April 10

The Dispatch April 10, 2020

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Officials Agree On Uncertain Budget

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Local Couple Recounts Virus Ordeal

Silver Linings: Mother Nature has been providing some timely distractions of late as spring brings warmer

temperatures. Above, a rainbow is pictured Tuesday in Berlin after rain passed through. Below, blue skies, blooming trees and scattered clouds produce a beautiful scene at Ocean City’s Northside Park.

Photos by Laura Powell, above, and Chris Parypa

See Page 6 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Judge Upholds OC’s Topless Ban

See Page 18 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Cutest Pet Of The Month The winner of last month’s contest was Taz, a 4-month-old beagle owned by Charlotte LaFond.

See page 31 for this month’s nominees.

Submitted Photo

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April 10, 2020

April 10, 2020

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Council Endorses ‘Plan B’ Budget, Plans To Use Reserves

Page 4

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Despite uncertainties surrounding the ongoing pandemic and the impact on the economy, resort officials last week signed off on a fiscal year 2021 “Plan B” budget that would actually amount to a property tax reduction for most.

After marathon virtual work sessions last week, the Mayor and Council met on Friday for a budget wrap-up meeting for the fiscal year 2021 spending plan with a handful of options on the table. City Manager Doug Miller and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp earlier last week presented essentially three options for the fiscal year 2021 budget beginning July 1.

The proposed combined budget for all funds came in around $156 million and includes certain enterprise funds such as water and wastewater, for example, which are largely self-sufficient.

The all-important general fund budget came in around $97 million and was balanced based on anticipated revenues and expenditures for the coming fiscal year.

The first option presented last week, deemed the pre-COVID-19 budget, was prepared before the pandemic and all the existing and potential economic ramifications that come with it. That proposed balanced budget set the property

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tax rate at the constant yield rate of .4559, or the rate that would generate the amount of funding needed to maintain the same level of services, projects and programs as the prior year.

The proposed Plan B budget, which was the preferred option for the Mayor and Council and was ultimately endorsed by the elected officials last week, also sets the property tax rate at the constant yield rate of .4559. However, Plan B predicts a reduction in revenue by about $1.9 million in fiscal year 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Plan B budget includes moving money from the town’s reserve fund balance, a rainy day fund of sorts for emergencies, which the COVID-19 pandemic certainly qualifies. The town’s stated position is to maintain the fund balance at 15 percent of general operating budget.

Based on fiscal year general fund expenses, the town’s unassigned fund balance stands at around 26%, or around $8 million over the stated goal of 15%.

The reserve fund balance and how best to use it was the subject of tense debate during the budget wrap-up session. Councilman John Gehrig said the town needed a firm policy on the percentage of fund balance to maintain because it has drifted well beyond the stated goal of 15%.

“This is exactly why we have a reserve fund, but we don’t need a reserve fund for our reserve fund,” he said. “The

reserve fund is meant to be used when we have an emergency. We’ve politicized this to where now 15% is the floor when it should be the ceiling. If we set it at 15%, that’s where it should be.”

However, Councilman Mark Paddack questioned Gehrig’s assessment of the appropriate level of fund balance and how it should best be used. For the record, Paddack and Gehrig sparred throughout the work session on a variety of issues related to the budget.

“For Councilman Gehrig to say we’re politicizing this reserve fund is ridiculous,” he said. “A couple of weeks ago, he made a big show that if we weren’t going to invest it in economic development, we should return it to the taxpayers. At that time, we were right at the beginning of COVID-19. We know now it was prudent to leave that additional 7% in the reserve fund.”

In any year, the adopted budget is a fluid document. However, because of the uncertainties surrounding the current situation, the reserve fund will be more important than ever and budget amendments could come more frequently, according to Miller.

“There is a lot of uncertainty,” he said.

“We will know by the first budget amendment in September or October where we are with COVID. By then, we’ll know what kind of season we had. It might be that we have to come back in with some significant cuts in expenditures to make

April 10, 2020

it through the year. For now, we have to set the tax rate and adopt a budget.”

Paddack praised Knapp and Miller for their foresight in building and maintaining a healthy reserve fund balance for just this type of situation.

“My understanding is 15% is the minimum,” he said. “Because Jennie and Doug and our department heads are being prudent and fiscally responsible, we do have some extra money in that reserve fund and thank God we do. We’re going to be able to set a constant yield tax rate that’s consistent and we’re going to be able to cover our expenditures because of that.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed with the uncertainties of the current pandemic and the potential impact on the reserve fund balance.

“The reserve fund is a very fluid situation,” he said. “We don’t know how much we’re going to take out of that as of June 30 to cover revenue losses and we can always revisit that. We don’t want to have more than we need, but I don’t think anybody knows what that number is right now.”

For her part, Knapp said the Plan B option ultimately endorsed by the Mayor and Council took fund balance into consideration based on her projections from reviewing the 2008 recession.

“I looked back at the recession in 2008 and tried to translate those trends into this budget,” she said.

“Even if we get back up and running, I think our business will be affected this summer. We can’t go into fiscal year 2021 as if everything is normal. Whatever we don’t recover in fiscal year 2020 will have to come out of fund balance.”

Knapp said despite the revenue hits the town is taking and will likely continue to take, there were some potential offsets.

“While we’re taking some losses on the revenue side, there are some things working in our favor on the expense side,” she said. “Fuel prices are down, we’re not hauling as much trash, we are not bringing in part-time employees as soon as we thought we would. Some of that will offset the losses were seeing on the revenue side. It’s a balancing act, but that was my stab at it.”

After considerable debate, the Mayor and Council ultimately adopted the Plan B budget with the tax rate set at the constant yield of .4556. It will be presented for first reading on May 4 and likely adopted on second reading on May 18. Council President Lloyd Martin attempted to bring the discussion full-circle after what had been an often-tense work session.

“We all have different philosophies on how much we can give and how much we can save and what we should do,” he said. “If we have a loss of $6 million, we’ll still be fine and make it through. We’re planning right now for this virus to go away as soon as possible, and I’m optimistic things are going to get better.”

April 10, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Local Couple Details Cruise Ordeal Amid Health Crisis

Page 6

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A local couple caught on a cruise ship as coronavirus turned into a global pandemic is finally home.

After weeks of uncertainty as their cruise ship was turned away from port after port, Ed and Dottie Pinto are now enjoying isolation at their home in Ocean City.

“We’ve had plenty of adventures in our lives,” Ed Pinto said. “This was just another one.”

The Pintos, avid travelers when they’re not at their oceanfront condo, arrived in Australia in late February, looking forward to their ship’s departure on Feb. 28. While coronavirus was an issue in China, they didn’t anticipate it impacting their Norwegian Jew-

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el cruise to Fiji, Bora Bora and Tahiti.

“We had no idea the virus was going to grow like it did,” Ed Pinto said.

They got an inkling of its mounting reach, however, when they realized the ship was prohibiting anyone — crew member or passenger — with a Chinese passport from boarding. A few days later, the ship’s crew instituted what Pinto called “significant sanitation procedures,” even washing the walls every morning. His wife recalled her surprise at the crew not only cleaning her hands when she arrived for a lunch buffet, but putting each piece of food on her plate themselves.

“They even put the mustard on the hot dog,” she said.

Ed Pinto said that after seeing the measures that were put in place, he was confident the ship was clean.

“Those procedures work not only for coronavirus but for any illness you’d see on a cruise,” he said.

The Pintos enjoyed the cruise’s initial stops, visiting Brisbane, New Caledonia and Fiji, before the captain announced what was meant to be a three-week cruise was over. The ship was pointed toward Tahiti to dock but was denied entry. The captain then headed for New Zealand, where the ship was also denied approval to dock.

“So then we headed for Fiji,” Ed Pinto said.

But Fiji, a country the ship had already visited, where its passengers had already toured the sights and mingled with residents, wouldn’t let the ship dock.

“Fiji wouldn’t take us back after we’d unloaded our wallets to the local

April 10, 2020

economy,” Pinto said.

Despite essentially being stranded at sea, the Pintos were still enjoying their voyage. They savored lavish meals, socialized with fellow travelers and spent their days sitting by the pool.

“Meanwhile, we’re seeing the news from the states and getting more and more worried about you all,” Ed Pinto said. “Some of us started thinking if we did make it (to the West Coast) we’d have to rent a car and drive across the country.”

The couple stopped sending pictures home, considering it “bad form” to show themselves having an enjoyable time while their friends and relatives were anxiously watching coronavirus work its way into their communities.

From Fiji, the Norwegian Jewel was directed to American Samoa. While there were plans for the ship to refuel, passengers had little hope the country that experienced a major measles outbreak at the end of 2019 would let them in.

“They wanted nothing to do with anything that might possibly bring in a germ,” Pinto said. “There were police on the pier making sure nobody got off.”

He and the other Americans onboard were optimistic about finally disembarking when they learned the next potential port was Hawaii, but the ship’s captain cautioned against booking flights right away. Pinto said that from his point of view, it was only when the ship reached Hawaii that the trip became something of an ordeal.

Though planes from the U.S. were landing at the airport, the state didn’t want the ship to unload. Passengers waited for days, wondering if they’d be allowed to leave.

“The good news was we broke a propeller,” he said. “The conspiracy theorists among us said ‘we’d like to meet the engineer who did that.’”

Because it was too dangerous for the ship to go far with just one propeller, Pinto said Hawaii decided to let the ship unload—much to the relief of passengers.

“It had gotten to the point some of us were looking for an American flag on the ship,” Pinto said. “We were going to take off the last star.”

They never did find a flag but on March 24 — after nearly three days of waiting for approval from Hawaiian officials — the ship was finally able to let its passengers off in Honolulu. They were to go directly to the airport, avoiding the main terminal and taking chartered flights to a handful of destinations.

While Europeans were sent to Frankfurt, Americans were sent to Los Angeles and New Zealanders were sent to London.

“They didn’t want us touching the ground,” Dottie Pinto said. “We leave the ship, step directly onto a shuttle bus, then there’s a police escort — with lights flashing — to the airport. Our plane was all the way at the end.”

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. . ‘They Didn’t Want Us Touching The Ground’

April 10, 2020

When they got to LAX, sporting masks and gloves, the Pintos — who had seen firsthand the global fear the pandemic was creating — were concerned to see very few airport workers wearing protective gear.

“I asked the TSA agent and she said, ‘I’m young, I’ll be ok,’” Pinto said.

From the West Coast, the Pintos made it without incident to Baltimore’s airport before they encountered yet another delay.

“I go to pick up my car,” Ed Pinto said, “and it won’t start. I’ve got electricity, lights, but it won’t start. I just started laughing. What else could go wrong?”

He used his AAA membership to arrange a tow and rent a car for the last leg of the trip back to Ocean City.

The couple had a pleasant surprise upon returning to their condo, as their pantry — which had been left empty in anticipation of their long vacation — had been stocked by American Legion Post 166 Commander Tom Wengert. In the days since, friends have dropped off more food as the Pintos self-quarantine.

“We’re on our eighth day of quarantine,” Pinto said. “We’re doing fine.”

They got a kick out of a call from their mechanic, who informed them their Honda Accord hadn’t started because it’d been damaged when its catalytic converter was stolen.

“And this was the beat-up old car I deliberately took because we were go-

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Dottie and Ed Pinto are pictured outside their Ocean City condominium building last week.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

ing to be away close to 30 days,” Pinto said.

Needless to say, the couple is happy to be home after what they described as nothing but some mild discomforts in their journey back. They’re even looking forward to reuniting with some of their fellow travelers once the current health crisis is over.

“We met two couples from here,” Pinto said. “One from Bethany and one from Cape May. We’re all planning to get together once this passes.

We had a pretty good time.”

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At Least Seven More Foals Expected On Assateague This Year

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – The birth of a new foal on Assateague Island last month is the first of what should be many this year on the barrier island.

In late March, a new foal was born to the herd of wild horses on the Maryland side of the Assateague Island National Seashore. The mare is Mieke’s Noe’lani and the suspected sire is Mr. Frisky Hooves. While public access to the state and national parks is restricted during the current pandemic, life goes on as usual at Assateague for its most famed residents with a veritable baby boom expected.

Each fall, Assateague Island National Seashore biologists conduct pregnancy tests on the mares to predict how many new foals are expected

to join the herd in the coming year.

The results from the pregnancy tests conducted last November confirmed eight mares on the Maryland side of Assateague were expecting at that time, meaning at least seven more foals are expected this year.

The popular horses on Assateague are wild animals and generally left to the whims of nature. However, in the interest of maintaining a healthy population size, the National Park Service several years ago began a contraceptive program for the mares. In almost each year since, selected mares have been darted with a non-invasive contraceptive called PZP in an effort to maintain the size of the herd on the Maryland side in its manageable threshold. The target range for the horse population on the Maryland side of Assateague is 80-100, and there were

April 10, 2020

The foal born last month to mare Mieke’s Noe’lani is pictured. Photo by Penny Bowles Sperry

times over the years when the population was well north of those numbers.

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According to the March census, the number of wild horses in the Maryland herd now stands at 73, with the birth of the new foal and three documented deaths over the winter.

As a result, the National Park Service’s contraceptive program has shifted to an adaptive management phase.

“Eight is the most pregnant mares we’ve had in many years, due to no contraception for the last four years,” Assateague Island National Seashore Chief of Interpretation and Education Liz Davis said. “One mare was contracepted in 2016, but none have been since then. We’re allowing mares to reproduce freely until such time as the population once again reaches the upper end of our goal range of 80100.”

While it certainly isn’t the most glamorous aspect of managing the famed wild horses on Assateague, biologists each November conduct pregnancy tests on the many mares on the barrier island in an attempt to determine how many new foals might join the herd next year. The biologists follow the mares in the herd essentially waiting for them to defecate.

The samples are collected, frozen and sent to a lab to be analyzed to determine how many, if any, of the mares are expecting.

“The contraceptive program is in an adaptive management phase,” she said. “We look at the population dynamics each year and make changes as needed. Precise balancing of mortality and foaling is not possible because the age at death varies greatly for each horse, as does the number of mares that will foal in a given year.”

