thursday featured all aspects of the industry. “This year we brought in several job fields,” she said. “We have sensory scientists, food scientists, packaging scientists, processing, engineering and a couple of folks from our HR and marketing group and our AgriBusiness division. So we are able to encompass all of Perdue, which is beneficial because a lot of people don’t know the other job fields that are within this type of corporate environment.” Ashley Thierfeldt, education programmer and coordinator with the Delmarva Discovery Museum, said she was eager to teach students about career opportunities for those interested in educational programming on the natural and cultural history of the Eastern Shore. She said items on display for students included live animals, model boats and more. “We got involved because we wanted to get our name out there, but we also wanted to teach the kids that there’s a much broader field around here,” she said. “You get a lot of kids who are really interested in animals and things like that but don’t know about the field and the jobs around here. We wanted to talk to them about what working with animals can be, and also how you can pair it with the education aspect.” Matt Drew, lead sourcing and onshore facilities manager for Orsted, said the company participated in JA Inspire for its first time on Thursday in an effort to raise awareness about offshore wind careers. He said Orsted would be seeking operations and maintenance technicians and support personnel for the Skipjack offshore wind project. “Once the manufacturing for a project is done and the project is built, the real lifetime benefit from an economic standpoint, and from a community standpoint if you will, is the operations and maintenance,” he said. “Almost a third of the cost of a project for its lifetime is spent during the operations and maintenance phase. So all of those dollars can feed through a local community that sets up an operations and maintenance center like here in Ocean City.” Drew praised the JA Inspire event for demonstrating to students the many career opportunities available on the Eastern Shore. “These are the jobs that we will be offering the eighth-graders today that are coming into the workforce in four years …,” he said. “This is a critical time in a person’s development, and this is the best time to introduce them to every career possible so they can start to make those decisions early and get into the right career path.”
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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Legislation Allows Therapy Dogs To Support Children In Court
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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STAFF WRITER
BERLIN – Legislation passed in the Maryland General Assembly this year could allow a local facility dog to accompany children as they testify in court. During this year’s General Assembly session, legislators in Annapolis introduced cross-filed bills – House Bill 311 and Senate Bill 101 – establishing a program to provide a facility dog or therapy dog to a child witness in any circuit court proceeding in the state. The bill introduced in the Senate passed unanimously in January, and the bill introduced in the House of Delegates passed unanimously in February. At the Cricket Center – Worcester County’s only child advocacy center – the legislation could provide its facility dog, Josiah, an opportunity to further assist child abuse victims. Wendy Myers, the Cricket Center’s executive director, explained the facility brings together a multidisciplinary team made up of law enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, lawyers, advocates, mental health therapists and medical personnel to collaborate on child abuse cases. From investigation and treatment to prosecution, Myers said Josiah – a lab/golden retriever mix – is a calming presence to both staff and the children. “We have this tool in our toolbox and his name is Josiah,” she said. “He is a full-assistance dog with two years of training here.” Josiah has been with the Cricket Center since May of 2018. Trained by Canine Companions for Independence, Josiah spends his days at the facility greeting visitors and sitting with children. “He develops relationships with these children and every time they come in for therapy or a meeting, he is able to provide this level of support to them that humans can’t,” Myers said. Myers noted, however, that Josiah’s services stop short of the courtroom. Instead of being able to accompany child witnesses, Josiah stays in a witness waiting area located inside the courthouse. “When the children go into the courtroom we aren’t allowed to go in, so we wait for them in the waiting room,” she said. “When these children testify, the people they are testifying against are sitting a few feet away. For a child it can be a traumatic experience for them.” To that end, Myers and Josiah made trips to Annapolis earlier this year to testify in support of HB311 and SB101. She noted that pilot programs for court dogs in both Anne Arundel and Howard counties were well received and that a statewide program would be beneficial. “We want to fulfill our mission, and our mission is to reduce the trauma of child abuse,” she said. “Providing this level of support during prosecution would lessen that trauma.”
Cricket Center Executive Director Wendy Myers is pictured with therapy dog Josiah and Gov. Larry Hogan
Submitted Photo
Myers said she has no doubt that Josiah can further assist children in the courtroom. She noted that he has been trained to respond to several commands and has a calm temperament. “He is super reliable …,” she said. “We fully believe in Josiah and believe he won’t cause a disruption in the court room.” On Feb. 18, Josiah joined more than a dozen therapy dogs and their handlers at the Maryland State House for a visit with Gov. Larry Hogan, who expressed his support for the legislation. They were joined by other advocates and the bills’ primary sponsors, Senator Bryan Simonaire and Delegate Michael Malone. The therapy dogs and handlers represented two organizations: the Maryland Children's Alliance, which provides dedicated facility dogs to child victims of abuse, and Caring Canines, which partnered with Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for its court dog pilot program. “I am proud to support the Court Dogs and Child Witnesses Program bill, which has seen incredible bipartisan support in the House and the Senate,” Hogan said. “This innovative approach to supporting child witnesses will provide comfort to vulnerable Marylanders when they need it most.” Once the legislation is signed, Myers noted participation in the program is voluntary and that the Cricket Center would need to seek the support of the Worcester County Commissioners and the circuit court judges moving forward. “This legislation gives us permission to do it, but support will be decided at the local level,” she said. “Each county will have to do some work before they can go into the courtroom, so that means we would need the support of the commissioners and judges. … We believe once they see how reliable he is, and once we get the process worked out, it will be very successful.”
Wicomico State’s Attorney Seeks Three New Positions
March 6, 2020
BY BETHANY HOOPER
STAFF WRITER
SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County introduced legislation this week creating three new positions in the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office. Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes said the addition of two prosecutors and one investigator would provide additional resources to the agency as two separate investigations move forward that could impact pending and closed criminal cases. “If these three positions are allocated, we can start recruiting and engaging in conversations to get some good people down here,” she told the council this week. On Feb. 10, the state’s attorney’s office began the process of providing disclosures in every criminal case that was charged by the Salisbury Police Department or that contains evidence that is or was being held in the custody of the police department from April 22, 1997 to Feb. 7, 2020 after determining the department’s property storage facilities containing evidence may have been compromised. The Salisbury Police Department contacted the office on Feb. 6 regarding a potential theft committed by a civilian employee assigned to its property storage facilities. As a result of a briefing with the department on Feb. 7, the state’s attorney’s office – believing the integrity of the facilities to be compromised – contacted the Office of the State’s Attorney and the Office of the Attorney General. A full investigation by outside law enforcement agencies is now underway in that potential breach. The police department, however, is now facing another unrelated investigation after the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office discovered a memo from 2011 alleging three police officers from the Salisbury Police Department may have failed to disclose information and evidence in a criminal case that has since been closed. As a result of that discovery, three police officers and a Wicomico County prosecutor have been placed on leave pending an internal investigation. Since both issues have come to light, Dykes told the council the state’s attorney’s office has provided disclosures in 223 cases regarding property issues and disclosures in 633 cases involving any of the three police officers. “None of us at this time know the number of cases this will impact,” she said. “But I assure you that it will be unlike anything any state’s attorney’s office in this state has suffered.” Deputy State’s Attorney Bill McDermott said defense attorneys may now file motions to reopen cases. He said that will add to the caseloads being handled by prosecutors. “There are 15 prosecutors that are handling 852 major circuit court cases …,” he said. “With two more prosecutors we can take on the additional load
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
of the last 10 years, and the last 20 years if we are talking about the property room issue.” Officials said the request for three positions would total more than $300,000 in salaries and benefits. Councilman Joe Holloway, however, said the council could not approve any future budget requests for the three positions without an appointed finance director. “If we approve these positions at some point in time, we have to approve funding,” he said. “We can’t do that.” Officials, however, explained that salary savings totaling nearly $49,000 would allow the office to fund an investigator for the evidence room investigation for the remainder of the fiscal year. “That is more of an emergent need,” Dykes said. “It is going to take us a lit-
tle bit of time to find the right attorneys to fill these spots.” Officials clarified that the resolution being introduced this week did not appropriate money for the positions, but rather created the three positions in the county’s classification and pay plan. “This particular bill, as it’s drafted, does not appropriate any money. It just approves positions,” Bob Taylor, council attorney, said. “Now in next year’s budget, to address this finance director aspect, I don’t think that would be an impediment because we don’t need the finance director to authorize next year’s budget.” Councilman Josh Hastings questioned if the city would help fund the position needed for the investigation. “The wrong that happened didn’t start in Wicomico County, but Wicomico County is footing the bill,” he said.
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Dykes said County Executive Bob Culver would make that request. Councilman Bill McCain was concerned the bill did not include language limiting the term of the three positions. “This is a temporary problem,” he said. “It could go on for a long time, but the request is to meet this temporary emergency we are faced with. The legislation is the permanent addition of these three positions.” McDermott, however, noted adding such language could limit the number of applicants to those positions. “We are not going to get those people attracted to this position if they are worried that a year from now they might not be employed,” he said. The council voted unanimously to introduce the legislative bill with public hearing set for April 7 at 6 p.m.
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Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Snow Hill man was arrested on motor vehicle theft and other charges last weekend after being caught allegedly driving a van stolen from Berlin in Ocean City. Around 5 a.m. last Sunday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a convenience store at 85th Street for a reported civil dispute. Upon arrival, the officer met with Azam Purnell, 29, of Snow Hill, who appeared agitated and was talking in a loud tone, according to police reports. A background check revealed Purnell had no warrants and his driver’s license status was listed as eligible. When asked about his driver’s license, Purnell reportedly told police he had a learner’s permit. With the civil dispute resolved, OCPD officers told Purnell he was free to leave, but that he could not drive the vehicle away without a licensed driver with him. According to police reports, Purnell walked over to the vehicle and got in the driver’s seat. A short time later, he started the vehicle and pulled away. An OCPD officer pulled behind the vehicle, a blue van, and asked Ocean City Communications to run a registration check on it. The check revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from Berlin the day prior. OCPD officers pulled the stolen van over and took Purnell into custody. A check of the vehicle confirmed it was the same one reported stolen from Berlin. According to police reports, Purnell was irate and yelling and could not be persuaded to calm down. When told
he was being arrested for driving without a license, Purnell reportedly voluntarily said, “Stolen vehicle? I got proof my body was letting me buy it from a cash app and I’m allowed to have this vehicle.” Purnell was arrested and transported to the Public Safety Building for processing. During processing, he made the point if the van had been stolen, then nothing inside of it belonged to him, which turned out to be a bit of foreshadowing. A subsequent search of the van revealed a plastic cylinder under the driver’s seat containing crack cocaine, according to police reports. While the arresting officer was completing paperwork, he was informed by the custodial officer that Purnell was allegedly damaging the cell in which he was being held. The officer reviewed surveillance video and learned Purnell had allegedly scratched the lens of the surveillance camera completely with metal screws he had removed from a bed in the cell. At that point, Purnell allegedly threw the screws out of the cell through the
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slot in the door and made threatening remarks to the arresting officers. He was charged with motor vehicle theft, possession of controlled dangerous substance, malicious destruction of property and other traffic-related violations.
Chronic Thief Arrested Again OCEAN CITY – A local homeless man, arrested twice during the month of February for theft and burglary, was arrested again last week after allegedly setting up house in a vacant downtown hotel room undergoing maintenance. Last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a Boardwalk hotel for an apparent trespassing incident. According to police reports, the third floor of the hotel had been undergoing maintenance on that day and none of the rooms on that floor had been assigned to a guest. However, the door to room 312 was closed and video surveillance reportedly showed an unidentified male suspect walking furtively in the hallway before entering the room and closing the door behind him. OCPD officers reviewed the surveillance video and observed a suspect later identified as Alex Alexis, 31, of no fixed address, huddling close to the wall in the hallway as if to avoid detection before entering room 312. OCPD officers were familiar with Alexis, a known homeless individual, from prior run-ins with law enforcement. In fact, Alexis had been arrested twice during a oneweek span in February for allegedly stealing bicycles in the resort. OCPD officers met with the hotel manager, who told police after reviewing the surveillance video, he went to room 312 and looked through the room’s vacant peep hole, which had been removed as part of the maintenance project. The manager told the officers he observed Alexis inside the unit, which is
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March 6, 2020 when he called the police. OCPD officers went to the unit and knocked on the door. According to police reports, Alexis answered the door and complied with the officers’ commands, saying without being asked, “I’m not supposed to be in there,” according to police reports. Alexis reportedly advised the officers he was homeless and had nowhere else to go. Because he was compliant, Alexis was allowed to go back into the room to collect his things and advised the officers he had a small amount of marijuana in his boot. He also advised police he had fake bills in his jacket pocket which he reportedly used to play craps, according to police reports. At that point, Alexis was arrested for trespassing. Because he admittedly been in the room for an extended period of time, Alexis was also charged with theft for the cost of the room, or around $79, along with burglary. Again, Alexis had been charged twice with theft and burglary over the period of a week or so earlier in February and each time he had been released on personal recognizance pending trial and the officer believed the pattern of theft and burglary would continue. Nonetheless, he was released on recognizance after last week’s arrest.
Stolen Bicycle Recovered OCEAN CITY – A local homeless man was arrested on theft charges last week after he was observed riding a bike reported stolen last summer. Around 11:25 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to the area of 2nd Street for a reported stolen bicycle. The officer met with a representative of a resort bike shop who told police he had observed an individual riding a bicycle that belonged to the store. The witness told police the suspect locked the bike on a rack in the area of 2nd Street and left the area. The officer examined the bike and found it had a rental sticker on it from the bike shop. That particular bike, a light blue ladies beach cruiser, had been reported stolen in June. The bike shop owner arrived at the scene and identified the locked bike as the only one of its kind in his fleet of rental bikes. While speaking with the bike rental shop owner, the OCPD officer learned SEE NEXT PAGE
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... Cops & Courts
March 6, 2020
the suspect, later identified as Gerald Gannon, 57, of no fixed address, was currently at the bus stop at 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, according to police reports. The officer asked Gannon if he had just locked his bike and 2nd Street, to which he replied yes, and then asked him to walk back to the bike with him, according to police reports. Gannon walked back with the officer and identified the bicycle locked to the rack as his. It was also noted in the report the bike was secured with a combination lock and Gannon knew the combination. When questioned, Gannon told police he had borrowed the bicycle from and individual known only as “Bill.” Based on the evidence, Gannon was arrested and charged with theft from $100 to $1,500. The bike was valued at around $500.
Disorderly Conduct Arrest OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested on multiple charges last week after allegedly causing a scene outside a downtown bar. Around 1:45 a.m. last Thursday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to the area of 8th Street for a reported disorderly male. OCPD officers arrived and made contact with the suspect, later identified as Ecimovic Miroslav, 25, of Ocean City, who was reportedly yelling at employees of a nearby pub. OCPD officers instructed Miroslav
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch to stop yelling and stand by them, but he reportedly continued to walk away in another direction before complying with their orders. Patrons of the establishment walked the long way around Miroslav to avoid his continued yelling, according to police reports. At that point, officers attempted to take Miroslav into custody because he was in violation of the city’s noise ordinance and because he continued to disturb the peace. Nonetheless, Miroslav continued to launch his expletivelaced tirade at the police officers and bar staffers. When OCPD officers attempted to handcuff Miroslav, he reportedly refused to put his hands behind his back and additional resisting arrest charges were tacked on.
No New Jail Time For Boardwalk Theft SNOW HILL – An Ocean City man, arrested in December after allegedly stomping a local homeless man on the Boardwalk and stealing his bottle of vodka, was found guilty last week of theft under $100 and was sentenced to 63 days, or the amount of time he spent in jail awaiting trial. Around 7:15 p.m. on Dec. 26, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a residence on North Division Street for a reported theft that had already occurred. The officer arrived and met with the victim, a local homeless individual with whom the OCPD is familiar and who had recently fallen into ill health and was physically disabled.
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The victim told police he was lying on the ground and covered with a blanket due to the extreme cold near the comfort station on the Boardwalk at Caroline Street. The victim told police there was a plastic bottle of vodka on the ground next to him, according to police reports. The victim told police while he was lying under the blanket he was approached by another man, later identified as Walter Everett, 57, of Ocean City. OCPD officers are familiar with Everett from numerous run-ins with the suspect on various assault cases. The victim told police he poked his head out from under the blanket and observed the man he knew only as “Walt.” According to police reports, Everett told the victim “give me that [expletive deleted] bottle and angrily kicked an
aluminum can at the victim, striking him. The victim reportedly told police Everett kicked him in the left side of his face three times. When the victim looked out from under the blanket, he reportedly walking north on the Boardwalk carrying the plastic bottle of vodka. Meanwhile, the OCPD officer located Everett crossing Philadelphia Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets and he was carrying the plastic bottle of vodka allegedly stolen from the victim. According to police reports, Everett admitted taking the bottle from the victim, but denied any physical altercation had occurred. Based on the evidence, Everett was arrested and charged with first-degree assault and other charges related to the incident.
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Obituaries
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Christopher Cy Jarman OCEAN CITY – Christopher Cy Jarman, age 62, died on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 at his home. Born in Salisbury, he was the son of the late James and Beatrice Hall Jarman. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Anna Rozell Jarman, and children, Melanie Noelle Jarman and Stacy Lynn Jarman, both of Ocean City, and Abby Lauren Miller and her husband K.C., of Pittsville. There CHRISTOPHER are two grandchildren, CY JARMAN Emersyn Beatrice Englar and Sawyer Jane Miller. Also surviving are two brothers and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were two sisters. Chris was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School and was employed by Bunting Construction for over 30 years. He was a devoted family man. A memorial service was held on Sunday, March 1 at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A donation in his memory may be made to John H. Burbage, Jr. Cancer Center, 9707 Healthway Dr. Berlin, Md. 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.
