April 23

The Dispatch April 23, 2021

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Featuring a bikers escort and a host of patriotic acts, it was a festive scene along Route 589 Tuesday for the arrival of the Wall That Photo by Ricky Kerrigan Heals exhibit at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. See page 15 for full story.

OC Council Fills New Tourism Post

Boardwalk Replacement Discussed

Resort To Build New Fire Station

See Page 4 • File Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 9 • File Photo by Chris Parypa

See Page 12 • File Photo

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Ocean City Taps Familiar Face For New Tourism Post

Page 4

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City officials this week tapped a familiar name and face to fill the recently-recreated Director of Tourism and Business Development post, a quarterback of sorts to direct the town’s sales and marketing strategy.

Earlier this year, the Mayor and Council signed off on creating the new Tourism and Business Development Director and directed City Manager Doug Miller to define a job description and initiate the hiring process. With an emphasis on business development and sales in order to attract more family-friendly events, sports teams and groups to Ocean City to fill the town’s hotel rooms and accommodations, Miller was look-

ing for a single individual, or perhaps a small team of individuals in the future, to go out and really sell the resort and all it has to offer.

After an extensive application and interview process, Miller on Monday nominated Tom Perlozzo for the new department head position. After some debate about where Perlozzo should fit in the town’s employee grading formula, the council unanimously confirmed Perlozzo as the new Director of Tourism and Business Development.

Perlozzo brings a familiar name and face to the new position. Since 2018, Perlozzo has served as the Worcester County Director of Recreation and Parks and added to his title in 2019 to become Worcester County Director of Recreation and Parks, Tourism and Economic Development.

He was the Director of Recreation and Parks for the Town of Ocean City for two decades. He brings 30 years of experience in recreation and parks and sports marketing to the new position, which will serve the town well as it attempts to rebrand its image as a youth sports destination.

Prior to stepping into his new position with Worcester County in 2018, Perlozzo was a successful entrepreneur and independent sales representative for Golf Magazine, Golf.com and Sports Illustrated, where he specialized in resort travel and developing marketing plans. He was recognized as a top sales producer in the country in travel.

Perlozzo served as Ocean City’s director of recreation and parks from 1985 to 1998 and played an integral role in the growth and development of the re-

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sort’s vast network of parks and its seemingly endless recreational programs for residents and visitors. During his tenure in Ocean City, Perlozzo had oversight on all recreation programs and the parks in the resort including the growth and development of the 58acre Northside Park complex. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, including two years as president.

Miller said on Monday there were 100 applicants for the job and he and a panel assembled to work through the interview and hiring process winnowed the list down to eight. From there, four were brought in for in-person interviews.

“We assembled a panel of trusted employees and members from the private sector,” he said. “The panel forwarded a list of four to bring in for inperson interviews. All of them could have done the job, but two really stood out.”

From those two finalists, Perlozzo was ultimately nominated and approved by the council on Monday. The intent is for the new hire to hit the streets and sell all the resort has to offer with the goal in bringing more economic development to the resort such as conventions, large groups, sports tournaments and the like.

While all agreed Perlozzo was the right person to fill the position, there was considerable debate among council members about just where the new position fit in the town’s grading system.

During earlier discussions, it was agreed the new position would come in as a department head near the top of the town’s hierarchy.

Miller said it was his understanding the new position would come in at a grade 128 with a salary range of $90,000 to $141,000. In fact, Miller said Perlozzo had been offered, and accepted, the grade 128 terms. However, when Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to approve Perlozzo as the new Tourism and Business Development director, his motion included starting the new position at grade 129 ($94,000 to $148,000).

The topic touched off a debate, not so much about the salary range for the SEE PAGE 6

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

County Surprised To Learn Perlozzo Headed To Resort

Page 6

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The news the Town of Ocean City selected one of Worcester County’s top department heads for a new position in the resort took county leaders by surprise this week.

Ocean City officials on Monday night confirmed Tom Perlozzo, currently Worcester County’s director of recreation and parks, tourism and economic development, as the resort’s new tourism and business development director. Perlozzo’s upcoming departure wasn’t discussed at this week’s meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners, however, because most on Tuesday were not aware Perlozzo would be leaving his current role.

“Most of the commissioners did not

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

find out until today,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said Tuesday afternoon. “It has not been discussed.”

Perlozzo, who was hired by the county in 2018, worked previously as Ocean City’s head of recreation and parks and also spent time as an entrepreneur and sales representative. Perlozzo launched efforts to expand the county’s sports marketing as soon as he was hired as recreation and parks director in 2018 and was promoted a year later to lead recreation and parks as well as tourism and economic development.

Though the commissioners haven’t addressed the issue yet, Mitrecic said he was hopeful they’d consider finding someone else to take on leadership of all three departments as Perlozzo had.

“I’d hope we’d put somebody else in that position,” he said. “I think he’s

shown how beneficial that position has been, revenue wise and for the good of the county.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino, who voted against the consolidation of those leadership roles in 2019, offered a different point of view.

“That position was created specifically for Tom,” he said. “That was personality driven not responsibility driven.

I think we need to evaluate that.”

Bertino acknowledged that the situation would need to be reviewed, as the commissioners hadn’t been aware Ocean City was hiring Perlozzo until they saw it in an article on The Dispatch’s Facebook page Tuesday.

“I wish Tom well but it was disappointing that we the county — the commissioners and staff — were not given the courtesy of being told,” he said. “We

April 23, 2021

found out via social media when we’d just met with him a few minutes before.”

Commissioner Bud Church, who said he was shocked by the news, is sorry to see Perlozzo leave.

“Tom was very efficient at his job,” he said. “In my opinion, he was one of the top 10 employees in the county. I’m sorry to hear he’s leaving but I understand why he’s leaving.”

Though Church wouldn’t elaborate, Mitrecic said Perlozzo was leaving because of frustration at the county.

“Maybe he sees more opportunity with the city than he thinks is possible with the county,” he said.

Perlozzo simply said he was looking forward to a new opportunity.

“Really, the decision included an amazing run in Worcester County with a new beginning in Ocean City,” he said in an email. “So thankful for the opportunity and confidence the City Manager, Mayor and Council have expressed. I am extremely excited to work with a very talented and seasoned staff to allow Ocean City to continue to be the East Coast No. 1 family destination.”

… Unanimous Support Behind Director Hire

FROM PAGE 4 different grades, but where the position fell in the town’s pecking order.

Perlozzo’s accepted annual salary is $131,000.

Councilman John Gehrig said it was his understanding the new position would come in at grade 129.

“We spent five years talking about this,” he said. “I think we agreed this position would come in just under the city manager. The grade that matches what we discussed is 129. It’s a new position.

There is no level that matches what we already discussed.”

Miller explained how the grades were determined.

“We grade positions using a formula,” he said. “We can come in and show you how the grading formula works.”

Gehrig said he didn’t want to delay the vote to approve Perlozzo in order to have another work session on the grading issue.

“I don’t want to waste any more time on this,” he said. “It’s been a long process and I don’t want to hold this up.”

Councilman Lloyd Martin said Miller had been charged with the responsibility of recruiting and hiring the new position.

“We’re micro-managing the city manager,” he said. “We gave him a task and he did it. He brought us the right person at the right price.”

The council ultimately approved Perlozzo for the new position starting at grade 129. Perlozzo will start his new role with Ocean City on June 1.

OC Council To Retain Constant Tax Rate After Budget Sessions

April 23, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After a marathon two weeks of work sessions, resort officials last week wrapped up the fiscal year 2022 budget at around $158 million, while holding the line on the constant yield tax rate.

After finishing up the last of the individual departmental budget presentations last Thursday, the Mayor and Council decided to scrap the planned budget wrap-up session scheduled for last Friday and just push through the remaining loose ends to close it out. The budget will be formally presented for approval on first reading at the first meeting in May, but essentially the fiscal year 2022 spending plan is in the books.

The total budget for all funds is around $158 million, with the general fund making up around $91 million. The proposed fiscal year 2022 budget sets the property tax rate at the constant yield rate of .4561, which is slightly higher than the current rate of .4559. For the record, the constant yield is the property tax rate needed to generate the same revenue generated last year to provide the same level of municipal services and programs.

For many years, it was the town’s policy to set the property tax rate at the constant yield, but a couple years back resort officials broke from the tradition and set the property tax rate at the constant tax rate, or the same rate as the prior year, representing a slight decrease in property tax revenue.

When the budget was presented earlier this month, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca asked what changing the rate to the constant rate of .4559 would do to the bottom line. As it turns out, the everso-modest decrease would not move the needle much for resort property owners.

Last week, it was revealed setting the tax rate at the constant rate of .4559 as opposed to the constant yield rate of .4561 would save property owners about 60 cents on a property assessed at $300,000, around $1 on a property assessed at $500,000 and $2 on a property assessed at $1 million. The net difference is around $18,000, which is too small of a difference to warrant the change.

Budget Manager Jennie Knapp explained, while it’s largely semantics, setting the property tax rate at the constant rate instead of the constant yield could technically be interpreted as a tax cut.

She said the town is in line for potentially significant federal grants through the COVID relief package passed through the state, grants that might not head this way if the town showed a technical tax cut.

“There is an additional grant we might be eligible for,” she said. “It’s the federal American Rescue Plan, but we haven’t been given a lot of information on that

“GHOSTS IN THE SURF”

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yet.”

Knapp said for the modest reduction, it wasn’t worth the risk of possibly missing out on the federal relief funds.

“My concern is reducing to the constant rate would constitute a tax cut,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to jeopardize a potential $6 million grant by doing that.”

DeLuca agreed in the end. He said his original question was based more in perception than the pennies on the dollar the change would result in.

“My original reason for keeping it the same was the perception,” he said. “For $18,000 total, it’s not worth risking a grant of $6 million.”

The town plans to transfer $3 million to create a capital reserve fund for payas-you-projects. In out years, $1.5 million would be contributed to the fund annually and a balance of $1 million would be maintained at the end of each year.

Pay-as-you-go projects funded in the fiscal year 2022 budget include street paving, continued storm drain cleaning, the Chicago Avenue bulkhead, replacing the gym floor at Northside Park and canal dredging, which will be re-evaluated after the summer. The total price tag for pay-go projects runs from $1.3 SEE PAGE 44

Page 7

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Statistics Confirm Serious Crime Spiked In OC Last Year Page 8

21% Jump In Major Incidents The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After years of dropping to historic lows, serious crime spiked significantly in 2020, according to the Ocean City Police Department’s annual report presented this week.

Police Chief Ross Buzzuro on Monday presented the department’s annual report to the Mayor and Council and the weighty tome revealed crime rates in most statistical categories rose significantly in 2020, despite the town essentially being shut down for a couple of months last spring because of the pandemic. The annual report highlights statistics, achievements and major accomplishments for the department during the 2020 calendar year.

In recent years, the annual report has painted a rosy picture of steadily declin-

ing serious crime rates. Last year, however, Part 1, or serious crimes, such as assaults, robberies, rapes and burglaries, for example increased by 21%.

The reasons were many, according to Buzzuro. There was pent-up frustration related to the COVID pandemic and civil unrest around the country, for example.

Changes in the dynamics of the visitors to the resort were partly to blame for a variety of reasons, including a particularly troublesome June.

“The year 2020 was a challenging time, not just for Ocean City, but the entire country as we fought our way through the ongoing COVID-19 pan-

demic,” he said. “I applaud the efforts of the men and women of this agency for making the sacrifice to work the front lines through this pandemic and the challenges we faced in 2020.”

Buzzuro said 2020 reversed a trend of a steady decline in serious crime over the last five years or so. In 2018, for example, serious crime in Ocean City had dipped to a 28-year low.

“Part 1, or serious crimes, were up 21 percent in 2020,” he said. “We had seen a drop-off in Part 1 crimes for the last five years at least.”

According to the annual report, total Part 1 offenses were up 21% from 1,509

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in 2019 to 1,825 in 2020. Forcible rapes were up 200% from six in 2019 to 18 in 2020. Aggravated assaults were up 76%, from 66 in 2019 to 116 in 2020.

Robberies were up 67% from 18 in 2019 to 30 in 2020, among others.

It’s no secret June saw the most serious crime last year, by far in several categories. For example, there were 494 Part 1 crimes in June, compared to 383 in July and 253 in August.

Councilman John Gehrig asked if pulling out the statistics for June and the pop-up rally would paint a truer picture of the entire year.

“Going forward, can we carve out statistics for four weeks and four days and see where the problems lie in context?” he said. “I’m talking about June and the four days of the pop-up car rally.”

Buzzuro also said violent crime was particularly a big issue in 2020, especially in June.

“During the summer of 2020, major crimes detectives and patrol officers jointly investigated 12 serious assaults including eight stabbings,” he said. “The detectives and officers were able to identify the majority of the suspects in these cases through cooperation with the community, the use of the City Watch cameras and assistance from other police agencies throughout the state of Maryland. A total of 15 felony arrests were made in relation to these assaults.”

Buzzuro said assaults on police officers were also up during 2020. There were 165 reported assaults on officers last year, compared to 110 in 2019 and 74 in 2018.

“In 2020, OCPD officers were assaulted a total of 165 times, 11 of which resulted in an injury to the officer,” he said. “This shows just how dangerous the job of a police officer can be. Assaults may be in the form of physical or non-physical violence and may or may not result in injury to the officer involved.”

Gehrig asked the chief to guestimate how many of the assaults on police officers came during the troublesome month of June and the pop-up car rally in late September. Buzzuro said he didn’t have the numbers in front of him, but made an educated guess.

“I would say 100,” he said. “I’d say two-thirds of the assaults on officers were in June. June was one of the most difficult months I’ve seen since I’ve been with the department.”

Another key indicator in the 2020 annual report is the number of calls for service. A call for service is generated for nearly anything an officer does while on duty, including traffic stops, a residential security check, major crimes or even a lost child, to name a few. Calls for service are generally divided into two categories, including officer-initiated calls and citizen calls.

In 2020, there were 67,585 total calls for service, including 45,636 officer-initiated calls and 21,949 citizen-initiated calls. Officer-initiated calls declined slightly from 50,866 in 2019, while citizen-initiated calls rose slightly from 20,655 in 2019.

High Lumber Prices Complicate Boardwalk Reconstruction Timing

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Despite the soaring cost of treated lumber, largely because of lingering COVID-related shortages, resort officials will not put off a major redecking project again.

The complete re-decking of the Boardwalk from the Inlet to the north end at 27th Street has been on the town’s radar for a couple of years now.

It’s listed in the town’s capital improvement plan (CIP) for funding in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. The project will be done in two phases.

One phase is the Inlet to 9th Street including the pier tram detour section.

The other section will cover from 9th Street to 27th Street. The entire projected cost for both phases is around $2.2 million, spread over two fiscal years in the CIP. There are some pier franchise lease funds totaling $100,000 in each year dedicated to the re-decking project.

Funding the project is not an issue.

The trouble is procuring the lumber needed for the Boardwalk re-decking.

Wood prices have skyrocketed over the last year largely because of COVID and the booming housing market.

The start of the Boardwalk re-decking project was delayed last year because of the lumber issues. During a budget work session last week, Mayor Rick Meehan asked City Engineer Terry McGean if the project would be delayed again.

“Right now is probably the worst time to buy wood,” he said. “I know you’ve already delayed the project.

What are you’re feelings in that? Is not the time to do it, or do we wait another year?”

McGean said the Boardwalk has been patched and repaired, but it has reached the point the re-decking project cannot be put off any longer. It was most recently rebuilt in 2012 and 2013, and the lifespan of the deck is roughly eight to 10 years. It is now showing signs of distress.

“I don’t know that we can wait another year,” said McGean. “I’m not optimistic. I’m going to look at the lumber companies and the market. Right now, things are getting worse, not better.”

Meehan said the timing was unfortunate with the Boardwalk needing work at the same time as the pandemic and the associated lumber shortage.

“We couldn’t have picked a worse time,” he said. “It’s not anybody’s fault.

It’s just the way it cycled. You don’t see another delay?”

McGean said he didn’t think it would be prudent to delay the work again.

“We’re going to have to bite the bullet,” he said. “It will be done in phases, so we’ll be buying half the wood at this time.”

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Committee Not In Favor Of Earlier Boardwalk Bike Time

Page 10

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Citing enforcement and safety concerns, a resort committee this week made a recommendation to keep bicycle start times on the Boardwalk at 2 a.m.

The recommendation, made by members of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), now moves on to the full Mayor and Council for discussion and possible action.

“I don’t think we are adamantly opposed to it,” Committee President Paul Mauser said. “But it’s just that this year it

doesn’t seem right.”

Earlier this month, a discussion on amending the start time for allowing bikes on the Boardwalk was brought to the Mayor and Council’s attention.

Currently, bikes are allowed on the Boardwalk from 2 a.m. to noon from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Prior to a change this month by the Mayor Council, except for last summer when there was no tram operation, the end time for riding bikes on the boards during the summer was 11 a.m. The council voted to push back the tram start time this summer to allow for an additional biking hour.

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ment Corporation (OCDC), through its Boardwalk committee, has proposed an earlier start time to allow seasonal workers to bike home along the Boardwalk before 2 a.m.

“The discussion came up that at nighttime, with businesses closing earlier the last couple of years, would it make sense to move the 2 a.m. time up earlier,” OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin told committee members on Wednesday. “It had nothing to do with bike business or anything like that, but it had to do with employees getting home … and would it be better for them to bike a couple streets home on a well-lit Boardwalk as opposed to an alley.”

Irwin said the Boardwalk committee’s initial recommendation was to move the bike start time from 2 a.m. to midnight.

Since that time, however, the OCDC board has proposed a 1 a.m. start time for the coming summer.

“I think the consensus was 1 a.m., not midnight, primarily to do it as a test year and see how it goes,” Irwin said. “There’s so many uncertainties about what this summer is going to be all about -- how many J-1’s are going to be here? Are the businesses going to continue to keep closing earlier?”

Councilman Tony DeLuca, committee chair, tasked committee members with making a recommendation this week. He said the council needed to make a decision soon in order for new signs to be made.

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“This Tuesday, during our work session, it needs to be done,” he said.

DeLuca said Mayor Rick Meehan opposed the earlier start time, as it would place more burden on police officers patrolling the Boardwalk and enforcing the town’s ordinances. When asked for his opinion this week, committee member Sgt. Allen Hawk said it was a policy decision that required the input of the police chief and command staff.

“During that specific time, you have more serious crimes that happen after midnight,” he added. “With that being dealt with, you also have us dealing with the possibility of additional municipal infractions that we have to enforce as well.”

DeLuca also shared his concerns regarding crowds and density.

“The Boardwalk’s still busy at those late hours,” he said. “It’s not like there’s nobody up there.”

Hawk agreed.

“We were busy on the Boardwalk last year, even after midnight,” Hawk told committee members. “I can’t predict the future with a crystal ball, what’s going to happen, but I can only surmise that it’s probably not going to be too far off what that was.”

After further discussion, the committee voted 5-2, with members Mary Wiedorfer and Irwin opposed, to recommend keeping the bike start time at 2 a.m. Hawk abstained from voting.

“Let’s revisit it next year …,” DeLuca said. “I want to see how this year goes.”

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OCEAN CITY – Responding to a “911 call” of sorts from the Ocean City Fire Department, resort officials last Thursday voted to replace the dilapidated Station 3 firehouse at 74th Street with a new state-of-the-art firehouse in front of the Public Safety Building at 66th Street.

The midtown Station 3 firehouse at 74th Street was first built in 1969 and expanded in 1987. In the decades since, despite some Band-Aid fixes over the years, it has fallen into disrepair and no longer meets the needs of the fire department. The existing firehouse lacks suitable engine bay space, has inadequate living space for staff and the overhead door clearance is insufficient for new equipment. Additionally, there are concerns whether the existing building is structurally sound, it lacks co-ed facilities and does not meet the current fire industry standards for stations. All the shortcomings led to the realization the midtown fire station would need to be replaced at some point. The questions remained, however, about when and where, and perhaps more importantly how much it would cost.

Those questions were answered late Thursday afternoon at City Hall during a budget work session. In recent years, the discussion revolved around renovating the existing firehouse at 74th Street, demolishing the existing building and replacing it with a new facility, or building an entirely new Station 3 midtown firehouse on the vast open parking lot in front of the Public Safety Building at 66th Street.

After hearing an impassioned plea from Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers on Thursday, the Mayor and Council opted to move forward with the latter.

“This is our 911 call to the Mayor and Council and the city manager.

We need a new station that is functional,” he said. “I’m extremely concerned if we have another storm, a Nor’easter or, God forbid, a major hurricane, I don’t know if that building would survive that.”

The new fire station at 66th Street would cost an estimated $5.5 million, although that price could come down with a contribution from the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC), which owns the land on which the existing midtown fire station at 74th Street sits and has offered to sell the property at its highest value and contribute the proceeds of the sale to the cost of building the new fire sta-

tion.

Currently, the property is appraised by the state at $1.5 million, but it would likely fetch a higher sale price on the market. If it sold at that $1.5 million price, for example, the overall price of the new fire station could be reduced to $4 million. There are other creative ways the OCVFC could contribute, but in any case, the company would like to somehow retain some ownership stake in the new facility.

Before the council Thursday, City Engineer Terry McGean outlined the shortcomings of the existing firehouse and the many years a replacement has been discussed.

“We’ve been talking about this since 2000, he said. “We’ve been talking about replacing this building for 21 years.”