The wild horses on Assateague are just that and generally left to the whims of nature. However, managing the herd size is in the horses’ best interests and the contraceptive and pregnancy testing programs are not invasive.

“The sole reason for monitoring the population, including documenting births and deaths, is to provide the data we need to support a successful management program,” she said. “We want our management actions to not stress the population any more than absolutely necessary, which includes minimizing the attention to pregnant mares.”

County Provides Government Update

April 10, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic outlined local actions to fight the spread of COVID-19 in a state of the county address Wednesday.

Mitrecic, president of the board, discussed the county’s efforts to support actions taken by Gov. Larry Hogan in an online video.

“My fellow commissioners and I recognize that the actions we have already and are continuing to implement are unprecedented, never before seen or experienced by most of us in our lifetimes, but these measures are meant to save lives by stopping the spread of COVID19,” he said.

In accordance with Hogan’s executive orders, Mitrecic said the county had closed all non-essential businesses, prohibited large gatherings and instructed residents to stay at home. The county declared a local state of emergency on March 16 and on April 1 issued a declaration restricting non-essential short-term rentals.

“Our goal is to elicit voluntary compliance with the county’s latest emergency declaration however due to the deadly nature of this health crisis in instances where these directives are not obeyed we’re prepared to fully enforce this action,” Mitrecic said.

As of Thursday, 238 individuals in Worcester County had been tested for COVID-19. Sixteen tested positive, and four of those have been released from health monitoring.

“The others are still being monitored,” he said. “If the recovery process seems lengthy it’s important to understand that there is a 14-day public health monitoring period. That time frame is the same for those under self quarantine.”

Meanwhile, Atlantic General Hospital and Peninsula Regional Medical Center have been implementing changes to ensure they have enough beds for potential coronavirus cases. Mitrecic said AGH has the 83 beds recommended by state hospital officials.

Mitrecic reminded residents to complete the 2020 Census, which is now underway. He said that so far, only 22.4% of county residents had taken part.

“We need everyone’s help to shape the county’s future,” he said, adding that Census figures would help determine, for example, the number of vaccines the county might need.

Though the last few meetings of the commissioners have been canceled, the board is expected to host some sort of online meeting April 14. Mitrecic said an online county budget hearing would be held May 5.

“More information about this first ever online county budget hearing will be forthcoming,” he said. “At this time, the requested budget includes no property tax increase.”

Broadband Access Study Participation Urged The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials are asking residents and businesses to take part in an online survey related to broadband access.

The Worcester County Information Technology (WCIT) Department announced April 2 that it was seeking local participation in an online survey regarding broadband access and speed. The survey is part of the county’s ongoing efforts to bring better internet access to residents.

“First we have to understand where the greatest issues are and who is getting good service and who isn’t,” Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said.

“People use many different services.

Trying to figure out who’s got what is

going to take participation from citizens all over the county. I encourage everyone to participate.”

According to county staff, the survey consists of just four questions and takes little time to complete. The information participants provide will remain confidential and will be used solely for the county’s broadband planning efforts.

WCIT has been working with CTC Technology & Energy to test broadband access throughout Worcester County.

“This is a great opportunity to let us know whether you have access to broadband, and if you do, what your broadband speeds are and whether you’re satisfied with your existing service,” said Brian Jones, WCIT director.

“We understand the urgent need for sufficient broadband coverage in Worcester County now more than ever be-

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cause so many of our residents are working from home due to the COVID19 pandemic.”

The findings from the survey will allow Jones and his department to identify areas in the county where coverage is sufficient, areas where it’s not sufficient and areas where there is no coverage at all.

“The answers you provide are vital to the future of broadband planning and services in Worcester County,” Jones said. “We hope that you will take the survey for yourself and encourage your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to complete the survey as well. We need all of you to make your voices heard about the broadband needs in Worcester County.”

The survey is available at http://worcesterco.speedsurvey.org.

Ocean Pines Extends Assessment Payment Deadline

Page 10

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Association has extended the assessment deadline by 90 days in response to the economic hardship created by the ongoing health crisis.

The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) board voted 6-1, with Treasurer Larry Perrone opposed, to extend the assessment deadline to Aug. 1. While officials hope that those who can will pay before the usual May 1 deadline, they agreed to offer the extension to give

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those who may be suffering financially more time.

“It’s our way of taking care of our own,” board member Tom Janasek said.

In a virtual board meeting April 1, General Manager John Viola said various scenarios—and the effect each would have on operations—had been analyzed, including extending the due date for the annual assessment 30 days, 60 days and 90 days. He said certain expenditures, particularly capital expenditures, could be delayed until the fall.

“We do believe that if we went to 90 days coming in on the assessments, we

April 10, 2020

believe we would have enough money,” Viola said, adding that the association shouldn’t have to go into its reserves.

“Right now I’m saying with the 90 days and the COVID-19 affecting us going until possibly June we should be fine cash wise.”

When asked what sort of projects could be delayed, Viola said an example would be the new playgrounds that were set to be installed.

Perrone said he did not want OPA to have to dip into its reserves.

“Based on the numbers we’ve been looking at, if this stay-in-place order is not lifted and we don’t generate income in July and August, we don’t know for sure where we’re going to be but there is a possibility we would have to go into our replacement reserve account for operations,” he said.

Perrone said he was in favor of a 60day extension rather than a 90-day extension. He said that if people weren’t aware, golf packages had been canceled.

Board member Frank Daly suggested delaying a decision until May, when the association would have already received assessments from many residents and would have a better idea of how many might not be paid until later.

Janasek said he thought an announcement regarding a delayed due date from Ocean Pines would ease a lot of residents’ worries.

“It really goes a long way to the psyche of our community to let them know what we are planning as a board,” he said.

He added that those who could should pay their assessments by May 1 as they usually did.

Board member Camilla Rogers echoed Janasek’s comments and said she supported extending the due date 90 days. Board member Steve Tuttle agreed, as did OPA President Doug Parks.

“I think 90 days based on what we heard is a very reasonable approach,” Parks said.

Board member Colette Horn said she was uncomfortable with the risk and said she’d rather see a 60-day extension with the possibility at that time of another 30-day extension.

“I’m just not comfortable with the financial risk we’re placing the association under if we go the 90 days,” she said.

The board voted 6-1, with Perrone opposed, to move the assessment due date to Aug. 1. Board members noted homeowners who opt to delay paying their dues might not be able to vote or run in the annual OPA election.

According to the association’s bylaws, no member may vote if, 35 days prior to the voting deadline, the member has failed to pay the annual charge.

This year the voting deadline is July 1.

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Berlin Cancels All Planned Events Through June

Page 12

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – In an effort to err on the side of caution during the ongoing health crisis, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce has canceled all events through June.

The announcement means that the Berlin Jazz and Blues, Wine and Brews Festival, the Spring Cruisers Classic Car Show and the Berlin Bathtub Races will not take place as scheduled. Steve Frene, president of the chamber, stressed that the bathtub races and possibly the car show could be rescheduled.

“Obviously this was an extremely hard decision,” Frene said. “We had lengthy discussions.”

Frene said the chamber worked closely with the Town of Berlin in making

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the decision to cancel events. Berlin Mayor Gee Williams said in a statement Monday that all public events in town set for April, May and June have been canceled.

While Frene believes the current health situation could improve by May, he said chamber officials didn’t want to take a chance on having an event too soon. He added that most events involved a fair amount of planning, preparation and even ticket sales.

“We didn’t feel it would be enough time,” he said.

Though the Jazz and Blues, Wine and Brews Festival will not be rescheduled, as vendors are already booked during the summer months, Frene said it was possible that the car show and the bathtub races in particular could be

rescheduled.

“We remain optimistic about rescheduling the bathtub races,” he said. “A lot of those folks do it every year. There’s not a ton of preparation. Look for that to come back later this summer.”

He added that the chamber and town officials would be collaborating to host an “Over the Rainbow” party once COVID-19 restrictions had been lifted.

“Once we’re in the all-clear the chamber and town will work hand in hand to create an event that will be a celebration that we’ve made it through and it’s safe to come out,” he said. “That’s our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”

In the meantime, he said the chamber was doing its best to support the businesses who were able to remain open as Maryland’s stay-at-home direc-

April 10, 2020

tive was in place. The organization is sharing information regarding loans and grants available to small businesses and is also doing what it can to encourage people to support merchants that remain open offering delivery and carryout.

“We’ll get through it,” he said.

Frene said that though there would be new norms when shops reopened, the chamber would do whatever it could to help rebuild business in Berlin.

“We’ll be doing whatever we can to bring Berlin back,” he said, adding that he was optimistic. “We’ll bounce back.

Berlin is such a source of joy and pleasure to so many people.”

Royal Farms Eyes Route 589 Location

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials this week reviewed plans for a Royal Farms proposed near the intersection of Route 589 and Cathell Road in Ocean Pines.

The Worcester County Technical Review Committee (TRC) on Wednesday looked at a sketch plan for a Royal Farms at 11073 Cathell Rd., adjacent to Walgreens. Committee members voiced few concerns and just minor suggestions associated with the proposal for a 5,154-square-foot convenience store, associated gas canopy and 1,248 square-foot car wash.

“I think everything looked like it was doable,” said Jeff Harman of Becker Morgan Group during the TRC teleconference. “We just wanted to see if you saw any concerns with the layout.”

The traffic impact study for the proposed Royal Farms is currently underway, according to representatives from Maryland’s State Highway Administration. The project is expected to return to the TRC for final site plan review.

Other projects reviewed by the TRC this week included an outdoor seating expansion at Crabs to Go and construction of a farm brewery by Sinepuxent Brewing Co. (formerly Berlin Organics).

TRC members also looked at the plans for the redevelopment of Mad Fish, which was destroyed in a fire, and a proposal for Heavy Metal Playground, an outdoor recreational facility planned for Old Bridge Road in West Ocean City. Heavy Metal Playground, which currently has a location in Boonsboro, was created to give people the chance to essentially play with construction equipment. Before a location can be created in West Ocean City the proposal will have to receive a special exception from the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals to establish an outdoor recreational/amusement use.

Nevertheless, owner Mark Stevanus said in an interview last week he was hopeful the facility would be ready to open this summer.

For Now, Ocean City Still Expects J-1 Workers For This Summer

April 10, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – When the current pandemic wanes and Ocean City’s summer season ramps up, resort area employers can expect an influx of summer seasonal workers on J-1 work and travel visas, but there are many uncertainties including how many will come.

Each summer, an estimated 4,000 foreign student summer workers arrive in Ocean City to fill out the resort’s seasonal workforce. With roughly 12,000 seasonal jobs in Ocean City each summer, the J-1 students represent about one-third of the entire workforce and keep the resort’s seasonal businesses up and running.

Throughout the winter, sponsors have been going through their typical routines of lining up participants for the J-1 visa summer work and travel program and connecting them with employers in Ocean City and all over the country. In addition, the sponsors have been lining up living arrangements for participants in host communities such as Ocean City, for example.

That work has continued in earnest, but the COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainties and thrown a collective wrench in the process. On March 12, the U.S. State Department put a 60day pause on issuing J-1 visas, which would push earliest arrival date for foreign student workers into mid-May. The measure was deemed temporary and could be pushed back again as the pandemic continues to evolve.

Nonetheless, Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melanie Pursel said the business community is proceeding as if that 60-day restriction remains intact.

“We expect students to be arriving

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

around May 12 unless something changes,” she said. “They all have their job placements in line and are communicating with their sponsors.”

If the 60-day suspension of the program is lifted as planned for the moment, some of the thousands of summer seasonal workers still might choose to stay home out of health concerns and the uncertainties surrounding their jobs. Most of the J-1 students who travel to Ocean City work in hospitality and tourism businesses, which are essentially closed for the most part until further notice.

Still others will have educational responsibilities at colleges and universities in their home country.

“Even if the program moves forward this season, there’s inevitably going to be some students who decide not to participate based on their personal choice at this time,” said Pursel.

“There will also be some who won’t be able to participate, for example their university extends class schedules or exam periods, but the majority of students are excited about the opportunity to participate in the program this summer and are waiting like the rest of us.”

Pursel said the sponsorship agencies continue to work closely with the participants and are taking steps to ensure their health and safety if and when they arrive.

“Sponsorship organizations maintain close contact with the host employers they work with and would know in advance prior to the exchange visitor’s arrival if the business is not open yet,” she said. “The sponsors will have contingency plans in place to protect the health, safety and welfare of their participants, which could also include delaying the exchange visitors’ arrival in the U.S.”

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Page 13

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Three More Prosecutors Needed For Wicomico Probes

Page 14

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County added three new positions within the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office this week to provide additional resources for two separate investigations.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted 6-1, with Councilman Bill McCain opposed, to amend the county’s classification and pay plan by adding two new prosecutor positions and one new special investigator position within the state’s attorney’s office as two separate investigations move forward that could impact pending and closed criminal cases.

“This office, under my tenure, has had minimal increases,” State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes said. “I do not make this

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ask lightly. I am a citizen of this county, and I understand the cost. Our times now are different than ever before.”

In February, the state’s attorney’s office began the process of providing disclosures in every criminal case that was charged by the Salisbury Police Department or that contained evidence that is or was being held in the custody of the police department from April 22, 1997 to Feb. 7, 2020 after determining evidence stored in the department’s property storage facilities may have been compromised.

The Salisbury Police Department contacted the state’s attorney’s office on Feb. 6 regarding a potential theft committed by a civilian employee assigned to its property storage facilities.

As a result of a subsequent briefing, the state’s attorney’s office – believing the integrity of the facilities to be com-

promised – contacted the Office of the State’s Attorney and the Office of the Attorney General.

A full investigation by outside law enforcement agencies is now underway in that potential breach.

The police department, however, is facing another unrelated investigation after the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office discovered a memo from 2011 alleging three police officers from the Salisbury Police Department may have failed to disclose information and evidence in a criminal case that has since been closed.