Shirley Anne Pilchard POCOMOKE – Shirley Anne (Wat-
March 6, 2020
son) Pilchard, 84, of Pocomoke, died on Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Guiding Hands Assisted Living Facility in Berlin with her family at her side from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. Born on July 12, 1935 in Salisbury, she was the elder daughter of Maurice Elwood Watson and Francis Louise (Taylor) Watson. She was raised in Berlin and attended Worcester County public schools there. She later attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. and Bard-Avon School in Baltimore. On June 28, 1958, she married the love of SHIRLEY ANNE her life, Mark Obed Pil- PILCHARD chard, a farmer and politician from Klej Grange, where they spent their married life as partners in politics and business until his death in 1989 when she was appointed to finish his term in the Maryland House of Delegates. She continued her public service by serving on various boards including Atlantic General Hospital and the Lower Shore Tourism Center. She had been a member of the Nassawango Country Club and the Worcester County Garden Club. She loved creating a beautiful home and gardens for her family. She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Alan, and his husband C. Steven White of San Francisco, Calif. and Gary Watson and his wife Janet Whitfield Pilchard, of Pocomoke; two grand-children Daniel Mark Pilchard of Pocomoke and Madeline Claire Pilchard, a student at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif.; a sister, Linda Watson Pruitt and husband Dale Pruitt of Berlin; her nephew Greg Pruitt and his wife Kristen and their son Avery of Ocean Pines and their daughter Heather of Michigan; and her beloved Sheltie, Polly. In accordance with her wishes, there was a graveside service on Thursday, March 5 at at the Goodwill Methodist Cemetery at 2054 Boston Rd. Pocomoke. Rev. Olin Shockley officiated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. The website is CureALZ.org. (100% of your donation goes to research). Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.
Catherine Anne Jerrell BISHOPVILLE – Catherine Anne Jerrell, age 83, died on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. She was born in Baltimore and spent most of her life as a resident of Pasadena before moving to Ocean City. She was the daughter of the late John Raymond Bahlman and Catherine FisCATHERINE cher Bahlman. She is ANNE JERREL survived by her beloved, George John Berglund; and chilSEE NEXT PAGE
... Obituaries
March 6, 2020
dren, Rachel Jerrell (Ena), Colette J. Dodson (John Lanman), Arnold Jerrell (Julie) and daughter-in-law Christine Jerrell. She was preceded in death by her son, Victor Jerrell, and niece, DeAnna Heagy. Also survived by her sister, Olive Baillargeon (Roger), and niece, Deborah Eren (Fer). She was the loving grandmother (Omi) to Catherine Margaret Oltman, Nowell Jerrell Spindler (Chris), Jason Jerrell, Olivia Jerrell and Naomi Jerrell; loving great-grandmother to Catherine Mae Oltman and Charlotte Spindler; loving aunt to many nieces and nephews; and special person to George’s extended family. As an organ donor, the Jerrell family would like to acknowledge that Catherine gave the most precious gift anyone could give -- the gift to donate life. Catherine was a graduate of Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore. She had been employed as an elementary school teacher at St. Jane Frances School in Pasadena. She was a member of St. Jane Frances Catholic Church and St. Luke Catholic Church in Ocean City, the Ocean City Marlin Club and the Ocean City Elks Club. As an artist, she enjoyed painting, working with stained glass and crocheting. On Saturday, March 7, a memorial gathering will be held from 9-10:30 a.m. at Gonce Funeral Home in Riviera Beach followed by a mass at St. Jane Frances Catholic Church at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her memory may be made to Hospice of Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy, Pasadena, Md. 21122 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Tenn. 38105. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland.
Shirley F. Kirwan ELLICOTT CITY – On Feb. 28, 2020, Shirley F. Kirwan (nee Fritz) passed away. She was the beloved wife of Thomas E. Kirwan; devoted mother of T. Wayne Kirwan (Adele) and Gail Lynn Kirwan; cherished grandmother of Jennifer Erin Rush, Kristopher Wayne Kirwan and Kelly Ann Risolo; and loving greatgrandmother of Thomas Anthony Risolo, Charlotte Annmarie Kirwan, Emily Ann Risolo and Cooper John Kirwan. The family will receive friends at Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, on Friday, 35 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, 11 a.m. at St. Peters Epis- SHIRLEY F. KIRWAN copal Church. Interment will be in Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.harrywitzkefuneralhome.com. Obituaries cost $50 to appear in The Dispatch and photos are no extra charge. Direct all inquiries to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com, fax to 410-641-0966 or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.
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Commissioner Questions Hospital’s Focus On Expansion
Page 28
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – An annual report from Atlantic General Hospital prompted concerns regarding growth and funding from county officials this week. On Tuesday, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) President and CEO Michael Franklin shared the hospital’s annual report with the Worcester County Commissioners. While his presentation provided a broad look at hospital performance and plans, Commissioner Joe Mitrecic questioned AGH’s focus on growth. “We keep expanding, we keep building, we keep moving, we keep doing all this other stuff,” he said. “Why don’t we concentrate on making the actual hospital that we have right there the best hospital it can be in-
stead of adding all this stuff?” Franklin kicked off his presentation, which he gives each year to the county and various municipalities, by outlining the hospital’s focus on improving the health of the population while also enhancing patient experience and reducing costs. He talked about strategic initiatives, such as planning an ambulatory surgery center in Ocean Pines, expanding breast diagnostic services and integrating behavioral health in more areas. He also addressed performance, pointing out that AGH was one of the hospitals in the state that had been rewarded through a quality-based reimbursement program. Following Franklin’s presentation, Commissioner Chip Bertino said that while AGH was building a complex in Ocean Pines, Peninsula Regional
Medical Center already had one there. “AGH is the only one that comes to the county asking for funding,” Bertino said. “Why should the county taxpayers fund AGH, or provide funding for AGH, as opposed to the other medical choices that exist within the county?” Franklin said AGH was the only health care organization that resided in Worcester County. “All resources that come into Atlantic General are redistributed throughout Worcester County,” he said. Mitrecic asked how many satellite offices AGH had in Sussex County. Franklin said there were three. “We participate in some of the health events up there, but we do not sponsor health events up there,” Franklin said, adding that the hospital did, however, accept a lot of EMS visits from Sussex County because of its
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proximity. Mitrecic pointed out that Sussex County did not provide the hospital with an annual grant and went on to say he still heard “nightmares” about the emergency room at AGH. He said he himself had gone to the AGH emergency room with chest pains and had been sent home with a clean bill of health only to be treated at Peninsula Regional later that day. “I could tell a thousand different stories that I’ve heard but this is the actual one that I lived,” Mitrecic said. He suggested AGH focus more on providing quality care than expanding. “As far as us winning awards for the emergency room, getting people in and out fast doesn’t do anything for me,” he said. “Getting somebody out with the right diagnosis and treating them the right way, that’s what’s important.” Franklin said his presentation had not simply been focused on hospital expansion and suggested the commissioners look more closely at the information he’d provided, including the quality-based reimbursement recognitions. “We were on the incentive side when there were a lot of penalties distributed …,” he said. “Related to all the other hospitals in the state our performance on the quality side as well as the patient experience side has been in the top 10 percent or you don’t receive awards.” When asked why AGH didn’t seek funding from Sussex County, Franklin said the hospital did. “I don’t get to vote on that and make those appropriations,” he said. “All I can do is ask.” Mitrecic said the hospital’s staff was unmatched but maintained that AGH was trying to expand too quickly. “I think you’re trying to grow way too fast and we need to concentrate on getting the health care to the people in our community that they need and then expanding,” he said. Franklin said data showed that people needed better access to care. He said if a patient had to wait two weeks for an appointment with their doctor, they might end up in the emergency room before they saw their doctor. “If we don’t have enough physicians in our community to provide that necessary access, that creates another problem,” Franklin said. “We’ve got to have a balance between having enough providers, expanding to meet the needs by having access to health care services, as well as making sure that when they get there they’re getting the right care.” Commissioner Bud Church said he was sorry Mitrecic had a bad experience recently at AGH but said he’d had bad experiences at other hospitals. “It can happen at any facility,” Church said. “There are occasions when things may be misdiagnosed but that happens across the board.”
liquor license requests approved
March 6, 2020
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – The approval of alcoholic beverage licenses for Alley Oops Midtown and Sinepuxent Brewing Company highlighted a meeting of the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) this week. The board granted a beer, wine and liquor license request for Alley Oops Midtown in the former location of OC Brewing Company as well as a Class D beer and wine license request for Sinepuxent Brewing Company on Route 611. The board also approved the transfer of the Sello’s Italian Oven license to Brittney Acita, known for her and husband’s ownership of Pickles Pub, and the transfer of the license associated with Alex’s Italian Restaurant, as it is set to become Mulligan’s Restaurant again. While the board approved the license for Alley Oops, it was only after extensive discussion regarding an outdoor seating area next to Coastal Highway. Alley Oops’ Chris Reda told the board that the restaurant would be modeled after the location in north Ocean City, with games and mini bowling on one side and a large dining area on the other side. At the former OC Brewing Company site though, the restaurant’s connections wanted a large outdoor seating area next to Coastal Highway. They proposed more than 100 seats and a tiki bar within an enclosed area protected by bollards and fencing. BLC members, however, were quick to express concern about the plan. “I’m really struggling with the bar there,” BLC member Charles Nichols said. “I’m thinking about public safety.” BLC member Reese Cropper III agreed and said he didn’t want to see people congregating at a bar that close to the highway. “For some reason people when they drink go crazy,” he said. Reda said the bar was needed as a service bar aside from being open to the public. He suggested adjusting the proposed fencing to address the board’s concerns. Partner Marc McFaul added that both Alley Oops and Ropewalk had a history of being good neighbors and not causing noise problems. “I’m not saying you haven’t done a good job,” Nichols said, adding that a tiki bar so close to Coastal Highway was a safety concern. He added that other establishments in Ocean City with outdoor seating near the highway did not have tiki bars there. Reda and McFaul agreed to move the bar inside and the board approved the license request, limiting outdoor seating to 60 people. Other changes approved by the BLC this week included the addition of a gazebo bar to the Bayside Skillet and plans from the Princess Royale Hotel to replace an outdoor hot tub area with a tiki bar.
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 29
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Utility Franchise Contract Approved
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
March 6, 2020
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners approved a 25-year fully exclusive agreement with Chesapeake Utilities after a discussion of a franchise fees. County attorney Roscoe Leslie presented the commissioners with a new agreement with Chesapeake Utilities on Tuesday, as the county’s existing agreement — which was put in place in 2000 — was set to expire Friday. The commissioners approved the agreement after Chesapeake officials addressed concerns regarding the $2 per customer franchise fee. “You actually would be getting more than some of the other counties in the area,” said Lindsay Orr, associate general counsel for Chesapeake Utilities. Leslie told officials the agreement being proposed was similar to the last agreement and maintained the same franchise fee of $2 per customer. He said the primary change was the fact that the last agreement had been partially exclusive and this one would be fully exclusive. He pointed out there were only six natural gas providers in the state. “Basically there’s nobody else on the Eastern Shore,” he said. “They’re functionally exclusive right now.” Commissioner Ted Elder questioned the $2 per customer fee, as that was
the same figure that had been in the agreement approved 20 years ago. Steve Ashcraft, manager of external affairs for Chesapeake Utilities, said the size of the company had grown signif-icantly so there were more customers now. He added that customers would continue to increase in the coming years. “That’s where you’ll be coming in to additional funding,” he said. The company estimates that the county will receive $21,808 this year and $22,312 next year. By 2024, the company estimates the county will receive $23,632. “While we are not seeking to get something for nothing we’re seeking to try to temper that with not increasing what our customers are pay ing for their gas bill,” he said. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he shared Elder’s concerns regarding the fact that the rate was the same as had been approved in 2000. Leslie said that as the proposed agreement was being drafted, Chesapeake Utilities had initially proposed a $10,000 flat fee. When asked about the franchise fee in Chesapeake’s agreement with Somerset County, Ashcraft said it was a $10,000 one-time fee but the county could review the exclusive aspect of the agreement after three years. The commissioners voted 6-0 to approve the franchise agreement, with Bertino abstaining.
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County Health Department Provides Coronavirus Update
March 6, 2020
BY BETHANY HOOPER
STAFF WRITER
SALISBURY – Efforts to prepare local government agencies in the event of a novel coronavirus outbreak in the community highlighted a county council meeting this week. On Tuesday, Wicomico County Health Officer Lori Brewster presented the Wicomico County Council with an update on the novel coronavirus outbreak and local preparations that are currently underway. “I want to emphasize here that the public health threat both here and across the U.S. remains low …,” she said. “We are continuing planning to respond in the event that there is a case in Wicomico County.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China late last year. Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are being reported in a growing number of countries, including the U.S. And while there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland as of Wednesday afternoon, Brewster said state and local officials are preparing to address any coronavirus cases. “In January, we began having our teleconferences with the Center for Disease Control as well as the state health department to look at what we needed to do to prepare for this outbreak,” she said. “This is rapidly evolving day to day at this point.” Brewster said symptoms of COVID19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. “Illnesses are ranging from absolutely no symptoms to severe illness and death,” she said. “We believe there are people throughout the world that are walking around that have the virus and they don’t know it because they are not becoming ill.” There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, and prevention centers on frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and separating people who have respiratory symptoms. Treatment for COVID-19 includes the use of over-the-counter fever-relievers, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting at home to help relieve symptoms. Those with more severe symptoms may be hospitalized to provide additional support. “One of the things that I asked of the county leaders today is to relax your sick leave policies so that people don’t feel like they have to report to work,” Brewster said, “or don’t tell them ‘I understand you are sick but come in anyway.’” Brewster said she had met with county leaders to distribute information on handwashing. She said she also will be meeting with Wicomico County Emergency Services Director David Shipley and other agency leaders in the coming days.
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
“David Shipley and I are pulling together a group of agencies to do a briefing with them and look at their anticipated needs in the event that we have a COVID case in Maryland and if we have a COVID case in Wicomico County,” she said. Brewster told the council the local health department is responsible for fielding phone calls from individuals who are ill and doing the preliminary investigation to rule out the need for testing. “We have had people ask for testing in Wicomico County, but they didn’t meet the definition,” she said. “They actually tested positive for seasonal flu.” On Tuesday, Governor Larry Hogan announced that Maryland’s State Public Health Laboratory has been approved for COVID-19 testing. Rather than wait-
ing for test results from the CDC labs in Atlanta, Ga., people who are suspected of having COVID-19 may be diagnosed faster through the Maryland Department of Health labs in Baltimore. The announcement is one of many from the Hogan administration regarding the recent coronavirus outbreak. On Wednesday, Hogan also announced plans to introduce emergency legislation granting him the authority to transfer resources from the state’s rainy day fund for Maryland’s novel coronavirus response. The emergency legislation allows the governor to transfer up to $50 million from the Revenue Stabilization Account to fund costs associated with COVID-19. The governor on Wednesday also announced that the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
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is raising its activation level to “Enhanced” in order to mobilize additional resources across state government. “Given the rapidly evolving nature of this threat to public health, it is critical that we have the flexibility to immediately access these resources,” Hogan said. “I want to continue to assure Marylanders that our state is taking every precaution when it comes to the coronavirus.” For more information about COVID19, visit www.cdc.gov or www.wicomicohealth.org. “We are doing a lot of communication,” Brewster said. “Visit our website or Facebook page and you will see COVID-19 all over the place because we want the community to understand what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.”
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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Local Schools’ DI Teams Qualify For State Tourney
March 6, 2020
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
BERLIN – Local students are honing their problem-solving skills through Destination Imagination. Teams from Berlin Intermediate School and Worcester Preparatory School competed in the Destination Imagination (DI) Maryland Eastern Region Tournament Saturday. The Berlin Intermediate team and the two teams from Worcester Prep both qualified for the Maryland State Destination Imagination Tournament March 28. “It’s really helping kids that want to express themselves creatively and solve problems,” said teacher Sarah Lovell, advisor of the Berlin Intermediate team. “It also helps with critical thinking. The kids have total ownership over what they’re doing.” At Berlin Intermediate, Lovell and the seven members of the school’s DI team have been working since October to come up with an invention and related skit to compete in the “The Big Fix” technical challenge. Lovell said that there were seven categories at the DI competition and that her students had wanted to create an invention so went with the technical challenge. “They were trying to think of how they could help people,” she said. The students settled on building a product that would help make life easier for people with limited mobility. After months of work, they showcased the “Flippy 3000” at Saturday’s competition at Salisbury Middle School. The accompanying skit allowed students to demonstrate how their invention, a spatula that turns itself, could help elderly people who had trouble rotating their wrist. Students said their time in the DI program, which was offered through Berlin Intermediate’s after-school academy, had been fun and educational. “This’ll help us if we need to build anything in the future,” fourth-grader Delaney Gerhart said. Classmate Elizabeth Lovell said she felt there was a huge local focus on sports and was happy to have the chance to participate in a program that wasn’t athletic. “I liked how we could all work on problem solving,” she said. Others said the program had encouraged them to open up and meet new people. “If you don’t know what it is, try it,” Caroline Cathell said. At Worcester Prep, students have also been working on their DI projects since the fall. Advisors Keith Geiger— who introduced the school to DI last SEE PAGE 34
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 33
… Teams Successful
Page 34
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
FROM PAGE 32 year—and Allison Bescak supervised a team of sixth graders as well as a seventh/eighth grade team. The younger students, participating in the “First Encounter” scientific challenge, were tasked with putting a species — a camel — in a new habitat — a rainforest — and then had to act out that encounter in a skit. “They had to perfect a script and adhere to the challenge guidelines,” Bescak said. “It was interesting to watch young minds work together.” The other Worcester Prep team, whose members took part in DI last year, jumped quickly into the “Picture This” fine art challenge. Bescak said they had to choose a random picture and replicate it and put a story behind it. “These kids were able to shine instantly,” she said. She credited the Destination Imagination program with inspiring creativity in children. “Sometimes it gets stunted,” she said, adding that there were so many distractions in today’s society. “They lose that creative touch. It’s nice to watch this program encourage that.”
