April 28

See Page 6 • Photo by Bethany Hooper

See Page 16 • Photo cour tesy Town of OC

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Par ypa

The construction of the Springfest grounds continued this week in the Inlet Parking Lot. Above, the sunset sky is pictured Sunday with The Big Wheel looming from Trimper’s Rides.

Photo by Chris Parypa

SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

Ocean City Moving Ahead With Room Tax Revenue Policy

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The introduction of a room tax policy highlighted discussions at a resort work session this week.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council were presented with a draft policy that clarifies for what purposes room tax revenues can be used. City Manager Terry McGean said the proposed document resulted from recent budget discussions, during which officials questioned the intent of the town’s room tax ordinance.

“We tried to reflect the spirit and intent of the ordinance that was passed …,” he said. “Again, this is our draft, and we welcome any comments or concerns as to how we interpreted what we believe the ordinance reflected.”

Currently, 42% of room tax revenues are dedicated to promoting the town,

while the remainder is used to cover general fund expenses. The formula, approved by the council through an ordinance, also outlines approved expenditures, such as advertising, sponsorships, promotion of special events and more.

In recent years, however, the use of room tax dollars to pay general fund expenses has been a source of contention among council members and staff. And when staff last month presented the council with a list of general fund expenses covered by tourism dollars, officials agreed a policy was needed to outline the appropriate use of advertising funds for destination marketing.

“Basically, we tried to mirror what we’ve been doing with Ordinance 2021-24 and try to expand each of the elements as best as we could to give you a complete idea as to what we are using advertising funds for,” said Tourism and Business De-

velopment Director Tom Perlozzo. “Again, the ultimate goal was to increase the effectiveness and impact to the destination as it relates to marketing and advertising.”

Perlozzo said the policy presented to the council this week included acceptable uses of advertising funds, such as the purchase of advertising space, the payment of advertising agency fees, and the funding of destination research.

“Another item in the ordinance we’ve been adhering to that’s allowed us to really dig deeper is destination research … ,” he said. “We’ve been able to capture it using advertising dollars, and it has allowed us to look at our market and identify who they are, where they are coming from, how much they are spending.”

Perlozzo said it also allows funding for brand development, public relations, social media marketing, and entertainment

costs and performances, among other things. He added there were also unacceptable uses, such as staff salaries, office supplies, intergovernmental transfers and other special event costs not related to advertising.

“That’s the nuts and bolts of what we were using things for …,” he said. “There are some unacceptable uses of funds that have been outlined here.”

Councilman John Gehrig pointed out the policy allowed advertising funds to be used for hiring consultants to provide expert advice.

“Is this a fancy or long-winded way of saying legal?” he asked.

McGean said it was. He said if City Solicitor Heather Stansbury spent time reviewing a contract between the town and BVK, the town’s advertising firm, legal fees would come out of advertising funds.

“If that’s not the council’s intent, we need to know,” he said. “Right now, we’re interpreting it that way.”

When asked if legal fees for reviewing a contract between the town and C3 Presents – the promoter for the Oceans Calling Festival – came from advertising, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said it did.

“This is where I get a little heartburn.” Gehrig said. “I don’t think it’s purposeful. But we charge special events fees that should cover the labor, the time and effort it takes our team to review the event … I certainly don’t want to charge promoters and then charge tourism at the same time.”

McGean noted that entertainment contracts for events such as Sunfest and Springfest, for example, were also reviewed by the city solicitor, with funds coming from advertising. He questioned how the council would want to address it.

“It’s not a lot of our time,” he said. “But that would be another question for the council.”

Gehrig said he took issue with spending advertising dollars on legal fees.

“It is more personnel than it is advertising …,” he said. “Legal is not advertising, marketing and PR for direct tourism benefits. It’s like charging for public works. It’s in support of tourism. In my view, it’s a violation of the terms of the ordinance.”

Gehrig said he also took issue with having advertising funds pay for entertainment costs.

“I think that's too wide open,” he said. “I think we need to tighten up entertainment costs to be more specific.”

Gehrig also made recommendations regarding unacceptable uses of advertising funds.

“Our ad dollars are not for advertising, marketing any other city initiatives like employment or recruiting, WalkSmart, bicycle safety, Litter Free (campaign), wind turbines, any city PR …,” he said. “Those are general city functions that would also include the Town of Ocean City website and anything along those lines.”

He also said funds should not be used for capital projects, facility repairs or convention center costs not related to advertising the facility.

After further discussion, the council directed McGean, Stansbury and Perlozzo to review Gehrig’s suggestions, make the necessary changes and come back with a modified policy.

Hardwire’s Body Armor Celebrated For Saving Officers’ Lives

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

POCOMOKE – Employees at a local armor manufacturing company this week were able to meet three officers saved by the products they made at the Pocomoke-based facility.

On Wednesday, Hardwire LLC, in partnership with Safariland, the company’s distributor, joined employees and local officials to recognize three police officers who were saved by Hardwire’s body armor technology. CEO George Tunis said their stories highlight Hardwire’s mission to improve the survivability of humans.

“This is why we do what we do,” he said. “These officers came home to their families at the end of a traumatic day where their lives almost paid the final price. The work we do at Hardwire day in and day out matters. It keeps families together. It keeps people safe. There is no greater reward than that.”

Each week, Hardwire produces enough armor to equip 1,000 police officers and more than 4,500 military personnel. And on Wednesday, three officers shared harrowing stories of lifethreatening incidents and the gear that saved them.

Philadelphia Police Department Officer Donald Murdoch said he was part of a SWAT unit sent to serve an arrest warrant at a suspected drug lab when he was placed in the line of fire. During

the breach, the suspect started shooting through the wall and at officers gathering on the staircase.

“I was standing in the hallway thinking, ‘Did I just get shot?’” he said.

While he was struck once in the

chest, Murdock said the round was stopped by his Hardwire gear.

“People thank police officers all the time for what we do,” he said. “I wouldn’t be standing here talking right now if it wasn’t for you guys.”

& CAP’NS SLICE PIZZA

Philadelphia Police Department Officer Thomas Fitzpatrick also shared his experience. While serving a homicide warrant last fall, the assailant began firing at officers from inside a living

SEE PAGE 61

Pictured, from left, are Officers Thomas Fitzpatrick and Donald Murdoch of the Philadelphia Police Department and Sgt. Kevin Creed of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina with Safariland’s Ed Hinchey at a Hardwire Body Armor Saves event Wednesday.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

Fall Start Eyed For Construction On OC Museum’s Second Location

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say the town will soon seek bids for the renovation and remodel of a second museum location.

On Tuesday, City Engineer Paul Mauser and Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum Curator Christine Okerblom presented the Mayor and Council with an update regarding the museum’s efforts to restore the former Bank of Ocean City building at the corner of Dorchester Street and South Baltimore Avenue.

With plans to reconstruct the roof and improve both the interior and exterior, Mauser said the town is hoping to start construction by Oct. 24.

“Given the location we’re not looking to rush into any work that’s going to impede in the extended season Ocean City has,” he told the council. “We’re very mindful of the October events the town has, and we want to avoid those. A seven-month construction has us wrapped up by Memorial Day of 2024.”

In December 2019, the Bank of Ocean City closed its downtown branch. But instead of selling the property, it was donated to the Town of Ocean City for the museum’s use. Since that time, city officials have worked with museum staff to secure grant funding and complete design work for the development of a second museum location.

Mauser told the council this week the town had secured $625,000 in grant funds and private donations for the project. And to date, the town has spent more than $38,000 on demolition work and more than $40,000 on design. Construction costs are estimated at $550,000.

“If you do the math, we’re currently $4,000 over budget on a $625,000 project,” he said. “So we’re going to leave the project as is. I feel confident that with competitive bidding we will try to price down. If not, we’re going to bid it as line items, where we can remove line items

as necessary to meet the budget.”

Mauser said the goal is to publicly bid the project in mid-May and open submitted bids in front of the council at its July 11 work session. Once the project is awarded to a contractor, construction would start in October.

Officials say the plans call for a complete restoration of the building’s exterior, bringing the structure back to its 1914 design. On the inside, both the first and second floors will be remodeled to include new HVAC, plumbing, electrical, flooring and paint.

“Once that is all completed, we turn the building over to the museum as essentially an open shell, more or less,” Mauser said.

Okerblom told the council the museum has plans to use the building as a second location. With limited space at its Inlet facility, she said the second location will allow for more exhibits and programs, among other things.

“Taking on the bank building will further meet our mission,” she said. “This building will allow for new exhibits, room for our growing collection, programs and research space for the public.”

Okerblom said the first floor will serve as the main exhibit hall and will provide open space for programs and community events. Potential exhibits could display the history of downtown Ocean City, the history of Native Americans, and the history of the town’s hotels and restaurants.

She said the first and second floors will also feature research space.

“This will provide space where the public can access museum archival records and view historical maps, photographs and other items in the museum’s collections,” she said.

The second floor, Okerblom said, will also include office space and archival storage. She noted the museum has nearly 30,000 artifacts, but that most are kept in an off-site storage facility.

“The bank building will allow us to store those items onsite,” she said.

The exterior restoration rendering for the former Bank of Ocean City building is pictured. Image courtesy of The Design Group

Worcester School Board Working With County On Budget

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – School system officials say they’re in the process of providing Worcester County government with budget details.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week told Worcester County Public Schools leadership that they wanted more details regarding the school system’s $131 million budget. Todd Ferrante, president of the Worcester County Board of Education, said this week school system officials met with county leadership and were in the process of providing any information requested. Ferrante said he’s optimistic that the budget process will move forward in a positive manner.

“I am hopeful they’ll be able to fund our request,” he said.

Last week, the commissioners told

school system officials they’d asked multiple times for detailed budget information and were still waiting for it. At the board of education meeting later that afternoon, Superintendent Lou Taylor and school board members expressed concerns about the commissioners micromanaging the budget, which they say is 90% fixed charges. They agreed, however, that Taylor and Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert should meet with county administration to answer their questions.

Ferrante said this week that meeting had taken place and the county would be receiving the requested information.

Bertino agreed that the meeting appeared to have been productive.

“We haven’t yet received the information but are confident it’s being worked on,” he said.

Bertino acknowledged that this year’s budget process did represent a transition

from the way things have been done in the past.

“This is the first time we’re requesting information as detailed as we’re asking for right now,” he said. “One of the realities is this –Worcester County is facing a number of financial mandates from the state. A lot of unfunded mandates. The cost of doing business is growing. We’re experiencing inflationary pressures. I think we have a responsibility to know exactly where our tax dollars are going.”

For years, the school system has provided county administration with a budget summary rather than the detailed line-byline budget provided by most county departments. Ferrante indicated that had nothing to do with not wanting to be transparent, as Tolbert was willing to provide any information requested by county officials.

“We’ve been very transparent,” Fer-

rante said, adding that the school system was also consistently categorized as one of the best in the state. “We’ve had a very successful school system in Worcester County. We rank up there as far as the 24 other districts in a lot of categories in the top. I hope we’ll be able to continue to do that. What we’ve been doing has been working. If you look at the scores and where we rank, it's indisputable.”

Bertino said the county’s interest in the budget was simply an effort to see where tax dollars were being spent. He said the summary information was not detailed enough that officials could see trends. He said that when citizens paid property taxes in Worcester County, most of that money was being directed toward education.

“When more than half of the county’s budget is going to the board of education we should see where that money is going,” he said.

Bertino said the county had no interest in micromanaging the school system’s spending.

“The board of education, it’s their job to review and scrutinize and make changes to the board of education budget,” he said.

Bertino said he believes this year’s transition into a more detailed budget discussion will prove helpful for the county and the school system going forward. He added that the relationship between the two entities was as strong as ever.

“We’re dealing with a sensitive issue apparently, but we’ll get through this,” he said. “I didn’t expect this to be so difficult, but we’ll get through this as we’ve gotten through other challenging issues in the past.”

The proposed $131 million school system budget is funded primarily by the commissioners, with about 80% coming from the county and not quite 20% coming from the state. The school system’s proposed budget is about $4.1 million higher than that of the current fiscal year. The bulk of that increase is tied to pay increases, as teachers will get a step increase as well as a 4% cost-of-living adjustment. They actually already got .75% of that adjustment this month.

Ferrante said that was part of table negotiations with the Worcester County Teachers Association.

“They agreed to take less provided we could provide .75% April 1,” he said, adding that it equated to very little per paycheck for teachers. “When you look at where pay is and what costs are, the raise doesn’t keep up with that.”

The remainder of the teachers’ pay increase is built into the proposed budget. When asked what the school system would do if the budget was not approved as presented, Ferrante said officials would find the money for the teachers elsewhere.

“If they don’t give us enough money –I don’t like to think about it,” he said. “We’ll have to figure out how to do what we can do and do with less.”

He said maybe the spending for services to students or professional development could be reduced.

“We have to find it somewhere,” he said.

Ocean City Council Approves $1.9M Fire Engine Purchase

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week approved a request for two new fire engines totaling more than $1.9 million.

On Tuesday, the council voted 6-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to approve a request for two new replacement engines. Citing rising costs, supply chain issues and new emission standards, Fire Chief Richie Bowers said he was seeking a purchase order of $1,934,870 to lock in the price for two new vehicles, with replacement in 2025.

Bowers told the Mayor and Council that

an approved fire apparatus replacement program calls for the replacement of two engines in calendar year 2025. But he noted purchasing both vehicles now will allow the town to secure motors before new federal emission standards are implemented in 2027.

“We will be ahead of the new federal emissions standards, which will take the current motors we would have to get out of service,” he said. “Keeping the same motors in the L9s that we have will help with our maintenance program and our stock. And the engines will still arrive in calendar year 2025 … Without doing this now, it looks like we would look at a $200,000-

plus escalation of the price.”

Council President Matt James said he questioned the emission standards.

“By pre-ordering these fire engines, does it ensure we get the motor we want, or is it possible we’ve pre-ordered but we also get the motor we don’t want in the fire engine?” he asked. “Is that a scenario that could play out?”

Bowers said it could, but that it wasn’t likely.

“The possibility is very remote right now,” he said. “I have good information from the manufacturer, 99.5% that we’ll be able to get the L9 motor, which is the current performing motor we have in the engines now.”

Councilman Peter Buas asked if the purchase was included in the fiscal year 2024 budget. City Manager Terry McGean said it wasn’t.

“This was not in the FY24 budget because it was not expected to really be purchased until the FY25 budget …,” he explained. “The problem is it takes two years for these things to get built and if we don’t lock them in before May, we know for a fact prices will go up 1 to 3%. And there’s a very good chance we will no longer be able to get the standard engines.”

McGean told the council the request simply seeks to encumber the money until it is spent in fiscal year 2025.

“It encumbers the money in fund balance, but the money stays in fund balance and earns interest,” he added.

Mayor Rick Meehan questioned if the volunteer company would contribute the

20% cost share for the engines. Bowers said it would.

“Nothing different has been indicated,” he added.

Gehrig questioned if the town would be required to replace its motors once emission standards are implemented in 2027. Bowers said he didn’t believe it would.

“Before we put these motors in these engines, I’d like to confirm that that’s the case,” Gehrig replied.

He also questioned who would take ownership of the engines. McGean said that was being negotiated with the volunteer division.

“It is my intent as city manager that the city owns these new ones,” he said. When asked if the town would receive any money from the sale of the fire engines, officials said it wouldn’t.

“That’s also being discussed …,” McGean said. “In this case, assuming we get this worked out, if we paid 80% for this vehicle, in 20 years, if it gets sold, we would get 80% of the sales price and the volunteers would get 20%.”

James asked when the fire department would have originally replaced the two engines. Bowers said they would’ve started acquiring them in 2024, or a year ahead of their scheduled replacement.

“So because of the emissions issues and the suspected supply chain issues, we’re doing it another year earlier,” James said.

After further discussion, the council voted 6-1 to approve the fire department’s request.

#1: 50 wings, 3 Sides, 4 cornbreads #2: 2 half bbQ chickens, 3 Sides, 4 cornbreads

#3: 2 lb. ribs, 4 Sides, 6 cornbreads

#4: 3 lb. ribs, 5 Sides, 8 cornbreads

#5:

lb. ribs & 2 half

OC Council OK’s Property Tax Credit For Vol. Firefighters

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials in Ocean City this week agreed to proceed with a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a proposal to implement a property tax credit for active volunteer firefighters. City Manager Terry McGean said the loss of revenue to the town would range anywhere from $7,000 to $9,000.

“The recommendation from myself would be to move this to ordinance and have it applied only to active volunteer firefighters,” he said. “The reason I have not included paid firefighters and police officers is because they are part of a collective bargaining unit, and it might be better to address that as part of a collective bargaining process.”

Currently, state law allows counties and municipalities to offer property tax credits to paid and volunteer public safety officers, such as police officers, firefighters and EMTs. In July, however, the law will change to remove a $2,500 tax cap and allow jurisdictions to establish their own.

“The other thing it does is it allows the jurisdiction to define what a public safety officer is,” McGean explained.

He told the council this week he was approached by the volunteer fire company about implementing a proposed tax credit in town. While the credit could be applied to police officers, active volunteer firefighters, non-active volunteer firefighters and paid firefighter/EMTs who own property in town, McGean said he was recommending it only be applied for active volunteer firefighters.

“With a $2,500 cap, the impact for active

volunteer firefighters would be $7,000,” he explained. “If you take the $2,500 cap out, that would increase to $9,000.”

Councilman Peter Buas questioned if the tax credit appeared on the tax bill as a credit, or if it was a rebate. Officials said it would be a rebate.

“I think we should be doing whatever we can to incentivize town staff to live on the island,” Buas said. “However, I think the priority should be police and paid firefighter/EMTs. Rather than a tax rebate, I’d rather see us do a stipend for residency so that we’re capturing residents, for people that might rent.”

Simply put, Buas said he wanted to encourage all staff, not just public safety officers to live in Ocean City, rather that be through owning property or renting. He said he wanted to see town staff present a residency incentive plan.

“We want to encourage our staff to live

on the island, and I don’t know if this will do it,” he said. “I’d rather take a bigger swing at it.”

McGean, however, said the intent of the proposed property tax credit was to incentivize active membership within the volunteer fire company.

“I think the intent from the volunteer fire company and the intent of what I presented is to encourage more active service from the volunteers,” he replied. “That’s why my recommendation only applied to the volunteers.”

Buas said he wasn’t opposed to implementing a property tax credit for active volunteers now but wanted some consideration for residency incentives in the future.

“I don’t mind taking this baby step now but I don’t want to end the conversation as far as residency incentives go,” he said. McGean agreed.

“We can certainly bring that back to you,” he said. “We can talk about it and implement it as part of the FY25 budget or however you’d like to do that … I would really like to incentivize all city employees and not just police and fire, to be honest.”

Council President Matt James questioned who would be considered an active volunteer firefighter. McGean said it would be volunteers who met the requirements defined by the fire company.

A motion was then made to apply the property tax credit to active volunteer firefighters and direct staff to present options for an employee residency stipend within the next 90 days. Mayor Rick Meehan, however, questioned if the tax credit should be incorporated into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) being negotiated between the town and the volunteer fire company.

“I think there’s a pending MOU,” he said. “I really think that this should be part of the MOU. If it’s approved in the MOU, then move it to ordinance form. I think it’s part and parcel to that.”

Meehan said he also thought the tax credit should be capped at $2,500, and that some credit should be applied to all city employees at a future date.

“But I think it should be for property owners rather than someone who just resides here,” he said.

Buas then amended the motion to make the property tax credit contingent on the execution of the MOU between the town and the volunteer fire company. Councilman John Gehrig questioned when the MOU would be completed.

“Without this conversation, it would have been to the city manager this afternoon,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury replied. “But certainly, if that’s what you all want to do, I can revise it this evening or tomorrow morning, and get it to the city manager … It will also come back in ordinance form because of the tax implications.”

After further discussion, the council voted 5-0, with James and Councilman Will Savage abstaining, to apply the tax credit to active volunteer firefighters, contingent on the execution of an MOU, and to direct staff to bring back a stipend plan that would apply to all city employees.

“I support this but I may benefit from this down the road,” James said. “So I’m going to abstain.”

Berlin Town Council Approves Slight Tax Increase

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Elected officials approved a one-and-a-quarter cent tax increase in Berlin this week.

After several failed attempts, the Berlin Town Council on Monday voted 4-1 to approve a tax rate of $0.8275. The vote came after several motions for rates higher and lower failed to pass.

“It’s been a challenging budget cycle,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

Last week, Tyndall instructed staff to include an 83.5-cent rate in the tax rate ordinance in advance of Monday’s public hearing. He’d suggested the two-cent increase and the use of impact fees for some capital projects could close the $325,000 deficit in the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget.

On Monday, Councilman Jack Orris quickly made a motion to set the tax rate at $0.815—the current rate.

“Two cents is not going to get us all the way there,” Tyndall said of closing the deficit. “Councilmember Orris I hear you on the 81.5 but I have no clue how you’re getting there.”