As a result of that discovery, three police officers and a Wicomico County prosecutor have been placed on leave pending an internal investigation.

Deputy State’s Attorney Bill McDermott told the county council last month defense attorneys may now file mo-

April 10, 2020

tions to reopen cases as a result of the two investigations, adding to the caseloads already being handled by prosecutors in the state’s attorney’s office.

To that end, the agency made a request for three new positions through emergency legislation. In a second reading and public hearing Tuesday, McDermott said the need for the three new positions was immediate.

“We’re asking for resources that are in the interest of justice,” he said.

“While some dangerous people may be released, we’re also talking about an integral review of those cases in which perhaps defendants were entitled to things they didn’t receive …

We’re talking about preserving our justice system as a whole, which is in the interest of the welfare and safety of the county.”

Council Attorney Robert Taylor proposed the emergency legislation add language acknowledging the temporary nature of the three new positions.

Dykes, however, argued the proposed amendment was untenable.

“We must have high-quality candidates, and the only way that we get high-quality candidates is some expectation that their duty will continue …,” she said. “The idea is to restore confidence back into the system, and I cannot do that with no guarantee of future employment for these people.”

While she acknowledged the three positions were being added temporarily to handle the workload of the two investigations, Dykes said it could take years for all the cases to be retried.

“These cases that will be retried are violent felonies that are going to take months to prepare for, days to try, and the number is in the hundreds,” she said.

Councilman John Cannon agreed, saying, “I don’t see where it has to be established as temporary … They’ll be coming before the council every year.

At that point in time, the council can decide whether this is going to be a temporary position or not.”

The council voted unanimously to amendments that would specify the reasoning for the emergency legislation and clarify the position titles and pay grades. With no further discussion, the council then voted 6-1, with McCain opposed, to add the three positions.

McCain argued the emergency legislation was not needed if the positions were not defined as temporary.

“What everyone is saying is we are going to do a permanent funding of these positions for a temporary situation,” he said. “That’s mixing apples and oranges. It’s got to be one or the other.

It’s either got to be this legislation with amendments or it’s simply not emergency legislation and we just add these positions as part of the budget process.”

Cannon disagreed.

“The purpose of adding this as emergency legislation is because they want to begin immediately with the investigations,” he said. “That’s why this is emergency legislation.”

Wicomico History Teacher Recognized

April 10, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Educator Receives State Wide Recognition

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A Bennett Middle School teacher is being recognized for her contributions to history education.

Late last month, Maryland Humanities and National History Day recognized Bennett Middle School teacher Sarah Mason, who received a nomination for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award.

Maryland Humanities’ Maryland History Day program is an affiliate of the National History Day organization. Each year, each of the organization’s 58 affiliates may nominate one middle school teacher for the Behring Award and one high school teacher for the Hannah E. MacGregor Teacher of the Year Award.

All nominees must demonstrate a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the Maryland History Day and National History Day Contests. Their work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that interest students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past.

This year, the national organization and its Maryland affiliate recognized Mason for receiving a Behring Award nomination and North Dorchester High School teacher M. Scott Baker for receiving a MacGregor Award nomination.

“Teachers are among the greatest resources students have to develop the skills necessary to become critical thinkers,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn.

“The nominees for the Behring Award and the MacGregor Award have shown a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom. I congratulate Ms. Mason and Mr. Baker on their well-deserved nominations.”

In an interview this week, Mason said she was surprised to learn she had been nominated by her supervisor, Lori Bock, for the Behring Award.

“She said she nominated me because of my inclusion of local history and field trips to the Nabb Research Center,” she said.

In 2018, Mason began incorporating Maryland History Day into the curriculum for her eighth-grade U.S. History class.

Maryland History Day is a year-long educational program that culminates in a statewide history contest. Working solo or in small groups, students create original documentary films, exhibits, performances, research papers, or websites exploring a historical topic of their choice on an annual theme.

Students then compete at school, district, state, and national levels.

This year, for example, Mason’s students are doing research projects on the Mason-Dixon Line, black lynchings in Wicomico County and the Newtown Historical District in Salisbury using resources from Salisbury University’s Edward H. Nabb Research Center.

“They are allowed to focus on local history, which isn’t necessarily taught in school,” she said. “This allows them to appreciate and embrace local history.”

Mason said the Maryland History Day program also teaches her students time management and confidence and allows them to develop their research skills.

“I adopted this program because I see it benefits my students,” she said.

“They all come out better in the end for it.”

Nationally, one middle school and one high school teacher will win each award. A committee of experienced teachers and historians select the national winners, who will be announced during the National History Day Contest in June. Award recipients receive $10,000, and all nominees receive $500.

“I don’t do anything for this award,” Mason said. “At the end of the day it’s all about the kids.”

Page 15

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Major OP Construction Projects On Schedule For Completion

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Construction projects continue at the new Ocean Pines golf clubhouse, above left, and the police station.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Two major construction projects in Ocean Pines remain on schedule and within budget.

General Manager John Viola provided progress updates on the community’s new golf clubhouse and police

station at last week’s meeting of the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors. While the clubhouse is on target to be finished by May, the police station is ahead of schedule and could be completed by summer.

“We’re very excited about this building,” Viola said. “We waited a while for it.”

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The police station is undergoing an expansion. The station, which makes up one end of the OPA administration building, will be enlarged by 3,700 square feet. The addition will allow for a dedicated entrance, rooms for processing, interviews and training as well as space for evidence preparation and storage. Construction of the $1.3

April 10, 2020

Submitted Photos

million addition is scheduled to be complete in September.

“I believe it will be done in the summer,” Viola said.

He also shared an update on the golf clubhouse at last week’s meeting. After years of discussion, the OPA board approved construction of the new $1.6 million clubhouse in 2019. After the old two-story clubhouse was torn down, ground was broken last fall on the single-story 7,200-square-foot building, which is being built by the Whayland Company. Viola said construction was now nearing completion, as pictures showed the facility’s community meeting room, bar, pro shop and banquet space.

Viola stressed that the accordion door included in the design would allow golf functions to take place while the community was taking advantage of the meeting space.

“Without getting in each other’s way,” he said.

He added that staff from the Matt Ortt Companies had worked with OPA regarding the building’s food service areas.

“There has been total interaction with them from day one,” he said.

Viola said the cart barn at the golf course, a project budgeted at more than $400,000 but expected to cost less when final expenses are tallied, was also now complete and ready to house golf carts.

REWARD - $10,000 Tony Mariani is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the breaking, entering and robbery located within Traders Cove on or around the week of March 6th through March 13th.

Anyone that has access to video recording devices in the Traders Cove Area or 61st Street Bayside would be appreciated.

Please report information about this crime, to the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610.

Civil Suit Filed Challenging Outer Banks Travel Ban

April 10, 2020

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – In a case that bears monitoring because of the similarities, a civil suit was filed in federal court this week challenging a prohibition on non-resident property owners entering a coastal county in North Carolina’s Outer Banks due to the ongoing pandemic.

On Tuesday, seven plaintiffs filed suit in U.S. District Court challenging Dare County, North Carolina’s prohibition on allowing non-resident property owners from entering the coastal area in the Outer Banks. In the complaint, the plaintiffs assert their constitutional rights are being violated because Dare County has prohibited them from utilizing their second homes and vacation properties.

The case bears scrutiny locally because of the tens of thousands of nonresident properties in the resort area.

While Ocean City thus far has not adopted such stringent measures, and it appears likely they won’t at this point, last week resort officials passed an emergency declaration prohibiting hotels, motels, condominiums and all short-term rentals including online platforms from accepting any new rentals through at least April 30.

Ocean City has stopped short of prohibiting all non-resident property owners from entering the resort, but it continues to urge non-residents to stay at their primary residences and not visit the resort area until some semblance of normalcy returns.

In the Outer Banks case filed this week, the complaint states, “This action is brought by plaintiffs who seek to protect their right to travel, to engage in a common calling or occupation, and to obtain medical treatment as is guaranteed to them as citizens of the United States. The county of Dare has purportedly enacted a state of emergency in connection with the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. As part of the state of emergency, the defendant has prohibited the entry of non-resident visitors and non-resident property owners. The defendant does allow residents living in Dare County as well as the counties of Currituck, Hyde and Tyrrell to enter Dare County.”

Some of the plaintiffs, whose primary home addresses include Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina, use the properties as second vacation homes while others utilize their properties as vacation rentals.

“As the plaintiffs are not legal residents of the state of North Carolina, they are precluded from entering Dare County by the state of emergency declaration,” the complaint reads. “This prohibition on the entry of out-of-state residents who own property in Dare County is in violation of the privileges and immunities clause of the United States Constitution.”

On March 16, Dare County declared

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

a state of emergency due to the COVID19 virus. The state of emergency was amended on March 20 by a second declaration which prohibited the entry of non-resident visitors and non-resident property owners. After the second declaration, checkpoints were established to prevent the entry of non-residents.

As a result, in order to enter Dare County, or other coastal counties in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, a person has to have a permanent resident entry permit or a valid North Carolina driver’s license or other governmentissued identification with their primary residence address.

“There is an actual and present controversy between the parties,” the complaint reads. “The plaintiffs contend that the actions of Dare County in enacting

and enforcing its state of emergency declarations are unconstitutional and without lawful authority.”

Allowing primary residents of Dare County and of neighboring coastal counties to move freely about their home areas, notwithstanding the state of North Carolina’s overall “stay at home” directives, but prohibiting non-resident property owners from other states from doing the same, the complaint alleges Dare County is discriminating against the named plaintiffs in the case.

“The plaintiffs have suffered and are continuing to suffer injury from the challenged actions of the defendant, Dare County,” the complaint reads. “If not enjoined by this court, Dare County will continue to discriminate against the plaintiffs and deprive them of their con-

Page 17

stitutional rights. The plaintiffs will suffer irreparable injury due to this depravation of constitutional rights.”

The complaint does not seek punitive or compensatory damages against Dare County for its perceived unlawful orders, but rather injunctive relief.

“The plaintiffs have no plain, speedy and adequate remedy at law,” the complaint reads. “Damages would not fully redress any harm suffered by the plaintiffs because they are unable to engage in constitutionally protected activity.”

Of course, given the machinations of the legal system, the COVID-19 crisis could, and hopefully will, have abated before the case is heard and resolved.

Nonetheless, it bears close scrutiny because of the similarity in circumstances with the resort area.

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Judge Rules For Ocean City In Topless Ban Challenge

Page 18

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Convinced Ocean City officials have a better understanding of the public sensibilities of its residents and guests than the plaintiffs in the case, a federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a civil suit that wanted women to be able to go topless in the resort.

In January 2018, a civil suit was filed in U.S. District Court challenging an emergency ordinance passed by the Mayor and Council in June 2017 prohibiting females from going topless in the same areas as men are allowed to go shirtless, including the beach and Boardwalk, for example. The plaintiffs in the case, including local resident Chelsea Eline and four others, argued the emergency ordinance passed by the Mayor and Council in June 2017 violated their constitutional rights allowing them, and ostensibly any other woman who chose to do so, to go topless in certain areas of the resort where men are allowed to go shirtless.

The case centered on who was best suited to assess the public sensibilities of Ocean City’s residents and visitors.

Ocean City asserted the very elected officials who passed the emergency ordinance were best suited to gage the community’s collective opinion on the female public topless issue based on interactions with residents and guests.

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“Protecting the public sensibilities is an important government interest based on an indisputable difference between the sexes,” the town’s rationale for the emergency ordinance reads. “Further, a prohibition against females baring their breasts in public, although not offensive to everyone, is still seen by society as unpalatable.”

Meanwhile, the plaintiffs relied heavily on the report and testimony of noted University of Indiana professor Dr. Debra Herbenick about the changing public sensibilities regarding female bare-chestedness in public. In the end, U.S. District Court Judge James Bredar ruled the town’s elected officials were better suited to assess their community’s public sensibilities on the topless issue and ruled in favor of Ocean City, granting the town’s motion for summary judgment on Tuesday.

“Ocean City’s stated purpose for enacting the ordinance is that protecting the public sensibilities is an important governmental interest,” the memorandum in support reads. “The court has held that protecting the moral sensibilities of that substantial segment of society that still does not want to be exposed willy-nilly to public displays of various portions of their fellow citizens’ anatomies that traditionally in this society have been regarded as erogenous zones is an important government interest under the equal protection analysis.”

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Council Secretary Mary Knight, who testified in the case during a preliminary injunction hearing, said on Tuesday the judge’s dismissal of the case was welcome news for Ocean City and the majority of its residents and visitors.

“This is great news and the ruling definitely reflects the sensibilities of our visitors,” she said. “In my 14 years serving on the council, by far this subject was the one that I received the most calls, emails, and comments about asking the town to fight to preserve our family atmosphere. I am very happy with the ruling.”

Mayor Rick Meehan was also encouraged by the outcome.

“We are very pleased with the court’s ruling, as it has always been the intention of Ocean City to protect the moral sensibilities of our residents and visitors,” he said. “We take pride in being a premier family resort destination for eight million visitors each year. We very much appreciate the court’s determination that the Mayor and Council’s actions on behalf of Ocean City’s residents and visitors were proper and fully constitutional.”

In 2016, Eline sought an opinion from the Town of Ocean City and its police department on the legality of female toplessness. The town and the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) then sought the opinion of the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.

In turn, the Worcester County State’s

Attorney’s Office, uncertain of the interpretation of Maryland’s indecency statutes, sought the opinion of the state’s Attorney General on the issue. For several months, Eline and her advocates, along with the Town of Ocean City and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, eagerly awaited the Attorney General’s opinion.

In June 2017, with the Attorney General’s opinion still pending, and amid a backlash from concerned residents and visitors over the potential for Ocean City to allow women to go topless on its beaches and Boardwalk, the Mayor and Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the practice. The ordinance was passed as emergency legislation, making it effective immediately.