March 6, 2020
The two teams who competed last weekend from Worcester Preparatory School are pictured above with their advisors Keith Geiger and Allison Bescak. At right, the team from Berlin Intermediate School is pictured. Submitted Photos
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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Glick Gala Donations:
More than $100,000 was raised in support of this year’s Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award Gala, to be distributed amongst local charities. Steve and Dawne Pappas, recipients of the 2019 Hal Glick Distinguished Service award, distributed $5,000 to the Atlantic General Campaign for the Future and $5,000 to AGH Major Gifts, while the Temple Bat Yam distributed $10,000 of its funds to the John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center. The Glick Award started in 2010 with the recognition of Hal Glick, the pioneering Ocean City Realtor. The next year, the award began bearing Glick’s name, and has ever since. Over the last nine years, philanthropists have been recognized in Glick’s name for their support of local community non-profits, Including Atlantic General Hospital. In addition to the annual recipients AGH Foundation and Temple Bat Yam, three local charities were chosen by the Pappas’ among which to distribute funds -- Atlantic General Campaign for the Future and AGH Major Gifts, Worcester County Humane Society and the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. “We at Atlantic General Hospital are honored to be one of the charities to receive a donation at this event,” said Michael Franklin, president and CEO of
AGH. Pictured, from left, are Todd Ferrante, chair of Atlantic General Hospital Foundation; Jack Burbage, Campaign for the Future co-chair; Greg Shockley, chair of
MVA LICENSED
Page 35
Atlantic General Hospital Board of Trustees; Steve and Dawne Pappas, 2019 Hal Glick Distinguished Service award recipients; Jeff Thaler, co-chair Hal Glick Distinguished Service Award
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Students
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
March 6, 2020
In The News
Sixth grade students of Berlin Intermediate School are looking forward to their future career plans and have been introduced to a new College and Career computer program called Naviance through their school counseling lessons. Pictured with school counselor Mrs. Bankert is Juan Valenzeuela-Ibarra.
The Stephen Decatur High School Surfriders organization participated in Hill Day in Washington, D.C. where they lobbied for legislation to support coastal protection and preservation. The SDHS Surfriders host several activities throughout the year that inspire environmental conservation including a grounds cleanup and a campaign to add to the list of local ocean-friendly restaurants. Pictured are SDHS Surfrider Co-Advisor Amanda Krantz, Alexandra Russell, Landon Pryor, Alyssa Romano, Luke Davis, Kyler Stubblebine, Emily Hyatt and Co-Advisor Mandi Wells. Submitted Photos
Ocean City Elementary recently celebrated its 100th Day of School. Students completed class projects representing 100, dressed in creative ways to represent 100, collected hundreds of pennies for a charity and enjoyed 100-day songs, performances and even a hula hoop competition. Pictured, from left, are third graders Rayden Holsinger, Hugo Salas Hernandez, Rhys Thompson and Arif Alhamad.
Fourth graders in Dr. Melanie Biscoe's class had a guest reader, Julie Justice, read to them during Read Across America Day at Ocean City Elementary School. Fifteen Wicomico County school spelling bee champions will compete in the 8th Maryland Eastern Shore Spelling Bee at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne on Saturday, March 7, for a chance to be the area’s representative at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May. Pictured above is Austin Loar, winner from Salisbury Middle School.
To celebrate African American History Month, the Stephen Decatur High School National English Honor Society hosted its annual African American ReadIn, where students, teachers and parents had the opportunity to read and listen to excerpts from African American writers. The event is now in its third year. Above are Stephen Decatur High School National English Honor Society officers Madison Munn, Lydia Woodley, Ulyssa Jacobs, Gavin Conner and Morgan Carlson.
The “Brainy Builders” team of Adam Szili, Nathaniel Arvi, Angela Quan, Nathan Fowler and Mac Jimmerson. Won second place in the Regional Destination Imagination competition at Salisbury Middle School. Teams from all over the peninsula from both Delaware and Maryland competed. The team will compete next at the state level competition.
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle
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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
March 6, 2020
It was great to flip the calendar to March this week. Here are some photos from the 45th Street Taphouse, Bad Monkey West and the Full Moon Saloon.
45th Street Taphouse: Mark Collabucci, Dalton Foxwell, Danny Sadler and Alex Nowak By Tyler Horton
Faces
SPOTLIGHT ON THE REGIONAL RESTAURANT AND BAR SCENE
In Places
45th Street Taphouse: Robert Geiger and Kristen Gemeny
45th Street Taphouse: Katie Mulrine, Geoff Suddath and Nagen Staley
Full Moon Saloon: Duane Maddy, Krissy Wheaton, Bonnie Dypsky and Big Mike
Bad Monkey: Martez and Benee Purnell
Bad Monkey: Laura and Celine
45th Street Taphouse: Brittany Gentilini and friend Alex
Bad Monkey: Ryan and Seamus
Bad Monkey: Martha and Larry
Full Moon Saloon: Air Force Veteran Jack Foley and Samuel Willey
13 Local Youth Bowlers Advance To State Championships
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
BY BETHANY HOOPER
STAFF WRITER
OCEAN CITY – Thirty-five Eastern Shore youth bowlers, including 13 from a northern Worcester County league, will advance to the Maryland State Pepsi Championships after securing top-place finishes in a regional tournament in Ocean City last weekend. On March 1, roughly 100 youth bowlers from five bowling facilities across the Eastern Shore participated in the 2020 Pepsi Regional Tournament at Ocean Lanes Bowling Center in Ocean City. Each year, youth members of certified United States Bowling Congress (USBC) leagues participate in leaguelevel qualifying as part of the Pepsi USBC Youth Championships tournament. From there, qualifying bowlers move on to the regional tournaments, where the top bowlers in each division will advance to the state level. Beginning with league qualifying, youth bowlers have the opportunity to advance to state and national tournament competitions and earn scholarships. Last year, for example, more than $500,000 in scholarships were awarded across the country as part of the tournament. Last weekend, three bowlers from Choptank Bowling Center, eight bowlers from Southbound Alley, four bowlers from Easton Bowl, seven bowlers from Eastern Shore Lanes and 13 bowlers from Ocean Lanes secured top-place finishes in their divisions to advance to the state tournament in Elkton, Md., on April 4 and 5. “There’s five houses in our association, the Eastern Shore USBC …,” Ocean Lanes Coach Marc Smith said, “and all the houses come together for this tournament every year.” Smith said the 13 bowlers from Ocean Lanes’ youth league include Matthew Frey, Anthony Frey, Ava Gehrig, Madilynn Frey, James Frey, Bo Gehrig, Eric Braica, Andrew Shuler, Ryleigh Smith, Eric Rimel, Katie Koontz, Dylan Arnold and Shawn
Among the local bowlers advancing to the state tournament are Madilynn Frey, U12 Division; Anthony Frey, U8 Division; and James Frey, U12 Division. Submitted Photo
Rosemond. “We are sending 13 of them to states, which is the most of any house,” he said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.” The number of bowlers sent to states depends upon the number of participants in each age division, Smith explained. In years past, for example, he said as many as 19 bowlers from the Ocean Lanes youth league qualified for the state tournament. “The number of youth bowlers has dwindled in recent years,” he said. Smith noted that the alley’s youth league bowls on Saturday mornings from October to March each year. Parent John Gehrig said the youth league is a flexible, unique activity for young bowlers. “It’s a unique, fun experience and
gets the kids up and doing something …,” he said. “They do a great job teaching kids how to bowl, and it’s an activity they can do the rest of their lives.” Gehrig also highlighted the many league bowlers from Ocean Lanes who went on to win state championships and earn recognition for their contributions to the sport. “When we think of sports we think of things like football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse,” he said. “But Ocean City/Worcester County is a bowling powerhouse.” Smith noted, for example, that state champions Kiersten Bateman and Katie Koontz and youth league bowler Eric Rimel are recent recipients of the Maryland State USBC Youth Star of Tomorrow Award.
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“It’s basically a Hall of Fame award for youth bowlers,” he said. Gehrig said he is a huge advocate for youth bowling and encouraged young bowlers to participate. “It’s cool to bowl,” he said. “It’s cool and it’s fun.” For more information on Ocean Lanes’ youth league, call 410-5247550. For full standings from last Sunday’s regional tournament, visit easternshoreusbc.org. “The regional tournament was great, and everyone was happy with it,” Smith said. “It’s nice to celebrate these bowlers’ accomplishments.” Smith said the first-place winner in each division at the state tournament will advance to the national Junior Gold Championships in Las Vegas, Nev., later this year.
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Young Professional of Ocean City Duran Showell brought guest Matt Keeley to the January Mixer at Ocean Downs Casino.
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
People
By Jeanette Deskiewicz
FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA
Stephen Decatur High School Principal Tom Sites, center, thanked Sonrise Church Outreach Pastor Tim Robinson and volunteer Keith Hammer for their generous outpouring of hard work at the 11th Annual Taco Night Fundraiser.
In Society
March 6, 2020
Nori Sushi was the location for the OC Chamber February Business After Hours with owners John Lambrinos, Sophia Christian and Phillip Lambrinos behind the bar.
Kicking back after a long day at the office were Maghen Walterman and Megan Rynkiewicz at the Ocean City Young Professionals January Mixer.
Komen Maryland Executive Director Michael Jessup and Delmarva Development Manager Karen Falk were on hand to motivate the crowd at the More Than Pink Walk Kick Off.
While at the OC Chamber February Business After Hours, Art League of Ocean City Office Manager Su Fiske and Executive Director Rina Thaler promoted the film festival taking place this weekend.
Volunteers Jen and Greg Heitner attended the kick-off party for the Komen Maryland Delmarva More Than Pink Walk taking place at the OC Inlet on April 25th.
Welcoming in hungry diners to the 11th Annual Stephen Decatur High School $1 Taco Night were Wendy Mindte and Brenda Paul of Sonrise Church.
Delmarva More Than Pink Walk Race Chairman Jamie Davis thanked Jason Lee of GSB Media for their sponsorship of Komen Maryland’s April 25th event.
Sonrise Church parishioners Sandy Kappes and Holly Eckman helped clean up tables at this year’s $1 Taco Night to benefit Stephen Decatur High School.
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Things I Like ... By Steve Green
Snow Hill’s annual oyster roast That Island Creamery is back open in Berlin Short phone conversations When both kids wake up on their own for school Mexican food leftovers Taking off a tie Seeing horse and deer during an Assateague visit Hearing about college from students coming back to the area Paying for big, heavy crabs Spare time on a weekend A hotel shower with great water pressure
e ave save save save ave sav save s s e sav e sav e sav e sav e sav
e sav ve sa e sav e sav e sav e sav e sav e ve a sav s 1500 Pairs - 20% - 75% e v e sa 150 Pairs @ $9.90 sav e Discontinued Styles sav ave s e sav Sperry • Sebago • Docksides • New Balance e sav Naturalizer • Grasshoppers • Clarks Women’s e sav MEN’S & LADIES’ SHOES save e SIZES ve sav M: 7-12, 13, 14, 15;MEN’S W: 8-12, 13, 14; WW: 8 1/2-13 sa WOMEN’S SIZES e sav save N: 7-10; M: 5-10, 11; W: 6-10, 11 e Located At Rte. 1 At West Virginia Ave. sav ve (4 Streets North Of MD Line, Ocean Side) a e s v sa Fenwick Island, DE • 302-539-4599 e e e sav save savOPEN DAILY 10 A.M.save sav save
’s y d San DOCKSIDE FOOTWEAR
SAVE-LADIES SHOES
WEST OCEAN CITY
NORTH OCEAN CITY
HAPPY HOUR
WEDNESDAY TACO NIGHT
SUN-FRI: 3-6 P.M. • SAT: NOON-4 P.M.
3-10 P.M. • DINE IN ONLY
FOOD SPECIALS BAR ONLY
$6 MOCKINGBIRD “HOUSE” MARGARITAS $3 DOM. BOTTLES • $3.25 TECATE & TECATE LIGHT CANS $4 CORONA EXTRA | CORONA PREMIER DOS EQUIS LAGER BOTTLES $4 8oz. RAIL DRINKS • $5 8oz. CALL DRINKS
$1.75 CRUNCHY TACOS (Beef, Bean, Chicken Or Pork)
$4 SOFT FISH TACOS (Fried Rockfish Or Grilled Mahi)
$6 MINI NACHOS (Beef, Chicken, Pork, Bean Or Chili)
SUNDAY FUN DAY NEW SPECIALS COMING
MONDAY TACO NIGHT 5-10 P.M.
TUESDAY FAJITA NIGHT 5-10 P.M.
WEDNESDAY BURRITO NIGHT 5-10 P.M.
THURSDAY BURGER NIGHT
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11 A.M. 5-10 P.M.
SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY KITCHEN CLOSES AT 10 P.M. 12720 OCEAN GATEWAY #7-PARK PLACE PLAZA WEST OCEAN CITY • 410-390-7721
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$1.75 CRUNCHY TACOS (Beef, Chicken, Bean Or Pork)
$4 SOFT TACOS (Mahi Or Rock)
THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIALS 3-10 P.M. • DINE IN ONLY
$12 CHICKEN, STEAK OR MUSHROOM OR COMBO OF ANY 2 $15 SHRIMP FAJITAS OR COMBO WITH SHRIMP
HAPPY HOUR SUN-FRI: 3-6 P.M.