Tyndall said from a fiscal standpoint it was more prudent for officials to do what they could to put the town in a good financial position.

Orris, who earlier this spring suggested the town transfer $400,000 that’s in a capital reserve fund for town hall improvements to the general fund to balance the budget, said he’d made his proposal clear.

Councilman Dean Burrell said officials couldn’t talk about the tax rate without talking about the budget. A key piece of

that budget is a $200,000 contingency line item intended to be used for pay increases recommended by the salary study recently conducted by PaypointHR.

“It needs to be shared and folks need to know what we’re looking at and the direction we’re trying to go,” he said.

Tyndall said it was a draft report and not in a state to be shared with the public.

Councilman Steve Green agreed that the salary study was linked to budget discussions but said he had a question about revenue. In reviewing Worcester County’s proposed budget, he said the county showed the town receiving $520,000 in income tax revenue. The town’s proposed budget, however, shows income tax revenue of $400,000.

“In my mind that revenue’s being underreported,” he said.

Finance Director Natalie Saleh said she

tended to budget conservatively, especially with revenue that was dependent on taxpayers. She agreed however to revise the revenue line item to $500,000.

Tyndall agreed with Saleh that revenue could vary.

“If we move the needle we need to understand we’re going to the upper limit of what’s projected,” he said.

Saleh said that even with the additional $100,000 in projected revenue, the town was not likely to get the $122,000 it had requested from the county for EMS staffing.

Orris said that he felt the council could just move the capital reserve funding for town hall into the general fund.

“I believe that it can be done,” he said. “I don’t think anyone’s under the illusion taxes will never go up but I don’t think they need to go up right now.”

Burrell said he still had a problem with the fact that the salary study wasn’t available to the public.

“It’s not ready yet,” Tyndall said, stressing that the $200,000 contingency in the budget would address the salary study findings when the time came.

Saleh reminded officials they hadn’t increased the tax rate last year. She said that using capital reserve funding would just delay necessary capital improvements.

‘It’s going to come back up next year,” she said.

Resident Cam Bunting said weighing needs was a part of the budget process every year.

“I don’t see this building falling down,” she said.

While Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols seconded the motion by Orris to maintain the current tax rate, it failed with Green, Burrell and Councilman Jay Knerr opposed. Green suggested a compromise. He said he never wanted to see the town have to implement the 12-cent increase it had in 2019. He suggested a tax rate of 83 cents, which he said would equate to about $5 a month for someone with a home assessed at $400,000.

Orris said even if an increase was small it still had to come from somewhere else in a household budget. Nichols said the idea of a $400,000 home in her district was laughable.

“There are people who can’t even afford to pay for their medicine at Rite Aid,” she said.

Knerr said he understood the concern about increasing what residents had to pay but felt a one cent increase was reasonable.

Burrell said he knew what Nichols was talking about but went on to voice support of Green’s proposed 83-cent rate.

“These are the same folks who want their street paved and trash picked up,” he said. “There’s only two ways in a municipality to raise funds. To increase tax or growth. I believe if we’re going to sustain, and this is not being lavish or going overboard, if we’re going to maintain the quality of life for folks who can still afford to live in Berlin something just needs to be done.” He seconded Green’s motion for the 83cent rate but it too failed with a 2-3 vote, with Knerr, Nichols and Orris opposed.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the proposed budget was based on the funding it took the town’s departments to operate. She said the services the town provided were driven by feedback from citizens.

…Budget Shortfall Still Needs To Be Addressed 2023 Maryland International Kite Expo

“This is how we have come to where we are today,” she said. “There’s nothing in the budget that is fluff. There are things that if we don’t do it this year we’re going to have to do it next year or the next year or so on.”

Burrell, who’s in his eighth term as councilman, said he’d seen needed repairs and improvements get delayed.

“That is not a way to provide services to our citizens, on a wing and a prayer,” he said.

Burrell recalled what bad shape the electric department had been in before the town invested in improving it.

“That has been a major investment,” he said. “I think that’s what the citizens of Berlin expect.”

Human Resources Director Kelsey Jensen said the salary study contingency funding would be used to improve the salaries of about 45 general fund employees who were underpaid.

“That is something that is a big lingering thing right now,” she said. “It’s frustrating because as someone that’s trying hard to hire people and get people to stay it’s becoming more and more challenging every day.”

Knerr asked why staff didn’t recommend doing the transfer of funds suggested by Orris. Saleh said the town had set up the reserve fund to allow for repairs to aging infrastructure. She said the transfer could be made but would not be “good practice.”

A motion by Knerr for a rate of $0.825 failed to get a second. A subsequent motion by Orris to retain the $0.815 rate again failed with a 2-3 vote. Nichols said the process felt fragmented because the council was being asked to set the tax rate before people were given the opportunity to share their thoughts about the budget itself.

“If nobody in here is in agreement about the budget what are we doing?” she said.

After another failed motion to set the rate at $0.83, Green said he’d talked to residents and they hadn’t objected to a reasonable increase.

“The consensus was move our town forward, not backward,” he said.

Tyndall pointed out that no citizens had opposed the idea of a $0.835 tax rate during Monday’s public hearing.

Knerr said the council had agreed to pursue small incremental tax increases two years ago.

“We didn’t do it last year,” he said.

He said he’d hesitantly propose a compromise of a $0.8275 tax rate, a one-anda-quarter cent increase. Green seconded the motion, which passed 4-1 with Orris opposed.

The $0.8275 rate is projected to bring the town an additional $64,407 in revenue in the coming fiscal year. With the tax rate now set, budget deliberations are expected to continue following introduction of the budget on May 8.

April 28, 29 & 30 On The Boardwalk & Beach (5 Blocks Of Fun South From 6th Street)

Fun For The Entire Family Welcome to Ocean City

Ocean City, Maryland, and The Kite Loft welcome you to come and fly on the beautiful beaches along our famous Boardwalk!

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.

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Downtown Recreation Complex Project Underway In OC

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department along with elected officials officially broke ground on the Downtown Recreation Complex project on Tuesday. The two-block park area is adjacent to the bay between 3rd and 4th Street.

The west-block infrastructure work is expected to include property elevation, improved bayside boardwalk access, the addition of head-in parking along 4th Street, as well as the installation of walking paths, benches, a new playground, and increased security measures. This portion of the park is currently closed to the public.

Work on the east-block of the complex is expected to include an expansion of the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, the installation of a new multi-court surface for both tennis and pickleball play, reconstruction of the basketball courts, and the addition of a new public restroom.

“I am thrilled that the Downtown Recreation Complex renovation is underway,” said Recreation & Parks Director Susan Petito. “This reimagining project has been long in the works and I am grateful to the Mayor and Council, the Ocean City Development Corporation, and all of the dedicated town staff and community members who have supported the effort, recognized its importance and helped it become a reality.”

The complex is expected to be completed and open for summer 2024.

Tuesday’s ceremonial ground breaking was a long time coming for Ocean City officials, as the project was initiated two years ago. The process was slowed when bids for the $2.2 million first phase were about twice the budgeted amount. Earlier this year, a rebidding effort took place with the accepted bid ultimately being $2.7 million from David A. Bramble, Inc. The $500,000 difference between the approved bid and the budgeted amount is expected to be made up through grants, according to city officials.

A key element in the overall park complex redevelopment is the expansion of the decades-old Ocean Bowl skate park. Again, the plan calls for an upgrade of the existing facility along with the addition of popular street-skate elements. The expansion will take the skate park from its existing 10,000 square feet to 17,000 square feet. The city has requested Program Open Space funds through the county to assist with the skate park renovation.

Officials gathered Tuesday to celebrate the beginning of construction on Ocean City’s new downtown recreation complex. At right, Mayor Rick Meehan stands next to renderings of the project. Photos courtesy of Town of Ocean City

Berlin Council Discussing Business License Fee Increase

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A decision to increase the town’s business license fee was delayed so officials can explore the possibility of basing the annual fee on location.

The Berlin Town Council on Monday voted unanimously to table a decision regarding the town’s business license fee, which has been proposed to double, following comments by Councilman Dean Burrell, who has served on the council since 1994. Burrell suggested the town charge businesses different license fee amounts based on their location in Berlin.

“In my opinion, the fees should be different for a business in that Main Street corridor as it relates to a business over on Branch Street or over on Old Ocean City Boulevard,” Burrell said.

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said that during budget development the idea of increasing the town’s business fee had been recommended. The fee, which is currently $75, has not been changed since it was first implemented in 2009. The proposal included in the fiscal year 2024 budget is to double it this year. Mayor Zack Tyndall said fees were meant to cover the town’s costs associated with a service.

“The town’s costs since 2009 have changed,” he said. “The recommendation to increase the fees was made through the budgeting process.”

Burrell asked what costs the business license fee covered. Wells said she worked with business owners, as did the planning department and the finance department.

“Each one of those departments that touches has salary costs and other costs associated,” Tyndall said.

The mayor added that the town’s business license fee, even if doubled, was still low compared to other places.

Burrell asked if the town could create a special fee area. He essentially believes businesses in the Main Street area should have a higher license fee than those elsewhere.

“Based on what has been described, I think that a business on Flower Street, a business on Bay Street, does not receive the same level of services as a business downtown,” he said.

Burrell said he felt downtown businesses benefitted more by Wells’ time, for example, than a business on Flower Street did.

Wells noted that when considering downtown events, those were typically sponsored by downtown businesses.

“I understand that,” Burrell said, “but my reference is the equitable delivery of town services as it relates to businesses throughout the town. I’m under the impression that Main Street, they receive greater service.”

Town attorney David Gaskill said the fee was meant to cover the cost of gen-

erating the license. He said that wouldn’t cost any more no matter where the business was located.

Councilman Jay Knerr said other jurisdictions charged business license fees based on the type of business or the square footage of the business.

“You pay different rates,” he said.

Wells said she and the town’s finance director had tried to categorize town businesses last year and hadn’t been successful because there were so many unique businesses in Berlin.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said the categorization process as suggested

by Burrell would simply be location.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said town staff could contact state officials to see if there were any problems with a location-based fee.

“Let us explore it and find out what the possibilities are,” she said, adding that changes would need to be made soon, prior to the next business license billing cycle.

The council voted unanimously to table the fee decision while staff research the issue.

“We’ll put this on our next agenda,” Tyndall said.

Go Green OC Partnership Announced

OCEAN CITY – The Town of Ocean City announced this week its partnership with Go Green OC, a local non-profit organization whose goal is to make the resort the first zero waste town in the United States.

The partnership will include the largest compost operation ever seen on the eastern shore of Maryland with nearly 30 Ocean City businesses participating and a goal of 500,000 to 750,000 pounds of food waste diversion in 2023.

As part of this initiative, Ocean City will also begin moving events at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center toward zero waste over the next five years with a goal to reduce waste by 90%. The partnership with Go Green OC will provide the necessary resources and expertise to achieve this goal.

“We are more than thrilled to be partnering with Ocean City,” said Josh Chamberlain, founder of Go Green OC. “This partnership will accelerate our goals faster than ever before. In 2023, we should surpass one million pounds of food waste diverted since the inception of our program in 2018 and grow our zero waste goals in tandem with our local allies.”

The town’s leadership is equally excited about this partnership and the impact it will have on the local community and environment.

“Ocean City has always been committed to being a sustainable and responsible community,” said Mayor Rick Meehan. “Our partnership with Go Green OC takes that commitment to the next level. We are excited to lead the way in promoting sustainability and supporting Go Green OC in their efforts to make Ocean City the first zero waste resort town in the United States.”

This partnership represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Ocean City and demonstrates the town’s commitment to preserving the environment for future generations. The initiative is also expected to serve as a model for other communities across the country.

“We’ve been striving towards this goal for years, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Ocean City and our local allies, including Maryland Coastal Bays, Assateague Coastal Trust, Sierra Club Lower Eastern Shore Group, Surfrider Foundation – OCMD, and Ocean City Surf Club,” said Garvey Heiderman, Director of Compost Operations at Go Green OC. “Together, we’re committed to achieving a zero-waste Ocean City and promoting sustainability in our community.”

Pickles Sweeps Contest: Pickles Pub took home the top prize in all three categories of Seacrets and Ocean 98’s 15th Best Bloody Mary Contest last weekend – winning the spiciest, best presentation and best overall awards. Proceeds from the event benefit Ocean 98’s Cash For College Fund. Submitted Photo

Ocean Pines Seeks Candidates For Two Open Board Seats

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Officials say candidate applications remain open for this year’s board election.

Ocean Pines Elections Committee Chair Tom Piatti said less than two weeks remain to submit candidate applications for the 2023 Ocean Pines Board of Directors election. To date, two association members – Elaine Brady and John Latham – have announced their candidacy.

“Elaine resigned as a member of the OPA Elections Committee to run and John,

a member of the OPA Marine Activities Committee, will soon resign to run,” Piatti said in a statement Monday. “Presently, there will be two vacancies to fill, those of President Doug Parks and Director Collette Horn, whose terms expire this year.”

In March, the elections committee announced upcoming dates for the 2023 election process, including filing and voting deadlines.

This year, candidates will vie for two seats currently held by Parks and Horn. As both are serving the last year of two consecutive terms, they cannot run again because of term limits.

It should be noted there could also be

a third open seat on the board, as Director Frank Daly has announced his intentions to sell his home in the Pines. However, it remains to be seen if any potential vacancy will impact this year’s election process.

“We are in the process of selling our home but no firm dates have been nailed down at this time,” Daly said in a statement last week.

Piatti said Ocean Pines homeowners wishing to run for the board have until May 10 at 4 p.m. to file candidate applications. In a recent board meeting, Director Stuart Lakernick announced the revised applications could be found on the association’s website.

“On April 10, the board voted unanimously online to adopt the edits for the new candidate application. It’s now available online,” he said. “We’re going to ask

anybody that’s interested in running for the board of directors to go online, download that application and submit it.”

The voter eligibility deadline is July 6, and hybrid candidate forums will be announced in early July.

The ballot deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 9, with ballot count and vote totals announced on Aug. 11.

“We encourage anyone who is thinking about running to do their homework, read up on the Association’s governing documents, attend the regular meetings, and volunteer,” Piatti said in a news release. “Volunteers have helped make this community what it is today, and there’s no better way to give back than to serve on our Board of Directors.”

The seven-member volunteer board is the governing body of Ocean Pines. Terms for elected directors are three years.

Berlin Electric Service Recognized

BERLIN –American Municipal Power, Inc. has announced the American Public Power Association (APPA) has presented the Town of Berlin with a Certificate of Excellence in Reliability.

The Certificate of Excellence in Reliability recognizes utilities that placed in the top 25 percentile of reliability nationwide in 2022, as measured against the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) data. The APPA helps public power systems track outage and

restoration data through its eReliability Tracker service and compares the data to national statistics tracked by the EIA. AMP covers the cost of subscription to the eReliability Tracker service for all of its members.

“Berlin’s commitment to reliable electric service is commendable,” said Jolene Thompson, AMP president and CEO. “This recognition shows how dedicated Berlin Electric Utility Department is to serving its customers.”

Improvements

Eyed For Berlin Disc Golf Course

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Disc golf is expected to become a permanent addition to Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin.

Representatives of Eastbound Disc Golf, the group that installed trial disc golf equipment in Stephen Decatur Park, shared plans for a more permanent setup with the Berlin Town Council this week. Elected officials voiced no complaints about the existing course and encouraged the group to look for grant funding to help with further improvements.

“It’s a welcome addition,” Councilman Jay Knerr said.

Shawn Johnson and Randy Preston of Eastbound Disc Golf met with the council Monday for a six-month review of the disc golf course at the park. Johnson said 174 unique players had rated the course, which likely meant significantly more had played it and just hadn’t bothered to follow up with a rating through a QR code.

“In my experience for every one who does that (rating) 20 or 30 more just breeze through,” he said.

He said that if the council didn’t have concerns, the group would like to replace some of the pavers currently in use and potentially add signs to each tee and a small kiosk to provide a map of the course to interested players.

“Most of the negative feedback is ‘I couldn’t find my way around,’” Johnson said.

When asked about who would provide the labor associated with the improvements, he said Eastbound Disc Golf would be able to handle most of the work. Preston added that the work would primarily consist of replacing the baskets and fixing some of the pavers.

Johnson said that while he didn’t play the course often, it was popular with players just learning the game.

“This course is a great asset for beginning disc golfers,” he said.

Councilman Jack Orris asked if the group could seek assistance with the improvements from a local scout troop.

“There’s always that possibility,” Johnson said, adding that scouts had helped improve other courses where he’d played.

Mayor Zack Tyndall suggested grant funding to help with the improvements, which are expected to cost up to $8,000. He said town officials could work with the group in that regard.

When asked how many players were using the nine-hole course each day, Johnson said he didn’t have an exact figure.

“I’d be shocked if it were getting less than 30 players a day,” he said.

Knerr, who lives near the park, said he saw players using it frequently.

Tyndall suggested the group return for feedback regarding the location of the kiosk once funding for the additions had been identified.

Fatal Vehicle Fire Investigation Closed

OCEAN CITY – Authorities have closed the investigation into last month’s fatal vehicle fire with a determination it was suicide.

On Tuesday, March 28, at approximately 11:56 p.m., Ocean City Police and Fire Departments responded to 125th Street for a report of a vehicle on fire. Officers located a vehicle on fire in the east parking lot.

Ocean City firefighters extinguished the fire. Emergency personnel located a deceased victim in the vehicle. The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for identification and an autopsy. The joint investigation was handled between the Ocean City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and the Ocean City Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Ocean City Police Department wishes to remind citizens that if they see something suspicious or have concerns about possible criminal activity occurring in Ocean City, reach out to us. A tip line is available at 410-520-5136, email crimetips@oceancitymd.gov or contact the police department directly at 410723-6610.

Theft Charges Filed

OCEAN CITY – A woman wanted in Ocean City for an alleged theft case from 2021 has been apprehended.

On Aug. 17, 2021, Ocean City police met with an individual who reported withdraws from his checking account without his authorization. The victim, who was 89 years old at the time, suspected his

daughter, Laura Ann Poore, 52, had withdrawn approximately $15,000 from his account without permission. Police then requested and received a subpoena of the victim’s bank records between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, 2021. Initial records were received one month later. A request for additional information from the bank was not answered until June 15, 2022 when dozens of suspicious paper and electronic transactions were identified by police. Mortgage and insurance payments were noted in the charges, which exceeded $27,000. Additionally, more than 25 debit card transactions totaling $4,509 were noted.

During the investigation, it was learned the victim was not aware his account had debit card access. He said he had never used a debit card with the account.

Additionally, the bank records indicated numerous utility company charges by other individuals as well as mortgage payments.

On July 27, 2021, Ocean City detectives traveled to Marcus Hook, Pa. to meet with Poore and her husband. After questioning, Poore admitted to police her father had helped her pay her bills and she said she paid several bills for other

people to help them. She acknowledged to police she had used his account without his permission on several occasions and had also paid for friends’ bills using her father’s account.

Poore was charged with theft $100 to under $1,500; three charges for theft $1,500 to under $25,000; theft scheme $25,000 to $100,000; obtaining property from a vulnerable adult $25,000 to $100,000; unlawful use of a credit card; and fraud $25,000-$100,000.

Poore was initially to appear in Ocean City District Court on Nov. 4, 2022 and failed to appear. An arrest warrant was then issued, and she was charged in person last week.

Knock Out Arrest

OCEAN CITY – Nine months after an incident on the Boardwalk, a Pennsylvania man has been charged with first-degree assault.

On July 31, 2022, an Ocean City police officer on Boardwalk patrol was alerted to an unconscious individual lying on the Boardwalk. The officer was able to wake up the man in short order, and multiple witnesses in the area reported a male had struck the man and ran west on Worcester Street.

A review of CityWatch footage indicated the victim had touched the buttocks of a female walking on the Boardwalk, resulting in her boyfriend sprinting toward the man pushing him down from behind to the Boardwalk. A pushing match then ensued among several individuals with the woman’s boyfriend, Christian A. Reagan, 26, of Allentown, Pa., punching one of the men in the face and then kicking the other in the face while trying to get off the Boardwalk, knocking him out before fleeing the scene in a black Chevy Traverse. Police were able to identify the vehicle’s owner and through social media identify the suspect involved in the fight as well as the woman who was illegally touched. Police interviewed the woman and inquired as to why she did not report the inappropriate touching to the police. She said it was too difficult to recount

again. Reagan was to appear in court in February to face charges for the incident, but he did not show up. An arrest warrant was issued, and he was served last week. Along with the first-degree assault charge, Reagan is also facing two second-degree assault charges. Reagan had active bench warrants out for his arrest in Schuylkill County and Lehigh County in Pennsylvania.

Domestic Assault Incident

OCEAN CITY – A violent domestic situation in a resort hotel this month led to a second-degree assault charge for a Pennsylvania man.