Last December, Mayor Rick Meehan, Knight and Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director CEO Melanie Pursel testified during a hearing on a requested preliminary injunction asserting female toplessness in public areas such as the beach and Boardwalk went against the public’s sensibilities.

The resort officials testified they had a true understanding of the public’s opinion on the female topless issue from the hundreds of phone calls, text messages, emails and personal interactions with residents and visitors.

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… Two Years Later, Civil Suit Dismissed

April 10, 2020

of the public’s feelings on the issue.

The plaintiffs later filed a motion to dismiss Meehan and Knight as expert witnesses, challenging their qualifications to gauge public sentiment on the topless issue. That motion was denied as moot on Tuesday because of the larger ruling on the town’s motion for summary judgment, but the judge did not discount the importance of the resort officials’ testimony.

“Elected representatives best speak for and represent the views of their constituent communities because community members go to their elected representatives with their fears and hopes for their community,” the memorandum reads. “The elected officials then take action to reflect those concerns, as occurred here with the passing of the ordinance. If the constituents believe their elected representatives are no longer listening to their concerns or accurately speaking for them, then the community may vote those representatives out of office. This process holds elected officials accountable to their constituents and best ensures that the views of the community are reflected in the acts of their elected representatives. It provides confidence that the action taken by city officials truly does reflect public sensibilities.”

In contrast, the judges memorandum disputes the testimony of Herbenick. During the preliminary injunction hearing last year, Herbenick testified her research suggested public sentiment toward female toplessness in public areas has changed to the point it is widely considered acceptable. However, her testimony was based largely on broad generalizations and was not specific to Ocean City or like-minded communities.

“The court noted it did not find Dr. Herbenick’s opinion persuasive,” the memorandum in support of the ruling reads. “The court found that Dr. Herbenick’s opinion was not strictly relevant to the issue at hand because instead of her testifying as to what Ocean City’s citizens’ public sensibilities are, she testified as to what she thought they should be.”

In her report, Herbenick presented a series of photographs of female beachgoers in Ocean City dating back to 1906 in an attempt to illustrate how public sentiment has changed over the decades on the relative covering of the female body. However, while the judge agreed public sentiment on the coverage of females on the beach had certainly changed, Ocean City was not yet ready for the next step in the evolution.

“These photographs demonstrate the massive transformation in swimwear over the course of the last century, from long skirts to the modern bikini,” the memorandum reads. “But while these photographs show that community norms have changed regarding appropriate beachwear, they do not demonstrate that community norms in Ocean City have evolved to embrace public female toplessness.”

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Wicomico Elected, Business Officials Discuss Virus Impact

Page 20

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A discussion on the impacts of the pandemic on county operations and small businesses highlighted a meeting of the Wicomico County Council this week.

On Tuesday, Wicomico County Director of Administration Wayne Strausburg and Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bill Chambers presented the Wicomico County Council with an update on county and local business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Needless to say, we are in the midst of a historic crisis for businesses,” Chambers said. “This is impacting every business on the Eastern Shore.”

During his presentation to the council this week, Chambers said the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with the Greater Salisbury Committee and SalisburyWicomico Economic Development in recent weeks to field questions and direct businesses to the appropriate resources during the pandemic, which has altered or shut down many business operations.

He said efforts included hosting webinars and educational series on relief packages and loan programs. He added the chamber is also working with federal partners to get payments into the accounts of small businesses

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

and organizations within three weeks.

“The feedback we are getting from businesses on the shore is the ones that can hold out can really only hold out until the end of April,” he said.

“They need this money now.”

At the state level, he said the next step is to recommend exemptions on state sales tax payments, the use of rainy day funds and the consideration of tax credits for remote workers. At the federal level, Chambers said his organization has highlighted a need for stimulus packages and federal income tax exemptions through 2020.

“That puts an average of 15% more in every employee’s paycheck …,” he said. “Those additional dollars in employed workers’ paychecks will make a difference.”

Chambers told the council now was the time for leaders to step forward and help local businesses and organizations.

“Amidst the doom and gloom and the economic disaster, this is an opportunity for all of our elected leaders, and leaders in the community, to step up and leave a mark that makes such a difference in the community,” he said.

Councilman John Cannon agreed.

He noted that the council was eager to throw its support behind the chamber’s efforts.

“This is without a doubt the highest priority for the council,” he said.

The council on Tuesday also received a report on county operations during the pandemic.

Strausburg said several county departments had authorized teleworking, while others continue normal operations.

The Wicomico Youth and Civic Center, the visitor’s center and county parks remain closed to the public, and visitation at the detention center and Wicomico Nursing Home has been suspended.

“The health department assessed every patient in the nursing home last Wednesday to determine whether or not we had any individuals there that might be in need of COVID testing,” Strausburg said. “Fortunately, we did not identify anybody who met the criteria for testing. That was a big relief to us.”

Strausburg said one of the big-gest challenges thus far was finding personal protective equipment (PPE) – such as masks and gloves – for the department of corrections, the sheriff’s department, and fire and EMS departments.

“Supplies are limited all across the country,” he said.

Strausburg noted, however, the county could have an opportunity to work with a linen company to supply the departments with PPE. He said the county is also considering a decontamination tent for police cruisers,

April 10, 2020

ambulances and any vehicle that has carried either a COVID-positive patient or a suspected person.

“We are looking at the cost associated with that and how we get that up and running as quickly as we can,” he said. “Our plan would be to set that up at PRMC. The cost associated with it would be reimbursed by the federal government, but of course we would have to forward fund those costs.”

Cannon asked Strausburg this week if the pandemic had altered the county’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year.

“I’m assuming we’re anticipating there could be some rethinking as far as the capital improvement plan and the budget as a whole is concerned,” he said.

Strausburg told the council the administration would review the proposed budget as the economic situation evolves.

“Under the current circumstances, with the negative impacts on the economy and the negative impacts on state finances – which will eventually trickle down to counties and municipalities – we will be in a different mode this year with regard to the budget,” he said. “It will be much more fluid this year, I believe, than it had been in past years.

We are going to particularly take a look at new capital spending. We don’t want to suspend or interrupt any significant projects that are underway.”

April 10, 2020

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Domestic Assault OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested last week after allegedly assaulting his live-in girlfriend during an argument over a video game after a day of drinking.

Around 2:45 a.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on St. Louis Avenue for a reported domestic incident. Upon arrival, the officer met with a male individual, later identified as Cameron Zielinski, 41, of Ocean City, who had an abrasion on his nose that was bleeding, according to police reports.

Zielinski reportedly told the officer he and his girlfriend had been in a fight and that she had punched him in the face repeatedly. At first, Zielinski told police his girlfriend was angry at him because he was playing a video game called Call of Duty Modern Warfare.

Zielinski then changed his story and told the officer he had told his girlfriend he wanted to break up with her and

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

kick her out of his house.

Zielinski told police he never touched his girlfriend and was only trying to defend himself during the altercation. According to police reports, the residence was littered with beer cans and Zielinski exhibited signs of intoxication.

The officer interviewed the girlfriend who reportedly told police she had been drinking since 8 a.m. on the day prior.

She reportedly told police around 5 p.m. on the day prior, Zielinski had thrown her to the ground and kicked her in the ribs during an argument. According to police reports, the victim showed the officer a red mark on the right side of her torso where Zielinski had allegedly kicked her.

The victim told police she retreated to her bedroom and locked the door at that point. The victim reportedly told po-

April 10, 2020 lice around 2 a.m., Zielinski had the volume on the television blaring and she yelled through the door for him to turn it down. At that point, Zielinski forced the bedroom door open and allegedly assaulted the victim again, grabbing her by the wrists and pushing her.

The victim acknowledged she struck Zielinski in the face while they were struggling. The victim had red marks on her wrists and abrasions on her arms from the second alleged assault. Zielinski was arrested and charged with second-degree assault.

Hotel Assault Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania woman was arrested on assault charges last month after allegedly throwing a plastic bottle at her husband during a domestic incident at a resort hotel.

Around 8:45 p.m. on March 21, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a hotel on 32nd Street for a reported domestic incident.

Front desk staff had reportedly called 911 to report a male and a female in a second-floor room were arguing loudly and staff heard a male voice yelling, “hit me again,” in addition to the sound of objects being thrown around the room, according to police reports.

A front desk staffer followed the sound of the disturbance to the secondfloor room and then went back down to the lobby to call 911. OCPD officers arrived and took an elevator to the second floor. The officers could reportedly hear the two individuals yelling from the elevator.

OCPD officers knocked on the door and it was answered about 20 seconds later by the female involved in the incident, identified as Janeth Sanders, 51, of Tobyhanna, Pa. Inside the room, officers observed multiple bottles of alcohol and various carryout food containers.

OCPD officers questioned Sanders, who was sharing the room with her husband of 10 years, and she reportedly told police the couple had just been talking and “we’re not hurting each other,” according to police reports.

The officers told Sanders they could hear the loud argument from down the hall and told her they had heard a male voice yelling “hit me again.” Sanders told police the couple was just having a disagreement and what they heard might have been the sound of her crushing a plastic cup out of frustration.

Officers separated the couple and interviewed them individually. The husband was reportedly upset and told police the couple had been arguing and that Sanders had thrown a water bottle at him, striking him in the nose. According to police reports, the victim had blood on his nose and there were blood droplet stains on the white sheets on the bed. The victim said the alleged assault with the bottle had occurred about an hour before police arrived.

However, Sanders told the officers the couple had been arguing, but no physical altercation had occurred. Instead, Sanders told police the cut on her husband’s nose occurred when he scratched a pimple. Based on the evidence and testimony, OCPD officers determined Sanders was the primary aggressor, resulting in a second-degree assault charge.

Berlin Museum Seeks Community Stories, Artifacts

April 10, 2020

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Officials with the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum are encouraging community members to share their experiences during the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Last week, the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum launched an effort to collect written and oral testimonies and artifacts from community members that document life in Berlin during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Facebook post reads, “The Taylor House Museum would like to know how everyone is doing in and around Berlin. We are living through an unprecedented event in history, as such the museum would like to create an archive of how COVID-19 is affecting lives in Berlin. If you are a resident, business owner or visitor we would like to hear your experiences. You can email us any voice memos, or written records you are keeping about this exceptional time in our history.”

Melissa Reid, president of the Taylor House Museum, said Berlin is one of many communities impacted by the pandemic and the subsequent closure of schools and non-essential businesses. She noted there was no better time for the public to participate in the museum’s efforts.

“We thought what an interesting op-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

portunity to be collecting history as it’s actually happening,” she said. We wanted to focus on how a worldwide pandemic looks in minutia with a small community.”

Reid said anyone can share copies of diaries, video and voice recordings, newspapers, photographs and other materials referencing the COVID-19 pandemic with the Taylor House. She explained that all items would be archived for future use at the museum.

“We feel like the Taylor House Museum is really working to play a larger role in our community going forward, and we thought this would be an opportunity to pull in everybody,” she said. “So anyone that has any experience with Berlin – even if they’re driving through and notice it’s totally empty in the streets – we would like to hear their thoughts about that.”

Reid explained that many people were already keeping a record of recent events. She noted, for example, that some teachers have encouraged students to keep a journal or draw pictures during distance learning. Reid said she was taking pictures of Berlin and collecting posters to give to the museum.

“We felt like it would be a good opportunity to take advantage of everybody being in their home and might have an opportunity to sit down and reflect on what this is like,” she said.

Reid said this will be the museum’s

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largest community-driven effort in nearly two decades. She said roughly 20 years ago, the Taylor House collected interviews, photographs and other artifacts for a World War II exhibit.

“I think that was the last time we had a big exercise of collecting community archives and community pieces,” she said. “It was the last time we’ve done something of that scale.”

Reid encouraged all residents, business owners and visitors to share their experiences and submit their items to the museum.

“It builds upon that idea of what

Page 23

everyday life is like at certain times in the history of Berlin …,” she said.

“Anything that anyone thinks is worth having, we will certainly hold onto it.”

For more information, or to submit stories, email the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum at taylorhousemuseum@verizon.net.

“If they have actual paper things, we would prefer they hold on to that until we are open for the season and then bring them in …,” Reid said. “Our opening date is usually Memorial Day weekend. We are hoping we will open like usual this year.”

Regional Senior Agencies Adjust Services Amid Closures

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Social isolation. Food insecurity. Financial worry.

Those are some of the issues local agencies are trying to address as senior citizens remain in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 16, the Worcester County Commission on Aging closed its senior centers and adult medical daycare in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

For many, the senior centers and adult daycare provide a place for social connection and physical and emotional wellbeing. But Executive Director Rob Hart said the agency will continue to provide clients with meal services, in-home care and wellness calls.

“Because some of our programs are not operating, we are reallocating staff and costs to better serve the community,” he said.

Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are believed to be at a higher risk for severe

illness from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the U.S., eight out of 10 coronavirus-related deaths are in adults ages 65 and older.

To that end, health officials are encouraging people to take action to reduce their exposure to COVID-19.

“One of our jobs is to get senior citizens out and into the community,” Hart said. “Now we are telling them the exact opposite. It’s a unique situation we are dealing with.”

During this time, staff at the Worcester County Commission on Aging are reaching out to hundreds of clients each day.

“That’s approximately 600 senior center members we are calling twice a week,” Hart said. “For the adult daycare, we are calling people every day, seven days a week.”

In addition to weekly wellness calls, Hart said the Worcester County Commission on Aging continues to offer its Community for Life program, albeit with a few modifications.

“For those members, we continue to transport them to doctor’s appoint-

ments only,” he said. “If they need groceries, we are picking it up for them.”

With many older adults now housebound, Hart said the agency’s Meals on Wheels program has expanded. In an interview last week, he explained program participation was expected to double in the coming days.

“That’s not a bad thing because we want them to stay in the house …,” he said. “We typically run food to between 50 and 60 clients. By Monday (of last week), we should have over 100.”

Patti Tingle, executive director of MAC Inc. Area Agency on Aging, said the agency also anticipates an increase in Meals on Wheels participations.

“What we are finding is many seniors, regardless of their income, are fearful of leaving their homes to get the supplies that they need …,” she said. “For others, it’s a matter of transportation.”