$6 HOUSE MARGARITAS $3 DOMESTIC BOTTLES $4 CORONA AND DOS EQUIS $4 WELL DRINKS $5 CALL DRINKS
OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK
(CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY) MONTEGO BAY SHOPPING CENTER 130TH ST., OCEAN CITY, MD. 410-250-4424 • www.octequila.com Reservation For Parties Of 8 Or More
Page 42
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 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com
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The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
March 6, 2020
OC’s Reserve Fund Balance Deserves Scrutiny HOW WE SEE IT
The Town of Ocean City has too much money in reserves based on its own policy. The numbers confirm the town’s fund balance carries more money than the norm, but what to do with the excess dollars is the question. The majority of the Mayor and Council, armed with support from the city’s finance staff, favors growing the town’s reserve fund to ensure it can sustain the city if a major natural disaster occurs. While that’s laudable to a degree, the city also dips into the fund to pay for smaller projects like street paving and canal dredging that can be accounted for without going to the bond market. How much money to retain in a reserve fund is generally up to the individual municipalities. In Berlin’s case, the lack of a policy led to the town being in dire straits the last couple years. It was reported last year the town only had a couple months’ worth of operating expenses in reserves at that time. Tax increases have been in store for residents to boost the town’s fund balance if disaster strikes. The exact opposite seems to be true seven miles to
the east. Ocean City currently has a reserve fund of approximately $7.3 million, which is approximately 23% of the town’s general fund balance. For many years, the city’s policy was to retain at least 15% of its general fund balance in reserves. After recent strategic planning sessions and observing what occurred at other coastal areas devastated by storms, the city decided to elevate its reserve fund policy to 20%. According to the Government Finance Officers Association, at least two months of operating expenses should be held in a reserve account for government. However, the GFOA writes, “The adequacy of unrestricted fund balance in the general fund should take into account each government’s own unique circumstances. For example, governments that may be vulnerable to natural disasters, more dependent on a volatile revenue source, or potentially subject to cuts in state aid and/or federal grants may need to maintain a higher level in the unrestricted fund balance. Articulating these risks in a fund balance policy makes it easier to explain to stakeholders the rationale for a seemingly higher
than normal level of fund balance that protects taxpayers and employees from unexpected changes in financial condition.” Due to its coastal vulnerabilities, we believe Ocean City is right to retain more funds in its reserve fund than other towns. We supported the decision to increase the fund level from 15% to 20%, but we oppose retaining anything behind that. In the next budget cycle, the city needs to get its reserve fund down to the 20% threshold. Officials should return the extra funding to the taxpayers or at the least earmark the funds for capital projects looming in the future. What would be unacceptable is for the town to continue to grow the reserve fund annually as it’s doing currently. Maintaining a healthy fund balance should always be the goal, but the town’s current level is not appropriate. The fund should not exceed 20% on an annual basis. If the council can agree on that, which is not a given, a deeper dive into how to allocate the extra dollars will be required. Given the nature of the current council, the conversation will be spirited.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR County Wasting Tax Dollars Battling Citizens Editor: The Town of Ocean City can no longer afford to provide free ambulance service to West Ocean City, according to Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan at a recent meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners. The Board of Education has requested a 3.71% increase in its annual operating budget, which represents $3.4 million. I routinely attend County Commissioners' meetings, and there is always an additional budget request from almost every department: the Sheriff’s Department needs new vehicles; the Public Works Department needs new dump trucks at the landfill; all departments need to attend out of state conferences, training, etc. Apparently, it is expensive to provide Worcester County citizens with these essential services. So, why are the County Commissioners spending your tax dollars on staff time, meetings, lawyers' fees, monitoring, and expensive lawsuits to fight the full-time residents of White Horse Park? White Horse Park is a campground subdivision. There are only two campground subdivisions in Worcester County: Assateague Pointe and White Horse Park. According to the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, no new camp-
ground subdivisions are permitted. There are 465 lots in White Horse Park, approximately 55 of which are occupied by permanent or full-time residents. Since 1993, there has been a provision in the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance prohibiting occupancy as a place of primary residence. Between Sept. 30 and April 1, lots may not be occupied for more than 30 consecutive days, or an aggregate of 60 days. Until recently, this provision was never enforced. In fact, residents were encouraged to live in White Horse Park full-time, for security reasons. On Oct. 1, 2019, Diana Purnell, then president of the County Commissioners, wrote a letter to all White Horse Park owners, stating, "Occupancy will be monitored beginning October 1, 2019, and will continue to be monitored through March 31, 2020." As a citizen of Worcester County, how would you like to be "monitored" by the county government? How will they monitor; spy on people in their houses? I understand that the security guards were instructed to take pictures of peoples' license plates as they entered and exited White Horse Park. Can you believe that something like that really goes on in this country, let along in our county? There is a couple 86 and 80 years old, who are parking their vehicle at a neighbor's house down the street and staying in their home at night with no
lights on to avoid being evicted. Another person is staying at a relative's home, which does not have adequate heat for cold weather. On the most bitter cold nights, he returned to his house at White Horse Park, but hid his car down the street to avoid detection. Another couple, age 83 and 79, purchased a condominium in Baltimore with their daughter, which is only what they could afford. They are extremely emotional and upset over the move, being forced to leave their home after many years. I cannot imagine a worse feeling than being insecure or feeling unsafe in your own home, that you have bought and paid for. One of my clients is severely disabled. His home has been retrofitted to accommodate his disability. He has nowhere to go. It was a very expensive retrofit, and he cannot afford to retrofit another home. He has been incredibly distraught, and he was recently in the ICU at Atlantic General Hospital. I literally believe that his anxiety, and outright fear of being evicted with nowhere to go (and being not capable of caring for himself in another home) has impacted his health. There must be a million zoning violations in Worcester County; why has Worcester County decided to take a stand against the elderly and disabled SEE NEXT PAGE
March 6, 2020
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR of White Horse Park? The notion that their presence somehow overburdens the infrastructure is ridiculous. They have been there for years and years. Their numbers continue to dwindle, as they get sick, are forced to move, go to the hospital, etc. I just do not understand why Worcester County won't let these people live out the rest of their lives in their homes that they have bought and paid for. Their tax assessments are for full-time residents. They have been accepted for Homestead Tax Credits. They received building permits for fulltime houses. I have become friends with many of these people, and it is honestly very sad. Apparently, it is a political game for many of the County Commissioners; it is a matter of life and death for many of my clients. I have appealed the county's decision to Circuit Court. Worcester County's fulltime attorney, and an attorney from a big respected law firm in Baltimore, are both opposing this appeal. As taxpayers, what do you think this is costing you? Is this how you want your tax dollars spent? Worcester County cannot afford to pay for ambulance service to West Ocean City yet they can pay tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars, to kick elderly and disabled citizens out of their homes. Hugh Cropper IV Ocean City
Lowering Reserves Would Save Taxpayers Editor: We learn that upon adoption of the first budget amendment of this Fiscal Year (FY), the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of the Town of Ocean City are sitting on $7,352,148, in excess reserves, over and above their stated policy of 15% of Unassigned General Fund Balance as a percentage of expenditures. In fact, with just over four months remaining in FY20, they have a Fund Balance of about 22.6%. This additional amount of over $7.3 million is the equivalent of over eight cents on the current property tax rate. In other words, last year the property tax rate could have been reduced over 17%, and the town would still have a current balanced budget with a 15% amount in reserves. Last fall, we learned that the town closed its books at the end of FY19 with revenue up $1.3 million over budget projections, while expenses were $2.9 million under budget, thus creating a favorable variance of $4.2 million. The M&CC have a longstanding pattern of underestimating revenue and overestimating expenses. This same scenario has occurred every year from FY13 to FY19. Over the last seven fiscal years, the total amount of underestimated revenue is over $7.8 million; and the total amount of overestimated expenditures is over $15.4 million. Thus, the total favorable variance over this pe-
Between The Lines
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
riod is in excess of $23 million. As the M&CC begin their upcoming budget discussions, they should be encouraged to hold the line on spending, and adopt a property tax rate that is more realistic and fair to the property owners of Ocean City. Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr. Ocean City
Sales Tax Expansion Would Hurt Consumers Editor: The Maryland Insurance Administration’s core mission is to make sure residents of our great state are protected when they buy insurance. That consumer protection begins at our agency by regulating the availability of insurance coverage at fair prices. Make no mistake, the prices that Marylanders pay for insurance would rise dramatically if House Bill 1628 passes as drafted. The bill would extend Maryland’s sales tax to currently exempt services, including the sale of insurance products. That means most Marylanders would see an immediate 5% increase in insurance premiums. For many families, such an increase in the cost of essential products, especially health insurance, would create a great financial hardship. The Maryland Insurance Administration is extremely concerned about this direct impact on families. But we’re also concerned about the potential impact on the state’s thriving insurance industry, which employs about 50,000 people in Maryland. A fair, competitive marketplace keeps prices under control and encourages good customer service. Since 2015, we have added more than 200 insurance companies and additional lines of business to the Maryland market, giving consumers more choices. A sales tax on premiums would make Maryland a much less attractive place to do business. As an agency charged with protecting consumers and maintaining a fair, competitive insurance market, we urge the General Assembly to reconsider the expansion of the state’s sales tax to insurance products. The burden on Maryland families is too great. Al Redmer, Jr. Baltimore (The writer is the Maryland Insurance Commissioner.)
To Our Readers: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority. Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.
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By Publisher/Editor Steve Green
The Coastal Association of Realtors (Coastal) has been consistently growing its presence as a political activist group in recent years. This week representatives from Coastal testified in Annapolis against the proposed sales tax expansion, which had the potential to serious impact the real estate industry. In addition, Coastal has testified in recent months on several local bills, including in Worcester County when it opposed legislation regulating rentals due to the high fees proposed. Coastal has also appeared before elected officials in Wicomico and Sussex counties. This week Coastal is making waves in Berlin with a full-page advertisement in this paper as well as a mailer. The message is clear to residents – let your elected representatives know you are not okay with another property tax increase for the next fiscal year’s budget as well as new restrictions on where property owners can manage short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. The hard-hitting campaign reads, “Our taxes and fees went up last year, and now there are plans to increase our tax rate even more AND violate our private property rights and take away a source of income that could help us pay for these increases. … A home is our most important investment and short-term rentals help us pay for the cost of our home. The town needs sensible ordinances that allow us to keep our property rights – as Berlin keep its small-town charm. And we can’t pay anymore in property taxes.” The mailer includes a card to mail to your elected official with a note seeking the resident’s signature. The note read, “Please don’t let the American dream of homeownership die in Berlin. Our home costs, taxes and fees are rising. My neighbors and I can’t afford another property tax increase and we see a short-term rental ban as another obstacle to buying and maintaining our home.” As a few Berlin officials are prone to do, Berlin Councilman Zackery Tyndall took to Facebook to encourage residents to communicate with their representatives against the measures highlighted on the mailer. Tyndall voted against the tax increase last year and seems to oppose restrictions on shortterm rentals in town. Providing tax information showing Tyndall’s property tax on his home is lower today than it was in 2009, Councilman Troy Purnell commented on the thread, saying, “I want to hear your solution. Now. We are all taxpayers and if you have a proposal share it. Now. We are all listening. Now. Monday night would be a great time for your solution to be revealed.” On the Berlin tax front, a 3-cent property tax rate hike will be proposed by Mayor Gee Williams at next week’s council meeting. An ordinance to increase the tax rate to 83 cents per $100 of assessed valuation will be under review at town hall. The proposed tax rate increase represents a 4-percent hike on the heels of last year’s 18-percent increase. Once the tax rate ordinance is introduced, proposed increases to the town’s utility fees will be discussed at town hall. In just two months, Worcester County has collected $42,000 in licensing fees from 116 rental license applications through its new rental license program, according to Tuesday’s report to the County Commissioners from Ed Tudor, the county’s director of development review and permitting. “Of course, that’s not including what we’ll be collecting from the room tax from those eventually,” Tudor said. “We’re very happy to see that.” Roughly a year ago, the county began exploring ways to implement a rental license program. Four bills, three of which were passed in August and one of which was passed in October, allowed for the creation and implementation of a county-wide rental license program. In November, the county worked with Tyler Technologies to purchase software that would allow the program to be implemented. The county also hired a rental license program coordinator who began accepting applications Jan. 13. Tudor reported that any given day between three and 10 applications were entered into the county’s database. “A significant amount of staff time is spent each day conducting research of our records for floor plans and site plans in an effort to assist the applicants with their submittals, calculating occupancy for the shortterm rentals, as well as answering phone calls and meeting with applicants in person,” Tudor wrote in his report to the commissioners. He said he was surprised by the fact that there was a two to one ratio of long-term versus short-term rental applications. “That could be that the long-term landlords are local as opposed to the short-term landlords,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. Tudor thanked department staff for their efforts in launching the rental license program and also praised local real estate agents for sharing information on the new requirements. With the program now in place, the challenge for the county will be targeting the property owners managing their own short-term rentals. From a brief search on Airbnb, a majority of the listings in the county are maintained by non-local residents. The chances are high these folks are unaware of the rental license program. Communicating with these property owners and then collecting the fee will be the complicated part of this effort.
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Business
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
11 Auctions by A&M Auctions
View Website for Complete Ads, Terms, Directions, Online Bidding, Photographs & Additional Information. www.amauctions.com
On-Line Only Auction – Ocean City, MD! A&M Auctions is honored to sell for the Living Estate of Betty Lee Wilde!
Personal Property located at: 1915 Marlin Drive, Ocean City, MD Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending: Wed. March 11, 2020 Starting at 5 PM!
Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com Estate Vehicle, Decoys, Primitives, Glass, China, Antique and Modern Furniture, Collectables and more! Personal Property Preview: Mon. March 9th, 2020 from 5-7 PM
On-Line Only Auction – Ocean City, MD!
March 6, 2020
And Real Estate News
A&M Auctions is honored to sell for the Living Estate of Pamela Moxley!
Personal Property located at: 10319 Bristol Road, Ocean City, MD Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending: Wed. March 18th, 2020 Starting at 5 PM!
Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com Primitives, Glass, China, Collectables, Antique and Modern Furniture, Tools, Comic Books & Comic Collectables, and more! Personal Property Preview: Mon. March 16th, 2020 from 5-7 PM
On-Line Only Coin, Currency & Stamp Auction! Bidding Ends Thurs. March 26th, 2020 Starting at 5 PM – Auction conducted online at AMauctions.com Items located at the A&M Auction Facility, 8000 Esham Road, Parsonsburg, MD ALL ITEMS SOLD ABSOLUTE WITH NO MINIMUM AND NO RESERVE!!
Nice selection of 800+ lots of Gold/Silver Coinage & More. 140+ Gold Coins to Include: Five $20 Double Eagle Gold Coins to include: 1893, 1896-S, 1900-S & 1913-D & 1914 St. Gaudens, Five NGC MS69 $10 Gold Eagles with Mint Errors, Five 2015 Chinese 1 Gram Panda Bars, Twenty 2015 Chinese Panda 50 Yuan NGC Graded Gold 1/10 Oz. Gold Coins, Forty 2015 Canada 1/10 Oz. Gold Maple Leaves, 2015 1 Oz. High Relief US Liberty, Nineteen 2015 US $10 Eagle 1/4 Oz. Gold Coins, Five Late 1780-1806 2 Escados Gold Coins, Forty Dos Y Medio 1945 Mexican 2.5 Gold Pesos 335 Non Graded Morgan Silver $1, 27 PCGS & NGC Graded Morgan Silver $1 in MS62 to MS64+, 84 Peace Silver $1, 20 American Eagle Bullion $1, Qty. Silver Half Dollars, Qty. of Misc Proof/Mint Sets, Commemorative Sets, Foreign Coinage, Stamp Books, First Day Covers & more!
Coin Preview: Mon. March 23rd, 2020 5 –7 PM
(5) Upcoming Onsite Online Only Auctions to Include: April 1st, 2020. On-Line Only Auction – Laurel, DE! Personal Property located at: 14646 Laurel Road, Laurel, DE . Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending Wednesday April 1st, 2020!! Tractor, Forklift, Military Jeep, Building Supplies, Tools, Equipment and more! April 8th, 2020. On-Line Only Auction – Denton, MD! Personal Property located at: 208 Martha Jane St, Denton, MD. Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending Wednesday April 8th, 2020! April 15th, 2020. On-Line Only Auction – Girdletree, MD! Personal Property located at: 6019 Taylor Landing Rd., Girdletree, MD. Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending Wednesday April 15th, 2020! April 29th, 2020. On-Line Only Auction – Salisbury, MD! A&M Auctions is honored to sell for the Living Estate of Don Castle! Personal Property located at: 28249 Riverside Drive, Salisbury, MD. Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending: Wed. April 29, 2020 Starting at 5PM! 500+ Clocks, 125+ Victrolas, Primitives, Collectables & more! Spring 2020. Online Only Auction – 616 Hunting Park Drive, Salisbury, MD. Auction Held Online Only w/Bidding ending: At a date to be scheduled in the Spring of 2020. To include a selection of Housewares, Glass, China, Collectibles, Furniture & more! (3) Upcoming Auctions at 8000 Esham Rd, Parsonsburg, MD: April 22nd, 2020: Multi Estate Auction. To include a selection of Glassware, China, Collectibles, Primitives, Furniture & more! Late Spring 2020: On-Line Only Vehicle Auction Sale. Bidding Ends Tuesday March 24th, 2020 at 5PM – Selling from the Estate of John Edward Whittington! Items located at the A&M Auction Facility, 1988 Rolls Royce Silver Spur Convertible two door coupe, 1989 Rolls Royce Continental Four Door Sedan, 2007 Lincoln Town Car Limousine. May 8th, 2020: Decoy and Waterfowl Arts Auction. Friday May 8th, 2020 Starting at 5PM – Hundreds of pcs of Sporting Art, Decoys, Collectables and more!
Auctioneer - Dave Allen 410-835-0384 or 302-545-1903 www.AMauctions.com
View Website for Additional Information, Terms, Directions, Online Bidding & Pictures!
this week’s
open houses
CALL AGENTS FOR DIRECTIONS
View more open houses at www.mdcoastdispatch.com/open_houses.php
OCEAN CITY The Latitudes 25th Street Bayfront
BERLIN 225 West Street
NEWARK 7142 Arcadia Cir.
Thurs-Mon 10-4 New Construction 3BR/3BA/Garage Townhomes
Sat 1-3 Charming 3BR/1BA Home Big Backyard Walk to Downtown
Sat 10-12 3BR/2BA/1352SF New Construction
Mary McCracken Long & Foster 410-430-7302
Paul Cook Bunting Realty 410-726-2695
Lauren Bunting Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty 410-422-9899
OCEAN CITY Sea Level 9 76th St. #302 Sun 12-2 2BR/2BA Condo Full Furnished Ocean Block Lauren A. Smith Keller Williams 410-245-9915
WEST OCEAN CITY 9800-32 Mooring View Lane Sat-Sun 11-5 New Construction Townhomes Harbor Homes 443-366-2814
Nurse Professionals Home Care and Staffing, LLC, based in West Ocean City, recently celebrated its 19th year of providing quality nursing care to both clients and facilities using their supplemental nursing staff. Nurse Professionals Home Care and Staffing’s President Anita Logsdon Battista established the company after seeing a need for quality nursing care both in the home and in facilities. Pictured, from left, are company employees Lindsey James, Billie Northam, Laura Link, Battista, Beckie Graham, Dawn Taylor and Tori Yant-Fisher. Submitted Photo
Company Affiliation Announced OCEAN CITY – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC announced last month Atlantic Shores Realty is the newest member of its global network and will now operate as Atlantic Shores Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the Sotheby’s International Realty ® brand’s continued growth in Maryland. Owned and operated by Ryan Haley and Kristy Haley, the firm is located in Ocean City with 12 sales associates and will serve the surrounding region. “Ocean City, Md. continues to be a popular destination for those looking to match a home with their lifestyle,” said Philip White, president and chief executive officer of Sotheby’s International Realty. “Ryan and Kristy have led a successful company for 10 years and are true experts in their community. They strive to help their clients achieve a luxury beach lifestyle and we look forward to welcoming them to the network.” “We work daily to provide our clients with the greatest real estate experience possible,” said Ryan Haley. “Our company and agents are deeply embedded in the community. We have raised our kids here, retired here and vacationed here – we know the beach. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty permits us to combine our hyper-local knowledge and expertise with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s best-in-class marketing, innovative technology and global reach.”
Health Care Merger Official SALISBURY – McCready Hospital,
the Tawes Nursing Home and Chesapeake Cove Assisted Living officially became part of the Peninsula Regional Health System (PRHS) on Sunday, March 1. Approval from the Maryland Healthcare Commission was granted earlier this year for PRHS to assume ownership. “McCready Health has been a fixture and a healthcare safety net for the people of Crisfield and Somerset County for nearly a century by providing reliable, quality, community-focused healthcare,” said Steve Leonard, President/CEO of the Peninsula Regional Health System. “We’re excited to be able to continue that 97-year tradition, and to work collectively with the team at McCready and the people of Crisfield on the opportunities this new healthcare model will present to allow us to continue to provide better, more efficient and more effective care for patients.” On March 1, McCready Hospital transitioned to a freestanding medical facility (FMF) in place. “The financial reality is that McCready does not maintain a daily census of patients sufficient to support the services required to qualify as a hospital as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS),” said Kathleen Harrison, President, McCready Foundation, Inc. “The path to keeping healthcare services in the county became clear: McCready needed to merge with an established and supportive partner like the Peninsula Regional Health System and transition to an FMF in place.” SEE NEXT PAGE
... Business News
March 6, 2020
Services provided by McCready and Peninsula Regional staff at the FMF in place include 24/7 emergency care, physical therapy, speech therapy, behavioral health services, outpatient physician services, imaging (CT scan and general x-ray) and laboratory services. Inpatient hospital care and surgical procedures have previously transitioned to Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Salisbury. A small number of select outpatient services previously offered at McCready also transitioned to new locations in Salisbury on Feb. 28. The FMF in place, at the site of the current McCready Hospital, will operate for a period of 24-36 months while PRHS constructs a new state-of-the-art McCready Health Pavilion on Route 413 just east of Crisfield. Services offered at the FMF in place will all transition to the McCready Health Pavilion. Ground will be broken for the new pavilion within the next few months. The Tawes Nursing Home and Chesapeake Cove Assisted Living facilities will remain open and operational, and will not relocate. All qualified staff at McCready who are affected by the change in structure are being considered for employment with the Peninsula Regional Health System at locations including PRMC, at the health system’s ambulatory and specialty care centers across Maryland and Delaware, Nanticoke Memo-
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch rial Hospital and at the new McCready Health Pavilion. A branding study is underway that will create a new health system name for the company overseeing PRMC, McCready, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and all associated services, physician and specialty practices. That new name is expected to be announced this summer.
