March 8

The Dispatch March 8, 2019

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Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

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Dusk In OC: Although the sun sets over the bayside in Ocean City, the sky over the beach and ocean was equally beautiful on Monday.

Ocean City Parking Task Force Begins Process Without Any Paid Parking Plans

Merchants, Snow Hill Government At Odds Over Handling Of Toy Town Business

Busy Weekend In OC With Film Festival, Annual Home Show Among Big Events

Cutest Pet Of The Month

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

See Pages 12, 54 • Submitted Photo

See Page 8 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

The winner of last month’s contest was Aspen, a 9-week-old German shepherd puppy, owned by Jordan Schoen and Kim Larsen.

See Page 49 • Submitted Photo

Photo by Erik Dowell

INSIDE PAGES

Cops & Courts PAGE 24

Editorial PAGE 42

Sports

PAGE 46

Fatherhood PAGE 48

Things I Like

PAGE 51

Music

PAGE 52

Community

PAGE 55

Faces In Places PAGE 56

Things To Do PAGE 57

Business PAGE 58

People In Society PAGE 60

Classifieds PAGE 65

Crossword PAGE 70

Vanishing OC PAGE 70

Page 2

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SERVING DELMARVA FOR NEARLY 60 YEARS

March 8, 2019

March 8, 2019

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ocean City Task Force On Parking Begins Evaluation

March 8, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

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OCEAN CITY – The resort’s parking task force met for the first time this week to take a comprehensive look at all issues with assurances from officials there is no predisposed intent to explore an expansion of paid parking in Ocean City.

Along with noted consultant Dan Kupferman of Walker Consultants to lead the exercise, the task force includes Mayor Rick Meehan, a handful of councilmembers and department heads and a cross-section of business owners, property owners, community representatives and members of various other boards and commissions.

From the outset on Wednesday, Meehan reiterated the goal was not to make the jump to an expansion of paid parking in certain ocean-block areas, but rather to take a comprehensive look at all parking issues in the resort from one end of town to the other.

The concept of forming the task force was borne out of strategic planning sessions last year.

“When we discussed the strategic plan months ago, the issue of parking came up and it’s been an issue for many years,” he said. “This task force is meeting to take a broad look at parking in general. There is no pre-set agenda and until we have a recommendation from this committee, there will be no action taken.”

For his part, Kupferman, who has 20-plus years of experience in municipal parking solutions, was brought in to guide the task force discussions and essentially provide an extra set of eyes from the outside looking in on some of the issues facing Ocean City.

He was hand-picked by City Engineer Terry McGean to guide the task force through some of the parking issues because of his vast experience.

“Why am I here?” he said. “Usually when I’m called in, people aren’t happy about the parking for one reason or another.”

In the same breath, Kupferman said any town he has consulted with on parking solutions was doing so because they had supply and demand issues, which in some cases is a good problem to have.

“If you have a parking problem, that’s usually a good thing,” he said. “It means you have a vibrant community.

It means people want to come here.”

McGean presented an overview of the town’s current parking situation as a jumping-off point of sorts for the task force and the initial meeting. For example, McGean explained there were currently around 2,600 paid parking spaces in the resort including 1,270 at the Inlet lot, 727 more on the various SEE NEXT PAGE

… Mayor Cautions ‘No Pre-Set Agenda’ For New Group

March 8, 2019

FROM PAGE 4 municipal lots and about 569 paid onstreet parking spaces, mostly clustered in the downtown area.

Those paid parking spaces combined produced about $4.2 million in parking revenue in 2018. In addition, there are roughly 3,975 free on-street parking spaces in the ocean-block in Ocean City from one end of the town to the other. Again, while the intent of the task force is not to solely focus on expanding paid on-street parking, a point Meehan reiterated often during Wednesday’s meeting, it was certainly the 800-pound elephant in the room for some on the task force.

For the record, Meehan has said he does not support and will not support an expansion of paid on-street parking in the resort. He reiterated that statement when he named the task force members in February.

However, with the mayor not having a council vote and only holding veto power in certain circumstances, expanding paid on-street parking remains a possibility as the task force moves forward. It’s no secret adding paid parking meters in certain areas of the city has been debated in the recent past as a means to generate new revenue. Six years ago, the city explored adding paid parking meters in the ocean block at the north end of town near the Delaware line, much to chagrin of residents in those areas.

City officials backed down from that proposal amid backlash from some of the residents in the area.

Just last year during budget deliberations, the council directed staff to begin exploring metered parking on public streets in the ocean block from 11th Street to 33rd Street, a proposal which came with an expected annual revenue of around $600,000. In fact, a motion was made and ultimately passed to explore that option, with an amendment attached to form a parking task force, the make-up of which was announced last month.

While stopping short of coming out and saying they supported expanded paid on-street parking, some on the task force said they at least supported exploring the concept. For example, Council Secretary and task force member Mary Knight said expanded paid parking could shift some of the taxpayer burden to the visitors who use it.

“You look at this and see there are 4,000 free parking spaces,” she said.

“It takes around $659,000 a year to maintain those free spaces and the taxpayers are paying for that. We just need to see if there is another revenue source. The tourists should help pay for that and not just the taxpayer.”

Knight said revenue generated from expanded paid parking could help offSEE PAGE 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Council OKs Partial 48th Street Closure For Parade Party

Page 6

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – As expected, resort officials this week approved closing a section of 48th Street to accommodate a midtown business’s St. Patrick’s Day parade party after some late recommendations from the Ocean City Fire Marshal.

Several weeks ago, the owners of the Red Red Wine Bar in the Gateway Grand complex at 48th Street requested permission to close a portion of the street closest to Coastal Highway to accommodate a St. Patrick’s Day parade party. The Mayor and Council instructed the business operators to go back to the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners to seek permission to host the satellite party in a tent in a section of a parking lot adjacent to the public street in an effort to avoid closing the street.

However, the county board told the business operators the only way to accommodate the satellite parade day party is if the site was contiguous to the licensed premises, which necessitated closing a portion of 48th Street to the public during the event. The council appeared poised to approve the road closure during its meeting last week, but opted instead to get one more opinion from the Ocean City Fire Marshal on potential concerns.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The fire marshal made some recommendations, but had essentially signed off on the proposed closure as long as the travel portion of 48th Street remained clear of any obstacles and for the proposed motel barriers in the street to be replaced with traditional wooden sawhorse-style barriers that do not require any kind of special training to remove in the event of an emergency.

In addition, the fire marshal expressed a desire for the restaurant’s management and staff to develop an emergency plan in the event there was an issue. As a result, the restaurant owners assured the fire marshal and the town’s elected officials the managers and staff had developed an emergency operation plan for the event and all managers on site had completed a crowd management exam provided by the Ocean City Police Department.

The Mayor and Council had before them on Monday a proposed traffic regulation change that would allow a portion of 48th Street to be closed during the parade day event, but before it was brought up to a vote, Councilman Dennis Dare had a few more questions to resolve.

“I went by the site and I have a question,” he said. “Why isn’t the parking lot adjacent to the restaurant being utilized? Why use that other lot and create a public safety concern?”

Business owner Brian Bolter ex-

plained the lot proposed for the event was the only large enough on the property to support it.

“That side parking lot is smaller and about half of the spaces are handicap,” he said. “The lot we’re considering for the event has 50 parking spots that are dedicated to the restaurant. It’s probably four or five times the size.”

Dare said he had no problem with the parade day party conceptually and wished the business owners good luck.

“I hope your event is successful and I hope you fill up that entire space,” he said. “I think St. Patrick’s Day parade weekend has grown to really become the kickoff for the season.”

However, Dare said he could not vote for or against the proposed closure and instead opted to abstain.

“I don’t want to vote against this because I don’t want to vote against business doing well,” he said. “However, I don’t want to vote for it because I feel there is a public safety issue with closing the street and I don’t want that on my conscience if something happens, so I’m going to abstain from the vote.”

For his part, Bolter attempted to allay some of Dare’s concerns, reiterating the support of emergency services and the approved emergency management plan.

“We have assurances from the police department and the fire department that we’ve done everything

March 8, 2019

possible to ensure this is a community-safe event and we’ll work hard hand-in-hand with them to make sure that happens,” said Bolter.

Councilman Mark Paddack said he was confident all reviews of the proposed plan, including the fire marshal’s review, along with the steps taken by the establishment’s management ensured no stone had been left unturned.

“You are going to have a great event that day,” he said. “Your staff has been trained and the fire marshal has responded to the questions that were presented when we kicked this down the road last time. I’m satisfied and I wish you and your staff a wonderful day that day because that whole area from 62nd Street down to 41st Street is going to be packed.”

Council Secretary Mary Knight said she had some misgivings, but her concerns had been addressed.

“I initially had the same feelings about closing the road and I respect Councilman Dare’s opinion,” she said.

“This has been a tough one for me, but I am going to vote for this because we want private enterprise to thrive and I trust that you’re going to do a good job.”

The council voted 5-0 with Council President Lloyd Martin absent and Dare abstaining to approve the road closure. The Board of License Commissioners signed off on the request on Wednesday.

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 7

Merchants ‘Upset About What’s Happening’ In Snow Hill

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Town of Snow Hill has closed a well-known downtown shop because of safety concerns.

Nearly two years after the Snow Hill community celebrated the opening of Toy Town Antiques, town officials have closed the shop to the public, citing dangerous conditions and the store’s lack of a certificate of occupancy.

Neighboring merchants, however, believe the shop is safer now than it’s been in years. They’re more worried about what the store’s closure means for the town.

“Every business in downtown Snow Hill is concerned,” said Jerry Nolte of the Snow Hill Business Center. “We’re

all worried and upset about what’s happening.”

According to Richard Seaton, who opened Toy Town with his wife Debbie in April of 2017, Snow Hill Code Enforcement Officer Jon Hill stopped by the shop last Wednesday morning with a sheriff’s deputy. They informed Seaton he was being issued a civil citation for operating without a certificate of occupancy. He didn’t realize they intended to close the store, however, until another merchant called him after he’d left for the day to tell him town officials were cordoning off the shop.

“There was no notice, nothing on the door, nothing,” Seaton said.

When he visited town hall to ask what was going on, he said they told him the store would be closed until the

March 8, 2019

Richard and Debbie Seaton are pictured reviewing documents from the Town of Snow Hill inside their Toy Town Antiques store, which moved from Berlin to the county’s seat in 2017.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

certificate of occupancy issue was resolved. A District Court hearing is scheduled for April 5.

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The town issued a press release Thursday.

“Several immediate safety concerns with the building currently occupied by Toy Town Antiques were identified by reputable and licensed third-party engineers,” the statement reads. “The Town of Snow Hill has made several attempts to work with Toy Town Antiques to address these safety concerns in a timely manner, but unfortunately have not been able to reach a solution. The Town of Snow Hill has a duty to ensure the safety of the public. Therefore, it could not allow the dangerous conditions to go unremedied any longer. The matter is now before the court, and, as such, no further comment will be forthcoming.”

Toy Town, located at the intersection of North Washington Street and East Market Street, occupies the century-old building long known as Snow Hill’s opera house. The property, which is owned by the town, sat vacant for 16 years until the Seatons signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the town in the summer of 2016. According to the MOU, the building would be handed over to the Seatons after five years if they renovated it and operated a business out of it.

Richard Seaton spent months – and more than $150,000 – working on the building, which was essentially a shell at that point. He installed a new ceiling, redid the floors and walls and completed extensive electrical work.

By the time the store opened in April 2017, it was transformed into a veritable museum of classic toys and memorabilia from days gone by. Merchants say the shop, which had operated previously in Berlin, was a draw from the day it opened.

“From a seven, eight state area they’d come for that store,” Nolte said.

“Then they’d eat here and shop in our stores.”

Sophika Smith, proprietor of The Corner Shoppe, says that Toy Town, like Snow Hill’s other successful businesses, is unique.

“We have a lot of quality here,” she said. “Dickie’s a very big part of it.”

Michael Day, the town’s former economic development director, worked SEE PAGE 64

Seismic Testing Meeting Seeks To Keep Public Engaged In Process

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With the clock ticking on approval for seismic air gun testing and offshore drilling for oil and natural gas, local chambers of commerce on Wednesday hosted a town hall meeting to rally local support against the potentially dangerous initiatives.

The Ocean City and Ocean Pines Chambers of Commerce, along with Oceana and other environmental advocacy groups, on Wednesday hosted the town hall gathering at the Dunes Manor Hotel rallying support in opposition to a federal proposal to open vast areas of open ocean off the midAtlantic coast first to seismic air gun testing for oil and natural gas reserves under the sea floor and then to the exploration and offshore drilling for those resources. Oceana’s Matt Heim explained the two issues are separate, but not mutually exclusive and are proceeding on parallel tracks in the approval process.

By way of background, seismic testing and offshore drilling for oil and natural gas off the Atlantic coast was first proposed during the Obama administration, but was reversed under intense opposition from coastal communities up and down the eastern seaboard along with a coalition of environmental advocacy groups. In 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reopening vast areas off the midAtlantic coast to offshore oil exploration and drilling, renewing a years-long battle that resulted in the previous administration reversing the plan.

In November, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced it had issued it final Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) permits allowing seven private sector companies to begin the potentially dangerous practice of seismic air gun testing for oil and gas reserves in the mid-Atlantic.

As the name implies, the permits al-

low for the incidental harassment of marine life off the coast during the testing process including dolphins, whales and other species, for example.

Those approvals triggered a renewed response in opposition to both seismic air gun testing and offshore drilling and excavation. Clearly, the parallel issues are directly related to potential dangers to the ocean environment and the countless species that call it home. Perhaps no less important is the potential harm to the billion-dollar coastal economies like Ocean City, a distinction made by Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce CEO Melanie Pursel on Wednesday.

“We host eight million visitors and have a billion-dollar tourism economy,” she said. “At the end of the day, our natural resources are what are most important.”

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan related the story of the city’s opposition to offshore oil drilling dating back to the 1970s including a resolution signed in 1974 by the late-Mayor Harry Kelley.

The current council passed similar resolutions in opposition to seismic testing and offshore drilling at each step in the lengthy approval process.

“We remain consistent in our opposition,” he said. “We represent our residents, our 26,000 non-resident property owners and the millions who visit here every year. We know how important this is to our future and the future for our kids.”

Heim said the time is now for the local communities to voice their strong opposition as both seismic testing and offshore drilling plod closer to the approval finish line.

“This is an issue that has everyone’s attention,” he said. “We’re going to get this stopped in the mid-Atlantic, but we need you to be engaged. We anticipate the release of the program in the coming weeks and that will trigger the 90-day public comment period.

That will be one of our last chances to SEE PAGE 10

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Page 9

… Seismic Testing Program Details Expected In Spring

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

From Page 9 voice opposition.”

Heim said there is a comparatively small amount of oil and gas reserves off the Atlantic coast that don’t warrant the potential dangers.

“It’s believed there is roughly an eight-month supply of oil in all of the Atlantic,” he said. “If the Atlantic was totally drained of oil, it would just be an eight-month supply. The best-case scenario is if they hit the lottery out there and the number goes up. There are 96,000 jobs in Maryland and a $6

billion economy that relies on a clean coastal environment. That’s what’s at stake for maybe eight months of oil.”

Throughout the town hall meeting, there were continued references to the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico, but Heim said it likely wouldn’t take a spill of that magnitude to threaten the coastal economy in Maryland and the mid-Atlantic.

“It’s not just a major spill to be concerned with,” he said. “Even a small spill could be devastating. Imagine losing an entire busy summer week-

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end over even a small spill.”

Heim said there are five seismic air gun testing permits pending in the Atlantic from Cape May to Cape Canaveral, representing 87,000 miles of seismic lines. If approved, the testing would be done for a combined 850 days, or well over two years, and would include five million seismic air gun blasts into the ocean floor.

He explained each seismic air gun blast into the ocean floor would be about 200 decibels and offered an analogy for attendees to understand.

“If you put your ear right next to an ambulance siren, that’s around 90 decibels,” he said. “We’re talking about jet engines taking off. It is the loudest man-made sound in the ocean.”

When asked about the potential impact on the resort’s vast commercial and recreational fishing industries including multi-million dollar tournaments such as the White Marlin Open, Finn McCabe of the Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association explained the effects could be devastating.

“They are going to impact these tournaments because they are going to drive these species out of the area,” he said. “In the early days, they used to catch tuna and marlin five to 10 miles off the coast and now we go out 70 miles plus. That’s because of water

March 8, 2019

quality. These maps show we’re right in the bullseye in the mid-Atlantic. These areas are right in the middle of the Baltimore and Washington Canyons.”

Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kerrie Bunting said the big sportfishing tournaments were just a small part of the larger dangers to the commercial and recreational fisheries.

“It’s not just the big species that we think of as trophies,” she said. “There are benthic species that live on the bottom like scallops and lobsters that will be affected by this.”

Assateague Coastal Trust Executive Director and Coastkeeper Kathy Phillips explained the clean-up efforts after the Deepwater Horizon spill, some of which are ongoing. She said dispersants were used that actually sunk the oil floating on the surface to the sea floor, which had the short-term effect of getting it out of sight and out of mind, but severely impacted the sea life under the ocean’s surface. Phillips warned a similar situation could emerge in the mid-Atlantic if offshore drilling was approved.

“Think of the choices here,” she said. “Do you use a dispersant to keep the oil from coming onto the beaches?

Do you sink it and impact the food fish? Let’s not have it out there at all.

Let’s not have to make those choices.”

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

Page 12

3rd OC Film Festival This Weekend

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Yo Tell ur A Fri ll en ds

!

OCEAN CITY – One hundred-plus films, eight venues and three great days is all one needs to know about the Ocean City Film Festival, which is set for this weekend.

Starting Friday, 3rd Annual Ocean City Film Festival will showcase the works of local, regional and international filmmakers in practically every genre at different venues in and around the resort area. Sponsored by the Art League of Ocean City and the Town of Ocean City, the festival will feature critically acclaimed productions from fulllength features to mid-length and short films and from drama to comedy and horror and social commentary.

Local filmmakers and filmmakers from around the country and beyond have submitted films to be judged this year. In addition, three films were produced by the Art League of Ocean City and will make their public debuts during this week’s film festival. Others are already gaining critical claim, including “The Biggest Little Farm,” directed and produced by Stephen Decatur High School graduates John Chester and Erica Messer.

“We have local films, films from all over the world and films that can’t be seen anywhere else but in Ocean City at the festival,” said Ocean City Film Festival Director William Strang-Moya.

March 8, 2019

“We will also be screening a film that will be shown at Sundance this year.

The festival and our selection of films are truly getting bigger and brighter every year.”

“The Biggest Little Farm” made its debut at the Telluride Film Festival to rave reviews and was also featured at the Sundance Film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival. Art League of Ocean City Executive Director Rina Thaler this week said the film, which makes its local debut on Saturday at the Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m., is likely the highlight of the 2019 Ocean City Film Festival.

“The highlight is going to be ‘The Biggest Little Farm,’” she said. “That’s really going to raise the level for the Ocean City Film Festival.”

While the line-up features over 100 films in every genre from all over the country and beyond, the festival will also have a decidedly local flair. For example, also in the line-up is a full-length documentary featuring the Ocean City Beach Patrol, which shows on Friday at the Fox Gold Coast Theater at 4 p.m., and “Five Days in August,” a documentary that follows two teams competing in Ocean City’s own White Marlin Open, which screens at the Carousel Hotel on Sunday at 2 p.m.

The list goes on, but there is something for everyone among the 100-plus films that will screen at venues around SEE NEXT PAGE

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March 8, 2019

FROM PAGE 12 Ocean City from Friday through Sunday. The festival kicks off on Friday with an opening reception at the Princess Royale Hotel where film enthusiasts can mingle with the filmmakers. The festival concludes with a party at Seacrets’ Morley Hall on Sunday when the winners will be announced.

A panel of Eastern Shore media and arts professionals will judge the films and present the awards, including the coveted Pink Flamingo for the film the judges deem most representative of Maryland life. In addition to the film screenings, the festival will also feature workshops on filmmaking at the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 94th Street throughout the weekend. Also, Maryland Film Office Director Jack Gerbes and Baltimore Film Office Director Debbie Dorsey will conduct a panel talk on making films in Maryland. Again, while the 100-plus films come from all over the country, more than a few were produced locally and feature local stories, Thaler told the Mayor and Council on Monday.

“Not only are many of these filmed in Maryland, but a lot of them were filmed in Ocean City,” she said. “Much of the film festival really highlights the Town of Ocean City.”

The inaugural Ocean City Film Festival was held in June 2017 and was the first of its kind in the resort. In 2018, the festival was moved to the offseason to better accommodate traveling filmmakers, and perhaps more importantly, help stimulate the local economy during the shoulder seasons. Thaler told the Mayor and Council this week from its nascent beginnings in 2017, the festival is already attracting national and international attention with an almost unlimited upside potential.

“I see a huge potential with this for Ocean City to build upon,” she said.

“People make a whole weekend out of it. Not only are they watching the films, but they’re enjoying the rest of what the town has to offer.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed with the growth potential for the popular annual event.

“What you’ve done in two years now going on three is phenomenal,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this and I hope everybody gets out to this festival. As locals, we don’t always take advantage of the opportunities right here in front of us and this is one of those opportunities.”

Venues for the festival include the Performing Arts Center, the Fox Gold Coast Theater, the Princess Royale, the Carousel, the Clarion, the Francis Scott Key Resort in West Ocean City and the Center for the Arts at 94th Street, among others. Screening times, ticket information and links to hotel packages are available at www.ocmdfilmfestival.com or at the Art League facility at 94th Street.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 8, 2019

man convicted For scheming against elderly

March 8, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A Berlin man pleaded guilty this week to obtaining property by deception of a vulnerable adult and failing to perform a contract after a year-long scheme against elderly residents in Ocean Pines.

Pasco Allen, 47, of Berlin, pleaded guilty this week to one count of obtaining property by deception of a vulnerable adult and three counts of failure to perform a contract. Visiting Worcester County Circuit Court Judge W. Newton JackPASCO ALLEN son deferred sentencing, but Allen will be forced to pay restitution to the victims and faces 30 months of incarceration.

The charges against Allen stem from several similar complaints received by the Ocean Pines Police Department from residents in the community from October 2017 through June 2018. In each case, the victim had hired Allen to do various types of landscaping and home improvement work.

According to the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, Allen accepted payments from the victims, several of whom were over the age of 68, making them vulnerable adults. However, in each case, Allen failed to complete the agreed-upon work despite repeated demands from his victims.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the Ocean Pines Police Department for its work on the investigation and thanked former Assistant State’s Attorneys Lauren Bowden and Jarod Monteiro for their efforts in prosecuting the case. Heiser also urged Worcester County residents to use free online resources to conduct checks on any individuals they plan to hire for home improvement work.

“Empowering our citizens to use these resources to educate themselves on an individual’s criminal history and licensing status is an important mission of the State’s Attorney’s Office,” she said “We are working every day to raise awareness about these types of financial crimes and predators and what individual citizens can do to protect themselves from future victimization.”

Residents can use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search site at www.mdcourts.gov to search for criminal records. Residents can also access the Maryland Home Improvement Commission website at www.dllr.state.md.-us/license/mhic to determine if an individual possesses the requisite license to perform home improvement work.

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Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Witnesses Likely Saved Woman’s Life

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A Maugansville, Md., man has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for the brutal attack of a woman on a downtown Ocean City street last June.

Max Schindler, 40, was sentenced last Friday to 20 years in jail for the attack on a woman around 12th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. By Monday, Schindler had filed an appeal with the Court of Special Appeals and a motion for modification of his sentence.

Around 3:40 a.m. last June 3, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a reported active fight in the area of 12th Street.

Officers located an apparent female victim who told police her boyfriend, later identified as Schindler, was angry because of an incident that occurred earlier, but there had been no fight and he refused to talk about the incident.

However, OCPD officers observed the victim and found her to have several injuries including cuts, places where pieces of skin were missing and fresh blood on her knee cap and legs.

OCPD officers also observed a deep scratch mark on the victim’s shoulder blade and upper back along with a red mark near her eye that appeared to be turning into a black eye, according to police reports. The victim also had deep

March 8, 2019

red marks all over her neck, upper tim up off the ground by her neck, bringing her back to her feet. The witchest area and arms.

While one officer was interviewing nesses told police Schindler then the victim, another officer was taking grabbed the victim around the neck detailed statements from witnesses and dragged her to the opposite side who had observed the altercation. Ac- of the intersection.

