April 30

The Dispatch April 30, 2021

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OC In Prep Mode For Pop-Up Rally

Inlet Landmark Could See Repairs

Labor Woes Continue To Worry Many

See Page 15 • Photo by Campos Media

See Page 12 • Photo by Chris Parypa Photography

See Page 9 • File Photo

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April 30, 2021

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Council, WMO Reach Marlin Fest Event Agreement

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After tweaking some of the details regarding vendor fees and in-kind services, resort officials this week approved a memorandum of understanding with the White Marlin Open to host a Marlin Fest event at the 3rd Street Park in conjunction with the tournament.

It wasn’t easy, but the Mayor and Council on Tuesday ultimately approved the memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the first official Marlin Fest at the bayside park between 3rd and 4th

streets the first week of August during the White Marlin Open (WMO). The event will include a free, festival-like atmosphere at the park with live-streaming of the weigh-ins from tournament host Harbour Island at 14th Street, expansive views for the participating boats returning, numerous vendors, entertainment and food and beverage sales including alcohol this year.

Marlin Fest is proposed to complement the annual tournament headquarters at Harbour Island, not replace it. The event will offer an alternative to spread out and enjoy the tournament in a wide

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Last year, nothing changed in terms of the tournament itself and the daily weigh-ins were held at Harbour Island just as they have been for decades.

However, because of COVID restrictions, the thousands of spectators that typically cram into Harbour Island each day during the tournament were not allowed. Instead, WMO organizers came up with a modified plan to open a venue for spectators at the downtown recreation complex between 3rd and 4th streets.

The downtown venue included a large LED screen for viewing the WMO weigh-ins at the scale and open dock areas along the waterfront from which spectators could view the sportfishing boats returning to the scale. There were some light refreshments offered, but last year’s event was decidedly low-key.

This year, however, the WMO is bringing back a bigger and better version of the same concept. With COVID still impacting gathering sizes, it’s uncertain what restrictions will still be in place by August, and the downtown Marlin Fest offers an open, safe alternative to the traditional tournament venue at 14th Street.

“It’s a weekday event and it’s going to be family-friendly,” WMO Tournament Director Madelyn Rowan said. “Lots of people don’t consider the weigh-ins at Harbour Island to be family-friendly. This will offer things for families the Harbour

April 30, 2021

Island can’t offer.”

While all agreed the concept was a good one, there were details to work out in terms of fees and in-kind services provided by the town before the MOU could be approved on Tuesday. Because the planned Marlin Fest event will be held at a recreation and parks department facility, there is facility rental fee in place.

In addition, the vendor fees for events at recreation and parks facilities differ greatly from those at other special events on city property, such as the Inlet lot for example.

Rowan explained the recreation and parks facility fee for using the 3rd Street park for the event was just over $2,800, which she said was reasonable. However, because the event is being held on recreation and parks property, the individual vendor fee would be $625 per vendor for the week-long event.

The vendor fee for a special event on other town properties is a flat $75 for the entire event. In addition, the MOU listed the town’s contribution for in-kind services, such as providing trash cans, road barriers, fencing, police and other support services at around $50,000. Rowan said that was determined by the special events staff as an estimate, but explained that number was likely too high.

For example, she said according to the town’s reckoning, 65 trash cans are typically provided at the WMO headquarSEE PAGE 44

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 5

Ocean City Eyes Cicada-Free Zone Marketing Campaign

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Hoping to capitalize on a 17-year phenomenon, Ocean City plans to resurrect its “Cicada Free Zone” campaign first rolled out in 2004.

The last time periodical cicadas of Brood X emerged across much of the eastern half of the U.S., The Town of Ocean City, in cooperation with its tourism department and its advertising and marketing firm MGH, rolled out a humorous, innovative promotion marketing the resort area as a Cicada Free

Zone. The campaign beckoned visitors from all over the eastern half of the country to escape the annoying pests and by most accounts, it was successful.

As it turns out, cicadas do not arrive in Ocean City and the Lower Shore coastal areas because the soil is not conducive to their growth cycle. To be absolutely sure before launching the campaign, Ocean City tourism and MGH officials at the time checked with two entomologists to confirm the Brood X cicadas would not be making their presence felt in the resort area.