Keller Williams Releases Top 100 LEWES, Del. – The Greater Pennsylvania region for Keller Williams Realty, consisting of over 9,000 associates in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, released the firm’s Top 100 Community of Associates. These associates rank among the 9,000 associates by volume in the entire region. Keller Williams Realty Delaware Beaches had five associates/teams represented among this prestigious group. The teams are Seaside Seven of the Marketplace at Sea Colony office (Ann Baker, Sarah Schifano, Shelby Smith, Laurie McFaul, Christine Antonioli, Tammy Hadder, Anna Meiklejohn and Bill Hand); Megan Aitken Team of Middletown (Megan Aitken, Kristin Searles and Melissa Scott); Bright Home Group of Laurel (William Brown, Erik Brubaker, Jay Doaty, Rich Hutchins, Lisa Whited, Kenneth Jester, Meme Ellis, Wayne Smith, Stephen Brown, Michelle Rowe, Levi Gilmore, Jaclyn Tawes, Rachel Taulton and Kristyann Rash); The Revolution Group of Milford (Shonda Kelly, Stephanie Beck, Kelly Salmon, Cashea Kelly, Carol Day, Mar-
cus Munday, Sonia Reyes, Tascha Campbell, Jordan Brown and Taylor Cave); and Jared Bowers of the Bethany Beach office. “We are very proud that agents from our market center reached this esteemed status within Keller Williams,” said Brigit Taylor, team leader of the firm. “Our agents are local market experts. They have elite skills, and they are committed to delivering an exceptional customer service.”
Office Renovation Underway SALISBURY – Gillis Gilkerson has announced the start of renovations to convert office space into an MRI exam room for Peninsula Imaging located on Woodbrooke Drive in Salisbury. “We are excited to have the opportunity to help our client become the first to introduce this technology to the Eastern Shore to meet the community’s needs,” said Tyler Barnes, vice president, Gillis Gilkerson. “As a return client, we are happy to work with them to fulfill their expansion needs.” This will be the fourth MRI in the building. Peninsula Imaging is adding cutting edge technology to the practice as there are only a few of this specific machine in the United States. Due to the weight of the MRI machine being installed, Gillis Gilkerson will need to gut out the room and pour a thickened reinforced concrete slab to support its weight. They will also be required to tear out a section on the east side of the building so a crane can swing the MRI machine into the building. "Gillis Gilkerson is doing a great job,”
Page 45 said Thomas Spencer, director of operations for Peninsula Imaging. “We felt more comfortable going with them and their sub-contractors for this job. The sooner they get it done, the sooner we can start scanning patients."
Lease Expands Business SALISBURY – Principal Joey Gilkerson of NAI Coastal and Senior Advisor Wesley Cox of SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate recently brokered a lease expanding CoreLife of Delmarva’s Salisbury footprint. Beginning in March, CoreLife will occupy over 6,000 square feet at 200 East Vine Street, a substantial increase from their current 4,200-square-foot unit. Regionally, CoreLife is one of the fastest growing healthcare companies on the Eastern Shore. In its first year of occupation on Vine Street, CoreLife experienced rapid growth sparking the need for additional square footage. Upon reaching out to Wesley to weigh their options, Cox immediately called Joey, the Vine Street listing agent, to discuss the feasibility of expanding in their current location. The proposal presented by Gilkerson and Cox added practitioner offices and gave CoreLife the space needed to best serve the community. “As the tenant’s representative in this deal, Wesley helped to navigate a seamless transaction,” said Gilkerson. “We worked together to provide quick, convenient results for CoreLife with little disruption. This transaction was yet another example of the true value of collaboration being realized in a client’s overall experience.”
Page 46
Sports
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
March 6, 2020
Decatur Boys Bow Out In Regionals In The News
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
BERLIN – Despite a valiant late comeback attempt, Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team fell to Kent Island, 69-44, on the road in the state 3A-South regional semifinals on Tuesday. The Seahawks drew the numberthree seed in the state 3A-South bracket and faced sixth-seeded Chesapeake of Anne Arundel at home last Friday. Decatur led the contest through out and held off a late run by the Cougars to win the game, 66-58, to advance to the region semifinals. Next up for Decatur was a region semifinal matchup against Bayside North powerhouse Kent Island. The Seahawks had already beaten the Buccaneers in a close one, 58-56, way back in the regular season opener in early December. Against Kent Island in the region semifinals on the road on Tuesday, Decatur fell behind early and trailed 18-9 at the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the Buccaneers had extended their lead to 35-17 and the lead swelled to 42-19 midway through the third quarter.
The Seahawks then suddenly found their groove offensively and began chipping away at the Kent Island lead largely on the shoulders of guard Drew Haueisen, who finished the game with 18 points including 16 in the second half. By the end of the third quarter, Decatur had cut the Kent Island lead to nine points at 44-35. A big three-pointer by Haueisen about five minutes into the fourth quarter cut the Buccaneers’ lead to just six points at 44-38. Kent Island regrouped quickly and went on an 8-0 run to pull away from Decatur. There was no quit in the Seahawks who continued to press and force the issue down the stretch, but Kent Island made their shots and pulled away for the 69-44 win to advance. The loss in the region semifinals did little to tarnish what was an otherwise successful season for the Decatur boys. After winning their first three games, the Seahawks scuffled a little bit through the middle of the season, dropping four straight at one point. Decatur was strong down the stretch, however, going 9-4 to close out the regular season including a stretch of five straight wins in mid- to late-January.
Seahawks Fall To Clippers In Semifinals
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team fell to Bayside South rival Bennett on Monday in the state 3A-South regional semifinals, but the loss did little to tarnish what was a strong season for the Seahawks. The Seahawks were strong all year, compiling a 15-7 regular season mark. Decatur enjoyed a 6-1 stretch through the middle of the season, but scuffled a little down the home stretch, dropping three of their last four. The Seahawks did rout Crisfield on Senior Night in the regular season finale to carry some momentum into the state playoffs. Decatur earned the number-three seed in the 3A-South region and a home game against Northeast last Friday. The Seahawks took care of business in the playoff opener, routing Northeast, 64-45, to advance. Northeast actually led 10-8 after one quarter, but the Seahawks outscored the Eagles in the second quarter and took a narrow 24-22 lead into halftime. The third quarter proved to be the
decisive period in the game. The Seahawks outscored the Eagles, 24-10, in the third and took a 48-32 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The two teams played fairly evenly in the fourth, but Decatur pulled away for the 64-45 win to advance. Nadia Bullock led the Seahawks with 19 points, while Jessica Janney scored 12 and Sarah Engle and Mayah Garner scored 10 each. Looming in the next round was yet another rematch against Bayside South rival Bennett, which had beat Decatur twice during the regular season. The Seahawks fell behind early and trailed 36-32 at the half. The two teams played it close through the second half, but the damage had been done. It’s always tough to beat the same team three times in a season, but the Clippers prevailed over the Seahawks in the region semifinals at home on Monday, 66-57. Nadia Bullock led Decatur with a team-high 23 points, while Mayah Garner scored 15 and Sarah Engle added eight. With the loss in the region semifinals, the Seahawks finished the season with a 16-8 record.
Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team last week collected seven individual state regional championships and is sending 11 wrestlers to the state championships this weekend. Pictured above, the team and coaches show off their regional championship awards. Submitted Photo
Seahawks Collect Seven Regional Titles
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team stayed on a major roll last weekend, collecting seven individual regional championships and sending 11 wrestlers to the state championships this weekend. After collecting a second straight state team championship and their third Bayside Conference title in four years last month, the Seahawks have moved into the individual championship phase of the season and the accolades keep pouring in. At the state regional championships last weekend at North Caroline High School, Decatur placed 11 wrestlers in the top four out of 14 weight classes including seven individual regional championships, two second-place finishes and two fourth-place finishes. At 113, Shamar Baines earned a first-round bye and beat Logan Unkart of Queen Anne’s in the second round. Baines then beat Stephen Broad of Kent Island in the semifinals and Dazheem Emory of Cambridge-South Dorchester in the championship. At 120, Jagger Clapsadle earned a first-round bye and beat Godfred Acheampong of Harford Tech in the second round. Clapsadle then beat Kyle Pulket of Patterson Mill in the semifinals and Tae Gowe of St. Michael’s in the championship. At 132, Nico D’Amico earned a first-round bye and beat Pierce Courtalis in the second round. D’Amico then beat Reilly McIntyre of North Caroline in the semifinals and Jack Mulligan of Kent Island in the championship. At 145, Noah Reho earned a firstround bye and beat Gabe Yiannakis of Kent County in the second round. Reho beat Eric Smith of Queen Anne’s in the semifinals and Rhian Silsley of North Caroline in the championship. After a first-round bye at 160, James Parana beat Nathan Weller of Patterson Mill in the second round.
Parana then beat Snow Hill’s Clayton Gaskill in the semifinals and Joe Colony of Kent Island in the championship. At 170, Micah Bourne earned a first-round bye and beat Eric Neutzling of Patterson Mill in the second round. Bourne then beat Michael Sweigart of Havre de Grace in the semifinals and Eli Sellinger of Parkside in the finals to win the championship. At 195, after a first-round bye, Johnny Hofman baet Ross Nasser of North Caroline in the second round and Will Longhurst of Kent Island in the semifinals. Hofman then beat Connor Morton of Patterson Mill in the final to win the championship. After a first-round bye at 138, Kyle Elliott beat Parkside’s Matt Lewis and Hunter Charles of Queen Anne’s to reach the finals. Elliott fell to Easton’s Maximus Bentley in the final and finished second in the bracket. After a first-round bye at 152, Alex Koulikov beat Mason Lambert of Colonel Richardson in the second round and Cameron Pires of Fallston in the semifinals to reach the championship. Koulikov fell to Gavin Lloyd of Havre de Grace in the championship and finished second. At 106, Logan Intrieri beat Aaron Leggett of Wicomico in the second round, but fell to Cruz Cespedes of North Harford in the semifinals. Intrieri then beat Jack Hooks of Kent Island, but lost to Colin Honaker of Bohemian Manor to finish fourth. At 182, D.J. Taylor beat Aiden Gregory of Mardela in his first bout, but fell to Theodore Stinson of North Harford in the semifinals. Taylor then beat David Van Wie of Kent Island, but fell to Nathan David of Perryville to finish fourth. The Seahawks’ remarkable 20192020 campaign will culminate this weekend with the 2A-1A state championships at the Show Place Arena in Prince George’s County. Decatur is sending a school-record 11 wrestlers to the state individual championships.
March 6, 2020
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First leg of st. patrick’s tourney In the Books The La Dolce Vita Soccer Club from Baltimore won the Adult Co-Rec Division title during the first weekend of the annual St. Patrick’s Tournament at Northside Park last weekend. Submitted Photo
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY- The first leg of the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament is in the books after a full slate of action last weekend with a full slate of action culminating in championships in three divisions. For over three decades, the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department hosted the annual St. Patrick’s Soccer Tournament at Northside Park. The event for years played out over four weekends in February and March, but because the tournament grew by leaps and bounds, the younger age brackets were split off to become the Ocean City Indoor Cup, which wrapped up last week, and the older divisions remained as the St. Patrick’s Tournament.
The tournament got underway last weekend with the adult co-rec division, the men’s over-30 division and the women’s over-30 division. In the adult co-rec division, it was La Dolce Vita from Baltimore taking the championship. La Dolce Vita also won the title in the women’s over-30 division, beating the Gulls of Salisbury in the championship game. In the men’s over-30 division, it was the Over Turdy Club from Elkton beating NCW of Bel Air in the title game. During the weekend of March 1315, the signature men’s and women’s open divisions featuring teams of players over 18 will be held. During the two-weekend tournament, games will be played practically around the clock at host Northside Park in Ocean City culminating with championships on Sundays in each division.
kirby’s pub claims adult soccer title
Page 47
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The Adventures Of Fatherhood By STEVE GREEN
arson’s morning routine is impressive. Children, and adults, with Autism Spectrum Disorder need routine. Studies show providing an opportunity for repetition and order allows for a path of success for these individuals. It’s been a key for us with managing Carson. Ever since we have been in our new home, Carson has developed a great morning routine. While both kids have always had their own rooms, their living space is much larger now, and they each have their own bathrooms. It’s clear they both like it by the amount of time they spend in their rooms. Beckett even said one night recently, “I will be in my apartment the rest of the night.” Carson’s mornings unfold the same way each day, no matter if it’s the weekend or weekday. His evenings are generally the same too, as we don’t let him stay up late on the weekends since nothing good comes from it. One of Carson’s favorite gifts from last Christmas was an alarm clock. He really enjoys putting it on military time, for some reason. He has set his alarm clock to begin chiming every five minutes at 6:30 in the morning. By the time 7 a.m. comes, it does a steady chiming. If it seems early to you, it’s because it is but he’s in bed by 8:30 asleep most evenings. When things start trending south with Carson, Pam and I immediately look inward. How we changed anything with our approach? Has his routine been altered? Are we too distracted with other things to realize he needs redirection? Is his anxiety level high? During our move last month, the answer was yes to all those. Unexpected behaviors started to surface, despite our best intentions to shield
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the stress from him. When Carson starts acting out and seeming out of control, it’s usually one of three things – his routine is off (resulting in anxiety because life becomes unfamiliar), he’s constipated (he needs to be reminded to do his business daily or he will let himself get backed up) or his medicine needs changing due to him growing. We typically go through that order when we need to him back on track. At school, routine is something they can focus on with Carson. The constipation and medicine challenges are on us. After a few rocky weeks this winter, a new routine has been created by his school team to ease his day. Through more breaks and opportunities to work toward rewards, the goal is to reduce his anxiety. We have been on a good roll of late, but you can bet I’m knocking on every piece of wood around my desk right now.
W
hile Carson is a routine type, the other kid in the house is the opposite. During a recent fog delay, we let him sleep until 8:15 in the morning rather than his typical 7:15. When we went in to wake him up, he was oblivious to the fact he had gotten an extra hour of sleep. When I informed him of the delay and he got to sleep in, he had no idea. He said his alarm didn’t go off. I later learned he unplugged it at some point. On one hand, while leaving the silly alarm clock topic behind, it was disturbing to me his body didn’t tell him he needed to be up by a certain time. He was clueless and waiting on us to get him up. On the other hand, I was jealous of his ability to simply sleep. He has clearly found his groove on that front.
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(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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Everybody is different when it comes to sleep. I’ve become an early -to-bed, early-riser type, but I was not always that way. Beckett, at the age of 11, is clearly a night owl who likes to stay up late and sleep in. On a recent weekend, he had an entire day free. There was not one thing on his schedule. It’s an unusual thing for an active kid, and he relishes an open day when it happens. He wrongly assumed, though, he would be able to stay up all night without any reason to wake up early the next morning. When we said 11:30 was late enough, he threw the “that’s unfair” penalty flag. We insisted it was plenty late enough because we were ready for bed. The next morning we were all wondering how late he was going to go. It happened to be a rainy day so we didn’t see any reason to get him out of bed. However, I admit I was getting a little disgusted when I got home at 11:30 a.m. after running some errands and he was still asleep. In fact, he had not even moved an inch from when I left at 9. He was down and out, but I couldn’t let him sleep anymore. When I got him up, he took umbrage, which is exactly how he acts on school mornings. I congratulated him on setting a new house record for most sleep with 12-plus hours in one night. He wasn’t amused. He was tired. Later I got to thinking how incredible it must be to sleep that long without a care in the world. It’s a gift. Living a simple life without worries and stress is certainly one of the joys of being a kid.
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Page 49
Foundation’s Student Scholarship Deadline Nears Asset Allocation
Page 50
SALISBURY – More than $600,000 in scholarships are available for area students through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. The foundation, which awarded 400 scholarships last year, has recently opened applications on their website, with many of the scholarships having an April 1 deadline. The foundation, which holds more than 190 scholarship funds, has steadily increased scholarships each year, growing the amount of scholarships awarded by $300,000 in just the past five years. “With the rising cost of education, scholarship funds are more important than ever to area students,” said Community Foundation President Erica Joseph. “The growth we have seen in the past five years is a testament to not only how vested our community is in education, but also to the impact made on these students’ lives.”
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Joseph explains the foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships, each with their own unique criteria. “Scholarship funds at CFES are a valuable resource for people who want to help local students,” she said. “They are created by individuals, families, or businesses that are passionate about encouraging an area of study, memorializing a loved one, or simply extending a helping hand, so there is a little something for everyone.” Some scholarships are based on the student’s prospective area of study, like The Richard and Patricia Hazel Minority Scholarship, which is for students who are interested in pursuing a career in education, STEM, or nursing. However, not every scholarship is for graduating seniors or four-year college students. “We are seeing an increased interest in scholarships for non-traditional
students and trade schools,” says Joseph. “For instance, the Naleppa Family Healthcare Scholarship focuses on students who have already been accepted into a healthcare education program, such as a two-year nursing program, whereas the Beattie Healthcare Careers Scholarship is for students who have already begun their undergraduate study in a healthcare field.” The foundation also sees many organizations and businesses creating scholarships as a way of giving back to the communities they do business in. One of the foundation’s newest funds includes the Cato, Inc. Scholarship which assists employees of the business and their family members with the cost of education at two and four-year programs. For a full list of scholarships, criteria, and applications, visit CFES.org/scholarships.