On April 23, Ocean City police responded to a downtown hotel after a woman complained about the disorderly male she was staying with assaulting her. When police arrived, a hotel employee reported a domestic fight involving Cody Brady, 29, of Hanover, Pa., and the female friend. Police located Brady who said the female had thrown coffee on him and refused to take him back home.

A police officer made contact with the woman, who reported being in pain all over her body due to Brady hitting her. After Brady refused to be intimate with the woman, an argument ensued, leading to Brady getting frustrated and punching her in the head with a closed fist, according to charging documents. Police were able to identify other bruises on the victim’s body during questioning. The woman said Brady would not allow her to leave the room despite several attempts. The woman wrote a letter alleging domestic abuse and put in the microwave. The letter was found by police.

Brady was charged with malicious destruction of property, the victim’s cell phone, and second-degree assault.

Brass Knuckles Found

OCEAN CITY – An illegal weapon was found after a traffic stop in Ocean City last week.

On April 18 around 11 p.m., Ocean City police pulled over a vehicle driven by Corey N. Nock, 24, of Princess Anne, for not having both of the required registration stickers on the rear license plate. Upon approach to the driver, the smell of raw marijuana was detected.

Police asked the driver and occupants to exit the vehicle. Nock consented to a search of his person, resulting in silver metal knuckles being discovered. Metal knuckles fall under the Town of Ocean City’s dangerous weapon ordinance.

Commissioners Table ARPA Requests

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County officials want more information before approving how local fire companies plan to spend their federal relief funds.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week tabled a decision regarding spending plans for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds submitted by various local fire companies. Several commissioners said they felt the spending should be directed toward EMS needs rather than fire purchases.

“I need more clarity,” Commissioner Caryn Abbott said.

Last summer, the commissioners allocated $1.9 million of the county’s ARPA funding to go toward one-time capital or equipment needs of local fire and EMS companies. Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said fire company representatives had made it clear that there were times the county’s EMS response was fragile.

“In their response time, where seconds count, they’ve notified us they’re lacking capacity to respond in certain instances,” he said.

As a result, the county provided additional funding for staffing during the last budget cycle and has had staff work with community organizations regarding events and their impact on the fire and EMS service. Events such as the Seagull Century, for example, that result in higher calls for service, are now being asked to

help pay for upstaffing.

Young said that because ARPA funding was one-time funding fire companies had been advised to use the money for one-time purchases such as equipment.

“We asked our volunteer companies to determine its best use to fix the fragile system—as they are our subject matter experts—and bring those items forward for approval,” he said.

Staff presented the commissioners with eight requests during last week’s meeting.

“I worked with the fire companies to ensure they were following the county’s financial rules and guidelines,” Procurement Officer Nicholas Rice said.

While Commissioner Joe Mitrecic made a motion to approve the requests, the motion failed with a 3-4 vote. Commissioner Chip Bertino, who along with Commissioners Eric Fiori, Caryn Abbott and Jim Bunting was opposed, said he didn’t believe the majority of the proposed purchases would address EMS needs. He said one of the requests was for services at the fire station while another fire company wanted to use the funding toward a new fire engine. He said Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers had told the commissioners previously the system was one call away from catastrophe.

“We wanted to use the ARPA money to fix that,” he said. “I don’t think all of these requests fit those categories.”

A motion to table consideration of the requests passed with a 6-1 vote, with Mitrecic opposed.

Growth Presentation Held In Berlin

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A renowned planner discussed the benefits of infill development and the importance of towns in front of a crowd of interested residents at the library last week.

Planner and urbanist Dhiru Thadani spoke to a crowd of about 100 residents last week during a growth discussion at the library. The town hired Thadani to look at Berlin and make suggestions as the town prepares to update its comprehensive plan.

“This is part of a multi-phase process as we move forward,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

Thadani spent two days in Berlin earlier this month and returned last Thursday to share his views regarding the town. He talked about the importance of cities and towns as the places people

transferred knowledge and inspired youth. Thadani also addressed the need for small businesses both for practical purposes as well as tourism.

“That’s what makes places interesting,” he said.

Along with his observations on the importance of towns and their mainstays— civic institutions, residences and small businesses—he also talked about how municipalities didn’t necessarily benefit from traditional zoning codes.

“Zoning has not produced anything in any place worthwhile,” he said.

Instead, he believes there is more benefit from form-based codes—codes that support mixed-use, walkable development that helps create a sense of place. He said a mix of public space, civic institutions and private property needed to coexist.

“We need to have all these things in close proximity,” he said. “Zoning doesn’t let us do that.”

Thadani spoke in favor of accessory dwelling units, concepts like apartments above garages as well as cottage courts, where a cluster of homes is built together. He said live/work units, like some of the mixed-use buildings in downtown Berlin, were great for communities because they were more affordable and they reduced traffic.

While the town’s narrow streets are sometimes a source of complaint, Thadani said narrow streets and small blocks reduced speeding and enhanced walkability. Thadani also suggested the town charge for parking and increase parallel parking where possible. He pointed out it would give the town more parking spaces and reduce motorists’ speed.

“It’s the easiest form of traffic calming,” he said.

Other concepts Thadani said Berlin could benefit from included the green belt that’s been discussed for the edges of town as well as more solar farms.

Thadani also brought up the idea of charging a tax for vacant lots to encourage their development.

“It might be unpopular but it’s one way to get people to sell or build,” he said.

Thadani said the mayor had asked him specifically to look at the intersection of Bay Street and Route 113 and ways it could be improved. While Tyndall has advocated for a pedestrian bridge, Thadani said it would have to be one with stair access because ramps would require a significant amount of space. Instead, he suggested making it more of “a space” by adding landscaping and lighting so that it was more inviting and noticeable. He said curbs could also be tightened up to slow traffic.

Thadani said if the town continued to grow carefully value would be created.

“The places people love stay on,” he said. “It’s amazing how you’ve preserved so much of Berlin. It just needs a little more care, a little more love, to complete it.”

Following Thadani’s presentation— which can be viewed on the town’s Facebook page—the Berlin Planning Commission is expected to pick up the growth discussion.

Architect and urbanist Dhiru Thadani speaks in front of a crowd at the Berlin library April 20.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Del. Replenishment Work Continues

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials in Fenwick Island say delays in a beach replenishment project will impact the town’s busiest summer month.

As a beach replenishment project makes its way south, Fenwick Island Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said residents and visitors can expect disruptions this summer.

“As it stands now, the Army Corp of Engineers are estimating that they will get to us at the beginning of July and be here for roughly two weeks,” she said this week. “This estimate is weather dependent and may also be altered due to factors from their other work that they are performing for our northern neighbors.”

The state, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) typically performs beach nourishment projects in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island through a cost shared between the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and USACE.

The federal agency has developed a design that includes periodic nourishment at an interval between three and six years. And in December, USACE announced it had awarded a $23.8 million contract to Weeks Marine to conduct periodic nourishment along the Delaware coast. The contract calls for dredging sand from offshore borrow sites, pumping it onto the beaches through a series of pipes, and grading it into an engineered dune and berm template, which is designed to reduce damages from coastal storm events.

In Rehoboth Beach, 196,000 cubic yards of sand is being placed on the beach in the northern portion of the community between North Surf Avenue south to the bandstand area. And in Dewey Beach, 194,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed on the beach between Salisbury Street and Beach Avenue area.

The project will then move to Bethany Beach, where 245,000 cubic yards of sand will be placed from Third Street to Wellington Park, followed by South Bethany, where 287,000 cubic yards will be placed from North 5th Street to the north end of Fenwick Island State Park.

Fenwick Island will be the last town to receive beach renourishment, Magdeburger explained this week. The USACE reports 207,000 cubic yards will be placed from James Street south to Lighthouse Road.

“Our northern neighbors have historically gone first,” Magdeburger said. “They serve larger communities and they also suffered greater loss of their beaches in the Mother’s Day storm last year as well as Hurricane Ian. Despite being disappointed, it follows the Army Corps’ logistical model to do projects of greater need and greater impact first.”

Magdeburger said she has reached out to USACE Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Ramon Brigantti in regard to the July start date in Fenwick

Island.

“He expressed his sincere apologies about the delay but also explained that there are only a few companies on the East Coast that are able to perform beach replenishment and they are fully scheduled,” she explained. “I have come to appreciate the attention to detail that Lt. Col. Brigantti exhibits and, despite being frustrated by the delay and concerned about the impact, I accept his explanation.”

Magdeburger noted the benefits of having a beach renourishment project outweigh any disruptions that could occur.

“The Army Corp of Engineers along with DNREC have done a very good job of creating a dune system for Fenwick which has protected us from breaches during major storm events,” she said. “We are thankful for their expertise and while we all would have been much happier to have followed the original fall/winter schedule, we are left with adapting to the schedule which is in place now.”

She continued, “I recently reviewed pictures of the Nor’easter of 1962 and the alternative to beach replenishment could be catastrophic. So while we are very disappointed by the delays and the impact Fenwick will suffer, we are also thankful that the Army Corp put Fenwick on their list so that our community is better prepared to weather the devastating effects a major storm could have on our Town.”

Md. Gov. Signs Offshore Wind Legislation Into Law

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Legislation expanding offshore wind energy in Maryland was signed into law last week.

Last Friday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act into law. Joined by representatives of offshore wind energy companies at the Tradepoint Atlantic facility in Sparrows Point, Moore highlighted several bills that will allow Maryland to reach its clean energy goals.

“Today I’ve signed legislation to quadruple Maryland’s offshore wind energy goals, reduce greenhouse gas emission in our state, and to provide rebates to businesses that purchase electric vehicles,” he said. “Together we will build on the great work of our partners at Tradepoint Atlantic, Ørsted, and U.S. Wind to build the clean energy future we want to see in Maryland.”

Earlier this month, the Maryland General Assembly passed the POWER Act, which will quadruple Maryland’s offshore wind generation goals from about 2 gigawatts to 8.5 gigawatts by 2031, improve its transmission infrastructure, and provide a pathway to future procurement of offshore wind energy in the state. The law also ensures that offshore wind projects provide equitable opportunities for local unions and minority, women, serv-

ice-disabled, and veteran-owned businesses to join in Maryland’s ambitious clean energy future.

Proponents of the bill – introduced by Del. Lorig Charkoudian in the House and Sen. Katie Fry Hester in the Senate – say the legislation will advance Maryland’s clean energy initiatives and put the state at the forefront of the offshore wind energy industry.

In separate statements last week, both Ørsted and US Wind, two companies developing offshore wind energy projects off the coast of Maryland, praised the bill’s passage.

“Governor Moore and the Maryland General Assembly’s monumental vision is now Maryland law and we’re hitting the ground running to help achieve its clean energy goals,” said Jeff Grybowski, US Wind CEO. “With the backing of the POWER Act, Maryland is on a clear track to lead the nation in offshore wind manufacturing, jobs and energy generation that will benefit our state for decades to come.”

Offshore wind energy representatives joined the bill signing last Friday at the new Tradepoint Atlantic Facility in Sparrows Point. Ørsted officials say the assembly center will produce components that will be used in offshore wind projects.

“Our new center at Tradepoint Atlantic will enable us to advance the construction of our offshore wind portfolio, deliver clean energy to millions of Ameri-

can homes and further position Maryland as a long-term offshore wind energy hub,” said David Hardy, Group EVP and CEO Americas at Ørsted. “Our Shore-to-Shore supply chain in the State demonstrates that offshore wind doesn’t simply benefit one region of Maryland – it benefits all of Maryland. By signing the historic POWER Act into law, Governor Moore has sent a clear message that Maryland is fully committed to building a strong and equitable clean energy economy for decades to come.”

While some have praised the passage of the POWER Act, others have shared their frustrations.

Opponents say the legislation could potentially bring high-voltage power lines and cable landfalls to Ocean City. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza said she voted against the POWER Act and offered an amendment in committee to prohibit cable and transmission infrastructure landfall in the Town of Ocean City. The amendment, however, was not approved. She also highlighted her concerns about the cost of offshore wind energy and its impacts on marine life, commercial and recreational fishing, viewsheds and ratepayers, to name a few.

“As SB 781 is being pushed by members of the General Assembly, offshore wind developers in New Jersey are seeking more funding from ratepayers and several dead whales and dolphins have washed up on beaches along the East

Coast,” she said in a weekly legislative update. “This should be a wake-up call for Maryland.”

In Ocean City, officials continue to push for the relocation of wind turbines off the coast. While he has supported the idea of offshore wind projects and the potential investments they could bring to the area, Mayor Rick Meehan said he was most concerned about the impacts wind turbines would have on the resort’s viewshed.

“All of the goals that the State wishes to achieve with the passage of the POWER Act, and the construction of the wind turbines, will still be achieved if the turbines are located further to the east and out of the view shed of Ocean City. Nothing would change,” he said in a statement this month. “The clean energy goals, the investment by the wind companies in the Baltimore Harbor and throughout the state, all of the promised new jobs, all of this would still happen. Again nothing would change.”

He continued, “This is why it is so frustrating that the concerns expressed by Ocean City are just being totally ignored. I heard the term partners being used over and over again in Annapolis, yet it appears that the one State partner that is being left out of this discussion is Ocean City. We have one chance to get this right, Virginia got it right, North Carolina got it right, and now is the time for Maryland to get it right.”

Boardwalk Biking Restrictions Lifted During OC Festivals

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials in Ocean City last week agreed to establish time periods for allowing bicycles, pushcarts, certain electric bikes and other assistive mobility devices on the Boardwalk.

Last week, the Mayor and Council had before it a resolution to establish the times for operating bikes, Class 1 electric bikes, pushcarts and mobility devices on the Boardwalk. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the resolution would remove Springfest and Sunfest as restricted times to allow for planned bicycle events to take place during both festivals this year.

“This is establishing the periods of times that bicycles, Class 1 electric bicycles, pushcarts and EPAMDs may be operated on the Boardwalk,” she explained. “What this does is remove Springfest and Sunfest as restricted times to enable the planned bicycle events that have now been presented to you through special events. It occurred last year for Sunfest, and now it’s occurring for Springfest.”

Currently, bikes, Class 1 e-bikes and other mobility devices can be operated on the Boardwalk between 2 a.m. and noon the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

And during the off-season, such vehicles can be operated on the Boardwalk at any time with the exception of Springfest and Sunfest. At those times, bikes, e-bikes and the like can be operated from 2 a.m. to noon.

Last year, however, a modified Sunfest format, which included bicycle-related activities, was presented to the Mayor and Council.

And in September, the council voted unanimously to ease Boardwalk bike rules during both the Oceans Calling event and the four-day fall festival.

“When the new concept for Sunfest was presented, one of the things discussed was adding a lot of bicycle-centric things and combining some of the things during Halloween festivities including the Mayor’s Bike Ride and bicycle judging and other things like that,” City Manager Terry McGean told the council at the time. “What we didn’t want to do was encourage all of these bicycle-friendly events and then tell people they can’t have their bikes on the Boardwalk after noon.”

With the discussion back on the table last week, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca made a motion to adopt a resolution removing Springfest and Sunfest as restricted time.

The council voted 6-0, with Councilman Peter Buas absent.

License Board Okays Expanded Music Request

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – While a north Ocean City establishment will not be able to add an outdoor beer cart, it will be able to expand its live music offerings following a hearing last week.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) last Wednesday approved a request from Beach Barrels to offer acoustic music up to seven nights a week until 8 p.m. Ray and Deborah McGrath of Beach Barrels approached the board last week seeking permission to add a portable service bar to the restaurant’s outside dining area. They also wanted to increase Beach Barrels’ live entertainment. Currently, the facility is allowed to have inside amplified live entertainment four days a week until 11 p.m.

Ray McGrath said there were nights the bar would like to have a non-amplified acoustic duo during happy hour.

“This is not us looking to bring in a four-piece band seven nights a week,” he said.

McGrath stressed that the music would not be overwhelming and would not be so loud that patrons couldn’t have conversations among themselves.

Board members said they would not even consider the portable bar request, as the facility’s approvals from Town of Ocean City were for outdoor dining, not a bar.

Two neighbors in attendance told the board they had concerns about the request for expanded entertainment. Area resident Robert Hemp said he was opposed and cited issues with trash and noise in the area of Beach Barrels. Howard Pollock, a resident of Braemar Towers, the more entertainment Beach Barrels offered the more crowds it would draw.

“I think there should be a balance between the interests of the community and the interests of the McGraths,” he said.

McGrath said the music would only be inside and that, other than the already approved four days a week, it would be non-amplified.

While there was some confusion regarding how the new request impacted the existing entertainment, BLC Chair William Esham said Beach Barrels wanted to retain its existing privileges. On the nights the bar doesn’t host four-piece entertainment, however, it wanted the ability to have smaller acoustic acts.

“They are asking for non-amplified music, two pieces, until 8 p.m. seven nights a week,” Esham said. “If they’re using the non-amplified music from 5-8 p.m. they will not be using the

The board voted 3-0 to approve the expanded entertainment.

amplified.”

Taking Pride: A highlight of the 8th Annual Take Pride in Berlin Week was last Saturday’s cleanup day when volunteers worked with town staff to celebrate Earth Day and spruce up the town’s parks, downtown and neighborhoods. Above, members of Girl Scout Troop 365 plant flowers at Stephen Decatur Park with the help of Cody Chesser, public works superintendent, and Victoria Spice, a member of the Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Marijuana Changes Reviewed

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL– As the state prepares for the legalization of recreational marijuana this summer, local officials are reviewing any changes that might need to be made locally.

Staff last week presented the Worcester County Commissioners with information on zoning as it relates to the legalization of cannabis. The commissioners advised officials within the county’s department of development review and permitting to continue monitoring the situation and to be prepared to make recommendations if changes needed to be made.

“We need to be on top of this,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said.

Jennifer Keener, director of development review and permitting (DRP), said the commissioners had asked her department to review potential local limitations related to the cannabis reform bills that passed in the general assembly. She advised the commissioners that when medical marijuana establishments were licensed in 2017, each component was tied to an existing use in the zoning control article.

“Therefore, the cultivation of the plant is considered agriculture, allowed in any zoning district; the processing of the plant is an industrial use allowed only in the industrial zoning districts; and the sale of the finished product is treated like a retail pharmacy/ dispensary, allowed in the commercial zoning districts…,” she wrote in a report to the commissioners. “Cannabis sales for recreational use would also follow this same path unless an amendment to the county code was adopted.”

Keener said there was currently one grow operation in Worcester County, one processing operation and two dispensaries.

She said that with the new legislation, it appeared as if the county could implement distance restrictions for recreational marijuana facilities. She added that there would also be different types of recreational licenses. One of those licenses will allow for consumption—eating and vaping but not smoking.

“After review of the bill it looks like we may be limited in what we can do with dispensaries but it does allow us to consider restricting or outright prohibiting the on-site consumption establishments,” she said. “That’s something we want you to think about, how you want us to regulate that.”

Keener said the state was expected to begin issuing licenses in January of 2024 with a second round in May of 2024.

“The law breaks down the number of establishments by type that are going to be licensed, so while there’s dispensaries that will be issued licenses in the first round, there won’t be any onsite consumption establishments in that

round so I feel like we have little bit of time to absorb the bill, figure out what we want to do locally,” she said. “We can adopt emergency legislation through a public hearing process to establish any limitations you want to see.”

Mitrecic said a last-minute change to the legislation meant that existing medical marijuana facilities would be able to begin selling recreational marijuana as early as July 1, 2023.

“I certainly think that we need to have DRP looking at it moving forward so that we can in fact keep these types of establishments at a safe distance from our school zones and our playgrounds,” Mitrecic said.

Commissioner Eric Fiori questioned the consumption aspect of the legislation, pointing out that with alcohol, customers couldn’t purchase a bottle from a liquor store and consume it on site.

“Is it going to be separate?” he asked.

Keener said that was one of the issues her department would be looking into going forward.

“We’ll continue to research it and get additional feedback for you,” she said.

A motion by Mitrecic to have staff continue to monitor the legislation and prepare information on what limitations the county could establish passed unanimously.

SkillsUSA Students Seek Support For National Competition

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – Students at Worcester Technical High School are seeking community support as they prepare for the SkillsUSA National Championship.

Worcester Tech’s SkillsUSA program has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of sending nearly two dozen students to the national competition in Atlanta. Richard Stephens, SkillsUSA advisor at Worcester Tech, said the trip gives students a chance to showcase their skills and meet people within their prospective industries.

“The SkillsUSA National Championship allows for networking opportunities that could even land a student a job,” Stephens said. “SkillsUSA brings

in businesses from around the country that are hiring.”

Stephens, longtime coordinator of Worcester Tech’s SkillsUSA program, was thrilled to bring more than 70 students to the SkillsUSA Maryland State Championships in March to compete in 37 different contests. Forty-one of those students finished in the top three in their divisions. Those who finished first are now able to compete in the SkillsUSA National Championship in Atlanta June 18-24.

“We are very proud of our students because they’ve competed at the state level and earned the honor to go to nationals because they were the best in the state,” Stephens said.