McGean explained the inadequate living space in the existing firehouse, which is often shared with career firefighters and volunteers. He said there are times when there are as many as nine men and women firefighters sharing the living quarters, which measure just 1,000 square feet. He used the analogy of offices in City Hall that are bigger.

“My office suite behind you is 1,300 square feet, and we don’t live there, eat there and sleep there,” he said. “The fire marshal’s office upstairs is 1,800 square feet. I just wanted to stress that, so you get a feel for just how small it is.”

McGean pointed out the piecemeal approach to keeping the existing firehouse up and running over the years is unsustainable.

“The high roof blew off in a storm in 2007 and was replaced with a lower cost, low warranty roof,” he said.

“That’s what’s been going on with this. Our policy has been let’s not spend a lot of money because it might be replaced soon. That was 14 years ago.”

McGean said the town could keep dumping money into the old, dilapidated firehouse, but the time was right to move forward with a replacement.

“Short-term fixes needed ASAP would cost around $4,700,” he said.

“If we were going to stay here longer, maybe two to three years, we’d probably have to spend $320,000.”

After the council agreed to move forward with moving the midtown fire station to 66th Street, the next step is to complete design and engineering work and develop cost estimates. Depending on the timetable, funding for the new firehouse could be included in the town’s next bond issuance.

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

OC Council Signs On Requested Internal Auditor Position

Page 14

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – One of the loose ends resort officials had to tie up during the budget wrap session last week was whether to create an internal auditor position for the town.

During budget work sessions, the idea was pitched to create an internal auditor to oversee the books of each of the town’s many departments. There is already a city manager, a budget manager and a finance director who keep eyes on the finances of each department, but the idea was pitched to create an internal auditor position to carefully pore over each department’s books on a regular basis. After some debate, the council signed off on the creation of the new position. Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said the position was crucial.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

“It’s a very important position for the town,” she said. “We feel there are risks if we don’t do this. It’s already budgeted.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca questioned if the auditor position could be farmed out to an outside agency at a lower cost.

“I don’t think we need a part-time position,” he said. “I think if we contracted it out, it would be $35,000 and not $100,000.”

Knapp provided examples of how the town can and does lose money because of the lack of careful auditing on a regular basis.

“I think we would lose money because things aren’t getting done,” she said. “We have $3 million in P-card purchases annually. It is very easy to use your P-card fraudulently.”

Knapp also pointed to some things

falling through the cracks because of a lack of regular audits.

“Look at the admissions and amusement tax, for example,” she said. “The beach stand operators are supposed to submit the tax each year. They are paying it, but they’re not checking the box for Ocean City and it is getting sent to Worcester County. That’s just another example.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said an internal auditor could assist the city manager in keeping watch on the finances of all of the many departments.

“I think the city manager is responsible for all of these things Jennie has mentioned,” he said. “He needs this position. It would be advantageous to him and the city. He needs the tools to keep an eye on these things.”

Finance Director Chuck Bireley agreed.

April 23, 2021

“I agree with the mayor,” he said.

“Everything he said is true. Could an outside firm do this? Absolutely. I believe this needs to be an internal position.”

Bireley said while nothing nefarious was going on, each department should be audited on a regular basis.

“An internal auditor should audit every department in town on a rotating basis,” he said. “Larger departments should be audited more often. Those that generate revenue should be a priority. If you contracted with an outside auditor, the cost to audit every single department would be astronomical.”

Four Firms Seek Strategic Plan Work

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – Officials say town staff continue to evaluate proposals from four national firms interested in developing a strategic bike plan for the resort.

On Wednesday, President Paul Mauser presented members of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee with an update on the town’s search for a consultant to develop a bike strategic plan.

In March, the town began seeking proposals from qualified and experienced firms to provide consulting services for a strategic bike plan that will be used to further Ocean City’s bicycle network. Mauser told the committee this week the town had received proposals from four firms – JMT, KCI, Mead & Hunt and Tool Design.

“They are all four top transportation consultant firms. We are very excited to receive those four proposals …,” he said. “They are being evaluated by town staff until May 7.”

In recent years, Ocean City has embarked on a multi-phased initiative to install a continuous bike path from one end of town to another without using Coastal Highway. And last October, the town received $79,700 through the Maryland Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Bikeways Program to hire a consultant for the development of the strategic plan.

The planning document, officials say, will provide the town with designs and cost estimates for several proposed biking corridors throughout the resort.

“As far as the strategic plan goes, that is oriented such that it has to be actionable,” Mauser said in January. “And it has to be evaluating and providing plans and cost estimates for corridors in town. It’s not for wayfinding and projects like that, it’s for practical development plans.”

Mauser told committee members this week all four proposals were from national firms. He said those proposals are currently in the evaluation stage.

“It’s very sensitive right now,” he said.

“We can only share so much information.”

Traveling Wall That Heals Arrives For Ocean Pines Stop

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ushering in the tractor trailer transporting The Wall That Heals were members of the local Hogs And Heroes Foundation.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Community members lined the roadway this week to celebrate the arrival of The Wall That Heals.

On Tuesday, a 53-foot trailer carrying a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial made its way to Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines.

The exhibit – led by a motorcycle escort of more than 100 volunteers and local law enforcement – also received a warm welcome from community members, who gathered off Route 589 to show their support.

“I hope you realize how historic this is,” Marie Gilmore, president of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation, told attendees this week.

“This traveling Wall That Heals does not usually stop in Maryland because we have our own Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. But the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund thought that this was such a spectacular, patriotic area, there’s so many wonderful people down here, that they brought The Wall That Heals to the Eastern Shore and I could not be happier. I thank you for being part of it.”

The Wall That Heals is a national traveling exhibit that honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War. The wall – measuring 375 feet long and 7.5 feet high at its tallest point – includes the names of more than 58,000 men and women who gave their lives or remain missing.

The Worcester County Veterans Memorial will host the exhibit, which will be open to the public 24 hours a day, until Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m.

In addition to the wall, the 53-foot trailer that carries the exhibit will transform into a mobile Education Center featuring a timeline of “The War and The Wall,” as well as additional information about The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit this exhibit in our community, and to honor the sacrifices of our Vietnam veterans,” Gilmore said.

In conjunction with The Wall That Heals exhibit, the Veterans Memorial

Foundation held a Welcome Home Opening Ceremony on Thursday. The ceremony included remarks from Brig.

Gen. Warner Sumpter, U.S. Army (retired) and chairman of the Veterans Home Commission, Maryland State Sen. Doug Peters, Maryland State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, and American ex-Vietnam POW Ralph Galati.

A candlelight ceremony will also be held on Friday, April 23, at 7 p.m. Guests will be able to walk along the wall, holding a candle, as volunteers read aloud the names of “hometown heroes” from

Worcester County, as well as from other counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia and Sussex County in Delaware.

Public parking will be available at the site of the event, and volunteers will staff the exhibit 24 hours a day. Additionally, shuttle service will be available from the parking area next to Taylor Bank on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Limited seating will be available during events, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs. COVID-19 protocols are still in effect, including mask mandates and

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Photos by Bethany Hooper

social distancing.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to support this historic exhibit that honors our Vietnam veterans,” Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola told attendees on Tuesday. “And thank you to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation for planning and organizing this visit. We look forward to the opening ceremonies on Thursday.”

For more information on the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation or The Wall That Heals, visit www.opvets.org.

County Mulls Second Amendment Sanctuary Designation

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Worcester County’s elected officials declared their support for the U.S. Constitution this week following a discussion of the Second Amendment.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted 6-1 Tuesday to proclaim Worcester County a sanctuary for the Constitution and the entire Bill of Rights.

Though Commissioner Bud Church launched the discussion because he supported a Second Amendment Sanctuary proclamation, his peers said they wanted to show support for the entire Constitution.

“There is no one amendment or part of the constitution that is any more important than the other,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “They’re all important.

They’re fabric of who we are as a peo-

ple.”

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli initially asked the commissioners to allow him to present a Second Amendment Sanctuary proclamation at Tuesday’s meeting. Though Crisafulli wasn’t present and pulled the request, Church said he wanted the item put back on the agenda.

“Worcester County is a very rural county,” he said. “I think the Second Amendment is very important to our county, the citizens of our county. My personal feeling is it’s something we should discuss.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting said based on the police reform measures vetoed by Gov. Larry Hogan and subsequently overridden, he thought the county needed to show its support for the Constitution.

“I realize it’s mostly symbolic but … I was looking for something simply to basically say that Worcester County supports

our Constitution and the amendments to the Constitution,” he said. “I was hoping that we could have a vote and it could be put out to the public that we support our Constitution and the amendments, especially the Second Amendment.”

Commissioner Josh Nordstrom was quick to voice objection to highlighting the Second Amendment with a proclamation.

“This is a very slippery slope,” he said.

“It’s been stated that this may not be much or it’s symbolic, but this could have repercussions locally, regionally. These things go into national databases. This could have major effects on tourism, on economic development, on our ability to get grants from the state.”

He said there were 27 amendments to the Constitution.

“Each and every one us swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, he said. “We have already done what you’re

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asking us to do today.”

Reading from other amendments, he asked for each of those to be included in any proclamation the county put forth.

Though Church disagreed, Bunting said he would support a proclamation that addressed the Constitution as a whole.

Commissioner Ted Elder said he wanted the county to voice support for the Second Amendment.

“The Second Amendment is the primary one that’s under attack right now,” he said. I think if we don’t hold the line here, what else are we going to give up?

Are we just going to give it up for money?

Did those people in 1776, did they give it up for money? No. Their sacred honor, their wealth, all of it was given up so we could be here debating this stuff. I for one am proud to stand up and say I stand up for the Second Amendment.”

Bertino said personal liberties were under assault and that he didn’t want others speaking on his behalf.

“Quite truthfully I think all of us in the silent majority are a little bit weary that those who have the bully pulpit or those that have the media attention can drive their agendas, claiming that they know what’s best for the rest of us or all of us,” he said. “I’m tired of that.”

He criticized the way individuals were being pushed aside by both political parties.

“The fact that us as a county government are sitting here having this discussion I think brings to the forefront how important it is that we do, even if it is symbolic, register our allegiance to those things that for more than 250 years we as a people have held dear,” Bertino said.

He likened the Constitution to a tapestry and advocated for supporting all of its threads, not just one.

“Those threads are very strong — and they should be strong — to keep everything that we hold dear in the body of the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, as important as anything else,” he said. “If we elevate one over the other, then the others become weak.”

Commissioner Diana Purnell agreed.

“You take a whole and pull out the straws, next thing you know it collapses,” she said.

Church reluctantly agreed to amend his initial motion for a proclamation in support of the Second Amendment to instead be a proclamation in support of the entire Constitution. The commissioners voted 6-1, with Elder opposed, to approve the proclamation. Crisafulli, when contacted after the meeting, indicated he still planned to bring up the Second Amendment in the future.

“I stand in solidarity with the law-abiding citizens of Worcester County, in support of our Second Amendment rights and all of our constitutional rights,” he said in a statement. “After consideration for our county commissioners, I made the decision to retract my proclamation at this time as they navigate through this arduous budget process. I will issue a proclamation in solidarity of our Second Amendment rights, in the near future. As your sheriff I have taken the oath to defend and uphold this inalienable right that is afforded to all of our law abiding residents.”

Man Sentenced To 13 Months For Injuring Trooper

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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OCEAN CITY – A Virginia man, arrested last September for injuring a Maryland State Police trooper during the pop-up car rally, pleaded guilty last week to disorderly conduct and resisting arrest and was sentenced to 13 months in jail.

Shortly before 11 p.m. last September 26, Maryland State Police (MSP) troopers responded to the area of 71st Street to assist the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) in dispersing a large crowd of hundreds of individuals who were gathered in the roadway as part of the unsanctioned pop-up car rally. An OCPD officer was attempting to arrest a suspect, later identified as Jonathan Bello, 23, of Norfolk, Va., who resisted and fled the scene on foot.

An MSP trooper pursued Bello on foot and upon reaching the suspect, both fell to the ground with Bello falling on top of the trooper, according to police reports. The trooper was knocked unconscious and sustained a laceration to his head. Other law enforcement officers in the area took Bello into custody and assisted the injured and unconscious trooper.

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Bello was charged with reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and second-degree escape.

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He was sentenced to one year in jail for the resisting arrest count and 30 days for the disorderly conduct county, for a net total of 13 months.

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April 23, 2021

April 23, 2021

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Page 19

Pier 23 Plans In WOC Advance After License Board Approval

Page 20

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners this week approved plans for Pier 23, the restaurant set to replace Mad Fish on Ocean City’s commercial harbor.

On Wednesday, the Board of License Commissioners (BLC) approved a request from representative Cole Taustin to build and make changes to the premises of Pier 23. BLC members praised Taustin for his efforts to appease the restaurant’s neighbors, who objected to prior plans.

“From a standpoint of what I‘ve known the place to be in the last 30 years, I don’t know how he can do any more,” said William Esham, BLC chairman.

Taustin has been working toward the creation of Pier 23 since Mad Fish, its predecessor, was destroyed in a fire in August 2019. After getting plans for a new building at the waterfront location approved last year, COVID-19 forced Taustin to reconsider his facility. As a result, he developed an open-air concept made up of shipping containers and sought a Class D license, which only requires 50 enclosed seats, as opposed to the Class B license the restaurant has held for decades.

When neighbors objected strongly to those plans at the February meeting of

A rendering is pictured showing design plans for the new Pier 23, which will be built at the former home of Mad Fish and before that the Ocean City Fish Company and Captains Galley.

Submitted Image

the BLC, Taustin went back to the drawing board again. What he proposed this week consisted of an enclosed 70-seat restaurant facility as well as an outdoor container area.

“It is an outdoor food venue with indoor seating, an indoor bar,” he said.

Where buildings don’t block sound on the lot, Taustin has proposed acoustical fencing to keep noise down for the neighbors. He also has plans for “short throw” speakers, which don’t project sound far, and has purchased a sound meter for his staff to use. In addition, live

music will not occur past 7 p.m.

“When I was here back in February I took everything to heart,” he said. “I heard the comments that were made.”

Brendan Hanley, owner of the neighboring business Pure Lure, spoke in support of the project and what he considered the family atmosphere it would create.

“It’ll be great for our business,” he said.

David Rivello, president of Marsh Harbour’s homeowners association, said he personally felt Taustin had done

all he could to address neighbors’ concerns but pointed out some community members were still leery of his plans.

Marsh Harbour resident Horace Wahl offered similar comments.

“They have doubts decibel ratings are going to be upheld,” Wahl said, adding that he applauded Taustin for trying to work with the homeowners.

Esham said it appeared Taustin had done his best to accommodate community concerns. The board voted 3-0 to approve his request for changes at the South Harbor Road site.

Boardwalk Restrooms Need Extra Attention On Weekends, Mayor Says

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The cleanliness of the public restrooms on the Boardwalk was a topic of discussion during a budget work session last week.

Public works was the last department to present its annual budget highlights to the Mayor and Council, and Mayor Rick Meehan took the opportunity to address his concerns about the occasional condition of the public restrooms on the Boardwalk. Meehan said the town has seen larger than normal weekend crowds this spring.

“We’ve seen it this year and we see it every year with the crowds growing earlier in the season,” he said. “We’ve seen it more so than ever this year with people wanting to get outside and get up on the Boardwalk.”

Meehan questioned if it could be time to bring in the part-time workers that specifically maintain the restrooms on the Boardwalk.

“One of the things we do provide up there for the people on the Boardwalk are those restrooms,” he said. “When do we usually bring our part-time people in to run the restrooms?”

Public Works Director Hal Adkins said those workers typically start later in the spring, and while the bathrooms are being monitored, there are not currently specific employees assigned to them.

“Normally, it’s in the month of May,” he said. “May 3 I believe this year. In April, we do not have the staff that are assigned to the restrooms like we do in the summer.”

Adkins said weekends in April have been busier than normal for a variety of reasons.

“Sometimes we end up with a perfect storm,” he said. “Great weather, cabin fever, everybody shows up. We have people working those days, Saturdays and Sundays, but it’s on a rotation basis, meaning they might stop by

that bathroom once every hour or two hours. Then, they do the next one and the next one and come back.”

Meehan said the possibility of bringing in employees to specifically monitor the Boardwalk restrooms should be explored.

“Do we need to bring them in before May 3?” he said. “When I look at the restrooms and the volume of people up there, that’s one thing you take away.

That’s one thing you remember. If that’s something that’s feasible, we only have a couple of weeks.”

Adkins said he would make it happen if the council favored the mayor’s approach. He said bringing in part-time employees to maintain the bathrooms wouldn’t be a strain on his budget.

“If that is a concern and a direction of the council, it can be done,” he said.

“When you look at the money needed to do that, it’s a very, very trivial amount when you look at the hourly wage of the person that does that. For an eighthour shift on a Saturday and Sunday in April, it’s not a big number.”

Meehan urged Adkins and his staff to follow up on the issue.

“I’d like to look at that,” he said.

“That’s a memory you walk away with.

We’re trying to keep the Boardwalk clean and we’re doing all of these things. The Boardwalk has been very clean. You guys have been doing a great job in making sure the trashcans are empty.”

While he praised the overall condition of the Boardwalk, Meehan said the restrooms really needed some extra attention, especially on the weekends.

“I was up there a lot in the last couple of weekends and it looked great, but the restrooms are the one area where we really need to step it up a little bit,” he said. “Let’s do that the next couple of weekends, and make sure it’s part of next year’s budget. April is now the May of 15 years ago. I think it’s really important those restrooms are kept in order. We can do better there.”

Page 21

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Ocean City Mayor Reflects On Wayne Cannon’s Passing

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The resort community lost a local icon this week with the passing of the longtime voice of Ocean City Wayne Cannon, a passing recognized by Mayor Rick Meehan on Monday.

Cannon for decades was a familiar voice on radio throughout the resort area, but, essentially, he was the voice of Ocean City in so many ways. He passed away on Monday after a brief bout with illness. His wife Chris let the resort community know of his passage through social media on Monday.

“Dear friends of Wayne Cannon, I am heartbroken to tell you this, but Wayne passed away this morning, April 19, after a brief battle with pulmonary fibrosis,” the message reads. “He was diagnosed on February 23, 2021, and his decline was rapid. We, his family, greatly appreciate the prayers and support of all those who knew of his illness. Wayne was actually a very private person and didn’t want to make his illness known. We respected his wishes.”

By Monday night, Meehan shared the news and fondly remembered his friend at the close of the regular council meeting.

“We lost a good friend of Ocean City this morning,” he said. “Wayne Cannon was a terrific person in his own right, but

Wayne Cannon, pictured with his wife Chris, died April 19 after a short fight with pulmonary fibrosis.

File Photo

he was actually the radio voice of Ocean City for many years.”

Meehan recalled his early memories of the local icon decades ago.

“I’ve known Wayne probably longer than anyone in this room,” he said. “I met Wayne in the mid-1970s when we both worked at the George Washington Hotel.

At the time, Wayne was the night auditor, was a waiter and he managed the parking lot. We became good friends.”

The mayor said despite Cannon’s early days at the Boardwalk hotel, he always wanted to follow his dream of working in radio.

“He always talked about going into radio,” he said. “He did some radio when he was in the service and that’s what he wanted to do. We all kind of made fun of him with that radio voice. He was one of those individuals that was lucky to live his dream.”

Cannon’s familiar voice echoed across the airways for generations, according to Meehan.

“Back in the 70s and early 80s, the primary station down here was WETT with a small building out on Route 611,” he said. “Wayne was the morning talk show host and also the late-night DJ. I

April 23, 2021

don’t know how he did it all, but he did it with professionalism and played the role the way it should be played.”

Meehan said Cannon went on to work at other radio stations in the area including decades with WMGD. He used to host a morning cable television show the morning after Mayor and Council meetings to brief residents about what had occurred.

“He felt it was important that everyone knew what was going on,” he said. “He really did play that role and played it very well.”

In addition to his many roles on local radio, Cannon was also the master of ceremonies for the annual St. Patrick’s Parade in Ocean City, the Berlin Christmas Parade, the Penguin Swim and a local epilepsy telethon. He was Ocean City Citizen of the Year in 2004 and was past president of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean City Paramedics Foundation, among many others.

Meehan said the news of his passing this week shook the local community.

“When you saw the unfortunate news posted on Facebook today, all you had to do was read the comments to see that everyone was taken aback by what had occurred and their love for Wayne,” he said. “It was one of those times when everyone said the same thing. With heavy hearts, we all say goodbye to Wayne. He will never be forgotten.”

NRP Officer Steps Down After Fleeing Scene From Accident

April 23, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

WEST OCEAN CITY – A highranking Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) officer and Ocean City resident resigned this week after an alleged drunk-driving and hit-andrun incident in West Ocean City last weekend.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m. last Saturday, the Maryland State Police (MSP) Berlin barrack received a call reporting a hit-and-run crash that had just occurred on eastbound Route 50 at Route 707, or Old Bridge Road. According to a statement from the MSP, the caller reported a Chevrolet Tahoe was stopped at a red light when it reversed and backed into his vehicle.

According to police reports, the Chevrolet Tahoe then left the scene, with the caller following behind while on the phone with the MSP barrack.

MSP troopers responded and located the Tahoe in a parking lot near Route 113 in Berlin. The driver was identified as Ernest Leatherbury, Jr., 55, of Ocean City, who is the deputy superintendent of the NRP, essentially the agency’s second in command.

MSP troopers detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Leatherbury and an impaired driving investigation was initiated, according to police reports. After failing to complete field sobriety tests to the troopers’ satisfaction, Leatherbury was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, failure to remain at the scene of a property damage accident, negligent driving and unsafe backing.