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Armed with scientific evidence, Ocean City and MGH decided to create the light-hearted campaign to lure visitors to the resort to escape the millions of swarming cicadas. While it was hard to quantify just how many visitors that summer were lured by the campaign, it was deemed a rousing success.

Perhaps equally important to the visitors the campaign attracted was the amount of free publicity the town received as the news of the creative initiative was featured in several media outlets around the region and throughout the country. Then-Ocean City Director of Marketing Martha Clements at the time called it a truly unique initiative,” and “the most humorous, clever campaign Ocean City has ever done.”

During a Tourism Commission meeting on Monday, commission member and hotelier Michael James half-jokingly referred to the 2004 campaign and suggested bringing it back.

“This time 17 years ago, we had a cicada promotion,” he said. “It was really effective.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said with Brood X’s emergency imminent, the town is preparing to roll out the Cicada Free Zone campaign again.

“We have everything ready,” he said.

“We’re waiting for the right moment. It was a fun and popular promotion.”

Ocean City typically markets its clean, sandy beaches, the 10-mile

April 30, 2021

Boardwalk and the other attractions and amenities the town offers and that will obviously continue this summer.

However, marketing the resort to millions of people in the throes of an inland cicada invasion will be added to the strategy.

The trick will be when to time the cicada campaign roll-out. Pin-pointing when Brood X, called by some experts the largest brood of cicadas in the world, will emerge from their holes after 17 years in the ground is uncertain, but the cicadas have evidently already started burrowing.

The cicadas are harmless, but they create a summer-long nuisance in the areas where they are most prevalent, which, for Brood X, includes much of the eastern half of the U.S. Millions of people within driving distance of Ocean City will be subjected to the steady roar of countless cicadas emerging from Brood X and filling the skies and tree tops, back porches, yards and vehicles.

It’s uncertain if the 2021 campaign will exactly mirror the 2004 initiative, but it appears the concept will be the same. During the 2004 campaign, the town sent out press releases to local, state and national media platforms, which got a lot of attention. Then-Mayor Jim Mathias actually issued a somewhat tongue-in-cheek proclamation declaring Ocean City as a Cicada Free Zone.

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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April 30, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – New businesses continue to work toward opening while an existing business is prepping for an expansion in downtown Berlin.

The Sterling Tavern, Rusty Anchor Seafood Market, Broad Street Station, Thunder and Anvil and Mother Flowers are all prepping to open in the coming weeks. In addition, the popular olive oil shop Una Bella Salute will be moving to a larger location on Main Street.

“We’re going to be expanding our varieties of oils and vinegars,” owner Cassandra Brown said. “We just have a drop in the bucket where we are now.

We’re hoping to move within the next two weeks.”

Una Bella Salute, currently located at 14 Broad St., is set to take over half of the Art in the Fields building on Main Street. Brown said she was eager to have more space for merchandise as well as a location that didn’t have a leaking roof. She said she was advised by the Broad Street building’s owner that it would be demolished this fall.

Brown, who lives in Berlin and volunteered at the town’s welcome center before joining the staff at Una Bella Salute and eventually buying the business, is just the latest in a long line of Berlin merchants that have expanded their operations after starting small in the town.

“It’s almost a tradition in Berlin,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

She pointed out that many existing businesses, including Heart of Gold, World of Toys, Patty Jean’s Boutique, Uncle Jon’s Soap and Life’s Simple Pleasures, had moved to larger and more prominent storefronts after starting small, often on side streets.

“It’s the magic of Berlin,” Wells said.

She said the Sterling Tavern, taking over the space previously occupied by Fins, is aiming to open next week. The Rusty Anchor Seafood Market, located on Pitts Street, is also nearly ready to welcome customers. Broad Street Station, located in the former Southern States building, has undergone renovations and is expected to open in May. Thunder and Anvil, a jewelry studio, will open on the second floor of 16 N. Main St. on May 8.

In the old PNC Bank drive-thru on Bay Street, Fathom’s Hunter Smith is in the process of setting up a flower stall.