Witnesses told police the viccording to witness reports, the tim was able to escape Schinvictim and Schindler were havdler’s choke hold and ran across ing a verbal argument before Philadelphia Avenue screaming Schindler tackled the victim to for help. The witnesses told pothe ground. The witnesses told lice the victim pulled a flagpole police Schindler punched the from the ground at a nearby victim in the face with a closed fist and then grabbed her MAX SCHINDLER apartment complex for self-defense. around the neck with both hands.

However, witnesses told police The witnesses told police Schindler continued to choke the victim with Schindler grabbed the flagpole from both hands for about 30 seconds while the victim and began hitting her with it he stood over her and screamed in as if he was swinging a baseball bat, her face. According to witness state- according to police reports. Witnesses ments, Schindler then picked the vic- said the flag fell off the pole and Schindler began stabbing and jabbing the victim with the end of the flagpole.

The witnesses told police the victim was screaming for help and that she was in fear for her life.

At that point, the witnesses interceded, grabbing the victim off the ground and walking her away toward 12th Street, which is when the police arrived. Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser commended the OCPD officers for their work in the investigation and thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Haskell for his successful prosecution of the case.

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‘More Questions Than Answers’ On Proposed Treatment Center

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SALISBURY – Despite a looming deadline to accept grant funding and proposed legislation that could derail efforts, officials in Wicomico County said this week they wanted more concrete plans for converting a vacant correctional facility into a drug treatment center before moving forward.

On Tuesday, officials with the Wicomico County Executive’s Office, the health department and the department of corrections met with the Wicomico County Council to discuss the future of the vacant Poplar Hill PreRelease Unit.

“We have had more questions than answers,” Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg said. “We didn’t come here tonight to ask you to approve anything. We want you to understand where we are, what we have and what we don’t have.”

Since last July, Wicomico County has spearheaded efforts to convert the shuttered state-owned correctional facility in Quantico into a treatment center. Assistant Director of Administration Weston Young said the idea is to provide a 23-hour facility for detox services, residential treatment and recovery housing.

“We learned there’s a significant gap in recovery services in the county,” he said.

Strausburg said the proposed center would offer comprehensive services to those seeking treatment.

“We are looking for people who voluntarily want to get themselves cleaned up,” he said. “I don’t have any appetite for court-ordered people being sent to this facility. That’s not the model. We want people who made the conscious decision that they want to get well.”

But Young said the county may need to move quickly with its plans.

He explained cross-filled bills – House Bill 715 and Senate Bill 419 – in the Maryland General Assembly would require the commissioner of state corrections to operate a pre-release unit for women.

“It has several heavy-hitters signed to it, so we’re told its chance of passing is high …,” he said. “There is a chance if we don’t move on this it’s going to return as a pre-release unit for women and we will not have control over who comes into that facility or where they’re coming from.”

Young said the county is moving closer to a 20-year lease agreement with the state to operate a treatment center out of the correctional facility.

While Poplar Hill is a state-owned fa-

March 8, 2019

cility, the county will act as a facilitator in seeking service providers and securing capital improvement grants.

“Ultimately, the lease and any grants would have to be approved by council,” Young said. “So it’s important you know where we are with this.”

To date, the county has received nearly $1 million in state funding to renovate the facility and a bid from one service provider to operate the center. Officials said taxpayer money would not be used to fund the project.

“Any additional renovations we would put on the service provider …,” Young said. “The operations would also be funded by the service provider.”

Councilman Joe Holloway questioned what would happen if the service provider were to leave the facility.

“Somebody would have to pick up the slack,” he said.

Strausburg said agreements with the state and service provider would include language that would protect the county.

“We won’t bring you a lease that doesn’t cover that,” he said.

Holloway also questioned the county’s ability to limit the facility to Eastern Shore residents. He said accepting state money could force the facility to take in residents from across the Bay Bridge.

“I don’t see any way to control this thing after it is implemented, if it is implemented,” he said.

Young shared his concerns.

“We would back away from this if it was forced that we would have to take non-Eastern Shore residents,” he said.

Councilman Marc Kilmer noted the issue was a deal breaker and something that should be addressed before moving forward.

“It seems like that legal issue is something we want to get nailed down before we spend any more time,” he said.

However, County Executive Bob Culver noted the county would soon need to decide if it will accept the nearly $1 million in state funding. He added state representatives would be willing to meet with the council at its next meeting and answer questions.

“I’d like to see them here,” Councilman Bill McCain said. “We keep referencing them and referring to them. I would love to see them sitting here so we can ask them directly.”

Councilman Larry Dodd agreed.

“I think they should have been here by now,” he said.

Project To Reduce Flooding Underway

March 8, 2019

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Officials are hopeful a nature-based resiliency project will reduce flooding in a West Ocean City community.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 6-0 to hire a Virginia company to handle design work of what’s being called the Selsey Road Resiliency Project in West Ocean City.

The project aims to reduce flooding and flood damage in the area.

“It’s a nature-based design to protect that community with the high tide and the flooding experienced,” said Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs.

In September, the commissioners entered into a $50,000 grant agreement with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the design of a shoreline stabilization and marsh restoration project for Selsey Road. In the past, several acres of privately owned beach north of the road provided flood protection, according to Mitchell. In recent years the beach has eroded, leading to more frequent flooding during storm events.

The commissioners voted on Tuesday to use the grant funding to hire Coastline Design, an Achilles, Va., company, to design the project. Mitchell reported that Coastline Design was selected from a group of bidders after proposals were scored and reviewed by county officials and DNR staff.

Mitchell indicated the Selsey Road project would be a demonstration project for the state and would garner additional interest and support from DNR throughout design as well as construction.

“The state, they want to do more nature-based designs other than bulkheading and riprap on the shoreline,” Mitchell said. “They want to do where we have plants, we have dunes, we have salt marshes created.”

Though the Selsey Road project will involve 7,000 cubic feet of sand being used to bolster the shoreline, Mitchell said that if for some reason officials learned that would be ineffective, more traditional practices – such as riprap – would be used instead.

“We’re going to go with nature first and maybe fall back to a hard position later on,’ Mitchell said.

He pointed out that the proposal being approved this week was just for the design of the project. He expects construction, which will come with a seven-figure price tag, to take place next year.

Commissioner Jim Bunting asked whether the proposed soft shoreline would be more expensive than the traditional methods used in the past.

“I’m very familiar with this area and I doubt any soft shoreline is going to stay there,” he said.

Mitchell said either option would exceed $1 million.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

Wicomico Public Safety Complex Eyed

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Plans to build a new public safety complex are well underway, according to a report from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office this week.

On Tuesday, Capt. Todd Richardson with the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office provided the Wicomico County Council with an update on plans to build a new public safety complex on a nine-acre property at the corner of Westwood Drive and Naylor Mill Road in Salisbury.

In late 2017, project consultants with Crosby & Associates began a feasibility study for a new public safety complex that would house both the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s emergency services department.

“They basically came up with the fact that we were well under spaced for our area and we needed to be brought into the current times,” Richardson said.

Soon after, the sheriff’s office and county executive’s office began their search for a property to house the facility.

“On Nov. 2, 2018, a settlement went forward for the purchase of land in Westwood Industrial Park for the Wicomico County Public Safety Com-

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plex,” Richardson said. “It was purchased for $587,832.96.”

Richardson said the county issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) from architectural, civil and structural engineering firms in mid-January, and 14 vendors made the Feb. 12 deadline.

“Currently, purchasing department is in the final stages of individual evaluations,” he told the council.

“Once completed a group average will be compiled and from this point the county reserves the right to start negotiations with the highest spender.”

Richardson added he has also submitted permit applications to the Wicomico County Soil Conservation District to remove existing trees on the property and prepare the lot for construction. He said the county should expect a permit by April.

“That’s where we are as far as the current situation,” he said. “We are waiting on the final evaluations from the purchasing department on the RFQ.” More than $11 million has been included in the county’s Capital Improvement Program for the construction of the new public safety complex. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office will move all operations to the facility once it’s completed, though no formal timeline has been announced.

Arts, Culture Continuing To Thrive In Resort

March 8, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With much of the focus on rebranding Ocean City in recent weeks aimed at tapping the youth sports phenomenon, a plea was made this week to make sure arts and culture are not left behind.

Art League of Ocean City Executive Director Rina Thaler this week presented her annual update to the Mayor and Council on the goings-on at the organization’s Center for the Arts facility on 94th Street and all around the resort and throughout the region over the last year. The Art League was formed in 1963 by a handful of local artists looking for venues to display their work.

In the five-plus decades since, the Art League of Ocean City has grown to become a major driving force for art and culture in the resort. From modest beginnings when a small portion of City Hall was granted for its use, the art league later moved to an abandoned pool house along the bay at 94th Street where it remained for decades.

As the organization grew and the old facility at 94th Street outlived its useful purpose, plans were set in motion in 2011 to demolish the old pool house and create a new and shining permanent home for the art league on the site. The Ocean City Center for the Arts opened in 2013 and has become a thriving hub for arts and culture in the resort every year since.

“Each year, we do more and more,” she said. “We’re there every day, day and night,” she said. “It’s something that’s always available all year-long.”

Thaler told the Mayor and Council on Monday the Center for the Arts has attracted over 104,000 thousand visitors since it opened including nearly 20,000 in 2018 alone. The art league now boasts over 1,100 members along with 65 local businesses.

“We had 400 members when we moved into that building,” she said.

“You can see just how much growth is going on.”

As a result of the organization’s efforts, arts and culture are in full bloom in Ocean City. From the larger events such as the weekend-long Art X event in August to the Artrageous interactive art and music festival in October to the Ocean City Film Festival going on this weekend, the organization is producing numerous opportunities to expand arts and culture in the resort area and beyond, all while appealing to existing residents and visitors while attracting a different demographic.

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FROM PAGE 21 Over the last few months, there has been much discussion about an aggressive attempt to tap into the growing youth sports phenomenon as a means to expand tourism and somewhat rebrand the town’s image. On Monday, Thaler urged the Mayor and Council to make sure arts and culture aren’t left behind.

“When you talk about sports marketing, the arts are something that appeals to all ages,” she said. “I hope when you consider how to reach those markets, you also remember the importance of cultural tourism and the arts.”

Much of the art league’s activities are focused in and around the Center for the Arts at 94th Street with monthly exhibits by local artists and lectures and art instruction in many mediums.

Thaler said there were 365 different classes offered at the facility in 2019 with nearly 2,800 registrants. In addition, the Center for the Arts offers opportunities to present film and music at the facility with $5 Film Nights each month and Originals Night during which local musicians are invited to present original music.

March 8, 2019

The art league’s activities go far beyond the walls of the facility on 94th Street, however. For example, it hosts events at the Performing Arts Center in the convention center along with Brown Box Theater productions and plein-air events all over town.

The art league is also involved with an extensive public art program including mural screens at municipal tennis courts and a partnership with the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) on an ambitious public utility box painting program.

The organization also has serious charitable and societal overtones with scholarships for local school kids, Art and Soul monthly workshops for those dealing with addiction and other illnesses and the popular Empty Bowl project for the benefit of the Diakonia shelter.

In addition, the art league works with the Recreation and Parks Department to produce an Art Adventure Camp for youth, a J-1 international student photography exhibit and the annual Sand Castle Tour of area homes.

Thaler said just about every inch of the relatively new space at 94th Street is being utilized and there might come a time when the facility needs to be expanded again.

“We’ve done so much out of that 5,000-square-foot building,” she said.

“Most art leagues like ours are double that size. We are having some space issues and we might be coming back with a plan for expansion in the future.”

Councilman John Gehrig, who has been a strong advocate for youth sports marketing, praised Thaler and her members for their contributions.

“The passion and love you have for this is evident,” he said. “Thank you for all you’re doing with the arts.”

Mayor Rick Meehan also praised the art league for its efforts to raise the arts and culture bar in Ocean City.

“What you’ve done over the past year is phenomenal,” he said. “You’ve really taken this cultural journey to a new level. What you’ve done has really exceeded everything that was anticipated when it was built. I encourage people to visit the art league because it will definitely exceed their expectations.”

In closing, Thaler encouraged the elected officials to remember the presentation when they continue tourism marketing and strategic planning.

“It’s not just the success of the art Town of Ocean City,” she said.

“Please consider the arts and culture as part of your strategic plan going forward.”

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

Cops & Courts

Page 24

Median Trees Removed

BERLIN – State Highway Administration (SHA) contractors this week removed trees in the center median along Route 50 just east of the Walmart for safety reasons after the area has seen tragic accidents in recent years including a fatality in early February.

On Wednesday morning, SHA contractors began removing the familiar stand of tall trees in the center median on Route 50 opposite the Glen Riddle community. By Wednesday afternoon, all that remained were a couple of stumps cut close to ground level. SHA spokesman Charlie Gischlar said the trees were being removed for safety reasons after a spate of serious and sometimes fatal accidents in the immediate area including most recently a single-vehicle accident on Feb. 6 that claimed the life of a former Stephen Decatur High School student.

“We are removing these trees so there is less chance of anyone potentially striking them,” he said. “Crews started today [Wednesday] and at this moment the contractor is grinding out the stumps.”

Around 4:20 a.m. on Feb. 6, Maryland State Police, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies and the Ocean City Fire Department responded to the area of Route 50 near Riddle Lane for a reported single-vehicle collision. The investigation revealed a vehicle heading eastbound on Route 50 left the roadway and struck the copse of trees in the median. The driver succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene. In March 2014, a local woman was driving east on Route 50 when her vehicle left the roadway and struck the same stand of tall trees in the median and perished from injuries sustained in the collision.

Jail For Cocaine Dealer OCEAN CITY – A West Ocean City man, arrested in October after being observed sharing a bag of powdered cocaine with other individuals near a downtown bar, pleaded guilty this week to conspiracy to distribute narcotics and was sentenced to five years, all but one year of which was suspended.

Around 1:25 a.m. last Oct. 6, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling in an undercover capacity in the area of a downtown bar at South Baltimore Avenue when his attention was drawn to a group of individuals who had left the establishment and walked south before stopping in a cutout near its rear entrance.

According to police reports, the of-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ficer continued to observe as the four individuals stopped and sat on a set of steps along Baltimore Avenue. As the officer watched from a distance, he reportedly saw one of the suspects, later identified as Danial Harrison Jr., 27, of West Ocean City, remove a clear plastic bag with a white powdered substance from his pants.

According to police reports, Harrison looked both north and south along the sidewalk before retrieving the bag in an effort to make sure the group wasn’t observed. Harrison then reportedly pulled from the bag a rolled-up bill and put it to his nose, according to police reports.

While the officer watched, Harrison allegedly passed the bag and rolled-up bill to three other individuals in the group.

After a second rotation with Harrison and the group appearing to share what was later determined to be powder cocaine, other uniformed officers were requested to detain the suspects. A search of the area revealed a bag of suspected powder cocaine in the area where Harrison and the group had been seated.

Harrison was arrested and charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. During a search incident to the arrest, a springassisted opening knife was found on his person and additional charges were tacked on. On Tuesday, Harrison pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute narcotics and was sentenced to five years, all but one of which was then suspended. He was also placed on probation for three years upon his release.

10 Days For Fake Name OCEAN CITY – A Fruitland man, arrested in November on outstanding warrants and for providing a false name to police after being found sleeping in a vehicle in Ocean City, pleaded guilty last week and was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Around 12:40 a.m. on Nov. 13, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was patrolling in the area of 3rd Street when he observed two individuals sleeping in a vehicle in violation of a town ordinance. The officer shined his flashlight in the vehicle, but the two occupants did not immediately wake up. The officer also noticed a bag of suspect marijuana in the vehicle.

When the officer tapped on the window, the female in the front passenger seat woke up, but the driver, later identified as Tremayne Nelson-Nichols, 24, of Fruitland, did not immediately wake up and was aroused by the female pas-

March 8, 2019

For safety reasons, several trees were removed this week from the median on Route 50 near the Glen Riddle entrance. Above, crews are pictured on Wednesday near where family and friends created a memorial after a recent fatal accident.

Photo by Steve Green

senger.

The occupants were advised they were in violation of the city ordinance and were asked to step out of the vehicle. Because the amount of marijuana in the vehicle was less than 10 grams, there was no criminal arrest for possession.

The officer collected information for the two occupants and Nelson-Nichols initially identified himself to police as Damont Leion Stevenson. However, while standing behind the suspect, the officer addressed him multiple times as Mr. Stevenson, but Nelson-Nichols did not respond, indicating he was being deceptive about his identity. The officer then called in a background check for Damont Leion Stevenson with negative results. However, the report did come up for a Damont Leon Stevenson and the suspect told police he had misspelled his middle name, lending further evidence he was being deceptive about his identity. The background check revealed there were outstanding warrants for Damont Leon Stevenson in Wicomico County and, at that point, the suspect was taken into custody.

Stevenson reportedly told police that must be a mistake, but his father, Damont Stevenson Sr., had active warrants in North Carolina. Ocean City Communications confirmed there were no warrants for Damont Stevenson Jr. and the suspect was taken out of handcuffs. However, Ocean City Communications did inform the officer Stevenson was involved in a drug distribution arrest handled by the OCPD officer in June 2017. When asked about that incident, the suspect told the officer he had no recollection of that arrest, which further led the officer to believe the suspect was being deceptive about his identity.

The officer requested Ocean City Communications send him a photo of Damont Stevenson and did not match the suspect he had before him. For one thing, the suspect in the picture identified as Stevenson did not have the same distinctive tattoos as the man standing before the officer. After more investigation, the suspect identified himself as Nelson-Nichols. He told police Stevenson was his first cousin, according to police reports.

Another background check revealed Nelson-Nichols was wanted on multiple outstanding warrants from different agencies ranging from robbery, theft, assault, malicious destruction of property and traffic charges.

Last week, on the Worcester County

charges, Nelson-Nichols pleaded guilty to identity fraud to avoid prosecution and was sentenced to 10 days. He still has robbery and assault charges in Wicomico and is scheduled to appear for trial in April.

Warrant For Alleged Exposer OCEAN CITY – A Salisbury man, arrested in January on indecent exposure charges after allegedly exposing himself to a woman in a hotel laundry room in Ocean City, failed to appear in court this week as scheduled and had a warrant sworn out for his arrest.

Around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel at 112th Street for a reported indecent exposure incident. The responding officer met a woman in the hotel lobby who reported she was in the laundry room when an unidentified male pulled out his penis and began rubbing it. While the victim was speaking to police, the suspect, later identified as Kevin Chandler, 41, of Salisbury, approached the front desk and the victim told police he was the man who exposed himself to her.

According to police reports, the officer approached Chandler and told him he needed to speak with him, but Chandler told the officer he did not want to speak with him and that he had laundry in a washing machine he needed to get.

The officer again told Chandler he needed to talk to him, but Chandler denied anything had happened in the laundry room. It was a back-and-forth conversation that continued repeatedly.

According to police reports, the entire time the officer was speaking with Chandler, the suspect swayed back and forth and was off balance. He was also holding quarters in his hand and kept dropping them, according to police reports.

OCPD officers continued to question the victim, who told police she was in the laundry room and had made small talk with Chandler while both were washing clothes. The victim told police she turned around at one point and Chandler had exposed his penis to her.

The victim told police Chandler did not pull down his pants, but rather pulled his penis out of the top of his pants.

The victim told police she immediately left the laundry room and the police were contacted. Based on the testimony, Chandler was arrested and charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. He was scheduled for trial on Wednesday but failed to appear and had a warrant sworn out for his arrest.

Polystyrene Ban Passes Senate

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – While Ocean City’s Green Team and its partners this week were making a push for voluntary reduction of expanded polystyrene products, the state Senate passed legislation to mandate the ban.

Ocean City’s Coastal Resources Legislative Committee, or Green Team, and its partners the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and the Ocean City Surf Club, this week launched an ambitious source-reduction program at the annual Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (HMRA) trade show at the convention center. The source reduction initiative comes on the heels of the highly successful “Strawless Summer” program last year.

The new “Protect our Sand and Sea” campaign aims at voluntary reductions in the use of plastics and expanded polystyrene products including the countless carryout boxes, hot and cold beverage cups, plates, trays, coolers and other products prevalent in the resort’s hospitality industry.

While the Green Team and its partners were pitching the initiative at the HMRA trade show in Ocean City this week, the state Senate passed a bill that would make Maryland the first state in the country to ban expanded polystyrene products most commonly known as Styrofoam. Senate Bill 285 passed the full Senate with a 34-13 vote this week and now moves on to the House.

The bill would largely affect food service operations and schools in Maryland and, if approved, would ban polystyrene carryout containers, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, meat and vegetable trays and egg cartons, for example.

It’s important to note although foam carryout trays and beverage cups are often referred to as Styrofoam, the fiscal report on the legislation points out that terminology is incorrect. Styrofoam is a trademark of the Dow Chemical Company and is generally

Page 25

March Into Our Madness

used in industrial settings for building materials and pipe insulation, for example. Styrofoam is not used in the food service industry for plates, trays, cups, coolers or packaging materials.

The bill would have an effective date of Jan. 1, 2020 in order to allow food service businesses and schools to use up the polystyrene products they have already purchased and to allow them to begin to explore recyclable alternatives. The legislation calls for the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to conduct outreach and education programs to bring the public up to speed on the regulations promulgated by the legislation.

There are some notable exclusions in the legislation, however. For example, the law would not apply to pre-packaged foods such as soup, for example, that have been filled and sealed prior to the passage of the legislation. In addition, food service businesses and schools in Maryland would be allowed to purchase and distribute products packaged in polystyrene out of state and distributed in Maryland.

Also, the bill does not address products such as appliances or computers, for example, that are packaged in Maryland and secured with expanded polystyrene.

At least three counties in Maryland including Montgomery, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel, along with Baltimore City and Washington, D.C., have already passed local legislation banning expanded polystyrene products. The bill approved by the state Senate this week would allow local jurisdictions to continue to pass their own bans as long as they are at least as onerous as the state law.

While the MDE would handle public outreach and education, enforcement would fall on the county health departments including potential fines.

However, penalties and fines could not be meted out without written warnings and other preventative measures first.

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Strong OC Support For Revised Special Event Zone Bill

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The bill seeking to add more teeth to the current special event zone law, passed by state lawmakers last year, had a committee hearing this week with a strong local presence testifying.

After several disturbing special event weekends in 2017, resort officials began exploring ways to combat some of the illicit and reckless activity. Out of those early discussions was born a desire to create a special event zone during specified sanctioned and unsanctioned motorized events, which required the approval of the General Assembly.

Last year, then-Sen. Jim Mathias and then-Delegate Mary Beth Carozza cross-filed a pair of bills aimed at creating a special event zone on roadways throughout Ocean City during the spring and fall motorized events.

The bills breezed through their respective chambers and were ultimately signed into law by Gov. Larry Hogan.

As a result, special event zones were implemented during some of the sanctioned motorized special events last year and even the unsanctioned and unofficial H2O International (H2Oi) event with considerable success in the first year. Among other things, speed limits were reduced on most roadways

in Ocean City, resulting in significantly higher fines for offenders.

However, the legislation approved last year excluded some of the more onerous violations often associated with the motorized special events in the resort. Satisfied with just getting something through Annapolis in the first year, resort officials vowed to return this year with a request for new legislation with enhanced penalties for some of the other more egregious violations.

To that end, Carozza, now a senator, during the current session introduced Senate Bill 682, which would increase the types of violations often associated with the motorized special events that weren’t included in the bill passed by state lawmakers last year.

Senate Bill 682 had its first hearing this week in front of the Judicial Proceedings Committee. Delegate and former Ocean City Councilman Wayne Hartman cross-filed similar legislation in the House, which was scheduled for a committee hearing on Friday. Carozza explained the intent of the legislation to the Judicial Proceedings Committee at the outset of the hearing on Tuesday.

“This is a priority local public safety bill,” she said. “Last year’s bill established a special event zone during motor vehicle events in Ocean City and allowed for increased fines for

March 8, 2019

speeding to begin to increase public safety. However, last year’s bill did not include increased penalties for other violations like reckless and negligent driving in a special event zone. This bill expands the violations covered under the current law and will increase public safety in our local community.”

Ocean City sent a strong delegation to Annapolis to testify on behalf of the bill including Mayor Rick Meehan and Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro and Lieutenant Scott Harner. The Ocean City delegation pointed out a total of 2,222 citations were issued for violations in special event zones in the resort in the first year alone last year, although about one-third of those weren’t covered under the current special event zone law. Meehan said the proposed Senate Bill 682 legislation would tighten the bill passed last year.