March 6, 2020
Wealth Of Knowledge
Unique For All
BY GAGE LESTER
SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH
BERLIN – Asset allocation is the process of distributing investments among various asset classes (for example, stocks, bonds, and cash) and determining their proportions within a portfolio. Although asset allocation helps diffuse risk, it does not guarantee future results, ensure a profit or protect against loss. Stocks, bonds, cash and other asset classes make up the essential building blocks of a well-diversified portfolio. Each asset class offers a different level of risk and reward, which should be considered carefully before making an investment decision. When you purchase a stock, also known as an equity, you own a share of a corporation and participate in its future. Bonds can be thought of as an IOU that is issued when you loan money to a government or corporation. The issuer prom- GAGE LESTER ises to pay your money back in full plus an agreed-upon interest rate over a specified period of time. Cash and cash equivalents (CD’s, treasury bills, money market funds) are generally short-term IOUs. Stocks are the most volatile but offer the highest return of the three major asset classes. Bonds are in the middle and cash is the least volatile but offers the lowest return. Overtime, your asset allocation mix may change because certain assets perform well while others do not, thus changing the original balance proportion. Rebalancing allows you to sell some of the overweight assets and buy some of the underweight assets to maintain a consistent allocation. When it comes to performance – asset class leadership changes frequently. Because a single asset class is rarely the best performer year after year, diversification may help your portfolio weather the financial market’s ups and downs. A well-diversified portfolio may allow investors to mitigate some of the risks associated with investing. By investing a portion of a portfolio in a number of different asset classes, portfolio volatility may be reduced. While a 100% stock portfolio has outperformed a 100% bond portfolio in the long term, it has not been the top performer each and every year. A good first step in determining the right investment mix is to speak with your financial advisor. When working with him or her to decide where to invest your money, consider items such as your financial goal, time horizon, and how much risk you are comfortable with. (The writer is part of the Key Financial Services team, which can be reached at 410-629-0357.)
Community
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 51
News In Photos
The Republican Women of Worcester County held its February luncheon meeting at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. The guest speaker was Corine Frank, executive director of the Maryland Republican Party. Pictured, from left, are Beth Rodier, president RWWC; Frank; and Sandy Zitzer, first vice president RWWC.
The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce kicked off 2020 with the first Business After Hours of the year. The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation (QRCF), the chamber’s charitable arm, presented two large donations at the event. The Fire & Ice “Out of this World” Festival raised $7,839.50 for the new Nemours A.I. duPont Pediatrics & SeniorCare, Sussex Campus, above. The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays was presented a check from the QRCF’s Caribbean Christmas for $8,000. Submitted Photos
The Republican Women of Worcester County present a check for $400 to Diakonia to support efforts in providing emergency and transitional housing and counseling and assistance to its guests. Pictured, receiving the check is Bee Miller, executive director of Diakonia on the left, and Vera Beck, RWWC chair for Caring for America.
Atlantic Dental recently celebrated the 25-year anniversary for Judy Tremellen and Patricia Kernan’s retirement at Seacrets Distillery and Restaurant. Atlantic Dental is thankful for both of the ladies’ hard work and dedication to the workplace and the community.
At the club’s recent meeting, Ocean City Lions President John Topher presented a donation to Katie Rimel and Eric Rimel for Camp Possibilities, a camp designed for youth with diabetes.
Page 52
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28TH/127TH ST. PiT & Pub 410-289-2020 443-664-7482 28TH ST. & COaSTal HWy. 127TH ST. & COaSTal HWy. Wednesdays: DJ Wax (28th St.) aTlaNTiC HOTel 410-641-3589 2 NOrTH maiN ST., berliN Mondays: Earl Beardsley Tuesdays: Bob Miller on Piano
buxy’S SalTy dOg/ dry dOCk 28 410-289-0973 28TH ST. & COaSTal HWy. Friday, March 6: Low Tide Lovers, 5 p.m. Monday, March 9: DJ Wax, 3 p.m. ClariON HOTel 410-524-3535 10100 COaSTal HWy. Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, March 6 & 7: New Censation Fridays & Saturday: DJ Dusty
CrabCake FaCTOry baySide 302-988-5000 rT. 54, FeNWiCk iSlaNd, de Friday, March 6: Darin Engh Wednesday, March 11: Chris Button
OTTO gruNdmaN Crabcake Factory: Thursdays
bryaN Clark Fager’s island: monday, march 9
dj duSTy Clarion/Ocean Club: every Friday & Saturday
blake Haley Hooters: Saturday, march 7 greene Turtle West: Tuesdays
dariN eNgH Crabcake Factory bayside: Friday, march 6
dj TuFF Seacrets Friday, march 6
Fager’S iSlaNd 410-524-5500 60TH ST. iN THe bay Friday, March 6: DJ Greg, DJ Hector Saturday, March 7: Jumper, DJ Hook Monday, March 9: Bryan Clark greeNe TurTle NOrTH 410-723-2120 11601 COaSTal HWy. Friday, March 6: Lauren Glick Duo, 4-7 p.m., DJ Wax, 10 p.m. Saturday, March 7: The Bills, 10 p.m.
greeNe TurTle WeST 410-213-1500 rTe. 611, WeST OC Tuesdays: Bingo w/Blake Haley Friday, March 6: W.A.C.K. Sundays: Trivia w/DJ Bigler
HarbOrSide 410-213-1846 South Harbor road, West OC Fridays: DJ Billy T, 4 p.m. Saturday March 7:
dj billy T Harborside: Fridays & Saturdays
dj bigler greene Turtle West: Sundays Hooters: Tuesdays
beaTS by jeremy Pickles Pub: Fridays & mondays
beaTS by Wax greene Turtle North: Friday, march 6 dry dock 28: monday, march 9 28th St. Pit & Pub: Wednesdays Pickles Pub: Thursdays
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 53
Who’s Where When The Dunehounds, 2 p.m., DJ Billy T, 9 p.m. Sundays & Thursdays: Opposite Directions Wednesday, March 11: Dust N Bones, 6 p.m.
NEW CENSATION Clarion/Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, March 6 & 7
JUMPER Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 7
HARPOON HANNA’S 302-539-3095 RT. 54 & THE BAY, FENWICK ISLAND, DE Friday, March 6: Dave Hawkins, Tranzfusion Saturday, March 7: Dave Sherman, Glass Onion Thursday, March 12: Kevin Poole HOOTERS 410-213-1841 12513 OCEAN GATEWAY, RTE. 50, WEST OC Saturday, March 7: Blake Haley Sunday, March 8: Skid Lid
LAUREN GLICK DUO Greene Turtle North: Friday, March 6
THE DUNEHOUNDS Harborside: Saturday, March 7, 2 p.m. Pickles Pub: Saturday, March 7, 10 p.m.
LOW TIDE LOVERS Dry Dock 28: Friday, March 6
TRANZFUSION Harpoon Hanna’s: Friday, March 6
JOHNNY’S PIZZA & PUB 410-723-5600 RT. 54, FENWICK ISLAND, DE Wednesdays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8TH ST. & PHILADELPHIA AVE. Friday, March 6: Beats By Jeremy Saturday, March 7: The Dunehounds Sunday, March 8: Side Project Mondays: Karaoke W/ Jeremy Wednesdays & Sundays: Beats By Skyler Thursdays: Beats By Wax SMITTY MCGEE’S 302-436-4716 37234 LIGHTHOUSE RD., WEST FENWICK IRELAND, DE Thursdays & Fridays: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sundays & Thursdays
W.A.C.K. Greene Turtle West: Friday, March 6
“Your Friends At The Beach”
$ 00
1 OFF
Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-20 • MCD
Resort Property Management
DCMA PCAM® AMS® CMCA Certified MHIC #68055
410-213-7144
•Administrative Management •Financial Management •Building Maintenance Service •Custodial Services •Pool Services •24-Hour Emergency Service 9923 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Suite D-6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 Steve@OceanPointLtd.com • www.OceanPointLtd.com
SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49TH ST. & COASTAL HWY. Friday, March 6: DJ Tuff, High Five Swan Dive Saturday, March 7: Full Circle, Crash The Party, DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz
15% OFF
Cheers!
Any Case Of Wine
Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-20 • MCD
10% OFF
750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-20 • MCD
BEER • WINE • SODA Open 7 Days A Week Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Gas • Ice Cigarettes 410-641-2366 • Main St. & Old O.C. Blvd., Berlin, Md.
Page 54
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Horoscopes
March 6, 2020
ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Change is still dominant for Rams and Ewes, both in the workplace and their private lives. This is also a good time to look at a possible relocation if that has been one of your goals. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Doing things for others is what you do well. But don't forget that Bovines thrive on the arts, so make some time for yourself to indulge your passion for music and artistic expressions. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): While the Romantic Twin considers where to go for his or her upcoming vacation, the Practical Twin will start making travel plans now to take advantage of some great bargains. CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Your sensitive nature helps you deal with a difficult emotional situation. Be patient and continue to show your sincere support wherever (and for whomever) it is needed. LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): You're making progress as you move through some unfamiliar territory. And while there might be a misstep or two along the way, overall you're heading in the right direction. Good luck. VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Some good news arrives -- and just in time to remind you that you're making progress. Perhaps things aren't moving as quickly as you'd prefer, but they're moving nevertheless. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): This is a good week to step back and assess the facts that have recently emerged to see where they can be used to your advantage. Also, don't hesitate to make changes where necessary. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): You should begin to experience some support from those who now agree with your point of view. This should help counter the remaining objections from die-hard skeptics. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Don't let your aim be deflected by trivial matters as you try to resolve a confusing situation. Take time to find and thoroughly assess the facts before making any decision. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): The possibility of moving to another location has come up. But before you dismiss it as unworkable, it's worth checking out just in case it does have some merit after all. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): New relationships -- personal or workrelated -- show mixed signals. Best to assume nothing. Let things play themselves out until you have something substantive to work with. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Your ability to make needed changes without causing too much, if any, negative ripple effect comes in handy when dealing with a sensitive matter either on the job or in the family. BORN THIS WEEK: Although you like things to go smoothly, you're not shy about making waves when you believe the situation calls for it. Š 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
March 6, 2020
Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5:30-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy life-style. 410-641-0157.
Every Monday: Delmarva Chorus Meeting 7 p.m. Ocean Pines Community Center. Wo-men of all ages invited to sing with the group. 410-641-6876.
Second Monday Of Month: Ocean Pines Camera Club 7 p.m. Ocean Pines branch library. Monthly get-together to share photos, tips, programs. Group goes on a photo shoot the Saturday following meeting and hosts a hands-on workshop the last Thursday of each month. Professional and amateur photographers and new members welcome. Meets second Monday of each month.
Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting 5:30-7 p.m. Worcester County Health Center, 9730 Healthway Dr., Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support and educational group promoting weight loss and healthy lifestyle. jeanduck47@gmail.com.
Second Tuesday of Month: Eastern Shore Stamp Club Meeting 6 p.m. Salisbury branch, Wicomico County Library. Meetings held in basement.
Every Wednesday: Delmarva Hand Dance Club Dance To Sounds of ’50s And ’60s Music 5:30-9 p.m. Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. $5 donation per person to benefit veterans and local charities in the Delmarva region. Members and guests welcome. dance@delmarvahanddaning.com or http://delmarvahanddancing.com. 410-208-1151.
Every Wednesday: Rotary Club The Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club meets Wednesdays on a weekly basis at the Residence Inn in Ocean City at 6 p.m.
Second Wednesday: Polish American Club Of Delmarva Meeting 2-4 p.m. Columbus Hall. Anyone of Polish or Slavic descent is welcome. No meetings June, July, August. 410-723-2639 or 410250-2548.
Every Thursday: Beach Singles 45 Plus, happy hour 4-7 p.m., Harpoon Hanna’s, 39064 Harpoon Rd., Fenwick Island, DE. 302-436-9577, 410-524-0649, beachsingles.org. Second Thursday: Ocean Pines Garden Club 10 a.m. Ocean Pines Community Center. Visitors and new members welcome.
Every Friday: Knights Of Columbus #9053 Bingo Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo at 6:30 p.m. 9901 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City. Possible to win the $1,000 big jackpot each week. 410-524-7994.
Every Friday: FORGE Contemporary Youth And Family Ministry 6:30-8:30 p.m. FORGE Center, 7804 Gumboro Rd., Pittsville. Designed for kids ages 5-65, the program provides a meal, music, games, activities and a life lesson that can be of use to anyone. Christian-based program but does not require the practice of
Things To Do The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
faith to attend. 443-366-2813.
First Saturday Of Month: Writers Group 10 a.m.-noon. Berlin branch, Worcester County Library. Anyone interested in writing is invited to join the group and share a story, poem or essay or just come and enjoy listening to others. This is a free activity. New members are always welcome. The group is comprised of amateur as well as professional, published writers willing to share their knowledge and offer tips on being creative with words. March 5-8: OC Film Festival Tickets are available for the fourth annual event showcasing 100 films by regional and international filmmakers at venues throughout Ocean City. Tickets on sale through Eventbrite.com.
March 7: Quarter Auction Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary will host at the OCVFC headquarters on 14th Street. Doors open 5 p.m. with auction at 6 p.m. Tickets $5 in advance or $7 at door. For tickets, call Kathy Kaluzienski 202-256-9868 or Breanda Parker 443-235-7693.
March 7: Finnegan’s Wake The 8th Annual Finnegan’s Wake will be held at Seacrets, 5-9 p.m., to benefit Friends of the Worcester County Developmental Center. March 7: Fried Chicken Buffet All-you-can-eat style at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Willards from 11 a.m.-until. Adults, $14; children, $7; and under 6 eat free. Bake table and carryouts.
March 11: Relay For Life Meeting American Cancer Society Realty For Life of North Worcester County team meeting will be held 6-7 p.m. at the Berlin Fire Company Conference Center. RSVP to jessiewolfe@hotmail.com March 12: AARP Meeting The local Ocean City AARP chapter will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City Senior Center. Arrive at 9:30 a.m. for social half hour and refreshments.
March 12-15, 19-22 and 26-29: Ice Skating Berlin Fire Company will host the county’s synthetic ice skating rink on Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.; Fridays, 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.9 p.m.; and Sundays, 1-7 p.m. Bottled water and snacks available. Cost is $5 to skate. March 13: Ham, Cabbage Dinner Powellville United Methodist Church will host 4:30-6 p.m. Eat-in or carryout for $10.
March 14: Spring Ring Festival Handbell ringers from ensembles across Sussex County and Eastern Shore of Maryland will present at Epworth United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Concert is open to the public. Sponsored by Capital Ringers and Epworth United Methodist Church. A love offering will be taken with all donations to Jusst Sooup, a charity dedicated to feeding the hungry and homeless in Sussex County. March 21: Steak Dinner American Legion Post 123, Boggs-Disharoon Squadron 123 and Sons of the American Legion hosting 4-7 p.m. in Berlin.
March 21: Chili Cookoff Abate of Delaware’s 12th Annual Sussex
Page 55 County Chili Cookoff will be held from noon4 p.m. at the Sussex Moose Lodge. Admission fee. Voting begins at 3 p.m. Door prizes every hour.
March 21: Spring Festival Powellville United Methodist Church will hold 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with oyster fritter, chicken salad and BBQ pork sandwiches, hot dogs, homemade soups and bake table items. Eat in or carryout.
March 26: Carrabba’s Dinner The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a Carrabba's Dinner for dine-in or carry-out. 5-7 p.m. Main Station. The menu is Chicken Bryan, penne pasta, broccoli, Caesar salad, brownie and a drink for $14. Preorders encouraged by calling 619-922-9950.
March 26: Card, Game Party The Republican Women of Worcester County will host an afternoon of fun, games and lunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Bayside Skillet. Cost is $30 per person. Make reservation by calling Susan Ostrowski 717-448-1741 or email posoem@icloud.com.
March 28: Church Luncheon Powellville Volunteer Fire Company will host a luncheon with soups, oyster sandwiches, chicken salad, hamburgers and hot dogs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., benefitting Friendship Methodist Church. Bake table available.
March 28: Mini Book Sale From 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library will offer at the library a mini “special category” book sale, featuring cookbooks, children’s books and coffee table books only. Cost of the books will be $2 or less.