The driver of the vehicle struck by Leatherbury did not report any injury at the scene. Leatherbury was transported to the MSP barrack for processing and was later released to a sober driver.

Leatherbury, a lieutenant colonel with the NRP, resigned this week after information about his arrest were made public. Executive command personnel at the NRP were notified of his arrest.

Leatherbury joined the NRP in 2016 and became the second highest ranking officer in the agency.

He retired from the MSP in 2012 after nearly three decades with that agency. In the interim, he served as chief of police at UMES. The NRP is charged with patrolling and enforcing laws on waterways from Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland to the Atlantic Ocean in Ocean City, including boating under the influence enforcement.

The agency also has enforcement powers on land across the state.

2021 Maryland International Kite Expo The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 23

April 23, 24 & 25 On The Boardwalk & Beach (5 Blocks Of Fun South From 6th Street)

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The Maryland International Kite Exposition will feature three fun-filled days of kite flying on the beautiful beaches of Ocean City, Maryland. Throughout the festival, there will be exhibitions and demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons and much more! The festival will showcase some of the best kite flyers from around the world. Everybody of any age, locals and visitors alike, are encouraged to bring your kites and fly on the beach.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT OPEN TO ALL. GIANT KITES WILL BE DISPLAYED BY OUR FEATURED INTERNATIONAL KITE FLYERS. For More Information, Please Call The Kite Loft At 410-289-7855 Or Go To The Web At www.kiteloft.com

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Assault, Destruction Charges Filed

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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April 23, 2021

Arrest Made After Dispute

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested on multiple charges last weekend after allegedly striking a downtown nightclub owner in the head with a metal post and cracking a glass door with a brick during a dispute about leaving with a drink.

Around 11:40 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were flagged down by security standing outside a nightclub at 17th Street. OCPD officers met with the nightclub’s owner, who advised he had just been hit in the head with a metal post. The victim told police the man who had hit him, later identified as Timothy Held, 36, of Toughkenamon, Pa., was still sitting at 17th Street.

The victim told police Held had been in the club and when he was leaving, he attempted to bring an alcoholic beverage outside and onto the sidewalk.

Bar security told Held he could not leave with an alcoholic beverage, but he continued to attempt to push by them.

When the security staffer attempted to take the drink from Held, it dropped on the sidewalk. The club owner, who was witnessing the scene, bent over to pick up the cup from the sidewalk. Held allegedly picked up a stanchion post that was outside the club and swung it like a baseball bat, striking the victim in the head, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police he

walked to the benches near the bar entrance to tend to his injuries. The officer observed a laceration and swelling on the victim’s head. The security staffer told a similar version of the events. The staffer told police after Held struck the victim with the metal post, he took off running toward 17th Street.

The staffer reportedly told police he stayed at the entrance to the club to attend to the club owner’s head injury.

The staffer told police an unidentified citizen who had observed the assault then began shouting, “He’s coming back, he’s coming back,” according to police reports.

The staffer reportedly told police he saw Held running back toward the club entrance holding what appeared to be a brick in his hand. The staffer told police Held then threw the brick at the glass door at the southwest corner of the building, cracking the glass, according to police reports. The staffer reportedly told police Held took off running again when he fell and hit his head on the sidewalk on 17th Street.

The officer observed the glass door at the nightclub was cracked and there was a brick on the ground directly in front of the cracked door, according to police reports. Held was taken into custody and charged with second-degree assault and two counts of malicious destruction of property. During a search incident to the arrest, a packet of suboxone was found in Held’s wallet and additional possession charges were added.

Fatal Hit-And-Run Suspect Sought

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

SALISBURY – Maryland State Police this week continued to search for the driver of a vehicle believed to be involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision that claimed the life of a 14-year-old Salisbury boy late Sunday night.

Around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, Maryland State Police (MSP) troopers from the Salisbury barrack responded to a home on Outten Road after parents requested assistance in finding their 14year-old son, who had gone for a walk and had not returned. Troopers were searching on foot in the area of Parker Road when they heard a sound that drew their attention to the bypass nearby, according to police reports.

Upon responding to the southbound bypass south of Center Road, troopers found the male victim lying unconscious on the shoulder of the roadway. Troopers rendered immediate emergency care and called for emergency medical services. The victim, a 14-year-old male from Salisbury, was transported to Tidal-

Health Peninsula Regional, where he was pronounced deceased.

Evidence at the scene indicated the victim had been struck by a vehicle.

MSP troopers used parts at the scene to develop information that a Cadillac Escalade was involved. The vehicle is described as a white 2016 Cadillac Escalade with a Delaware temporary tag. A description of the driver, who remains at large as of midweek, is not known.

MSP troopers conducted a search of the area for the suspect and around 3:30 a.m. on Monday located the suspect vehicle in a hotel parking lot on Merritt Mill Road. No one was around the vehicle and no one connected with the vehicle had been located as of midweek. The vehicle was stored by the MSP and will be processed for evidence pursuant to a search warrant.

The investigation was ongoing as of midweek. Anyone with information about the fatal hit-and-run incident is urged to contact the MSP Salisbury barrack at 410-749-3101. Caller may remain anonymous.

Attempted Murder Suspect Located 11 Years Later

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

BY STEVE GREEN

EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Almost 11 years after the incident, a man has been charged in an open Ocean City stabbing case.

Manuel Armando Escalante Jr., 47, of Federalsburg, Md., was arrested in Laredo, Texas near the Mexico border on March 22 on an arrest warrant dating back to July of 2010 in Ocean City. He was wanted for allegedly stabbing a man in a 54th Street restaurant parking lot and fleeing the scene.

The incident resulted in the Town of Ocean City offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. The investigation at that time stated police arrived on the scene shortly after 2 a.m. to find the victim lying in the parking lot.

The probe revealed the victim was allegedly approached and assaulted by a suspect unknown at the time. Witnesses at the scene reported the suspect stabbed the victim several times, resulting in his hospitalization. At the time, the incident was believed to be connected to an earlier disagreement inside the restaurant.

The investigation ultimately led to Escalante being named as a suspect. De-

North OC Beauty: A walk around Northside Park this week featured cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

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spite the reward and his photo being distributed widely on media outlets, no information on his whereabouts were known until last month. The case has

been cold ever since.

Escalante has now been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first degree assault, reckless endangerment

and dangerous weapon-intent to injure.

Escalante has been extradited to the Worcester County Jail where he is being held without bond awaiting trial.

Page 26

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Bridge License Plate Reader Locates Fugitive

April 23, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Starry Night:

Maryland State Police Tfc. Logan Brittingham’s vehicle provided some perspective for this Saturday morning scene near South Point.

Photo by Jim Halvorsen

The Circuit Court for Worcester County First Judicial Circuit of Maryland

ATTENTION PROSPECTIVE JURORS Jury trials in Maryland are scheduled to resume on Monday, April 26th. Thank you in advance for answering the call to serve jury duty during a most extraordinary time. Jury trials are essential to our system of justice and are one of the cornerstones of democracy. As jury trials resume, the Court must rely on civic-minded jurors for help in ensuring fairness and equal treatment under the law.

The Worcester County Circuit Court is committed to protecting jurors’ safety and security while serving. We are taking the following steps to address juror health and safety: • Changing the jury reporting location to the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company which provides ample room for social distancing and safe and secure assembly. Once the jury is selected, empaneled jurors will return to the Courthouse for trial. The courtrooms have been modified to provide barriers and appropriate distancing.

• Each person arriving at the Courthouse or remote court facility will be subject to a COVID-19 screening questionnaire and will have their temperature taken via a handheld, touchless thermometer.

• Any person entering the Courthouse or remote court facility must wear a face covering at all times, so bring a mask with you to wear during your service.

• Hand sanitizer will be readily available and latex gloves may be worn but are not required.

• Increased cleaning and sanitization will occur in the courtrooms and throughout the Courthouse.

• Jury deliberations will occur in a courtroom, and not in a separate deliberation room to allow for appropriate distancing.

• Removal of shared snacks and beverages. Bottled water will be available, and jurors will be permitted to bring their own water bottles. You may also want to bring your own pen or pencil.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your jury service, you may contact the Jury Office Monday thru Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at 410-632-5660. You may also visit the Jury Office website at www.mdcourts.gov/circuit/worcester/juryinfo.html.

We want the juror experience to be meaningful, and we want to assure you that we are taking all necessary steps for your health and safety. Thank you for your cooperation and willingness to serve. REMEMBER TO REPORT TO THE SNOW HILL VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, 4718 Snow Hill Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863, not the Courthouse.

The Honorable Brian D. Shockley Administrative Judge for the Worcester County Circuit Court

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Police last week arrested a Berlin man wanted in connection with an assault involving a handgun after his vehicle pinged on a license plate reader on Route 90.

Last Wednesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers received a license plate reader (LRP) alert regarding a Jeep Compass entering Route 90 into Ocean City. The alert notified officers the Jeep was associated with a person who had an outstanding warrant for their arrest for a first-degree assault involving a handgun in Berlin on April 10.

OCPD officers were able to locate the vehicle unoccupied at a north-end hotel.

OCPD investigators with the Patrol, Special Enforcement Unit and Narcotics Unit, were able to take the suspect, identified as Carlos Smullen, 49, of Berlin, into custody without incident.

“I would like to commend our officers for their due diligence and coordinated efforts among divisions to safely bring Smullen into custody,” said OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro. “The is another incident where the LPR system has proven to be a valuable tool to help keep Ocean City safe.”

Smullen was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held without bail. He was transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

Following a bail review hearing last Thursday, Smullen was released on recognizance.

Pines Police Probe Shots Fired Incident

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Authorities in Ocean Pines are investigating and searching for a suspect who reportedly discharged about 10 rounds from a firearm on Sunday night.

Ocean Pines Police Chief Leo Ehrisman said this week the suspect, a driver of an SUV, discharged about 10 rounds between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Sunday night in the area of Footbridge Trail and Nottingham Lane. Ehrisman said investigators are not aware of any specific targets and no injuries or property damage was reported. Ehrisman said the investigation with the assistance of the Ocean City Police Crime Lab and video surveillance of the area has determined the suspect fired approximately 10 shots in the air from a moving vehicle.

“It didn’t appear that there was any target. There was no sign of bullet holes or damage, and no one was injured,” Ehrisman said.

The case remains open. Anyone with information is urged to contact police at 410-641-7747.

Worcester County School System Announces Administrative Changes

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

NEWARK – A variety of administrative changes highlighted this week’s meeting of the Worcester County Board of Education.

On Tuesday, school system officials shared administrative changes for the coming school year. Superintendent Lou Taylor praised those taking on new roles.

“They’re going in at really difficult times,” he said. “I’m confident these folks will do outstanding work.”

Two appointments announced Tuesday will fill vacancies created from 2019-2020 retirees that have been since been occupied by interim personnel. Michael Browne, principal of Pocomoke Elementary School, has been appointed as the school system’s coordinator of equity and multicultural education, a role held by Shirleen Church until she retired. Filling the role of grant writer, previously occupied by Sandy Pacella, is Carla Makinen. A graduate of WCPS, Makinen is a certified Grants Management Specialist with more than a decade of experience from Wor-Wic Community College, where she currently serves as the college’s director of grants.

Succeeding Browne at Pocomoke Elementary School is Joshua Hamborsky, currently assistant principal at Snow Hill High School. Hamborsky said he was both humbled and excited to serve the Pocomoke community.

“I’ve been preparing for principalship for seven years as an assistant principal and eight years as an elementary teacher,” he said. “I’m committed to giving all students the learning experiences they deserve. Pocomoke Elementary has both amazing students and staff that I can’t wait to get to know! We are going to do great things together.”

Pocomoke Middle School Principal Matthew Record will move to Snow

Hill Elementary School as the school’s current leader, Karen Marx, transitions to an assistant principal role at Showell Elementary School. Melissa Freistat, currently assistant principal at Pocomoke Middle, will take over the role currently held by Record.

“Mrs. Freistat’s going to do a fantastic job,” said Record, who in the past taught second and third grade at Snow Hill Elementary. “I’m also looking forward to returning to the Snow Hill community and working with them to make the school even better. It’s exciting to help a school reach its potential.”

Record said he was sad to leave Pocomoke, where he spent time as assistant principal at Pocomoke High School before becoming principal at Pocomoke Middle School, but that he was excited for a new opportunity to help students succeed.

“Every community is a reflection of its school,” Record said. “The stronger the schools the stronger the community.”

Other changes include the transfer of Berlin Intermediate School Assistant Principal Jennifer Garton to Stephen Decatur High School; the transfer of Worcester Technical High School Assistant Principal Brian Phillips to Snow Hill High School; the appointment of Stephen Decatur High School teacher Joseph Stigler to assistant principal at Pocomoke Middle School; and the appointment of Kristy Clark, current math instructional coach, to assistant principal at Berlin Intermediate.

Stigler said he was eager step into an administrative role.

“I am looking forward to meeting all of the teachers, students, and families at Pocomoke Middle School and working together to provide a great learning experience for all of our students,” he said. “I am really excited to learn from Mrs. Freistat and all of the great administrators and teachers that we have in Worcester County.”

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limitations approved For Berlin B&B’s special events

Page 28

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A Berlin bed and breakfast will be able to host outdoor special events following approval from the board of appeals last week.

The Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-1 last week to approve a special exception that will allow The Inn Berlin to hold tented outdoor events. Though some residents of the area spoke against the proposal, proprietor Maya Tomasello said the plans had already been adjusted in response to community concerns.

“I do think that between now and the hearing two months ago, we’ve reduced our numbers, we’ve come up with conditions for approval,” she said. “We want to be good neighbors, good townspeople.

That’s why we’re laying it out that way.”

Pino and Karen Tomasello, former owners of Fresco’s and Sello’s restaurants, told the board in February they’d purchased the bed and breakfast property last fall. They said their son and daughter-in-law, Maya, would be living at the property and running the inn. They asked the board for permission to hold tented events for up to 100 people outside and to increase indoor capacity for dinner guests to 75.

The board at that time tabled a decision in an effort to get more information on the proposal. The Tomasellos returned to the board this month with a lawyer and

The Inn Berlin, a five-room bed and breakfast, is pictured off Harrison Avenue.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

a scaled-down proposal to hold outdoor events for up to 60 people. Attorney Hugh Cropper assured the board that if the inn was hosting a tented event, it wouldn’t also be serving guests inside. He added that the property, which has 21 on-site parking spaces, had permission from Worcester County to use up to 40 spaces in the adjacent library parking lot.

“We’re proposing to have outdoor, intimate private events that would include a wedding or a family celebration centered around a birthday or anniversary,” Maya Tomasello said. “We’re also interested in having holiday celebrations but primarily we’d like to have weddings.”

She said improvements had been made to the exterior of the facility, includ-

HAPPINESS

ing the addition of a brick patio and more landscaping, since the property had been purchased.

“We do hope to hold these events and enrich the community,” she said. “We want to bring people to the town to develop the economy and continue to see its growth.”

Board member Woody Bunting asked how many events Tomasello wanted to hold each year.

“It really depends on the interest we receive,” she said. “I have not received any interest yet.”

When Bunting asked if Tomasello had talked about her plans with the inn’s closest residential neighbor, she said she had not. In response to questions regarding

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intentions to use the inn as a restaurant, Tomasello said she just wanted whatever was permitted under the property’s special exception from 2012. That exception allowed the property to have up to 30 dinner guests.

“Whatever we’re allowed to do we want to be able to do…,” she said. “As of now I’m not planning to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to the general public but because of the special exception the property has we’d like to continue to be able to do that and reevaluate our availability and our offerings at a later date.”

Members of the public, who weren’t allowed to attend Wednesday’s meeting but were able to weigh in via Facebook, shared questions and concerns about the proposal.

“As a resident of Brittany Lane, the street behind library, I am strongly against the B&B being used as a wedding venue due to the noise factor of people drinking and outside music in a quiet residential neighborhood,” Lori Park said.

Joe Hill, who lives next door to the inn, said he knew the board members and the property owner had walked the site.

“I have to say not including me the adjacent property owner is ethically questionable,” Hill said.

Though Bunting, who has served on the board for many years, disputed the intention of the property’s 2012 special exception, attorney Hugh Cropper said that wasn’t the issue up for debate. Joe Moore, chairman of the board, agreed, as the property had been purchased with the special exception in place.

Bunting said he nevertheless had concerns about the potential for a restaurant in a residential area. According to the inn’s website, coming in 2022 is Hive, the inn’s “signature eatery,” which will be open to the public by reservation.

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, spoke up in support of the inn’s request. She said a survey had indicated that people wanted a wedding venue in town.

“I’m looking forward to everything they have to offer the town here…,” she said.

“The economic impact of this, people come to town and stay for an event. It definitely has an effect on the vitality of the town.”

Cropper said he viewed the inn and its potential outdoor events as a quasi-commercial use that would be a good transition from the nearby fire company and library to residential area on the other side of the inn. He added that the Tomasellos were willing to limit the number of special events held annually to 20.

“They’re going to be good neighbors,” he said. “They live there.”

Board member John Apple suggested limiting the events a little more, perhaps to one per week, would address neighborhood concerns. When Tomasello pointed out that a client might want to host a rehearsal dinner, a wedding and a brunch all in the same weekend, Moore suggested a limit of no more than one unrelated event per week. Tomasello agreed and the board voted 3-1, with Bunting opposed, to approve the inn’s request with the condition that no more than 20 events be held each year, with no more than one unrelated event per week.

Full-Timer Added To OC Planning

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials last week approved a new full-time staff member for the Planning and Community Development Department during a budget wrap-up session.

After the draft fiscal year 2022 budget was presented two weeks ago, each individual department came before the Mayor and Council to outline their individual budgets and special requests and needs. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville was among the first to make his presentation, and while he didn’t specifically request a new position, it came to light his department was getting by with a short staff compared to its many responsibilities.

During the budget presentations, the Mayor and Council considered adding another full-time employee to the department and deferred it to the budget wrap-up session when loose ends are tied up. Neville made his pitch, outlining the many responsibilities of his department, including, but not limited to development reviews, building permits, building inspections, housing inspections, housing code enforcement and even Boardwalk code enforcement.

The department also acts as a liaison for the planning commission, the

Page 29

board of zoning appeals and other town agencies. With a recent growth spurt in the town, Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out Neville’s department needs at least one more staffer to handle the myriad of duties.

The department has five staff members in the planning and zoning section, including one part-time seasonal Boardwalk code inspector. There are seven staff members in the building and inspection section, including one part-time seasonal housing inspector, along with two staffers in the plumbing permit and inspection section.

The department has become adept at managing the caseload with cross-training and double duty for some staffers. However, during a budget wrap-up session last Thursday, the council voted to approve the additional full-time staffer for the department.

Councilman Mark Paddack pointed out the additional staffer could help address other issues related to the department.

“This issue has been brewing with our contractors and other service providers, and this new position will pay for itself,” he said. “There is so much work going on and there are non-licensed and non-bonded contractors working in town. They come in as scabs, doing work and leaving our citizens afloat when the work isn’t done properly.”

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Pines Planning To Propose Short-Term Rental Amendments

Page 30

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – As association officials continue to work on short-term rental regulations, an attorney for one Ocean Pines property owner says his client is hoping their concerns will be addressed without litigation.

In late March, attorney Steve Rakow penned a cease and desist letter to the association’s legal counsel on behalf of his client – a property owner who operates a short-term rental in Ocean Pines.

The missive, addressed to Ocean Pines Association (OPA) attorneys Joe Moore and Jeremy Tucker, called on the board to halt its attempt to impose short-term rental regulations.

“I represent a homeowner in Section 10 of the Ocean Pines Association,” the letter reads. “While my client would like to remain anonymous for the time being, my client is prepared to pursue a declaratory judgment action and seek injunctive relief should OPA impose any restrictions on short-term rentals affecting my client.”

Now, as the association revisits its proposed regulations, Rakow says he and his client are hoping the ongoing issue will reach a resolution.

"My client will wait to see what transpires and hopefully this will be resolved without litigation because it would be (1) illegal to take the action OPA was proposing and (2) it appears that OPA wants to work with the landlords who conduct short-term rentals," he said in a statement late last week.

Following an outpouring of comments last month, OPA Board Director Frank

Planned Legal Action On Hold For Now

Daly withdrew his motion to approve proposed short-term rental regulations. Instead, the board agreed to host a town hall meeting on April 17.

Late last week, however, President Larry Perrone announced the board’s decision to cancel the town hall in light of recent conversations with community stakeholders.

“Frank Daly is withdrawing his motions after consultation with all the stakeholders,” a statement reads. “Frank will continue to work on the guidelines and will propose amending our documents, section by section. We believe this approach will give the entire community the power to make the decision on this crucial issue.”

In an interview this week, Daly – a member of the work group tasked with developing short-term rental guidelines – said the threat of potential litigation had “minimal influence” on the board’s decision to revisit the proposed regulations.

“It is true that a resident hired an attorney, and it is true that their attorney contacted our attorney, and it is true that we could have resolved these issues,” he said. “It wasn’t a big deal to us. This certainly could have been resolved in a matter of 15 minutes.”

Daly said OPA attorneys are now working to draft amendments to the association’s Declaration of Restrictions that achieve the work group’s objectives and address the community’s concerns.

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tions that were no more restrictive than what Worcester County has on the books …,” Daly said. “The only exception we wanted to address, above and beyond that, was trash and parking. We did that. The second part was to provide a fast and effective method to enforce regulations.”