“Expanding the violations covered under the special event zone legislation will give our police officers additional tools needed to enforce and discourage the reckless and unsafe conditions we experience during these three event weekends,” he said. “Our goal is not to arrest or cite individuals, but to discourage and deter behavior that threatens the safety of our residents and visitors.”

Perhaps the most compelling testimony during Tuesday’s hearing came

from a representative of one of Ocean City’s largest residential neighborhood. Through a letter entered into the record, Caine Woods Community Association President Joe Kostelac said the residents of the community supported the enhanced legislation as a means to improve safety in the residential neighborhoods during certain motorized special events.

“We have heard from numerous neighbors about their concern for their own safety as well as their children and grandchildren crossing the street and playing in our neighborhoods,” he wrote. “Many of these participants are a serious threat to our neighborhoods, our personal property and our safety.

While increased fines and arrests will not eliminate these unsafe acts, they may cause them to pause before opening their wallets.”

The proposed legislation in front of the committee on Tuesday would increase penalties for certain traffic violations not included in last year’s approved bill. For example, a violator could be fined up to $1,000 if convicted of negligent driving, participating in a speed contest, skidding, spinning wheels or causing excessive noise.

The bill was introduced as emergency legislation, meaning it would go into effect upon passage in advance of the spring Cruisin’ event.

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OP Budget Includes $35 Assessment Hike

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Association has approved a $12.5 million budget that includes a $35 assessment increase for homeowners for the coming fiscal year.

On Feb. 23, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors voted 6-1, with Director Slobodan Trendic opposed, to approve the budget.

While the association has funded 100 percent of employee insurance costs in the past, board members agreed this year to have employees cover 20 percent of the cost while the association would cover 80 percent. In an effort to lessen the financial impact on employees, the proposed budget included $97,000 for a lump sum payment to employees.

“I don’t think we’ll get a lot of blowback with regard to the concept of saying ‘hey we asked you to pay 20 percent more and we’re willing to give you ‘x’ as a way to soften that blow this year,’” said Doug Parks, president of the board. “I would just urge us to try to make sure we move forward.”

Trendic said he would not support the budget because he didn’t like the way the association was addressing its deficit by collecting money from property owners when there were other options to be explored.

“The easiest thing to do is to increase taxes, to increase assessments,” he said. “It seems like we have adopted the government mentality.”

Trendic suggested delaying a vote on the budget until the board’s March meeting. Director Esther Diller disagreed.

“I’m not happy with the assessment amount we have at this point, but I don’t know where we can cut anymore,” she said. “We’ve been beating this to death for six weeks.”

Items removed from the proposed budget in recent weeks included the addition at the Sports Core Pool and $47,000 in marketing funding for television and radio ads. On Saturday, the board added the $72,000 that was set aside for merit raises to the list of removed items.

Director Frank Daly asked whether the board should put funding for an operational assessment in the budget.

“That’s an issue,” he said. “We need to take a look completely, stem to stern, at how we’re organized and managed to do things better in the future than we’ve done in the immediate past.”

The board agreed that the task should begin now, however, and so would likely be in the current year’s budget.

Parks pointed out the coming fiscal year would need to include an executive search, as General Manager John Bailey left last month, so the board added $25,000 into the proposed budget.

The board voted 6-1, with Trendic opposed, to approve a budget of $12,532,996 that includes an annual assessment of $986.

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DeNovo’s Owners To Open New Restaurant In Berlin

Page 28

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A popular Ocean Pines eatery has plans to add a second location in downtown Berlin.

Bob and Kelli Beck, operators of DeNovo’s in Ocean Pines, are working on opening Pop’s Kitchen by DeNovo’s on Gay Street in Berlin. There’s no timeline for the project yet but the couple received approval for the restaurant’s signage from the Berlin Historic District Commission this week.

“We’ve been wanting to come to Berlin for years,” Bob Beck said.

Beck told the commission Pop’s Kitchen would be located in the new building at 15 Gay St. and would be a quick-serve restaurant. There will be limited seating and the majority of the

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

business is expected to be take-out.

Pop’s Kitchen will offer pizza, cheesesteaks, salads and soups – what Beck refers to as staples. His wife said they thought the town needed a pizza place.

“We saw a need for pizza, carryout,” she said. “Every Main Street town has a pizza place.”

Commission members said they were eager to see the restaurant come to Berlin.

“I’m very excited you’re coming,” commission member Mary Moore said. “It’s a nice niche because there isn’t something that fills that void.”

In other Berlin business news, Toy Town will be opening a second location in Berlin. The store, which was originally started in Berlin by Richard and Debbie Seaton, moved to Snow Hill’s old opera house in 2016. The

March 8, 2019

Pop’s Kitchen will be owned by DeNovo’s owners Bob and Kelli Beck and be located on Gay Street.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Town of Snow Hill closed the business last week, however, citing its lack of a certificate of occupancy. A District Court date is set for April 5.

“When I heard what was happening with the Seatons, I called and talked

with them about coming back to Berlin,” said Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director. “They drove up that night. I knew time was an issue and worked with them over the last week to ensure a smooth process.”

Toy Town is expected to open at 8 Pitts St., which was previously occupied

by Walt’s Train Shop, later this month.

“It’s to put me back in business,” Richard Seaton said.

His wife agreed.

“We still want to see if we can work things out with the town (of Snow Hill) but we can’t just sit around and wait,” she said. “We have to make money.”

Wells said the Berlin community was thrilled to have the business back in town. “I’m very happy it worked out and the entire town is excited to welcome them back,” she said.

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Budget Amended Due To Rainy Summer’s Impact

March 8, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials approved a budget amendment last week redirecting around $2.5 million in the fiscal year 2019 budget, but the net changes will not affect the bottom line.

The Mayor and Council on Tuesday approved a budget amendment that recognizes roughly $2.5 million in expenditure increases in the current fiscal year, but makes up the shortfall with an in-kind amount of revenue changes. On the expenditure side of the ledger, a handful of significant capital expenditures caused the fiscal year 2019 budget to be amended including over $833,000 transferred to the airport for the purchase of a property on the west side of Sinepuxent Road to fulfill federal and state-mandated runway safety standards.

In addition, the expenditure side of the budget amendment includes a $563,000 contribution to the new public works complex at 2nd Street, $283,000 for unfulfilled prior year purchase orders, a roughly $190,000 contribution to the employee pension fund, $105,000 for the ongoing storm drain cleaning project and a $100,000 contribution to the Atlantic General Hospital capital fund.

The total number for revenue changes came in at around $2.5 million fueled largely by shortfalls in certain areas including lower parking revenue at the Inlet and reductions from the rainy summer season last year. Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said the weather impacted certain areas of the budget and necessitated the budget amendment before the Mayor and Council on Tuesday.

“We had a very rainy summer,” she said. “You’ll see that throughout the budget. Anything that was weather-related was affected.”

At the end of the day, the amount of amended expenditures totaled nearly $2.9 million, while the changes on the revenue side came in at around $2.5 million. However, the difference was offset by around $381,000 in savings from anticipated employee healthcare costs and the remaining $1.8 million was reconciled with a transfer from the general fund balance for a net break-even in the budget amendment, which was ultimately approved with a 5-0 vote.

Per the town’s mandated policy, a general fund balance of at least 15 percent of the general fund expenses is required to be held in reserve. Even after the transfer of some general fund balance to reconcile the budget amendment approved on Tuesday, the general fund balance is around $6.5 million over the mandated 15 percent, or about 23 percent.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

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Page 30

Regional Digest Minimum Wage Poll Results Weighed OCEAN CITY – A recent poll reveals many Marylanders favor increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15, an issue near and dear to the resort’s hospitality industry, but the support plummets if the increase results in higher prices in restaurants or retail outlets.

The poll conducted by Gonzales Research and Media Services revealed 43 percent of registered voters in Maryland “strongly support” the proposed minimum wage increase to $15. However, just 28 percent “strongly support” the increase if it means paying higher prices at restaurants and bars and at retail establishments.

According to the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM), just 12 percent of those polled would strongly favor the increase if it resulted in the loss of entry level jobs for low-skilled workers, while 70 percent would oppose the law if low-skilled jobs are lost. While statistics can be interpreted in different ways, RAM officials said this week the numbers illustrate how many in Maryland do not fully understand the repercussions.

“When Maryland voters understand the stark reality of this legislation, they overwhelmingly do not support it,” said RAM President and CEO Marshall Weston, Jr. “Forcing restaurants to pay a $15 minimum wage for entry-level, unskilled workers will not only drive up prices for consumers, but will result in employers cutting back employees’ hours, eliminating jobs and turning to technology so they can survive in a highly competitive industry.”

Warm Up Wicomico Success SALISBURY – Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver last week announced a new program called Warm Up Wicomico conducted over the last two months was a huge success.

Through the initiative, during the months of January and February, drop boxes were made available for local residents to donate warming items including blankets, outerwear and socks, for example, to those less fortunate in the county to get by during the harsh winter.

During the two months, over 1,300 items were dropped off the distributed around the community.

The huge responsibility was accepted by the Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children and was the brainchild of Director Michelle Bradley and her staff, who sorted and distributed all 1,300-plus items.

“Thank you to all who donated and helped to make this project so SEE NEXT PAGE

… Task Force Taking Broad Look At OC Parking The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 5 set the costs of providing services and amenities for visitors and possibly ease the burden on the resident and non-resident taxpayers.

“Look at everything we provide from clean, pristine beaches to free events to free fireworks,” she said. “All of that comes with a cost. Sooner or later, they have to share some of that burden.”

However, not all on the task force were keen on expanding paid onstreet parking in certain areas.

“If the purpose of this is to identify areas for more paid parking, I’m not for that,” said task force member Chris Mitchell. “We’re already getting negative publicity just for forming this task force and having this meeting.”

Delmarva Condominium Managers Association President Joe Groves, a task force member, also disagreed with jumping to the paid parking expansion issue at the outset of the task force’s efforts.

“I hope the objective of this isn’t where to put more meters,” he said. “I know that’s not the case and we’re taking a broad look at everything.”

While any cursory discussion of expanding paid on-street parking thus far has focused on largely on the oceanblock area from 11th to 33rd streets, Groves said the parking issues are equally acute in the uptown areas including high-rise row.

“Our biggest concern up north is most of the buildings have just one spot for each unit,” he said. “Years and years ago, probably before any of us were here, people let somebody put up a building with one parking spot for a three- or four-bedroom condo. There was no real pre-planning 35 years ago.”

Identified as part of the problem with the often lack of parking, especially during the height of the season, is an increase in the number of daytrippers. Of course, almost as long as there has been an Ocean City, daytrippers have been coming to the resort for the beach, Boardwalk and special events, but the volume has increased in recent years from a variety of different sources.

For example, a hotel building boom just across the bridge in West Ocean City has increased the number of visitors staying off the island, but driving into the resort to enjoy the beach and Boardwalk. Similarly, a building boom along the Route 54 corridor in neighboring Delaware has contributed to the volume of daily visitors seeking to park close to the beach.

“We used to consider the day-tripper as the guy from Baltimore or the guy from Annapolis,” said McGean. “That has changed. Now we have to consider the day-trippers from West Ocean City and from Delaware. The people from the Bayside community in Delaware are coming down Route 54 and they’re turning right, not left because there is no beach parking in Delaware.”

Paid on-street parking has existed in the downtown area for years. Down-

March 8, 2019

The 1,270-space Inlet parking lot is pictured last summer.

town business owner Bill Gibbs said business owners can live with the paid parking during the height of the summer, but the parking requirements should be eased a little in the shoulder seasons. Gibbs, a task force member, also pointed out some of the apparent inequities with businesses in other areas of the resort.

“With the information we’ve collected downtown, it really isn’t fair that we’re stuck with a lot of paid street parking,” he said. “We had to go out and spend millions of dollars for parking lots just to keep our businesses going.”

Task force member hotelier and planning commissioner Joel Brous said if he had his druthers, he would eliminate paid on-street parking altogether.

“I’m against parking meters everywhere,” he said. “Keep paid parking at the Inlet lot and the municipal lots. I’d like to see them all go away to be honest because it’s become a tourism nightmare.”

For sake of argument, if a recommendation came out of the task force to expand paid on-street parking north to 33rd Street as has been mentioned before, Mitchell said that only moves the problem further out.

“Wherever you draw the line, it’s always going to be one block further,” he said. “It you make it 33rd Street, then 34th Street becomes the new line.

There is always going to be a new line.”

McGean said whatever recommendations come out of the task force deliberations, there will be impacts on the other segments of how people get around and park and utilize different areas of the city. For every action, there is an equal reaction, he essentially said.

“We always look at parking, traffic and mass transit as the holy trinity,” he said. “What you do with one effects the other. Coastal Highway is what it is. We’re never adding more lanes.

We have three- to five-minute headway with the buses and you can’t do much better than that. That leaves parking. We just have to remember when we change one area, it affects the other two.”

Councilman and task force member

File photo by Chris Parypa

John Gehrig said equity was the key in whatever recommendation comes out of the task force.

“One of my concerns is fairness for the taxpayers,” he said. “They contribute a half-a-million-dollars a year to beach replenishment, another $2.5 million for the beach patrol and another million on beach cleaning. We spend $5 million a year on the beach and the Boardwalk. The people living in town are paying for that, the people paying to stay in Ocean City are contributing to that. We need to look at the day-trippers coming in and filling up the parking.

They aren’t contributing to all of that.”

Councilman Dennis Dare recalled a similar task force created decades ago when there was discussion about expanding the convention center. Dare said he was confident the current task force could come up with an amenable solution for all involved, but cautioned the revenue side had be part of the discussion.

“Where can you go to the beach for free and have your trash picked up and have a lifeguard watching over you every block?” he said. “There are very few places like that anymore, but there is a cost associated with that.”

Mitchell said Ocean City has always been a destination for millions of people living within a half-day’s drive of the resort and that should be considered in whatever comes out of the task force.

“We are a drive-to destination,” he said. “The reason for the success of Ocean City is we’re a few hours from major cities and millions can drive here and have their cars. We need to make sure the decisions we make don’t negatively impact that. We need to continue to make it easy and affordable to come here. That’s what Ocean City has always been about.”

For his part, Kupferman said he would direct the task force through all of the issues to come up with an equitable solution for all.

“Whatever happens here, whether we do something or do nothing, not everybody will be happy,” he said.

“That’s why I’m here. I wouldn’t be here if there weren’t some issues.”

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

Regional Digest FROM PAGE 30 successful,” said Culver. “Because of you, many people were warmed by your kindness.”

Ocean Downs Revenue Continues To Gain

Worcester Towns Seek Funding Increases Seal At Rest: A seemingly healthy seal is pictured resting in Ocean City on Wednesday.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Local municipalities are all seeking increased funding as Worcester County begins its annual budget process.

On Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners received budget requests from the county’s three municipalities as well as Ocean Pines. All are asking for additional funding this year.

Pocomoke officials said the town was struggling with infrastructure problems. Its four lift stations are failing, impacting wastewater operations, while the ground below the town’s riverside boardwalk is eroding. Addressing those problems is expected to cost close to $800,000. Though the town is seeking an unrestricted grant of the same $465,000 it received last year, officials said any additional funding would help address the infrastructure problems.

“Pocomoke’s taken a hard stance on revitalization and stuff down there,” City Manager Robert Cowger said.

“We’ve got a long ways to go and as you know it takes a lot of money. You guys have a lot of expenses on your shoulders too so anything you can do we greatly appreciate it.”

Councilwoman Esther Troast agreed.

“We’re on the right road to success but money is going to hold back our progress,” she said.

When asked for details regarding the pump station failures, Cowger said that a failure Monday had resulted in the city having to bring in sewage trucks.

“That was about a $20,000 expense to us, just for that one incident,” he said. “Once they start backing up, if they get to the level they overflow in the streets, they start going down the storm drains. We’ve caught them many a time within six, eight inches or a foot of coming into the street.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if the municipality had a maintenance plan in place.

“Unfortunately, I think in the past – as you know I’ve been the city manager for a year and a half – and I’ve inherited a lot of problems there,” Cowger said. “In the past it’s pretty

much been if it’s not broke don’t worry about it. If it breaks fix it. That’s been the mentality for the last many a years.”

Bertino indicated that was a concern.

“Why should the county pony up the money to assist?” he said.

Cowger replied that Pocomoke’s residents were county residents as well.

“As with the county, you can’t be responsible for what prior commissioners and stuff did,” Cowger said.

Troast agreed.

“We now have a very active, handson, let’s get this done council,” she said, adding that they were committed to fixing the infrastructure and creating a maintenance plan going forward.

Councilman George Tasker thanked the commissioners for their past contributions and praised Cowger for arranging for in-house infrastructure improvements to address water issues during the past year.

“We’re trying to show we’re willing to work ourselves and not always be asking for money,” he said.

Snow Hill leaders asked for an unrestricted grant of $500,000, $175,000 in lieu of taxes, $100,000 for road paving and $75,000 to help establish a butterfly pavilion in Sturgis Park.

Mayor Steve Mathews said the pavilion could be a big draw.

“I think it’s a very exciting project,” he said.

Councilwoman Latoya Purnell thanked the commissioners for providing funding for the paving of Coulbourne Lane last year and asked them again to reconsider providing Snow Hill with proceeds from the slots at Ocean Downs.

“We do continue to champion the video lottery grant,” she said. “Right now currently us on the south side don’t receive it. We as Snow Hill are the county seat. We would like to have a bit of that so we can work on some extra projects.”

Mayor Gee Williams presented the budget request from Berlin. This year, the town is seeking a $500,000 unrestricted grant from the county.

Williams said the town had increased its funding to the Berlin Fire Company in response to the growing

Photo by Erik Dowell

demands on the organization.

“The town will be instituting increases in our municipal property taxes, and our fees for sewer, water and stormwater,” Williams said. “Basically we’re leaving nothing untouched in terms of spreading the pain and meeting these increasing obligations, which are not just limited to public safety but with also the need to provide utilities and the basic infrastructure and services.”

Williams said the town was also cutting its budget by 10 percent.

“This will be the third year in a row we’ve reduced the town’s budget by 5 percent or more,” he said. “Even with the additional commitment from our town taxpayers and utility customers the Town of Berlin needs an increase in our annual grant from Worcester County.”

He said the $500,000 grant request was $35,000 higher than the town’s request last year. He added that the town remained committed to creating economic development opportunities going forward.

“Investment in economic development works …,” he said. “If you don’t have investment you don’t have the returns on that investment.”

Doug Parks, president of the Ocean Pines Association, said the homeowners association was seeking additional funding for public safety, roads and bridges and parks and recreation/tourism. He pointed out that calls for service to Ocean Pines’ police had increased.

“There’s a lot of growth in that 589 corridor,” he said.

He added that the association had miles of roads and bridges to maintain and that its array of recreation and tourism programs were open to anyone, not just Ocean Pines residents.

While representatives from Ocean City couldn’t be in attendance this week, they’re expected to present the resort’s budget request later this month. The letter submitted to the county by Mayor Rick Meehan requests an increase in the town’s unrestricted grant as well as additional funding for tourism and fire and ambulance.

BERLIN – Maryland Lottery and Gaming officials this week announced the February revenue numbers for the state’s six operating casinos, revealing relatively stagnant growth over January’s numbers, but the Ocean Downs Casino recorded the largest month-to-month increase.

The state’s six casinos totaled $136.7 million in February compared to the $136.5 million in January, representing a modest increase of just one-tenth of one percent. The MGM National Harbor Casino led the way with $53.9 million in revenue in February, while the other two largest casinos in the state – Maryland Live and the Horseshoe Casino – saw their numbers decline.

The Ocean Downs Casino reported over $5.7 million in revenue in February, representing a 15-percent increase. The Ocean Downs Casino was the only casino in Maryland to report positive growth in revenue in the report released this week. According to the report, the Ocean Downs Casino contributed over $284,000 in local impact grants for February.

Food Drive Gearing Up SELBYVILLE – With the Lenten season getting underway this week and with Easter quickly approaching, Mountaire Farms is once again gearing up to feed hungry families on Delmarva.

The company is seeking volunteers who want to help pack 2,500 food boxes at their warehouse in Selbyville on Tuesday, April 16.

For the past few decades, Mountaire has donated a complete meal in a box to needy families at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. A local food drive at area grocery stores and schools helps supplement the effort.

For Easter, volunteers from over 35 local churches, food pantries and shelters will arrive on April 16 and begin preparing boxes of food, including a Mountaire Roaster. The volunteers will then deliver the packaged meals to their respective churches for distribution to families in need. The boxes packed at the event will provide a nutritious Easter meal to more than 11,250 community members.

“Mountaire is proud to host this charitable, faith-based initiative during the Easter season,” said President Phillip Plylar. “Our employees enjoy giving back to the community and taking part in such a great event.”

Appeal Deadline Passes On OC Buskers Ruling

Page 32

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The deadline for Ocean City to appeal a federal court opinion on street performing passed last weekend with no action taken, but that did not prevent the plaintiffs’ attorney from crowing a little more about the ruling.

A U.S. District Court judge last year issued a ruling in a federal suit brought by a group of Boardwalk street performers against Ocean City, striking down many of the provisions of the town’s busker ordinance as a violation of First Amendment rights. In the months since that ruling, the named plaintiffs in the case have been awarded nominal damages, in most cases just $100, in what was largely a symbolic gesture by the U.S. District

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Court Judge Richard Bennett.

The judge’s opinion and the subsequent awarding of nominal damages brought some measure of closure to the long-running case between the street performers and the city, but there was one more rather innocuous deadline to pass. Last week, the deadline for Ocean City to appeal the federal court’s ruling passed quietly with no action taken by the town. As a result, attorney Adam Holofcener took one last swipe at the town for its defeat.

“After years of uncertainty and restriction by the Town of Ocean City, performers on the Boardwalk are now able to rely on a strong legal decision when exercising their First Amendment rights,” he said. “Given Judge Bennett’s opinion, Ocean City needs to think twice before trying to enact any new type of regulation on Boardwalk

performers that limit free speech.”

In 2015, a group of nine Boardwalk street performers filed suit in U.S. District Court asserting the town’s busker regulations, including the pre-registration process and site limitations, violated their First Amendment rights.

Last May, a federal judge essentially agreed and struck down many of the provisions of the town’s ordinance.

In simplest terms, the court’s ruling essentially pulled most of the teeth from the town’s street performer ordinance including the pre-registration requirement, the limitations on spaces utilized by buskers and the ban on any performances before 10 a.m.

The town won on a few points, including the section of the ordinance that keeps important access points open for emergency vehicles and prohibit street performing after 1 a.m.

Unknowns Cloud County Capital Plan

March 8, 2019

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County debated this week to extend the date for adopting the fiscal years 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Program as county staff works on a budget for the coming year.

In a work session of the Wicomico County Council this week, Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg said staff will reexamine how the county will pay for capital projects in the proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

“Frankly, as we are going through the budget, we are taking another very hard look at that,” he said.

Strausburg said the proposed capital budget for 2020 will use nearly $9 million in reserves to pay for projects in the coming fiscal year. But he noted legislation to raise the minimum wage and plans to implement recommendations from the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education – or Kirwan Commission – could impact the county’s capital spending plan.

“What we want to take a look at now is how far we want to go into that unassigned fund balance,” he said. “We know the minimum wage bill has cleared the House. I’m sure that’s going to clear the Senate. That’s going to have an impact on the county … The other thing that really has our attention right now is the Kirwan Commission.”

While it is unclear how plans to implement public education recommendations would impact the county budget, Strausburg said a $15 minimum hourly wage is expected to cost Wicomico at least $7 million.

“Based on figures I have right now, our new general fund revenue for this coming year is on the order of just around $2 million and maintenance of effort is going to take up $1.2 million,” he said. “So we’ve got about $800,000.”

Strausburg added that many economists were predicting a recession in mid-2020.

“Back when I was doing the CIP, I was looking at finances quite a bit differently than I’m looking at them right now as we prepare the budget,” he said. “So we are going to revisit that.

How much are we going to borrow, and how much are we going to use out of fund balance?”

Councilman Joe Holloway questioned if the council should extend the date for adopting the CIP. “I think you have the authority to extend the date of approval, and if you say you want to extend that to the first meeting in April I don’t have any objection to that,” Strausburg said.