The trip is expensive, however, and Worcester Tech is now collecting dona-

tions from anyone interested in helping students pay for the nearly week-long trip.

In addition to the first-place winners who will be competing, the school is also hoping to send student Patrick Haines, who was elected to serve as a state officer in SkillsUSA, as well as student Adelaide Weber, who was elected to be a voting delegate to represent the SkillsUSA Maryland delegation.

“The students are extremely excited,” Stephens said. “We are starting a massive fundraising campaign to help fund the 19 students along with the SkillsUSA advisors that will be attending the weeklong event.”

Though the SkillsUSA program is primarily for high school students, there are a few middle school competitions.

This year Worcester County will be sending five middle school students to nationals. Cecilia Diehlmann and Catrinia Donmoyer of Stephen Decatur Middle School will compete in mobile robotics while Stephen Decatur Middle’s Asher Nichols and Nidhish Gupta will compete in robotics search and rescue. Aaliyah Drummond of Pocomoke Middle School will compete in pin design.

Stephens, who says the program is returning to its pre-pandemic participation levels this year, is hopeful that fundraising will ensure that all eligible students will be able to attend the national event. Participating in SkillsUSA competitions, both locally and nationally, helps prepare students for successful careers after high school.

“Taking part in the SkillsUSA program not only teaches important life skills but gives students the chance to meet their peers across the state and even the country and prepare for life beyond high school,” he said.

The Worcester Tech SkillsUSA Chapter this year earned the SkillsUSA Chapter of Excellence Award for the sixth time as well as the SkillsUSA National Silver Chapter of Excellence Award.

For information on how to donate, reach out to Stephens at 410-6325050.

28th Annual Kite Festival Planned In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The kite capital of the world will kick off the season early by painting the sky with every color under the sun at the 28th Annual Maryland International Kite Expo (M.I.K.E.), set for April 28 thru April 30.

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 fly 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. The teams will perform amazing routines choreographed to music. Team demonstrations 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; 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 streets 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 4th to 6th streets. 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.

M.I.K.E. is a nonprofit 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.

Take

Trees and shrubs are a generational investment. Maintaining the size, appearance, and overall health is our number one goal. Our team of certified arborists have designed specific, effective plant health care programs. Our Turf team understands the importance of a thick, luscious green lawn and how it can add value to your home. After an initial soil sample, AC Plant and Turf can design a custom seven step fertilizer program that will keep your lawn as healthy and weed free as possible.

Kites are pictured flying over the beach in Ocean City during a previous MIKE festival. File Photo

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Members of the Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee organized Clean-Up Day April 22.

Members of Girl Scout Troop 365 planted flowers at Stephen Decatur Park on Clean-Up Day.

Mike Wiley and Patricia Dufendach cleaned up Stephen Decatur Park during Berlin Clean-Up Day.

Melanie and Bruce Pursel participated in the Bikers for Autism event in Ocean City April 15.

Jeff Wooten and Jeff Bowden are pictured at the Bikers Without Borders Foundation’s Ride for Autism.

Bikers Without Borders members Tim Lawrence and William Bozman attended the Bikers for Autism event on April 15 in Ocean City.

Kate Daub and Sarah Hooper participated in CleanUp Day at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin.

James Nellans picked up trash on Clean-Up Day in Berlin.

Helen Wiley and Ivy Wells are pictured at Clean-Up Day during Take Pride in Berlin Week.

Tim Lawrence, Joe Abbott and Jeff Bowden are pictured at the second annual Bikers for Autism Ride hosted by the Bikers Without Borders Foundation.

Construction On Trail Improvements Completed On Island

BERLIN – Assateague Island National Seashore announced this week the off-season construction and improvements to the Life of the Marsh Trail and the Life of the Forest Trail have been completed.

Construction on these trails has been in progress since the fall in an effort to make them more accessible to all visitors, to improve the overall visitor experience on the trails and to increase the lifetime of the trails.

Accessibility features have been improved to allow a better experience for visitors using wheelchairs, guide canes or other mobility resources. Sight lines for children have also been improved with viewshed overlook opportunities. Two major additions are amphitheater style seating areas on both trails, and the replacement of the stairs leading to the beach on the Marsh trail with a ramp.

The Marsh and Forest Trails are great places to view wildlife and birds in the solitude of the bayside marsh environment. These trails offer great photo opportunities away from the beach in Assateague’s less visited habitat zones.

Improvements are also underway on the Life of the Dunes Trail, but it is not

An improved Life of the Marsh Trail is pictured.

Assateague Reducing Speed Limit To 15 MPH On Bayside Drive

anticipated that this work will result in any closures.

These projects were funded by park entrance and pass fees and are examples of fee dollars at work. Eighty percent of all revenue from Assateague Island National Park entrance fees or the local sales of the various Federal Interagency Passes stays in the park to fund this type of visitor related project. The other 20% goes into a fund which can be used by parks with no entrance fee or very low fee revenues.

Examples of other projects funded in the last year are the new boardwalk at the Maryland Visitor Center, renovation of the Old Ferry Landing area, renovation of a well on the island, design of a new freshwater distribution system for the island, and replacement of the entrance sign at the visitor center.

Visitors are reminded that pets, bicycles, skateboards, hoverboards and roller skates are not allowed on park trails. This is a safety regulation due to the confined space on the trails, combined with the high volume of visitors often using the trails at the same time.

In a change for this season, Assateague Island National Seashore will also be changing the speed limit on Bayside Drive. The speed limit will drop from

25 mph to 15 mph in a continuing effort to make the island safer. Bayside Drive has a large number of bicyclists, many of whom are children. There is not a bike lane along this road, which leads to the Bicycle Rental Concession. This change will make Bayside the same speed as Old Ferry Landing. Going forward, the only areas still 25 mph are the majority of Bayberry Drive. Drivers are reminded that there is no place on the island where the speed limit is more than 25 mph.

A final reminder is the speed limit in all camping loops and parking lots is 10 mph. Also, camping loops are limited to registered campers only. If you are not a registered camper, you should not be driving through or parking in the camping loops. Please respect the rights of campers who should be able to experience a safe and quiet experience.

A press release announcing the changes read, “We hope that these changes make Assateague Island National Seashore a safer and more accessible place for people to continue to enjoy the beach, the wildlife, and the outdoor environment.”

For general information about the Seashore and park activities, access the park’s website at www.nps.gov/asis or call 410-641-1441.

Serving most states

A new seating area is pictured on the Life of the Forest Trail.

Manager Welcomed

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Association recently announced Tim Johnson as the new racquet sports manager.

A former member of several Ocean Pines racquet sports, Johnson also brings a wealth of professional experience to the position.

He most recently served as the tennis supervisor for the Town of Ocean City. Johnson is also a USPTA-certified Elite Tennis Professional, USPTA-certified Pickleball Professional, and a SPEC Tennis Ambassador.

Johnson has coached in the mid-Atlantic area for more than 30 years and directed programs at the Aspen Hill Club, Saint Albans School, the International Tennis Club of Washington, and the Washington Area Tennis Patrons Foundation.

A former lawyer, he also served as a legislative counsel on Capitol Hill, and as an advocate for Native Hawaiian rights in federal legislation.

Johnson said he enjoys playing tennis with his three children and his wife, Helen.

“I am truly looking forward to working with all our Ocean Pines Racquet Sports groups to enhance our already successful operation,” Johnson said. “My goal is to ensure that our community is healthier, happier, and even more active!”

Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola said Johnson was hired after a process that was inclusive of many racquet sports groups.

“We took feedback from the Racquet Sports Committee and incorporated that into a job description and the eventual hire,” Viola said. “We believe we found the right person for the job, and that his combination of professional experience and experience as a member in Ocean Pines makes him uniquely qualified for this role.”

Resort Opening

OCEAN CITY – Certares and its partners today announced the opening of Ashore Resort & Beach Club (“Ashore”), a newly reimagined upscale resort destination set on prime beachfront location in Ocean City, Md.

Following a property-wide renovation to be completed this spring, Ashore defines a new standard of destination travel on the Maryland coast, offering the area’s most exceptional beachfront resort. Ashore features panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquil Assawoman Bay, oceanside food and beverage service and amenities, a new 3,000-square-foot deck overlooking the waves of the Atlantic, exciting new restaurant concepts and lively beachfront entertainment.

Previously known as the Ocean City Fontainebleau Resort, the property was purchased in 2022 by a joint venture between an affiliate of Certares Real Estate Management LLC and affiliates of Monomoy Property Ventures LLC (MPV) and Highlands Investments LLC.

The resort comprises 250 fully renovated guest rooms and suites, including 15 multi-room suites, catering to individuals, families and groups of all sizes.

Five brand new food and beverage concepts offer guests and visitors multiple options from day to night, including: a destination restaurant, Tide Room, serving elevated but approachable American fare and fresh seafood made famous on the Eastern Shore, three meals per day; a beachside bar, Wahoo Beach Bar, featuring live music, light food and a signature cocktail menu, right on the sand; a newly repositioned 3,000square-foot deck and event space, The Shore Deck, overlooking the Dunes of Ocean City and Atlantic Ocean beyond, serving small bites and beverages; an indoor tavern, The Taproom, serving local brews and cocktails accompanied by sports entertainment; and a signature café, Ashore Things, serving morning coffee and light grab-n-go bites and sundries.

Custom beach umbrellas and lounge chairs line the resort’s beachfront and outdoor pool, while Adirondack chairs with cozy blankets surround firepits, taking guests from sun-soaked afternoons to sunset cocktails. Guests are encouraged to order food and cocktails directly from their chairs or cabanas, on the resort’s fully serviced beach, a unique feature for Ocean City. Guests can also enjoy Ashore’s fitness center, book a surfing lesson, fishing adventure, or hit the links at one of the 16 award-winning golf courses within 10 miles of the property.

“We were thrilled to acquire this beachfront property and identify new and exciting ways to capture its untapped potential,” said Nolan Hecht, senior managing director of Certares. “With the help of a best-in-class design firm and fantastic operator, we are looking forward to delivering a new and improved vacation experience to couples, families and friends staying at the resort as well as offering revamped dining options to the broader Ocean City community.”

“We immediately recognized the resort’s enormous potential because of its irreplaceable beachfront location with sprawling oceanfront views and oversized guestrooms,” added Kevin Vaughan and Jordan Kary, principals of MPV and Highlands, respectively. “Our goal for this property has always been to provide a true resort experience to Ocean City, a destination market known for its energy and community, and we look forward to delivering on that potential with this property-wide transformation.”

Ownership has partnered with HEI Hotels and Resorts, an industry leading hotel and resort operator, on the programming and management of the property. Designer Kraig Kalashian, principial of the award-winning hospitality & design studio KKAD, reimagined Ashore as a departure from anything currently being offered in the market, taking cues from the simplistic beauty of the natural world and blending the calming tones of the sand and the sea with elevated textures.

In addition to its stunning accommodations and dining options, Ashore offers 14 meeting rooms with 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor flexible function spaces, a ballroom with 7,500 square feet that can accommodate up to 1,000 people and a beachside pavilion perfect for wedding receptions, private beach parties and team building activities.

Surgeon Hired

SALISBURY – Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates (POA) is moving one step forward, with the addition of newest orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Gregory Kirwan.

Kirwan is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon and allows POA to offer the complete package for sub-specialized orthopaedic care. Foot and ankle sub-specialty has been the

missing piece on the shore, and POA is fortunate Kirwan is bringing his expertise and knowledge to better serve the region.

Kirwan completed his bachelor's degree at the United States Naval Academy, where he also participated in crew and football during his undergraduate experience. Kirwan served in the U.S. Navy as an air transfer and operations officer and was decorated with seven medals and commendations during his five years of service.

Kirwan continued to complete medical school and orthopaedic residency at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Kirwan completed a fellowship in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.

Kirwan has contributed to several publications and given multiple presentations on a whole host of topics from Achilles tendon ruptures to ankle sprains to orthoapedic trauma and the utilization of wound vacs.

Kirwan has also been highly involved in youth sports; he served as the team physician for a highly competitive travel lacrosse club for many years and is looking forward to being a part of the Delmarva community.

Dr. Pasquale Petrera, orthopaedic surgeon and POA president said, “We are both fortunate and thrilled to offer our community greater accessibility to superior orthopaedic care. We are confident the skills and talent that Dr. Kirwan brings to our Practice will solidify POA as the premier orthopaedic destination on the Delmarva Peninsula.”

Peninsula Orthopaedic Associates is a multi-specialty orthopaedic practice that has been offering communities across the Delmarva Peninsula an expansive continuum of orthopaedic services since 1952.

With offices in Ocean Pines and Salisbury, Md., and Millsboro and Seaford, Del., POA provides a broad spectrum of advanced orthopaedic treatments and diagnostic services including foot and ankle, hand and elbow, hip and knee, shoulder, spine, sports medicine, joint replacement, joint preservation, and orthopaedic trauma care.

TIM JOHNSON

GREGORY KIRWAN

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Wor-Wic Community College recently renamed its veterans lounge in honor of Fred Howard, retired director of veterans services. From left, Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the Wor-Wic Community College Foundation and director of development, and Dr. Ray Hoy, Wor-Wic president, honor Fred Howard, retired director of veterans services, along with Wor-Wic Veterans Upward Bound coordinator and Salisbury VFW Post 194 member Caleb Foltz and VFW members Danny Stinson and Jack Lewis.

Submitted Photos

At a recent meeting, two members of the Worcester County Veteran's Memorial accepted a check for $3,000 from the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club to support its youth program. Pictured from left to right are Susan Pantone, vice president of the Veteran's Memorial Committee, Marie Gilmore, president of the committee, and Bill Hickey, Optimist member.

Jim Meckley, vice president of Friends of the Ocean Pines Library, recently spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City about the efforts of the friends group. Meckley, right, is pictured with Bob Wolfing, president of the Kiwanis Club.

The Art League of Ocean City staff joined co-worker Aubrey Sizemore at Shenanigan's on April 19 as the OCDC presented her with their Public Art Award 2023 for her coordination of the Art League’s utility box painting efforts around the resort. Pictured from left to right are John Sisson, board president, Nancy Dofflemyer, development director, Rina Thaler, executive director, Sizemore, award recipient and volunteer coordinator, Katie Brown, gallery director and Kacie Neeb, gallery assistant.

Close to 60 motorcycles participated in the second annual Bikers for Autism Ride hosted by the Bikers Without Borders Foundation on April 15. Proceeds benefited the Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County. Senator Mary Beth Carozza, center, is pictured with participants.

Trimper's Art Weekend, April 15-16, was staffed by volunteer Daniela Carrasco, a junior at Stephen Decatur High School, and Kacie Neeb, gallery assistant for the Art League of Ocean City. The Art League offered families free art activities at the amusement park, including figure drawing of the Trimper Troupe characters, puppet making and a photo spot.

Newest Wor-Wic Building Showcases Technology Options

SALISBURY– State and local dignitaries recently joined Wor-Wic Community College board members, donors, employees, students, alumni and friends for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the college’s new Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center.

The new building, located on the south side of the campus, is about 50,000 square feet, and is outfitted with industry-specific equipment technologies to prepare students for the workforce. It features welding, HVACR, metal fabrication and plumbing labs; a CDL simulation lab; and other hands-on instruction areas for electro-mechanical, construction, electrical and alternative energy programs. For the community, a makerspace multipurpose laboratory has tools and 3D printers open for public use.

The technology center lives up to its name, with high-tech equipment throughout. It features learning systems for robotics, geothermal electricity, wind turbine nacelles and solar panels; an augmented reality welding simulation lab, in addition to safe, real-world welding

State and local elected officials joined the Wor-Wic Community College board of trustees and donors at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center.

To

booths; a Skill Boss Logistics supply chain automation training and assessment device; mechanical lathes and mills; laser systems and an engraver.

“We are so pleased to open this facility for our students,” said Dr. Ray Hoy, president of Wor-Wic. “It will help us continue to give our community a place where the workforce of today and tomorrow can learn, surrounded by state-ofthe-art technology.”

With 90% of Wor-Wic students staying and working in the area, the new programs and technology will fill high-tech learning requirements for local students, supporting demands for skilled workers who can help build the community.

“We are so proud of this building and the bright futures that it represents for our students,” said Kimberly C. Gillis, chair of the Wor-Wic board of trustees. “It is yet another part of the wonderful legacy that Dr. Ray Hoy has helped to build for our community.”

Whiting-Turner was the general contractor for the project. The building was designed by Becker Morgan Group of Salisbury. The new building has the same exterior yellow brick as other

buildings on campus. It also has some unique design elements, showcasing the learning taking place within its walls

by providing glass viewing panels into various labs. The building also houses a computer laboratory, classrooms, stu-

dent study spaces, conference rooms and offices to accommodate credit and non-credit employees to support these programs.

The $36 million building project was funded by the State of Maryland and Wicomico and Worcester counties, as well as the “Preparing for a Stronger Tomorrow” campaign by the Wor-Wic Foundation.

“Thanks to the generosity of our community, we will be able to provide critical, cutting-edge training,” said Marty Neat, a board member who chaired the campaign. “Our campaign has raised more than $12.7 million to support technologies and scholarships, but it isn’t over just yet. We are still working on changing lives through education here.”

Anyone interested in making a donation to the campaign can send a check made payable to the Wor-Wic Foundation, 32000 Campus Dr., Salisbury, MD 21804, with “Stronger Tomorrow” written on the memo portion. Or, click the “Donate” link at the top right of the college website and designate your gift for the “Preparing for a Stronger Tomorrow” campaign.

Showing off Wor-Wic keychains made on new 3D printers at the Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center were, from left, Kimberly C. Gillis, Wor-Wic Community College board of trustees chairperson, Wor-Wic graduate Gavin Stephens, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, R-38, Jacob Shortt of Amtek Co. and Michael Guerrieri.

As part of the Worcester Preparatory April Honor Society Inductions, five students were inducted to the chapter of the International Thespian Society and eight students were inducted to the National Art Honor Society on April 20. Above left, National Art Honor Society inductees pictured with teachers were, front, digital media teacher Nancy Raskauskas, Natasha Richter, Chris Todorov, Logan Ginnivan and Middle/Upper School art teacher George Zaiser. Back, from left, are students Haris Gjikuria, Austin Gentry, Caitlyn Hoen, Griffin Jones and Mason Williams. Above right, the International Thespian Society inductees were, front, Upper School dance/drama director Paulette DeRosa-Matrona, Moorea Phillips, Lebby Becker and WPS Middle/Upper School Music Director Christopher Buzby; and, back, students Sara Freih, Natalie Chadwell and Elaina Elrick. Submitted Photos

STUDENTS In The News

Students at Ocean City Elementary School were excited to show off all the reading they did during their Spring Break. Each flower added to the Blooming Readers flowerpot represents 15 minutes spent reading. All those flowers add up to hours and hours of kids soaking up books and developing a love for reading. As a reward, students will be treated to a pie eating contest between our principal, assistant principal, and guidance counselor at the end of the school year. In front of the Blooming Readers display are students from Wendi Eitel’s third grade class and Laura Black’s kindergarten class.

The Eastern Shore Literacy Association (ESLA) announced 19 Worcester Preparatory School students earned finalist status in the Young Authors Contest for poetry or short story. According to ESLA Young Authors’ Contest Chair, Dr. Brian Cook, there were over 300 entries from 19 area schools, both public and private. Each finalist finished in the top three of their respective category/grade levels.

Pictured, front from left, are lower school students Eli Parker, Lea and Serena Jaoude, Sloane Smith, Charlize Damouni, Isla Pippin and Vincent Fasano; second row, middle school students Scarlett Shimko, Mia Jaoude, Paul Kraeuter, Lara Owens, Kristie Carr and Vivien Ruggerio. Top row, from left, are Upper School students Jett Odachowski, Jayden Scopp, Jude Damouni, Allen Zhang, Dylan McGovern and Tyler Netting.

Students in grades 3 and 4 from Ocean City Elementary participated in a KickOff celebration for MCAP, the state assessment that they will take in May. Pictured is Kara Wolf's third grade class with a team pennant and bags of caramel popcorn that were graciously donated by Fisher's popcorn.