Daly explained the proposed amendments would be presented to the board and general manager and introduced at an upcoming board meeting in separate motions.

“Whether you are for or against it you will have an opportunity to comment,” he added.

Last year, an Ocean Pines work group began meeting with community stakeholders to draft proposed changes to the association’s architectural guidelines on short-term rental properties. According to association officials, there are roughly 180 short-term rentals in Ocean Pines. They noted, however, ongoing issues at three or four properties prompted the association to tighten controls on the short-term rentals.

As initially proposed, the rental regulations would require single-family residences rented for 28 days or less to have both a Worcester County rental permit and Ocean Pines rental permit and sticker. It also sets requirements for annual inspections, maximum occupancy, safety improvements, and offstreet parking, among other things.

Rental permits will be withdrawn for a

April 23, 2021

period of one year if residences do not comply.

Since the proposed regulations were introduced late last month, however, one Ocean Pines homeowner has hired Rakow to fight the association’s proposed restrictions. In a letter to The Dispatch, the anonymous homeowner said the prohibition of bed and breakfast operations, additional permitting fees and annual property inspections were overreaching and added costs that could shut down some short-term rentals.

“I hope that the OPA Board knows that hundreds (if not more) of us are watching this closely and this is a very important matter,” the letter reads. “It would be beneficial if they take the time to look at this from all sides and mitigate any long-term consequences they aren’t thinking about.”

In an interview this month, Rakow said his client operates a rental in Ocean Pines and is licensed through Worcester County. He argued the county’s permitting process already provided enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.

“There are other mechanisms, between simple and incredible penalties, to get people to comply that are effective,” he said, “and I think those need to be given a chance to work.”

Rakow also argued the short-term rental regulations should not be enacted through the association’s Architectural Review Committee guidelines, but through an amendment of the declarations.

“There are no restrictions on rentals within the Declarations,” he wrote to the association’s attorneys. “What OPA proposes to do through ARC Guidelines for short-term rentals exceeds OPA’s authority. Use restrictions and rules passed by a homeowners association board of directors, unlike express restrictions found in the plain language of the Declarations, must be reasonable and are not give a presumption of validity. The proposed rules by OPA are wholly unreasonable – especially when viewed in the light of the county code requirements and restrictions already in place. As such, it would be bad faith on the part of the OPA Board to impose rental restrictions not found in the Declarations.”

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Cops & Courts

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Drawers Dropped On Boards

OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested last weekend after allegedly dropping his drawers and threatening to fight a group of young males on the Boardwalk.

Around 11:20 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to the area of 1st Street and the Boardwalk for a report of a shirtless male who was trying to fight people on the Boardwalk. As the officer arrived on scene, he reportedly observed a group of about 30 people in the area of 1st Street. The officer observed the suspect, later identified as Blake Stough, 24, of Dover, Pa., shirtless and wearing only boxer-style underwear.

As the officer approached the scene, he reportedly could hear Stough yelling. As the officer got closer, he reportedly observed Stough pull down his boxers and expose himself to everyone in the immediate area. Moments later, he reportedly pulled his underwear back up.

The officer observed Stough yelling at a group of adolescent males who were stopped on the Boardwalk. The officer reportedly heard Stough threaten to fight the younger males as he continued to yell and curse at them.

The officer reportedly observed Stough remove his boots because the jeans he had removed were stuck on them.

When Stough reached the officer’s location, he reportedly put his arms out to the side and said, “I don’t give a [expletive deleted]” and told the officers the young males were “running their mouths” to him. The officer ordered Stough to get on the ground and informed him he was under arrest. Because Stough was a large-statured individual around 6 feet tall and roughly 300 pounds, the officer drew and armed a conducted electrical weapon, or Taser, and ordered Stough to the ground.

Stough did not comply and walked closer to the officer, getting within six inches of the officer. When he continued to not comply with the officer’s demands, the officer utilized a palm strike to the center of his chest, causing him to stumble backward and nearly fall.

With the assistance of other officers now on scene, Stough was handcuffed using three sets of handcuffs because of his large size, according to police reports. He was charged with disorderly conduct.

April 23, 2021

Motor Vehicle Theft

OCEAN CITY – A Waldorf, Md., man was arrested last weekend after allegedly assaulting his wife during a domestic dispute and then unlawfully taking her vehicle.

Around 5:40 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling downtown was dispatched to a hotel at 11th Street for a reported domestic dispute. Communications advised guests staying in a third-floor room reported hearing a domestic dispute or assault occurring in an adjacent room.

Upon arrival, OCPD officers observed a female standing outside the hotel in an alley between 11th and 12th Streets. According to police reports, the female was crying and standing with packed luggage. The female reportedly told police she had been in an argument with her husband, identified as Delante Praylow, 25, of Waldorf, Md., because she had learned he had been cheating on him. As a result, she and Praylow had gotten into a physical altercation that ended with him taking her vehicle and leaving her at the hotel.

The victim told police the vehicle was registered in her name only and that Praylow only occasionally drove it.

She reportedly told police she had provided Praylow with a key for use in emergencies only. It was the only vehicle the couple traveled to Ocean City in.

The victim reportedly told police the argument became physical when Praylow walked past her and elbowed her.

After some shoving between the couple, Praylow reportedly grabbed the victim by the arms and pushed her onto a bed. According to police reports, Praylow picked up the victim’s purse and suitcase and threw them across the room, before punching a hotel wall, grabbing his belongings and leaving.

The victim then packed up her belongings and walked out to the parking garage where her vehicle was parked.

Praylow had already started driving the victim’s car, leaving the spot and driving toward the exit. Praylow did not pick up the victim and continued on so that she had to move out of the way to avoid being struck.

While speaking with police, the victim was able to reach Praylow on the phone. He reportedly told her he would return the vehicle, but that he was 30 minutes away. OCPD officers located Praylow and the vehicle on 11th Street.

SEE NEXT PAGE

. . Cops & Courts

April 23, 2021

According to police reports, the victim had red marks on her left forearm and her right bicep. By now, OCPD officers were detaining Praylow and were attempting to take him into custody when he began screaming “No, don’t cuff me,” according to police reports.

He reportedly attempted to twist his body and pull away to avoid being handcuffed, and an OCPD officer had to perform a takedown maneuver to finally get him to stop resisting.

Praylow reportedly told police the victim had shoved him during the argument and had hit him in the face. When asked where he had been struck, Praylow first said the left side of his face, then changed and said the right. He did have an abrasion on his right cheek, which was consistent with making contact with the pavement during the takedown maneuver. Based on the evidence and testimony, Praylow was charged with second-degree assault, motor vehicle theft and resisting arrest.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

disorderly conduct and obstructing and hindering.

Jail Time For Cop Assault OCEAN CITY – A Delaware man, arrested on multiple charges last June after first skipping out on a bar tab and then scrapping with numerous police officers attempting to arrest and detain him, pleaded guilty this week and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Around 10:30 p.m. last June 26, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were patrolling in the area of 28th Street when they were waved over by an employee of a nearby bar and restaurant. The employee advised police a suspect, later identified as Harry Marker III, 32, of Wilmington, Del., sitting at a picnic table nearby had been a patron at his establishment and had walked out on a $36 bar tab.

The bar employee told police he followed Marker to the area of a nearby sub shop and waited for the police to arrive. The employee told police

Marker allegedly argued about the bill and eventually, the credit card he gave the employee had been declined. The employee was still in possession of Marker’s credit card when police arrived.

OCPD officers approached Marker and observed abrasions on his right hand and right knee. When the officers asked Marker if he needed medical attention to which he replied with an expletive. According to police reports, Marker was highly intoxicated and asked the officers if their body cameras were on. When the officers replied no, Marker reportedly told them “Get a [expletive deleted] body camera on and come back to me.” By now, other OCPD officers arrived on the scene because the incident was getting tense and rapidly evolving, according to police reports.

The initial officer attempted to get Marker back into a seated position, but the suspect swatted the officer’s arm away. The officer then drew his Taser

and activated it, pointing it at Marker’s midsection and telling him at that point he was under arrest. Marker allegedly continued to scuffle with other OCPD officers and launched into an expletivelaced tirade as a crowd of onlookers gathered.

Marker was repeatedly banging his head back and forth while in handcuffs and seated on a bench. Five OCPD officers carried a still-resisting Marker to the transport van and he was ultimately placed in a violent person restraint device. During the attempt to get Marker in the transport van, multiple OCPD officers were either kicked or headbutted by the suspect, according to police reports.

At the Public Safety Building, Marker continued his alleged assault on police and correctional officers attempting to get him into a cell, slapping one officer and pushing another. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to theft under $100 and one count of second-degree assault and was sentenced to 18 months in jail.

A LEGEND IN MARINE CONSTRUCTION

Hotel Disturbance Arrest OCEAN CITY – A New Jersey man was arrested last weekend after causing a disturbance at a midtown hotel and later scrapping with police officers.

Around 11:30 p.m. last Friday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was dispatched to a hotel at 43rd Street for a reported suspicious person. One of the hotel guests had reportedly complained the suspect, identified as Justin Kizee, 40, of Glassboro, N.J., had been attempting to take pictures of him.

The officer made contact with Kizee, who was extremely confrontational, according to police reports. He reportedly changed moods from being aggressive to acting completely compliant. It took requests from multiple officers before he provided his New Jersey driver’s license.

Kizee had to be told multiple times to leave the property, according to police reports. He reportedly launched an expletive-laced tirade at the officers, who remained in the area after Kizee left because of his behavior.

A short time later, Kizee reportedly approached an OCPD officer’s patrol car in the area of 48th Street. Kizee was visibly irate while speaking with the officer, who advised him to back away from the patrol vehicle multiple times. Another officer interceded and told Kizee to back away, but Kizee aggressively stepped toward the officer with a closed fist and later threatened the officer, according to police reports.

Kizee then started walking westbound in the crosswalk at 48th Street against a red signal. Traffic on Coastal Highway had green lights in both directions and motorists could not travel freely because of Kizee’s actions.

When Kizee ran across the southbound lanes, he was nearly struck by a vehicle, according to police reports.

He was ultimately arrested and charged with second-degree assault,

Page 33

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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SNOW HILL – Concerns initially shared with a town zoning board spilled over into another administrative hearing this week as the Inn Berlin sought a license to serve beer and wine.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners on Wednesday approved the license request from the Inn Berlin but not before neighbors objected to the bed and breakfast’s plan to host outdoor special events and its ability to operate as a restaurant.

“Why do we need to shoehorn a fullservice restaurant in a residential district?” neighboring property owner Joe Hill said.

After getting approval from the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals last week to host outdoor special events, the connections of the Inn Berlin approached the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners Wednesday seeking a beer and wine license. Proprietors Maya and Marco Tomasello asked for the ability to serve alcohol the property had when it was the Waystead Inn as well as the option to have beer and wine at its outdoor special events. Under the approval the Tomasellos received from the zoning board, they can host up to 20 events a year for up to 60 people, with no more than one unrelated event a week.

Hill, who was there with a handful of

April 23, 2021

neighbors to protest the request, said he was worried about potential noise as well as the impact of what could be a full-service restaurant on the houses nearby. He said despite the nearby library, it was a residential zone.

“People have gotten the impression there’s been a change in the neighborhood because the library is there,” he said, adding that a library was permitted in an R-2 zone.

Hill also referenced a letter from Berlin Realtor Cam Bunting indicating the changes proposed at the inn could have a negative impact on his home’s value.

“I’m pleading with you guys,” he said.

“It can’t happen.”

William Esham, chairman of the board, pointed out that when the bed and breakfast was the Waystead Inn it had been permitted to host dinner parties for up to 30 guests. Hill acknowledged that but said the Waystead Inn had proposed a once-a-month dinner club and had never operated as a fullservice restaurant.

“I’ve been there every day,” he said.

“It hasn’t happened.”

Amy Field, a Brittany Lane resident, said she was also concerned about the impact special events with up to 60 people would have on her home. She said she worried about property value as well as her ability to enjoy her backyard.

“Sound does carry very easily through that area,” she said.

Andrew Park, another Brittany Lane resident, echoed her concerns and shared a video clip taken on Brittany Lane Saturday evening, when nothing but birds chirping could be heard from his yard. He said tented events would drastically change that.

Esham said that the town had already given the Inn Berlin permission to hold special events when the board of appeals approved its conditional use request last week. Because of that, he said there was nothing to preclude the inn from hosting events and allowing guests to bring their own drinks if the inn wasn’t licensed to serve them.

“We can’t stop the outside events,” he said.

Hill nevertheless entreated the board to consider other property owners. Hill, who pointed out he’d lived in his home 35 years, said it seemed as if everyone was working to accommodate the Tomasello family.

“I pay my taxes on time and I expect to be respected and have my property values defended by boards such as this,” he said. “If that’s not why we’re here I don’t know why I showed up.”

Attorney Hugh Cropper, representing the Inn Berlin, said that if the bed and breakfast was licensed to sell beer and wine, there’d be more control than if event attendees were allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages because it would be a licensed premise and the Tomasellos would be responsible for compliance.

The board voted 3-0 to allow the inn to serve beer and wine inside as well as permission to serve outside at special events by request.

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Wayne Herbert Cannon BERLIN – Wayne Herbert Cannon, age 72, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Salisbury he was the son of the late Herbert Carl Cannon and Georgia Lee Cannon. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christie Cannon, and children, Amanda R Paige and her husband John Kernan of Baltimore, and Jeffrey R. Cannon of North Beach, and two grandchildren, Jameson R. Cannon, and Aubrey N. Dillon. Also surviving is his brother, R. Alan Cannon of WAYNE HERBERT Delmar, and sister, SuCANNON sanne C. Tewey and her husband Frank of Annapolis, in-laws Eric and Pamela Lego of Hagerstown, and numerous nephews and one niece.

Mr. Cannon received an associate’s degree from the Career Academy of Broadcasting in Washington DC. He then served as a medic in the Army, stationed in Germany. Upon returning to the states he moved to Ocean City where he began his career as a broadcaster in a small local radio station, which in time led him to become the “voice” of Ocean City. Known locally as the “Mayor” of West Ocean City, he was the Master of Ceremonies for the Berlin Christmas Pa-

Obituaries

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

rade, O.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade, O.C. Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the Princess Royale Penguin Swim, local Epilepsy Telethon, and numerous other local events.

He was Ocean City Citizen of the Year in 2004, Past President of the Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the O.C. Paramedics Foundation, a member of the O.C. Lions Club, where he mentored the O.C. Leo Club based at Stephen Decatur High School, and member and past Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City. It will be hard to fill the shoes of this man who willingly donated so much of his time and energy to the town and surrounding areas that he loved. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

A celebration of life will be announced in the near future.

Joseph N. Dyer BERLIN – On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, Joe Dyer of Berlin (1943-2021) left this world peacefully in his home surrounded by his family following a brave battle with glioblastoma.

Together Joe and his beloved wife,

Pat, of 61 years had three children – sons Joseph James Dyer (Teresa) and Michael Dean Dyer, Sr. (Ellen) and daughter Tami Marie Dyer (D).

He leaves behind to cherish his memory 10 grandchildren, Michael, Daniel, John, Steven, Becca, Brad, Lindsay, Alex, Danny and Megan; 17 great grandchildren; his sister, Carol Geriak; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James R. Dyer, JOSEPH N. DYER and sister, Bernice M. Cole. He also leaves behind his faithful dog, Smokey, who never left his side.

Joe was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will always be remembered for his faith in God, his love of family, his laughter, love of golf which he shared with his wife, sons and grandsons, and his ability to build or fix anything. He enjoyed making golf clubs for his friends and family.

Joe was a retired self-employed home builder in Charles County prior

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April 23, 2021 to his retirement to the Eastern Shore.

He was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea-Holy Savior parish where he served for many years as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and in the ministry to the sick at Berlin Nursing and Rehab Center. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 9053 in O.C. He previously served as a volunteer with Coastal Hospice for over 15 years and was awarded the Coastal Hospice “Heart of Hospice” award in 2006.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 23 at 11 a.m. at Holy Savior Catholic Church at 1705 Philadelphia Ave. in Ocean City. Due to current restrictions, there will be no visitation in the church prior to Mass and masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to United Needs and Abilities, 688 E. Main Street, Salisbury, Md. 21804 or Coastal Hospice, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802.

Arrangements are in the care of Eastern Shore Cremation and Funeral Service, 504 Franklin Avenue, Berlin, Md. 21811. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.easternshorecremation.com.

Darin Wooten BERLIN – Darin Wooten of Berlin passed away on April 15, 2021.

He was born March 16, 1968 to William C. Wooten and Jane Harrison Wooten. He went on to marry Valerie Wooten and worked as a feneral manager for the Comfort Inn Hotel where he was loved by many. He enjoyed playing golf, living by the shore and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Darin is survived by wife, Valerie Wooten; son Michael H. Wooten; daughter Molly A. Wooten; brothers Dean and wife Brenda WooDARIN ten and Donnie Wooten; WOOTEN sister Tammy L. Balster, mother of Michael and Molly and Annemarie Wolfsheimer; and step-mother Bonnie E Wooten.

Service is private for the family at this time. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com

Installation Held:

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development Director Melanie Pursel installed the 2021-2022 Officers and Board of Directors of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) at their dinner held on April 15. Close to 200 members gathered at the Ocean City Convention Center for this annual ceremony where Danelle Amos of the Beach Walk Hotel was installed as the incoming president.

Spiro Buas of OC Rooms became 1st vice president and Ryan Wilde of BEST Motels was installed to serve as the 2nd vice president. Shawn Harman of Fishtales/Bahia Marina continues in his role as secretary/treasurer.

The three-year Board of Directors installed included Dave Robinson of Boardwalk Hotel Group, Austin Purnell of Purnell Properties and Garvey Heiderman of The Hobbit. Two-year directors included Spencer Byrd of Bluewater Hospitality, Mike Gershenfeld of The Taustin Group and Dan Jasinski of Real Hospitality Group. Serving as one-year directors are Jackie Ball of the Park Place Hotel, Justin Acita of Pickles Pub & Sello’s and Carl Bozick of Macky’s Bar & Grill. Board members are pictured above right. The new board will have its first meeting on May 13.

In existence since 1971, the OCHMRA is a private, non-profit organization, which exists to connect the industry interests through advocacy, education, and partnerships with the goal of advancing Ocean City as a leading tourism destination. OCHMRA assists in solving common issues relative to the industry and acts as a clearinghouse for dissemination of information.

Outgoing President Rebecca Taylor of the Angler was presented with a plaque in appreciation of her hard work and dedication as OCHMRA president.

The evening’s festivities also featured the Bank of Ocean City Tres Lynch Scholarship being presented to Wor-Wic culinary student John Churchfield, below, by Earl Conley of the Bank of Ocean City.

Submitted Photos

ole 7 H rse 2 ly ou On olf C s ’ OC ini G M

23rd Street ~ Temple Of Dragons

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Page 39

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Restaurant’s Outdoor Deck Approved Walk-Up Carryout Operation OK’d

April 23, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – A north Ocean City restaurant will be able to expand its operations despite concerns from neighbors.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) approved plans from Beach Barrels in north Ocean City for a permanent deck where its temporary outdoor seating — allowed because of COVID-19 — has been located.

Because of concerns from neighbors, the board mandated a 10 p.m. closure for the outdoor seating area.

“I’m trying to give this gentleman a chance to crawl before he walks,” said William Esham, BLC chair.

Attorney Mark Cropper told the board Beach Barrels was seeking approval to install a garage door leading to a permanent deck to be located where its temporary outdoor seating was. The 962-foot garden deck was approved by the Ocean City Planning Commission Tuesday.

Beach Barrels’ Ray McGrath said the restaurant had a more mature crowd and had seen fewer customers coming in because they were concerned about COVID-19.

“Some customers I haven’t seen for a year because they’re afraid to leave the house,” he said. “COVID-19 has changed the way businesses operate. This deck is making it safer.”

One of the restaurant’s bartenders

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

said customers that had come in and used the temporary outdoor seating because it made them feel safer.

“People love it,” she said.

A resident of nearby Sundowner Mobile Park said most people in his community looked forward to a permanent deck being installed.

“We look at this as an improvement of what’s already been in existence the past year,” he said.

Howard Pollack, however, said that he and several other residents of Braemar Towers were worried about the potential for noise with the addition of a permanent deck.

“They’re going to be drinking until closing,” he said. “That is the concern— that noise that’s going to continue after dark.”

He said that while McGrath painted Beach Barrels as a family bar its website referred to it as “North Ocean City’s premier location for live music and specialty drinks.”

“We run the risk of it becoming a mini Seacrets,” Pollack said. “We don’t want that.”

Randy Witter, a member of the board at the nearby Angelfish, said that owners there had been worried about the Beach Barrels proposal but he believed their issues had been resolved when McGrath explained he’d close the garage door during live music. Witter said it was likely the deck would be loud with patrons drinking.

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Capitalizing on a recent trend, a popular midtown restaurant and nightclub this week got approval for a walk-up carryout facility.

The Ocean City Planning Commission on Tuesday reviewed a site plan from Seacrets to install a repurposed shipping container on its property to be utilized as a walk-up bar for carryout beverages. Throughout the COVID pandemic, many resort businesses pivoted to include more walk-up carryout business with creative adaptations to their facilities.

The storage container, named the Mainway Food and Beverage Container, will be installed on the north side of the existing Morley Hall nightclub as part of the vast Seacrets rest“You really can’t control that,” he said.