He added more consideration should be given to the county’s capital plan before it is adopted.

“I’m not quite comfortable that the plan we proposed back in February is something we should proceed with in this coming fiscal year,” he said.

Church Street Light Request Rejected

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A local church’s request for additional lighting from the county will not be granted.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday reviewed a request from Bowen United Methodist Church for an additional street light on Mill Street.

Though Commissioner Ted Elder made a motion to move forward with installing a light, it failed with a 3-3 vote. Several commissioners expressed concern over the fact granting this request could lead to other similar requests.

“If they need a light they certainly have room to put one on their property,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said.

Public Works Director John Tustin told the commissioners Bowen United Methodist Church had asked that a street light be installed on Mill Street because some congregation members felt the area was dark and dangerous at night. Tustin said there was currently a street light at the intersection of Mill Street and Newark Road.

He said options for the county were denying the request and encouraging the church to install its own light or installing a light on a pole on Mill Street at a cost of about $20 a month.

He pointed out, however, that if that light was installed it would likely distress the residents of a house in close proximity.

“I’d be afraid if we put a light on that pole you’d have some overflow onto that house,” Tustin said.

Elder made a motion to install the light.

“It’s a dark town at that area,” he said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked whether the county would set a precedent if it installed a light at the church’s request.

“I don’t mean to seem cold hearted but it’s not our responsibility to do this,” he said.

Tustin said that the county had installed street lights in West Ocean City for public safety. When asked again if granting the church’s request would set a precedent, he said he believed it would.

Elder objected.

“The street lights were put in at West Ocean City,” he said. “I think the citizens of Newark have the same rights as the people in West Ocean City.”

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic pointed out the church already had a pole on its property where a security light could be installed. He added that he was concerned about the impact a county light would have on the nearby house.

“It’s going to be shining right in their front windows then we’re going to get complaints from them …,” he said.

Commissioners Elder, Nordstrom and Bud Church voted in support while Mitrecic, Bertino and Bunting were opposed. Commissioner Diana Purnell was absent.

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WOC License Suspended For Week After Sales To Minors

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A West Ocean City business faces a hefty fine and a week-long suspension after selling alcohol to minors twice within 30 days.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) on Wednesday fined Marlin Market $2,500 and suspended its alcohol privileges for a week as a result of two violations.

Though the store implemented changes and fired the employees who made the sales to minors, BLC members stressed the business owner remained responsible.

“Regardless of what the employees are doing, it’s the licensee that’s responsible,” said BLC Chairman William Esham.

Attorney Mark Cropper, representing the Marlin Market, said the first sale to a minor occurred when an employee failed to scan a customer’s identification and instead was able to manually override that requirement. Cropper said the employee was fired the next day and the cash register system was

changed so there was no option for a manual override. The employee policy manual was also changed to emphasize practices to prevent minors from purchasing alcohol.

Nevertheless, Cropper said just weeks after the first violation a second violation occurred at Marlin Market. On a check conducted by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, when the minor attempting to purchase alcohol told the clerk he didn’t have his identification, the clerk scanned his own identification to allow the sale to go through.

When board members asked the clerk why he’d done it, he explained that he’d started the practice of scanning his own identification just a couple days before the violation when some of the store’s regular customers’ identifications wouldn’t go through the scanner.

Cropper stressed that the employee had been fired immediately and that Marlin Market’s connections had made a significant effort after the first violation to ensure minors were not able to purchase alcohol.

“I would submit to the board that at some point a licensee has met his bur-

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den …,” Cropper said. “Once in a while you have an employee that does something so completely unpredictable and out of character you cannot anticipate it and you cannot prevent it.”

Esham acknowledged that it was an unusual situation.

“I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen this or not,” he said, adding that the licensee had acted appropriately after the first violation in implementing changes.

BLC member Charles Nichols made a motion to fine Marlin Market $500 for the first violation and $2,500 for the second violation and also to suspend the store’s license for 30 days. When BLC member Marty Pusey said she had questions, BLC attorney Thomas Coates said the board could go into closed session.

When the board reconvened in open session, Nichols revised his motion to include fines of $500 and $2,000 and to include a suspension of seven days starting March 7. The motion passed 3-0.

Wednesday’s BLC meeting also included several new license requests.

The board was quick to approve a li-

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cense for a third Dough Roller location. The popular restaurant is taking over the building in West Ocean City formerly occupied by Applebee’s. The 150-seat facility will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Mad Fish on the commercial harbor will be able to offer the carryout sale of beer and wine following approval from the BLC this week. Though the restaurant’s connections asked for permission to offer carryout beer, wine and liquor – in an effort to cater to the boating community near the restaurant – BLC members opted to grant approval for just beer and wine. Esham said there were already approximately six businesses offering carryout liquor sales within a mile.

Other new businesses licensed by the board included El Maya (Market Street in Pocomoke), WXYZ Bar and Tiki Bar (in Aloft in Ocean City) and Three Anchors Coastal Eats and Spirits (K-Coast building on 78th Street). License transfers were approved for the Lucky Anchor Bar and Grill (the former Alibi Room.) and Taphouse Tavern (previously Kirby’s Red Onion).

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Berlin Schedules Input Meetings On Comp Plan Addition

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The town will host a trio of meetings to gather community input as a resiliency element is created for Berlin’s comprehensive plan.

Citizens will have a chance to share their concerns regarding climate change and resiliency at three meetings this month. They’re scheduled for March 14, 16 and 18.

“The comprehensive plan is your master policy document when it comes to land use and land use decisions,” Town Administrator Laura Allen said.

“Given my understanding of climate change and the science around climate change and what I see from flood experiences here, it’s something we need to start planning for and accounting for as soon as possible.”

Berlin received a grant from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last fall to aid in development of a resiliency element for its comprehensive plan. The town has engaged the University of

Maryland Environmental Finance Center to host this month’s meetings and then draft the resilience element for the plan.

According to Allen, each meeting will include a presentation followed by group exercises designed to provide town officials with citizen input.

“We wanted to talk to the community about climate change, growth and financial sustainability,” Allen said. “In my mind, those things are all intimately connected … The goal here is to get feedback from the community

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about their concerns on those topics and what they’d like to see us do in those areas.”

She said an example of something that might come out of the meetings is a community interest in the town assessing any infrastructure that could be at risk based on sea level rise predictions. Allen also expects some discussion on financial sustainability, particularly considering that elected officials are currently reviewing rate and tax increases.

“I think we’re at a really critical junc-

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ture in all of those areas, from a climate standpoint and a growth standpoint and from a financial standpoint,” Allen said. “This is a really good conversation for the community to have in terms of what they’d like to see us do going forward.”

Meetings are scheduled for March 14 from 6-9 p.m. at Buckingham Elementary School, March 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Berlin branch of the Worcester County Library, and March 18 from 6-9 p.m. at Town Hall.

Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services will offer free childcare during the March 14 and March 16 meetings.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS MEMBERS AND FRIENDS FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN 2018 Springfest-Wine Booth Sales Sunset Park Concerts-Wine Sales Sunfest-Wine Booth Sales Swing For Youth Golf Tournament Winterfest Of Lights-Hot Chocolate Booth

Laurie Chetelat & SDHS Connections Club, Mgr. Dave Ludwig Berlin-OC Optimist Club in memory of Larry Snoots Eagles Landing Golf Course Staff and Volunteers

OC Recreation and Parks Staff and Volunteers Downtown Association Special Events Staff and Volunteers Mayor and City Council OC-Berlin Rotary Club

Quota Club The "A" Team NSP Pickleball Players The Dispatch Lionesses Glenn Irwin, OCDC

Ocean City Recreation Boosters engage in fundraising activities that help lower fees for recreation programs and fund summer camp scholarships to children of families in need.

SINCE 2001, OC REC BOOSTERS HAVE RAISED WELL OVER $800,000.

If you are interested in joining the Boosters, please call 410-250-0125.

St. Patrick’s Parade, Festival Next Week

March 8, 2019

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City will be glistening in green as the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Delmarva Irish-American Club (DIAC), marches down Coastal Highway on Saturday, March 16.

This Ocean City tradition, which began in 1980, has grown to become the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the state, in addition to becoming a seasonal kick-off for many local businesses.

Leading the parade are Grand Marshals Fran and Michael Patrick Kelly, along with Lillian Farrell, Cultural Affairs Attaché from the Embassy of Ireland.

Featuring the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipe Band and the Ocean City Pipe and Drum Band, the parade brings the sounds of Ireland to the streets of Ocean City. Also participating are local high school marching bands plus numerous festively decorated floats sponsored by local businesses, groups and organizations.

The procession begins at noon at 57th Street and marches south on Coastal Highway to the 45th Street Shopping Center, where the viewing and judging stands will be located.

Trophies will be awarded for best marching band, best commercial float, best non-commercial float, best motorized unit, best adult marching unit, best youth marching unit, special committee award, judges’ choice award and best overall entry in the parade.

In addition to the celebration on the street, the 45th Street Shopping Center will be once again be transformed into a spirited Irish festival complete with live entertainment from Kevin O’Brennan and the Shoreline Band, Irish apparel and plenty of food and drink. Spectators can enjoy the freeadmission festival beginning at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m.

To avoid traffic delays, viewers are urged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. and to view the parade from 57th Street south to 45th Street.

For the fourth year in a row, WRDE will broadcast the parade live beginning at 11:30 a.m., with hosts Matt Pencek, Madeleine Overturf and Dean Langrall. The WRDE Irish Eye in the Sky will bring brilliant pictures of the parade from above along with cameras covering all the floats, bands and maybe a leprechaun or two. Watch a re-broadcast of the parade Sunday, March 17, on My Cozi TV, which can be found on Comcast and Mediacom.

The DIAC was founded in 1980, and its first membership drive resulted in 75 members. Today, there are close to 300 members. Over the years, the club – a 501(c)(3) social organization – has donated more than $500,000 from the proceeds of the annual parade and festival. These donations go to scholarships for local high school students and to other local charities and organizations.

March 8, 2019

Obituaries Marie Clare Leek

BERLIN – On Feb. 20, 2019, Marie Clare Leek went to be with her Lord and Savior at 86 years of age.

She was a devoted daughter of John and Marie Ilgenfritz; loyal and loving partner of Andrew Szypula for 40 years; loving sister of John Ilgenfritz, Margaret McGuire, Bernadette McCarty, Carolann Stripling and her two children, Alicia and Brandon; cherished mother of Teresa Lerner, Sharon Sapp, John H. Leek and daughter-in-law Margaret Leek; adoring grandmother of eight wonderful grandchildren, Heather, Leah, Lauren, Amanda, Kristin, Jackie, Billy and Me-lynda; and beloved great-grandmother to seven beautiful greatgrandchildren.

Marie was a loving, independent, giving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed her family, friends, adult coloring, Ravens football and her rescued cat, “Gracie.”

She also enjoyed her work as the accountant for the Maryland Coast CLARE Dispatch before her re- MARIE LEEK tirement after 20 years.

A gathering will be held at Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, located at 504 Franklin Ave. in Berlin, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, a division of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 504 Franklin Ave., Berlin, Md. 21811.

Please visit www.easternshorecremation.com to express condolences to the family.

Joel Thomas James BERLIN – We can all be grateful for the gift of having Joel Thomas James in our lives.

Born on Aug, 13, 1977, Joel left this world unexpectedly on Feb. 12, 2019.

In his wake, he left an imprint on so many people around the world – family, friends, colleagues and students and their families.

Joel loved nature, especially surfing. On summer mornings, he could be found surfing the beaches at Assateague Island. Joel could brighten your day JOEL THOMAS with his smile or a hug.

JAMES He told great stories and loved a good laugh. He saw the good in every being and lifted up those around him. He was a loving family member, a loyal friend and a gifted and enthusiastic teacher.

Without a doubt, Joel lived life to its fullest. He enriched the lives of so many of us, and we are thankful for having had him in our lives, even if that time feels so short and ended so suddenly.

Joel is survived by his wife, Honor McElroy, and son, Emmett (age 3), who both brought him great joy; parents Jim SEE PAGE 38

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

... Obituaries

Page 38

FROM PAGE 37 and Vera James; sisters Aimee James and Jennifer Wissink; and by his extended family Julie Kerr, Georgianna and Robert McElroy, Maggie and Chris Eby, Joe and Lindsey McElroy, Larry Wissink; and nephew and nieces Gerrit, Megan and Madeline Wissink.

Joel was a graduate of Chenango Forks High School in Binghamton, N.Y., and of Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. He received a master’s degree from the University of Buffalo. At the time of his passing, he was teaching at the American Community School in

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Amman, Jordan.

A service to remember and celebrate Joel’s life will be planned for a later date in summer 2019.

Life will not be the same without Joel in it, but his impact and memory live on.

We think he would want to be remembered not with tears but with a good story, music, laughter and love and goodwill for those around us.

If you are so moved, please consider donating in Joel’s name to one of these causes which we think he would hold dear: Assateague Island Alliance and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; or choose something that means a lot to you. It’s what he would want.

John Francis Finch BERLIN – John Francis Finch, age

12 Auctions by A&M Auctions

View Website for Complete Ads, Terms, Directions, Online Bidding, Photographs & Additional Information. www.amauctions.com On-Line Only Auction – Bishopville, MD!

A&M Auctions is honored to sell for the Estate of Robert Quillen Sr! Personal Property located at: 10718 Bishopville Road, Bishopville, MD 21813 Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending March 13th, 2019 Starting at 5 PM! Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com

Eastern Shore Primitives, Collectables, Furniture and more!

Personal Property Preview: Monday March 11th 4-6pm

On-Line Only Auction – Salisbury, MD!

A&M Auctions is honored to sell for the Living Estate of Otis and Mirian C. Elliott!

Personal Property located at: 6412 Willing Drive, Salisbury, MD 21801 Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending March 27th, 2019 Starting at 5 PM! Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com

Eastern Shore Primitives, Advertising, Collectibles, Antique & Modern Furniture, Artwork and more!

Personal Property Preview: Monday March 25th 4-6pm

Online Only Coin & Currency Auction – Parsonsburg, MD!

Personal Property located at the A&M Auction Facility: 8000 Esham Road, Parsonsburg, MD Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending Thursday March 28th, 2019 at 5 PM Auction conducted online at www.AMauctions.com Nice selection of Mainly Commemorative Gold/Silver Coinage, Proofs & Mint Sets. To include US & World Proof/Mint Sets. Large Quantity of Commemorative Silver Coinage from Great Britain, Canada, Panama & many others. Includes Approx. 45 Gold Coins, US Gold coins to include: 1929 $2.5 Indian Head, 1926 Sesquicentennial American Independence $2.5, Two 1987 Constitution $5 Pcs & many more. Approx. 35 Morgan Silver Dollars to include an 1881-CC & 1884 CC GSA Hoard slabbed. Much more to be listed soon!

(3) Onsite Online Only Auctions to Include: March 20th, 2019 On-Line Only Auction – Fort Washington, MD. Personal Property located at: 4604 Brava Court, Ft. Washington, MD 20744. Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending March 20th, 2019 Starting at 5 PM! Militaria, Antique Furniture, Antique Radios, Electronics, Musical Instruments, Primitives, Collectables, Guns & more! April 10th, 2019 On-Line Only Auction – Greenwood, DE. Personal Property located at: 12289 Sussex Highway, Greenwood, DE 19973. Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending April 10th, 2019 Starting at 5 PM! Furniture, Glassware, Tools, Primitives & more! April 24th, 2019 Exquisite On-Line Only Auction – Salisbury, MD. A&M Auctions is honored to sell for the Estate of Donna Marie Caddell! Personal Property located at: 328 Troopers Way, Salisbury, MD 21804. Auction Held Online Only with Bidding ending April 24th, 2019 Starting at 5 PM. Eastern Shore Primitives, Estate Vehicle, Furniture, Silver & more!

(6) Auctions at 8000 Esham Road, Parsonsburg, MD: April 17th, 2019. Multi Estate Personal Property Auction at the A&M Auction Facility. To include a selection of Estate Glassware, China, Collectibles, Furniture & more! May 3rd, 2019.

Spring Sportsman’s Auction. To include a Selection of Decoys & Wildfowl Artwork, Firearms, 2 Kids ATV’s & much more.

May 29th, 2019. Multi Estate Auction at the A&M Auction Facility to Include, Glassware, China, Collectibles, Furniture & more! June 6th, 2019. To include a nice selection of Gold & Silver Coinage. Featuring 3 Double Eagle Gold Coins, Approx.

75 Morgan Silver Dollars, American Eagle Bullion Silver Dollars, Large US currency notes and much more! June 19th, 2019.

Single Estate Auction held at the A&M Facility. Antique Furniture, Primitives, Sterling Silver, Tall Case Clock, WWII memorabilia & more! July 10th, 2019. Multi Estate Auction at the A&M Auction Facility to Include, Glassware, China, Collectibles, Furniture & more!

View Website for Additional Information, Terms, Directions, Online Bidding & Pictures!

Auctioneer - Dave Allen 410-835-0384 or 302-545-1903 www.AMauctions.com

March 8, 2019

88, died on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Atlantic General Hospital.

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Harry and Catherine Hughes Finch. He is survived by his wife, Mary Seabrease Finch, and children, Billy Taylor of Baltimore and Teresa Shehan and her husband, Jeffrey, of Glenville, Pa. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathy Prochaska. There are six grandchildren and nine JOHN FRANCIS great-grandchildren.

FINCH Mr. Finch had been employed by Budweiser as a truck driver. A sports fan, he loved to watch baseball and football.

A funeral service was held on Monday, March 4, at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Rev. Paul Jennings officiated. A donation in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Fla., 33607. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Robert F. Harrington DAGSBORO, Del. – Robert “Bobby” or “Bear” F. Harrington, age 73, of Dagsboro, Del., and formerly of Key West, Fla. and Washington, D.C., passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Charlotte Hall, Md. He was born in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 10, 1945, son of the late Rob-

ert G. and Margaret Ann (Flynn) Harrington. “Bear” proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired in 1991 as one of the most highly decorated Washington, D.C., firefighters.

“Bobby” was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Moose, American Legion Post #24 and the Emerald Society Firefighters of Washington, D.C. He also enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley-Davidson and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his five siblings, Thomas Harrington and his wife, Janice, of Cooksville, Md., James Harrington and his wife, Marie, of Roxana, Del., Anne Luke and her husband, Michael, of Willards, Md., Maureen Cathell and her husband, Wayne, of Berlin and Kathleen Porterfield and her husband, Rick, of Madisonville, Tenn., and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 35318 Church Rd., Frankford, Del., where friends and family may call after 10 a.m Interment will follow with military honors at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Robert’s name to the Emerald Society Firefighters of Washington, D.C., 3002 12th Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20018 or by visiting www.dcfdemeralds.org Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

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What’s It Like To Drive OC Bus?

March 8, 2019

OCEAN CITY – Thinking About driving a bus in Ocean City? Here’s what it’s like, as Ocean City Transportation is hiring bus drivers for the summer.

Here’s a sample of a trip down Coastal Highway from the Delaware line to the Inlet. On a busy summer day, you will make about four of these round trips per eight-hour shift. Remember the best thing about being a bus driver in Ocean City compared to other cities is that we have dedicated lanes for buses and (bicycles) for seven of the nine-plus miles containing Ocean City on the island. The only turns you will make as a driver are at the stations at the ends of the lines, plus your starting point at 65th Street.

Also there is only one route to learn with the occasional offshoot assignment to the Park and Ride lot on Route 50.

Easy to learn and fun to drive, and you will meet all kinds of people getting on the bus. Workers, beach-goers, partiers, residents and resident seniors, international student workers, all kinds of people, all ages. If you like people and consider yourself a people person and a safe driver this might be the job for you.

Let’s start our trip on 144th Street at the station. You pick up a few transfer passengers from DART (Delaware Area Rapid Transit). Traveling south on Coastal Highway watch for turning vehicles.

Watch, too, for pedestrians especially at beach crossings. Headed south now the traffic picks up on Coastal Highway, but your bus has clear sailing ahead. Travel time for buses in the summer is comparable to auto travel despite the picking up and exiting of passengers. Midway down Coastal Highway, notice the Route 90 Bridge entrance coming up.

As you approach 49th Street, on your right is Ocean City’s busiest bus stop located at Seacrets and Dumser’s. Many nights you will see many passengers exit here. The next big stop is the convention center at 40th Street. Next up is the area of 33rd to 28th streets, home of many restaurants and Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Continually moving south, your bus cruises past 17th Street and it’s time now for general traffic flow from here to the Inlet. Just be sure to move to the left lane approaching the Route 50 Bridge, you don’t want to end up on the bridge at least not this trip.

Your destination is the south transit bus station. As you pull your bus into the station, you see there are two buses ahead of you in the line for the station.

With 10 minutes between buses, you have about 20 minutes to take a break.

Advise your radio supervisor of your location and take a breath of ocean air.

Next up, the trip north and more sights, sounds and people await you and your bus on your shift.

– Mark Rickards Special To The Dispatch (The writer is the transit manager for the Town of Ocean City’s Department of Public Works.)

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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NYU Student To Hold Benefit To Help Fund Thesis Film In OC

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A coming-of-age short film written and directed by a resort native will begin production in Ocean City in the coming months.

On May 31, filmmaker Emmi Shockley and her team will begin production for her newest short film, “J-1,” a New York University (NYU) thesis film set in Ocean City.

Shockley, a senior at the university’s Tisch School of the Arts, said the film will reflect her experiences growing up and working in the resort town.

“This story came about from my own experiences, working every summer at Shenanigan’s and working with these J-1 students,” she said.

In this coming-of-age film, Olivia, a restless young local, falls for an Irish J-1 student named Mac while working her summer job at a crab house. The film joins the couple on their last night together in Ocean City as Olivia begins to struggle with her decision to leave everything she has ever known and move to Dublin with Mac. “I feel like I had the story of a J-1 summer relationship,” she said, “and so many people I’ve worked with have also had that experience of forming a relationship and figuring out what to do with those feelings when the summer comes to an end.”

Shockley said production on “J-1” will begin on May 31 and will last approximately two weeks. Filming will take place at the Crab Bag on 130th Street and at several locations in downtown Ocean City.

“When I decided on shooting in a crab house, the Crab Bag was an obvious decision …,” she said. “It’s filled with all of these things that are so specific to Maryland, and it’s also run by people I trust and that are so generous.”

Shockley said she has cast herself to play the role of Olivia in her upcoming film, but she said efforts are ongoing to cast the Irish male lead.

“We’ve been searching high and low for Irish, early-20s, non-actors even …,” she said. “I’m optimistic even though we haven’t found him yet.

Our casting search is still active.”

Once filming is complete, Shockley said “J-1” will spend several months in post-production before it is submitted to NYU’s First Run Film Festival.

“The class of 2019 submits their films and if they’re chosen they get screened in this competition in New York,” she said. “It’s an open festival and the finalists of that festival are flown out to [Los Angeles] for industry screenings and meetings. It’s pretty

March 8, 2019

competitive, and it’s a great end goal.”

Shockley said she also hopes to submit the film to several film festivals throughout Maryland.

“We’ll see how it ends up and what kind of festivals we can shoot for,” she said.

To make the production of “J-1” a reality, Shockley said she will host a fundraiser at the Crab Bag on March 15 from 6-9 p.m.

“We are having it on St. Patrick’s Day weekend,” she said, “which is appropriate given the Irish influences in the film.”

Shockley said there will be a suggested donation at the door, but those who donate $20 will receive a voucher to Ocean City Laser Tag at Game World. The fundraiser will include live music, free appetizers, happy-hour drink specials, games and unique silent auction items, including a photo shoot with a local photographer and gifts from local establishments.

“Fifty percent of the proceeds of the silent auction will go towards the funding of the film, and the other 50 percent will be given to the Art League of Ocean City as a way to give back,” she said. “They are such great supporters of filmmaking in Ocean City.”

Shockley is no stranger to acting, writing and directing. In 2014, she was cast as Red Miracle’s love interest in the independent film “Ping Pong Summer.” And the next year, she formed Ombrophilous Films with her brother Tate Shockley.

In 2016, Shockley wrote and directed a short film “We Regret to Inform You,” which was selected as a finalist at the international level of the Campus Movie Fest competition and screened at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

Shockley, a Worcester Prep alumna, is now a senior at NYU’s Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film and Television, where she focuses on screenwriting, directing and independent producing. Her most recent short film, “Don’t Be a Baby,” won Audience Choice, Best Directing, Best Lead Actress and Best Editing awards at the university’s New Visions & Voices showcase in November.