Earlier this month, MAC Inc. closed its senior centers and adult medical day centers to the public. The agency is also using weekly phone calls to connect with clients.

April 10, 2020

“We want them to know we are still here,” she said.

Officials said weekly phone calls have been invaluable for the agencies. For example, Tingle said those with concerns about food, supplies or finances are directed to the appropriate resources.

“One of the biggest complaints we hear is the grocery stores don’t have what they need …,” Hart added. “We have started storing some supplies, like toilet paper, paper towels and sanitizing soaps, that are at our sites. If they are out of those supplies, we will deliver it to them and they reimburse us.”

Although facilities are closed to the public, officials with both agencies said staff will be available to answer phone calls and assist the senior community.

For more information on the Worcester County Commission on Aging, visit www.worcoa.org or call 410-6321277.

For more information on MAC Inc., visit www.macinc.org or call 410-7420505.

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New Civil Suit Filed Over 2017 Fatal Pedestrian Crash

April 10, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After a similar suit was dismissed in federal court due to jurisdictional issues, the family of an Ocean City man killed three years ago has filed a new suit in Worcester County Circuit Court.

In October 2017, Thomas Lawlor, 57, of Ocean City, attempted to cross Coastal Highway at 76th Street from west to east when he was struck by an unmarked Maryland State Police (MSP) cruiser allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed in response to another incident. Lawlor was struck by the MSP cruiser operated by Trooper James Price as he crossed the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway at 67th Street and ultimately died.

Last May, the decedent’s wife, Rennae Lawlor, of Lewes, Del., and her two sons filed suit in U.S. District Court, naming Price, the MSP, the state and the town as defendants. Price was named in the six-count suit for his alleged negligence leading up to includ-

ing the fatal collision, while the other defendants were named for their various alleged roles in the tragedy.

However, the federal suit was dismissed last August over jurisdictional issues. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the case, asserting, among other things, the U.S. District Court lacked subject matter jurisdiction because of the lack of diversity among the plaintiffs.

Federal district courts have jurisdiction based on diversity of citizenship when the parties are citizens of different states. In this particular case, the victim, Thomas Lawlor, lived in Ocean City at the time of the incident and his estate was probated in Worcester County.

However, his wife Rennae Lawlor, who filed the suit in U.S. District Court, is a resident of Lewes, Del. Last week, the plaintiffs filed suit in Worcester County Circuit Court against the same named defendants from the original federal suit dismissed last summer. The suit is seeking in excess of $75,000 in damages, to be determined by the court, for six separate counts.

Page 25

The counts included negligence, gross negligence, negligence in hiring and retention, a wrongful death claim, a survivor claim and, finally, a respondent superior claim.

According to the suit filed in Worcester County Circuit Court, the defendant Price was traveling at a high rate of speed in his unmarked police cruiser without having the vehicle’s emergency lights or siren activated. The suit also alleges Price was looking down and not at the roadway in front of him prior to the collision.

“The defendant was traveling at an excessive speed at all times leading up to and at the time of the crash, and at the time of the crash was traveling at least 22 mph over the speed limit,” the complaint reads. “Based on information and belief, the defendant was looking down in his vehicle during his approach to Mr. Lawlor, not at the roadway directly in front of him. Mr. Lawlor had crossed into the right northbound lane when the defendant swerved and smashed into Mr. Lawlor, sending him flying into the air

and then crashing down into the pavement.”

The complaint alleges the unmarked Ford Explorer operated by Price at the time of the collision was not protected under the emergency vehicle statute because it was being operated without its lights or siren on.

“To the extent the Ford Explorer was not operated with a siren or lights activated, and therefore could not be considered an emergency vehicle, and to the extent it was operated maliciously and with gross negligence, the defendants, MSP, the state of Maryland and the Town of Ocean City are liable for the negligent operation of their employee and for negligently entrusting the vehicle to Price when they had reason to know it would be recklessly used in a high-speed activity on a crowded street during an event where car owners are encouraged to ‘show off’ their vehicles and pedestrians are encouraged to walk along the street or sit on the sidewalk to watch the vehicles drive on Coastal Highway,” the complaint reads.

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The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

uge kudos to my wife Pam today, as she has adjusted to her role homeschooling our boys with grace.

Though she is her own harshest critic, I think she’s doing an amazing job juggling both kids. She’s hard on herself because she never wants to underachieve.

Whether it’s a yard job, cleaning, doing her job, working out or now teaching our kids, she gives it her all.

She only knows how to do things one way – the right way. Therefore, she has put a lot of pressure on herself. I hate to see her stressed. I remind her everyone is trying to weather this impossible situation.

Though work demands are real currently, I try to help her as much as possible by handling the morning duties and hoping to get lunch and “recess” taken care of on my lunch break.

I would be lying if I said it was not tense in the house some days when I come home for lunch. It’s understandable because it’s hard. In addition to everything else she does in normal life, assuming the role of teacher to a middle school child with a difficult curriculum who can be challenging as well as being all things to our special needs fourth grader is a ridiculous burden, Of course, these are absurd times. Many households are in a constant state of struggle these days.

Therefore, if you are like Pam stressing over doing your best for your kids while juggling life’s many other responsibilities, I salute you. Laughter is the best medicine I think so here’s some funny jokes I have come across in recent weeks on homeschooling.

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case. Day 4 homeschooling: No one knows what day is, everyone is eating what looks like plain bread with jelly smeared on it, and your coffee keeps getting cold. The lesson plan is in the trash, and the three-year-old might be too.

•Watching every professional sport in America get cancelled, public schools get shut down for weeks and people stockpile TP as if the rapture happened – but you still can’t convince your mom to cancel school.

•If you see my kids locked outside today, mind your business. We are having a fire drill.

•If my calculations are correct, in precisely 3-4 hours we’ll be finished homeschooling for the day.

•So, homeschooling going well.

Two students suspended for fighting, one student in detention for talking back and one teacher fired for drinking tequila on the job.

•If you see me talking to myself this week, mind your business. I’m having a parent-teacher conference.

•We’re having our own “Spirit Week” at home since there’s no school for the kids.

Today, we’re kicking it off with “Meltdown Monday •Our homeschooling curriculum includes: Honors Laundry and AP Vaccuming.

•The first hour of homeschooling started out strong, with some great reading comprehension exercises, and concluded with an epic tantrum over the fact that she can't watch Frozen 3 because it does not exist.

•There’s a reason I don’t do homeschooling. I can’t focus on a single thing at a time. I’ve also gone looking for snacks like 10 times in the last hour.

•Been homeschooling a 6-year old and 8-year old for one hour and 11

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minutes. Teachers deserve to make a billion dollars a year. Or a week.

•If you had asked me what the hardest part of battling a global pandemic would be I would have never guessed, “teaching elementary school math.”

•I told the kids we were starting homeschool at 9 a.m. and they all are hiding from me in their rooms with the doors locked so is this winning? It feels like winning.

•Twenty-five years from now kids everywhere will be like “I remember the spring of 2020, that’s when I learned how much liquor it takes to be a parent.”

•8-year-old: “Mum, what did AngloSaxon children eat for breakfast?” 5year-old: “Mum, how big is a cocoon for a butterfly? Do we have cocoons?

Do you get cocoons in space? How far away is space?” 2-year-old (hiding under table): “I done a poo.

•Day two of quarantined homeschool and I am already wondering when Teacher Appreciation Day is.

•Well, I know one piece of medical advice I won't be following in these times, and it is the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines on screen time.

•Guys, screen time was out of control yesterday. Today we’re cutting WAY back. 10 hours max.

•Me: It will probably be strange and boring to be out of school for a while and not see your friends, but we will try to make this fun for you.

Kid, 6: Are you kiddig me, Mommy?

We get to hang out with you and daddy. This is going to be fun!

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

(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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Area Boutiques Partner On Community Campaign

April 10, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Community over competition.

That’s the message a group of local boutique owners are trying to promote during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, Taylor Harman and her mother, Pam Harman, co-owners of Magnolia Rifle Boutique in Fenwick Island, launched a social media campaign recognizing local boutiques across Delmarva.

While non-essential businesses in Maryland and Delaware are closed to stop the spread of COVID-19, Taylor Harman said many local boutiques continue to operate online through websites and social media.

“We were trying to think of a creative and kind way to get people talking about some of our local shops,” she said. “Some of us do have online stores, and a lot of us are taking orders through social media messages.

So we are just trying to get the word out.”

Magnolia Rifle Boutique posted a Facebook message last week encouraging the community to stay home, be kind and shop local. The campaign – which included the hashtags #CommunityOverCovid and #CommunityOverCompetition – also featured a photo collage of local women boutique owners from Berlin to Rehoboth Beach.

“We want the community to know we are still here,” Harman said, “working together to do better for our community and keep our doors open.”

Harman said those that support local businesses support the entire community. She noted, for example, that many local boutiques donate to sports teams, churches and nonprofits throughout the year.

“When you support a small business, you are supporting their families, you are supporting their employees and their families, and you are supporting local baseball teams and church events …,” she said.

Michelle Gemberling, co-owner of Indigo Octopus, said the social media campaign is a great way to encourage the community to support local retail stores. At her store, for example, online sales are being used to pay fulltime employees.

“At Indigo Octopus, one reason we continue to sell is because we want to continue supporting our full-time employees. We are not laying anyone off,” she said. “So part of our effort in trying to sell our inventory is to fulfill our payroll obligations.”

Gemberling said most sales at Indigo Octopus typically occur at its brick-andmortar site. Now that the store is closed, she said her business has had to adapt to online-only transactions.

“It has had a dramatic impact on our business …,” she said. “Online business is not our main revenue stream.”

Regardless, Gemberling said Indigo Octopus continues to offer “elevated beach lifestyle” items during the pandemic shutdown. She encouraged everyone to shop local.

“I think it’s really important to support local businesses because they are the backbone of our economy here at the beach,” she said.

Body Double Swimwear owner Liz Welsh said she was excited to be part of the campaign.

“It’s a great way to show unity during this time when we are all struggling …,” she said. “We have no idea when this is going to clear up or when our businesses are going to be restored, so it’s a great way to come together for

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Page 27

Pictured, from top left clockwise, are the owners of Body Double Swimwear, Bruder Hill and Bruder Home, Bomshell Boutique, Coral Cove Rehoboth, Patty Jeans Boutique, Water Lili, Heart of Gold Kids, Indigo Octopus, Magnolia Rifle Boutique, Bleached Butterfly, Hula Sue and ish Boutique.

Submitted Photo

each other.”

With no online store, and a low demand for swimwear at this time, Welsh said business has dwindled. She noted, however, that the campaign drives new followers – and future customers – to websites and social media accounts.

“We are just these women entrepreneurs that are trying to survive and do what we love …,” she said. “Our customers, the locals and the visitors, allow us to do just that.”

Chelsea Zweigle, district manager of ish Boutique, agreed.

“Supporting local and shopping local helps a neighbor …,” she said.

“Even if you can’t shop, you can share

and like our posts. Helping where you can helps us out in the long run.”

Zweigle said ish Boutique was happy to support other local small business owners through the campaign.

“It’s not necessarily about pushing sales as much as it is about pushing community,” she said. “It really is community over competition.”

Harman said those wishing to support any of the local businesses can visit their websites and social media pages, or share and like social media posts.

“We are very thankful for our community,” she said. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for everyone else supporting us.”

Page 28

Business And Real Estate News

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Real Estate Market Recap

BERLIN – While the COVID-19 crisis appears to be impacting housing inventory on the Lower Eastern Shore, residential settlements remained steady throughout March, according to the latest numbers from the Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR).

In all three counties throughout March, new settlements were up two percent compared to the same time last year. Individually, new settlements throughout March were up by 7.2 percent in Wicomico and 21.1 percent in Somerset, but were down by 1.8 percent in Worcester.

Year-to-date settlements were up by 6.7 percent in all three counties. Individually, year-to-date settlements were up by 9.1 percent in Worcester and by eight percent in Wicomico, but were down by 22.2 percent in Somerset.

New listings in March were down by 16 percent compared to the same time last year in all three counties. Individually, new listings were down by 20 percent in Worcester, by 6.6 percent in Wicomico, and by 13.2 percent in Somerset. Active listings in all three counties were down by 41.1 percent. Individually, active listings were down by 41 percent in Worcester, by 42.5 percent in Wicomico, and by 40 percent in Somerset.

The average Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) for March was 103, or 51 percent lower than the same time last year. Individually, CDOM decreased by 33.2 percent in Worcester, by 15 percent in Wicomico, and by 73.6 percent in Somerset.

The average list price for the Lower Shore was $251,353, which is 13.2 percent higher than this time last year.

The average sale price was $206,707, which is 4.2 percent higher than this time last year.

“Inventory may have been impacted

A graphic from the Coastal Association of Realtors summarizes March real estate activity.

Submitted Image

April 10, 2020

by this crisis in that some sellers are choosing to change their listing status to ‘temporarily off market’ until the pandemic ends,” said CAR President Joe Wilson. “But the market has been incredibly strong and healthy over the past year, and we have no doubt that strong demand will return quickly.”

The virus pandemic has certainly led to a drastic decrease in showings. According to ShowingTime, a statistics and showing management technology provider to the residential real estate industry, showings in Maryland are down 60.7 percent compared to this time last year.

“To meet housing needs in our communities, real estate professionals have been deemed essential personnel,” Wilson said. “However, we are being responsible and respectful of Governor Hogan’s stay-at-home order, and we are helping our clients by providing virtual services wherever possible.”

Earlier this week, noted Wilson, CAR offered a free webinar to its members titled, “How to be a Virtual Agent,” in which Jeremias “JMan” Maneiro of JMan Seminars discussed virtual open houses, virtual buyer consultations, virtual offer presentations, and virtual showings.

“CAR will continue working with our state and national associations to provide our members will the tools they need to weather this storm and carry the torch of the American Dream through and beyond this crisis,” Wilson said.