Esham pointed out that the addition of the deck itself had been approved by Ocean City’s zoning authorities. He said the most the BLC could do was prohibit the service of alcoholic beverages on the deck.

Thomas Coates, the board’s attorney, referenced nine letters submitted in support of Beach Barrels and 111 letters in opposition to the proposal.

“The opposition letters did reference

Page 40

aurant and nightclub complex that also includes a distillery.

Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy told the commission the addition did not represent a major departure from the existing establishment and there were no code issues with adding the storage container to the property.

“This is a very minor site plan request,” she said. “Seacrets has ample parking and there are no other issues.

It’s basically a walk-up bar adjacent to the existing nightclub.”

Project architect Keith Iott explained the intent of the new structure.

“It’s intended for takeout service with all of the restrictions and limitations in place observed,” he said.

“Seacrets has done a tremendous amount of carryout drinks and food.

There will be no food preparation at the storage container. It will mainly be a bar.” noise coming from the premises in the past few years,” he said.

Esham said the board, however, had no complaints on file for the location. He added most of the letters had been written in February and those who sent them might not be aware of the specifics of McGrath’s current proposal. He added, however, the restaurant had to coexist with its neighbors and suggested the deck be closed at 10 p.m. His peers agreed and voted 3-0 to approve the deck plans.

Open 10am Thursday-Sunday • Inside & Outside Dining Available

Some Recreation Fees Heading Up

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Fees for certain recreation programs in Wicomico County will increase as costs related to minimum wage and COVID-19 regulations grow.

The Wicomico County Council this week voted 4-2, with Council President Larry Dodd and Councilman Joe Holloway opposed, to increase certain recreation fees starting this fiscal year.

“I’m not going to support this,” Holloway said. “This should have been done during the budget process, and this is not the time to raise fees on the citizens of Wicomico County. There has been COVID funds coming in, and I think they could be used for this.”

Earlier this month, officials with Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism came before the council seeking fee increases to certain recreation programs beginning in fiscal year 2021.

Deputy Director Katie Rouse said an increase in minimum wage, as well as COVID-19 regulations on childcare services, had increased costs associated with operating programs.

“As most of you are aware, minimum wage was increased at the beginning of this year to $11.75 an hour. This minimum wage increase is one of the two major factors that we considered when deciding what to set our fee rates at for the upcoming fiscal year,” she said at

the time. “In addition to the minimum wage, we have COVID regulations that are put on to us for our childcare programs. We have to meet these regulations to operate the sites, and it affects both the number of people we can accommodate at each site and the required staff members at each site.”

The proposed fee schedule recommended by department staff includes a $5 increase for youth karate and junior golf, a $10-$13 increase for the afterschool Kids Klub, and new fees ranging from $15 to $20 for before- and aftercare at the Kids Klub program. Because registration is now open for summer camps, officials said fees would need to be adjusted in the current fiscal year.

Council members earlier this month questioned if the recreation and parks department had received CARES Act funding to cover program costs associated with the pandemic. While the department had received funds for its learning center, Rouse noted, it did not receive money for any other operations.

“When we ran the learning center at the Civic Center we did get some CARES Act funding for that,” she said.

“But as far as summer camp goes, we have not received anything at this time.”

Back on the agenda for consideration this week, the council voted 4-2, with Councilwoman Nicole Acle absent from the vote, to amend the department’s fees for certain recreation programs.

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Executive Outlines $161M Budget

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – Wicomico’s acting county executive this week submitted his proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2022.

On Tuesday, Acting County Executive John Psota presented the Wicomico County Council with a proposed general fund budget of $161 million for the coming fiscal year.

Psota told council members the balanced budget focuses on Wicomico County’s core services – public safety, public health, education and infrastructure.

“Additionally, this budget was prepared with the recognition that all county stakeholders’ finances have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “This proposed budget reflects no increase, neither in real nor personal property tax rates. In fact, upon application of revenue cap requirements, the real property tax rate declined for FY22.”

In his presentation this week, Psota said estimated revenues of $161 million represent an increase of nearly $8 million over last year’s budget. The spending plan includes $4 million in prior year fund balance to pay for capital improvement plan projects and $3.9 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

April 23, 2021

While the county received $20 million in federal funding, Psota said the money would be divided equally over the course of two fiscal years. Of the $10 million allotted for fiscal year 2022, roughly $4 million will go toward identified needs.

“Additional clarifying guidance on the utilization of these funds is expected from the United States Treasury Department by mid-May 2021,” he said.

Psota this week also presented a proposed real property tax rate of 91 cents per $100 of assessed value. He said local income tax revenues are projected at $56.4 million, while real property tax revenues are projected at more than $61 million.

“Applying the county’s revenue cap requirement of utilizing the lower of 2% or the CPI-U, the county could only grow its real property tax rate by 1.4%,” he said.

Psota this week also recommended an increase in commercial tipping fees from $65 per ton to $67 per ton and a new fee of $30 for additional household stickers.

“It is proposed that yearly household sticker fee remain at $60,” he said.

“However, there would be a $30 fee per additional sticker. These fees remain the lowest in our region and aid in maintaining future costs.”

Psota noted the budget features major expense increases in several categories. He is proposing an additional $1.1 million in salaries and benefits to meet FOP contract negotiations, an additional $282,000 to meet board of elections requirements and $1.2 million in maintenance of effort funding for the board of education.

“A recent House bill did recently lower the county’s maintenance of effort to $1.2 million,” he said. “However, uncertainty remains for future MOE calculations, and the impending financial impact of Kirwan is concerning.”

The proposed spending plan also includes funding for the county’s capital lease program and several school construction projects. Psota has budgeted $10 million for Mardela Middle and High School’s renovation and addition, $19.6 million for a new public safety building and $5.4 million for a new applied technology building at Wor-Wic Community College.

“The one take away is public safety, health and human services, education and related debt service average approximately 75% of the total general fund spending …,” he said. “This is spending that reflects a commitment to the core services that the citizens of this county expect and deserve.”

The county council is expected to hold a public hearing on Psota’s proposed budget next month. Once adopted, the budget goes into effect on July 1.

“We look forward to working with you and answering any questions you may have as you go through this the next month, month-and-a-half before adoption,” Finance Director Pam Oland said.

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 43

… Resort Wraps Up Budget Sessions At Same Tax Rate

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

FROM PAGE 7 million to $1.7 million, depending on what is ultimately decided at a later date about canal dredging.

Other projects in the fiscal year 2022 budget that are included within the individual departmental budgets include replacing the deck at Sunset Park, new field lights at Northside Park, elevator improvements at fire department headquarters at 15th Street, and replacing the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system at the Public Safety Building, which acts as a backup generator of sorts for the town’s vast communications

network.

Other projects listed in an upcoming bond issue include the Baltimore Avenue renovation and utility undergrounding from North Division Street to 15th Street, the downtown recreation complex, storm drain outfalls, and the Boardwalk redecking. Replacing the midtown fire station was included in the future bond issuance as a possible project, but moved up the list when the council agreed last week to relocate Station 3 from its current location at 74th Street to 65th Street.

Before the council could close in on a

Atlantic General Hospital and Health System is Grateful for the Dedication and Service Provided by our Foundation Board of Directors and Members.

April 23, 2021

final budget last week, there were still some loose ends to tie up in the wrapup session. During the work sessions, each department presents their budgets and things come up that were not funded in the draft spending plan. The Mayor and Council make a list of those items and address them at budget wrap-up.

One item to remedy was the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (OCVFC) request to bring back its recruitment and retention position. Two years ago, with the volunteer company’s numbers waning and recruiting challenges arising for the volunteer service all over the area and across the state, the council agreed to fund in part a recruiting and retention specialist to address that issue along with handle outreach and monitor social media, for example.

The OCVFC paid the individual’s salary and the town paid the benefits.

The arrangement was for two years, which has now expired, and the fire company wanted to bring the position back.

The cost to the town would be around $25,000. Knapp said the OCVFC so wanted the retain the position it was willing to give up a piece of apparatus requested in its budget as a trade-off of sorts.

“The volunteers are willing to give up a piece of equipment to fund this position,” she said. “It would be the same money in the budget.”

Knapp said the volunteer company was willing to give up a replacement jaws of life apparatus in order to retain the recruiting position. DeLuca asked if the impact on the budget was the same.

“Is it apples to apples?” he said.

“We’re talking about a piece of equipment versus a person. What about the salary and benefits.”

Knapp explained it was a part-time position and the money would be the same. She said she might be able to find a way to do both.

“There might be some savings in the line items and we still might be able to get this equipment,” she said.

During the wrap-up session, the council also agreed to honor a request for $25,000 from the Cricket Center, also known as Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. The Cricket Center develops strategies specifically intended to provide assistance to victims of child sexual assault and physical and sexual abuse in Worcester County.

Each year, various nonprofits and other organizations make requests for grants and donations to the town, and how the money is allocated is typically decided during budget wrap-up. Last year, the Cricket Center conducted 193 total investigations in the county, 62 of which, or 32%, originated in Ocean City.

After little debate, the council voted to include the organization’s $25,000 request in the fiscal year 2022 budget.

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Ocean Aviation Adds Flight Simulator April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy President/CEO Michael Freed is pictured with his new flight simulator in West Ocean City.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

WEST OCEAN CITY – A new full motion flight simulator is expected to benefit students at a local flight school.

Earlier this month, Ocean Aviation Flight Academy took ownership of a Redbird FMX Full Motion Flight Simulator, located within the company’s new simulator lab.

President and CEO Michael Freed said the training device offers the academy’s 50-plus students a new teaching tool as they work to obtain a private or commercial pilot’s license or instrument rating.

“It’s rated as an Advanced Aircraft Training Device,” he said in an interview this week. “With that, it allows us to do a lot more with it and allot more time than a basic flight training device.”

Freed said his efforts to acquire a Redbird simulator began eight years ago, when he attended a meeting at the company’s headquarters. Earlier this month, after years of wishing and waiting, the device was delivered and installed within a newly constructed simulation classroom.

Officials say the simulator provides realistic training experiences. While students will continue to do most of their training in an aircraft, they can now refine their skills in the simulator.

Freed added that some maneuvers, like takeoffs and landings, are easier to understand when first experienced in a simulator.

“They spend a lot of time repositioning the airplane to do it again and again …,” he said. “In the flight simulator, they can do the same thing … we can back it up three miles out and put them right back again.”

For instrument flight training, he said, the device can simulate different types of weather scenarios.

“We can put them in the clouds, we can put them in severe rain storm, we can put them in a snow storm,” he said.

Ocean Aviation students have already begun incorporating the simulator into their flight training curriculum. The device, Freed noted, also allows stu-

dents to log flight hours as they work toward their license or instrument rating.

For example, students earning an instrument rating can log up to 16 flight hours in the simulator, while those earning a commercial rating can log up to 50 hours in the simulator.

Freed said the device is expected to save both time and money, as it does not require the use of an airplane or fuel. It also allows students to train during bouts of bad weather.

“If they are in that phase of training, we can put them in the simulator,” he said, “so they can continue instead of waiting for the weather to break.”

Freed said Ocean Aviation’s acquisition of the Redbird simulator highlights the company’s growth in recent years.

What started 14 years ago as a small operation, Freed said, now attracts flight students both near and far.

In 2009, Ocean Aviation gained FAA Part 141 approval, which sets stricter FAA standards and reduces the number of required training hours. Since that time, the flight school has also been approved to train U.S. veterans under the Veterans Administration veterans benefits and to accept international students under the federal government’s SEVIS program. Freed noted the academy has had clients from France, China and Guyana, to name a few.

“We’ve come a long way,” he said.

“And it’s not me. It’s the team we have here, from the office manager to the flight instructors to the mechanic that work on the airplanes.”

Freed said the addition of the Redbird simulator demonstrates the academy’s eagerness to expand and improve. He encouraged anyone interested in flight training at Ocean Aviation to visit flyoceanaviation.com or call 410-213-8400.

Ocean Aviation – which was acknowledged as one of the Distinguished Flight Schools in 2019 – operates year-round, Freed said. Graduates fly professionally for many of the largest airlines.

“As we grow, we are trying to keep up with that growth,” he said. “I can envision a lot of things happening here.”

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Students

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

In The News

Students in Julie Vorsteg’s kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary School are studying ways to care for the Earth. Above, Anna Gjikuria and Harper Reese show off their love for our planet.

Submitted Photos

Berlin Intermediate School recently held That Was Crazy Day, a celebration of the hard work and ability of the school family to deal with all of the changes faced during the past year. Pictured are Avery Weber, Areti Gjkuria, and Ruby Manos showing off their crazy outfits.

Ten Worcester Prep Middle School MATHCOUNTS team members virtually competed in the annual MATHCOUNTS Regional Competition. Seventh grader Ansh Batra and eighth grader Allen Zhang qualified for the Chapter Invitational level by Zhang ranking third and Batra ranking fifth out of 57 competitors. Both boys then competed in the Chapter Invitational where Batra placed first and Zhang second out of 16 competitors, advancing them to the state level. At the State Competition, Zhang placed 22nd and Batra placed 31st out of 45 competitors. Pictured, from left, are coach/math teacher Hunter Causey team members Anisha Batra, Ansh Batra, Sydney Todorov, Tyler Netting, Allen Zhang, Lydia Schwartz and Savannah Palmisano and coach/math teacher Linda Bragg. Not pictured are Catherine Cullen, Jude Damouni and Lena Parker.

Worcester Preparatory School Lower School teachers Abby Harrison and Julia Alison inspired their second graders to create and publish their own children’s book, Mighty Max. Beginning in February, students were guided through the writing and illustration process to prepare them to design their page for the class book. The children used their thoughts and imaginations to make up the storyline about a puppy’s adventures and create their individual pages complete with colorful drawings. Not only did the young authors work hard to write and illustrate their book, they also used it as a teachable lesson by encouraging children to always explore the possibilities in life. On March 4, the two second grade classes gathered all their pages and sent their completed manuscript to Studentreasures Publishing. When the published book arrived back at WPS on March 31, the students shared the story via live Zoom with their parents by each displaying and reading their one-of-a-kind page. Above, first row from left, are Gavin Dennis, Madelyn Bobenko, Olivia Mason, Paige Asbill and Evan Kaufman; middle row, Matthew Evangelista, Suri Thomas, Colt Duffie, Darius Jones, Rawnak Brar and Rodolphe Crevecoeur; and, back, Harrison, Head of School Dr. John McDonald and Head of Lower School Dr. Sara Timmons.

Below, pictured front row from left, are Samuel Baker, Eli Parker, Arian Zheng, Barrett Brittingham, Dax Phillips, Noah DeVito and Allen Martikyan; middle, Hunter Harrison, Allie Kuon, Sloane Smith, Remy Hertrich, Evelyn Smith, Camille Leslie and Seva Nistazos;, and, back, Alison and Timmons. Bottom, each teacher called students up one at a time to read their page which was projected on the screen behind them. Pictured are Harrison and second grader Olivia Mason.

Annual Kite Expo Set For Ocean City

April 23, 2021

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City will kick off the season early by painting the sky with every color under the sun at the 26th Annual Maryland International Kite Expo (M.I.K.E.), set for April 23-25.

The festival will be showcasing a spectacular cast of kite flyers from all over the United States. Thousands of spectators will watch giant kites, little kites, trick kites, sea life kites, animal kites, miniature kites, artistic kites, kites as big as a city bus, all flying high above the Ocean City skyline.

In addition, stunt teams will perform amazing acrobatic maneuvers all in sync to the delight of the crowds. The teams consist of four or more precision kite fliers, all flying four-line kites in perfect formation. They are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds of the kiting world.

They will perform amazing routines choreographed to music. Team demos will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“Spectators will experience the thrill of watching sport kite demonstrations and get the opportunity to meet the greatest kite flyers in the world. Visitors will understand why Ocean City is the Kite Capital of the World,” said Jay Knerr of the Kite Loft. “Ocean City is one of the best places in the world to showcase kites.”

Ocean City is home to the world’s largest kite retailer (Kite Loft) and now to America’s most exciting kite festival.

Hundreds of kite fliers from east coast clubs and sport kite competitors from around the country will fill the sky with an explosion of color, a photographer’s dream come true.

Entertainment throughout the weekend festival will include free sport kite lessons and a “How to fly a kite” field is offered in front of the Kite Loft between 5th and 6th streets on the beach during the day on Saturday and Sunday.

Also planned will be giant kite exhibitions from 4th to 5th streets; demo teams will perform Quad line demos on Friday, Saturday and Sunday; east coast kite clubs will showcase their kites with incredible air and ground displays from 4th to 6th Street along the boardwalk; and music will be played throughout the day at The Kite Loft on 5th Street and the Boardwalk.

The event will take place on the beach from 4rd Street to 6th Street. This is a free event and the general public is encouraged to bring their kites and have a fun filled day of kite flying. Sponsors of the event include the Town of Ocean City, Shenanigans Pub, The Shoreham Hotel, Alaska Stand and The Kite Loft.

For more information call The Kite Loft at 410-289-7855 or online at www.kiteloft.com.

The Maryland International Kite Festival is a non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to educate the public in general in the sport and hobby of kiting, in such aspects as kite safety, aerodynamics, and kite making. In addition, the purpose is to conduct national and international amateur kite flying competitions.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

Kites are pictured flying over the beach during a previous year’s Maryland International Kite Expo in Ocean City.

File Photo

The Dispatch

Page 48

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Boardwalk Replacement Project A Must This Year The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

HOW WE SEE IT

With skyrocketing lumber prices caused by supply concerns and shipping delays, Ocean City needs to have another conversation about the surface of the Boardwalk. It’s clear the replacement project needs to happen after this summer.

It’s going to cost much more – potentially more than double – than budgeted to replace the wooden decking of the Boardwalk this offseason. We have always advocated for retaining the true wooden nature of the Boardwalk, but times have changed, and a thorough examination of all other options should be considered before proceeding with wood again.

Lumber costs are at all-time highs currently due to pandemic-related factors, most specifically supply and demand. Therefore, Ocean City would be wise to take a deep dive immediately into all options including stamped concrete, which can be made to resemble

wood and have a longer life.

Back in 2011, the last time the Boardwalk was reconstructed, a serious discussion was had on what surface to use. An online opinion poll was conducted over the course of a month with an all wooden deck in first with 51% of the votes followed by wooden with a stamped concrete lane to resemble wooden boards in second place and a wooden board surface with a concrete train lane a distant third place. The council ultimately voted for an all wooden surface on the boards and the tram lane built with standard concrete.

The wooden planks on the Boardwalk typically need replacing every 10 years and the city is now at that time.

Prior to the pandemic, the city would have likely reconstructed a portion of the Boardwalk this past fall and winter.

The city opted to push the project off last summer because of the high lum-

ber cost. As of now, the first phase of the Boardwalk project – the Inlet to 9th Street including the pier tram detour path – will take place this fall. Discussion was held this week and the council seemed to support the city engineer’s position the project needs to be done this offseason rather than waiting another year for lumber prices to stabilize.

It’s clear from a layman’s perspective the Boardwalk’s condition is suffering. It looks silly in some areas with brand new wooden beams – needed to replace failing pieces – mixed in with old ones.

Though wood will likely be the conclusion again – as it has multiple times when different councils have discussed the issue – we think the city needs to take another look at different surfaces and ensure the hefty investment in wood is still the desire. It’s wise to explore the marketplace again even if the current direction is sustained.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

BY TONY CHRIST

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

A Warning For America Editor: At a time, when the United States is being pulled to the left, when both, the meaning of words are being changed by our leaders and events of history are being erased we should pay attention.

Yes, now is a time in America when traditional values are being abandoned in the face of a barrage of conditional gifts and platitudes, coupled with future bribes and promises of a better life, by none other than our federal government. What is true? Can our government deliver? For these reasons it might behoove us to look at what has happened in Chile over the last few years.

Stephen Moore penned an article this week in the March 31 Epoch Times that should serve as a Warning for America. It particularly touched home with me because I was in graduate school studying economics in the late 70’s early 1980’s at the time that the miracle of Chile unfolded.

Chile embarked on one of the boldest free market economic reforms in history when the so-called Chicago Boys, a group of Chileans that studied at the University of Chicago, instituted economic reforms that imposed US style property rights, lowered the tax rate to a flat 15%, privatized all state-owned companies, privatized social security and stabilized chronic inflation. By 1991 Chile had political freedom, economic freedom and human freedom, unheard of in South America. It was a miracle.

Mr. Moore states that for over two decades the “Chilean experiment worked better than anyone could have imagined.” In a study by Alex Kaiser of Cato Institute spanning from early 80’s through 2014 Kaiser determined that per capitol income in Chile had quadrupled to $23,000 the highest rate in all South America. As a result, poverty in Chile had dropped from 45% to 8%, unheard of in South America.

Moore points out that “the Marxist and Intellectual class of Latin America always hated the free-market reforms in Chile.” Moore correctly summarizes “in 2013 the Marxists invented a false narrative in Chile of “inequality” “capitalism is evil”, “rich getting richer”, “poor getting poorer.” This false narrative infiltrated all of Chile’s cultural institutions: It went like this, “trust government to fix these inequalities.” The media, the schools, the universities, the arts, the unions and the Catholic Church bought into the false narrative friendly government if given the power would correct the inequality.

Moore notes “Is any of this sounding familiar to our situation today?”