Shockley will return to Ocean City this weekend to promote “J-1,” and “Don’t Be a Baby,” which will be screened at the Ocean City Film Festival on Saturday.

“We would love to see loads of people there,” she said.

For more information on “J-1,” or any of Shockley’s works, visit emmishockley.com. An Indiegogo website for the upcoming short film will go live on Friday for those who wish to donate.

Fenwick Grants hourly pay Jump For Beach patrol

March 8, 2019

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – A salary adjustment is expected to benefit members of the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol.

On Feb. 22, Town Manager Terry Tieman presented the Fenwick Island Town Council with a request to increase the starting salary for the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol from $13 an hour to $15.25 an hour.

“I do have documentation that the Delaware State Beach Patrol has a starting salary of $15.25, which is $2.25 more than what we currently pay,” she said. “It’s been our practice to match what the state pays, so I am asking that that occur.”

Tieman told the council it remains unclear how much the new starting salary would cost the town.

“There’s not any way to quantify that at this time because we are not sure who will be returning and who won’t be returning,” she said. “We sent out emails to existing patrol members.

Twelve have responded, 10 are returning and two are not. Nineteen others have not responded, but … we are getting down to the cutoff date.”

Tieman added that the town is also in the process of reviewing more than 20 job applications and processing two new hires.

“We are in a situation where we have new lifeguards, new management,” she said. “So someone would be deciding, ‘Do I want to go there at $13 an hour, or do I want to try somebody new for $15.25?’”

Tieman said the new starting salary would keep the town competitive.

“I know in the past we always matched what the state pays so we can stay competitive,” she said. “And I think it will have an effect on the quality and the number of people that we get. That’s why I am asking for it.”

Tieman told the council salary and department savings could be used to fund the salary adjustment and pay raises for existing lifeguards. She also noted the state provided the town with an additional $7,000 this year for lifeguard services.

“The worst-case scenario, if everyone came back it would be approximately $30,000,” she said. “But that’s not going to happen because not everyone is coming back.”

With no further questions, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Richard Mais absent, to approve the salary adjustment.

“I’ll know more when I know who’s coming,” Tieman said. “But right now, I don’t have an idea. I would just be playing with numbers.”

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opeN 7 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday, Saturday aNd SuNday CloSed moNday thru thurSday

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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.

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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.

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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 8, 2019

Minimum Wage Hike Will Bring Higher Expenses HOW WE SEE IT

If it feels like Maryland just increased its minimum wage, that’s because it has annually for the last four years. From 2015-2018, minimum wage jumped from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour as part of a legislative package approved in 2014.

With that increase now in place, the Maryland legislature seems intent on approving a similar phase-in plan ultimately boosting the so-called “living wage” to $15 an hour by 2025. If passed, as expected, that means over 10 years the minimum wage rate in Maryland will more than double.

That’s not a sustainable increase for businesses of any size and will simply result in costs to eat out and buy groceries, for example, increasing for consumers.

While economic inequality and social justice issues merit attention, Maryland lawmakers need to understand this wage increase coupled with last year’s paid sick leave bill ramifications will severely hurt existing businesses and hamper economic development.

Throughout this session, and for

years truly, we have been wondering whether state lawmakers truly care what their constituents think. We are generally referring to these decision makers, as surely there are individuals who do want to stay in the good graces of those folks who put them in office.

However, these continued decisions that run afoul of what appears to be the majority opinion of the electorate make us wonder how and why lawmakers are coming to these decisions.

A recent poll conducted by Gonzales Research and Media Services revealed 43 percent of registered voters in Maryland “strongly support” boosting minimum wage to $15. However, according to the same poll, just 28 percent “strongly support” the increase if it means paying higher prices for goods and services as well as meals. Businesses will not simply accept a reduced net profit and will inevitably pass their rising costs on to their customers. According to the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM), just 12 percent of those polled would strongly favor the increase if it resulted in the loss of entry level jobs

for low-skilled workers, while 70 percent would oppose the law if lowskilled jobs are lost.

Due to its liberal tax policies, expensive property and poor economic development incentives, Maryland is known as an anti-business state. That plays out routinely as Maryland is often passed over by neighboring states for large commercial contracts and future business home offices.

Maryland’s current minimum wage of $10.10 is already higher than neighboring states Delaware ($8.25), Virginia ($7.25), West Virginia ($8.75), Pennsylvania ($7.25) and New Jersey ($8.60). Businesses are already at a competitive disadvantage even without this planned increase.

With the House of Delegates already approving a $15 an hour minimum wage by 2025, the Senate now gets its chance to review the bill. Pundits expected the new wage legislation to pass easily, although local officials railed against the bill yesterday. We hope their efforts are not an exercise in futility, but recent history confirms they will be.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sheriff Needs To Go Editor: I was astonished to hear the comments made by Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis regarding his intention to not enforce certain laws if enacted by the state legislature. His comments were so bold and brazen that he has demonstrated to the citizens of Wicomico County that he is unfit for office.

I believe it is appropriate for State law makers to solicit and consider opinions from the public on all legislation being considered. Sheriff Lewis is certainly someone who should be consulted about gun legislation being considered. As an elected member of law enforcement, he should give his opinions if he wishes, and his opinions should be carefully considered by those enacting such laws.

However, while Sheriff Lewis is perfectly entitled to have personal opinions on issues, once a law is enacted it becomes his job to enforce the law. While expressing his opposition to a piece of legislation (SB 737) which would ban possession of the heavy barreled AR 15 rifle, he said “I will not comply with that law ... It’s wrong. It’s unjust and it’s unconstitutional. It’s fundamentally flawed and I can’t do it.”

This is among the most unprofessional statements I have ever heard from a member of law enforcement.

Sheriff Lewis has one very important job to do, and that is to enforce the laws on the books. By proclaiming he would put his personal views over and above that of the written law is akin to treason. If he really believes what he said, we should thank him for his service and show him the door. We need people in law enforcement that will enforce all laws, not just those that he or she may agree with.

M. Scott Chismar Crofton and Ocean City

Cell Tower Decision Rushed By Officials Editor:

(The following was addressed to the Ocean City Mayor and Council with a copy sent to this publication.)

It is a concern to me that the City Council majority recently rushed and voted to approve small cell towers in the R-1 residential areas of Caine Woods, Caine Keys II and Little Salisbury, as well as near Heron Harbor.

The FCC apparently stated in their 18-133 Ruling effective Jan. 14, 2019, under Sec. 89, "We appreciate that at least some localities will require some time to establish and publish aesthetics standards that are consistent with this Declaratory Ruling. Based on our review and evaluation of commenters' concerns, we anticipate that such publication should take no longer than 180 days after publication of this de-

cision in the Federal Register." It would appear that the Town of Ocean City has until mid-July, 2019, to take more formal action regarding the small cell tower installations in residential areas.

Let me state from the outset that contrary to the misconception, Distributed Cellular Antenna Systems (DAS) are not regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission. The town has a nonexclusive written cable franchise agreement with Comcast. It appears in the Town Charter, Sec. 39-202. As of Feb. 27, 2019, Crown Castle has no such written franchise agreement with the Town. Under Sec. 39-203 (a)(3), the Cable Franchise agreement requires that before a franchise is awarded, there is to be "... a reasonable opportunity for consideration of the views of interested parties ..."

Sec. 39-205, entitled "Procedure for granting franchise," specifically paragraph (c)(2), requires the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) to schedule a hearing whereby " ... any person having any interest or objection to the granting of the franchise may appear before the Mayor and City Council and be heard." Sec. 39-205(d) further provides that if a franchise is to be denied or granted, it must be by Resolution.

Sec. 39-301 of the Charter, spells out the franchise agreement between SEE NEXT PAGE

March 8, 2019

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE 42 the town and Sandpiper Energy, which has an exclusive right and franchise to provide propane and natural gas to the public. That franchise was revised and updated on Sept. 8, 2015, by Ordinance 2015-18. That ordinance details the criteria for that franchise and all the provisions of that agreement.

More recently, Ordinance 2017-15 was adopted on Oct. 2, 2017. It requires that Utility Owners complete a Utility Installation Agreement (UA).

The ordinance states the purpose as, "The UA is required for installation of all privately owned utilities within Town of Ocean City Right-of-Ways and Public Easements. The UA provides guidelines to ensure public safety and protection of existing underground utilities."

In March of 2009, Mayor Rick Meehan vetoed Ordinance 2009-3, which was a zoning amendment pertaining to small wind energy systems or wind turbines. On March 3, 2009, Mayor Meehan wrote to the City Clerk and the City Council stating, "I recommend that a new ordinance be crafted that would permit free-standing turbines in all zoning districts by Conditional Use...". He added, "As a Conditional Use, a public hearing would be held giving interested property owners the opportunity to participate in the decision." Soon thereafter, Ordinance 2009-6 was adopted permitting small energy wind systems by Conditional Use. To date, no such opportunity to be heard at a Conditional Use hearing has been provided to R-1 residents regarding small cell towers.

In short, there have been no written and signed franchise agreements between Crown Castle and the Town of Ocean City. There have been no resolutions pertaining to small cell towers passed by the M&CC. And, there have been no ordinances passed establishing guidelines for the installation of small cell towers.

More importantly, the residents and property owners have no formal way to comment on or protest the onslaught of these small cell towers, such as a Conditional Use hearing before the Planning & Zoning Commission. Likewise, the public has not had the opportunity to comment on any franchise agreement, resolution or ordinance before the M&CC. Making the installation of small cell towers subject to a conditional use affords the M&CC the opportunity to follow the purpose of Conditional Uses as spelled out in Sec. 110-121 allowing for the elected body to make "...findings of fact in accordance with the standards herein prescribed and, further, finds that the conditional use will not be contrary to the public interest."

On Feb. 12, 2019, the council majority voted to allow the installation of four new small cell towers in the R-1 zone in my community, Caine Woods.

There are already another four exist-

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ing small cell towers installed in the R2A areas of Caine Woods which should have been reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission under a conditional use process, and then forwarded to the M&CC for approval or disapproval.

When the R-2A zoning code was amended in 2011 by Ordinance 201130, to accommodate the expansion of the Delmarva Power Plant/substation, language was added to Sec. 110-304, that reads under paragraph (2), "Public utilities and public services, not otherwise regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission, including buildings, treatment plants, pumping or regulator stations, substations, and principal transmission lines, but not including distribution and collection systems." This amendment made public utilities and public services permitted by conditional use.

Again, small cell towers are not regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission. The common use and accepted meaning of "distribution and collection systems" pertains to water and wastewater systems.

Likewise, any small cell towers installed in any R-2 zones should have been reviewed under the Conditional Use process as well, since near identical language appears in Sec. 110334(7). While "Essential Services," which includes telecommunications, are a permitted use in residential zoning districts, it is debatable whether or not these small cell towers are truly "essential," when other telecommunication services already exist.

The M&CC sent Crown Castle to negotiate the placement of small cell towers with the boards of directors of R-1 community associations. These board members have no authority to speak for all residents and property owners within these communities, particularly since these citizens have not been informed or polled about these installations; and especially those who will have these towers installed in front of their properties.

There has been no polling of individual property owners in the R-1 communities. There have been no legal notices posted in local newspapers regarding proposed specific installations. There have been no letters mailed to affected property owners within the immediate vicinity of the proposed installation locations. And, there have been no posting of signage by the Planning & Zoning Department on or about the properties most impacted by these installations.

The "Distributed Cellular Antenna System (DAS) requirements modified on Jan. 10, 2017", which were on pages 50-52 of the M&CC Work Session Packet on Dec. 11, 2018, have never been codified.

It is time for the M&CC to take immediate steps to remedy this situation. Thank you for your attention to this very important topic.

Vincent dePaul Gisriel Jr. Ocean City

Page 43

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Ocean City officials want everyone to know there has been no decision on growing paid parking and it’s not the primary charge of the recently convened parking task force.

At the outset of the task force meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan, who does not support more paid parking but without a council vote doesn’t control the decision, said, “When we discussed the strategic plan months ago, the issue of parking came up and it’s been an issue for many years. This task force is meeting to take a broad look at parking in general. There is no preset agenda and until we have a recommendation from this committee, there will be no action taken.”

It’s a good thing there are no preconceived notions ahead of the task force convening, but I fully expect some sort of paid parking increase to be the result of this task force’s work. It may be a divisive decision, but I expect it to happen. When I wrote last month about supporting new paid parking areas on oceanside streets south of 33rd Street, some robust emails in opposition came in. Nonetheless, I remain convinced these are prime areas for some new revenue and it’s reasonable for vacationers, particularly day trippers, to pay for parking steps from the Boardwalk and beach.

From the comments expressed at this week’s task force meeting, there appears to be some support for this concept among sitting council members. Here are some of the elected officials’ comments.

Councilwoman Mary Knight: “You look at this and see there are 4,000 free parking spaces. It takes around $659,000 a year to maintain those free spaces and the taxpayers are paying for that. We just need to see if there is another revenue source. The tourists should help pay for that and not just the taxpayer.”

Councilman John Gehrig: “One of my concerns is fairness for the taxpayers. They contribute a half-a-million-dollars a year to beach replenishment, another $2.5 million for the beach patrol and another million on beach cleaning. We spend $5 million a year on the beach and the Boardwalk. The people living in town are paying for that, the people paying to stay in Ocean City are contributing to that. We need to look at the day-trippers coming in and filling up the parking. They aren’t contributing to all of that.”

Councilman Dennis Dare: “Where can you go to the beach for free and have your trash picked up and have a lifeguard watching over you every block? There are very few places like that anymore, but there is a cost associated with that.”

Paid parking is a divisive issue to be certain, but I will be shocked if the task force does not support some type of expansion. The prime oceanside spots along the Boardwalk are a reasonable start.

Last week’s story about a potential 34-percent property tax increase in Berlin has ignited a fire among citizens I can’t recall seeing in recent history.

Berlin residents are not typically active in politics. For proof look no further than last year’s election, which was canceled when incumbents Dean Burrell, Thom Gulyas and Troy Purnell were unopposed.

While it may be a quiet political town normally, the significance of a potential 34-percent property tax increase under consideration has not been lost on town residents or business owners. Town officials have been taking a lot of heat on this paper’s Facebook page about this tax increase consideration. Gulyas engaged in the dialogue briefly before quickly backing out with some laugh emojis after being called out by town resident Jason Walter for not taking accountability for his own involvement in the town’s financial pickle.

An elderly resident stopped me in the grocery store this week and asked what this proposed tax increase would mean for her. A quick calculation of her approximately $300,000 property within town limits revealed her annual town tax bill will jump from $2,040 at the current .68 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to $2,730 if the .91 rate is approved. When I told her there would be some significant fee increases as well included in the budget, she became irate. This is a feeling that has been pervading Berlin in recent weeks.

I will be surprised if the property tax rate is increased as high as has been discussed, but there’s no question residents and businesses, probably to a larger degree, will see their taxes increased.

At this week’s beg-a-thon before the County Commissioners, Mayor Gee Williams confirmed as much. Williams said the town’s budget will be reduced by 10 percent but there will be significant revenue increases. That’s why he was seeking $35,000 more in funds from the county.

“The town will be instituting increases in our municipal property taxes, and our fees for sewer, water and stormwater,” Williams said. “Basically we’re leaving nothing untouched in terms of spreading the pain and meeting these increasing obligations, which are not just limited to public safety but with also the need to provide utilities and the basic infrastructure and services.”

It’s a challenging financial time in Berlin. While it represents a small part of the town’s budget, the optics of what the elected officials gave themselves in 2017 look especially terrible today. The mayor’s salary jumped from $5,000 to $15,000, a 200-percent increase, and council member pay increased from $2,000 to $7,500, a 275-percent jump. It was a bad move then and it looks especially unacceptable now.

Page 44

Students

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 8, 2019

In The News

The Shirley Hall Memorial Youth Art Show was held last week at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, showcasing the artwork of middle and high school students from public and private schools in Worcester County. The art show is named in memory of Hall, a former Art League board member who was instrumental in originally developing and presenting the show. Hall’s daughters, Betsy Hall-Harrison and Barbara Shade, judge the show. Above, Worcester Prep eighthgrader Sara Miller won third place.

Berlin Intermediate School and sponsor Key Financial Services recently announced the winners of the Prizes for Pages Reading Contest to celebrate top readers. Pictured, from left, are Collin Macomber of Key Financial Services; Avery Lorah, fifth grade; Samantha Ruppert, fifth grade; Emmlyn Fetters, sixth grade; Tyler Kim, fourth grade; Logan Donmoyer, sixth grade; and Ryan Cowder, principal.

Submitted Photos

Also displaying their works in the Shirley Hall Memorial Youth Art Show were Audrey Mumford, left, eighth-grader at Most Blessed Sacrament School, and Kylie Mohler, senior at Pocomoke High School, who won second place.

Under the direction of performing arts teacher Jeanne Zender, intermediate students at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School have been rehearsing for Annie, Jr. with performances on March 14 at 7 p.m. and March 17 at 2 p.m. There will also be a performance on Monday, March 18, at 1 p.m. for the school community. Students pictured, back, are MadaLynne Rutzler, Katelyn Chuvala, Kaylie Gott and Rebecca Kemp; and, front, Makenzie Littleton, Gemma Nicola and Elizabeth Hill.

Twelve Worcester Prep students were inducted into the school’s chapter of the International Thespian Society on Feb. 26. New members include, front from left, McKenzie Blake, Quinn McColgan, Rylie Carey and Annika Larsen; middle, Kelly Polk, Abi Taylor, Hana Miller and Ellie Todorov; and, back, Noah Hudson, Frank Carter, Jacob Meakin and Devin Wallace.

Displaying their paintings during the Shirley Hall Memorial Art Show were Sophia Maskell, left, sixth-grader at Most Blessed Sacrament School, and Theresa Hayes, sixth-grader at Most Blessed Sacrament School.

David Mason, seventh-grader at Most Blessed Sacrament School, displayed his red, white and blue landscape painting during the Shirley Hall Memorial Art Show.

County Library Holding ‘Choose Civility’ Campaign

March 8, 2019

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Following the success of last year’s campaign, the Worcester County Library will kick off a months-long initiative focused on civility.

Beginning this month, the Worcester County Library will launch a “Choose Civility” campaign to promote kindness, respect and civil discourse in the community. First presented by Howard County Public Library in 2007, the Choose Civility movement has since spread nationwide.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Library Director Jennifer Ranck said the Worcester County Library introduced the civility campaign last year.

“We had a great response and the staff really liked it,” she said. “We were fortunate enough to receive another grant to continue this initiative.”

This year, the library will use funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Maryland State Library to offer “Choose Civility Passports,” which include designs for children and adults.

“It gives people a way to practice civility in their everyday life …,” Ranck said. “For a child, it might be to read to

another child or to hold the door open for someone. For an adult, it might be to donate toiletries to a food bank or donate pet food to a local animal shelter.”

Ranck said the goal of the program, and the passports, is to get people in the daily habit of practicing civility.

“You will often hear that civility is something that is lacking in our society,” she said. “We are hoping this initiative helps reverse that trend. We think that civility leads to happiness and a better quality of life.”

The Choose Civility campaign will run through May and will conclude with a prize drawing, which is expected to

Page 45 raise participation in the program.

Special events are planned throughout the months of March, April and May and will include community discussions, book discussions based on P.M. Forni’s “Choosing Civility,” mindfulness with yoga series, and storytimes for children and families.

A Ben Franklin living history presentation will also take place on April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Berlin branch library.

Franklin himself started what he called “a club for mutual improvement” and inspired the group to examine 13 core virtues to improve their own lives and positively impact society.

“We have a multitude of different programs during this campaign,” Ranck said. “We hope everyone finds something that speaks to them.”

Page 46

Sports

Decatur Boys Drop Out Of Regionals

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

In The News

March 8, 2019

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team’s season came to a close this week with a 6546 loss to Northeast in the state 3AEast region tournament.

The Seahawks were up and down all year, but they finished strong at 1210 and earned the number-two seed in the 3A-East Section II bracket and a home game against Northeast on Monday. The Seahawks started slow and trailed 17-9 after the first quarter.

Northeast applied constant pressure

Seahawks Fall To Chesapeake, 69-42

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Decatur’s Reho Wins State Championship

Decatur’s Noah Reho won the state championship in the 126-pound weight class last weekend. Pictured above is Reho (center) on the podium with the other medalists in his weight division.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team brought home a school record six place-winners in the state 4A-3A championships last weekend including a state championship for freshman Noah Reho in the 126-pound weight class.

Decatur sent eight wrestlers to the state 4A-3A championships last weekend and six placed in their respective weight classes. Reho won the state championship at 126, the first state title by a Seahawk wrestler since Danny Miller did it in 2009.

Jagger Clapsadle reached the championship at 113 and finished as state runner-up, while Nico D’Amico captured third at 120. The huge success at the state individual championships capped a remarkable season for the Seahawks, who won the Bayside Conference championship, the region championship and the state team championship.

At 126, Reho beat Jamal Everette of Franklin, and Tyler Cook of North Hagerstown to reach the semifinals.

Reho then beat Austin Rohn of Urbana to reach the title bout. In the championship, Reho beat Siavash Sarvestani to win the championship.

At 113, Jagger Clapsadle beat Grayson Wendel of Springbrook in his opener, followed by a win over Thomas Monno of Hagerstown in the quarterfinals. Clapsadle beat Garrett Lee of Leonardtown to reach the champi-

onship, but fell to Brent Lorin of Bel Air in the title match to finish second in his weight bracket.

At 120, Nico D’Amico beat Alex Gonzalez of Clarksburg in his opener, followed by a loss to James Riviera of C. Milton Wright in the quarterfinals.

D’Amico then beat Colin Acton of Urbana and Matt Kilby of Springbrook to reach the third-place bout. D’Amico beat Wafeeq Iqbal of Magruder to take third place in his weight division.

At 106, Shamar Baines beat Jacob Antonielli of Huntingtown in his opener but fell to Pierre Jean of Springbrook in his second match. Baines then beat Romeo Tsai of Watkins Mill in his first match in the consolation round and Dylan Montgomery of Northern. Baines then lost to Caleb Kearney of Henry Wise but beat Mason Smith of South River to finish fifth.

At 182, Lukas Layton beat Justyn Briscoe of Woodlawn in his opener, followed by a loss to Marquez Cooper of Quince Orchard. Layton then beat Dylan Nickless of Great Falls and Jack Thomas to reach the consolation semifinals. Layton beat Adam Pfeiffer of Sherwood to finish fifth in his bracket.

At 160, James Parana beat Dalton Pearl of Linganore in his opener and Noah Dow of Dulaney in the quarterfinals. Parana then lost to Trevor Crowley of Leonardtown, lost to Pearl in a rematch and then lost to Sahid Antar of Springbrook to finish sixth in his bracket.

on Decatur, which had trouble breaking the press as the turnovers mounted in the second quarter. By halftime, Northeast had extended its lead to 41-21, but there was still time for the Seahawks to get back in the game.

Decatur opened the third quarter with a 10-2 run to cut Northeast’s lead to 12 points with a lot of time left.

However, the momentum changed late in the period when Northeast hit a long three-pointer to push the lead back to 15 heading into the fourth. In the fourth quarter, Northeast continued to slowly pull away and ended Decatur’s season with a 65-46 loss.

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team fell to host Chesapeake-Anne Arundel, 69-42, on Tuesday to bow out of the state 3AEast region championships.

The Seahawks fell behind early

and trailed 38-24 at the half on the road. Chesapeake expanded its lead throughout the second half and pulled away for the 69-42 win.

The loss did little to tarnish a successful season for the Seahawks, who ended with an 11-9 mark but won six of their last seven regular season games.

Where Are They Now? COREY GWIN

Former Stephen Decatur standout Corey Gwin won Capital Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors last week after a seven-goal performance during Salisbury University’s win over Ohio Wesleyan.

Photo courtesy Salisbury University

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

The following is the latest installment in an occasional series about the progress of local student-athletes who have gone on to succeed at the next level in their college careers.

BERLIN – Former Stephen Decatur boys’ varsity lacrosse standout Corey Gwin, now a key player on Salisbury University’s outstanding men’s program, earned the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) Offensive Player of the Week award last week, his third such honor of the young season.