April 1: Taste Of Finer Things Join Coastal Hospice for a charitable evening of fine food and wine from 17 local chefs while overlooking the Ocean City Inlet at sunset from Harrison’s Harborwatch. Reservations are $100 per person and include food and wine pairings and live music from Lauren Glick. www.coastalhospice.org/taste
The Dispatch Classifieds
Page 56
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)
NOW HIRING CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE
DYLAN’S LAWN CARE: Exp. grass cutting & landscaping. Call 443-944-3559. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUMMER CLEANERS: Now hiring Summer cleaners for 2 condo’s. 2x wk or more, min. Must be dependale & have own trans. 267-254-0111. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MAINTENANCE PERSON: Fenwick Towers Condominium is look -ing for a PT Maintenance person 15 hrs per wk Perfect for the retiree Contact our office at 302539.6087. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GENERALS KITCHEN: Now hiring PT/FT Dishwasher. Call or apply within 410-723-0477. 6601 Coastal Highway, OC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FULL MOON SALOON: Now hiring FT,YR Exp. only Bartender, Servers, and All Kitchen Positions. YR, great salary! Apply within. Full Moon Saloon. 12702 OldBridge Rd,WOC ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– KITCHEN STAFF: Coins Pub now hiring All Positions, Full & PT. Apply within 2pm Thurs-Sun. 28th St & Coastal Hwy. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GO-CART SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC NEEDED: FT/YR. Call 410-289-4902 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DENTAL HYGENIST: Family friendly dental office seeking Registered Dental Hygienist. Please email resume to: dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have valid Driv. Lic. Reliable transportation to work. Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hy. 410-2131572. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Must be friendly & dependable FT/PT-Year Round Various shifts Competitive hourly wage Benefits available To Apply-go online www.petromg.com *Employment *Retail *OC MD *Cashier Wine Rack *Search *Cashier Sales Assoc.-Wine Rack Rt. 50 Wine Rack 12827 Ocean Gateway West OC, MD
SUPERVISORS Seeking seasonal Supervisors for the summer season. $18-$20 per hour. 30-40 hours per week. Supervise international summer students in folding linens. Must be physically fit and will be standing most of the day. Must be organized.
ASSISTANT MANAGER Seeking seasonal Assistant Manager for the summer season. $20 per hour. 30-40 hours per week. Saturdays are mandatory. Office position.
DRIVER Seeking seasonal Delivery Drivers for the summer season. $15-$18 per hour. 10-20 hours per week. Will have summer student as an assistant during deliveries. Must be physically fit and able to lift 30 lbs. Saturdays are mandatory. 302-539-6244 randy@galeforceinc.com.
Executive Director Announcement The Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director. Ideal candidates will have chamber or association management experience and should hold a BS/BA in Business Administration or Management. Must possess strong financial management and computer skills, and excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing. Candidates should exhibit strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Ability to effectively lead and influence others in a confident, positive, and results-oriented manner. Salary commensurate with experience. Submit resume and cover letter to: ED Search Committee 12320 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Maryland 21842 or email melanie@oceancity.org Resumes will be accepted until the positions is filled.
14 ATLANTIC AVE, OCEAN VIEW DE 19970
MAINTENANCE
Fenwick Towers Condominium is looking for a Part Time Maintenance person 15 hrs per wk Perfect for the retiree! Contact our office at 302.539.6087
Now Hiring for All Locations:
•Hostess •Bartender •Server •Bus/Runner •Kitchen •Dishwasher •Floor Manager •General Manager Benefits Package. Competitive Pay. 401K. Submit all inquiries to
NOW HIRING
tom@irseafood.com
For The Best Job in Town
FLOOR MANAGER Positions Available
Salary, Health Insurance, and Profit Sharing for the Right Candidate! Please Email cbozick@mackys.com for Details!
54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565
PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10
CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811
Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.
HELP WANTED
March 6, 2020
Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop
Come join the vacation linen rentals industry leader. We work and play hard! Join us for our end of season seafood festival and trip to Cape May!
Worcester County Health Department ACCOUNTANT I Full Time, State Benefits. Duties include preparation and management of budgets, internal auditing activities, cash collections, accounts payable, and/or internal control monitoring. This position may be frequently required to travel to all sites of the Worcester County Health Department. Evenings and weekends may be required. Background check required. APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by March 16, 2020. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminaon the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.
SECURITY/MAINTENANCE Memorial Day through Labor Day 7pm–3am, Wed–Sun For a local condo association. Applicant is required to perform security, light building maintenance, and property inspection.
Call 410-524-5781 Ext 16
Selbyville Goose Creek Fenwick Goose Creek Hiring for all positions. For Both Locations Apply Online www.mygcjob.com
SOMERSET JEWELERS,INC. NOW HIRING MATURE, RESPONSIBLE
YEAR ROUND
SALESPERSON Please call 443-880-3791
Come Join Our Winning Team!
ASSISTANT FRONT OFFICE MANAGER We are looking for a year round experienced Front Office candidate to assist in managing our Carousel Hotel Property Front Office. Must be able to work all shifts including weekends and holidays. Prior hotel supervisory experience required. Email resume to: jobs@carouselhotel.com or come in and complete an application at the front desk. We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check. Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE
NOW HIRING For The Best Job in Town
Sous Chef and Line Cook Floor Manager Positions Available
Salary, Health Insurance, and Profit Sharing for the Right Candidate! Please Email cbozick@mackys.com for Details!
54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565
Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop
The Dispatch Classifieds
March 6 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)
NOW HIRING!
Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ... We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!
We’re hiring in our OC, MD office.
Storm Shutter & Window Installers Local specialty contractor seeking individuals for our storm shutter division and window division. Experience in storm shutters, windows & doors, and garage doors is a plus, but training is available. Driver’s license and transportation required. Please forward resume to: paola@masterjackwindows.com. Applications available on site at 11935 Hammer Road, Bishopville, MD
LOW VOLTAGE SERVICE TECH Openings to start ASAP! Must have exp! Pay DOE www.arksysinc.com or call 410.995.1220 ask for HR
IND IA N RIVER MA RINA NOW H IRING !
FREE EMPLOYEE MEALS AND EXCELLENT BENEFITS! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V
WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AIDE Duties include conducting water quality analysis at public swimming pools/spas in Ocean City, Maryland. Some evening and weekend work a possibility. Applicant must be a high school graduate or possess a GED. Valid driver’s license required. Pool Operator Certification preferred. Background check is required. Please send resume and cover letter by March 13, 2020 to Bart Dorsch, 13070 St. Martin's Neck Bishopville, MD 21813, e-mail bart.dorsch@maryland.gov or fax to 410-352-3369 Resumes will also be accepted at the March 4, 2020 Job Fair at Salisbury University from Noon – 4:00 p.m. in the Maggs Gym. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.
NOW HIRING AWESOME PEOPLE
•ALL KITCHEN POSITIONS •HOST/HOSTESS •SERVERS •BUSSERS •BARTENDER APPLY IN PERSON IN THE
We are a full tire & Service Center that has been in business for 36 years. We have a clean, completely remodeled work environment with State of the Art equipment. We are now hiring for:
We have locations in Ocean Pines, Long Neck and Clarksville. Exc. Pay & Benefits! 302-228-2353
Please apply in person. Greene Turtle West, Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500
REAL ESTATE SETTLEMENT PROCESSOR Ocean City law firm has a position for a Real Estate Settlement Processor. Experience with the Title Express Program preferred but not required. Monday through Friday 9:00 to 4:30. Salary will be based upon qualifications. To apply, please send resume to Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, LLP 3509 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842
TECHNICIANS
Now accepting applications for the following positions:
FRONT DESK ASSOCIATE FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR EVENING/OVERNIGHT HOUSEPERSON Seasonal with year-round potential!
Apply in person or email resume to duran.showell@marriott.com No phone calls, please All candidates must go through a satisfactory background check. 2 15th Street, Ocean City, Maryland
www.courtyardoceancity.com
YR, FT
•BARBACK •FOOD RUNNER
- Service Advisers We offer many benefits including company matched retirement plan, health insurance reimbursement, employee discounts and more!!!!!
for:
410-723-5565
W
NO
- Technicians
11am-2pm
54th ST OCMD
G!
IN HIR
(Earn up to $34/per hour)
(Starting Feb. 15th)
Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop
For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE
AUTOMOTIVE POSITIONS TOP PAY & BENEFITS
EVERY SAT & SUN
Come by and join our 2020 family!
•RAMP ATTENDANT •CUSTODIAL/GROUNDS •FUEL DOCK •BOATYARD
OF FENWICK
Holding open interviews
•SERVERS •HOSTS •BUS STAFF •KITCHEN STAFF •SECURITY
PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10
CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811
Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.
Year Round - Full/Part Time ~NIGHT AUDITOR ~FRONT DESK ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~AM HOSTESS ~SERVER
Page 57
Peninsula Irrigation, Inc. is expanding &currently seeking exp. installation & service technicians. Exp. pref., but will train right person. Must be self-motivated, have drivers license & transportation.
Call 410-352-5252
Assawoman Ale Shoppe Hiring for all positions. Apply within store. 52nd Street, Bayside, OC.
Ride the B in OC!
The Dispatch Classifieds
Page 58
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)
RENTALS
WEEKLY RENTALS Pool Front Room $199 Family Room $235 2 BR Apartment $315. 3 BR Suite $400.
410-289-8581 SEASONAL BAYSIDE RENTAL, Sleeps 4-6, 2BR 2BA W/D/ fully furn. 13,500. +sec.dep & util's Call Mike 410-603-6120 avail May-Sept 12th www.mbjcproperties.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR, 1.5BA, newly renovated. Available May 10th-Sept 10th. Special Student Rate: $13,500 for season. $2000 sec. dep. 312 Sunset. Call 410-428-7333 www.sunsetterracerentals.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR BRAND NEW 4BR/3.5BA Villa in West Fenwick. Maintenace Free. Community Pool. Water View. Many Amenities. $1950/month. Call Frank 443-286-7467. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
REAL ESTATE
Walk Smart ... Drive Smart
FARM LAND WANTED In search of 1/4 to 1/2 acre to borrow or rent. Married couple in 30s for a market farm. Call Matthew 443-735-4575
ROOMMATES WOC SEASONAL ROOMMATE: Prof. person seeking RM. Priv. gated. comm. w/ammenities. Priv. upstairs, BR, BA,& sitting rm. 410251-6977. $1,000/mo. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER ROOM FOR RENT: $600 for ea month March & April. Summer Rental May 1-Sept 1. $3,500 per person + sec. dep. & elec. 4 spots available. 443-610-4665. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
COMMERCIAL OFFICE/WAREHOUSE: 2,000 Sq. ft. Office/Wareouse space available. West Fenwick, Rt. 54. $1,600 mo. Call 302-519-2553. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
HANDYMAN SPECIALIST: General maintenance of all types, All powerwashing. Build/Stain/PWash Decks. Drywall repair. Painting. Property Management. Call for any other odd jobs! Joe 443-610-4644. –––––––––––––––––––––––––-–
FOR SALE FIREWOOD: Seasoned, split hardwood. $150/cord + delivery. 410-726-2887. Please lv. message –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Looking Everywhere?
Check Here First!
•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545 Upcoming Yard Sale? The Dispatchis the best way to get the word out! Print & Online
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Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard. NORTH OC: Spacious 4BR, 2BA. Unfurn. Lrg. Kitch., LR, florida Rm. New Appl’s. On water. $1600 per mo. + util.’s No pets. 443-856-5693 (text only) or 718-986-7382. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FURNISHED WINTER RENTALS Feb-April. 2BR, 1BA Bayshore Drive $700 per mo. 3BR, 2BA Jamestown Road $900 per mo. Tenant pays elec. & cable. 410-202-2632. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEEKLY RENTAL: 4BR, 2 1/2BA. Fully furnished. W/D, Pool, Tennis court. Quiet community. 7 miles from the beach. $2,500 per wk. Call Mike for details. 410-877-3894. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
March 6, 2020
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
of GEORGE INGEBRIGTSEN, who died on DECEMBER 19, 2019, with a will.
ESTATE NO. 18195
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 AU-
To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE INGEBRIGTSEN, ESTATE NO. 18195. Notice is given that JOSHUA LANIER, 10503 CASH ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, FEBRUARY 18, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate
GUST, 2020.
decedent's death; or
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:
(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 unen-
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the
forceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 21, 2020 JOSHUA LANIER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for
The Dispatch
March 6, 2020
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inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.
Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 2-21, 2-28, 3-06
SECOND INSERTION THOMAS K. COATES ESQ COATES,COATES & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21843 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18181 To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA A. LONDON, ESTATE NO. 18181. Notice is given that MARK LONDON, 21 E. 87TH STREET, 6D, NEW YORK, NY 11028, was on, FEBRUARY 11, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA A. LONDON, who died on JUNE 24, 2019, 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 11th day of AUGUST, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before
Legal Notices
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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 28, 2020 MARK LONDON 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 2-28, 3-06, 3-13
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18202 To all persons interested in the estate of EDNA M. BOWDEN, ESTATE NO. 18202. N o t i c e is given that VIRGINIA BOWDEN, 102 ANN DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, FEBRUARY 24, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EDNA M. BOWDEN, who died on JANUARY 18, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of AUGUST, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers
to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 06, 2020 VIRGINIA BOWDEN 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 3-06, 3-13, 3-20
FIRST INSERTION LESLIE CASE DIPIETRO, ESQ. PROCINO-WELLS & WOODLAND, LLC 616 WILLIAM STREET BERLIN, MD 21811 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18172 To all persons interested in the estate of ELIZABETH S. MAKOWSKE, AKA: LIBBY MAKOWSKE. Notice is given that RAYMOND T. MAKOWSKE, JR. , was on FEBRUARY 28, 2020, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: ELIZABETH S. MAKOWSKE, who died on JULY 08, 2019, 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 No-
tice. 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 claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 06, 2020 RAYMOND T. MAKOWSKE, JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 3-06
FIRST INSERTION SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18186 To all persons interested in the estate of EDITH M. LAYMAN. Notice is given that CYNTHIA M. HASPEL, 13 ALEXANDER COURT, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on FEBRUARY 27, 2020, appointed Personal Represen-
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tative of the SMALL ESTATE of: EDITH M. LAYMAN, who died on JANUARY 15, 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 appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 06, 2020 CYNTHIA M. HASPEL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 3-06
FIRST INSERTION LANDSMAN LAW GROUP HELEN M. WHELAN, ESQ. 200-A MONROE STREET
SUITE 110 ROCKVILLE, MD 20850 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18208 Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT of FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA, appointed ANNE M. AGUILERA, 1624 DEMPSEY STREET, MCLEAN, VA 22101, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of WILLIAM S. KREMIDAS, who died on OCTOBER 29, 2019, domiciled in VIRGINIA USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is HELEN M. WHELAN, whose address is 200-A MONROE STREET, SUITE 110, ROCKVILLE, MD 20850. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or 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. 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 06, 2020 ANNE M. AGUILERA 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 3-06, 3-13, 3-20
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WeSt OCeaN City-BerliN-OCeaN PiNeS aSSateague DiNer rte. 611 & Sunset ave., West Ocean City 443-664-8158 www.assateaguedinerandbar.com Inspired by a classic diner culture, this new hotspot offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu here features classic comfort foods prepared and executed with a modern coastal trust. Be sure to check out the exceptional coffee program and the Westside Bar within features delicious craft cocktails throughout the day.
BlaCKSmitH reStauraNt & Bar 104 Pitts St., Berlin • 410-973-2102 Located in the heart of America’s Coolest Small Town, Berlin, Md., Blacksmith has established itself as one the area’s most loved dining and drinking destinations for foodies and wine, spirt and craft beer enthusiasts. Chef owned and locally sourced, Blacksmith keeps the main focus on Eastern Shore tradition. Everything here is homemade and handmade. Cakes and baked goods are delivered daily from down the street. Cozy and modern, traditional and on trend; Blacksmith has risen to the ranks of the area’s finest casual eating and drinking establishments. Visit and see why folks from Baltimore, D.C., Chincoteague and locals alike think Blacksmith is worth the trip. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. for lunch, dinner and bar snacks. Closed Sunday. BreaKfaSt Cafe Of OCeaN City 12736 Ocean gateway, West Ocean City 410-213-1804 Open 7 days a week between Sunsations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family owned for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice atmosphere makes a meal. I like to think we have many “House Specialties” which include our Crab Omelet, real crab meat, cheddar cheese and mushrooms, our Sunfest Omelet, Swiss cheese, ham and mushrooms; Cafe or French Sampler, pancakes or French toast, with eggs, bacon and sausage. Homemade creamed chip-ped beef on toast and sausage gravy on biscuits with browned potato home fries, with onion, excellent cheesesteak subs and fries and more! We use Rapa Scrapple fried on the grill the way you like it for all our breakfasts, sandwiches and sides. Summer hours, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Come enjoy! CariBBeaN jOe’S Bar & grille 12614 Ocean gateway Next to alamo Hotel 443-664-8509 Completely renovated and under new ownership, we are proudly located at the first ever motel in Ocean City, “The Alamo.” You truly will not believe what we’ve done! Thursday we have fresh 1/2-lb. burgers served on a delicious Hawaiian Roll for only $5. Wash it down with a natural light for only $1. We also have tender pulled-pork sandwiches and unique chicken salad to die for. We’re open 7 days a week when the season kicks in. Come see our Caribbean atmosphere, 7 flat-screen TVs and the coolest pool bar in Ocean City. CraB alley golf Course rd., West Ocean City Head Of Commercial fishing Harbor 410-213-7800 • www.craballey.com Just close enough to be out of the way-located at the head of the commercial fishing harbor in West
Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Ocean City, Crab Alley has it all! Spectacular view, casual and fun atmosphere, super service and mouth-watering food combine to make “The Alley” a true locals’ favorite. Enjoy our light fare and full menu of unbelievably fresh seafood, chicken and steaks indoors or on our upper deck. We offer appetizers, sandwiches and a children’s menu too. Our name says it all -”crack’em and attack ‘em”. Big Fat Crabs both by the dozen and all you can enjoy specials. Check out our website for our fantastic happy hour food and drink specials or find us on Facebook. Having a special affair? We can handle your group, large party or special occasion. Make Crab Alley your first stop!