In 2013 based on these false narratives and false promises of the benefits of government redistribution a Marxist won the Chilean presidency. All the free-market reforms that had nurtured independence and self- sufficiency among Chileans were systematically disassembled and “spread the wealth” platitudes took their place. By October 2020 voters approved a rewrite of the constitution placing property rights and the rule of law subservient to Marxist redistribution. Using the Marxist promise

of equality for all the government could take your property and your money as well as influence your earnings.

The Chilean economy is now in economic freefall. The poor are getting crushed and those that could, have pulled their money out of the economy.

Ironically the Marxists have arrived at their desired “equality”: Like Venezuela, nearly everyone in Chile is suffering except a handful of Marxists who are in power. Moore makes the point that this is what our children should be studying in school.

The Chilean experiment of freedom and liberty ushered in by the “Chicago Boys” in the late 70’s early 80’s was reversed by a Marxist style clamp down based on envy and greed to purportedly obtain equality at the cost of the freedom to choose.

This led to the destruction of the open market economy and its replacement by a centrally controlled Marxist regime with its supreme authority of redistribution. An authority that has made many more Chilean people dependent and destitute. As dependence increased the government grew even more powerful. The policies that forced people to become more dependent came at a huge cost of much higher taxes, confiscated property and assets, censorship of opposing views, and abandonment of many private activities.

Maybe we in America should pay attention. We should look beyond the words and terms our leaders use to see the reality that is unfolding around us. For example, “critical race theory”, SEE NEXT PAGE

April 23, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Event Support Appreciated Editor: The Downtown Association Committee of OCDC would like to thank all those who came out and helped make our Italian Dinner at Shenanigans on Sunday, April 11 such a success.

To Greg Shockley and everyone at Shenanigans, we can’t thank you enough for letting us take over your restaurant and kitchen for the day. The dinner has become an annual tradition for many local families who look forward to this important fund-raiser every year.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious homemade pasta and authentic Italian sauces prepared by our chef, Nick Ruggieri. Thank you to Nick, Caroline Ruggieri and Jaenell Downes, as well as the many other volunteers that made the day happen; Ray and Carolyn Robinson, Joe Manganello, Nancy Howard, Nancy Bradford, Vicki Barrett, Donna Greenwood, Lauren Taylor, Maureen Hoffman and Danelle Amos.

A special thanks to our awesome Stephen Decatur High School servers, Mary, Conner, Hailey, Harper and Saylor! They are our next generation of volunteers and we can’t wait to see the exciting changes they will bring to our great community.

Thanks also to Bob Rothermel, T.E.A.M Productions, Melody Cedarstrum, Dorothy White, Carrabba’s and the Ladies of Glen Riddle for preparing and serving the fabulous deserts that accompanied the meal.

We look forward to a great summer of 2021 in downtown, the heart of Ocean City.

Mary Ann Manganello Ocean City (The writer is the event planner for the Ocean City Development Corporation.)

Open Letter to the Police Editor:

We need your help, the relationship between the police and citizens of America especially those of color is in a very fragile and crisis situation.

There is fear and apprehension in our collective relationships and interactions. Our trust levels are in a spiral meltdown. We don’t need an ‘uncivil war’ within America between the police and the people of America.

We have to create a not only mutual and impactful respect for each other, we must explore and develop real time narratives and systemic policies that will impact the culture of policing.

The way forward must mitigate and end the adversarial breach of trust that currently exists in our nation between the police and our communities.

We must create a blueprint that delivers peace and the end to this ‘uncivil war’ that now exists in America between the police and selective communities in America.

My community needs the police to police the police. We need those in uniform to stop the hate, fear and unlawful acts of policing in our communities. We know it is futile to “fix” the police from the “outside.” We come in peace to create a body of peace otherwise the nation will implode and collapse.

My community has a role as well.

We must end the behavior and conduct within our community firewalls that fosters and creates fear, tension and anxiety for the police in America.

Families on both sides of this uncivil war want to go home without the casualties of a ‘uncivil war’. We can’t continue to weather these killings, protests and a state of 24/7 fear and anxiety in the streets of America between those who take an oath to “protect and serve” and its citizenry. Let’s save America together.

Greg Thrasher Washington, D.C.

WHAT OTHERS A SAYING “woke”, “transgender equality” “military diversity officer”. Are our federal government’s gifts and words promising a better life, what they appear to be? We should not be lulled in by politicians that hijack our needs for their own purposes. For example, we direly need infrastructure repairs now, replacing bridges and repaving roads however what does “clean energy,” “free community college,” “universal pre-K,” “‘programs increasing women in labor force,” “programs providing subsidies and credits to illegal migrants” have to do with rebuilding bridges and roads (infrastructure), nothing at all. Are the great amounts of borrowed and printed money to fund these schemes in our interests or merely a political power grab transferring states and individuals’ rights to a central authority that claims to know our interest better than we do?

What will the huge future costs of repayment be for our children? Was the $1.9 trillion Covid relief really Covid relief? Does the first phase of the socalled “Infrastructure Bill” at $2.25 tril-

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

lion really improve our infrastructure?

Can we afford increased taxes at this time that don’t nearly pay for these huge generational outlays? If merely a federal Government power grab, can we stop it?

We must be mindful of what Government doesn’t tell us. Gifts and future promises to improve our lives come with conditions. We must cede some of our rights, the ability to make personal decisions, to government. Supposedly for the common good, or is it? We must also agree to allowing the federal government to “federalize” some of the decisions our states have made for us.

For example, voter rules. We must be mindful of what our government doesn’t tell us. When the federal government takes over our individual and local decisions and responsibilities, our freedoms to choose are also relinquished, it is this freedom once lost that is much harder to regain.

(The writer is a resident of Falls Church, Va. and an Ocean City property owner.)

Page 49

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Ocean City’s decision to bring Tom Perlozzo back as the newly created department director is intriguing on many levels. Word Perlozzo was in the running leaked out last month, resulting in an assumption the position was essentially created for him. Once he was confirmed as a finalist against a far inferior candidate, it was clear he would be the choice because the players in control at City Hall wanted someone they were familiar with as well as possessed an understanding and passion for Ocean City. As a former recreation and parks director for the resort (1985-1998) who was integral in shaping the area into a regional golf destination, Perlozzo clearly fits the mold.

Rather than focus on how this process seemed slanted toward Perlozzo all along, let’s take a look at how the hiring impacts the futures of Ocean City and Worcester County governments. For Ocean City, Perlozzo should slide smoothly into steering a sales team in bringing new convention business and other opportunities to the resort area. It’s clear this person is charged with putting heads in beds in the middle of the week during the summer months and beefing up the shoulder seasons no matter the weather. The job description for the Director of Tourism and Business Development position read in part, “The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and execute comprehensive short and long-term plans to attract visitors, special events, trade shows, and sports tourism that promote Ocean City.

This person will be the ‘quarterback’ for the sales efforts of multiple Town departments including the Convention Center, Marketing and Special Events.

This position will be directly accountable for increasing year-round room stays, mid-week room stays and attracting groups, sports teams and events which reflect the values of Ocean City …” To be certain, this is going to be a major undertaking. The city went with what it knows in Perlozzo because they are confident he can affect a change sooner rather than later.

On the county level, when Perlozzo took the job with the county as director of recreation and parks and later added to the title with tourism and economic development falling under his domain, it was believed developing a sports complex in the county was a goal. It never materialized and is going nowhere. As County Commission President Joe Mitrecic alluded to this week with his comment about him being frustrated, Perlozzo surely saw he was not getting anywhere on this front with the county. Worcester County, under the current set of commissioners, does not want to get into the youth sports industry. The votes do not seem to be there to support creating a sports complex attraction. A dividing point is the location, but it only makes sense to build it in the northern area. A further divisive issue is the likelihood it’s going to take a public-private partnership to fund a complex, as was the case at the sweeping DE Turf complex in Frederica, Del. There is no will among county officials for that type of deal.

Another interesting aspect of this is whether there will be ill will between Ocean City and county officials over Perlozzo being hired away.

There will surely be sour grapes for some commissioners who essentially created an umbrella position for him to oversee recreation, parks, tourism and economic development. Even if they wish him well moving on, the commissioners have good reason to be chafed after having to learn of a department head leaving from a news reporter.

Indeed, the way things played out this week was odd. Perlozzo was unanimously approved for the Ocean City position on Monday night at a public meeting. On Tuesday morning, Perlozzo was before the commissioners in an open forum talking about a text amendment related to agritourism. At that point, none of the commissioners, except Mitrecic, knew Perlozzo was leaving the county. In fact, appointed administrators with the county were unaware as well. They learned of the news from this paper’s online article posted Tuesday morning. This is never a good thing and clearly a breakdown in communication occurred at some point.

Though he took the high road this week, and rightly so, it’s clear Perlozzo thinks he can do more big things in Ocean City than in Worcester County. Time will tell if that’s the case, but he brings a unique skillset, familiarity with the Ocean City tourism destination and sales experience to the position. He is a good fit, even if there were some questionable plays by the city during the process.

Wayne Cannon passed away this week. He was one of those guys who was admired by many. I don’t have any personal Wayne stories to share aside from getting to know him a bit when he hosted an Ocean City Council candidate forum for the newspaper at Northside Park in 2006. I asked him if he would consider moderating the event for us, and he said he would without hesitation. He never even asked how much he would be paid before agreeing.

When we posted the news of his passing Monday on our Facebook page, more than 120 comments came in saying essentially the same thing – he was a kind and wonderful person who had a passion for his family, radio and Ocean City. In response to all the comments, his daughter, Amanda, wrote, “Thank you to everyone who has expressed their sorrow over the loss of my father, Wayne Cannon. Truly one of a kind. I am happy to report that he died peacefully, full of love. One of the very last things he said to us was ‘I am so happy.’ Because he always was. And that's what made him special.”

Business And Real Estate News

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Crown Sports Center Sold SALISBURY — NAI Coastal and Gillis Gilkerson Principal Brad Gillis has announced Gillis Gilkerson’s purchase of Crown Sports Center, an indoor athletic and entertainment facility located in Fruitland.

After 16 years of ownership, founder Bill Hearne sold the business and real estate to Gillis Gilkerson’s development team, a group well-known for its ability to add value to existing properties across the Delmarva Peninsula.

Crown Sports Center, formerly Crown Cork and Seal manufacturing plant, is one of the largest athletic facilities in the region. With indoor and outdoor turf fields and multipurpose courts, the center hosts countless leagues, tournaments, clinics, and player showcases each year. Additionally, Crown offers the community fullscale childcare and summer camp programs.

“Since opening in 2005, Crown has made a huge impact on our community. It is the only facility of its kind in our region and its presence is invaluable,” said Gillis.

“Our goal with this acquisition remains consistent with that of our prior investments— we aim to enrich our community.

So long as there is demand for a facility like Crown, our team will work to deliver.”

Gillis Gilkerson plans to work alongside the Delmarva community to ensure a smooth transition of ownership and con-

tinued facility operation. In the coming months, the team will seek input from local stakeholders in effort to identify areas in which the facility can improve.

This feedback will act as a catalyst, helping to modernize and strengthen Crown’s service to its community.

“Crown is a multifaceted, dynamic business,” added Gillis. “Our team is looking forward to digging in and making signaled adjustments as we navigate facility ownership.”

Bank Addition Named SALISBURY – The Bank of Delmarva President and CEO John W. Breda recently announced Darren Basore has joined the bank as an assistant vice president-portfolio manager.

Basore will support a variety of commercial reDARREN BASORE lationships for the bank

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throughout its service area. He has been in banking since 1988, concentrating in commercial relationships.

Salisbury Property Purchased SALISBURY – Henry Hanna, of The Hanna Team at SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate, recently settled on 111 High Street in Salisbury, (formerly home to the Maryland Legal Aid – Lower Eastern Shore office). The Maryland Legal Aid office relocated to 201 E. Main Street in Salisbury last April.

This historic property was purchased by the Legal Aid Bureau in 1980. The new buyer is a local investor who plans to convert this property back into residential use. The Hanna Team would like to thank Parisa Gholamvand of Coldwell Banker for bringing this buyer.

“This is the second deal in two years that we have collaborated with Parisa for finding an investment property," said

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REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, recently announced Matt Patton's promotion to the vice president of construction.

The Columbia, S.C. native was previously director of operations for SoDel Concepts, a hospitality company with 12 restaurants in coastal Delaware. A certified cicerone, he will continue to oversee the group's beer program.

"Matt was instrumental in the planning, building and opening of our MATT last three restaurants, inPATTON cluding Thompson Island Brewing Company and Bluecoast Seafood Grill in Rehoboth Beach," Kammerer said. "As we grow, we value his experience, leadership and business skills."

Patton will be busy. He will oversee the renovation of the former Ropewalk building on Coastal Highway in Fenwick, which will become Matt's Fish Camp Fenwick. It will be the third Matt's Fish Camp at the beach. The other two are in Bethany Beach and Lewes.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch that take advantage of these offerings that are not only providing money saving, but environmental benefits.”

The Sustained Excellence designation is awarded to companies that continue to exhibit exceptional leadership year-after-year in the ENERGY STAR program, while remaining dedicated to environmental protection through superior energy efficiency achievements.

“ENERGY STAR award-winning partners are showing the world that delivering real climate solutions makes good business sense and promotes job growth,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.

“Many of them have been doing it for years, inspiring all of us who are committed to tackling the climate crisis and leading the way to a clean energy economy.”

Delmarva Power’s energy-saving programs have produced 727,117 megawatthours in energy savings since the program’s inception in 2009. These savings are equivalent to Greenhouse gas emissions avoided by 19,530,205 incandescent bulbs switched to LED bulbs or CO2 emissions from 62,053 homes’ energy use for one year.

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Utility Recognized NEWARK, Del. – Delmarva Power has received the 2021 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year: Sustained Excellence Award for Energy Efficiency Program Delivery from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

This is the seventh ENERGY STAR award Delmarva Power has received.

This recognition represents the success of the company’s energy efficiency programs, which are providing customers with more control over their energy usage and are saving customers money and energy. Customers can visit delmarva.com/WaysToSave to learn more about these programs.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized with the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award again by the EPA and DOE,” said Derrick Dickens, senior vice president of Customer Operations and chief customer officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. “This achievement is a testament to the dedicated Delmarva Power teams who support the many energy efficiency programs available, and to our valued customers

Broadband Connection Celebrated DENTON – Choptank Fiber, Choptank Electric Cooperative’s wholly-owned broadband subsidiary, delivered broadband service to its first customer on April

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Page 51

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Choptank Electric Cooperative welcomed elected officials, including Gov. Larry Hogan, Sen. Steve Hershey, Sen. Addie Eckardt, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, members of the Eastern Shore Delegation, Caroline County government, and Office of Rural Broadband representatives, along with employees and staff and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the special occasion.

Hogan commemorated the occasion by presenting an official citation to recognize the importance of Choptank Fiber’s ribbon cutting and honor Choptank Electric Cooperative’s commitment to expanding access to broadband on the Eastern Shore.

Choptank Fiber’s first official customers are Gordon and Sherry Hollingsworth of Caroline County. Sherry’s grandfather, Henry Lister, was one of the first Choptank Electric Cooperative members, so being part of the broadband experience and being the first customer is a monumental occasion.

“Gordon and I are extremely excited and honored to be part of this incredible service. We really appreciate the outstanding work of Choptank Electric’s employees,” said Sherry Hollingsworth.

“From simply searching the web, keeping in contact with friends, and finally getting to facetime our grandchildren, it will be a

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blessing to finally have reliable internet service.”

The rural community is one of many on the Eastern Shore that do not have access to fast, reliable internet service.

Choptank Fiber’s goal is to serve all the underserved members of Choptank Electric Cooperative – with a “No Home Left Behind” philosophy.

“Our real goal is to change the quality of life for rural members on the Eastern Shore,” said Mike Malandro, President and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative. “With over 650-miles of a fiber backbone, our Smart Grid brings us closer to the rural unserved than any other entity out there.”

Malandro recognized the Eastern Shore delegation for its hard work and dedication in Annapolis and thanked Choptank Electric members. “I am thankful to our members who literally gave us the vote of confidence to move forward – through Member Regulation.”

“We have been so successful over the years at delivering electric service to rural residents…Today, broadband service and internet access have become almost as important as electric service was over 80 years ago. I am pleased that we have found a way to deliver this life-changing service to our members,” said Jeff Rathell, chairman of the Cooperative Board of Directors.

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Mosaic artist Carol Rydel was on hand for the April First Friday opening at the OC Center for the Arts, unveiling her exhibit “Fin Yang”.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

The popular Thursday Night Trivia at Ocean Pines Yacht Club, hosted by Manager Katie Krynitsky, DJ Bigler, and Bar Manager Max Hulme, wrapped up their season this week.

In Society

April 23, 2021

Members of the OCDC Downtown Association Committee Lauren Taylor and Donna Greenwood sold meal and raffle tickets at the door for the Italian dinner fundraiser.

Team Pool Busters, Sharon and Rick Manick, Jim Maratea, Tom Johnson, and Ron Dameron, always have a fun time at Trivia Night at Ocean Pines Yacht Club.

Worcester County Arts Council members Barbara Johnson and Geo McElroy welcomed the public into the April exhibit during 2nd Friday in Berlin.

At the interest happy hour, Young Professionals of the Pines Chair John Drescher and Chamber Liason Derrick Elzey provided information on the new group.

April’s 2nd Friday in Berlin brought out several street vendors including Rayevalion Gillette and Garry Moore Jr. of Anchor Wood Creations.

Serving up the delizioso home made Italian dinner to benefit the Downtown Association Committee of OCDC were Nancy Howard and chef Nick Ruggieri.

UMES Associate Professor Elvin A. Hernandez presented his animation art at the OC Center for the Arts April First Friday opening.

Young Professionals of the Pines Community Outreach Chair Ashley Haldeman welcomed Dani Hines to the interest happy hour at Windmill Creek.

Bikers Without Borders’ Food Drive Called A Success

April 23, 2021

OCEAN PINES – The resort community’s generosity was on display again last weekend with a food drive that filled a box truck not once but twice.

The Bikers Without Borders Foundation (BWOB) held a community food drive last Saturday at the Food Lion in Ocean Pines. BWOB was overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support from the community, including special visits and donations from the Ocean City Jeep Club and American Legion Riders Post 123.

Many community members made financial donations which allowed BWOB to purchase large quantities of baby formula and baby food, a common unmet need at food pantries. The box truck utilized for this event was filled to capacity twice, allowing BWOB to make multiple deliveries to the six food pantries.

Donations were taken in the days following to New Bethel United Methodist Church Food Distribution Center in Berlin, Samaritan Ministries Food Distribution Center and Shelter in Pocomoke, HALO Café in Salisbury, Faith and Healing Ministries Outreach in Crisfield, Immanuel United Methodist Church in Crisfield, and Shepherd’s Crook Food Pantry in Ocean City.

BWOB expressed its’ appreciation for the community far and wide in sup-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

porting this event as it truly demonstrates that a community is stronger together. BWOB looks forward to continuing to support the local community and like-minded organizations through a variety of events.

BWOB will be hosting a fundraiser Bike Night at The Greene Turtle in West Ocean City on April 29, from 5-8 p.m. All are welcome to come out and meet BWOB members and learn more about what they do.

Bikers Without Borders Foundation is composed of men and women that believe that giving back to the community is a civic duty. Members are motorcycle riders and non-riders who participate in charitable and volunteer activities which support local communities.

The foundation focuses on supporting and serving veterans and active military, emergency responders, children and youth, and those who are most vulnerable in the communities.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/bikerswithoutbordersfoundation or email to bikerswithoutbordersfoundation@gmail.com.

Page 53

Members of the Bikers Without Borders Foundation are pictured above and below volunteering their time during a food drive last weekend.

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Page 54

Sports

Worcester Boys Improve To 3-1

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

Decatur Boys Close Out With 9-2 Mark In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team routed host Washington, 8-0, last week to finish off an impressive 9-2 campaign in 2021.

The Seahawks started the final week of the rare spring season with a 3-1 win

over Worcester County rival Pocomoke at home before the 8-0 rout over Washington in the finale. All in all, Decatur had an impressive season, finishing with a 9-2 mark. The Seahawks’ only two losses came to old rival Parkside, and Decatur had a five-game winning streak in between those bookend losses.

Mallards Edge Salisbury School, 12-11

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team remained unbeaten last week after a couple of wins.

The Mallards routed Gunston, 11-2, last Wednesday. Worcester jumped out

to an early 6-0 lead by halftime and added five more in the second to secure the 11-2 win. Last Friday, the Worcester girls survived their first real test of the season with a 12-11 win over rival Salisbury School to improve to 3-0. Worcester faces Cape Henlopen at home on Saturday.

Worcester Prep defenseman Brice Richins clears the ball last week during the Mallards’ 15-5 win over Salisbury School.

Photo by Chris Hoen

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity swept a pair of games last week to improve to 3-1 on the season.

The Mallards beat Gunston, 19-4, last Wednesday. Worcester led 9-1 after the first quarter and built its lead to 11-3 by halftime. The Mallards scored seven unanswered goals in the third quarter to

Seahawks Rout Snow Hill In Season Finale

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

WPS sophomore Ava Wilsey works the ball past a Salisbury School defender during the Mallards’ win last week.

Photo by Chris Hoen

settle the issue once and for all. The two teams played even with one goal each in the fourth.

Last Friday, Worcester continued its winning ways with an impressive 15-5 win over Salisbury School at home. The Mallards lone loss of the season came in the opener against Saints Peter and Paul. Worcester played Gunston again on Thursday on Senior Day and will play Cape Henlopen at home on Saturday.