Gwin scored seven goals and dished out two assists in the Seagull’s 18-9 win over Ohio Wesleyan on Sunday. Five of

his goals came in the first half including three in the second quarter. Through five games, Gwin now leads Salisbury with 17 goals and 23 total points. Salisbury is 5-0 on the season and ranked second in the NCAA Division III. Gwin holds the Decatur career scoring record and was named to the U.S. Lacrosse 2015 High School AllAmerican Team. Gwin started all four years at Decatur and was named to the U.S. Lacrosse All-American Team after his senior year in 2015. He was also Bayside South Player of the Year that season and was Decatur’s Offensive Player of the Year three times.

Gwin scored 140 goals in his four years at Decatur.

Mallards Earn All-Conference Honors

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

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1/2-PRICE & DISCOUNTED MENU Nine Worcester Prep varsity basketball players were named to the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) All-Conference teams last week.

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – After successful winter seasons, nine Worcester Prep varsity basketball players were named to the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) All-Conference teams when the post-season awards

were doled out last week.

Named to the ESIAC boys’ varsity AllConference team from Worcester Prep were Michael Curtis, Brice Richins, Colin Miller and Mason Brown. Named to the ESIAC girls’ varsity All-Conference team from Worcester were C.C. Lizas, Gracie Gardner, Hannah Merritt, Hailey Merritt and Carly Hoffman.

Pines Swimmers Set Records In State Meet

Ocean Pines Swim Team members Breyden Wright and Trista Harner last weekend competed in the Maryland under-14 state championships and set club records and personal bests in several events.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Club records and personal bests in several events were recorded by two members of the Ocean Pines Swim Team during the Maryland LCS Under-14 championship meet last weekend at St. Mary’s College.

Trista Harner, 12, of the Ocean Pines Swim Team, competed in the girls’ 1112 age group and set several club rec-

ords and personal bests. Harner’s best finish was second in the 100-yard freestyle, which was a personal best and a new team record. The Maryland LSC under-14 championship meet represents the top swimmers from all over the state in that age bracket.

Breyden Wright, 13, also competed in boys’ 13-14 age group and set personal bests and team records in each of his events. Wright competed in the 100-yard backstroke, the 200-yard backstroke and the 100-yard freestyle.

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Puzzle Answers

PUZZLE ON PAGE 70

M

The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

any parents, including me, live in disparate worlds vacillating between the realms of guilt and anxiety and pride and love.

If you read this column weekly or semi-regularly, you well understand this has morphed into a journal of sorts. I view thoughts and experiences shared here as something that a reader may identify with and feel comforted by, whether you’re a parent raising kids today or watching them live as adults. I’m basically writing about my own feelings here, but I am confident enough others identify with these emotions to put it in print. I hear from many of you that’s the case. The realization there are others charting similar courses comforts me, and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me along this journey.

It’s natural for us parents to dither from time to time into the negative world as life throws us curve balls and pressure mounts, but we need to remember being involved, active and invested in our kids’ lives is the key to raising kids. Our attention is our biggest gift to our kids. We need to take it easy on ourselves with all the other stuff.

Some may disagree and say all that matters is love. I would argue love comes naturally. My dad, who died last year, loved me throughout his life. I always knew that even in the dark days of addiction and selfishness. It was just a different kind of love. It didn’t involve being present and truly caring about what was happening in my life. It was my mom who filled that role. As I’ve written about in the past, my dad’s addiction demons blocked everything including me. Although he was well-intentioned, most of the time, I learned from him how not to parent.

Parenting to me is coming home from work to my kids every day, cutting work short for this or that appointment, practice or game and going outside

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and playing when it’s really the last thing I want to do because I’m tired after working. These are all responsibilities and sacrifices to me, but it’s also what I want to do. It’s living in the now with a realization about long-term life that I’m focused on.

They’re not going to want to play with me forever. I can see it now already with Beckett, who does sometimes pick friends down the street over me and Carson. I play it off like I want him to be down there and not with us, but I don’t really mean it. I refuse to be selfish, however. I want him to grow into a well-adjusted, happy individual.

Part of that is being with kids his age who may or may not share our same moral compass. Learning what to do and deciding what not to do is part of growing up.

From casual conversations I have with parents, I can tell there’s an introspective preoccupation with how we are raising our kids. We hope, pray and desire to be good parents. Depending on the personality traits of the parents, some of us are harsh on ourselves as parents and question every decision.

We battle our insecurities about our role as parents and it brings on much worry. Others rely on moral judgment and a value system and do whatever they think will ultimately result in raising good humans, while occasionally waffling in a sea of indecision.

Many parents worry about their kids when they are not with us, especially when they reach an age of independence and actively seek time away from us. That can be heartbreaking, but it’s part of rearing kids. We raise them after all to move on and live independently.

Introspection is a good thing, but we need to understand every child is different. Our biggest gift is our attention and involvement. Sometimes reining that in can be a challenge. Our role evolves over time in our children’s lives, but we must maintain a consis-

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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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tent presence. Along the way comes thousands of decisions, half of which get critically second guessed by us and 16th guessed by our kids.

What we as parents have that our young ones don’t have is perspective.

Kids live with blinders, which parents cannot afford. We make decisions we regret, but thanks to the beauty of hindsight we learn. Life’s experiences will provide a similar path for our children.

As I’m writing this column on my laptop at home, it’s Wednesday night and I’m sitting on a stool at a table that doubles as a game table, kitchen table and clutter holder. My former home office is now Carson’s bedroom. As I write, Beckett is in the shower singing “Shallow” with some creative lyric adaptations, and Carson is trying to fit six packages of juice boxes into the fridge. While hearing lots of shuffling of items, I am resisting the urge to lay eyes on him and trusting my ears. My mind begins to drift to whether I should be helping him, rather than catching up on my work because I took off at 1 p.m. for a half-day of school. I decide to work but feel guilty.

We parents must give ourselves a break. I like how columnist Frank Bruni put it in The New York Times in a 2013 column, “A Childless Bystander’s Battle Hymn.”

“So parents: cut yourselves some slack. Take a deep breath,” he wrote.

“No one false step or one missed call is going to consign your children to an entirely different future. Make sure that they know they’re loved. Make sure that they know their place. And make peace with the fact that you don’t hold all or even most of the cards. There may be a frustrating sense of helplessness in that realization. But there’s a mercy, too.”

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THE DISPATCH’S PETS OF THE MONTH

March 8, 2019

Pet’s Name: Sadie Pet’s Age/Breed: 5-year-old beagle Pet’s Owner: Phyllis Mosmiller

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Pet’s Name: Princess Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix Pet’s Owners: Arlene & James Beebe

Pet’s Name: Raven Pet’s Age/Breed: 13-year-old American shorthair Pet’s Owner: Josie Marcellino

Page 49

Pet’s Name: Ruger Pet’s Age/Breed: 5-year-old pit bull Pet’s Owners: Susan & Wayne Clark

STEVE GREEN EDITOR

Pet’s Name: Wally Pet’s Age/Breed: 1-year-old Maine coon Pet’s Owners: Nancy & Dennis Julian

Pet’s Name: Dill Pet’s Age/Breed: 7-year-old goldendoodle Pet’s Owner: Sara Wenzlaff

The Dispatch presents the latest edition of its Pets of the Month Contest.

Each month one special animal, or two, in some cases, is picked as the cutest photo of the bunch through a private vote of our staff. Here we present this month’s pets, submitted by our readers.

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Aspen, owned by Jordan Schoen and Kim Larsen.

Those interested in participating in future months’ contests are invited to send their lovable pet photo to us at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com (preferred) or to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 or drop it off at our office in Berlin at 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on April 12.

Pet’s Name: Dozer Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-year-old Chesapeake Bay retriever Pet’s Owners: Susie & Mark Wenzlaff

Pet’s Name: Wee-bey Pet’s Age/Breed: 4-year-old black Lab Pet’s Owner: Gordon Kretser

Pet’s Name: Snowflake Pet’s Age/Breed: 5-year-old rescue Pet’s Owner: Stuart Mumford

Pet’s Name: Oscar Pet’s Age/Breed: 13-year-old chihuahua Pet’s Owners: Elaine & Jeff Anderson

7th Annual Finnegan’s Wake Will Benefit WCDC

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OCEAN CITY – Seacrets’ Morley Hall will come to life with a grand celebration of the “death” of Tim Finnegan at the 7th Annual Finnegan’s Wake to be held on Saturday, March 9, from 5-9 p.m.

The Friends of WCDC will be holding this mock Irish wake as a fundraiser for adults with intellectual disabilities who attend the Worcester County Developmental Center. Morley Hall will echo with great music and lots of laughter as mourners and revelers alike raise one last glass in toast to the supposed passing of Finnegan.

Folk Heroes will headline this year’s entertainment and enthrall the

audience with Celtic and folk songs both acoustic and electric. Folk Heroes have been entertaining and enlightening fans of authentic Irish music for almost a quarter of a century.

A wake must have at least a bagpipe, and this wake has much more.

The Ocean City Pipes and Drums will not only start the evening by leading the funeral procession but will also perform flawless sets of highland and military marches that will make this the most unforgettable wake you have ever attended.

All this music is designed to stir you to action, and audience members will have a chance to become

part of the show. While Finnegan is lying in his coffin, you can tell him a joke. If you can raise him from the dead with laughter, you win a drink of your choice.

Wealthy Irish used to hire professional mourners called Keeners to pay respects to the departed. Anyone who wishes will have the opportunity to come forward and wail for Finnegan.

If the judges deem your keening the best, judged on volume and feeling, you will win a cash prize.

The event is sponsored by The Robert Nock Insurance Agency, Cheers of Berlin Beer, Wine and Spirits and Gallagher Insurance. En-

March 8, 2019 tertainment is sponsored by Apple Discount Drugs, Avery Hall Insurance Group, The Burbage Funeral Home, Malvern Collision Service, Vicky Tillery, Robin Dannelly and John Falcone.

Admission is $20. Seacrets will have traditional Irish dishes as well as their regular menu available and happy hour prices will be in effect at the bar.

There will also be a silent auction with wonderful items from fine jewelry to dining certificates.

All money raised goes to benefit the Friends of WCDC and their mission to support the clients of WCDC, which provides employment opportunities, residential services and communitybased supports for adults with intellectual disabilities.

ADOPT A PET FROM THE SHELTER These Loving Animals, Sponsored Each Month By Local Businesses, Are Available For Adoption At The Ocean City Humane Society: 410-213-0146.

To Sponsor A Pet, Call 410-641-4561 • Annually, 10% Of The Proceeds From This Page Are Donated To The Shelter

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Adkins Of Berlin Harrison Avenue 410-641-2200

Taylor Bank Main Street, Berlin, Md. 410-641-1700

Barefoot Mailman Motel 35th Street, Ocean City 410-289-5343

Casual Designs Rte. 54, Fenwick 302-436-8224 Rte. 50, Berlin 410-629-1717

BJ’s On The Water Inc. Ocean City 410-524-7575

MARGOT

ASTRID

NORA

CATALINA

BC

Hooters of Ocean City Ocean City/West Ocean City www.hootersofoc.com

Atlantic Plumbing Specialist Inc. 410-208-3600

Elliott’s Hardware Rte. 611, West Ocean City 410-213-1088

Park Place Jewelers-Boardwalk & 2nd & 3rd St. And OC Factory Outlets • 410-213-9220

The Dough Roller Five Locations In Ocean City

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things I Like ...

By Steve Green

Coming across an old and huge cell phone Successful fundraisers

A wireless keyboard, mouse When kids show character

Watching a talented auctioneer at work Reading about something I know nothing about

My current effort to not eat bread Long lines that move fast

When pants aren’t needed for a vacation Surprising my kids

A thunderstorm approaching over the bay

Dirty Harry’s

Page 51

Family Restaurant

Voted Best Breakfast Place Down State

By Delaware Today 2007 And 2011

St. Patty’s Day Special

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE $8.95 Saturday, March 16, 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m. $7.17 BAKER JOHN DelVECCHIO WILL BE BAKING IRISH SODA BREAD AND OTHER ST. PATTY’S DAY SPECIALTIES UPON ORDER

Voted By Far THE BEST Corned Beef And Cabbage By Our Customers On The Beach!

Daily Dinner

Specials

Breakfast, Lunch And Evening Specials, Fresh Bakery Daily Cocktails

Happy Hour Prices

Beer & Rail Drinks All Day-Every Day

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 302-539-3020

Fenwick Center On Route 1 Just Across The Maryland-Delaware Line

Page 52

Best Beats

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Welcome Home & condo SHoW let Us Show You our Fresh Seafood

We Have local chesapeake Bay oysters

Fried, Steamed, on the Half-Shell, Baked

aUce craBS $35.99 get ’em WHile YoU can!

www.higginscrabhouse.com

raW Boat Special Family Friendly

Kids’ Menu Availble

oYSterS on tHe HalF-SHell large cHilled Steamed SHrimp clamS on tHe HalF-SHell

HigginS SoUtH

31St St. & coaStal HWY. 410-289-2581

FridaY 2:30 p.m., SatUrdaY & SUndaY noon Just a Few Blocks South of the convention center

HigginS nortH

128tH St. & coaStal HWY. 410-250-2403 liquor Store open Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m. restaurant reopening march 15

March 8, 2019

on the beach

who’s where when 28Th/127Th sTReeT PiT & PuB 410-289-2020 443-664-7482 28th st. & coastal hwy. & 127th st. & coastal hwy.

Wednesdays: DJ Wax (127th St.) aTlanTic hoTel 410-641-3589 2 north Main st., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley Tuesdays: Bob Miller on Piano

dJ Billy T harborside: fridays

dJ gRoove fager’s island: saturday, March 9

dJ dusTy clarion/ocean club: every friday & saturday

Buxy’s salTy dog dRy dock 28 410-289-0973 28th st. & coastal hwy.

Friday, March 8: TBA

caPTain’s TaBle 410-289-7192 courtyard by Marriott hotel, 15th st. & Baltimore ave.

Every Thursday Thru Saturday: Phil Perdue On Piano

aaRon howell 45th st. Taphouse: wednesdays

claRion hoTel 410-524-3535 10100 coastal highway Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, March 8 & 9: New Censation Every Friday & Saturday: DJ Dusty

Thursday: Opposite Directions Friday: Ladies Night w/DJ Billy T Saturday: SimpleTruth/Side Project, 2-6 p.m.

DJ BK, 9 p.m.

Sunday: Opposite Directions Lunch Specials Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $6.99

Dinner Specials

Starting at 5 p.m.

Monday: 1/2-Price Entrees $3 surcharge for entrees with steak & crab

Tuesday: Prime Rib Night $16.99 Wednesday: $5 Burger & Chicken Breast Sandwiches ALL DAY Thursday: All-You-Can-Eat Ribs & Steamed Shrimp $16.99 Friday: Fried Oyster & Soft Shell Friday ALL DAY/NIGHT Sunday: 1/2-Price Entrees $3 surcharge for entrees with steak, & crab

Specials are not to be combined with any other offer, discount or coupon. Some restrictions apply.

No substitutions, dine in only. Excludes holidays & holiday weekends

fageR’s island 410-524-5500 60th st. in the Bay Friday, March 8: Kalicade, 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 9: DJ Groove, 9 p.m., The Sweet Talkers, 9:30 p.m. gReene TuRTle noRTh 410-723-2120 11601 coastal hwy.

Friday, March 8: Lauren Glick Duo, 4 p.m., DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

Saturday, March 9: Tranzfusion gReene TuRTle wesT 410-213-1500 Rte. 611, west oc Tuesdays: Blake Haley

haRBoRside 410-213-1846 south harbor Road, west oc Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturdays: Side Project/Chris Button, 2 p.m., DJ BK, 9 p.m.

Sundays: Opposite Directions, 2 p.m.

Thursdays: Opposite Directions, 6 p.m. haRPoon hanna’s 302-539-3095 Rt. 54 & The Bay, fenwick island, de

dJ Bk harborside: saturdays

dJ Tuff seacrets: friday, March 8

kevin Poole Johnny’s Pizza & Pub: saturday, March 9 harpoon hanna’s: Thursdays

Bingo w/ Blake greene Turtle west: Tuesdays

Randy lee ashcRafT & swc Johnny’s Pizza & Pub: wednesdays smitty Mcgee’s: Thursdays & fridays BeaTs By wax greene Turtle north: fridays 127th st. Pit & Pub: wednesdays Pickles Pub: Thursdays

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

Who’s Where When Friday, March 8: Dave Hawkins, 5 p.m., Over Time, 9 p.m.

Saturday, March 9: Dave Sherman, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, March 12: DJ Rupe Thursday, March 14: Kevin Poole

NEW CENSATION Clarion/Ocean Club: Friday & Saturday, March 8 & 9

THE SWEET TALKERS Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 9

HOOTERS 410-213-1841 12513 Ocean Gateway, Rte. 50, West OC Saturday, March 9: Going Coastal, 4 p.m.

JOHNNY’S PIZZA & PUB 410-723-5600 56th St. & Coastal Hwy., Bayside Saturday, March 9: Kevin Poole Every Wednesday: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sundays & Thursdays

TRANZFUSION Greene Turtle North: Saturday, March 9

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, March 8: Beats By Jeremy Saturday, March 9: Lime Green Mondays: Karaoke With Jeremy 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

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Saturday, March 9 & Thursday, March 14 (Duo)

OVER TIME Harpoon Hanna’s: Friday, March 8

LIME GREEN BAND Pickles Pub: Saturday, March 9

LAUREN GLICK DUO Greene Turtle North: Friday, March 8

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St.& Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 8: Shake 3X, 9 p.m., DJ Tuff, 10 p.m.

Saturday, March 9: Finnegan’s Wake w/Folk Heroes & OC Pipes & Drums, 5 p.m., Full Circle, 5 p.m.

My Hero Zero, 10 p.m., 2 DJs Sunday, March 10: The Real St. Patrick’s Day Party w/The Benderz Trio & DJ Bobby O, 1 p.m.

OC Film Festival Award Party w/The Swell Fellas, 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 14: Full Circle Duo, 5 p.m.

$ 00

1 OFF

Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-19 • MCD

15% OFF

Cheers!

Any Case Of Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-19 • MCD

10% OFF

750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 3-31-19 • 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.

OC home Show This Weekend

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 8, 2019

Over 150 exhibitors and vendors from a variety of industries will be on hand at the 35th Annual Home, Condo and Outdoor Show.

Submitted Photos

after The home Show, Check Out These local antique, Craft and Collectible Stores For unique gifts and Decorations Visit Our 1950s Retro Texaco Station!

5 3 4 2

1

STILL OPEN YEAR-ROUND SATURDAY& SUNDAY

Park & Flea Downtown Salisbury, Md. On Busy Rte. 13 Between Rte. 50 And Main St.

410-651-2238 Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

11731 Somerset Avenue Princess Anne, MD 21853

www.somersetchoiceantiques.org Find Us On Facebook

“Somerset Choice Station”

1

Antiques, Collectibles, Yard Sale, Plants And Produce

Buy, Sell, Trade Fun And Friendly

SUNDAY SET-UP ONLY $5 NO RESERVATIONS-COME EARLY 2 410-603-3930 www.parkandflea.com

One Of A Kind

Handmade Gifts, Country Crafts And More

Open Thursday Thru Sunday

BISHOPVILLE, MD. 3

(ACROSS FROM POST OFFICE)

410-352-5323

ANTIQUE Junction

antiques, Collectibles, Consignments and Flea Market Items

3 RAILROAD AVENUE, P.O. BOX 38 SELBYVILLE, DE 19975 • 302-436-5189 OPEN THURSDAY 9:30-4 FRIDAY-MONDAY 9:30-5 5

OVErSTOCK SalE gOIng On nOW!

MarCh SPECIalS!

CElEBraTIng ThE luCK OF ThE IrISh! any grEEn ITEM: 20% OFF Stonewall Kitchen lemon Curd: 20% Off 30 for 30! Total purchases=$30, receive next Item 30% Off no combo of discounts.

OPEN WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY 11-4

4

10657 Bishopville Road • Bishopville Call 301-704-8486 • www.shopoldnew.com

attention local antique Dealers and Stores See Your Ad Here For Just $29/Week!

Call Jeanette: 410-641-4561

OCEAN CITY – The 35th Annual Home, Condo and Outdoor Show will be back inside the Roland E. Powell Convention Center this weekend.

The show opens on Friday, March 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and continues on Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, March 10, 10:30 a.m.3:30 p.m.

The event will showcase more than 150 exhibitors and vendors. Every visitor can see the products, learn about the services and talk directly to the professionals, providing expert advice on how to make your project come to life.

Interior or exterior, the show has it all covered. Exhibits will feature kitchens, baths, heating and cooling, furniture, accessories, decorating,

S

h

O

flooring, cabinetry, countertops, window treatments, windows, doors, wa-ter treatment, security, financial services, outdoor living including patios, sunrooms, pools and spas and so much more.

There will be plenty of bargains and deals and there will be opportunities for special discounts and offers only available at the Home, Condo and Outdoor Show.

Additional event highlights include free parking, an art and craft fair, free drawings, door prizes and Temple Bat Yam’s raffle drawing.

Show admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (55-plus) and students (1422) and free for children under 13 as well as military, police and fire with identification.

W

E

l

VFD auxiliary’s 10th anniversary “Vegas-Style”

l

Ca$h Ba$h SaTurDay, MarCh 23 • 6 P.M.-11 P.M. 11620 WOrCESTEr hWy., ShOWEll, MD. 21862

CaSh DraWIngS EVEry 15 MInuTES STarTIng aT 7 P.M.!

TICKETS On SalE nOW! $25 In aDVanCE, $35 aT ThE DOOr Ticket Admits One at Door For Light Fare And Drinks (Beer And Soda)

Need Not Be Present To Win!

Must Be 21 Years Old To Participate (ID Required)

For More Information Or Tickets, Please Call 410-352-5916 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), 443-614-0141 Or Contact any auxiliary Member

Karaoke and Entertainment

By DJ Donnie

Cash Bar available Sponsored By Tito’s Vodka

Community

March 8, 2019

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 55

News In Photos

Berlin Intermediate School welcomed members of the Ocean City Pipes and Drums to Mrs. Adams fourth-grade music class. Students listened and learned about playing the bagpipes. Pictured, from left, are Grant Stephan, Jillian Donahue, Jean Feltes, Dr. Jon Andes and Dr. Laurie Andes. You can find out more about the Ocean City Pipes and Drums on Facebook.

Lower Shore CASA, a division of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS), announced the appointment of Eden resident Valerie Turner as a new Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, to the program. CASA volunteers advocate for children who have been abused or neglected and who, through no fault of their own, end up in the court system. Pictured, from left, are CASA Director Angela Manos, Judge Peggy (“Mary Margaret”) Kent, CASA Volunteer Coordinator Nina Tomaselli, Turner and Family Magistrate Cathi Coates.

Submitted Photos

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of North Worcester County was recently honored with 2018’s The Nationwide Per Capita Award, which is presented to the top five per capita counties in one of 16 different population size range categories based on net income from American Cancer Society records and county population of all the relay events in each county. Displaying the award banner are, from left, Relay For Life of North Worcester Chair Dawn Hodge, ACS Senior Community Development Manager Debbie White, PRMC Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute Executive Director Joan Mischtschuk and AGH John H. "Jack" Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Center Director Patricia Marks.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City President Dick Clagett, right, re-instituted the Kiwanian of the Month to recognize member efforts. Pictured, from left, are February recipients Steve Cohen and Shelley Cohen and Ralph Chinn. The Cohens chaired the successful Winter Pancake Breakfast on Feb. 23 and Chinn worked and headed the kitchen crew once again.

Greg Czarnecki, manager of Carrabba's Italian Grill in West Ocean City, recently hosted a successful Girl Scout fundraiser. The troop will receive the $826 proceeds to be used to send girls to summer camp. Among those pictured are Melanie Konoski, Karie Long, Ashley Alexander and Czarnecki.

Come Join Us On Sunday

UPCOMING EVENT

Friday, March 8, 4-6:30 p.m.: Maryland Crab Cake Dinner

EVERY SUNDAY

Stevenson United Methodist Church 123 North Main St., Berlin, Md. 410-641-1137 • www.stevensonchurch.org

8:30 a.m.: Fellowship In The He Brews Cafe 9 a.m.: Blended Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m.: Children And Youth Sunday School

Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 8, 2019

Welcome back to Mad Fish in West Ocean City that is now open for the season after a short hiatus as well as the return of live music on the weekends at the Original Greene Turtle in North Ocean City.