Winners Announced In Art League’s Student Art Show

The Ocean City Center for the Arts hosted the student "Manga Animé" art exhibit on First Friday April 7. The Art League of Ocean City developed the exhibit to promote creativity among students outside formal art programs and to increase community awareness of the Manga and Anime art form. Students in middle, high school and higher education on the Eastern Shore submitted entries judged by professors Elvin Hernandez and Brad Hudson. Art League President John Sisson and Ocean City Comic Con donated prizes to the winners. Taking top prize was Stephen Decatur Middle School eighth grader Shilo Brown, below. Also pictured are Best In Show winner, above left, UMES student Matthew Pattison, pictured with Sisson and Hudson; Alexia Shepherd, above middle, second place, Pocomoke High; Joey Thomas, above right, honorable mention, Acellus Online Academy; and Bella Burgett, third place, Delaware State University Early College. Submitted Photos

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. The beach in Ocean City is pictured above during the sunset hour Sunday. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 70

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Changes in the workplace might be daunting for some, but you love challenges and will do just fine with this one. Remember to work with facts, not rumors.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Just when you need some emotional reassurances, you find an almostforgotten, friendly gesture repaid in the most wonderful way. More good news follows.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You have a chance to restart a stalled personal relationship. Additionally, a workplace change bodes well for new opportunities, but you need more facts before you can act.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Talk to your longtime friends about why they're not in sync with your new pal. You might learn some startling facts. Also, a difficult workplace situation eases.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): What seems to be a golden opportunity is, naturally, attractive to Leos. But be careful that it's not just a lot of surface glitter. You need to ask more questions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): There are still some issues with getting decisions made on your workplace project. Talk to a supervisor about ways to break the impasse.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A

family matter could become more complicated and reach an apparent dead end. Don't give up on trying to find a solution. Work patiently with everyone involved.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): You'll soon hear more about an offer that could change the direction of your career. Meanwhile, enjoy the newly positive on-the-job environment.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Expect a favorable reply to a workplace request. On the home front, a full explanation helps you sort out a long-standing personal problem.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): A serious matter needs focused consideration. Watch that your sometimes capricious nature doesn't create any unnecessary distractions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): You win added support for your determination to turn a bad situation into a good one. One new ally arrives from a most unexpected source.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Family and friends need to be told about a decision you want to make. Be prepared to offer a full explanation when asked. Hold nothing back.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can be a fighter and a lover. You are a natural leader with a strong sense of justice that makes people respect you.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Taylor House Museum’s lawn

A player in a dirty sports uniform

Blue skies for kite festival weekend

A load of fresh mulch each spring

Getting a smile from a special needs kid

Lunch at La Sierra after soccer

The chaos of Mondays

Learning a new word

When my desk is clear because it’s rare

A big moon on a clear night

A fresh towel from the dryer

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY WITH BUNK MANN

The Plimhimmon was built in 1894 by Rosalie Tilghman Shreve and occupied half a block along the Boardwalk between N. 1st and 2nd streets. Famous for its excellent dining room, guests would spend hours in rocking chairs enjoying the ocean breeze along the hotel’s long shady front porch. In addition to strolls along the Boardwalk, a dance pavilion with a live orchestra provided entertainment for the summer guests.

The Plimhimmon was destroyed in a massive fire on Nov. 21, 1962. At the time of the fire, it was the largest hotel in Ocean City.

In 1963 a new hotel, the Plim Plaza, was built on the site of the original. It included a replica of the Victorian-style tower that had distinguished its venerable predecessor.

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

Photo courtesy Bill and Kitt Matthews

The Dispatch Classifieds

HELP WANTED

FRONT GATE ATTENDANTS:

Needed Year Round. Assateague Pointe, Rt. 611. Tues, Wed, &/or Thurs: 1am-9am. Saturdays: 5pm1am. Contact 410-641-1674.

PLUMBERS HELPERS WANTED

Valid Drivers License. No exp. necessary, will train. Offer paid vacations/holidays. For info call: RYT Plumbing 443-727-3091.

BARTENDERS/BARBACKS:

West OC Bar looking for Bartenders & Barbacks. 410-213-1613

POOL: General Maintenance, Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required. Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others.

410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

YEAR ROUND OUTBOARD

MOTOR TECHNICIAN / MECHANIC NEEDED FOR BASIC OUTBOARD AND BOAT SERVICE. CALL HARBOR MARINE, W. OCEAN CITY, MD 410-213-2296.

CLEANERS/VACATION

RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Small Engine mechanic, Year round, Competitive Wages. Call 443-754-1047.

OC HOTEL NOW HIRING FOR: Seasonal HOUSEKEEPING DAY LAUNDRY

Experienced Only Need Apply.

Must have valid Drivers License Call Seahawk Motel 410-250-3191

ADVANCED MARINA

410-723-2124

66th St. Ocean City Advancedmarina.com

NOW HIRING:

•MECHANICS

•BOAT YARD CREW

•CLEANERS

•PAINTERS

•DOCK HANDS

To Apply, Call or email 410-723-2124 advancedmarina@aol.com

CLASS A OR B CDL DRIVER

SMI Services of Delaware, a Sediment and Erosion Control Company located in Selbyville, DE is looking for a Class A or B CDL driver. This position will be a working driver / loading / unloading position. You may not just be hauling / driving all day. MUST have a clean driving record and be able to pass a DOT Physical and drug screen. Applicant shall be reliable, able lift up to 50lbs, able to perform physical labor and have great work ethic.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. Please apply in person at 20 E. Railroad Ave, Selbyville, DE 19975

www.smicompanies.net NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Fountainhead Tower

Pool Attendants - 40 Hrs. Must be over age of 18, know how to swim.Monitor access to users with proper pass and enforce pool rules.

Hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm

Custodians - 40 Hrs

Clean lobby, elevators, hallways and maintain grounds in common areas and parking lot.

Hours are 8:00am – 4:00pm

Security Guards - 40 Hrs Register guests, enforce smoking, parking & noise policies of Association.

All shifts available

Call 410-524-2378 or apply in person 116th Street, OC

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Glenriddle Community Full time

Currently

o Experience preferred.

o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus.

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Housekeeper Full Time

Eastern shore resident is seeking a mature, responsible and experienced person to perform various housekeeping duties at a Berlin, MD estate five days weekly. Full time position with benefits and 401K. Reliable transportation necessary.

Call 410-803-4135, fax resume to 410-272-2249 or e-mail: tgreaver@bscamerica.com. Cleaning services need not apply.

SEASONAL STAFF

Beautiful community in Ocean View is seeking parttime seasonal staff May through September to work in our clubhouse and pool areas.

Availability to include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Excellent people skills a must! Some computer skills preferred. Competitive salary and incentive bonus program offered.

Perfect position for individuals looking for extra income. Send resume to: susan.brewer@casinc.biz

EOE COOKS AND CLEANING HELP WANTED

Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment. Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment.

If interested apply in person. Open daily 12:00 p.m. American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD.

8:30am-5:00pm Send resume to: tmacintosh@legumnorman.com

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING!

•MAINTENANCE

•GENERAL CLERICAL

•FUEL DOCK ATTENDANTS

•DOMESTIC

•RAMP ATTENDANTS

•DOCK HANDS

Looking

•BOAT YARD ATTENDANT

•NIGHTWATCH

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

Now

retail experience helpful FT/PT now thru Oct.

Competitive starting pay, parking available. Join our fun, friendly staff APPLY IN PERSON: Ocean City Boardwalk between Somerset & Wicomico St 410-289-7011

SEEKING HOUSING

SEASONAL SUMMER RENTAL: Mature gentleman seeking small, Apt. or Eff. End of May thru Sept. Single, works all summer, rarely there. Prefer South end of town. Ask for Charlie 410-294-1028.

WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 2 Office/Retail Spaces for Lease. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

CHECK

AUTOMOBILE

1997 TOWN & COUNTRY LX: For Sale, Historic Value. Electric seats/electric windows. Great condition! 107,000 miles. $3,800. Call 443-754-7709 for more info.

COMMERCIAL YARD SALE FOR SALE

HIGH END ESTATE/YARD SALE: Sat. 4/29, 7am-11am. Large indoor & outdoor furniture, Home decor. 14 Golden Eye Court, Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE: Berlin, Decatur Farm, Off Rt 113, across from Stephen Decatur Park. Rescheduled to Sat. 5/21, 8am to noon.

FAMILY GATHERINGS DINING ROOM SET FOR SALE

Holiday Dinners Coming Soon!

Beautiful solid wood dining set. Table seats 8-10 with two leaves. Lighted China Cabinet with glass shelving. (Chairs not incl’d.) Selling because moved & too big for dining area. Must see! $575. Berlin. 443-880-8885 $500

When You have forgiven me And the Price so dear?

Office Position

Part time, year round Busy home owner association. Must have computer and people skills. Call 410 641 5102

W/D, Furn. Pleanty of parking. Call for details 443-373-8147.

SEASONAL BAYSIDE CONDO: 2BR/2BA, W/D. Fully furn. Sleeps 4-6. $15,750./season, Cable & WiFi incl. Located near Jolly Roger. Call 410-603-6120 or mbjcproperties@gmail.com

WINTER

WEEKLY RENTALS

• FOOD RUNNERS APPLY IN PERSON

FENWICK ISLAND, USA

Utilities Included

C O N TA C T U S AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581

Those we love, don t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, un heard, but always near.

So loved, so missed, so very dear.

Mom, Happy birthday in Heaven. Hoping you are smiling and laughing with all of your loved ones!

We feel you with us everyday! xoxoxo

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TIMONIUM ROAD, SUITE 100

TIMONIUM, MARYLAND 21093 Plaintiff V.

ROBERT M. REDINGTON, II

FT MORTGAGE COMPANIES

D/B/A MNC MORTGAGE

FT MORTGAGE COMPANIES

DLB/A MNC MORTGAGE

16 PIN TAIL POINT CM SLIP #16 and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

(FOR MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE 14-1836(B)(1) (V) PURPOSES ONLY) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple In the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Ralls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes far said County known as:

16 PIN TAIL POINT CM SLIP #16, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, 10TH (TENTH) ELECTION DISTRICT,

DESC ALL THAT LOT OF LAND BOAT SLIP#16 94TH ST PIN TAIL POINT CM

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding Is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property 16 PIN TAIL POINT CM SLIP #16, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: all that lot of land

BOAT SLIP #16 94TH ST

PIN TAIL POINT CM The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 5th of APRIL, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be

given by the Insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation In Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested In the property to appear in this Court by the 5th of JUNE, 2023 and redeem the property 16 PIN TAIL POINT CM SLIP #16, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption In the property, and vesting In the Plaintiff's title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

APRIL 14, 2023

BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

WORCESTER COUNTY MD

TRUE TEST COPY

3x 4-14, 4-21-4-28

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000070

FNA DZ, LLC

C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TIMONIUM ROAD, SUITE 100 TIMONIUM, MARYLAND 21093

Plaintiff

V. GEORGE F. CARROLL 13100 COASTAL HWY, UNIT #2012

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND (FOR MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE 14-1836(B)(1) (V) PURPOSES ONLY) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple In the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Ralls

Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes far said County known as:

13100 COASTAL HWY,

UNIT#2012, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, 10TH (TENTH) ELECTION DISTRICT, DESCR ALL THAT LOT OF LAND AND IMPS U 2012 P 2 131ST ST BRAEMER TOWERS CM

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property 13100 COASTAL HWY, UNIT #2012, OCEAN CllY, MD 21842 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff In this proceeding: all that lot of land and imps

U 2012 P 2 131ST ST. BRAEMER TOWERS CM

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

It is thereupon this 5th of APRIL, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the Insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation In Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested In the property to appear in this Court by the 5th of JUNE, 2023 and redeem the property 13100 COASTAL HWY, UNIT #2012, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption In the property, and vesting In the Plaintiff's title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 14, 2023

BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

To all persons interested in the estate of ANGELINA YVONNE LANTZ, Estate No. 19657. Notice is given that, SCOTT LANTZ whose address is 9800 MOORING VIEW LANE, UNIT 12, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on APRIL 03, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANGELINA YVONNE LANTZ, who died on MARCH 08, 2023 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 3RD day of OCTOBER, 2023. 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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

APRIL 14, 2023

SCOTT LANTZ

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 4-14, 4-21, 4-28

APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19649

To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE ROBERT STEPHENSON, Estate No. 19649. Notice is given that, ELIZABETH A. BATEMAN, whose address is 106 HALEYS WAY, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on APRIL 04, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE ROBERT STEPHENSON, who died on MAY 12, 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 4TH day of OCTOBER, 2023.

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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

APRIL 14, 2023

ELIZABETH A. BATEMAN

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19668

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN E. JONES, AKA: JOHN ERNEST JONES, Estate No. 19668. Notice is given that, PATRICIA PUPEK, whose address is 1410 LAKE VISTA, JOPPA, MD 21085, was on APRIL 06, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN E. JONES, who died on MARCH 18, 2023 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, 2023.

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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Third Insertion

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY

CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000079

BUAS 3G PROPERTIES, LLC

P.O. BOX 966, OCEAN CITY, MD 21843 PLAINTIFF

v.

BEACH COUNTRY, LLC

11513 S. DOLLY CIRCLE BERLIN, MD 21811

Worcester County, Maryland

Roscoe Leslie, County Attorney Government Center, Room 1103

1 W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863

Unknown owner of property described as Item Number 5, Account Number 08001405 and described as: LOT 55' X 112' X 115.9' X 48' E SIDE

R-12 GIRDLETREE, Assessed to Beach County LLC, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors,administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item Number 5, Account Number 08001405 and described as: LOT 55' X 112' X 115.9' X 48' E SIDE R-12

GIRDLETREE, Assessed to Beach County LLC

DEFENDANTS

Order of Publication

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding:

Item Number 5, Account Number 08001405 and described as: LOT 55' X I 12' X 115.9' X 48' E SIDE R-12 GIRDLETREE, Assessed to Beach County LLC. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 10th of April 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester, County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 9th of June, 2023 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafler a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 14, 2023

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE, CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY MD

Third Insertion

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000078

BUAS 3G PROPERTIES, LLC

P.O. BOX 966, OCEAN CITY, MD 21843

PLAINTIFF

v.

JAMES SHIH, TRUSTEE SHIH FAMILY TRUST 10850 NANTNCKET TERRACE, POTOMAC, MD 20854 Worcester County, Maryland Roscoe Leslie, County Attorney Government Center, Room 1103

1 W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863

Unknown owner of property described as Item Number

Assessed to Shih Family Trust, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest.

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item Number 67, Account Number 08001197 and described as: 47.7' XI IO' X 48.8' X 106.6' E SIDE R-12 GIRDLETREE, Assessed to Shih Family Trust.

DEFENDANTS

Order of Publication

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the plaintiff in this proceeding:

Item Number 67, Account Number 08001197 and described as: 47.7' X 110' X 48.8' X 106.6' E SIDE R-12 GIRDLETREE, Assessed to Shih Family Trust. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 10th of April, 2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester, County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion ofa copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 10th of June, 2023, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication APRIL 14, 2023

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE, CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY MD

Third Insertion

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET

P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19672

To all persons interested in the estate of DORAIN ELLEN HADDER SCOTT, Estate No. 19672. Notice is given that CAROL JEAN LITTLETON BRADFORD, 10207 HOTEL ROAD, #1, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 and WILLIS CHARLES LITTLETON, JR, 8121 CIRCLE ROAD, WHALEYVILLE, MD 21872, were on APRIL 11, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of DORAIN ELLEN HADDER SCOTT, who died on DECEMBER 26, 2022 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

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:

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

Name of Newspaper:

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

APRIL 14, 2023

CAROL JEAN LITTLETON BRADFORD WILLIS CHARLES LITTLTON, JR.

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 4-14, 4-21, 4-28

Second Insertion

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19678

To all persons interested in the estate of FRANCES ROSALPHA MCINTYRE, Estate No. 19678. Notice is given that SHARON J. MCINTYRE, 3306 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on APRIL 12, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FRANCES ROSALPHA MCINTYRE, who died on FEBRUARY 19, 2023 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this pub-

lished 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 21, 2023

SHARON J. MCINTYRE

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 4-21, 4-28, 05-05

Second Insertion

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000071

FNA DZ, LLC

C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TLMONIUM ROAD, SUITE 100 TIMONIUM, MARYLAND 21093 PLAINTIFF V. V. GREGORY ALAN LEISTER 167 BEACHCOMBER LN AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND (FOR MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE14-1836 (B)(1) (V) PURPOSES ONLY)

AND

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 167 BEACHCOMBER LANE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, 10TH (TENTH) ELECTION DISTRICT, DESCRIBED AS

TRUE TEST COPY 3x 4-14, 4-21-4-28

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

FOLLOWS: ALL THAT LOT OF LAND AND IMPS LOT

1141 SEC 3 BEACHCOMBER LANE PL MONTEGO BAY MOB HMPK

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption In the following property 167 Beachcomber Lane, Ocean City, MD 21842 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff In this proceeding: all that lot of land and Imps LOT 1141 SEC 3 BEACHCOMBER LANE PL MONTEGO BAY MOB HM PK

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

It ls thereupon this 5th of APRIL,2023, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having general circulation In Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons Interested In the property to appear In this Court by the 15th day of JUNE, 2023 and redeem the property 167 Beachcomber Lane, Ocean City, MD 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption In the property, and vesting In the Plaintiffs title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication APRIL 21, 2023

BRIAN D. SHOCKLEY JUDGE

CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19682

To all persons interested in WILLIAM C. LINK, the estate of Estate No. 19682. Notice is given that JEANNE L. LINK, 700 32ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on APRIL 17, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of WILLIAM C. LINK, who died on MARCH 11, 2023 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 17TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

APRIL 21, 2023

JEANNE L. LINK

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102

COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19661

To all persons interested in HOWARD G. JENKINS, the estate of Estate No. 19661. Notice is given that SUSAN EGGLESTON, 15400 GULF BLVD., #302, MADEIRA BEACH, FL 33708 was on APRIL 17, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HOWARD G. JENKINS, who died on SEPTEMBER 23, 2022 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 21, 2023

SUSAN EGGLESTON Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 4-21, 4-28, 05-05

First Insertion

IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF:

DORSEY S. TRUITT AKA: DORSEY SAMUEL TRUITT, SR. , ESTATE NO. 19692

NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all persons interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by PATRICK TRUITT for judicial probate of the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at WORCESTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE COURTROOM 4, ONE W. MARKET ST. SNOW HILL, MD. 21863 on 5/16/2023 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.

Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 28, 2023

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 2x 4-28, 5-05

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

(For Maryland Annotated code 14-1836(b)B1)(v)purposes only)

and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 1300 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, 3rd (third) Election District, described as follows: all that lot of land and imps. LOT B-10-1129 7725 SQ FT OCEAN PKWAY PL, OCEAN PINES, SEC 10

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000093

FIG SERIES HOLDINGS, LLC

C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TIMONIUM ROAD SUITE 100 TIMONIUM, MD 21093 Plaintiff V

JOSEPH CENTIOLE

MARIETTA CENTIOLE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000092

FIG SERIES HOLDINGS, LLC

C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TIMONIUM ROAD SUITE 100 TIMONIUM, MD 21093 Plaintiff V

CORA DANIELS NEELON

GAIL E. NEELON 1300 OCEAN PARKWAY OCEAN PINES, MD 21811 and

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption In the following property 1300 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 In the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: all that lot of land and imps. LOT B-10-1129 7725 SQ FT OCEAN PKWAY PL OCEAN PINES SEC 10 The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. It is thereupon this 20th of APRIL,2023 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order In some newspaper having general circulation In Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear In this Court by the 19th of JUNE, 2023, and redeem the property 1300 Ocean Pkwy, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff's title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

APRIL 28, 2023

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE

9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 4C OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND (For Maryland Annotated code 14-1836(b)(1)(v)purposes only) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 9500 Coastal Hwy Unit 4C, Ocean City, MD 21842, 10th (tenth) Election District, ·described as follow all that lot of land and imps U 4C BEACH HWY PYRAMID CM

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption In the following property 9500 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 4C, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, In the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: It is thereupon this 20th of April, 2023 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order In some newspaper having general circulation In Worcester

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear In this Court by the 19th of JUNE, 2023, and redeem the property 9500 Coastal Hwy, Unit 4C, Ocean City, Md 21842 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff's title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication APRIL 28, 2023

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

APRIL 28, 2023

TANISHA DURDEN

Personal Representative True Test Copy

APRIL 20, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATEof: MAXINE E. BRISBANE who died on MARCH 31, 2023 with a will.

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

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

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 4-28

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY IN EQUITY

CASE NUMBER: C-23-CV-23-000089

FIG SERIES HOLDINGS, LLC

C/O JAMES F. TRUITT, JR. 20 EAST TIMONIUM ROAD, SUITE 100 TIMONIUM, MARYLAND 21093 Plaintiff v.

JOHN GROTON

RALPH GROTON

ROBERT REED

MARY KAY REED

It is thereupon this 20TH DAY OF APRIL, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order In some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested In the property to appear in this Court by the 19th of JUNE, 2023, and redeem the property 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851 and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption In the property, and vesting In the Plaintiffs title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

and TERRY A. PHILLIPS, 22 SUNDIAL CIRCLE, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811, were on APRIL 25, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of KATHRYN L. PHILLIPS who died on DECEMBER 15, 2022, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 25TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19581

To all persons interested in the estate of IRA BERNARD BARBER, Estate No. 19581. Notice is given that TANISHA DURDEN, 2353 PITKIN AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11207, was on APRIL 17, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of IRA BERNARD BARBER, who died on FEBRURAY 2, 2023, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

JOHN F. ROBERT, ESQ.