Freeman Foundation Donation LEWES – The Carl M. Freeman Foundation is donating $250,000 to be used for COVID-19 testing, including personal protective equipment, and the well-being of frontline healthcare professionals.

“We all have to do our part individually with physical distancing, and the Foundation wants to ensure that funding is available for testing of COVID-19 and PPE. Nothing could be more important today than to support your local healthcare system,” said Michelle Freeman, President and Chair of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. “We care about the health of our employees, vendor partners and everyone in our community.

Our employees live and work in Sussex County and we need healthy employees with access to prompt medical care during this time. We won’t be able to continue that without supporting Beebe’s ability to test for COVID-19. We want doctors and nurses working on the frontlines to be safe as well and our grant will support PPE for them.”

“The Beebe Medical Foundation is very grateful to the Carl M. Freeman Foundation for their transformational gift at this time of need,” said Tom Protack, President, Beebe Medical Foundation.

Worcester Revises Bus Reimbursement

April 10, 2020

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – The Worcester County Board of Education voted to modify its contract with the Worcester County Bus Contractors Association as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a special meeting held via teleconference Wednesday, the school board voted to approve a reduction of the fuel component of contractors’ mileage reimbursement rates during the current school closure.

“We are very grateful for the partnership we have with the Worcester County Bus Contractors Association and their willingness to come to an agreement that is in the best interest of both our school system and the bus contractors they serve,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said.

According to education officials, since the state mandated school closure began March 16, the school system has made every effort to ensure employees would not be financially harmed as a result of the health crisis.

Because buses haven’t been on the road, school system leaders worked with the bus contractors association to “find a fiscally responsible amendment” that would enable contractors to continue to maintain their buses.

“As contractors, a work stoppage like what has occurred during COVID-19 could be devastating for our members,” said Ronnie Thompson, president of the association. “We are grateful that we were able to work with school system leadership to protect our contractors while serving the financial interests of Worcester County taxpayers.”

Kim Heiser, the school system’s transportation manager, told the school board that the mileage reimbursement was made up of fuel and maintenance components. The proposal she presented adjusted the fuel component, reducing the rate from $1.554 to $1.214. Heiser said that once normal operations resumed the rate would return to its regular level.

A motion to approve the change passed 4-0 with board members Sara Thompson and Elena McComas abstaining.

As far as the question in everyone’s mind — just when students will return to school — Taylor offered no insight.

The last announcement made by state education officials said schools would be closed through April 24.

“Nothing has changed,” Taylor said Wednesday, adding that he speaks to the state superintendent and the superintendents of other school systems at least three times a week. “We don’t know when school will resume. I have no idea at this point. As soon as I’m informed, I will give that information to you.”

Thompson told Taylor, “You have worked tirelessly through this entire thing. The board is very appreciative of all that you have done.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 29

Obituaries

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Dorothy Ann Brown BERLIN – Dorothy Ann Brown, from Ocean City, went to join our lord in eternal life on April 3, 2020 bravely and peacefully.

Mama Dot, as everyone loved to call her, was born in Ocean City on Feb. 6, 1935 to her parents who were waiting for her in heaven, Maurice and Ann Ludlam.

Mama Dot loved everyone she met; she did not know a stranger.

She loved all creatures, great and small and lived her life humbly, quietly, and compassionately.

She loved to crochet, plant flowers, study the bible, cook the world’s best DOROTHY fried chicken and listen to ANN BROWN old country and gospel music. She worked for many years at the Bayside Skillet

in Ocean City and held a close friendship with the owners Becky and Peter. Most of all she loved her family and spending time with them.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John “Marlin” Brown, her brother Allan Ludlam and her beloved Uncle Allen Bergman and Aunt Florence Defressine.

She is survived by her three sons and one daughter, Kevin Brown and his wife Bonnie of Snow Hill, Steven Brown and his wife Darlene of Berlin, John “Jack” Brown and his wife Jeramie of the Philippines and Stacy Pixley and her husband Marc of Pocomoke City. She is also survived by her brother, Phil Ludlam and his

April 10, 2020

wife Betty, and brother Sam Ludlam both of Ocean City. In addition, she is survived by brother Richard “Dick” Ludlam and his wife Judy of Winter Park, Fla. and her beautiful sister Shirley Phillips of Berlin.

She also was blessed with many grandchildren whom she loved dearly and were such a joy in her life, Keith Brown and his wife Annette, Kimberly Smith and her significant other Chelle, Travis Knight and his wife Jenna, Travis Brown, Ashley Brown, Sita Murphy, Cory Murphy and his wife Kristen, Sajel Brown, John Marlin, Caitlyn Pixley and Adam Pixley. Mama Dot was also blessed with the love of so many great grandchildren, Kiera, Kaleb,

Ian, Cooper, Alana, Owen, Jayden, Bella, Andrea, John, and most recently little Ayden. She was also so well loved by so very many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends like Debbie Boblett, Kathy Castro, and Carolyn Walls.

What a beautiful life to have lived that there are not enough pages to write all the names of those who loved her so very much and she loved them all in return.

The world has certainly lost an angel on this earth and the family knows many would like to join us in honoring her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date that has yet to be determined.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Worcester County Humane Society on their website or to PO Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

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THE DISPATCH’S PETS OF THE MONTH

April 10, 2020

Pet’s Name: Brody Pet’s Age/Breed: 8-year-old Goldendoodle Pet’s Owners: Dale, Joey & Daniel Moyer

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Pet’s Name: Dancer Pet’s Age/Breed: 6-year-old Standard poodle Pet’s Owners: Kathy & Pat Lawton

Pet’s Name: Bella Georgia Pet’s Age/Breed: 7-year-old Shih Tzu/poodle mix Pet’s Owners: Mike & Margie Wheeler

Page 31

Pet’s Name: Hank Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old Labrador Pet’s Owner: Tim Swift

EDITOR

STEVE GREEN

Pet’s Name: Glory Pet’s Age/Breed: 2-year-old Argentino mastiff Pet’s Owners: Gary & Judy Markowski

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, Taz, owned by Charlotte LaFond.

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 May 9.

Pet’s Name: Cinder Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-year-old Chessie Pet’s Owners: Michael & Annie Giusti

Page 32

The Dispatch

Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

NEWS DEPARTMENT SHAWN J. SOPER Managing Editor ssoper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHARLENE SHARPE Staff Writer/Copy Editor csharpe@mdcoastdispatch.com BETHANY HOOPER Staff Writer bhooper@mdcoastdispatch.com CHRIS PARYPA Photographer

SALES DEPARTMENT TERRI FRENCH Account Executive Entertainment Editor terri@mdcoastdispatch.com JEANETTE DESKIEWICZ Account Executive jeanette@mdcoastdispatch.com

ART DEPARTMENT COLE GIBSON Art Director cole@mdcoastdispatch.com DAVID HOOKS Graphic Artist/Webmaster dhooks@mdcoastdispatch.com

BUSINESS OFFICE Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices.

The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year.

Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 10, 2020

‘Our Country Needs You Because You Provide Hope’ HOW WE SEE IT

It should be prom season. It should be a time to celebrate college acceptances. There would be a countdown on to the walk across the stage before loved ones. It should be a time of mixed emotions of starting a new and exciting chapter and ending a familiar one. These should be the final weeks for seniors with their teachers.

For the Class of 2020, the reality is these teenagers are learning how unfair life can be at times. There is no way for them to control this outcome. They don’t know if they will return to school this year. We doubt they will. They don’t know what graduation will look like next month or June. The truth is there probably will not be one or it will look entirely different than any others. It’s a sad time for these young adults.

During this pandemic and the associated isolation, it’s easy to get caught up with our own personal struggles.

We must not, however, insulate ourselves. We must not wear blinders to what is happening around us. We must be aware. People are hurting. Livelihoods are being destroyed. It’s a complicated and uncertain time. We wake up each morning hoping it was all a bad dream. It only takes a few seconds to realize it’s not. This is all too real.

We wanted to share excerpts from a letter to the Class of 2020 from Louisiana Teacher of the year and National Teacher of the Year finalist Chris Dier. The teacher understands what these seniors are going through because his senior year was wrecked by Hurricane Katrina.

Dear High School Senior, This is supposed to be your year.

The year for your senior prom, sporting events, cheer competitions, senior trips, clubs, and the rest of what senior year has to offer. You were supposed to be the captain of that team, the officer of that club, or that student who wanted to

be with their friends one last year before venturing into the unknown. This was THE year that your entire schooling was building up to. But it was robbed from you because of this global pandemic.

Let’s be abundantly clear – you were robbed, and it’s unfair. If you’re upset, then you should embrace those feelings. Commiserate with one another.

Some folks will downplay the situation because they won’t know what it feels like to have their senior year stripped at the last moment.

I, for one, will not downplay it as it happened to me. Hurricane Katrina devastated my community when I was a high school senior. I remember leaving my school on a Friday afternoon with my buddies only to never return to that school. I was supposed to be the captain of my soccer team, go to prom with my longtime crush, and finish the year with my lifelong friends. But it was all canceled.

Instead, I stayed in a shelter and finished my high school in a different state.

It was tough, and I had to find solace in places I never envisioned. It was hard, but we made it through. And I’m reliving that pain as I think of your disruption to your senior year. … There’s nothing I, or anyone, can say to make up for that time you are losing in what is supposed to be one of the best years of your life.

But I can offer some encouragement. Right now, you have the power to make the most out of this unfortunate situation. If a decade of teaching has taught me anything, it’s that people your age are resilient and innovative.

Your generation can navigate multiple worlds and bounce between virtual and digital spaces with ease. You are part of the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, and you embrace those differences in ways adults seem to struggle. You courageously put yourselves out there for the world

to see and criticize. You push boundaries and challenge norms. … I can also offer some advice.

Help one another and your family.

They need you. Do your grandparents or your elderly neighbors need groceries? Offer support. Some teachers may even need your help as many try to transition to online learning. We need you. Utilize your tech savvy ways to bring yourselves closer together.

Practice “social distancing,” or physical distancing, but stay as social as ever.

FaceTime. Text. Tweet. Snapchat.

Make Tik Tok videos (I don’t know if that’s still a thing so don’t laugh if I’m already out of date). Use these platforms to connect and uplift.

Binge Netflix and Disney+. Make memes. Exercise. Read books – maybe even those boring ones your English teachers were stoked for you to read. Or just read manga. Read something! Reach out to those friends you know don’t have internet access. Call and check up on ‘em. …

Lastly, I can offer some support.

You may not know me, but I feel your pain; it stings. We as educators mourn with you. Again, you are not forgotten.

We see your hard work. We value your unique perspectives. We hear your audacious voices. We cherish all of it, and we will continue to do so even from afar.

I am sad for you; truly, I am. I feel deeply for you; truly, I do. It makes my heart hurt as I write. But if there is any group that can plow through this in creative ways, it is your group. There is no pandemic strong enough to silence you or dent the passion of your generation.

Keep your head up and keep fighting.

Our country needs you because you provide hope for our future. This year may not be what you envisioned, but I’m eager to see what you do with it.

After all, it is still very much your year. Stay healthy.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Voice Of Stability Editor: The outbreak of Covid-19, better known as the Coronavirus, has been a significant stress on all aspects of life.

Millions of Americans have lost their jobs and struggle to operate what many would consider a healthy daily life. In addition to new daily stresses is the anxiety that comes from trying to figure out how we will continue to pay bills and avoid getting sick during these trying times. While millions struggle, the federal government has failed to put forth any meaningful response to provide aid to working-class people or slow the spread of this deadly disease.

Fortunately for us here on the Lower Eastern Shore, we have had a voice of stability and guidance in Mayor Jacob

Day of Salisbury. Since this outbreak started, Mayor Day has been doing daily video briefing on Facebook live, where he answers questions asked by the community and relays crucial information that we need to stay safe and flatten the curve.

Mayor Day has also worked around the clock with our state and federal representatives to address things such as getting relief aid for our communities and ensuring constituents still get the state and federal resources they need.

Finally, Mayor Day has stepped up by implementing an emergency declaration to fight the spread of Covid-19 here. His order includes limiting the number of occupants who can be in a retailer or commercial facilities at one

time, prohibits all self-serve foods and product sampling, ensure the cleaning guidelines set by the CDC and MDH are followed, require a minimum of six feet of distance in lines, queuing outside and inside stores, the establishment of 1 to 2 exclusive hours per day for high-risk populations, including seniors and more.

These measures will establish the conditions needed to reduce the spread of the diseases and help keep the community safe. While the world around us is filled with instability and chaos due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it is relieving to know that our community is taking action to fight this disease, and we have the stability to overcome this all from calming leadership of Mayor Jacob Day. SEE NEXT PAGE

April 10, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Jared Schablein Pittsville (The writer is the chair of the Lower Shore Progressive Caucus.)

The Kitchen Sink Editor: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 started in the spring, but was most deadly from September through January of 1919. Soldiers returning from WWI brought it back. The final wave of deaths was from February of 1919 through the beginning months of 1920.

Many years later it was figured out that once the Spanish Flu arrived in America it was spread by mailmen.

It brought on a severe depression in America from 1920-1922 that many economists believe was more severe than the market crash of 1929 and the ensuing depression. How did the jobs and the financial markets come roaring back? What did Presidents Harding and Coolidge do? If the deaths from the Spanish Flu in 1920 were translated to today’s population numbers, 1,500,000 Americans would have perished. We will come back to what Warren Harding, president in 1920, and Calvin Coolidge, 1923-1929 (“Silent Cal”), did to get the country out of the influenza-induced depression in just two years.

First, let’s talk a bit about what Franklin Delano Roosevelt (F.D.R.) did — the Kitchen Sink approach — to get us out of the Great Depression that started with the market crash of 1929.

By 1932 F.D.R. was aggressively throwing “the Kitchen Sink”’ at the Depression, but did it work? His fireside chats started in March of 1933. His sympathy for the working man was legendary and would make him the most popular president in American history. But did his actions work? Many academic economists will tell you we didn’t get out of the Great Depression until 1942, 10 years later, after Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor in December of 1941 and we were immersed in the World War. World War II is what pulled us out of the Great Depression, not Hoover or even Roosevelt.