I also stopped by to support the Ange family benefit at the Surfing Rooster.

greene Turtle north: lauren glick, owner Steve pappas, Manager dawn hodge and chelsea lloyd

By Terri French

Faces

SpoTlighT on The regional reSTauranT and Bar Scene

In Places

Surfside rooster: Benefit For The ange Family coordinators Kathy Mccoy, Julie Burton and leslie pacen – great Job!

greene Turtle north: Bartenders Sean Ward and Jean Taylor

Surfside rooster: owners Mike Marshall and Jeff Burton

Mad Fish: Servers paige Ketterman, Taylor Tilghman, lauren Jeffery and Taylor Truitt

Mad Fish: dana Fraula, Jamie Taylor and eleva Weik

Mad Fish: director of operations Frank raffo, owner cole Taustin and executive sous chef gains hawkins

Surfside rooster: Bill and Teresa Mills of cars plus

Mad Fish: dan and nanette Woods

The original greene Turtle north: Talented david Tarlecki and lauren glick entertained

March 8, 2019

Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday: AARP Tax-Aide Free Tax Preparation

Mondays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Ocean Pines branch library, 11107 Cathell Rd., Ocean Pines. Appointment: 443373-2667. Tuesdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Mac Center, 909 Progress Circle, Suite 100, Salisbury. Appointment: 410-957-0878. Fridays: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pocomoke branch library, 301 Market St., Pocomoke City. Appointment: 410-957-0878. Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Ocean City Senior Center, 104 41st St., Ocean City. Appointment: 443-373-2667.

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 lifestyle.410-641-0157.

Every Monday: Delmarva Chorus Meeting

7 p.m. Ocean Pines Community Center. Women of all ages invited to sing with the group. 410-6416876.

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.

Third Tuesday: Alzheimer’s Support Group

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 9715 Healthway Dr., Berlin. Free caregivers group. 410-629-6123.

Every Wednesday Through April 17 Lenten Bible Study

6 p.m. Eastern Orthodox Community of Saint Andrew Church, 33384 MacKenzie Way (off Plantation Road), Lewes, Del. “The Gospel of Mark: The Way of the Cross and the Challenge of the Empty Tomb.”

Everyone welcome. 302-645-5791 or www.orthodoxdelmar.org.

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. Dance lessons with Certified Hand Dance instructor Diane Engstrom on first and third Wednesdays of every month, 5-5:45 p.m. Dancing afterward until 9 p.m,.

All are welcome. dance@delmarvahanddancing.com or http://-delmarvahanddancing.com. 410-2081151.

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 410-250-2548.

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. Christianbased program but does not require the practice of 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 8: Food Pantry

Registration: 8:30 a.m. AGH health screenings online medical record information. Potters House Charge, New Bethel U.M. Church, 10203 Germantown Rd., Berlin. 443-235-0889; homebound boxes: 410-641-2058 for homebound boxes. leave message.

March 8: Free Naloxone Training Sessions

Things To Do The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

9-10 a.m. for first, 10:15-11:15 a.m. for second.

Room 207, Fulton-Owen Hall, Wor-Wic Community College campus. Wicomico County Health Department’s Christina Bowie-Simpson will provide training. pwalters@worwic.edu or 410-334-2900.

March 8: Maryland Crab Cake Dinner

4-6:30 p.m. Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin. Single Maryland crab cake sandwich, green beans, baked potato, cole slaw and drink. $12. Carry-outs and bake sale table available.

March 9: Famous Storms Of Assateague

11 a.m. Meet at the Assateague Environmental Education Center, 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin. Discover how Mother Nature shaped the face of Assateague Island, eliminated plans for development and led to the creation of the National Seashore. Presenter Christopher Seymour will revisit three major storms of the last century and their impacts on the island.

March 9: “Come Mingle At Our Bingo”

Doors open at 5 p.m.; bingo starts at 6 p.m. Berlin FIre Company Hall, Main Street, Berlin. $25. Sponsor: Lioness Club of Berlin. Chinese and silent auctions, special raffle, tear-off tickets. Refreshments available. debbiejensen1949@gmail.com or 410208-6496.

March 9: FORGE Overstock And Rummage Sale

10 a.m.-4 p.m. 7804 Gumboro Rd., Pittsville.

Clothes, shoes, household items, toys, books and more. Hundreds of items available for less than $1.

All proceeds benefit FORGE Youth and Family. 443513-1048 for information or to donate items for the sale.

March 11, 12, 13, 14: America’s Boating Course

Ocean City Power Squadron, unit of the U.S. Power Squadron. Ocean Pines branch library. First day: 6 p.m. registration, class at 6:30 p.m. 6:30-9:30 each evening. $15 fee for course and materials. Middle and high school students free. Early registration: 410-641-6535 or 410-641-8040.

March 11: Family Council

5 p.m. Deer’s Head Hospital Center. All family of residents are welcome to attend. 443-235-9614.

March 14: Ocean Pines Garden Club Meeting

10 a.m. Ocean Pines Community Center. Speaker will be Maureen Kennedy, owner of the My Backyard store in Ocean Pines, who will speak on encouraging hummingbirds to visit your backyard.

Visitors and new members welcome.

March 14: AARP Meeting

10 a.m. Ocean City Senior Center, 41st Street and Coastal Highway (behind the Dough Roller). Please arrive early at 9:30 a.m. for a social half-hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will discuss elder law.

Optional luncheon will follow the meeting at a local restaurant. New members welcome. 410-250-0980.

March 15: Fish Fry

4:30-7 p.m. Bowen United Methodist Church, Newark. Platters are $10 each and include flounder filet, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cornbread and dessert. Beverage included for those who eat in.

March 15: Book Signing By Author B.B. Stamp

9 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m. Energy Gym, 36666 Bluewater Run, Selbyville, Del. Author will discuss her latest novel, “The Grist Mill Bone.” Story is a finalist in the international da Vinci Eye Award. Rich in Delmarva characters and history. www.bbshamp.com.

March 15: Spaghetti Dinner

gion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City.

Silent auction, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, games for adults and children. Tickets: $8/adults; $5/children under 12. 443-929-1505 or jmbackof@yahoo.com.

March 16: CaTourny Charity Poker Tournament

9 a.m. satellites; noon main event. Willards Volunteer Fire Department, Willards, Md. Free hot dogs and sodas. Buy-in amounts for the tournament are $125, $240 and $350, your choice. Or win an entry for $30 in a satellite. All proceeds go to support the fire department.

March 16: St. Patrick’s Day Party

1 p.m. until. American Legion Post #166, 23rd Street and Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City. Corned beef, cabbage and potatoes: $9. Open to the public. 410289-3166.

March 16: All-You-Can-Eat Fried Chicken Dinner

11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. New Hope United Methodist Church, 7338 New Hope Rd., Willards. Menu includes mashed potatoes, greens, string beans, macaroni and cheese, beets, biscuits, dessert and coffee. Cost: Adults, $13. Carry-outs available. 410543-8244 or 443-235-0251.

March 16: Annual Bull And Oyster Roast

5-9 p.m. Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department, Main Station. Fried, raw and steamed oysters, fried chicken, livers and gizzards, beer and more. Cash bar, 50/50, music, gun raffle. $35 in advance; $40 at the door. Tickets: 410-352-5757.

March 17: Homecoming

2 p.m. Showell United Methodist Church, 10115 Pitts Rd., Showell. Spakers: Courtland (a former member of the Showell Congregation) and Betty Cropper. Music by Southern gospel band Precious Memories. Free will offering. Meal to follow. 757824-2280.

March 18: Democratic Women’s Club Of Worcester County

Coffee at 9:30 a.m.; conversation and presenstation at 10 a.m. Ocean Pines Community Center. In celebration of Women’s History Month and in preparation next year for celebrating 100 years of women winning the vote, the club will welcome its own Linda Linzey who will discuss the significant conributions made by women throughout history. Her presentation will focus on the 2019 National Women’s History Alliance theme of “Visionary Women, Champions of Peace and Nonviolence.” All are welcome. 410-2082969.

March 21: Worcester County NAACP Hosts Sheriff Matt Crisafulli

6:45 p.m. Ocean Pines Branch library, 11107 Cathell Rd., Ocean Pines. Discussion of the protection and security of the community. Question-and-answer session follows talk. Executive Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. Interested persons encouraged to attend. 443-944-6701.

March 23: Keith Twilley Benefit Bingo

Doors open at 5 p.m.; bingo starts at 7 p.m. Hosted

by Willards Volunteer Fire Company at Willards Lions Club, Main Street, Willards. Only 200 tickets will be sold. Tickets: $35. Pay $125 per game, $1,000 jackpot, 50/50 drawing, special games sold separately. All proceeds will go to the Twilley family to help them in their time of need. 410-430-1135.

March 23: Girdletree Spring Fling

9 a.m. Girdletree Methodist Church Hall, 2805 Snow Hill Rd., Girdletree. Benefits The Girdletree Histori-

Things To Do activities are printed free of charge. To ensure that an event is

Two seatings: 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. American Le-

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

Page 57 cal Society. Craft items, yard sale items, baked goods, lunch. 410-632-1641.

March 23: Soup And Oyster Luncheon

10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Powellville UM Church, 35606 Mt. Hermon Rd., Powellville. Eat in or carry out.

Homemade soups, oyster fritter sandwiches, chicken salad, barbecue pork and desserts on sale. 443880-8804.

March 23: Abate Of Delaware 11th Chili Cook-Off

Noon-4 p.m. Doors open at 10 a.m. for set-up. Sussex Moose Lodge, 35933 Zion Church Rd., Roxana, Del. If you think your chili is the best, bring it on. Admission: $8 gets you a cup and spoon for tasting; $5 if you enter your own chili. Voting at 3 p.m. by People’s Choice: first-, second- and third-place awards. Door prizes every hour. 302-732-3429 or 410-251-8699.

March 28: Worcester County Democratic Club

6:30 p.m. Assateague Room, Ocean Pines Community Center. Presentation by James Fisher, communication director for the Delmarva Poultry Industry Association who will addresss the importance and impacts of the poultry industry on the local economy.

Open to the public. 443-523-4491 or tcwieland3@gmail.com.

March 29: Greyhound Bookstore Author Signing

Noon-3 p.m. 9 S. Main St., Berlin. Retired Johns Hopkins University Vice President Ross Jones will be signing copies of his groundbreaking biography, “Elisabeth Gilman: Crusader For Justice.” Come meet the author and have your book signed at this catered event. www.greyhoundindiebookstore.com, 410-641-0291.

March 30: FORGE Youth And Family Quarter Auction

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., auction begins at 6:30 p.m. 7804 Gumboro Rd., Pittsville. Paddles are $10 for first, $5 for each additional. Refreshments will be available. To contribute items for the auction: 443513-1048 or info@forgeyouth.org.

March 30: Luncheon And Bake Table

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Powellville Volunteer Fire Company.

Soups and sandwiches, oyster sandwiches, bake table. Benefits Friendship UMC. All are welcome.

443-235-1381.

April 11: AARP Meeting

10 a.m. Ocean City Senior Center, 41st Street and Coastal Highway (behind the Dough Roller). Please arrive early at 9:30 a.m. for a social half-hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will discuss good kidney health. Optional luncheon will follow the meeting at a local restaurant. New members welcome.

410-250-0980.

April 13: Bridge Bash And Games Galore

9:15 a.m. Doors open for registration and breakfast (homemade cinnamon rolls, pastries, juice, coffee; playing begins at 9:45 a.m.; lunch, short program and door prizes at noon. Asbury United Methodist Church, Salisbury. P.E.O. Chapter V, a philanthropic organization where women celebrate advancement of women, educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. $30 per person, space is limited.

Four two-hour classes will be offered in March for 4100, location to be determined. 410-873-2126 or cowall@comcast.net.

April 15: Burley Oak Charity Night For Assateague Island Alliance

6-9 p.m. Burley Oak Brewing Company, Berlin. Win prizes, enjoy iive music courtesy of Michelle and Kathy from Full Circle, and enjoy a fresh brew or root beer. All funds raised benefit Assateague Island National Seashore.

April 26-28: Assateague Nature Photography Workshop

Friday: 7 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m. Join world-class instructor Irene Sacilotto to focus on strategies and techniques required to produce high-quality wildlife images while capturing moments in nature. Limited spaces available. This workshop will utilize Assateague for field work. Fee. Registration: AssateagueIslandAlliance.org.

May 9: AARP Meeting

10 a.m. Ocean City Senior Center, 41st Street and Coastal Highway (behind the Dough Roller). Please arrive early at 9:30 a.m. for a social half-hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will discuss the Living Legacy Foundation. Optional luncheon will follow the meeting at a local restaurant. New members welcome. 410-250-0980.

Business

Page 58

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 8, 2019

And Real Estate News

Atlantic Shores Realty recently presented annual awards to its team. Pictured, from left, are award winners Madeleine Forrester, Tracey Sapia, Steven Diaz, Max Hulme, Mike DiPietro, Laura Rosenblatt and Barton Sink. Sapia was named “Come Back Kid” with 21 sales in 2018 including one of the highest priced properities in Ocean City. DiPietro was named the “Chief Closer” and overall sales leader for closing on 32 homes in 2018.

Submitted Photo

Analyst Designation Earned

Estate Planning Wills & Trusts Powers of Attorney Medical Directives Medicaid Planning Elder Law & Tax Flat Fee Available Home Visits Available Upon Request

9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy. #112 Ocean City, MD 21842 443-856-4676 www.batielaw.com Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Free Initial Consultation

OCEAN CITY – CG Accounting Group, LLC (formerly Gregory & Associates) announced Phillip J Cheung was recently awarded the designation of Certified Valuation Analyst from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA).

NACVA is a national and global developer of training and resources for consulting professionals, helping them to provide specialized services to their clients. NACVA had trained more than 35,000 professionals over the last 28 years in such fields as Business Valuation, Litigation Consulting, Forensic Consulting and other services.

Cheung is the managing member of CG Accounting Group with over 20 years of public accounting experience.

Top Producers Listed OCEAN CITY – Keller Williams Realty has announced the January top producers for its southeast Sussex County, Del. locations.

Lisa Horsey of the Lewes office won top honors for highest listing volume for individual agent for the month of January. Other individual awards for top listings by office were Carrie Cosgrove of the Bethany Beach office; Bill Hand of the Marketplace office; and Rob Taylor of the West Fenwick office.

Jared Bowers Team of the Bethany Beach office won top honors for top listing volume for teams. Team members are Jared Bowers, Dawid Jablonski, Erica Bader and Jason Mathis-White.

Other team awards for top listings by office were Seaside 7 of the Sea Colony at Marketplace Office (Ann Baker, Sarah Schifano, Tammy Hadder, Anna Mieklejohn, Christina Antonioli and Laurie McFaul); Surf on Home Team of the

Edgewater Lobby/Sea Colony office (Steve Alexander, Jenny Smith and Dave Leiderman); Veirs-Bouloucon Team of the West Fenwick Office (Courtney Bouloucon, Marc Bouloucon, Al Veirs and Justin Noble); Don Williams Team of the Lewis office (Emily Williams, Liz Williams, Tripp Williams, Marian Campo, Geoff Howard and Justine Dinorscia).

Chrisy Tingle of the Bethany Beach office won top honors for the top written sales volume for individual agent for the month of January. Other individual awards for top written volume by office were Anne Powell of the West Fenwick office and Joann Glussich of the Lewes office.

Buy at the Beach Team won top honors for top written volume for Teams. Team members are Paul Sicari and Wil Melton. Other team awards for top written sales volume by office were Seaside Seven of the Marketplace at Sea Colony office; See2Tee Team of the Bethany Beach office (Karen Sergison, Missy Nalewaik); Surf on Home Team of the Edgewater Lobby/Sea Colony office; Veirs Bouloucon Team of the West Fenwick office; and Move to Delaware Team of the Lewes office (Michael Kennedy and Taylor Wade).

Steve Gilbert of the Lewes office won top honors for the highest sold volume for individual agents for the month of January. Other individual award winners for highest sold volume by office were Nicole Peterdozzi of the Sea Colony at Marketplace office; Dan Taglienti of the West Fenwick office and Liz Vasilikos of the Lewes office.

Seaside Seven of the Sea Colony at Marketplace office won top honors for highest sales volume for teams for SEE NEXT PAGE

Berlin Liquor Store technology Can elevate Business Largest Liquor Store In OC Area!

March 8, 2019

Q&a WItH Sam Card

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN – If you consider technol- maintained IT systems can easily ogy a necessary evil instead of a tool achieve true 99.9-percent uptime. that can propel your business forward, Q. How do you incorporate techthis information from Cards Technol- nology into business planning? ogy founder and CEO Sam Card will A: We frequently sit down with our give you the information you need to clients to listen to them describe their break through growth barriers. business plan and goals are for the next couple of years. We Q: What are some of the also want to hear what they ways technology helps smallplan to accomplish in the shortand medium-sized busiterm – 90 and 30 days – so that nesses grow? we can prioritize based on their A: At some point, every busineeds and make technology ness hits a ceiling with the numrecommendations to help them ber of customers they can serve, the revenue they can earn or the Sam Card achieve their business goals. number of employees they can bring Q. What advice do you have for on board. Technology can help busi- business owners who aren’t sure nesses burst through that ceiling. how to incorporate technology into You can increase productivity with their business processes? cloud technology like Office 365 and A: Our proven process is to start by automating certain functions within with your business goals and identify your business. Also, new software can what you want to do. Then, it’s time to provide you with specific metrics and gather information so you can make other information so you can make the best decisions – technology is better-informed decisions. never going to solve all your problems Q. Can technology give busi- but you want to make sure it isn’t going nesses a competitive advantage? to create more. Talk to a good IT conA: Yes. Different software has differ- sultant; get opinions from people you ent capabilities businesses can lever- know and trust. Go to an industry age to increase their competitiveness. tradeshow and talk with the vendors, Also, making sure your technology is sit through their sales presentations. supported by a responsive IT team The more information you have, the provides a consistent level of uptime, better your chances are of getting the so you definitely have an advantage right technology solutions for your over competitors who might experi- business’s unique needs. ence frequent downtime because of (The writer can be reached at SCardpoorly maintained technology. Many @cards-tech.com. To learn more about Cards companies with properly designed and Technology, visit www.cards-tech.com.)

... Business news

FrOm PaGe 58 January. Other team awards for highest sales volume by office were Sea2Tee of the Bethany Beach office; Veirs Bouloucon Team of the West Fenwick office, Surf on Home Team of the Edgewater Lobby/Sea Colony office; and the Don Williams Group of the Lewes office.

Awards were also presented to the highest number of units for the month for individual agents and teams for the

month of January. Lisa Horsey of the Lewes office received top honors for the most listings obtained in the month of January; Zak Keenan of the West Fenwick office received top honors for most contracts ratified and Steve Gilbert received top honors for the most closings for the month. For Team, the winner were Jared Bowers Group of the Bethany Beach office for the most listings obtained and contracts ratified for the month of January. Seaside Seven of the Sea Colony at Marketplace office won top honors for the most closings for the month.

Waterfront restaurant For lease In atlantic, Va.

Page 59

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Voted Best Breakfast In The Washington Post 2005 “Best Of Ocean City” GOLFERS WELCOME • RIDE THE BUS TO US!

Your Hosts, Bob Noll And Law Adkins

Page 60

The OC Recreation and Parks Senior League Bowling Team (Candi Golden, David Rhoten, Patty Lockett, Monty Kraus, Ed Lockett and Louise Kraus) were ready to have a good time at the Valentine Dinner Dance.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEaTuRinG THOSE HELPinG CauSES in THE RESORT aREa

OC Paintball partners Jonathan Flatley and Colleen Sanford attended the February Downtown association after Dark at american Legion Post 166.

In Society

March 8, 2019

american Legion Post 166 members Jayne Whitehead and Samuel Wiley put out quite a spread for the Downtown association after Dark event last month.

at the Valentine Dinner Dance for Seniors, Ocean City Recreation Supervisor ahna Paterson and Manager Kim Kinsey handed out roses and nametags.

Kicking off the Susan G. Komen Ocean City More Than Pink Walk with a party at Dry 85 were long-time race committee members andrea Young and Kathi Jaconi.

Building excitement for the april 13 OC More Than Pink Walk with a Kickoff Party at Dry 85 were Greg Heitner and Mardel Kowalewksi of Susan G. Komen.

Susan G. Komen Executive Director Michael Jessup and Giving Director Donald Kropfelder talked about new features for the april 13 OC More Than Pink Walk at the kick-off party.

Serving refreshments at the Student art Contest award Ceremony, were Geo McElroy and Jo alexander at the Worcester County arts Council.

Ready to cut a rug at the Valentine Dinner Dance for Seniors, were Harry and Kathy James who are very active with OC Recreation and Parks.

Worcester County arts Council volunteers Barbara Johnson and Sharon Sorrentino welcomed guests into the gallery for the Student art Contest.

Horoscopes

March 8, 2019

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Take time from your busy schedule to check out what's going on around you.

You might find that someone has been secretly trying to pull the wool over those beautiful Sheep's eyes.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Once again, the Bovine's boldness pays off in uncovering the source of a disturbing workplace situation. Your personal life calls for patience, as a certain matter plays itself out.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Forget about going all out to impress someone in your personal life. Just being yourself is all that matters. A workplace decision will need more time. Don't rush into it.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Some supersensitive Crabs might take offense at what they perceive as a slight. But a closer look points to a simple misunderstanding. The weekend holds a welcome surprise.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Sure, you can roar your head off over someone's failure to keep a promise. But the wiser course would be to ask why it happened. Be prepared for an answer that might well surprise you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): A developing relationship needs time to find its direction. So please be patient and resist pushing things along. A recently cooled-down workplace situation could heat up again.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Congratulations. Your well-thought-out proposal seems to be working. Someone who hasn't agreed with you on most things in the past could turn out to be one of your major supporters.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Things seem to be going well. However, you can still expect criticism – some of it pretty heavy. But as long as you can back up your position, you'll be able to rise above it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Getting together with people who care for you is a great way to get that ego boost you might feel you need at this time. Things start to look brighter by week's end.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): You should be able to continue with your plans once you get past those temporary delays. Surprise, surprise.

An offer to help comes from a most unlikely source.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Prioritizing your tasks is important this week because of all those demands you have to deal with. The pressure eases in time for you to enjoy the weekend.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Save your energy and stay focused on what has to be done, despite all those distractions you're likely to face. You should see some evidence of real progress by week's end.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are a generous, giving person who is always ready, willing and more than able to help others in need. Š 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 61

Page 62 FRUITLAND-SALISBURY RESTAURANT 213 213 N. Fruitland Blvd., Fruitland 410-677-4880 • www.restaurant213.com Recently named one of the 100 Best Restaurants for Foodies in America for 2015 by OpenTable (1 of the only 2 restaurants named in the State of Maryland), the food at Restaurant 213 is far from your conventional Chesapeake Bay fare. A former apprentice of Roger Vergé in southern France, chef Jim Hughes prepares unpretentious, globally influenced cuisine inspired by the area’s plentiful ingredients. Chef Hughes has catered many events for Ronald Reagan, while he was President of the United States. He also served as Chef for the King of Saudi Arabia at the Saudi Arabian Royal National Guard military academy. Chef Hughes has been honored by the James Beard Foundation and DiRoNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America). For 2015 Restaurant 213 was voted Best Chef, Best Special Occasion Dining, and Best Fine Dining Restaurant by Coastal Style Magazine, and Best Special Occasion Restaurant by Metropolitan Magazine. Frommer's Travel Guide has Awarded Restaurant 213 its highest Rating of 3 Stars, making it one of only 3 restaurants on the Eastern Shore. Additionally, "Special Finds" awarded this distinction from 2010-2015 in their Maryland & Delaware Travel Guide Edition. Open TuesdaySunday at 5 p.m. Special 5-course prix-fixe dinners offered on Sundays and Thursdays.

WEST OCEAN CITY-BERLIN OCEAN PINES ASSATEAGUE DINER Rte. 611 & Sunset Avenue, 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 AND BAR 104 Pitts Street, 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 chipped 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!

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

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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. Full menu includes appetizers, salads, stromboli, hoagies and wedgies, pizza, spaghetti and more. Open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight.

FULL MOON SALOON 12702 Old Bridge Road, 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 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.

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, tempura-battered 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.