“We are very much looking forward to opening our petite garden shop Mother’s Day weekend,” Smith said. “We will be offering a variety of indoor and outdoor plants, potting materials as well as fresh cut stems when available.”

Around the corner, the Main Street Enchanted Tea Room, which has been closed during the pandemic, is expected to open by reservation only in May.

Tourism Officials Continue Labor Crunch Discussions

April 30, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The growing labor shortage with the summer season quickly approaching was the subject of debate at the Tourism Commission this week.

With “help wanted” signs continuing to dot the resort landscape with the summer season ramping up, many in the business community are wondering if they will ever fill their needed positions. While many businesses are trying to fill out their seasonal workforce, many others are barely getting by with what they have now in the growing shoulder season. As the weather has warmed over the last month, the weekends have become increasingly busy.

The reasons for the acute labor shortage are many and the issues are complicated. The regulations for J-1 summer and work and travel programs have eased somewhat, but it remains uncertain if that segment of the workforce will return in big numbers. The J-1 students in a typical year contribute about 4,000 employees to the resort’s summer seasonal workforce of around 12,000, but it remains uncertain just how many will return this year due to embassy closures and other practical obstacles.

Another significant issue is the lack of affordable seasonal housing. With the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, many property owners are seeking other options to fill their seasonal housing, including taking the sure-thing year-round rental or pivoting to short-term rentals in online platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO, for example.

Perhaps the largest contributor to the labor crunch, however, are the many pandemic relief programs available to what would normally be the summer seasonal workforce. Enhanced unemployment benefits provide more weekly income than many employees would earn by returning to work. In addition, recent federal stimulus checks have also fattened bank accounts and contributed to the issue.

Those issues are affecting the labor pool across all industries in the state and around the country, but the problem is particularly acute in the tourism and hospitality industries. During a tourism commission meeting this week, members had an impromptu discussion about some of the issues affecting the labor shortage.

There are some out-of-the-box programs in place to help address the issue.

For example, the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) is partnering with the Maryland Center for Hospitality Training (MCHT) on an initiative aimed at addressing the issue with a “Connecting Marylanders with Maryland Jobs” program.

Through the program, potential hospitality workers are being recruited, vetted and trained by the MCHT and then connected with OCHMRA members to help fill out their summer workforce rosters.

As part of the program, the OCHMRA is working to provide housing as part of the employment package. OCHMRA Execu-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

tive Director Susan Jones said this week the program is up and running.

“Students are being trained right now,” she said. “They’re going to be good candidates. We’re not trying to replace the J1s, we’re just trying to supplement those that aren’t coming.”

Jones said the J-1 visa summer work and travel programs restrictions have eased in this country, but challenges remain in other countries from which the J1 student workers come.

“All of the other countries don’t have the same rules,” she said. “It’s anyone’s guess at this point.”

Jones said many businesses are already altering their schedules and open hours in response to the labor crunch.

Others have scaled back their operations, such as eliminating lunch or blocking off hotel rooms.

“With the labor shortage, all of the hotels aren’t putting all over their inventory out there,” she said. “One hotel owner told me they were operating at 75%. The restaurants are cutting days and hours.

They’re playing it by ear if they can get the staff.”

Tourism commission member Stephanie Meehan said many resort area restaurants are scaling back operations because of the shortage.

“We’re hearing people say they are only operating at 50%,” she said. “They don’t want to ruin their reputation and make people wait a long time or have bad service.”

Meehan, who operates a Boardwalk arcade, said her business has not been immune to the problem.

“It’s the same everywhere,” she said.

“It’s the same with my business. I would

Page 9

normally be open from 9 a.m. to midnight, but I’m going to do 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. I just don’t want to kill my staff.”

Council President and commission chair Matt James said some incentives have been suggested to wean potential employees off enhanced unemployment benefits.

“Someone mentioned to me almost a severance pay to get off unemployment,” he said. “They wanted to offer a one-time payment of say $1,500 to get people to go back to work.”

Commission member and hotelier Michael James said keeping employees was just as challenging as finding them.