29H ATLANTIC AVE OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

ESTATE NO. 19689

To all persons interested in the estate of MAXINE E. BRISBANE. Notice is given that JILL ANTHONY, 13003 OLD BRIDGE ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on

(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 28, 2023

JILL ANTHONY Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street

17 SOMERSET AVE AND WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND (for Maryland Annotated Code 14-1836(b)(1l(v) purposes only) and

Any and all person having or claiming to have any Interest in the fee simple in the properties and premises situate, lying and being in the County of Worcester described on the Tax Rolls Worcester County Collector of State and County Taxes for said County known as: 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851, 1st (first) Election District, described as follows: all that lot of land LOT 8 BLK B 17 SOMERSET AVE PL POKOMOKE HEIGHTS

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding Is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, 17 Somerset Avenue, Pocomoke, MD 21851 in the County of Worcester, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: all that lot of land LOT 8 BLK B 17, SOMERSET AVE PL POKOMOKE HEIGHTS.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

APRIL 28, 2023

BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE

TRUE TEST COPY

SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MD 3x 4-28, 5-05, 5-12

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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 218030910

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19697

To all persons interested in the estate of KATHRYN L. PHILLIPS, Estate No. 19697. Notice is given that SCOTT R. PHILLIPS, 5533 ADAMS RIDGE ROAD, CLARKSVILLE, MD 21029

(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

Third Taustin Generation Set To Open New Embers

OCEAN CITY – The Embers Restaurant will reach new heights on the third floor of the brand new 24th Street Embers Center.

The new restaurant features an open kitchen dining concept where patrons will experience brick oven flavors and a relaxing ambiance with a nod to The Embers’ lounge-style origins.

The third evolution of the Ocean City staple will open its doors to patrons May 5 with a grand opening celebration scheduled for May 12.

“With elevated pizzas, chophouse classics and rustic seafood combinations, The Embers reinvention is proud to mirror the evolution of Ocean City and the Taustin family operations,” said CEO Cole Taustin, who is now the third generation of Taustin owner/operators of The Embers.

The Embers has a tradition of concept evolution that has always involved bringing fresh flare to the Eastern Shore. While many know the Embers Restaurant for its nearly 40 years as a famous All You Can Eat Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet, the restaurant will reopen in 2023 renewed as an urban reinvention of the original Embers Restaurant, serving wholesome flavors in a rustic-chic dining room with terrace seating and views of both the city skyline and the sunset over the bay.

The menu will blend a flash of Eastern Shore seafood flavors with comfort-food style boldness with most menu options emerging from custom, hand-crafted Fiero Forni ovens. Now a full-service establishment, The Embers will offer its land and sea delicacies fused with fire and flavor from the rooftop of the redevelopment on the 24th Street block, the Embers Center on 24th.

The Embers has been a family-owned operation for over 75 years. In the late 1950s, Sam Taustin and his brother Irv started a little restaurant on 9th Street called The Embers. Shortly after, they moved to 24th Street and carved their

niche as one of the most respected fine dining restaurants in the area. Over the next 50 years, Jay Taustin led that same restaurant into becoming the first and largest All-You-Can-Eat Prime Rib and Seafood Buffet with more tastes in one place than any other in Ocean City. Still family-owned and operated by the third generation, the Taustin Group remains

committed to founder Sam's tradition of providing the highest quality ingredients with the most attentive service to every customer that walks in the door.

The Embers will maintain its role, along with its sister restaurant BLU Crabhouse, as the anchor of the Embers Center on 24th, which offers dining, entertainment and shopping for all times of day.

The interior of the new Embers Restaurant is pictured, featuring two handmade Fiero Forni ovens. Submitted Photo

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH

BAR & GRILL

410-289-6846

37th & 38th St.

Oceanside at Castle In The Sand Hotel

Thursday, May 4: Dylan Canfield, Chris Diller

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, April 28: Wes Davis

Saturday, April 29:

Shortcut Sunny

CORK BAR

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, April 28: DJ Wax

Sunday, April 30: Stevie Mac

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE

Sunday, April 30: John Remy

Wednesday, May 3: Kevin Poole

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, April 28: Lennon & The Leftovers

Saturday, April 29: Party w/DJ Magellan

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay

Friday, April 28: DJ RobCee, Mallow Hill, Red Dirt Revolution

Saturday, April 29:

Denim & Lace, DJ Hook, Jumper

Monday, May 1: Hot Sauce Band, DJ Wax

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C.

Tuesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Thursdays & Fridays:

DJ Billy T

Saturday, April 29:

Cecilia’s Fall, DJ Jeremy

Sunday, April 30:

Pickin’ Party

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, April 29:

Marlin City Madmen

Sunday, April 30:

Beats By Deogee

Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PIER 23

410-289-3323

12817 Harbor Rd. West O.C.

Friday, April 28:

Lime Green Duo

Saturday, April 29: No More Whiskey

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts.

On The Boards

Friday, April 28:

Thunderball

Saturday, April 29: The Chucks

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, April 28:

DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, Justin Taylor Duo, Screaming Monkeys, Night Anthem

Saturday, April 29:

DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Full Circle, Hotel Don’t Tell, Band Of Make Believe

Thursday, May 4: DJ Connair, Opposite Directions

MARLIN CITY MADMEN Pickles Pub: Saturday, April 29

CECILIA’S FALL Harborside: Saturday, April 29

NO MORE WHSIKEY Pier 23: Saturday, April 29

HOT SAUCE BAND Fager’s Island: Monday, May 1

PICKIN’ PARTY Harborside: Sunday, April 30

BAND OF MAKE BELIEVE Seacrets: Saturday, April 29

FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Saturday, April 29

MALLOW HILL Fager’s Island: Friday, April 28

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Thursday, May 4

THUNDERBALL Purple Moose: Friday, April 28

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443-8808444.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410-6299383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

Every Monday: Bridge Games

Are you interested in joining others for a game of Bridge at the Ocean City 50+ Senior Center? If so, please call or text Tish at 410-804-3971.

Every Monday: Overeaters Anonymous

Meetings are from 7-8 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library branch. No dues or fees. Call 410-459-9100.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410-289-4725.

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup Beach Heroes, a volunteer Ocean City group, holds cleanups 9-10 a.m. yearround. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page "Beach Heroes-OC" for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

Every Wednesday: Bingo

Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City. Has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410-250-2645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302-4369577 or BeachSingles.org.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting

The Caregiver Support Group will continue to meet on the second and fourth Thursdays in the Ocean Pines Library. Meetings will run from 3-4:30 p.m. The meetings are private and confidential.

April 28: Oyster Fritter Sandwiches

American Legion Post 123 in Berlin will be selling oyster fritter sandwiches from 2 p.m. Cost is $10 for a sandwich.

April 28-30: OC Restaurant Week

Citywide special menus, great deals at participating restaurants throughout Ocean City. Tempt your taste buds. oceancityrestaurantweek.com.

April 29: Guest Speaker

The Worcester County Republican Central Committee presents “Character Matters” with guest speaker former USMC Lt. Col. Stuart Sheller, who served in Afghanistan, and is the author of “Crisis of Command: How We Lost Trust and Confidence in America’s Generals and Politicians.” The event will be held from 3-6 p.m. at the Ocean City Golf Club located at 11401 Country Club Drive in Berlin. Tickets are $50 and includes a happy

Things To Do

hour buffet/cash bar. Tickets will be sold for a two-day concealed carry training raffle, a $1500 value. Seating is limited. Send checks to WCRCC, P.O. Box 1432, Berlin, Md. 21811. Or contact WorCoRcc@gmail.com or 443-668-8864.

April 29-30: Bubble Dance Party

What’s Poppin’ Bubble Dance Party at Trimper’s encourages kids to stay active. Doors open at noon with dance party both days at 2 p.m.

April 29-30: Ministries To Visit

St. Matthews by the Sea in Fenwick Island will host Rivenbark Ministries of North Carolina on April 29 at 6 p.m. and April 30 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

April 30: OC Bridal Show

From 1-3 p.m. at Seacrets, brides can meet top wedding vendors, play games, win prizes and sip cocktails in a tropical setting. Brides can win a chance at the free wedding dress or $500 cash prize. Entertainment includes 20th Anniversary ribbon cutting, Gold Ballroom dancing demo and Sandals Beauty and The Beach Fashion Show on the main stage. Many guests drive several hours to attend, and hotel packages are available. https://roxbeachweddings.com/ocean-city-bridalshow/.

April 30: Gospel Show

Soloist Jack Andrews will perform at Bowen United Methodist Church at 9:30 a.m.

April 30: Gospel Music Service

Snow Hill's own Kirk Carmean will perform a southern gospel music service at 11 a.m. at Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church, 103 W. Market Street, Snow Hill with an Italian lunch served afterwards. Guest musician Carmean was in a southern gospel group for over 16 years. www.makemiechurch.com

May 2: Prayer At Local Schools

The Interfaith Friendship Association and other local churches in the Berlin area are holding a prayer walk and vigil for schools. Participating congregations and houses of worship are adopting a local school and will each be meeting at the flagpole of those schools. Volunteers will then march around the school grounds praying for the students, their families, all of the staff and administrators of the school, and the bus drivers associated with that school, etc. Afterwards, all the various represented congregations will gather at Stephen Decatur Park to come together as one voice in prayer and fellowship. There will be refreshments and music at the prayer/praise gathering at Stephen Decatur Park for all.

May 2: Free Health Fair

Atlantic General Hospital, the Town of Ocean City and AARP Ocean City Chapter #1917 are co-sponsoring a free health fair for the community, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City. The health fair is freeand open to the pub-

lic. Free health screenings will be offered, including carotid, respiratory, bone density, hearing, blood pressure, skin cancer, medicine review by AGHRx RediScripts pharmacists, lipid panel and blood glucose (a 12-hour fast is required) and more. At 9 a.m., Dr. M. Sean Hooker of Atlantic General Orthopedic Surgery will discuss how robotic technology is used in surgery, followed by a representative from Taylor Bank who will give a presentation on identity theft and scams at 10 a.m. The final speaker of the morning is Dr. Edwin Castañeda of Atlantic General Primary Care, who will provide information about antibiotics at 11 a.m.

May 2: School Prayer Walk

Multiple churches are participating in a School Prayer Walk at the school of your choice in northern Worcester County at 5 p.m. A designated leader will be at the flag pole of each school. Praise meeting with music and pizza afterwards at Stephen Decatur Park in Berlin around 6 p.m. Inclement weather event will be held at Community Church in Ocean Pines. Contact Mary Stover 410-726-1795 for more information.

May 4: Prayer Day Speaker

Three-time Olympian Jim Ryun will address the 11th annual Salisbury Area National Day of Prayer Breakfast at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury. Doors at the Civic Center open at 6:30 a.m. Prior to the program, from 6:30 to 6:55, a special area will be set aside for attendees to join local pastors in a time of corporate prayer for the city, region and country. The breakfast program begins at 7 a.m. Tickets for the prayer breakfast are $22, available in Salisbury at The Country House, or by mail. Make checks payable to Salisbury Area Prayer Breakfast Committee, P.O. Box 521, Salisbury, Md. 21803. For information, call Ted Evans at 410-430-4189.

May 4-7: Springfest

Celebrating 32 years, Ocean City’s Springfest will be held in the Inlet parking lot Thursday-Saturday, May 4-6, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Four days full of tasty treats, live music and handmade crafts. Headline acts include Shadows of the 60s A Tribute to Motown’s Super Groups, Collective Soul and Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives. www.ococean.com/springfest.

May 5-6: Fall Fest

The Eastern Orthodox Community of Saint Andrew welcomes everyone to its annual Fall Fest beginning at 9 a.m. both days. Featured are an indoor yard sale, bake sale (including Greek & other international pastries), plant sale, car wash, church tours, and more. The church is located at 33384 MacKenzie Way (off Plantation Road), Lewes. For more information, call 302-645-5791 or visit the church website: www.orthodoxdelmar.org/springfest.

May 6: Safe Boating Course

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a one-day Maryland Safe Boating Course from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A safe boating

certificate is required for all boat operators born after July 1, 1972 and is awarded after successful completion of the course. The class includes piloting in local waters, tying nautical knots, foul weather tactics, legal issues, updated Maryland regulations and common marine maintenance. Cost is $20. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-9354807, or email CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

May 6: Native Plant Sale

Assateague Coastal Trust’s 24th Annual Native Plant Sale will be held from 8 a.m.1 p.m. at the ACT Building at 10959 Worcester Highway. Pick-up pre-orders and plants for sale. Raffle baskets, art vendors, garden art. Master Gardener Table for Q&A, compost for sale from Go Green OC, soil test kits and pre-created planters/flower baskets. actforbays.org/plantsale.

May 6: Quartet Church Concert

St. Matthews by the Sea in Fenwick Island will host the Adoration Quartet live in concert at 7 p.m. The Adoration Quartet is made up of group members James Harrelson, Mark Dayoc, Corey Wilson and Chris Serlick. The quartet aims “To fulfill the great commission by presenting powerful, original songs with Biblically sound messages that stir the lost to a decision for Christ while uplifting and edifying the Saints,” according to its website, adorationquartet.com.

May 6: Shopper’s Fair

First Saturday Shopper's Fair will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at FORGE Youth and Family on 7804 Gumboro Road, Pittsville, Md. 21850. The fair will be held the first Saturday of each month through September. Dozens of vendors, artisans and yard sale offerings in one convenient location. 443-513-1048.

May 7: Bay Day

Presented by Ocean Pines and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, returns from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in White Horse Park. The event teaches local people how to "make a difference in your own backyard," with free boat rides, hands-on activities, environmental exhibitors, and live animal demonstrations. Admission is free.

May 10: AARP Meeting

Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City 50Plus Center located on 41st St. and Coastal Highway. Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will discuss new advances in orthopedic surgery. New members are welcome. 410-250-0980.

May 11: Fashion Show, Luncheon

Reservations are being accepted for the Women’s Club of Ocean Pines Fashion Show and Luncheon scheduled at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club from 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Fashions will be provided by Chico’s. For $38, you have a choice of four entrees –Grilled Chicken Greek Salad; Brisket French Dip; Shrimp Salad Wrap; and Chef’s Choice Vegetarian. Assorted dessert trays and non-alcoholic beverages included. For more information, contact Jan Chiampa, 508-446-6204 (cell) or 410600-4236 (home). Make checks payable to WCOP. Send reservations to Jan Chiampa, 6 Federal Hill, Ocean Pines, Md.

...Things To Do

21811. This is a fundraiser for high school scholarships and community donations to be presented on June 1.

May 12: Crab Cake Dinner

Stevenson United Methodist Church is hosting from 4-6 p.m. Carryout but eating inside an option as well with bake table available. Cost is one crab cake sandwich meal, $14; two crab cake sandwich meal, $24; and one crab cake sandwich, $10. Bake sale table available.

May 13: Bike Ride Day

Ocean Pines Bike Ride Day will be held from 3-6 p.m. For more information, email Patti Stevens of the Worcester County Bike & Pedestrian Coalition at patti59.stevens@gmail.com, or Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue at ddonahue@oceanpines.org.

May 13: Furnace Town Celebration

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Furnace Fairies and Gnomes Celebration takes place with Furnace Town being invaded by fantasy creatures for one day only. Frolic with fairies, garden with gnomes, ride a unicorn, trade with an ogre, say hi to giants and make friends with a mermaid. Vendors, food, games, and entertainment galore. Kids 515, $5; 15-plus, $10; and kids under 5, free.

May 17: Golf Tournament

MAC, Inc., Your Area Agency on Aging is hosting a golf tournament to benefit its Meals on Wheels program. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., followed by the shotgun start at 9 a.m. Play will be best ball format. Teams are forming now. The cost is $400 per team of four; $100 for individuals. Participation in the tournament can make a real difference in the lives of older persons on the Lower Shore. Funds raised will help MAC provide home-delivered meals to local seniors who are unable to prepare their own food. Many of our elderly neighbors are isolated and alone and need help in securing the most basic of human necessities – food. To register or for more information, visit https://macinc.org/specialevents/golf/.

May 18-21: Pines Players Production

The Ocean Pines Players’ next production is Love Letters by A.R. Gurney presented at Mariner's Country Down. Tickets are available at: https://oceanpinesplayers.org where members receive a 20% discount on tickets.

May 20: Chicken Platters

Fried and baked chicken platters to go for $10 at Calvary United Methodist Church at 8607 Ironshire Station Road in Berlin. Platters sold with two sides and a roll. Potato salad, mac n’ cheese and green beans. Also, a dessert table and drinks for sale. From 1030 a.m. until sold out.

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

June 3: Community Yard Sale

The Parke at Ocean Pines is holding its community sale (rain date is Sunday, June 4) from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the driveways of residents. The Parke is an active 55+ Adult community of 503 homes. Parke residents are selling their treasures for others to enjoy. There are clothes, lamps, artwork, household items, electronics, furniture and more. Maps will be available at the main entrance of the Parke located at Central Parke West, located off of Ocean Parkway at the south entrance of Ocean Pines.

June 10: Furnace Town Music

Get ready to groove this summer at Furnace Town, showcasing a lineup of talented musicians and artists from around the shore. Enjoy live performances in a stunning outdoor venue. Bring your friends, family and loved ones for an evening filled with music, food, drinks, and fun. Cost is $10/adults, $5/kids 5-15.

The schedule is:

June 10: 5-8 p.m., Vintage Blue Blue-

grass Band

June 24: 5-8 p.m., Flatland Drive Bluegrass Band

July 8: 5-8 p.m., Bryan & The Barn OwlsAmericana

July 24: 5-8 p.m., The Folk Heroes & The Folk Villains

Aug. 5: 5-8 p.m., Hoedown with DJ Kay

Aug. 19: 5-8 p.m., Ampersand – Traditional American Music.

June 13: Kid’s Carnival

Fish Tales, located on 22nd Street bayside in Ocean City, will be hosting from noon-3 p.m. To celebrate the end of the school year, Fish Tales decided to have this fun family event for children. This day will be filled with carnival games, face painting, inflatables, children’s vendors, kid’s crafts, pony rides and food and drinks. A commemorative T-shirt will be available for purchase. All proceeds from the day will be donated to the Lower Shore Special Olympics. If anyone would like to be a vendor, contact India Bandorick at 410289-0990 or email her at india@ocfishtales.com.

June 14: AARP Meeting

Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City 50 Plus Center located on 41st St. and Coastal Highway. Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will be from the Burbage Funeral Home. New members are welcome. 410-250-0980.

June 17: Learn To Fish

Teach A Kid to Fish Day will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the South Gate Pond near the Sports Core Pool. The event includes a drawing for a free rod and reel. For more information, call John McFalls at 610-505-1697.

June 24: Fashion Show

United Women in Faith and United Methodist Men of Christ will host a fashion show along with light fare from 4-6 p.m. at Calvary Pentecostal Church along Route 113 in Bishopville. Tickets are $15 per person. For tickets and information, contact Priscilla Postley at 443-366-2298 or Bruce Showell at 443-235-2907.

Farmers Market To Return Bigger, Better Next Week

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Nearly 40 vendors will line the streets next week as the Berlin Farmers Market opens for the season.

Sunday, May 7 is opening day for the Berlin Farmers Market, which will run every Sunday from May to September. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Berlin.

“This is our sixth year,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “Everybody looks forward to it.”

There are 38 vendors signed up for this year’s market, which also features live music funded by a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council. Sellers will be set up on Commerce and Pitts Street as they have been in the past while restaurants in town will be serving brunch and shops will be open early.

While nearly all of the regular favorites are returning to participate in this summer’s market, there will be several new vendors. Among the new vendors are Gather, The Street Kitchen, Krave, Eastern Shore Kettle Korn and Truitt Farm, among others.

Wells said Gather was known for Alfajores and dulce de leche.

“They are exclusive to producers only markets,” Wells said. “So they do Lewes, Rehoboth and now Berlin.”

She said Truitt Farm would be offering its Quintons Quality Products line of hot sauce.

“They grow their peppers, smoke their peppers, and create hot sauce,” Wells said.

Though Krave made a few guest appearances at the market last year, Wells said the gluten free vendor would be a regular participant this season. The Street Kitchen, which is in the process of opening a location in town, will have its food truck set up at the end of Commerce Street.

Another new addition to this year’s market will be a doggie selfie station. Wells said the market was always pet friendly and that the selfie station would be located next to the Sweet Tater Treats booth, where homemade dog, cat and horse treats are sold.

“You can have your dog pose in front of it,” she said.

For more information on the farmers market, or to see the entire list of vendors, visit berlinmainstreet.com/farmersmarket or look up the Berlin Farmers Market on Facebook.

The market’s opening day will feature farm themed crafts for children to take home with them as well as reusable market bags for $10. The town’s café tables and chairs will be set up for those who want to sit down and enjoy the market’s ambience.

“It’s a chance to walk downtown and see your neighbors and friends and support our local farmers,” Wells said.

Visitors to the Berlin Farmers Market are pictured stopping at one of the vendors last year.

File Photo

… Officers Recount Stories Of Gratitude For Body Armor

room.