Prior to F.D.R., President Hoover started the Federal Farm Board, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, and the much-maligned imposition of tariffs in the Smoot-Hawley Act in 1930. Smoot Hawley tariffs garnered much of the blame for prolonging the Great Depression. This blame seems to be deserved, but what did F.D.R. do? Did it work?

F.D.R. started the very popular New Deal, helping the poor. Congress passed the Banking Act that gave many powers to government, some of which were good: A. In March to May of 1933 GlassStiegel, separating brokerage firms from banks, was passed. This was good, however it was reversed by Clin-

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ton in 1999 and Dodd-Frank did nothing to re-impose the separation. The Banking Act was initially resisted by F.D.R. B. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

(F.D.I.C.) was adopted on July 1, 1934, insuring bank deposits up to $2,500. It became part of his New Deal.

C. Powers for the Federal Reserve to print money were instituted for the first time.

D. Powers expanding the Treasury’s ability to borrow money (neither c nor d existed in the 1920 depression) became part of the New Deal.

E. Social Security was adopted in 1933 giving old and disabled Americans a paycheck for life.

F. The Fair Labor Standards Act (F.L.S.A.) was adopted in 1938 giving labor the minimum wage and 150% of the minimum for overtime. F.S.L.A. also started the 40-hour work week.

All of these changes were part of F.D.R.’s New Deal, but did they work?

Some months after F.S.L.A. and all the above had been implemented, the U.S. unemployment rate was still at an unacceptable 19%. It had gone from 23.6% in 1932, when Roosevelt was elected, down to 14.3% in late 1936, only to dip again to 19% in early 1939, the beginning of WW II. Our entering the war in in 1941 is broadly recognized as the end of the Great Depression, raising the obvious question of whether seven years of throwing “the Kitchen Sink” at the Great Depression did any good.

What about the Spanish Influenza from 1918–1920? What did the government do? What about the depression of 1920, keynoted by 1,500,000 deaths from influenza in today’s terms?

The American Communist Party began in 1917. May Day riots started in 1919, led by the communist Eugene Debs.

The year 1919 was voted the worst in American history. A sharper drop in the market came, then the 1920 crash and spikes in unemployment. So, what did Harding and Coolidge do to bring it back by 1923, a period of only two or three years?

Harding’s policy was Laissez Faire.

He ignored both the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic as well as the 1920 depression that followed. Although he did impose tariffs in 1922, no government policies were taken to fight the influenza or the depression. Calvin Coolidge did nothing, ushering in great prosperity and limited interference. In a little over two years the influenza pandemic and the depression had ended and turned into a booming economy. In contrast, F.D.R. threw “the Kitchen Sink” at the Great Depression, which dragged on for almost a decade. Only World War II bailed the economy out almost 10 years later.

Makes one wonder what the Congress, most of the governors and of course the president are doing today?

Tony Christ

TO OUR READERS: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and evening telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority. Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.

Page 33

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

With two more weeks of the planned closure to go, questions are swirling on whether schools will reopen April 27. The fact is nobody knows at this time. Even the folks who will make the decision – the state superintendent of schools, the governor and leading health officials – have no idea.

Though a decision will likely not be considered until April 20 at the earliest, all indications are the closure will likely extend into May in Maryland.

Delaware schools are already closed through May 15. Pennsylvania schools are closed indefinitely. Virginia schools will not reopen until the fall.

During a Worcester County Board of Education meeting this week, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said, “Nothing has changed. We don’t know when school will resume. I have no idea at this point. As soon as I’m informed, I will give that information to you.”

While on a conference call with lawmakers Wednesday, Maryland Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon said preparations are being made for long-term distance learning across the state.

“I’m not sure we are going to be doing school in the same way going forward,” Salmon told lawmakers. “We’re not sure that is not something that we’re going to revisit in the fall or the winter. I’m really focusing much of our resources on the expansion and accountability wrapped around online learning and distance learning.”

The reality is more time and testing is needed. Until the “curve” reaches its peak in Maryland and starts to head down, opening schools should be off the table. It’s too early to tell when the peak of cases will be achieved in the state. A study from the University of Washington contends April 19 will be the peak of deaths from COVID-19 in Maryland. If that’s true and the death curve mirrors the reported cases, it would have taken approximately six weeks for the virus to reach its peak from the beginning of cases being reported in Maryland. Therefore, it stands to reason it will be another six weeks for the virus cases to dwindle to zero, or close to it. If my logic is correct, early June is when COVID-19 numbers will be nil in Maryland.

Based on this and similar projections, it’s a safe bet to say schools will not be opening again this school year. The best direction may be to focus on the fall and continue improving digital learning in the state, as the state superintendent seemed to be indicating this week.

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot penned an op-ed this week suggesting residents and businesses take a “90-day payment holiday from monthly bills.”

“Now is the time for a 90-day payment holiday from monthly bills to help families and businesses struggling to keep their limited cash to manage the crisis and pay employees and suppliers. I encourage Marylanders facing economic hardships to immediately reach out to your creditors, property managers and suppliers to request payment deferrals or manageable payment options,” he wrote. “If companies won’t help with a 90day deferral, ask for a 60, or a 30 deferral. If that doesn't work, ask for a payment reduction. Don’t take no as the first answer. Any payment deferral means thousands of dollars back into your pocket.”

While the intent was sound, taking three months off from paying bills is not wise. Residents and businesses need to be responsible managing their finances with an eye on not ringing up too much debt. If the bills can be deferred without too many consequences, it’s a good decision, but we all need to be aware of what’s merely kicking the larger expenses down the road and what’s truly providing relief and helping cash flow.

For instance, I asked our company’s health insurance provider for a deferral of last month’s health insurance premium and next month’s payment. It was granted, but it added a large sum on top of the normal monthly premium payments for May through the end of the year. It’s an immediate help in this emergency, but the consequence over seven months will be significant.

Some relevant numbers to consider regarding COVID-19 as of Thursday at noon.

•16: Confirmed positive cases in Worcester County of the 238 test results administered.

•Four: Positive individuals released after recovery.

•41: Tri-county cases on the lower Eastern Shore •6,185: Positive cases in Maryland (656 more than Wednesday) •138: Deaths caused by the virus in Maryland •Nine: Days until Maryland is expected to reach its peak in deaths, according to a study from the University of Washington.

•43: Percentage of confirmed individuals who were African American in Maryland compared to 32% white and 12% Asian or another race •108,000: Marylanders who filed for unemployment over the last week.

From March 1-April 4, 241,014 Maryland employees filed for unemployment. In 2019, there were 214,475 claims for the entire year in Maryland.

•1.5 million: Number of worldwide cases •432,579: Number of U.S. cases •14,831: Deaths in the U.S. with 24,213 recovered

The Dispatch Classifieds

Page 34

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 BOATYARD HELP: Help needed for yard work and to bottom paint boats. Work is outside with social distancing. Face masks, hand sanitizers, and protective gloves provided. Call Harbor Marine 410213-2296.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CLEANERS: Cleaners needed.

Male or Female. High School students welcome to apply. PT, but can lead to FT beginning in May. Call 410-422-4826.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUMMER CLEANERS: Now hiring Summer cleaners for 2 condo’s. 2x wk or more, min.

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Ride the B in OC!

Would you like to work outside, helping people enjoy their vacation?

Coastal Kayak in Fenwick Island, DE is hiring all positions for Summer 2020!

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•RAMP ATTENDANT •CUSTODIAL/GROUNDS •FUEL DOCK •BOATYARD For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

Local specialty contractor seeking individuals for our storm shutter division and window division. Experience in storm shutters, windows & doors, and garage doors is a plus, but training is available. Driver’s license and transportation required.

Please forward resume to: paola@masterjackwindows.com.

Applications available on site at 11935 Hammer Road, Bishopville, MD

ROOMMATES

RENTALS

OP ROOMMATE: Spacious Master BR w/BA in quiet home. 5 mi. from the beach. Prefer mature female, long term. $950 per mo. + shared util’s. 410-963-4366.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WINTER ROOM FOR RENT: $600 for ea month March & April. Summer Rental May 1-Sept 1. $3,500 per person + sec. dep. & elec. 4 spots available. 443-610-4665.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SEASONAL RENTAL: 2BR, 2BA, NORTH OC. Luxury, Modern, Reno., First fl. Townhouse w/hardwood flr., deck, pool, parking. Sleeps 5. $12,500 for May-Sept. No pets or smokers.

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–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YR, MONTEGO BAY: Multiple properties. 3 & 4BR. From $1,200-$1,600 per mo. + util.’s. 443-513-1150.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEEKLY RENTAL: 4BR, 2 1/2BA. Fully furnished. W/D, Pool, Tennis court. Quiet community. 7 miles from the beach. $2,500 per wk. Call Mike for details. 410-877-3894.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WEEKLY, SEASONAL OR YEAR ROUND. West OC cozy loft apt. Available now. Access to everything. Electric & wifi included. 410-726-5236 or 443-513-0227.

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COMMERCIAL WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

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Looking Everywhere?

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Classifieds in Print & Online

www.mdcoastdispatch.com Currently hiring manpower for

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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.

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.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COOK: Now hiring, Cook. Send resume to American Legion, Post #166, Po Box 63, Ocean City, MD 21843 or for info call Post Steward 717-756-8552.

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April 10, 2020

WEEKLY RENTALS Pool Front Room $199.

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•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545

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The Dispatch

Legal Notices

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.

THIRD INSERTION

PHILIP C. WIDDOWSON ESQ. PHILIP C. WIDDOWSON, P.A. 11791 SOMERSET AVENUE PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18232 To all persons interested in the estate of PATSY MEARS, AKA: PATSY LYNN MEARS, ESTATE NO. 18232.

Notice is given that LOUIS A. HICKMAN JR., 26742 JOHNSONS CREEK ROAD, CRISFIELD, MD 21817, was on, MARCH 20, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATSY MEARS, who died on MARCH 4, 2020, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20th day of SEPTEMBER, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 27, 2020 LOUIS A. HICKMAN JR. Personal Representative True Test Copy

The Dispatch

April 10, 2020

Legal Notices

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.

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 3-27, 4-03, 4-10

THIRD INSERTION

AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA WILLIAM E. ESHAM III ESQ 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, STE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Estate NO. 18236 Notice is given that the SUPERIOR COURT OF JUSTICE of ONTARIO CANADA, appointed PATRICK MIKHAIL, 148 CRICHTON STREET OTTAWA, ONTARIO CANADA K1M 1W2, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of SAAD ATTALLA HANNA MIKHAIL, who died on JULY 28, 2019, domiciled in CANADA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is WILLIAM E ESHAM III, whose address is SUITE 200, 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. 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

PATRICK MIKHAIL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-27, 4-03, 4-10

THIRD INSERTION

AMBER B. WOODLAND ESQ. 616 WILLIAM STREET BERLIN, MD 21811 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Estate NO. 18235 Notice is given that the CHANCERY OF SUSSEX COUNTY, DE, appointed ANTHONY FLEMING, 32037 NORTH AUTUMN COURT, LAUREL, DE 19956, as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of ADLYN J. FLEMING, who died on NOVEMBER 10, 2018, domiciled in DELAWARE, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is AMBER B. WOODLAND ESQ., whose address is 616 WILLIAM STREET, BERLIN, MD 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.

(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 27, 2020

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 27, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch ANTHONY FLEMING Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-27, 4-03, 4-10

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18215 To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM P. COOK, IV, ESTATE NO. 18215.

Notice is given that KIMBERLY B. COOK, 3418 W. FIELDER ST., TAMPA, FL 33611, was on, MARCH 20, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM P. COOK, IV, who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2020, 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 20th day of SEPTEMBER, 2020.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 27, 2020 KIMBERLY B. COOK Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 3-27, 4-03, 4-10

Page 35

SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

LESLIE CASE DIPIETRO ESQ. PROCINO-WELLS & WOODLAND, LLC 616 WILLIAM STREET BERLIN, MD 21811

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. 313 LEMMON HILL LANE SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18244 To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD R. NEVILLE, ESTATE NO. 18244.

Notice is given that WILLIAM WALLACE NEVILLE, 24 LINKS LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, MARCH 31, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD R. NEVILLE, who died on DECEMBER 26, 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 30th day of SEPTEMBER, 2020.

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18237

ESTATE NO. 18243 To all persons interested in the estate of ALLAN BAKER MYERS, AKA: ALLAN B. MYERS, ESTATE NO. 18243.

Notice is given that JOHN WAYNE MYERS, 245 SOUTH MAIN AVENUE, ALBANY, NY 12208, was on MARCH 30, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ALLAN BAKER MYERS, who died on DECEMBER 11, 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 30th day of SEPTEMBER, 2020.

To all persons interested in the estate of DAVID SCOTT DEANGELIS, ESTATE NO. 18237.

Notice is given that CRYSTAL DEANGELIS, 735 BRADLEY ROAD, UNIT 210, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, MARCH 26, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DAVID SCOTT DEANGELIS, who died on FEBRUARY 19, 2020, 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 26th day of SEPTEMBER, 2020.

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

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

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 03, 2020

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 03, 2020

WILLIAM WALLACE NEVILLE Personal Representative

JOHN WAYNE MYERS Personal Representative

CRYSTAL DEANGELIS 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 4-03, 4-10, 4-17

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 4-03, 4-10, 4-17

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 4-03, 4-10, 4-17

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 03, 2020

Spatial Disorientation Caused 2018 Fatal Plane Crash

Page 36

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A little over two years after a fatal plane crash in the water just off the coast of the Ocean City Airport claimed the life of the pilot and presumably the female passenger, a report released this week suggests spatial disorientation, a phenomenon associated with night flying, was likely the cause.