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team rolled past county rival Snow Hill, 48-7, last weekend to close out the season with a 5-2 mark.

The Seahawks jumped out early against the Eagles at home in the season finale last Friday and led 16-0 after one quarter. By halftime, Decatur had built its lead to 32-0. After 10 more points in the third quarter, the Seahawks led 40-0 before closing out the 48-7 win.

Quarterback Hayden Snelsire went 15-22 passing for 185 yards and three touchdowns. Caden Shockley led the rushing attack with eight carries for 54

yards and a touchdown. Jack Quisgard rushed five times for 48 yards and a touchdown. Brett Truitt caught four passes for 41 yards and three touchdowns, while Zimere Handy caught five passes for 91 yards. Koby Higgins caught three passes for 41 yards.

The Seahawks went 5-2 in the odd, shortened spring season because COVID wiped out the traditional fall football season. Decatur started the season 2-0 after a couple of impressive wins over Parkside and Bennett before falling to Wicomico. The Seahawks then beat Parkside and Bennett again in routs before falling to Easton in their lone game against a Bayside North opponent.

Home, Condo show This weekend job Fair planned For may 19

April 23, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – A popular home show is returning to Ocean City with new exhibits and an added art and craft fair.

The 37th Annual Home, Condo and Outdoor Show, hosted by Ocean Promotions at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, will be held in conjunction with an art and craft fair featuring a variety of gifts and accessories.

“This year’s event will be a little bit smaller because of COVID,” said Jeannette Trimper, who owns and operates Ocean Promotions alongside her husband, Brooks. “We have 29 home exhibitors and 35 art exhibitors so there will still be a lot of great vendors there, anywhere from roofing to landscaping.”

Organizers say the home show will feature new products, basic home services and ideas for remodeling. Attendees will be able to talk with contractors, decorators, landscapers and more and view demonstrations and the latest home innovations.

Exhibit booths will also feature products and services from local businesses.

“While some exhibitors are franchises, a majority are small, local vendors,” Trimper said, “and small, local vendors need all the help they can get right now.”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Last year, the 2020 Home, Condo and Outdoor Show was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trimper said this year’s event will include temperature checks, mask requirements and social distancing.

“The floor plan has been redesigned in order to allow for greater social distancing and empty booth spaces between each vendor,” she added.

Trimper encouraged everyone to attend this year’s show.

“We understand the housing industry is booming and home improvement is through the roof …,” she said. “We’re here to help people make their ideas come to fruition and make their dreams come true.”

The Home, Condo and Outdoor Show will take place April 23-25. Doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 25.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5, and kids under the age of 13 are free. For more information, visit www.oceanpromotions.info or email events@oceanpromotions.info.

“We are eager to get things working toward ‘back to normal,’ though I know it’s not going to be normal for a while … ,” Trimper said, noting that more vendors have expressed interest in returning for the fall home show. “We will hopefully get back to our full glory either in the fall or next spring.”

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SNOW HILL – All job seeks are invited to meet prospective employers from across Worcester County and choose from hundreds of seasonal and year-round jobs at the Open Air Job Fair Wednesday, May 19, at Sturgis Park Pavilion in Snow Hill from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. Employers offering competitive wages and signing bonuses will be accepting applications and hiring onsite.

Social distancing is in effect, and all participants are asked to wear face coverings. Training and transportation resources will be available onsite.

Page 55

This event is being hosted by the Town of Snow Hill, Worcester County Chambers of Commerce, Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, and Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED).

If unavailable to attend, visit the following sites for online job postings: https://worcesterhr.co.worcester.md.us/ Space is also available at no cost for employers who would like to participate.

For more information, contact WCTED Workforce Engagement Specialist Jackie Trieu at jtrieu@co.worcester.md.us or at 410-632-3110.

Community

Page 56

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

News In Photos

Bethany Blues of Lewes and Bethany Beach held a Dine & Donate event in March to raise funds for Beebe Healthcare’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. The event was promoted by the host organization and iHeart Media Delmarva. The evening raised $2,478 for Beebe Healthcare’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. Pictured, from left, are Dave Grove, Bethany Blues General Manager; Amy Popovich, Beebe Medical Foundation Events Coordinator; Kay Young, Beebe Medical Foundation Executive Director of Development; and Jessica Nathan, Bethany Blues Director of Operations.

Members of the Worcester County Garden Club recently braved a chilly morning to perform spring chores at the Ruth Bowie Butterfly Garden at Snow Hill Elementary School. The club has an ongoing partnership with the school and a memorial stone honors member Ruth Bowie, now deceased, who provided the leadership to establish the garden in 2003. Her vision was to provide not only a place for native plants, butterflies and birds, but also to provide a learning space for the children. Pictured, from left, are club members Ginny Lane, Glenda Clarke, Christina Hulslander and Suzy Young.

Salisbury University students recently spent their Saturday sprucing up public recreation areas during the SU Student Government Association’s annual “I Love Salisbury” community cleanup event. Due to COVID-19 precautions, participation was limited to 200 students, with face mask and physical distancing protocols in place.

Cleanup sites, pictured above and below, included Salisbury Zoological Park, City Park, Camden Community Garden, Lake Street Playground, Waterside Playground, Johnson Lake Neighborhood Playground and the Jeanette P. Chipman Boundless Playground.

Submitted Photos

Worcester County NAACP officers greeted Brooke Lierman, candidate for Maryland Comptroller, at a recent event. Lierman is a mom, attorney, accomplished state legislator and community advocate. Lierman is pictured with NAACP Press official Judy Davis, NAACP Treasurer Christine Clark and NAACP President Ivory Smith.

April 23, 2021

April 23-25: The Wall That Heals The Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines will host The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

April 23-25: Kite Expo Ocean City will host the 26th Annual Maryland International Kite Expo begins Friday and runs through Sunday along the Boardwalk between 4th and 6th streets. The Kite Loft on the Boardwalk is the headquarters for the event. Activities include free sport kite lessons, giant kite exhibitions, demonstration teams and east coast kite clubs showcasing their air and ground displays.

Event is free and the general public is welcome to bring their own kites to fly.

April 23-25: Home Show In OC The Home, Condo and Outdoor Show will take place April 23-25. Doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, and 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 25. Tic kets can be purchased at the door for $5, and kids under the age of 13 are free. For more information, visit www.oceanpromotions.info or email events@oceanpromotions.info.

April 24: Church Rummage Sale From 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Ocean City Presbyterian Church will host at 1301 Philadelphia Avenue.

Wear masks and social distance.

April 24: AYCE Breakfast Whaleyville United Methodist Church will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast, 7-10 a.m.

Cost is $8 per adult; $4 per child. Offerings include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and beverages. Masks and social distancing required. Indoor dining or carryout.

April 24: Key Club Yard Sale Stephen Decatur High School's Key Club will hold a yard sale fundraiser from 8-10 a.m. at 11238 Adkins Road.

April 24-25: Kids Unite Trimper Rides will hold safety education and demonstrations featuring first responders and their vehicles. All-day rides available for $20 open at noon.

April 28: Grief Support Group Atlantic General Hospital will be offering a free grief support group once a month beginning Wednesday, April 28. There are no signins and no special requirements to attend.

The group will meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month in Conference Room 1 from 5:30-7 p.m.

May 1: May Day Celebration The Ocean Pines Garden Club will host its 3rd Annual May Day Community Celebration on May 1, rain or shine. It is your chance to show your community support by creating a beautiful basket of fresh flowers and display it in a way that it is visible from the street. The only rule is the basket must contain fresh flowers and greens. Place a zip lock bag near your creation that contains five copies of your name, address and the inspiration for your creation for the judges. Judges will visit displays between 9:30 and 12:30. Baskets will be judged on condition, distinction, originality, color harmony and design, balance and proportion. All participants will receive certificates of appreciation and winners will receive ribbons.

May 1: Community Bike Ride Ocean Pines and the Worcester County Bike and Pedestrian Coalition are teaming up to host a free community bike ride on Saturday, May 1. To register, call 410-641-7052. Day-of registration starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center.

May 2-16: Restaurant Week

Things To Do The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Participating restaurants in the Ocean City area will offer special, fixed-price menus throughout the promotion. Check out individual restaurants at www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com

May 6-9: Springfest The Inlet will host the 30th Anniversary Springfest Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Event features delicious food, live entertainment and unique arts and crafts.

May 8: Maryland Coast Bike Festival n Saturday, May 8, community members are invited to join the inaugural Maryland Coast Bike Festival, a day-long celebration that starts and ends at the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor. a series of bike rides,

and participants can register for any of the three routes. The Island Ride (17 miles) features a family friendly loop that explores the area around Assateague Island, while the Surf & Turf (35 miles) and Metric Century (62 miles) loops around Assateague Island and the scenic back country of Worcester County. The rides will begin and end at the harbor, which will feature live music, food, craft beer, vendors, and paddleboard, skateboard and electric bike demonstrations. Online sign-ups are also open for cleanup volunteers and event vendors. Fees will be waived for local businesses.For more information, visit marylandcoastbikefestival.com.

May 8: Safe Boating Course The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a one-day virtual Maryland Safe Boating

Page 57 Course, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is $20.00.

Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or Email: CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

May 13, 20, 27: Diabetes Education The Atlantic General Diabetes Center at Atlantic General Hospital will be offering diabetes self-management education classes through three, three hour sessions. From 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. the sessions will address blood glucose monitoring, foot care, nutrition, exercise, and other self-management skills to help individuals better manage their diabetes. A family member is invited to attend. The program is recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for quality education, and program staff includes a registered nurse and a registered dietitian, both of whom are certified diabetes educators.

May 29: Kiwanis Car Show The first Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City Car Show will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Ocean Pines Veterans Memorial Park. Registration is $15 per entrant, 9-10 a.m. There will be judged classes, trophies and awards. Food concessions.

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Best Beats

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

on the beach

BEATS BY WAX Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, April 23 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays Crawl St. Tavern: Sundays

Who’s Where When 45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2201 4507 Coastal Hwy. Tuesdays: Aaron Howell Wednesdays: Aaron Howell (137th St. Tavern) ATLANTIC HOTEL 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley BUXY’S SALTY DOG DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 23: DJ Wax, 7 p.m.

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Wednesdays: DJ Wax CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd. Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, April 24: Reform School, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 28: Full Circle Duo, 5 p.m.

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, April 23: Beach Bandits, 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 24: Fuzzbox Piranha, 9 p.m.

Sunday, April 25: Lauren Glick Duo, 3 p.m.

DJ Wax, 10 p.m.

CORK BAR Saturday, April 24: Dust N Bones Duo, 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 25: Otto Grundman, 4 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Saturday, April 24: DJ Greg, 5 p.m.; DJ RobCee, 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 24: Jumper, 5 p.m., DJ Groove, 9 p.m.

OTTO GRUNDMAN Cork Bar: Sunday, April 25

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, April 23 & Monday, April 26

DJ ADAM DUTCH Purple Moose: Saturday, April 24

GYPSY WISDOM DUO Seacrets: Friday, April 23

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Saturdays & Wednesdays

DUST N BONES DUO Cork Bar: Saturday, April 24

KARAOKE W/WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays

AARON HOWELL 45th St.Taphouse: Tuesdays Taphouse Tavern: Wednesdays

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, April 24

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 59

Who’s Where When GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rte. 611, West OC Saturday, April 24: TBA

BEACH BANDITS Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, April 23

MISSPENT YOUTH Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, April 23 & 24

MULLIGAN’S 410-213-7717 12445 Ocean Gateway, West OC Thursday, April 29: Trailer Park Romeo, 7 p.m.

OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday & Saturday, April 23 & 24: First Class

FIRST CLASS Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday & Saturday, April 23 & 24

LAUREN GLICK DUO Crawl St. Tavern: Sunday, April 25

JUMPER Fager’s Island: Saturday, April 24

REFORM SCHOOL Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sunday, April 25

FULL CIRCLE DUO Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, April 28

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Thursday, April 29

$ 00

1 OFF

Any 3-, 4-, 5-Litre Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 4-30-21 • MCD

15% OFF Any Case Of Wine

Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 4-30-21 • MCD

10% OFF

750 ml/1.5 L Bottle Of Wine Not Valid With Other Offers Or Discounts Exp. 4-30-21 • MCD

Cheers!

BEER • WINE • SODA Open 7 Days A Week Mon.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 7 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sun., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Gas • Ice Cigarettes 410-641-2366 • Main St. & Old O.C. Blvd., Berlin, Md.

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, April 23: Beats By Styler, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 24: Rogue Citizens Mondays: Karaoke With Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boardwalk Friday & Saturday, April 23 & 24: Misspent Youth Saturday, April 24: DJ Adam Dutch, 2 p.m.

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 23: My Hero Zero Duo, 5 p.m., High Five Swan Dive Duo, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 24: Nowhere Slow Duo, 5 p.m., Element K Duo, 8 p.m., Gypsy Wisdom Duo, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 29: Opposite Directions, 5 p.m.

Page 60

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above a spring scene from Northside Park is pictured. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

The Dispatch Classifieds

April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

HELP WANTED FULL MOON SALOON: Now hiring full or part time server, hostess, line cook, kitchen expo. Great Salary! Apply within at 12702 Old Bridge Road, WOC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 Hwy. 410-2131572.

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Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round Positions ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~LAUNDRY ~LOBBY ATTENDANT ~OVERNIGHT CLEANER ~HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ~FRONT DESK AGENT ~NIGHT AUDIT ~RESERVATIONS ~PAINTER ~FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR ~FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER ~MAINTENANCE ~EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ~HVAC Seasonal Positions ~SERVER ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNERS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~GRILL COOKS ~BEACH STAND ~SECURITY EXCELLENT BENEFITS! FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

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

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

MAINTENANCE: F/T, Y/R, 32-40 hrs/week. Dependable. Handyman with good skills. Must have transportation/tools. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BUILDING ATTENDANT: PT/FT. Summer season. Monitor pool and parking lot. Report to property manager. Good pay. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com or 410-250-1111.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GATE ATTENDANT: Assateague Point, West OC/Berlin gated community. Sat 5pm-1am. Sun 4pm1am. Call 410-641-1671 to apply.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BALI-HI RV PARK: Bishopville, MD. Maintenance Man/ Groundskeeper. Grass cutting. Experience in plumbing and electric.

40 hrs/wk, $15/hr. 724-825-8746.

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C L E A N E R S / VAC AT I O N RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have valid DL. Reliable transportation to work. Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LINE COOK: Experienced Line Cook needed. Work with us in West OC! Assateague Diner+Bar. Competitive pay $13-$18/hour with pay bump.

Text APPLY > 703.268.6444.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SERVER: Hiring Servers ASAP. Must be 18+. Assateague Diner+Bar. West Ocean City Area.

Good tips, fun summer job, $$$.

Text APPLY > 703.268.6444.

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’S T OC CE WES UN PLA F K T MOSTO WORK E MA A N D $$$ $

SUMMER BEACH CONDOS #3 35TH STREET, OCMD Is Looking For-

HIRING AT BOTH LOCATIONS ALL POSITIONS INCLUDING MANAGEMENT APPLY IN PERSON South Location 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 North Location 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

PART TIME CUSTODIAL & LIGHT MAINTENANCE PERSONS Day Shift 7am-2pm 4-5 Days/Week Weekends A Must $11/Hour Night Shift 4pm-12am Weekends A Must $12/Hour **Must Be Able To Move Heavy Objects** If interested please contact Diana Whittington at 410-603-5627 to set up an interview.

SEASONAL OC HOTEL NOW HIRING FOR:

Seasonal Housekeeping Positions Must Be Dependable.

Call Seahawk Motel

1-800-942-9042 SUN N FUN MOTEL NOW HIRING FORFULL TIME 2ND SHIFT FRONT DESK CLERK 4PM-MIDNIGHT DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING

APPLY IN PERSON 29th St & Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm

NOW HIRING! YEAR-ROUND FULL- OR PART-TIME

•LINE COOKS •FOOD RUNNER •HOSTESS •BARBACKS Please apply in person.

Greene Turtle West, Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500

Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology in Dagsboro, Delaware is looking for COSMETOLOGY, ESTHETICS, AND NAIL TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTORS! Must be available to work Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-4pm. We offer competitive benefits, like optional health care plans, dental and paid time off. Must maintain guest satisfaction, and ensure guest servicing is consistent with educational standards. Must provide and promote a positive learning environment for the student body. Must hold a valid DE license.

Must have salon industry experience and ability to maintain composure and drive in a fast-paced, high stress environment. Must have a polished professional image. No phone calls please. Email resume and cover letter w/salary requirements: jcook@delawarecosmetology.com

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE II Full Time, State Benefits. Occassional weekends and evenings required. Duties include but not limited to providing community health nursing services to individuals and/or families in the community. This is done through the use of the nursing process. This position serves the Adult Evaluation & Review Services (AERS) and Worcester County Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) programs.

Services include, but are not limited to: home visiting, comprehensive assessments, health promotion, health maintenance, health education and management, coordination, and continuity of care in a holistic approach to the management of the health care of individuals, families and groups in a community setting.

Must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland State Board of Nursing. Valid driver’s license required. Background check & drug screening required.

APPLY ONLINE AT www.jobapscloud.com/md We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221

The Castle in the Sand Hotel and The Barefoot Mailman are currently seeking applicants for the following positions for the 2021 season.

FRONT DESK STAFF NIGHT AUDITOR Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required. We require a satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants. Please contact Bob at 410-289-6846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

The Dispatch

Classifieds

Page 62

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

Come Join Our Winning Team!

Now accepting applications for the following positions!

Reservationist Over Night Front Desk Front Desk Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Room Inspectors Maintenance Server Cashier Barista Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021 MONTEGO BAY MARKET 12903 COASTAL HIGHWAY

Currently hiring manpower for

•STUCCO & EIFS MECHANICS •CARPENTERS •CONCRETE BLOCK •COATINGS SPECIALISTS •FLAT CONCRETE •CONCRETE REPAIRS •PT WELDER •COMMERCIAL CAULKING •WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLERS •WAREHOUSE HELP (DRIVER’S LICENSE REQ’D)

HIRING Evening Cashier Day & Evening Deli Personnel Please Emailmontegosuperthrift@gmail.com Or Apply In Person11am-4pm Monday-Friday

• DELIVERY DRIVERS Now Hiring

Make Up To $20/Hour Full-Time or Part-Time Call 443-856-5652 or Apply In Person Downtown Location 710 N. Philadelphia Ave.

Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus. Competitive benefit package available.

Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! Large automotive center with auto parts/ marine store, service centers, and used car dealership, is now hiring for: ~Service Parts & Advisors ~Experienced Tow Truck Drivers ~Technicians ~Maryland State Inspector Excellent Pay and Benefits.

Call: 302-344-9846

I NDI A N R I V ER MA R I NA I S NO W HI R I NG! •NIGHT WATCH 3PM-11PM SHIFT

•GENERAL CLERICAL

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

NOW HIRING DRIVER, BARTENDER, COOK & COUNTER Call 410-726-7061 for Interview PART-TIME FRONTLINE ASSOCIATE Farmers Bank of Willards has a Part-Time Frontline Associate position available at the Talbot Branch, Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 05-03-2021 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

The Dispatch

Classifieds

April 23, 2021

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

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Must have: Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

Now Hiring ALL POSITIONS Kitchen, Servers, Bussers, Hostess

Apply in Person IN THE OF FENWICK

Now Hiring ALL POSITIONS Kitchen, Servers, Bussers, Hostess Apply in Person

RT. 54, FENWICK ISLAND

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING FRONT DESK HOUSEKEEPING MAINTENANCE/ BELLMAN APPLY IN PERSON Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Thunderbird Beach Motel 32nd Street, Ocean City

NOW HIRING - YEAR ROUND COOK OCEAN PINES LOCATION

Call 410-726-7061 for Interview Sunset Island, Ocean City, MD A Beautiful Bayside Location in Ocean City with a Friendly Team Environment.

Now Hiring Clubhouse/Pool Attendants.

Part-Time Seasonal Position.

Excellent people skills a must.

You must be able to work mornings, nights and weekends. 8 hour shifts.

Please Fax Resume to 410-520-0398 or Email: linda.horensavitz@casinc.biz

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Join Our Team!

Now Hiring Full or P/T Night Auditor Seasonal position.

Call to set up an interview 9am-3pm Between 2nd & 3rd Street on the Boardwalk 410-289-6440

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME SEASONAL: FRONT DESK HOUSEKEEPING MAINTENANCE/ BELLMAN Daytime & Evening Positions Available

APPLY IN PERSON 1800 Baltimore Avenue Monday-Friday 11am-4pm

NIGHT SUPERVISOR FT, YEAR ROUND BENEFITS INCLUDE VACATION, SICK DAYS, HEALTH INSURANCE, 401-K. Competitive hourly wage + Temporary $2 extra per hour until further notice

To Apply-go online www.petromg.com *Employment *Retail *OC MD *Night Supervisor *Search *Night Supervisor-Wine Rack Rt. 50 Wine Rack 12827 Ocean Gateway West OC, MD

Berlin’s Newest Eatery!

Now Hiring: ALL POSITIONS Seasonal Part-Time Full-Time Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE Must be friendly & dependable FT/PT - Year Round & Seasonal - Various Shifts Competitive Hourly Wage Benefits Available Temporary $2 extra per hour until further notice

To Apply-go online www.petromg.com *Employment *Retail *OC MD *Cashier Wine Rack *Search *Cashier Sales Assoc.-Wine Rack Rt. 50 Wine Rack 12827 Ocean Gateway West OC, MD

REAL ESTATE MOBILE HOME FOR SALE: 14x45. Ground and 2 boat slips included in price. 2BR on 24th Street, OCMD. $299,000. Call 410-477-6073.