FROM PAGE 6

“Immediately, two or three go down,” he recalled. “One was hit in the hip, and one was hit in the leg, below their body armor. I got hit in the upper chest area.”

Fitzpatrick said he was sent to the hospital and released that same day.

“My oldest, who’s 23 years old, who can’t stand affection, comes into the hospital trauma room and jumps on the bed and gives me a hug,” he said. “At that moment, I knew that I’m here because someone here saved me that day. Thank you very much.”

Sgt. Kevin Creed of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina said Hardwire equipment also saved his life during a search of a mobile home last October. There, he said, a murder suspect shot at him from behind a closet door.

Outfitted with a throat protector, Creed said the gear stopped a bullet from entering his neck. Because of that equipment, he said, he survived.

“Thanks to you all, people who are way smarter than me to make this stuff, I’m able to pin my oldest son’s badge on him Friday when he walks up on stage at the police academy,” he said. “And I’m still here for my 11-year-old.”

The three officers were inducted this week into the Safariland SAVES Club, which honors officers who, in the line of duty, experienced a life-threatening incident in which their Safariland armor

or gear saved their lives.

Joined by Hardwire and Safariland representatives – and command staff from both Philadelphia and Aiken County, S.C. – Murdoch, Fitzpatrick and Creed were also recognized with pla-

ques, SAVES Club coins and citations, presented by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza.

“We’re a little raw here on the Eastern Shore because we’ve had a couple of our law enforcement officers bru-

tally murdered,” she said. “So when we can come to an event today where we have saves … to be able to be here today and recognize that, I thought it was important the state of Maryland honor these police officers.”

Sgt. Kevin Creed of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, S.C. holds up a SAVES Club coin he received during an event at Hardwire’s Pocomoke headquarters.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

Student Surfrider Clubs Collect Trash For Earth Day

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Dozens of local students celebrated Earth Day last week through cleanup efforts organized by student chapters of the Surfrider Club.

Chapters of the Surfrider Club at both Stephen Decatur High School and Pocomoke Middle School participated in cleanups at their schools and in their communities in honor of Earth Day.

“Students in our Surfrider Clubs get a hands-on, up-close look at ways to protect our planet,” said Karen McCabe, Surfrider Club advisor at Pocomoke Middle. “Protecting the planet is crucial for preserving biodiversity, mitigating the effects of climate change, supporting human health and ensuring economic sustainability.”

In honor of Earth Day, McCabe’s students did a rural road cleanup on Byrd Road in Pocomoke in conjunction with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Restore the Shore. They also picked up more than 100 pounds of trash on the beach between the Ocean City Inlet and 10th Street.

At Decatur, club advisor Mandi Wells said her students cleaned up school grounds, removing about 150 pounds of trash from the campus. They also painted signs encouraging motorists not to litter that have been placed along area roadways. Decatur’s Surfrider Club members also tried to get the whole school involved with activities during the week such as a plastic-free lunch day and by showing environmental documentaries.

McCabe said the student Surfrider chapters give students a way to learn more about protecting the environment and shows them ways they can get involved.

“They also learn collaborative skills that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” she said.

And while they spent the days before Earth Day getting their fellow students thinking about the environment, students in the Surfrider chapters spend the whole school year working on projects to help protect the ocean and beach.

At Pocomoke Middle, McCabe said there were nearly 50 students in the Surfrider Club. They handle the school’s recycling and do weekly litter patrols. They’ve also helped with a dune restoration project, gone whale watching and will soon be visiting the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays.

At Decatur, the high school students also handle their school’s recycling, have a composting program and even met with state delegates in Washington, D.C., during the Surfrider Foundation Coastal Recreational Hill Day.

Students from Stephen Decatur High School who participated in recent cleanup efforts are pictured. Submitted Photo

Worcester County Library Introduces New Bookmobile

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The Worcester County Library celebrated National Bookmobile Day by introducing its own “Pop-Up Library” to the public.

To highlight National Library Week, on Wednesday the Worcester County Library hosted a “Meet the Pop-Up Library” event at the Berlin branch. Community members were able to get a look at the library’s new bookmobile, which hit the road earlier this month.

“We’re just so excited to have it,” Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck said.

The Worcester County Library purchased its first bookmobile in 1960 and provided mobile services until 1982. During the pandemic, particularly when many facilities were closed to the public, library officials found themselves wishing they still had the bookmobile.

“During COVIDwe were looking for ways to get out into the community,” Ranck said. “We thought wouldn’t it be great if we had a vehicle.”

While finding funding and dealing with supply chain issues took some time, the library was able to purchase a bookmobile for roughly $160,000. The vehicle first appeared to the public April 1 at Furnace Town’s opening day celebration.

“People were really excited to see it,” Ranck said.

The bookmobile, which features popup panels on both sides, has space for 700 to 1,000 books. Currently, it’s filled with a variety of items, including books for children and adults as well as DVDs. Those who don’t yet have a library card can apply for one right at the vehicle, which also features Wi-Fi and printing capabilities.

In its first few weeks, the bookmobile has visited local childcare centers and long-term care facilities. It will visit local schools during special events and expand programming by bringing programs into the community.

“We had a bookmobile from 1960 to 1982,” Ranck said. “It feels full circle to bring it back.”

The Worcester County Pop-Up Library project was funded in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Maryland State Library Agency. Funding was also provided by the Worcester County Commissioners and the Worcester County Library Foundation.

Worcester County Library officials and representatives of the Worcester County Library Foundation are pictured with the new bookmobile Wednesday. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

SPORTS In The News

Decatur Teams Eye Playoff Runs

Worcester Prep Weekly Roundup

BERLIN – The spring teams at Stephen Decatur High School continued their seasons this week with the Bayside Conference playoffs near.

•As of Wednesday, Stephen Decatur’s boys lacrosse team’s record stands at 7-3.

After tough losses to Easton, 15-8, Queen Anne’s, 10-7, and Kent Island, 14-6, the Seahawks had get right games with poundings of Cambridge South Dorchester 21-2 last Friday and a 23-7 win over The Salisbury School on Tuesday.

In the Kent Island loss, freshman attackman Ashton March was a bright spot, scoring four goals. In the Queen Anne’s loss, March had three goals and an assist and Evan Oglesby had two goals.

On April 12, Decatur pounded North Caroline, 21-6. Freshman attackman John Fohner had six goals and three assists and Graham Geiser had seven goals and two assists to lead the way. Gabe Geiser add two goals and four assists. March had two goals and two assists.

•The Stephen Decatur girls softball team continues its hot play this season, winning its’ 14th straight Wednesday, bringing the season record to 14-1 as of Thursday.

Decatur earned a shutout win over Parkside Wednesday, 11-0 behind a strong outing by hurler Madison McGinnis, who pictured six innings, allowed one hit and struck out nine. Powering the offense with multiple hits were Ryleigh Smith, Sarah Smith, Madison Donoway and Ava Snelsire.

On Monday, Decatur crushed Washington High, 13-1, behind a 12-strikeout performance from McGinnis. On offense, leading the way with two hits apiece were Leah Simpson, Ryleigh Smith and Emily Blume.

In a 24-1 win over Crisfield on April 21, Blume pitched a no-hitter and struck out nine. Providing the offensive power was Bailey Griffin with three hits and five RBIs. Blume also hit a home run to help her own cause. Simpson also went deep. The team had 26 hits in the game.

•The Stephen Decatur baseball team’s 12-game win streak was snapped Wednesday with a 4-3 loss to Parkside, dropping the team’s season record to 13-2 record as of Thursday with the only losses coming to the Rams.

On Monday, Decatur downed Washington, 13-3. On April 20, Decatur crushed Crisfield, 20-0. On April 19, Decatur won a tight 3-0 contest over Queen Anne’s.

In the Queen Anne’s game, senior pitcher Gus Croll was masterful on the mound with a one-hit shutout. The offense was propelled by the bats of junior Ryder Swanson (two hits) and senior Ryan McLaughlin (one hit and an RBI), senior AJ Kolb (one hit, an RBI and a run scored) and junior Lukas Loring (one hit and an RBI).

Season leaders as of Tuesday were as follows: batting average, Foster Smith .438, McLaughlin, .429 and Loring, .424; home runs, Owen Knerr, four, and Croll, two; runs, Kolb, 16, and Croll and Knerr, 14 each; and RBIs, Loring, 18, and Knerr, 17.

BERLIN – As each squad heads into the final week of the season, Worcester Prep’s boys lacrosse team stands at 74 and girls lacrosse squad at 6-4.

•The boys team’s six-game winning streak was snapped Monday at Parkside. At half-time, the game was tied 99 but Parkside dominated the second half once it got the lead at 12-11. Five unanswered goals from the Rams led to a 17-11 win.

For the Mallards, senior attackman Griffin Jones led the way as usual, scoring five times with three assists. Senior Jack Gardner added four goals. Junior Connor Ferguson was solid between the pipes with 13 saves.

On Wednesday, the Mallards jumped all over Indian River early and often, getting out to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter. Jones was again dominant on attack, scoring seven goals and adding four assists. Gardner added six goals and four assists. Sophomore Ryan Mann added three goals and three assists.

Last Friday, Worcester crushed Delmar, 17-6, behind seven goals and three assists by Jones and five goals and an assist from Gardner. Scoring two goals apiece were sophomores Ryan Mann and Jack Lynch. Adding assists were freshmen Beckett Green, Max Carpenter and Dawson Davis.

•The Lady Mallards’ up-and-down season continued this week, with a 147 loss to Parkside and a 13-10 win over The Salisbury School.

Parkside led the whole way on Monday, jumping out to an 8-2 lead at half. Scoring for the Mallards were senior Isabella Borsoni (three goals) and one goal apiece by senior Caitlyn Hoen, sophomore Emma Zajdel and freshmen Lo Malinowski and Caitlin Shimko. Junior Caitlin Williams hung tough in goal with 11 saves.

Two days later, the game against The Salisbury School was tight in the first half with the score tied 7-7 at halftime. The Mallards pulled away in the second half, defeating the Dragons, 13-10. Zajdel led all scorers with four goals, followed by three goals from Shimko and two goals apiece by Malinowski and Borsoni. Hoen and sophomore Nazli Unal added one goal apiece. Williams had 11 saves in goal.

•Both the girls and boys tennis teams at WPS are heading into their final matches of the season.

The girls team stands at 10-2 on the year with big recent wins over Stephen Decatur, 5-2, and Parkside, 5-2. In Monday’s win over Parkside, singles winners were Elizabeth Becker, Natasha Richter, Savannah Palmisano and Angeline Todorov.

The boys tennis team’s record is 54 with the ESIAC championship on the line Friday at Gunston. The boys team recently defeated Decatur, 4-3, and lost to Parkside, 5-2. Picking up singles wins in the Decatur match were Aleksey Klimins, Carson Rayne, Hunter Simons and Edward Martikyan.

The Stephen Decatur girls’ softball team is pictured on April 17 after defeating the Pocomoke Warriors, 19-0, behind a no-hitter by Leah Simpson, center, and a homer by Ava Snelsire, second from center.

Worcester Prep senior Griffin Jones fires one of his seven goals during a 176 away victory over Indian River Wednesday. Photos by Steve Green

Mallard freshman Paxton Mault is pictured beating three defenders to the ball to win a first half faceoff.

McGovern Brothers Earn Soccer Honors With Overseas Play

BERLIN – A love, skill and passion for soccer runs strong for Ben and Zac McGovern, students at Worcester Preparatory School, as each were recently chosen to participate in elite competition overseas.

•Sophomore Ben McGovern recently represented Team ISL U16 in the MIC held in Costa Brava, Spain. The MIC is an internationally renowned soccer tournament with over 30 countries represented, this year’s competition included: Liverpool FC, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Real Madrid CF. Players for this Barcelona-based team were selected from a multi-tiered nationwide search process. Team ISL faced some of the most challenging opponents in the tournament including last year's champion Olympique de Marseille. The team's performance on the pitch was exceptional, and Team ISL emerged as the champions of their bracket with an impressive 6-2 record.

McGovern's selection to Team ISL is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent on the soccer field. He plays soccer year-round for a prestigious regional soccer team, Maryland United FC ECNL 07. A standout for the Mallards varsity soccer even as a freshman and sophomore, McGovern was grateful for the opportunities MUFC has provided him and attributes his success to this great program and the coaching he has received.

•Sixth grader, Zac McGovern was recently selected for The Southhampton (SH) North American Select Tour.

He was selected for The SH North American Select Tour at a regional soccer tournament in December, which he attended with his travel team. The nomination provided Zac the opportunity to spend his Easter break training at the Southampton Soccer Academy in England.

Upon receiving the nomination, OC Elevate Coach Dustin Wheelock said, “From the moment Zac came out for our team, we felt his personality and play was infectious. He brings a unique intensity and enjoyment for the game. Zac is always thinking a play ahead, he’s such an intelligent play maker. It came as no surprise to us, when he was selected for this honor…he has such a standout presence on the pitch.”

McGovern spent his time in England learning soccer from the SH development coaches, and even trained alongside the first team as they prepared for their match against Man City. He enjoyed behind-thescenes access to the St. Mary’s stadium and participated in two international games.

McGovern was the MVP of this year’s middle school boys soccer team and will be a strong addition to the WPS program in years to come.

BEN MCGOVERN

ZAC MCGOVERN

Seniors Honored: Seniors on the Stephen Decatur girls lacrosse team were recognized last Friday during a 22-0 rout of Cambridge South Dorchester. The seniors, pictured above during the game, recognized were Jessica Beck, Tatum Vorsteg, Audrey Mumford, Kayla Brady, Ellie Johnson, Hailey McBride, Shelby Rosemond, Renee Fohner, Kora Ketner, Mia Kemp, Sophia Krasner and Alina Bernal-Clark.

Submitted Photo

Isabelle J. Brooks

SELBYVILLE – Isabelle J. Brooks, age 84, of Selbyville, Del. died Thursday, April 20, 2023 at home.

She was born in Washington, DC and was the daughter of the late Everett Miller and Eudora (Milstead) Miller.

Isabelle was a secretary for her husband in the advertising business. She had attended Fenwick Island Baptist Church.

She is survived by a daughter, Suzee Nolan and husband Kenneth of Berlin, Md.; two sons, John J. Brooks of Berlin and Ronald C. Brooks of Potomac; three sisters, Sallie Craig of Lewes, Del., Evelyn Davis of Pennsylvania and Elnora Spikes of Selbyville, Del.; and seven grandchildren, Samuel Nolan, Emma Brooks, Ella Brooks, Elissa Brooks, Emelia Brooks, Delaney Brooks and Curt Brooks.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald John Brooks; a daughter, Kimberly Brooks; two brothers, Joseph E. Miller and Robert I. Miller; and two sisters, Ilene Griffith and Lois Wilhelm.

A funeral service was held at noon on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Fenwick Island Baptist Church, 36806 Lighthouse Road in Selbyville. Burial was in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.

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

Christine G. Remmell

OCEAN CITY – Christine G. Remmell, age 59, of Ocean City, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023, after a brave and hard fight against pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Baltimore and was the daughter of Edith Pearl (Gail) Balasus and the late Marion Alfred Balasus.

She owned The Killer Coupon Book and had just celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Her dedication and hard work will live on in memory in Ocean City. She was a member of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City.

Christine is undoubtedly resting in

OBITUARIES

peace where the breathing is easy and will always be looking down on us all. She is reunited with her dad Al, her grandchild Bear Murray and her dog Mac.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband, Robert Valko; her children, Katie, Cassidy and Jack Remmell; her brother and sister, Gregory Balasus and Deborah Thomas; her grandchildren, Liam and Sheperd Gilmore and Shoal Murray. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, sister and brother-in-laws and close loving friends.

Please join the family on Friday, April 28 at the Marlin Club in West Ocean City from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the wonderful and fully lived life of Christine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Judy Lemaster

BERLIN – Our beloved mother, Judy Lemaster, age 83, passed away on April 5, 2023, in Cary, N.C. after a long illness.

She was born on March 14, 1940, in Fairmont, W.Va. to Walter and Olive Mae Carpenter. She was predeceased by her husband, Carl Lemaster, they were married 55 years. She is survived by her three children and five grandchildren, including son and daughter-in law Carl and Sandra Lemaster of Willards; daughter and son in law Carla & Gary Huth of Harford County, Md.; daughter and fiance Cyndy Lemaster and Rob George, of Raleigh, N.C.; and her five grandchildren, Daniel Schofield, Alex Huth, Andrew Huth, Emily Lemaster, Carl and Bri Lemaster. Judy is also survived by her brother, Walter Carpenter, Jr. of Oakland, Md. and nephew Jason Carpenter of Florida.

She always dedicated her life to helping others, her first real job was as a switchboard operator for the Baltimore City Police Department, she loved being able to help the citizens of Baltimore

even if it was just by answering their calls. She met the love of her life while working at the police station. They were married in 1964, this is where her most important job began as wife and mother. She devoted the rest of her life loving us, she made sure she was always there when we needed her, supported us in all of our activities.

Her next job was as a teaching assistant with Baltimore County Schools, she enjoyed working with students with special needs, helping them prepare for life in high school.

When her and my dad decided to retire, they sold their townhouse in Essex and bought a cute little blue single house in Mystic Harbor, just outside of Ocean City, MD. They found their happy place. To earn extra money they decided to work part time jobs, her first job was at The Christmas Shop in Shantytown, I think her favorite part time job over the 25 years they lived in Ocean City was when she worked at the Downtown Association helping tourists find their way around town and helping them experience the best of what Ocean City had to offer.

She had a wonderful fulfilling life with our dad and when she passed it was peacefully and he was there for her to guide her to their next adventure just like he did for her in life.

Graveside services will be held on May 12, 2023, at noon at Evergreen Cemetery, 10601 Assateague Road, Berlin, Md. 21811. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Transitions LifeCare, Philanthropy Department, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, N.C. 27607, transitionslifecare.org/donate. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com

Dorsey Samuel Truitt, Sr. BERLIN – It is with great sadness that the family of Dorsey Samuel Truitt Sr. announces his passing on April 12, 2023 at the age of 90.

Dorsey was born to George C. Truitt and Lillian M. Dorsey on Jan. 1, 1933. He was happily married to Pamela (Penny) Truitt and father to Dorsey S. Truitt Jr. and his wife Robin, Dawn L. Gordon and her husband Michael, Patrick E. Truitt and his partner Amy McConnaughy, and Deborah L. Truitt. Dorsey is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other family members, friends, and the infamous Stella and Fritz.

Dorsey proudly served in the United States Navy. He was passionate about cars his whole life. He took great pride in his business, Atlantic Skates, which has been operating for nearly 50 years. He befriended anyone he crossed paths with. His sarcastic humor, social personality, and infectious smile will forever be missed.

To honor Dorsey's wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no viewing or service. In lieu of flowers, donations in

his memory can be made to Atlantic General Hospital, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, Md. 21811 or to a charity of your choice.

Written by Dorsey's 9-year-old great granddaughter:

Hi, love is the most beautiful thing that can happen, but it can be ugly sometimes.

So be happy when you have it, don't be sad it's gone tho, be happy it was there.

If you lose someone you loved, God is taking care of them.

You are loved no matter what you do to make them mad or sad, they will still love you.

Don't act like you are not loved, because God loves you. Your Mom and Dad love you.

Erik Thomas Cantine

BERLIN – Erik Thomas Cantine was born Jan. 24, 1968 in Michigan to the late Cecelia (ChiChi) Cantine and the late Earl H. Cantine. He grew up in Springdale, Pa., a suburb of Pittsburgh. After graduating from Springdale High School, Erik earned a culinary degree from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, where he was later inducted into their Culinary Hall of Fame.

In 1996, Erik was instrumental in converting a 1902 abandoned Pittsburgh church into the infamous Church Brew Works. He was the executive chef there for many years and was proud of this momentous undertaking. Erik also learned the trade of ice carving and joined an international circuit, becoming a world-renowned professional ice carver.

Erik later relocated to Ocean City where his two brothers were living. In 2009, Erik helped open the Casino at Ocean Downs and worked there for 13 years as food and beverage director. Erik met a lot of people and made a huge impact on the local community. Many will recall his amazing ice carvings at the AGH Penguin Swims and at the Town of Berlin Tree Lightings. Erik’s final project was to help design the Spain Wine Bar and Restaurant in the Cambria Hotel.

Erik was a dedicated and fun-loving father. His personality was larger than life and his creative talents were second to none. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul, always willing to lend a helping hand. He had a zest for life, a radiant smile and a great sense of humor. He nurtured and honored his life-long friendships and will be missed by all.

Erik is survived by his children Mikayla (21), Quinton (10) and Cecily (8), as well as their mothers, Colleen Black and Sarah Scott; two brothers, Earl (Diane) and Michael (Amanda); and two step siblings, Rachel (Jeremiah) and the late Edward Cantine. He is also survived by his nephews Noah, Michael, Robert, Thomas, Liam, and Mason and niece Alythia, his Aunt Fran, Aunt Lee and many beloved cousins.