On Feb. 28, 2018, a Cessna 172S airplane piloted by Marcson Ngwa, 28, of Windsor Mill, Md. accompanied by Benica Richards-Robinson, 28, of Gwynn Oak, Md., went down in the Atlantic Ocean about a mile from the Ocean City Municipal Airport. The following morning, when the rented airplane had not

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

returned to Martin State Airport in Baltimore County where the ill-fated flight originated, a massive search effort was initiated.

On March 1, an oil slick was located about two miles off the coast of the Ocean City Municipal Airport and search efforts were focused there. Late that same day, the plane’s fuselage and a wing were located on the ocean floor below the oil slick and Ngwa’s deceased body was recovered. The search continued off and on over the next two weeks, hampered by back-to-back coastal storms at times. About two weeks later, Maryland State Police investigators announced search and recovery efforts had ended. Richards-Robinson was never recovered and is presumed deceased.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) this week issued a factual report stating the cause of the crash was likely a phenomenon known as spatial disorientation linked to night flying. The ill-fated flight left Martin State Airport in Baltimore County around 5:50 p.m. bound for the Ocean City Municipal Airport.

Around 6:05 p.m., the pilot reported reaching his cruising altitude of 3,500 feet and the plane went down in the ocean just off the coast of the Ocean City Municipal Airport around 7:50 p.m.

According to the NTSB report, sunset was at 5:52 p.m. on the evening of the crash with the end of twilight at around 6:20 p.m., or roughly an hour-and-ahalf before the crash.

The pilot cancelled flight-following

April 10, 2020

during the approach to Ocean City Municipal Airport and there were no further communications from the pilot. A review of preliminary flight data showed the airplane descended from 2,000 feet to 700 feet above ground level before radar coverage was lost.

According to the NTSB report, the pilot had accumulated about 81 hours of total flight experience. The pilot’s logbooks were not available for review and his night flying experience could not be determined. A review of the operator’s rental minimums revealed the pilot did meet the qualifications to rent the Cessna Skyhawk aircraft. In addition, the rental agreement did not specify night flying minimums.

“Night flying requires that pilots be aware of, and operate within, their abilities and limitations,” the NTSB report reads. “Although careful planning of any flight is essential, night flying demands more attention to the details of preflight preparation and planning. Night flying is very different than day flying and demands more attention of the pilot.”

According to the NTSB report, spatial disorientation occurs when a pilot has difficulty differentiating the dark sky from the dark water.

“The most noticeable difference is the limited availability of outside visual references,” the report reads. “Therefore, flight instruments should be used to a greater degree in controlling the airplane. Crossing large bodies of water at night in single-engine airplanes could be potentially hazardous, not only from the standpoint of landing or ditching in the water, but also because with little or no lighting, the horizon blends with the water, in which case depth perception and orientation become difficult.”

According to the NTSB, weather conditions that night were partly cloudy with a nearly full moon obscured, creating visual challenges for the pilot.

“During poor visibility conditions over water, the horizon will become obscure and may result in the loss or orientation,” the report reads. “Even on clear nights, the stars may be reflected on the water surface, which could appear as a continuous array of lights, thus making the horizon difficult to identify.”

According to flight school personnel at Martin State Airport, Ngwa rented the airplane on the day of the accident for a short flight to Ocean City Municipal Airport. Preliminary information from air traffic control revealed the pilot flew direct and obtained flight-following, or the use of radar advisories, en route to Ocean City Municipal Airport.

Witnesses at Ocean City Municipal Airport reported seeing the airplane conduct a touch-and-go landing before departing the traffic pattern. According to the flight school, the airplane was not rented for an overnight trip and the pilot was expected to return to Martin State Airport.

April 10, 2020

Sports

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

A Look at Local Sports this Week in Years Past In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

With spring high school sports seasons on indefinite hiatus, The Dispatch thought it might be interesting and fun to take a look back at what was making local sports headlines this same week in years past. Many of the players went on to do great things in college both athletically and academically and some now even have kids of their own in local youth sports programs. The following is a look back at the last five, 10 and 20 years.

The following is a brief glimpse of what was making headlines on the sports pages of The Dispatch this week five years ago: •Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team edged Bennett, 9-7, to improve to 4-1 on the season. The Mallards won the game against a Bayside South team behind a balanced attack that saw several players get into the scorebook.

Sam Cantello led the way with four goals and two assists, while Wyatt Richins scored three goals and added three assists. Tucker Brown and Patrick Petrera each scored single goals and added single assists. Ross Dickerson won 14 faceoffs and grabbed nine ground balls while Wade Walter was outstanding in the net, recording 20 saves. The win over Bennett completed a solid week for the Worcester boys, who beat Tower Hill days earlier. In that contest, Cantello scored four times, while Richins and Brown each scored twice. With the pair of wins, the Mallards improved to 4-1 on the season.

•Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team remained unbeaten in the season with an easy 10-0 win over Wicomico.

Zero was the number that defined the Seahawks’ early season that year. Decatur won its first six games, all but shutout, including the 10-0 over the Indians this week. The streak also included a 11-0 win over Mardela, a 10-0 win over Crisfield and an 8-0 win over Snow Hill.

•Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team swept a pair of games over Tower Hill and Bennett to improve to 7-1 on the season. Early in the week, the Mallards beat Tower Hill, 17-12, in a high-scoring game. Leigh Lingo and Sophie Brennan led the scoring with four goals each, while Molly Soule added three. Karlie Southcomb, Cecily Sass and Caroline Lindsay each scored two goals and Grace Tunis dished out three assists.

Later in the week, Worcester beat Bennett, 16-7 after jumping out to a big early lead. Soule scored three goals, while Brennan added two. Also getting in the scorebook were Southcomb, Melissa Laws, Leigh Lingo, Olivia Bescak and Marissa Grosso.

The following are some of the highlights of The Dispatch sports pages from this week 10 years ago: •On a picture-perfect Easter Saturday afternoon, Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team edged Decatur, 12-11, in another instant classic in the rivalry between the crosstown neighborhood rivals.

The two teams faced off against each other in the first of two games in a

Worcester Prep goalie Skylar Seigfried comes out of the net to make a big save against Decatur this week 10 years ago. The Mallards edged the Seahawks, 12-11, in another classic in the long-running crosstown rivalry.

Photo by Shawn Soper

This week 10 years ago, Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team routed crosstown rival Decatur. 13-4. Pictured above, Decatur’s Kyle Gilbert, works the ball against the Worcester defense.

Photo by Shawn Soper

holiday invitational tournament hosted

by Worcester. The game was played first on a rare Saturday morning to ensure the neighborhood rivals would face each other and keep the long-running fierce but friendly series going. The game went back and forth all morning with neither team getting more than a one-goal lead over the other. In the end, the Worcester girls prevailed, 12-11, in the tightest contest between the two rivals in recent years.

Molly Dickerson and Mary Hudson led Worcester with three goals each while Skylar Seigfried had a strong game in net for the Mallards with eight saves. Worcester’s win over Decatur in 2010 was the first in four years for the Mallards. In the early years, Worcester dominated the backyard rivalry with a long-established program while Decatur began a competitive varsity program much later.

•Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team cruised past neighborhood rival Decatur, 13-4, during a holiday invitational tournament in Berlin. It’s always special when Worcester and Decatur face off in lacrosse and the series produced several classics over the years. In 2010, however, the deep and experienced Mallards had little trouble with a young Seahawk team and cruised to the 13-4 win.

Justin Butler led Worcester with three goals, while Hunter Marshall added two goals and an assist. Despite the lop-sided final score, the game, as always, featured a lot of great shots, big hits and a ton of penalties in front of the big bipartisan crowd at Worcester. Most of the players competed together on youth and travel teams and there was no shortage of familiarity.

•Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team routed Mardela, 14-0. Brad Stiles was dominating on the mound, striking out eight Warriors in a game shortened to five innings because of the score.

James Rossi collected four hits and drove in two runs, while Troy Bennett, Chris Bunting and Grady Anderson each had two hits.

The following is a little snippet of the top sports stories in The Dispatch this week 20 years ago:

•Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team routed visiting Wicomico, 11-7, behind a five-goal performance by T.J. Carven. Carven got Decatur on the board just one minute into the contest, but Wicomico tied it at 1-1 a short time later. That was a close as the Indians would get, however, as the Seahawks went on a big first-quarter roll to pull away.

Decatur got goals from Brian Harrison, Brandon Altvator and Kyle Purcell during the first quarter, but the period belonged to Carven, who scored three goals and added an assist in the first period alone on his way to a five-goal performance. Decatur goalie John Apple was outstanding all afternoon, recording several point-blank saves.

Apple was supported by the Seahawks vaunted defense led by Clifton Rogers and Brandon Pichieirri. The game was close for a while until Carven’s outburst and it became a little chippy between the Bayside South rivals with numerous penalties called before the Seahawks pulled away.

•Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team suffered its first loss of the season, falling to Caesar Rodney, 43, in a low-scoring game. The Mallards were led by Mike Otway, who scored two goals, and Colby Schneider, who added a single tally. With the loss, the Worcester boys fell to 5-1 on the season with important showdowns with conference rival Salisbury School and Delaware powerhouse Cape Henlopen looming in the following week.

•Lighthouse Sound announced plans for its grand opening later in April 2000 including an inaugural fundraising golf tournament to benefit Coastal Hospice.

The golf club and expansive restaurant and country club complex had recently been completed and the grand opening including the golf tournament was planned to open the facility in style for a worthy cause. Incidentally, Coastal Hospice was chosen as the beneficiary of the fundraising golf tournament because it was marking its own 20-year anniversary of providing dedicated services to patients and their families suffering from terminal illness on the Lower Shore.

Page 38

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A problem in getting a workplace project up and moving might upset the Lamb, who likes things done on time.

But be patient. The delay could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your instincts are usually on the mark, so if you feel uneasy about being asked for advice on a certain matter, it's probably a good idea that you opt not to comply with the request.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You might have two minds about a proposed change (which often happens with the Twins), but once all the facts are in, you'll be able to make a definitive decision. Good luck.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): The Crab's frugal aspect dominates, so while you might be reluctant to pay for technical repairs, the time you save in getting things back on track could be well worth the expense.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): While you Leos and Leonas continue to concentrate on doing well in your workrelated ventures this week, consider reserving the weekend for sharing good times with family and friends.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): This is a good week to take stock of the important personal, professional or familial relationships in your life and see where you might need to do some intense shoring up.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Your sense of justice makes you the likely

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

person to help deal with a work- or family-related grievance. But you need to have any doubts about anyone's true agenda resolved first.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): The Scorpio passion for getting things done right and on time might rankle some folks. Never mind them. Others will be impressed, and they're the ones you want in your corner.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Finances could be a mite tight this week. And, while things will ease up soon enough, you savvy Sagittarians will want to keep a prudent eye on your expenses at this time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Although a technical malfunction could cause a temporary delay in getting things up and running, you could use the time to recheck your operation and make changes where necessary.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): You might find it difficult to resist making a snap judgment about a colleague's behavior. But stick with your usual way of assessing situations and wait for the facts to come out.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Asking for help with a family situation might be the wisest course to take right now. Just be sure you turn to someone you can trust to do and say the right thing for the right reasons.

BORN THIS WEEK: People see in you a born leader whom they can follow and put their trust in. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like ...

OCEAN CITY vanishing

April 10, 2020

WITH BUNK MANN

1962 was a historic year for Ocean City. It marked the beginning of the luxury hotel/motel era, signaled the swan song of the old wooden Boardwalk hotels, and saw the greatest storm to ever hit the town.

The city limits ended at 41st Street in 1962 and much of the land north of there was sparsely developed with mostly small cottages. In the area of 118th Street, a Washington, DC insider named Bobby Baker was building a luxury motel named the Carousel. Scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend, the Carousel was ravaged by a storm which began on March 6th and devastated the beach; it delayed the motel’s opening until July.

This storm was a turning point in the town’s growth for despite the unprecedented damage, its effects would be far-reaching. In less than three years the cheap land values brought about by the Nor’easter had led to the annexation of city limits to the Delaware line.

A huge fire at the old Plimhimmon Hotel on Nov. 21 foreshadowed the end of the dominance of the old frame Boardwalk hotels. Within 10 years, motels would cover much of the oceanfront north of 15th Street and highrise condominiums would line the beach in north Ocean City. Modern Ocean City had its beginnings in the events of 1962.

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

Photo courtesy Wayne Cannon

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

By Steve Green

Virtual church sermons

Netflix’s “Tiger King” documentary Supporting carryout restaurants during this time Funny obituaries

When Dr. Fauci talks at press conferences Jimmy Fallon’s shows from home Inspirational stories

Kind gestures in this crisis

How teachers are trying to adapt Blooming flowers in a front yard

Watching birds at work building a nest

ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

Community

April 10, 2020

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

News In Photos

Worcester Goes Purple (WGP) Events Coordinator Debbie Smullen spoke recently to the OC Lions Club. WGP is an awareness project to engage the community in preventing substance abuse and promoting healthy life choices.

Smullen is pictured with OC Lions President John Topfer.

A group of about 40 Ocean Pines residents last week organized a collection to buy family meals from the Yacht Club for local police, fire and EMS personnel.

The collective, affectionately known as the “Compound Group,� formed about two years ago. Resident George Ball said several members of the Compound Group, pictured in a dated photo, provided food deliveries last week to first responders.

Submitted Photos

The OC Lions Club inducted two new members last month. Pictured, from left, are Lion Lou McWilliams, new members Charles Stooksbury and Danny Lewis and Past Ocean City Lions President Norm Cathell.

Twenty-eight jail and correctional officers from Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Talbot and Caroline counties graduated in the 107th entrancelevel class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy (ESCJA) operated by Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury. Above, Worcester County jail and correctional officers are, from left, Sara E. Hetherington of the Ocean City Police Department and Taylor Q. Armstrong, Joshua R. Lockman and John P. Znamirowski of the Worcester County Jail and Detention Center. Below, Wicomico County Department of Corrections officers who graduated are, front from left, Catherine Cormier and Jason M. Hill, and, back, Monica R. Jones, Carla Y. Patterson, Miranda C. Turner and Janaya T. Ward.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 10, 2020