MAD FISH BAR & GRILL 12817 Harbor Road, West Ocean City West Ocean City has welcomed a new concept created by the team of The Embers and Blu Crabhouse. Located conveniently on the harbor with tremendous views of the Inlet and sunsets, the menu offers something for everyone. Fresh fish and classic seafood dishes will tempt most, but the Filet Mignon from the land side never disappoints.

Lighter options, like Certified Angus Beef burgers and fish and shrimp tacos, are also offered along with a diverse kids menu. Check out the outdoor decks for drink specials and live music.

RUTH’S CHRIS Within the GlenRiddle Community 410-213-9444 • www.ruthschris.com Ruth’s Chris specializes in the finest customaged 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 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

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.

28TH STREET PIT & PUB 28th Street & Coastal Highway 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.

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. Wing-fest 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.

32 PALM 32nd Street Oceanside In The Hilton 410-289-2525 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.

LIGHTHOUSE SOUND St. Martin’s Neck Road • 410-352-5250

45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 45th Street and the bay • 443-664-2201

March 8, 2019 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 Street & Coastal Highway 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. Open Monday-Friday at 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, at 3 p.m. Plenty of free parking.

BUXY’S SALTY DOG 28th Street • 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, pierogis,egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Don’t miss our daily specials.

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 15th Street & Baltimore Avenue 410-289-7192 One of Ocean City’s premier restaurants is back with a new and improved atmosphere and a brand new home. However, the mission to provide the same fresh, quality food and attentive service has not changed. Excellent chefs, who inspect each dish for culinary perfection, prepare the meals here. The finest seafood is guaranteed and nothing but the best in black angus beef is served. Be sure to inquire about the daily specials and check out the new bar and lounge area.

They have the kids covered as well with a quality kids menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

COINS PUB & RESTAURANT 28th Street 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 cooked 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 Street • 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 Street and Coastal Highway 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.

FAGER’S ISLAND RESTAURANT & BAR 201 60th Street On The Bay 410-524-5500 • www.fagers.com SEE NEXT PAGE

March 8, 2019

FROM PAGE 62 Fager’s Island is an award-winning popular bayfront 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 Street & Coastal Highway 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, 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 Street & Coastal Highway 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 specialties include all-you-can-eat 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 at noon.

JOHNNY'S PIZZA & SPORTS PUB 56th Street & Coastal Highway 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 Street in the DoubleTree Ocean City 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 Fred-dy’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 break-

Dining Out The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

fast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

RED RED WINE BAR OC 12 48th Street 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 Street, 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 Street 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 everyday 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 STREET NORTH-FENWICK BETHANY

BILLY’S SUB SHOP • 410-723-2500 140th Street, Oceanside • 410-250-1778 Rte. 54, Fenwick Shoals • 302-436-5661 Now the best just got better because they deliver fresh-dough pizza, subs and shakes to your door and have three locations to serve you better. Washington Magazine wasn’t lying when it said Billy’s had the best milkshakes and fresh ground beef hamburgers at the beach and they don’t stop there. Fresh-dough pizza, cones, shakes, sundaes and more. More cheese steaks sold than anyone else in Maryland. Billy’s accepts MC/Visa.

CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL AND CONDOS 118th and 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 break-

fast 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! THE CRAB BAG 130th Street, Bayside 410-250-3337 Now serving lunch and dinner, trust us when we say you can’t go wrong with anything you order here. The crabs are fat and never disappoint and are available eat-in or carryout. The BBQ ribs are also worth a try as well as any of the char-grilled specialties. Remember “Super Happy Hour” offered seven days a week, all day.

Plenty of bargains available on drinks and food.

THE CRABCAKE FACTORY USA 120th Street/Beachside (Serene Hotel) 410-250-4900 Voted “Best Crabcakes in Maryland, DC and Virginia” by The Washington Post. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. The Crabcake Factory started out as a breakfast house in 1996 and still serves one of the best and most creative breakfast menus in Ocean City. Try Eastern Shore favorites prepared daily by Chef-Owner John Brooks including a chipped beef, skillets, omelettes and their famous lump crab creations. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast. Try Sue’s Spicy Bloody Marys to start the day with a kick. Full breakfast menu available for carry-out. Online at: www.CrabcakeFactory-USA.com. See other listing (Crabcake Factory USA). Open year-round.

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 crabcakefactoryonline.com or on our Facebook page. Casual dress, full liquor bar, no reservations.

GREENE TURTLE-NORTH 116th Street & Coastal Highway 410-723-2120

Page 63

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.

HARPOON HANNA’S RESTAURANT & BAR Rte. 54 and 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 all-you-can-eat Alaskan crab legs. Open year-round.

HORIZONS OCEANFRONT RESTAURANT Located inside the Clarion Resort 101st Street, 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!

NANTUCKETS Rte. 1, Fenwick Island 302-539-2607 Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 20 years. 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!

… Toy Town Owners Feel ‘We Got Caught In The Crossfire’

Page 64

From Page 8 with then-mayor Charlie Dorman to get Toy Town into the old opera house.

Finding an occupant for the long-vacant space at one of the town’s major intersections was one of Day’s primary goals during his time with the town.

“It’s a major piece of property downtown,” Day said. “It’s a huge building.

Getting someone in who puts $150,000 into it is a big deal.”

According to the Seatons, the shop closure comes after several months of disagreements with town officials that started when Dorman resigned in October. They said the town’s code enforcement officer expressed concern about the floors in the shop and then the second-floor windows.

“These windows have been here for years,” Debbie Seaton said. “They’ve never been considered a safety hazard. We’ve been open two and half years.”

Nevertheless, the Seatons got three estimates for the replacement of the windows in question but told town officials they’d need some time to get the project, which will cost roughly $17,000, done.

“We tried to work with them,” Debbie Seaton said.

Two weeks ago, they received certified mail from the town’s attorney advising them they had one week to

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

apply for financing for the project. On Feb. 21, they applied for a facade grant from the town, in hopes that partial funding from the town would make it easier to get a loan for the window installation.

The grant application was denied, however, and Hill visited to issue the citation Feb. 27.

As for the missing certificate of occupancy, Richard Seaton said he was issued a temporary one back in 2017.

The permanent one was contingent upon the addition of a certain wall inside the shop, which Seaton completed. Seaton says the certificate of occupancy was never provided.

“They forgot to give it to me,” he said.

When contacted Friday, Reena Patel, the town’s attorney, said the issue was now in the court’s hands.

When asked whether the shop was closed because of the lack of a certificate or the concern about the windows, she said the two issues were related.

“To have a certificate of occupancy you’ve got to meet all the criteria of the code,” Patel said.

Snow Hill merchants, however, don’t understand why the building is cordoned off and considered unsafe now when it was never deemed a hazard before.

“They weren’t worried about it when it was their building,” Nolte said.

He pointed out that the town was made up of historic buildings.

“These buildings are 120, 130 years old,” he said. “You could put a code enforcement officer in here and he could find something to close any one of them down. It makes everybody who owns a building nervous.”

Property owners are worried about who’s going to be next.

“Town hall is broken,” Nolte said.

“I’ve never seen anything like it …

Every property owner is concerned about the trend right now. It’s unfriendly. It’s unprofessional.”

Lorissa McAllister, who runs the Daily Brew Coffeehouse, is upset about the impact recent events will have on the town’s image but is also upset about the way the situation is directly affecting her business. The coffeehouse is located just a few doors down from Toy Town. Most of McAllister’s customers are people who work at the courthouse and county government building.

“Right now they can’t get through,” she said, pointing to the fact that the blockade of Toy Town made the sidewalk impassable.

She said a councilwoman mentioned scaffolding as an alternative but

March 8, 2019

told her the town wouldn’t pay for it.

“I don’t see how there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” McAllister said.

She’s never felt unsafe as she walked by Toy Town.

“The building is in better condition than when they moved in,” she said.

“There was no blockade then. It’s a show at this point. A cart and pony show. The only reason they have the blockade up is to make people think they’re keeping them safe.”

While the merchants are all frustrated at the current impasse, no one’s more frustrated than the Seatons.

"Town hall is messing with how we make a living," Richard Seaton said.

Beyond the fact that the town has closed the shop at least until the court date, Seaton says Toy Town's future in Snow Hill has been called into question.

"They're trying to get me out," he said, adding that he'd been encouraged to come to town by Dorman, whose practices had been criticized by the current council. "We got caught in the crossfire ... They have no intention of signing the building over."

His wife agreed.

"I feel it's a personal vendetta," she said. "It couldn't be anything else. I think it's going to be an ongoing problem."

The Dispatch Classifieds

March 8, 2019

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)

HELP WANTED

FULL MOON SALOON: Hiring YR Server and Day Time Bartender.

Apply in person. 12702 Old Bridge Road. West Ocean City.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE/HARDSCAPE: Now hiring Landscape/Hardscape employees in Bishopville, MD. 2-4 spots open. Must be able to pass a bckgrnd ck. & have valid DL. Please call Erin at 410-251-7351 for any information or inquiries.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LINE COOKS: Ruth’s Chris Steak House now hiring for Full -Time Line Cooks. Apply in person, 1pm4pm. or call 410-213-9444. 11501 Maid at Arms Ln. Berlin, MD 21811 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HOUSEKEEPERS: Sun Hospitality is now hiring Year round Housekeepers. Apply in person starting March 5th. Coconut Malorie, 200 59th St. Bayside, OC ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WONDERLAND LEARNING CTR: Temporary/PT Substitute.

April 1st-May 24th. Mon-Fri. Must be reliable & pass bkgrnd. ck.Serious Inquires only! Contact Shelby 410-213-7096. 8am-4pm. Mon-Fri. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Come Join Our WinningTeam!

Now accepting applications for the following positions: FRONT DESK RECREATION ROOM INSPECTOR ROOM ATTENDANT MAINTENANCE SERVER BARISTA HOSTESS LINE COOK We are looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

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

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

Now Hiring Both locations!

Friendly, energetic people to join our crew. Exp. pref.

67th St, OC & Tanger Outlets Call Angie 443-523-8377

Serious Inquiries Only

Apply In Person Nantuckets Fenwick Island

Apply In Person Lobster Shanty Fenwick Island

Public Works Manager

The Town of Fenwick Island is currently seeking applications for a full-time Public Works Manager. The position is responsible for staff supervision, planning, policy, procedures, buildings, grounds and equipment maintenance, and related paperwork. Also required:

•Completion of a standard vocational or high school course of study.

•A minimum of five years of experience in heavy equipment operation.

•The ability to do minor carpentry, plumbing, and electrical repairs.

•A valid CDL driver license issued by the State of Delaware (or the equivalent issued by a U.S. state or territory).

•The equivalent of one year of college or specialized vocation training in business management, carpentry, construction, plumbing, electrical repair, or a closely related field is preferred.

The Town of Fenwick Island offers an excellent total compensation package which includes health insurance, a deferred compensation plan, and vacation package.

Applications are available at: fenwickisland.delaware.gov/employment Return completed applications by 4:00 pm on Friday, March 22, 2019 to: employment@fenwickisland.org

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

We are currently recruiting a Golf Sales Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for selling, coordinating, and packaging overnight accommodations, golf, and food & beverage. Previous golf packaging experience is a must. Excellent benefits package available. Compensation commensurate with experience. Apply in person or fax resume with salary requirements Mondays through Saturdays 10am – 4pm.

•GRILL/SUB MAKERS •DISHWASHER •COUNTER PERSON

ALL POSITIONS!

TOWN OF FENWICK ISLAND

GOLF SALES MANAGER

Part Time/Full Time

PROFESSIONAL SERVERS HOSTESSES

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.

OFFICE MANAGER: FT/YR. Seeking bright, energetic individual for our busy office. Exp w/Word, Excel and QBooks. Excellent organizational, communication and customer service skills. Rental experience a plus. Send resume to Fred@paradiseoc.com.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR SERVERS : ALEX’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Now hiring Year Round Servers. Apply in person.

Rt 50 in West OC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– DENTAL OFFICE: Busy Dental Office looking for Dental Assistant with Radiology Cert, good clinical & keyboard skills. Also, Front Desk position. Dental knowledge and good keyboard skills required. M-F, FT w/ many benefits. Fax 410-213-2955 or Email: contact@atlanticdental.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CONSTRUCTION HELP WANTED: Call 443-614-0234. Ocean City Area. ___________________________

Page 65

SALES SECRETARY Busy hotel is seeking a year round full time Sales Secretary. Must have hotel sales experience. Applicant must be detail oriented and computer literate, proficient in Excel, Word & Publisher. Sales CRM experience a plus. Exceptional people skills, professional phone & email etiquette a must. Excellent benefits, working conditions and salary (commensurate with experience). Qualified applicants only, forward resume with salary requirements to: SALES SECRETARY P.O. BOX 467 BERLIN, MD 21811 EOE M/F/D/V

FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 or 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

The Lighthouse Club Hotel Personnel Needed

HOUSEKEEPERS Full & Part Time Please apply in person Monday thru Thursday at The Lighthouse Club Hotel 56th Street Bayside Ocean City, MD Positive Attitude, Good Grooming, and Good Work Ethic Required.

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!

The Dispatch Classifieds

Page 66

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

LINE COOKS KITCHEN STAFF Apply in Person or Online www.smittymcgees.com 302-436-4716

Come Join Our WinningTeam!

The Carousel Group is looking for an energetic individual to become part of our sales team. The candidate’s area of responsibility includes conducting outside sales calls, obtaining new business accounts, conducting site tours, networking within the local business community and driving sales. The ideal candidate must be organized, professional, a team player and able to multi task. Excellent communication and presentation skills are imperative. Qualified applicants should possess a willingness to learn hotel sales and rooms software with a solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook. Prior hotel experience is a plus. This position requires a flexible work schedule.

SALES MANAGER

Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the front desk. We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

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

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

Please send resume to P.O. Box 10, Willards, MD 21874 or email: kris.derickson@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 3-11-2019

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

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

March 8, 2019

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

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 3-11-2019

NOW HIRING

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

AWESOME PEOPLE

Holding open interviews

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 11am-2pm for:

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

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

DINING ROOM MANAGER We are currently recruiting an experienced Dining Room Manager to oversee and be responsible for our busy dining room & convention center. Must have strong management experience in a large restaurant, banquet and/or convention services experience, ability to train staff, excellent communication skills and ability to solve problems. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Our current F&B Manager is retiring after 26 years.

Excellent salary and benefits package.

Send resume and salary requirements to:

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 Phone: 410-524-3535 Fax: 410-723-9109

EOE M/F/D/V Looking for an

to join our Dental Management team for a

Experienced Person

Must have managerial experience in the dental field. Insurance knowledge is required.

Benefits, Health insurance, and 401k offered

FT POSITION(M-F).

Call 302-732-3852 or email to brafmanfamilydentistry@mchsi.com

Come by and join our 2019 family!

54th ST OCMD 410-723-5565

Behind Chauncey’s Surf Shop

IND IA N RIVE R M ARI NA NOW H IRING !

•NIGHTWATCH 11PM-7AM SHIFT

•FUEL DOCK/DOCK HAND For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

Now accepting applications for the following

Full Time, Seasonal Positions SERVER AM LINE COOK PM/OVERNIGHT HOUSEPERSON Apply in person or email resume to duran.showell@marriott.com No phone calls, please 2 15th Street, Ocean City, Maryland All candidates must go through a satisfactory background check.

www.courtyardoceancity.com BOOKKEEPER

The Moore Companies Now Hiring

The Moore Companies of Berlin, MD are in need of Landscape Laborers & persons with Irrigation knowledge.

Our serving areas include Selbyville & Millsboro, De and Ocean City, WOC, OP & Berlin, MD. Valid driv.’s lic. required.

Call 410-641-2177 or email office@themoorecompanies.com to schedule an interview

Local real estate company is looking for an experienced Bookkeeper to assist in managing our day-to-day accounting and numerous rental accounts. Confidentiality, excellent organizational skills and accuracy are important qualifications.

Good customer relations and the ability to communicate clearly is a must. Proficiency in QuickBooks, Word and Excel is required. Real Estate office experience a plus! The position is Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM (some flexibility in hours).

Please email resumes to: bookkeeper19930@gmail.com

The Dispatch Classifieds

March 8, 2019

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)

AUTOMOTIVE

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION TECHNICIANS & MANAGERS IICRC certifications a plus

DECK COATING APPLICATORS INTERIOR REMODELING PROFESSIONALS LEAD CARPENTER/FRAMERS Please apply in person 12905 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City MD or online at https://oceantowerconstruction.com/careers/ call 443-366-5556 during regular business hours

ROOMMATES

SERVICES

ROOM FOR RENT, OP: Private RR, shared house. Must like dogs.

Non smoker. $600. per mo. incls. utils. Avail. immed. 1 mile from North Gate. 215-852-2189.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HANDYMAN SPECIALIST: All new & existing decks. Builiding, powerwashing and staining. General Maintenance & Property Mgmt. Call for any other odd jobs!

Joe 443-610-4644.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

Ceja’s Landscaping

Come grow with us ...Plenty of room for advancement!!

Locations in the Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City Maryland areas.

Company matched retirement plan and much more!!

Call: 443-373-1324 or 443-497-0465

& More!

COMMERCIAL RENTALS

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Seeking YR, EXPERIENCED

LINE COOKS SERVERS BARTENDERS

SEASONAL RENTAL

Year Round - Full/Part Time ~POOL MANAGER ~SERVER ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~HOUSEKEEPING HOUSESTAFF ~MAINTENANCE

Apply within Wednesday - Sunday 11 AM - 10 PM

Newly remodeled, big kitchen/ living area.

Sleeps up to 6. $13,500/season + util’s

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

CENTURY CONDO MAINTENANCE PERSON NEEDED (Full Time Year Round) Must have maintenance exp.

SECURITY GUARD (Part Time Year Round) Must be able to do rounds and secure building

Send resume to centurycondo@verizon.net Only serious inquires please

Selbyville Goose Creek Fenwick Goose Creek Hiring for all positions.

For Both Locations Apply Online www.mygcjob.com

Higgins Crab House now taking applications: •EXP. LIQUOR STORE ATTENDANT Please Apply in person Fri-Sun, 10am-7pm 128th St., Ocean City Assawoman Ale Shoppe Hiring for all positions.

Apply within store.

52nd Street, Bayside, OC.

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.

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! In business for 35 years- We have Auto/ Marine parts stores, Service Centers and Used Car Dealership and still growing! Due to some recent retirements along with expansion, we are hiring for additional: - Experienced Technicians - Up to $27.00 hr.

- Oil Lube -Tire Techs - Maryland State Inspector - Experienced Tow Truck Drivers-Very competitive pay!!

- Auto Parts and Service Counter Associates

Page 67

INDEPENDENT CLEANERS Business Opportunity.

Cleaning condos in OC, MD. Must have experience & license.

Contact Linda or Keti Shoreline Properties

410-524-6688

RESTAURANT MANAGER YR/PM Entry Level Position Banquet exp. a plus Inquire Within 32 Palm at Hilton Suites 3200 Baltimore Ave. Ocean City, MD SUMMER BEACH CONDOS #3 35TH ST., OC

May 10th-Sept 10th

2BR, 1.5 BA

$2,000 sec. dep.

410-428-7333 312 Sunset Dr., Sunset Terrace www.sunsetterracerentals.com

WEEKLY RENTALS

2 BR Apartment $300.

4 BR House $500.

Burgundy Inn

1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

RENTALS WANTED

WAREHOUSE (LARGE) FOR RENT: 11212 Gum Point Road, Berlin, MD. $1,200 per month.

Call 410-430-9797.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SHOP/STORAGE FOR RENT: 12’ x 24’ $150. per mo. 24’ x 24’ $300 per mo. Near Ocean Pines.

Call & Lv. msg. Steve 410-2513412.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 3 Offices/Retail and 2 Warehouses.

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

YARD SALES DOWNSIZING! INSIDE & OUT TAG SALE: Fri. 3/22 & Sat. 3/23.

9am-6pm. Furn., antiques, glassware, old farm tools, “yard sale” items. 9921 Main St, Berlin, MD. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HOPING TO BUY Looking to Buy

E.D.U.’s

West Ocean City

TOP DOLLAR! Call David 443-880-0089

FOR SALE

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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.

THIRD INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17734 To all persons interested in the estate of HELEN STEPHANI DAVID, ESTATE NO. 17734. Notice is given that RYAN PUTNEY, 11525 CAREFREE LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on FEBRUARY 14, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HELEN STEPHANI DAVID, who died on MARCH 09, 2014 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14TH day of AUGUST, 2019.

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. Any claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 22, 2019 RYAN PUTNEY Personal Representative

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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 2-22, 3-01, 3-08

Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 22, 2019

THIRD INSERTION

MAISIE M. COLLINS Personal Representative True Test Copy

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 2-22, 3-01, 3-08

ESTATE NO. 17733 To all persons interested in the estate of DOROTHY LEE WHARTON, ESTATE NO. 17733. Notice is given that MAISIE M. COLLINS, 4415 MARKET STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on FEBRUARY 13, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY LEE WHARTON, who died on JANUARY 06, 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 13TH day of AUGUST, 2019.

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. Any claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

THIRD INSERTION

JEAN S. LAWS, ESQ. LAWS, INSLEY & BENSON, LLP 209 E. MAIN ST PO BOX 75 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0075 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17731 To all persons interested in the estate of ANN S. RINCK, ESTATE NO. 17731. Notice is given that ALISE F. FURLONG, 1 PINTAIL DRIVE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on FEBRUARY 12, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANN S. RINCK, who died on FEBRUARY 02, 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 (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12TH day of AUGUST, 2019.

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

March 8, 2019

(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. Any 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.

Register of Wills on or before the 14TH day of AUGUST, 2018.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 22, 2019

(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. Any 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.

ALISE F. FURLONG 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 2-22, 3-01, 3-08

THIRD INSERTION

B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17735 To all persons interested in the estate of FREDERICK H. LESSER, AKA: FREDERICK H. LOESSER, SR. , ESTATE NO. 17735. Notice is given that FREDERICK H. LESSER, JR., 201 E. MARKET STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on FEBRUARY 14, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FREDERICK H. LESSER, who died on OCTOBER 05, 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 (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 22, 2019 FREDERICK H. LESSER, 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 3x 2-22, 3-01, 3-08

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17721 To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH R. DRYMALA, ESTATE NO. 17721. Notice is given that MARY K. DRYMALA, 12638 BALTE ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on FEBRUARY 14, 2019, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPH R. DRYMALA, who died on JANUARY 15, 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 (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14TH day of AUGUST, 2019.

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. Any claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication FEBRUARY 22, 2019 MARY K. DRYMALA 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 2-22, 3-01, 3-08

FIRST INSERTION

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17742 To all persons interested in

The Dispatch

March 8, 2019

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per column

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

the estate of CURTIS JAMES MERRITT. Notice is given that CURTIS NEALE MERRITT, 2827 SNOW HILL ROAD, GIRDLETREE, MD 21829, was on FEBRUARY 22, 2019 appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: CURTIS JAMES MERRITT, who died on JANUARY 22, 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 Notice. All persons having any objection to the appoint-

ment 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

ten 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.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH O1, 2019 CURTIS NEALE MERRITT 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 3-08

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 17748 Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT of LOUDON COUNTY, VA, appointed MARJORIE M. JACKSON, 110 QUEEN ST., NE, LEESBURG, VA 20176 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of NANCY JO BELL LONDON, who died on DECEMBER 22, 2018, domiciled in VIRGINIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MYRIE E. WARD, whose address is 69 NEWPORT DRIVE, BERLIN, MD

Page 69

21811. 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 08, 2019 MARJORIE M. JACKSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTOCTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-08, 3-15, 3-22

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OCEAN CITY vanishing

March 8, 2019

WITH BUNK MANN

A Nor’easter struck Ocean City on March 6, 1962, and lasted through three high tide cycles over a two-day period. The most devastating storm in the town’s history, it remains the standard by which all other storms are judged.

The ocean and the bay waters met and put the town completely under water.

Local residents were evacuated by the volunteer fire department and the U.S. Coast Guard and two men lost their lives. The Boardwalk was demolished and many buildings were destroyed – some even washed out to sea.

Under the leadership of Mayor Hugh Thomas Cropper Jr. and with massive state aid, Ocean City fought back. Ten weeks later, the town was open for business on Memorial Day weekend.

A spread on the storm with more photos and personal recollections can be found in my book on pages 100 to 111. To purchase the book, click over to www.vanishingoceancity.com.

Photo by Carolyn Malion

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

March 8, 2019