His family would like to thank the Coastal Hospice-Stansell House for the compassionate and exceptional care that was provided to Erik in his final months. He died April 22 peacefully after a twoyear battle with Glioblastoma. A special

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ISABELLE BROOKS

CHRISTINE REMMELL

JUDY LEMASTER

DORSEY SAMUEL TRUITT, SR.

ERIK CANTINE

Getting Ready: The setup of the tents for Springfest’s return to Ocean City next week was kicked into high gear this week. Photo by Chris Parypa

thanks to his loving friend Kate Maloney who helped him in numerous ways throughout this journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cantine Family Trust Account, c/o Bank of Ocean City, 10005 Golf Course Road, Ocean City, Md. 21842 or Coastal Hospice – Stansell House, 1500 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, Md. 21811.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, April 27, 2023 at noon at the Ocean City Marlin Club. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Edmond James Kelly O’Brien

BERLIN – Edmond James Kelly O’Brien, age 73, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late William Joseph O’Brien and Dorothy Natalie Kelly.

Edmond O’Brien faithfully served the Ocean City Community with the Ocean City Police Department from February 1978 until he retired in November 2005. He went on to teach up-and-coming police officers at the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy and served as an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Wor-Wic Community College for many years. For over 45 years, Ed O’Brien was dedicated to the Ocean City community and the field of law enforcement.

Ed served in the U.S. Army and National Guard. He was stationed in South Korea (U.S. Army) and was a Veteran of Operation Desert Storm (National Guard).

Ed was a dedicated and fun-loving husband, father, and grandfather. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed movies, he was an avid sports and Yankees fan, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their youth athletics. He was proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed researching his ancestry and family lineage.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary O’Brien, of 46 years; two sons, Kevin M. O’Brien (Jennifer) and Patrick S. O’Brien (Nicole); a daughter, Kelly A. Rados (Matthew); two brothers, James O’Brien (Kathy) and Christopher O’Brien; three sisters, Mary Ellen Palmieri (Dan), Loretto Dapiran (Frank), and Suzanne O’Brien; and five grandchildren, Liam, Lily, Skylar, Finn and Landon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William O’Brien.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will follow at Garden of the Pines Cemetery in Ocean Pines, then a brief Celebration of Life at the Showell Fire Hall. Letters of Condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

WHOLE HOUSE ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT & SAFETY INSPECTION A $249 VALUE FOR ONLY $99

• Check the electrical service panel and wiring

• Tighten screws and lugs on circuit breakers to ensure proper functioning

• Apply Noalox on branch circuits’ aluminum wires

• Check all outlets with tester for loose connections, open grounds, neutral wires, proper polarity

• Test/inspect GFCI outlets and breakers

• Check for double tapped breakers to eliminate overloading a circuit breaker

• Survey for proper surge protection

• Check smoke detectors and make recommendations for compliance with local electrical codes

How We See It

Forever In Memory

Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005)

“Iron Man” Shawn Soper (July 24, 1963-February 15, 2023)

The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings

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Lives Saved By Local Company, Employees

Lives are being saved around the country by technology and manufacturing being done right here in Worcester County, specifically Pocomoke.

Hardwire LLC hosted an event Wednesday featuring three police officers who shared their stories of how the company’s body armor protected them during violent encounters with criminals. The event’s intent was to demonstrate for company employees how much of a tremendous impact they are having with their daily work.

Philadelphia Police Department Officers Donald Murdoch and Thomas Fitz-

Legislative Recap

Editor:

As a Maryland State Senator representing Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties and with the end of the 2023 legislative session, I wanted to share my general approach to public service and the facts of how I advocate for our shore priorities with a new governor and administration, new statewide officeholders and new Maryland General Assembly.

I represent the very best of Maryland in District 38 with such a strong crosssection of constituencies including tourism/hospitality; farming/poultry; fishing; forestry; major health care providers; public and private K-12 schools and three institutions of higher education; retirees; veterans; and among the most creative small business operators and job creators in the country.

To be effective in representing all my constituents, I must know and understand my district, and work with community partners, the private sector, and elected officials on both sides of the aisle to advance shared Shore priorities of the 11 municipalities and three counties in District 38.

For the past eight years, I worked with Governor Hogan and his Administration, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to increase public safety, expand workforce opportunities for our youth, support economic development, including Broadband expansion, and small business, ensure resources for our Maryland coastal bays, fight the opioid crisis, push for retiree and other tax relief to stay competitive in Maryland, and assist constituents and businesses through the pandemic.

With the election of a new Governor and new Maryland General Assembly including my own reelection to the State Senate, I have been making the extra effort to ensure that the voices and priorities of the Shore are heard in Annapolis. This includes coordination of priorities here at home, building new relationships, and renewing others with the Governor, Lt Governor, and his team.

I have done this in both formal and informal ways including accepting an invi-

patrick and Aiken County, S.C. Sheriff Sgt. Kevin Creed detailed their individual accounts of how the body armor protected them in violent encounters.

Fitzpatrick of Philadelphia shared his story of while serving a homicide warrant last fall a suspect began firing at officers. He said several officers were hit by gunfire, including himself. Fitzpatrick recounted he was briefly hospitalized after the incident but released the same day. “Immediately, two or three go down. One was hit in the hip, and one was hit in the leg, below their body armor. I got hit in the upper chest area. … My old-

The Dispatch Letters To The Editor

tation to a faith-based event in Prince Georges County with the Governor and Lt. Governor prior to the Governor’s Inauguration; meeting with the Governor’s Cabinet Secretary nominees and taking the opportunity to share Shore priorities with them; and even joining Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller for the Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge in the chilly Chesapeake Bay waters in January.

Looking back at the 2023 legislative session, I am encouraged by many of the accomplishments impacting my three counties but also acknowledge that some initiatives will take more than one session to complete.

Perhaps, the most important achievement this session affecting the entire Lower Shore and statewide is the Eastern Shore Delegation’s team effort to secure critical funding and legislation to support TidalHealth’s trauma center, the Eastern Shore’s only trauma program which serves patients from every Maryland jurisdiction. Back in the fall, months before the start of the January session, TidalHealth’s leadership informed the delegation that the trauma center was in jeopardy and needed funding to continue operations after being denied their repeated requests for appropriate funding from the Health Services Cost Review Commission.

Working together, we were able to secure an additional $9.5 million to assist Maryland trauma centers experiencing financial challenges, including TidalHealth which has been woefully underfunded by the state. In addition, I sponsored with Delegate Tom Hutchinson of Cambridge, and the Maryland General Assembly unanimously approved Senate Bill 493 to study the adequacy of trauma funding across Maryland which is the long-term solution for ensuring fair funding for TidalHealth’s trauma center in the future.

Serving my constituents and advocating for our shared Shore priorities remains my top priority. I encourage my constituents to contact me directly at marybeth.carozza@senate.state.md.us as the best ideas always come from the front lines. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Senator Mary Beth Carozza Ocean City

est, who’s 23 years old, who can’t stand affection, comes into the hospital trauma room and jumps on the bed and gives me a hug. At that moment, I knew that I’m here because someone here saved me that day. Thank you very much.” Each officer shared similar stories of how the body armor impacted their lives and their families.

This week’s recognition event served as a reminder of the important work being carried out by Hardwire and its employees. Congratulations to each one of them for truly making a difference and saving lives.

Fully Fund Schools’ Request

Editor:

As reported in the April 21 issue of The Dispatch by Charlene Sharpe in “School Board Addresses County Budget Concerns, Worcester County Commissioners have indicated that they need more details on possible savings in the proposed education budget prepared by Worcester County Public Schools and passed by the Board of Education.

According to Superintendent Lou Taylor, “Last year, we were told that it was going to be tough because they were going to be $5 million short. They ended up having an $11.1 million dollars, and this is for educational purposes, $11 million excess money. That’s a $17 million swing.” In addition, there is an $82 million fund balance that can be used.

How can the commissioners justify the need to cut the school budget as passed by the school board members? Setting the budget is the job of the school board and they labor each year to come up with the plan that is best for our county’s students. Our school system is outstanding, and I am sure we all want it to stay that way. Therefore, I ask the commissioners to fully fund the amount requested by the Worcester County Board of Education.

Susan Buyer Berlin

Schools Budget Scrutiny Supported

Editor:

Our children are small and naive but we love them, therefore we must have guard rails to guide them through their education. For the first 200 years of our history the classroom teacher has been the sole guardian of the guard rails that guide our children. In Loco Parentis is the old Latin that simply said that the teacher while in the classroom acted in the absence of the parent with the authority of a parent. This was accepted by parents, administrators and unambiguously communicated to the child.

Today Abraham is a seven-year-old turning eight in second grade. Every morning he enters into a ritual during which he stands up and paces up and

Letters To The Editor

down during class, cries and screams. It has been going on since he entered first grade. His classroom teacher no longer has the powers of a parent and is only permitted to find out why? “My daddy hit me.” The teacher today is now required to turn in the family. Reports are filled out and turned in to childcare. A speech therapist is set up for appointments as well as a psychologist.

With all the attention Abraham gets, the next day one should not be surprised if he cries out again. His classroom disruptions go on and on depriving the other students of important teaching time. In the past with the teacher acting as parent the teacher would have told Abraham to “keep quiet.” If he repeatedly acted out, the teacher would have disciplined him, maybe by drawing a circle on the blackboard, and telling Abraham to stick his nose in it and making Abraham wear a paper hat folded into a cone that had dunce written on it. If that didn’t work there would have been meetings between teacher and the parents. Family was always involved with teacher to seek a solution. Today in Lou Taylor’s circus mix of woke, diversity, equity, inclusion the family is often held accountable and derogatory behavior during the teaching process are tolerated under equity. Newsflash Lou all children are not equal they are all different! America although not perfect tries to have equal opportunity for their different skills after graduation.

For the first time in decades, the Commissioners of Worcester County have decided to review the 2024 annual school expenses submitted by the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools. Funding the 13 public schools in the County is the largest expense the county has. In the past the Commissioners have merely rubberstamped whatever they are given by the Superintendent and the Board of Education.

Hats off to Mr. Bertino, Mr. Bunting and Mr. Elder for finally calling for a detailed review of the school budget. The school budget has grown over 300% after inflation per pupil over the last 50 years. Unfortunately, academic achievements in the county have declined. In light of the decline in academics and the runaway costs of education every County resident should be proud of the Commissioners for taking a detailed look at not only the four plus million in requested annual increases but at the detail of every expense. For now, these three commissioners are trying to abide by hideous Maryland State education rules and laws. Evaluating expenses is a first step.

Why has the expense of education per student in the county increased 300% above inflation yet math proficiency has declined to 37% and algebra proficiency (a requirement) has declined to 22%? Well Mr. Taylor says “we are better then Baltimore.” That is true in Baltimore math proficiency is -0%.

A first step is not enough for two Commissioners Mrs. Caryn Abbott and Mr. Eric Fiori who want to know why the expense of education is spiraling up and the achievements are declining? They are joined by Katie Addis, the only Board of Education member to date, who did not

rubber stamp Lou Taylor’s budget. Why were the graduating seniors from Stephen Decatur 50 years ago more credentialed and more likely to go to college at one third the cost of today? “What happened to our merit-based education system?” Two commissioners and a Board of Education member want to know. It’s about time, don’t you think?

Our children are small and naive but we love them, so why are we depriving them the guardrails of a classroom teacher acting as parent to help form their development? Why are teachers required to report parents for disciplining their child? Undermining the strength of the family should have no part in education.

For 200 years classroom teachers in America were the envy of the world. K-12 education consisted of a room with 30-35 students, a blackboard with chalk, and of course a classroom teacher. The teacher would compose and present their curriculum to the assistant principal for approval. Once approved, the classroom teacher was 100% backed by the principal, the superintendent and of course the parents who all gave complete control of the classroom to the classroom teacher. This included disciplinary matters as that insured a quiet attentive teaching environment for the children. The teacher had the power of a parent.

Mr. Mitrecic and Mrs. Purnell are two county commissioners that feel the commissioners should blindly approve another year of the school budget. The humorous thing about Mr. Mitrecic is he says in Ocean City Today “they were elected just like we are,” regarding the Board of Education. Joe, like many politicians in Ocean City, believes that the chronic voter apathy in town suggests, in a convoluted way, that they were “elected”. News flash, when you have no opponent Joe, there is no election contest. The only true competitive elections in the county are the commissioners, certainly not the Mayor or Council in Ocean City.

What are we doing today in Lou Taylor’s diversity, equity and inclusion circus? Today we have speech therapists, sign language interpreters, psychologists, occupational therapists, teaching assistants and the classes are half the size. With all those professionals and all that attention why are they failing to educate our young? If they are not educating them to the same level as before, what are they doing? Public school in our county has become more about indoctrination then education.

Children today are not allowed to experience the full structure of the classroom teacher with the power of a parent so important in forming their young personality. So, some will keep “acting out” disrupting teaching for the majority. Recently a crowd of young adult students at Stanford Law School acting out in a primitive tribal manner overthrew a lecture by an appellate judge. My fear is old guys like Jon Andes and I soon will be dead and there will be no social memory of traditional education as a guide. Where are you when we need you, Jon Andes?

Tony Christ Falls Church, Va. Ocean City

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

In recent years, the annual public hearing on Worcester County’s proposed budget has not been as spirited as it traditionally has been. In light of recent comments between the County Commissioners and school system officials, it will be interesting to see if the recent trend of lower turnout holds at this year’s budget public hearing, which will be held at the county government office building on Tuesday, May 2 at 7 p.m.

It's no secret the Worcester County Commissioners are looking to cut funding to help balance the budget, which is currently facing a $11 million-plus deficit (of which about $4 million reportedly involves education spending). Whether the commissioners slice the education budget will be the question. Last week the commissioners asked for more details on the school system’s budget with the goal seemingly being to provide more scrutiny in the hopes of making some funding cuts to certain areas. School board officials approved having administrators work with county officials to provide more budget documents to answer the commissioners’ questions. Though little to no specific public comments have been made during budget work sessions, it seems clear the commissioners do not want to raise the property tax rate unless necessary.

As a follow-up to last week’s discourse over the budget, school system and county officials reportedly met this week over what documents are needed to provide clarity. While there has been a meeting of the minds on the issue, it’s clear the majority of the school board and the majority of the commissioners are not on the same page. Worcester County Board of Education President Todd Ferrante said this week, “We’ve been very transparent. We’ve had a very successful school system in Worcester County. We rank up there as far as the 24 other districts in a lot of categories in the top. I hope we’ll be able to continue to do that. What we’ve been doing has been working. If you look at the scores and where we rank, it’s indisputable.” For his part, County Commission President Chip Bertino believes the commissioners are being responsible when asking for more specifics on the budget. “When more than half of the county’s budget is going to the board of education we should see where that money is going,” Bertino said. “We’re dealing with a sensitive issue apparently, but we’ll get through this. I didn’t expect this to be so difficult, but we’ll get through this as we’ve gotten through other challenging issues in the past.”

Aside from the last few years, dozens of pro-education advocates would annually speak to the County Commissioners at the public hearing about the importance of fully funding the school system’s budget request. The messages typically mirrored each other, but there were numerous speakers hammering home the point of funding schools at a high level. I expect this year’s hearing to be a return those former days when public school supporters dominated the session.

During a quarterly update to the Berlin Mayor and Council this week, Berlin Fire Company President David Fitzgerald referenced ongoing concerns over the prospects of TidalHealth’s trauma center closing if the state does not step in. The concerns associated with this potential closure are numerous, including the fact most trauma cases would then require a flight or a nearly three-hour ambulance ride for care.

In published reports, TidalHealth has stated operational losses of $150 million over the last three years as patient volumes have surged along with operating costs. A $50 million request for immediate assistance through the Health Services Cost Review Commission resulted in approximately $9 million coming to the lower shore facility. An emergency rate relief application has since been filed. The real hope is the HSCRC will re-evaluate the funding formula, providing more of a permanent revenue stream.

During this year’s Maryland General Assembly session, some additional funding – about $9.5 million in new money – was approved for all state trauma centers. TidalHealth will only receive a share of those funds, however. Senator Mary Beth Carozza touched on this issue in her legislative review published this week. “Perhaps, the most important achievement this session affecting the entire Lower Shore and statewide is the Eastern Shore Delegation’s team effort to secure critical funding and legislation to support TidalHealth’s trauma center, the Eastern Shore’s only trauma program which serves patients from every Maryland jurisdiction. Back in the fall, months before the start of the January session, TidalHealth’s leadership informed the Delegation that the trauma center was in jeopardy and needed funding to continue operations after being denied their repeated requests for appropriate funding from the Health Services Cost Review Commission,” Carozza said. “Working together, we were able to secure an additional $9.5 million to assist Maryland trauma centers experiencing financial challenges, including TidalHealth which has been woefully underfunded by the State. In addition, I sponsored with Delegate Tom Hutchinson of Cambridge, and the Maryland General Assembly unanimously approved Senate Bill 493 to study the adequacy of trauma funding across Maryland which is the long-term solution for ensuring fair funding for TidalHealth’s trauma center in the future.”

Puzzle Answers

by Steve Green

As Autism Awareness Month wraps up, some more random thoughts to share on the topic.

PUZZLE ON PAGE 47

We live with Autism every day in our house. Our son Carson, 13, is our tour guide on this unexpected journey, and we get through his disabilities each day with tolerance, patience, empathy and love. Life is not a walk in the park. It's uncomfortable more often than not. There are good days and rough days. In between we live in a sea of gray for what the present and future holds, but we live for the day and do our best to keep him happy and productive while accepting our family faces unique challenges only known and understood by those charting similar courses with special needs kids.

A major theme throughout the various articles and essays I have read this month about Autism is acceptance, which means everything to us. There are public meltdowns associated with anxieties. Carson carries a stuffed animal into school each day because it brings him peace. If he needs it to help him, it’s fine with me.

Being realistic about life is key. There are uphill battles, none of which are simple and easy. Some days we feel like we are doing great by our kid. Other times it’s difficult not to feel like a complete failure. I just accept there are days when the disabilities win in a rout. The key is to learn and try again the next day.

There are many positives that have come our family’s way because of Carson’s special needs. His greatest gift to us is perspective, as I often think of him when I get overwhelmed by juggling life. I remember his challenges and the grace and courage he displays every day. Through watching him overcome or at least navigate through his disabilities, I am motivated to be a better person. I have learned a lot from my son. With both our kids, our approach is

to face life with a bit of levity. There is no other way for us because serious things occur, and we must embrace some aspects with humor. Pam has joked in the past we must laugh so we don’t cry. It’s a good way to put it.

Routine and structure help us tremendously with Carson. It’s why each morning we follow the exact same routine. He gets up at 6:30 a.m. I play flatulence sounds on his Alexa in his room to get him moving and laughing. He has a drink and watches some television. We leave the house at 7 a.m. sharp and stop at Dunkin’ for the same breakfast he has been eating for months. We park in the same spot and walk in together holding hands. He picks up a straw and blows the paper on the floor or sometimes at another customer. I scramble to pick it up. We drive to school. He looks at my phone for the most expensive vacation destinations he can find until we get to school. Along the way we drive on Sinepuxent Road, wave to the same bus driver each day and turn around at the same church parking lot and then head to school. We park typically in the same spot and go about our walk into school, retracing most of the identical steps from the day before.

There was one wrinkle Thursday morning. We were a few blocks from home when he signaled in his nonverbal way, he needed to use the bathroom in a major way. We took a detour to my office where he went about his business. This pitstop set us off our schedule, however, and we had to pivot. I was incredibly proud how he handled taking a different way to school because we were running behind. The fact Carson went along with it and did not tantrum was a major win. There would have been a time when he would not have tolerated the routine change.

This is Autism. It’s not a journey I, or anyone for that matter, would ever choose, but there are blessings to

savor along the way. We are most appreciative of the acceptance we typically encounter throughout our community.

There have been many incredible online posts and graphics about Autism this month. Many are worthy of sharing, but here’s one I found online that his home.

Why Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is more than just a term – it’s both a fact and a movement.

It’s the concept that all “brain wiring” – or neurological difference – is, and should be recognized, respected and celebrated as part of what is considered a normal variation in humanity.

Labels such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, Autism, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome and mnay more neurodevelopmental differences would come under this banner, helping us understand their individuality and overlap, but removing the stigma of deficits and disorders and with it the notion that such things can or should be cured.

Embracing neurodiversity is a journey towards finding new language, new understanding and new acceptance for thousands of people in our region and millions more across the globe. It’s a movement that will nurture, celebrated and advocate for all forms of communication and expression, promoting any support that allows autistic people –and any others – to live life fulfilled, happy and on their own terms.”

Specific to our Carson, who does not speak and is incredibly introverted, National Autism Association posted on its social media this message, “Even if a person with Autism cannot speak or respond, they still hear your words and feel your attitude. So be kind, compassionate and uplifting … always.”

(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.)