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BOATS PERSONAL WATERCRAFT LIFT: Free. Lift available in Ocean Pines.

Fully operational. Needs to be uninstalled and removed in next couple weeks. Call 410-935-6800.

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COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE: Retail Banking Center with drive thru. Contact Brian Gamm. 443-880-2225.

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

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Looking Everywhere?!

Check Here First!

The Dispatch Classifieds

Print & Online

Page 63

RENTALS

ROOMMATES

YEAR ROUND RENTAL: Houses for rent in Salisbury, MD. Only 40 minutes from Ocean City. Rents are $900-$1200/month. Call 443373-5638.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUMMER SEASONAL: 2 rooms, Sleeps 2 per room. May-September. Electric included. $4000 per person. Call Tricia 443-610-4665.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WATERFRONT COTTAGE: 4BR/2BA. Screened in porch.

Available May 15-September 15.

443-831-9898.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUMMER SEASONAL RENTAL: Three Cheers Studio Apartment.

30th Street. No Smoking, No Pets. $8000 for season. Call for application 410-524-0295.

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ROOM FOR RENT: Ocean Pines, about 1 mile in from North Gate.

Males only.

Non-smoker. $600/month. Call 267-784-2588.

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SERVICES MOWING/LANDSCAPING: Over 30 years experience. Call Tony for free estimate at 443-513-0271.

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Ceja’s Landscaping & More!

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

YARD SALES GARAGE SALE RAIN OR SHINE: 4/24/2021, Home decor, men's and women's clothing (sizes small & medium), other household items. Smoke free home. 306 Ann Dr, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YARD SALE FUNDRAISER: Benefitting Stephen Decatur High School Key Club. Sat. 4/24, 8am10am. 11238 Adkins Road, Berlin, Md. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YARD SALE: April 24th 2021.

8am -12pm. 331 Walnut Hill Drive, Berlin, Md. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COMMUNITY YARD SALE: Berlin, Decatur Farm. Off Route 113, across from Stephen Decatur Park. Sat. May 1st, 8am-noon.

Don’t forget to wear your mask.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ESTATE/FAMILY YARD SALE: Inside garage, rain or shine. Sat. 4/24, 6am-til. 7470 Bay Harbour Road, off Cropper Island Road, Newark. Furniture, tools, kitchen, kids, men’s Carhartts, clothing, siding, scaffolding, household, boating, fishing, and more.

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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 WILLIAM E. ESHAM III ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 11320 To all persons interested in the estate of WALTER D BROWN, ESTATE NO. 11320. Notice is given that LORETTA B. BRIDDELL, 418 HAMMOND STREET, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on, APRIL 01, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WALTER D BROWN, who died on JANUARY 6, 2002, 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 1ST day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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, ex-

The Dispatch

Page 64

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.

cept 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 09, 2021 LORETTA B. BRIDDELL 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, 04-09, 04-16, 04-23

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18048 Notice is given that the SUPERIOR court of SUSSEX COUNTY, DE, appointed KRISTOPHER T. LIU, 5401 FM 1626 #170-217, KYLE, TX 78640 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of PENNY W. LIU, who died on JULY 27, 2019.

The Maryland resident agent for service of process is STEPHAN M. KENNY, whose address is 9800 COASTAL HWY, 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

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 09, 2021 KRISTOPHER T. LIU Foreign Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 04-09, 04-16, 04-23

THIRD INSERTION

ARLETTE K. BRIGHT ESQ THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B SALISBURY, MD 21804 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18680 To all persons interested in the estate of CARL J. KALOUSTIAN, ESTATE NO. 18680. Notice is given that LARA ELAINE ADAMS, 38 RAYMOND STREET, MEDFORD, MA 02155 was on, APRIL 05, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CARL J. KALOUSTIAN, who died on JANUARY 17, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or be-

fore the 5TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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 APRIL 09, 2021 LARA ELAINE ADAMS 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, 04-09, 04-16, 04-23

THIRD INSERTION

LAW OFFICE OF JOHN E. REID, PLLC 5335 WISCONSIN AVENUE, N.W. SUITE 700 WASHINGTON, DC 20015 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD CIVIL DIVISION C-23-CV-20-000132 TAX SALE EB 2EMIMD, LLC Plaintiff vs.

ROBERT ELMER, WORCESTER COUNTY, MD AND All unknown owners of the

property described below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all other persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property and premises with Account No. 030410; situtate in Disrict 01 of Worcester County, Maryland, known as 805 Market St., Pocomoke, MD 21851 and described as 60’V201’N Side 805 St. Pocomoke on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance Defendants AMENDED ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the herein above described property sold, either directly or via assignment, by the Collector of Taxes for the State of Maryland and Worcester County to the Plaintiff in the proceeding. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amount necessary for the redemption for the subject property has not been paid although more than six (6) months from the date of the sale have expired, and more than two (2) months from the date that the first of two (2) separate pre-suit Notices of the the tax sale was sent to each required interested party have expired.

It is thereupon this 31st day of MARCH, 2021 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in a newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, on or before the 26th day of APRIL, 2021 warning all persons having or claiming to have any interest in the property described above to appear in this Court by the 1st day of JUNE, 2021 and redeem their respective property, or answer the Complaint or thereafter a final decree will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in and as to the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff, a title in fee simple or leasehold, free and clear of all encumbrances.

The Defendants are hereby informed of the latest date to file a written Answer or

April 23, 2021

Petition to Redeem the property mentioned in the Complaint described above, and that failure to file a response on or before the date specified may result in a Default Judgement foreclosing all rights of redemption in and as to the property being rendered by this Court against them.

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MD Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 09, 2021 TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x, 04-09, 04-16, 04-23

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17895 To all persons interested in the estate of IRANE ELIZABETH DUFFY AKA IRENE E DUFFY, ESTATE NO. 17895.

Notice is given that JOYCE MARIE SAVAGE, 2418 HILLTOP ROAD, GREENVILLE, NC 27858 was on, APRIL 06, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of IRANE ELIZABETH DUFFY, who died on JUNE 06, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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 APRIL 16, 2021 JOYCE MARIE SAVAGE 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, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

SECOND INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18684 To all persons interested in the estate of CATHERINE MARIA RODEFER, ESTATE NO. 18684. Notice is given that MARY KATHLEEN HUNTT, 29 SANDALWOOD DRIVE, REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971 was on, APRIL 06, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CATHERINE MARIA RODEFER, who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or be-

The Dispatch

April 23, 2021

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. fore the 6TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

tacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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:

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 8TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

(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 16, 2021 MARY KATHLEEN HUNTT 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, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18690 To all persons interested in the estate of ELIZABETH DORNAN, ESTATE NO. 18690. Notice is given that ROBERT JAMES DORNAN, 8413 MYRTLE AVE., BOWIE, MD 20715 was on, APRIL 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELIZABETH DORNAN, who died on APRIL 13, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by con-

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 APRIL 16, 2021 ROBERT JAMES DORNAN 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, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

SECOND INSERTION

BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: DAVID FOWLER, ESTATE NO. 18691 NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all persons interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that

a petition has been filed by JUDY LITTLE, 11003 GREYS CORNER ROAD, UNIT 44, BERLIN, MD 21811, for judicial probate of the will and for the appointment of a personal representative.

A hearing will be held at ONE W. MARKET STREET COURTROOM 4 WORCESTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE SNOW HILL, MD. 21863 on 05/11/2021 at 10:00 A.M. This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 16, 2021 TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 2x, 04-16, 04-23

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18692 To all persons interested in the estate of MILLIE E. JONES, ESTATE NO. 18692.

Notice is given that MICHAEL LEE JONES, 3232 ST. LUKE ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on, APRIL 06, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MILLIE E. JONES, who died on JANUARY 10, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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.

Page 65 Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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 APRIL 16, 2021

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 16, 2021

MICHAEL LEE JONES Personal Representative

LESLIE M EISENHAUER 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, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

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, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

SECOND INSERTION

FIRST INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18697

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18695

To all persons interested in the estate of LLOYD MARTIN HEISER, ESTATE NO. 18697. Notice is given that DIANNA GREEN, 5839 WALLACE DRIVE, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on, APRIL 13, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LLOYD MARTIN HEISER, who died on MARCH 23, 2021, with a will.

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES RICHARD EISENHAUER JR, ESTATE NO. 18695. Notice is given that LESLIE M EISENHAUER, 18 FALCON BRIDGE ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, APRIL 12, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES RICHARD EISENHAUER JR, who died on MARCH 29, 2021, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the

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

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

their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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 APRIL 23, 2021 DIANNA GREEN 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, 04-23, 04-30, 05-07

FIRST INSERTION

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18701 To all persons interested in the estate of KRISTAL LEE BAKER. Notice is given that MICHELLE HUDSON, 10428 BISHOPVILLE ROAD, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on APRIL 15, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of KRISTAL LEE BAKER, who died on MARCH 30, 2021 with a will.

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

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

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

Page 66

The Dispatch

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LEGAL RATES

April 23, 2021

Legal Notices

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 23, 2021 MICHELLE HUDSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 04-23

FIRST INSERTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND CIVIL CASE NO. C23-FM-21-000101 IN THE MATTER OF DUONG THUY LE FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO VICTORIA THUY LE

Date of Publication APRIL 23, 2021 SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, MD Room 104 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 04-23

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION (ADULT) (MD. RULE 15-901)

FAMILY COURT FOR THE STATE OF DELAWARE

The above petitioner has filed a petition for Change of Name to change their name from DUONG THUY LE to VICTORIA THUY LE.

TO: CHRISTIAN MCDANIEL, Respondent.

The petitioner is seeking a name change because: PETITIONER HAS USED “VICTORIA” AS A NICK NAME/ALIAS SINCE SHE WAS A CHILD AND WOULD LIKE TO FORMALLY CHANGE IT. Any person may file an objection to the Petition for Change of Name on or before MAY 27, 2021. The objection must be supported by an affidavit (written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation) and served on the Petitioner (Md. Rule 1321). If no timely objection is filed, the court may issue a judgement or grant the name change.

A copy of this notice must be published one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county at least fifteen (15) days before the deadline to fine an objection.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

NOTICE OF FAMILY COURT ACTION

Petitioner, SAMANTHA LUFFMAN has filed a PETITION FOR MINOR NAME CHANGE petition (Petition #21-03567) against you in the Family Court of the State of Delaware for Kent County on 4/7/2021. If you do not file an answer with the Family Court within 20 days after publication of this notice, exclusive of the date of publication, this action will be heard in Family Court without further notice.

APRIL 14, 2021 SAMANTHA LUFFMAN PETITIONER Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 23, 2021 1x 04-23

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Audit Shows 2020 Revenues Up, Expenses Down In Wicomico

April 23, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – A positive report on Wicomico County’s financial statements highlighted a presentation this week.

On Tuesday, representatives from PKS & Company presented the Wicomico County Council with a clean, unmodified audit report for fiscal year 2020.

“This means the financial statements present fairly the financial position of the county in accordance with accounting principles,” said PKS Partner Mike Kleger. “It’s also known as a clean opinion and is the highest level of assurance we can provide as auditors.”

While the report highlighted Wicomico’s strong financial position, Kleger noted audit testing revealed two material weaknesses and three significant deficiencies the county needed to address.

“These were primarily related to account reconciliations and a lack of review and monitoring financial records during fiscal year 2020,” he said.

PKS Partner Ashley Stern reported an unrestricted net position of $26.03 million in fiscal year 2020, as well as an unassigned fund balance of more than $37 million. She said that number was in line

Major Road Projects Planned In Region

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Local motorists can expect some headaches this month as the Maryland Department of Transportation-State Highway Administration (SHA) begins several resurfacing projects in the area.

SHA began a roadway resurfacing project this week on Route 346, or Old Ocean City Boulevard, from Healthway Drive near Atlantic General Hospital to Route 50. SHA has also begun a resurfacing project on eastbound Route 50 in Salisbury from Civic Ave. to the U.S. 13 bypass.

In May, SHA will begin similar projects in both Worcester and Wicomico counties. Resurfacing will take place on eastbound Route 50 from Route 346 west of Route 113 to the intersection of Route 346 east of Route 113. SHA will also resurface the U.S. 13 bypass from Johnson Road to Route 12 beginning in May. During all the projects, milling, paving and striping will occur during the daylight hours and SHA may adjust the work zone lengths and hours as needed to minimize traffic impacts. Local motorists should expect a single-lane flagging operation during the Route 346 project, and barrels and cones to delineate work zones on the Route 50 and U.S. 13 bypass projects.

SHA reminds motorists to reduce speeds in work zones, be alert for construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadways and plan a few extra minutes into schedules for any travel through work zones.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

with accounting metrics from the Government Finance Officers Association, which recommends a fund balance of no less than 60 to 90 days of operating expenditures.

“Sixty days would be a fund balance of $23 million for the county, and 90 days would be $34.5 million of operating expenditures,” she said. “The unassigned fund balance for the general fund is at $37 million, so you have a little bit of a cushion. It’s about 102 days of operating expenses. It’s a significant method of showing the health of any government.”

In fiscal year 2020, the county’s general fund revenues decreased by $1.2 million, while general fund expenditures increased by more than $5 million, Stern said.

“This mostly has to do with an increase in your board of education funding due to maintenance of effort, public

health costs, as well as the timing of various capital projects that occurred,” she said.

Stern added that revenues in 2020 were $1.2 million more than budgeted, while expenses were $2.97 million less than budgeted. Property tax and income tax accounted for the majority of general fund revenues, while salaries, other operating costs, debt service and board of education accounted for the majority of general fund expenditures.

When asked how Wicomico’s expenditures compared to other counties, Stern noted allocations were similar.

“Generally, education is the highest expense of any county,” she said.

Under enterprise accounts, Stern reported an increase in net position of $1.2 million for solid waste and a decrease in net position of $2.3 million for the airport.

She said airport revenues decreased by

Page 67

$201,000 and expenses increased by $215,000.

“Do you think it may be time for the county to look at removing the airport as an actual enterprise fund and put it into a department within the county?” Councilman John Cannon asked.

Stern said it was an issue that auditors and county leaders were closely monitoring. While she noted the airport had seen a positive trend in net position prior to COVID-19, Stern said officials would reevaluate the situation in the future.

“Because of the COVID funds expected to come into the airport, their current budget does not include a general fund appropriation,” she replied. “It’s all about how the airport is being budgeted … We have it still on our radar, post COVID funding, to see how they are doing. But I think it’s time.”

Page 68

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The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

ineteen months separate our two sons. Their personalities and approaches to life are as different as they come, but a unique connection seems to be building.

In some ways, their relationship is like most brothers. There are ups and downs and disagreements over silly things. However, the brotherly relationship between Beckett, 12, and Carson, 11, is unique because of our younger son’s special needs. He requires patience and the oldest kid in the house is not one who has a lot of that to spare in his cup most days. Therefore, some days they only spend a few minutes together.

While it’s an up-and-down journey with them, there is no question a true family relationship exists and it’s real.

They love each other and are buddies.

It’s just a unique situation.

Beckett looks for Carson as soon as he walks in the door after school or sports practice. He always jumps on him and Carson screams like he’s being brutalized. If you’re not in the room, it’s easy to think Carson is in severe pain. When you walk in the room, I usually find Beckett just resting atop Carson, who is lightly slapping himself and screaming in an attempt to get his brother in trouble. It worked the first time years ago. Beckett just laughs, and they goof around together like that for a few minutes.

Every morning Beckett seeks Carson out when he comes downstairs in the morning. Because of how the timing works for everyone getting to school on time, Carson is always eating breakfast. Beckett fakes as if he is trying to steal Carson’s food followed by a couple laps of chase around the house.

During the evenings, Carson loves running through Beckett’s room and trying to embarrass him in front of

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friends either in person or on Facetime.

He runs in with his shirt off, puts the “L” sign on his forehead with his hand (like calling him a loser) and dances a bit.

I’m told it’s from Tic Toc or YouTube or some show. I watch it unfold as Beckett says, “Boy you better get out of here.”

Carson swats at him before running out of the room giggling. It’s a happy relationship.

I am told by other friends who have brothers in close age range there are a lot of competitive issues. Brawls break out over backyard football games and driveway basketball games. This is not how it is at our house. Beckett is better at most things than his special needs brother. However, Beckett champions Carson’s strengths, of which there are many. He does it subconsciously.

For instance, while forcing the boys to help us in the yard last weekend, Beckett, who detests manual labor, told his brother to push the wheelbarrow full of mulch. From a bit away, I heard him cautioning Carson not to fill it up too high because it will be too heavy. Carson kept filling it up, and Beckett told him he would have to huff it up the hill.

When Carson shrugged why, Beckett said, “because you’re stronger than me.” I then watched as Carson began the trek and the wheelbarrow fell over.

They both ran giggling and hid behind a tree. When I came upon the mess, they each pointed at each other, leading to a small shoving match. It was natural. I then tasked them to find their mom and help her.

While their differences are vast, it’s healthy to focus on the positives of their relationships. The uniqueness and unfortunate aspects of their dynamics are evident to Beckett. He doesn’t have a little brother to play with in the backyard. They can’t go one-on-one in basketball unless Beckett is willing to throw the game and let Carson win. If Beckett tries hard, Carson will get frustrated

and make a scene. Therefore, Beckett never involves him in any sport. He will not intentionally lose. Carson can’t handle the competitive aspect.

What has developed though over the years is a real relationship. They are brothers. There are limitations due to Carson’s unique needs. Beckett resents his brother at times, but he has innately developed a protective relationship over him. It’s been a true joy to see this nature develop over the years.

It’s okay for him to make fun of and be mean to Carson at times, but he has asked permission from his parents to fight anyone who ever treats him poorly because of his disabilities, including the fact he does not talk. It’s the latter point he seems especially sensitive to and I get it.

I think it’s human nature to want to protect the most vulnerable among us.

Carson will need this sort of oversight from his brother throughout his life.

Pam and I are Carson’s biggest champions and protectors now. Beckett will one day serve in the role in some capacity. It doesn’t seem lost on him, as he asked what happens to Carson after we die later in life. We caution him not to worry about those sorts of heavy aspects in his young life. We tell him we have a plan. It says a lot about his heart that he thinks about these eventualities.

For now, I like to watch them as they play out typical boy antics. Last night after lacrosse practice Beckett rushed into the house jumped atop Carson.

Beckett was sticking his armpits in his brother’s face when Carson had a moment of flatulence that resulted in 10 minutes of laughter. The teenager inside me couldn’t help but join them.

(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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April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 69

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 68

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Impatience is still somewhat of a problem.

But a sign of progress should soothe the anxious Aries heart. Meanwhile, invest some of that waiting time in preparing for the change ahead.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Bovines tend to excel at solving problems, not creating them. But you risk doing just that if you're slow to respond to a timely situation. If necessary, seek advice from someone you trust.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): The Gemini Twin might need to do more than a routine check of both a joblinked and home-based situation. Dig deeper for more data on both fronts to avoid unwanted surprises later.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Moon Children facing an important workplace decision are encouraged to use their perceptiveness to see through any attempt to win them over with a supercharge of fawning and flattery.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Good news catapults Leos and Leonas into reconsidering a deferred decision. But time has moved on, and it's a good idea to recheck your plans and make adjustments where necessary.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): The week favors relationships, both personal and professional. Take the time to look for and immediately repair any vulnerable areas caused by unresolved misunderstandings.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A

friend's problems bring out your protective instincts. Be careful to keep a balance between meeting the obligations of friendship without being overwhelmed by them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): The temptation to take an extreme position on an issue is strong, but moderation is favored both in personal and professional dealings. Move toward finding areas of agreement.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Getting another boss or teacher?

Try to see the person behind the image.

It will help you adjust more easily to the changes that new authority figures inevitably bring.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Much as you might dislike the idea, keep an open mind about using the assistance of a third party to help resolve problems that threaten to unravel an important agreement.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Career choices that seem too confusing to deal with at this point probably are.

More information would help uncomplicate them.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): A challenge that seems easy enough at first could take an unexpected turn that might test your resolve. Decide if you feel you should stay with it, or if it's better to move in another direction.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can be strong when standing up for justice, both for yourself and for others. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Page 70

OCEAN CITY vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things I Like ...

By Steve Green

April 23, 2021

WITH BUNK MANN

Watching heavy machinery at work The Snipping Tool on PCs

Grants with no strings attached The show ‘Anne with an E’

Sports teams that play hard Khaki suits

The last few pieces of a puzzle

People who are not easily alarmed The new Chesapeake Bay plates Payments from the government

Taking a chainsaw to a dead tree

By the mid-1980s, most of the beach in Ocean City had become narrow and in some places nearly non-existent on high tide. It was said you could fish from the Boardwalk on 15th Street during a storm and there was barely enough room to set up an umbrella between 21st and 25th streets. Most of the northern beach was in bad shape as well.

Early attempts at beach preservation with wooden jetties and stone groins had failed to halt erosion; every major storm was a threat to flood the town. The beach -- Ocean City’s most important asset – was in big trouble.

A grand attempt to save it began in 1986. Known as the Beach Replenishment and Hurricane Protection Project, sand was dredged from the ocean and pumped ashore and the beach was widened to 200 feet. A seawall was built to protect the Boardwalk and the dunes rebuilt from 27th Street to the Delaware line. By October 1991, the project was successfully completed, and the beach had been saved.

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

Photo courtesy Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum

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April 23, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 23, 2021