DumSer’S DairylaND West Ocean City, Boardwalk locations, 501 S. Philadelphia ave., 49th St. & 123rd St. www.dumsersdairyland.com This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.'s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser's is celebrating 80 years of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats. You’ll find an impressive array of kid-favorites, along with fried chicken and seafood options, wraps, subs, sandwiches, salads and sides like sweet potato fries and mac-and-cheese wedges.
fOx’S Pizza DeN 11328 Samuel Bowen Blvd., West Ocean City 410-600-1020 • www.foxpizzamd.com Enjoy a brand new, spacious dining room. Happy hour every day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with $5 food specials and awesome drink specials. Enjoy incredible weekly chef specials along with our extensive regular menu. Check out foxspizzamd.com for a list of our regular menu items.
full mOON SalOON 12702 Old Bridge rd., West Ocean City 443-664-5317 Locally owned and operated, this moderately priced casual restaurant/bar has freshly caught seafood, BBQ, and pork entrees, giant sandwiches as well as a variety of homemade soups. Locally we are known for our jumbo lump crab cakes, pork and beef BBQ, cream of crab soup, and 100% angus burgers as well as a variety of other sandwiches and entrees that are cooked with a local flair. Open daily at 11 a.m. for lunch and open until midnight. Sundays breakfast offered 8 a.m.-noon. Fifteen televisions and a big screen available for all sports events. greeNe turtle-WeSt rte. 611, West Ocean City • 410-213-1500 Visit Maryland’s No. 1 Sports Pub and Rest-aurant, the World-Famous Greene Turtle. Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The
RACETRACK AUTO SALES
WE PAY CASH!
Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out. Something for everyone! Voted best sports bar, wings and burgers in West OC. Great happy hour and plenty of parking.
HarBOrSiDe Bar & grill South Harbor road • 410-213-1846 They take their mantra, “Where You Always Get Your Money’s Worth,” seriously here with daily food and drink specials during happy hour as you watch the boats come in from a day offshore. Delicious daily chef specials are always worth a try or stay with any of the house favorites, such as the calamari and ahi bruschetta for appetizers or any of the homemade tacos and fresh off the dock seafood selections as sandwiches or entrees. It’s the home of the original fresh-squeezed orange crush, of course. HOOterS reStauraNt rt. 50 & Keyser Point rd., West Ocean City 410-213-1841 • www.hootersofoc.com New mouthwatering smoked wings with half the calories. Traditional wings and boneless wings with 12 sauce selections. Burgers, quesadillas, tacos, and healthy salads. Extensive seafood selections with raw bar and Alaskan crab legs. Children's menu and game room. Apparel and souvenir shop. Sports packages on a ton of TVs and live entertainment. Wingfest every Tuesday from 6 to 8 with 50 cent wings. And of course, the world famous Hooters Girls. Large parties welcome. Call for private party planning. ligHtHOuSe SOuND St. martin’s Neck rd. • 410-352-5250 Enjoy the best views of Ocean City at the newly renovated, Lighthouse Sound. Come relax and dine overlooking the bay and the beautiful Ocean City skyline. Savor entrees such as local rockfish, tempurabattered soft shell crabs, char-grilled filet mignon and jumbo lump crabcakes. Open to the public, we serve Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. One mile west of Ocean City, Md., just off Route 90 on St. Martin’s Neck Road. Reservations recommended. rutH’S CHriS Within the glenriddle Community 410-213-9444 • www.ruthschris.com Ruth’s Chris specializes in the finest custom-aged Midwestern beef. We broil it exactly the way you like it at 1,800 degrees to lock in the corn-fed flavor. Then we serve your steak sizzling on a heated plate so that it stays hot throughout your meal. Many of our recipes were developed by Ruth, favorites such as shrimp Remoulade, Crabtini and Ruth’s chop salad. Located five miles west of Ocean City in the GlenRiddle Golf clubhouse. Extensive wine list. Reservations recommended. tHe SHarK ON tHe HarBOr 12924 Sunset ave., West Ocean City 410-213-0924 • ocshark.com We make real food from scratch. We believe that great food and healthful ingredients are not mutually exclusive of each other. Featuring local organic
March 6, 2020 produce and seafood. All natural products – clear of preservatives and antibiotics. Whole grains and whole foods are used in the preparation of our menu – which our chefs write twice daily, based on what's fresh, available and delicious. Fresh. Local. Organic. Taste the difference. Open Daily Year Round, Monday through Saturday for Lunch & Dinner and Sundays for Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. Reservations suggested. iNlet tO 94tH Street
28tH St. Pit & PuB 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2020 • www.pitandpub.com Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub is known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy Hour daily, 3-6 p.m. Family friendly atmosphere. Weekend entertainment. 32 Palm 32nd St. Oceanside in the Hilton 410-289-2525 • www.32palm.com Executive Chef Rick Goodwin has introduced an exciting new menu. A favorite among many is the Bermuda Triangle, featuring cinnamon seared scallops finished with an ancho mango coulis along with house broiled crabcake with a sweet chili remoulade and finally, applewood smoked bacon wrapped around jumbo shrimp, grilled to perfection with jalapeno barbecue sauce. Other wonderfully delicious dishes cover the land and sea as well and each have a special touch that makes this restaurant unique among its peers. Children’s menu available. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 45tH Street taPHOuSe 45th St. & the Bay • 443-664-2201 At the newly remodeled 45th Street Taphouse, the best views of bayside Ocean City, MD are the backdrop where craft beer meets Maryland cuisine. This is vacation done right, all year long. Wash down a Crabby Pretzel or homemade crabcakes with one of our 35+ craft beers on tap, all made right here in the USA. Not feeling crabby? Pair your craft brew with our award-winning wings or even our brand new breakfast menu. Anyway it’s served, come get tapped with us.
BONfire 71st St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-524-7171 www.thebonfirerestaurant.com 150 ft. Seafood & Prime Rib Buffet. A famous Ocean City Restaurant for 37 years. It’s all here. The service, the atmosphere and the finest, freshest food available. Fresh seafood, snow crab legs, prime rib, BBQ ribs, raw oysters, raw clams, steamed shrimp, fish, homemade soups & salads. Decadent dessert selection – homemade donuts & bread pudding, soft serve ice cream with hot fudge topping and lots more! Large selection of children’s favorites – chicken tenders, hot dogs, burgers, macaroni & cheese and pizza. A la carte menu available featuring fresh cut steaks and seafood. Currently closed. Opening in February. Plenty of free parking. Buxy’S Salty DOg 28th St. • 410-289-0973 • www.buxys.com Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, piero-gis,egg-rolls and See Next Page
Come Join Us On Sunday
EVERY SUNDAY
We Buy Like-New And Used Cars, Trucks, Trailers
(410) 641-4600
8:30 a.m.: Fellowship In The He Brews Cafe
Stevenson United Methodist Church
123 North Main St., Berlin, Md. 410-641-1137 • www.stevensonchurch.org
9 a.m.: Blended Sunday Worship Service
9:30 a.m.: Children And Youth Sunday School
March 6, 2020
homemade crab dip. Don’t miss our daily specials.
COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 Great mid-town location offering a complete dinner menu, lunch and lite fare. Coins features the freshest seafood, shrimp, scallops, clams, fresh catch and lobster plus the best crab cake in Maryland, hand cut steaks cook-ed to your liking, succulent veal and chicken dishes. Also authentic pasta selections. Enjoy live entertainment and dancing in the lounge nightly. Happy hour daily 3-6 p.m. Casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Special kids menu. Lots of free parking. DRY 85 OC 12 48th St. • 443-664-8989 • dry85.com Steps from the beach. Gourmet "stick to your ribs" Lowcountry cuisine. A made-from-scratch kitchen with every sauce and every dressing hand crafted. It's that attention to detail that takes the concept of burgers, fries, ribs and wings and turns them completely on their head. Charcuterie boards. Late night bar. 120+ Whiskies. Craft beer. Artisanal craft cocktails. Seasonal outdoor seating. Named one of the Top 40 Whiskey Bars in America by Whiskey Advocate. DRY DOCK 28 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-289-0973 The new kid on the dining scene in Ocean City features eclectic pizzas, delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and hot steamers in a modern, nautical themed atmosphere. A beautiful boat bar is featured inside and features craft cocktails and brews. Outdoor seating is available. Carry out available and beer and wine to go. Live music is also offered in this kid-friendly establishment. EMBERS RESTAURANT 24th St. & Coastal Hwy. 410-289-3322 • www.embers.com The Embers is stepping it up again with their Famous All-You-Can-Eat Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet. New buffet selections from our Executive Chef and Sous Chef paired expertly with all the old favorites! Massive crab legs, large shrimp, crab cakes, and over 100 additional items including our Raw Bar, Steamed Clams, various fish selections and a continuous array of delicious surprises from the kitchen daily. The Embers also offers an excellent happy hour with some of the lowest drink prices and discounts on selected items from the buffet until 6 p.m. in our bar! Open Friday-Sunday at 4 p.m. Happy hour from 3-6 p.m. FAGER’S ISLAND RESTAURANT & BAR 201 60th St. On The Bay 410-524-5500 • www.fagers.com Fager’s Island is an award-winning popular bay-front restaurant where lunch is a forgivable habit, dinner an event and sunsets unforgettable. Lite fare lunch served from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m., famous raw bar, festive Sunday Jazz Brunch, 10 a.m.2 p.m. and children’s menu. Complete house wine list and award-winning proprietor’s list available upon request. Outdoor decks and bar. Nightly entertainment in-season, Friday-Saturday, off-season. Open every day, year-round. A Fun Place! GENERAL’S KITCHEN 66th St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-723-0477 Join us at our new bigger and better location. Everybody likes breakfast, but for too many it comes too early in the morning. Not so at this sunshine-happy delight. Breakfast is what it’s all about, from 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The menu is a breakfast lover’s dream. From juice, cereal and eggs, to corned beef hash, waffles, hot cakes,
Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
bacon, sausage, to the best creamed chipped beef on the coast (try it on french fries). This is definitely the place. House specialties: creamed chipped beef, O.C. No. 1 breakfast, own recipes.
HIGGINS CRAB HOUSE 31st St. & Coastal Hwy. • 410-289-2581 There is no doubt about it. Higgins offers traditional Eastern Shore favorites for the entire family to enjoy. Of course, the house special-ties include all-you-caneat crabs, crab legs, fried chicken, steamed shrimp and baby back ribs. In addition, there is a full menu offering a variety of delicious soups, appetizers and entrees. Open Friday at 2:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday at noon. North location reopens mid-March. JOHNNY'S PIZZA & SPORTS PUB 56th St. & Coastal Hwy. 410-723-5600 • www.johnnyspizzapub.com The Official Pizza of OC, Johnny's Pizza & Sports Pub serves families throughout Ocean City and its surrounding communities 365 days a year. Eat in, carry out or have it delivered right to your doorstep. Our comfortable dining room features ample seating for small groups or large parties and our speedy delivery service will deliver your hot, delicious pizza right to your home, hotel or condo for your added convenience. From steaming homemade pizzas to lightly tossed salads and fiery hot wings, we have something for everyone. Live entertainment every weekend all winter and live entertainment four nights in the summer. MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT 33rd St. in the DoubleTree Oceanfront 410-289-1201 • www.marlinmoonocmd.com Eat where the locals eat. Marlin Moon is back in town with the talented Executive Chef, Gary Beach, creating his legendary food magic. Marlin Moon combines an eclectic atmosphere of ocean views and a fresh vibe with creative seafood and steak dishes you won’t forget. Winner of the Maryland People’s Choice Award, Marlin Moon delivers the culinary combinations you’re craving and uses only locally sourced seafood, meats and vegetables. Some of the original classics, such as Mom’s Shrimp and Freddy’s Seafood Pasta, are back as well as a raw bar, small plate appetizers, fresh salads and entrees sure to satisfy any food mood. Open daily serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m.-11 p.m. RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th St. • 443-664-6801 • redredwinebar.com Steps from the beach. Fresh coastal cuisine with a focus on locally sourced seafood and hand tossed pizzas. Artisanal cheeseboards. 35+ Wines By the Glass. Full bar. Craft beer. Late night bar. Luxurious colors and custom built couches. Casual atmosphere. Seasonal outdoor seating. Named Best Wine and Beverage Program in Maryland by the Restaurant Association. PICKLES PUB 8th St., Ocean City • 410-289-4891 It’s pub food with a twist and a special emphasis put on quality and large portions. The big juicy
burgers and oven baked wedge sandwiches are locals’ favorites as are the pub wings (in a variety of styles) and tacos (choose from thai pulled pork, grilled chicken and blacked ahi avocado). There are numerous unique craft pizza options to choose from as well with the house favorite here being the blackened shrimp and arugula. SEACRETS • On The Bay At 49th St. 410-524-4900 • www.seacrets.com We are Jamaica USA! Serving our world famous jerk chicken, along with a full menu of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, salads, entrees, desserts and a children's menu. Enjoy happy hour drink prices until 7 p.m.and live entertainment in a tropical atmosphere. Please check our website www.seacrets.com for a complete list of live bands and daily food and drink specials or call 410-524-4900. Find us and get lost! 94TH ST. NORTH-FENWICK-BETHANY
CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th St. & the Beach • 410-524-1000 Reef 118 Oceanfront Restaurant located in the Carousel Hotel offers beautiful oceanfront dining in a casual atmosphere. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet or try one of our specialty omelets including lump crab and asparagus. Our menu offers a wide variety of Succulent Seafood along with steaks, pastas & ribs. $5.95 kids’ menu available. Stop by the Bamboo Lounge serving happy hour daily 4-6 p.m. with super drink prices and $4.95 food specials. Visit the Carousel and get served by the friendliest staff in OC! CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE Rt. 54, Selbyville, DE • 302-988-5000 Under new ownership but SAME award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys! Enjoy WATERFRONT dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily at 9 a.m. YEAR ROUND. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu. visit us online at crabcakefactory-online.com or on our Facebook page. Casual dress, full liquor bar, no reservations. GREENE TURTLE-NORTH 116th St. & Coastal Hwy • 410-723-2120 www.facebook.com/OriginalGreeneTurtle This is the Original Greene Turtle, an Ocean City Tradition, since 1976! A fun and friendly Sports Bar & Grille, where every seat is a great spot to watch sports with 50+ High Def. TVs up & downstairs! Menu favorites include homemade crab cakes, kids’ menu, salads, burgers, wings and more! Join them for weekday lunch specials 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and happy hour 3-7 p.m. Popular features are game room, gift shop, carry-out, party trays, nightly drink specials, MD Lottery-Keno, Powerball and DJs with dance floor. Something for everyone! Open 11 a.m-2 a.m., year-round.
Page 61 HARPOON HANNA’S RESTAURANT & BAR Rte. 54 & The Bay, Fenwick Island, DE www.harpoonhannasrestaurant.com 302-539-3095 No reservations required. Harpoon Hanna’s features a children’s menu & full bar. We are a casual waterfront restaurant serving lunch & dinner including fesh fish, seafood, steaks, sandwiches and allyou-can-eat Alaskan crab legs. Open year-round. HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT Located Inside The Clarion Resort 101st St., Ocean City • 410-524-3535 Horizons Oceanfront Restaurant is proud to have Chef Rob Sosnovich creating beach-inspired dishes in both our oceanfront restaurants, Horizons and Breaker’s Pub. Our new all day menu, available 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., features many of your favorites and some exciting new creations with a local flare – from Lite Bites to Big Bites and everything in between. Our deluxe Sunday breakfast buffet is open year-round and our “famous” all-you-can-eat prime rib, crab legs and seafood buffet is available most weekends throughout the year and daily in season. The Ocean Club Nightclub features top-40 dance music every weekend and nightly this summer. We’ve added some popular local bands to our lineup, so come join us “where the big kids play!” Lenny’s Beach Bar & Grill: enjoy surf, sun and live entertainment 7 days a week on the deck, from Memorial day through Labor Day during our afternoon beach parties. Enjoy something to eat or drink from our extensive menu. Try our “Bucket of Fun”, or a fresh “Orange Crush”–two of our favorites! LIGHTHOUSE SOUND RESTAURANT 12723 St. Martin’s Neck Road, Bishopville, MD • 410-641-1199 Join us for dinner tonight and enjoy the best views of Ocean City, overlooking the Assawoman Bay and the Ocean City skyline. We feature our signature crab cakes, sizzling steaks and fresh fish entrees. Join us for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch. Specializing in weddings and banquets. For more info visit www.lighthousesoundrestaurant.com or call 410-641-1199. NANTUCKETS Rte. 1, Fenwick Island • 302-539-2607 Celebrating our 30th season serving the beach great food and spirits. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty. There’s the memorable steaks, fresh seafood, famous quahog chowder and the chef’s daily specials, just to name a few. SMITTY MCGEE’S Rte. 54-West Fenwick Ireland 302-436-4716 • www.smittymcgees.com Smitty McGee’s is the place to be for fun. Best wings on the beach for 28 years and counting. Enjoy great food and drink specials in a casual atmosphere. Happy hour daily. Come enjoy the live entertainment Thursday and Friday. Full menu served unil 1 a.m. Banquet facilities available. Open seven days a week. We never close! SURF’S EDGE DELI & PIZZERIA 100 Coastal Hwy., Fenwick Island 302-537-5565 Best Salads award by Coastal Style 4 years in a row. Healthy, casual dining featuring home-made salads, fresh salads, subs, paninis, sandwiches and pizza. Open for lunch and dinner. Children’s menu, take-out and delivery available. We are currently closed. We will reopen in mid-April.
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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
OCEAN CITY vanishing
March 6, 2020
WITH BUNK MANN
On March 6-7, 1962, a devastating Nor’easter hit Ocean City causing the worst destruction in the town’s history. High tides and heavy rains brought flooding that covered the island and trapped many residents in their homes. The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company did heroic work making dozens of rescues. The Boardwalk was completely destroyed and hotels and apartment buildings filled with over five feet of sand along the oceanfront. Destruction in the unincorporated northern stretch of beach was even worse with some homes actually washed away. The National Guard was mobilized, and locals had to show proof of residency in order to re-enter the town. It has now been 58 years and no storm has yet to cause more damage than the famous March Storm of ’62. To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishinPhoto by Charlotte Parker goc.com.
March 6, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
March 6, 2020