“The big thing we’re seeing now is people accepting a job and then not showing up,” he said. “It’s unbelievable.

We’ve seen it happen at least 30 times in the last couple of months.”

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Tram Route Change To Impact Street Performer Location

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A change in the Boardwalk tram route has prompted a code change to prevent street performers at the end of 3rd Street.

Two years ago, the resort completed construction on a new public works facility along St. Louis Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets that now hosts the Boardwalk tram operation. The trams are being stored and maintained at the St. Louis Avenue facility, and when they are in operation, they will cross Philadelphia and Baltimore avenues and access

3rd Street Will Be New Access Point

the Boardwalk at the ramp at 3rd Street before starting their daily runs from the Inlet to 27th Street.

For years, the tram operation was housed at the town’s Whiteside facility in the south end of Ocean City and the trams entered and exited the Boardwalk at South 1st Street. The procedure has now changed with completion of the new facility at St. Louis Avenue.

The tram service did not operate last year because of COVID restrictions,

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making this the first year for the new setup. The trams are set to start running on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. In addition, the traffic signals at 5th Street and 2nd Street have been synchronized to allow free passage for the trams to cross the roadways and access the Boardwalk.

However, making 3rd Street the new entry and exit point for the trams requires a code amendment altering the language regarding street performers.

Over the last couple of years, street performers have successfully challenged the town’s old designated spaces program and lottery system on First Amendment grounds and freedom of expression. As a result, street performers have had unfettered access to the street ends on the Boardwalk from South 1st Street to 9th Street with a couple of exceptions. North Division Street and Dorchester Street have remained off limits to performers because they are important Boardwalk access points for law enforcement, fire, ambulance and other emergency services, and the Beach Patrol, for example.

Now, with the changes to the tram access route, the code will be changed to add 3rd Street to that list. Public Works Director Hal Adkins on Tuesday explained the reasoning for the change.

“With the relocation of the entire tram operation to 3rd Street and St. Louis Avenue, the daily access point to the Boardwalk for daily tram needs is at 3rd Street,” he said. “Therefore, to ensure safe, unobstructed ingress and egress to and from the Boardwalk with the trams, this location needs to be kept free of performers or vendors during all times in which the trams are in seasonal operation.”

Adkins said a code amendment was needed to close off 3rd Street to street performers and vendors.

“With the construction of the public works facility at 2nd Street, we will deploy the trams on the Boardwalk at 3rd Street,” he said. “We need to pass legislation that provides for ingress and egress at 3rd Street in the interest of public safety and tram maneuverability.”

April 30, 2021

The section of the town’s code dealing with Boardwalk access and street performers will be amended to affect the change. Adkins said the impact on performers should be minimal.

“We’ve been working through the code,” he said. “There have not been substantial changes to this chapter, we’re just codifying some of these things. It’s potentially displacing one performer.”

The only alternative would be to drive the trams from the St. Louis Avenue facility at 3rd Street through crowded, congested downtown streets to reach the original access point at South 1st Street.

Councilman Mark Paddack questioned if moving the tram access point to 3rd Street and potentially displacing one street performer location would run afoul of the federal court opinions in the busker suits.

“South 1st Street is where the tram used to access the Boardwalk,” he said.

“After the federal court cases, we never had South 1st Street as a performer location. In that federal court opinion, the judge did authorize us to close off South 1st Street. Now, we’re going to close off 3rd Street.”

Adkins said 3rd Street was the only logical access point for the trams.

“We need access to 3rd Street,” he said. “We need to cross the entire wooden portion of the Boardwalk to reach the concrete portion.”

The council ultimately voted 6-0 to send the code amendment to first reading.

“The 3rd Street route is the most logical, efficient, shortest and safest for the tram to enter the Boardwalk,” the new code language reads. “Additionally, 3rd Street is the only other street besides Dorchester Street that has an automatic gate. Thus, for expediency in an emergency, emergency responders and law enforcement on the Boardwalk use 3rd Street to enter and exit the Boardwalk.

Therefore, from May 1 to Oct. 15, the town needs to exclude performers and vendors from the 3rd Street, street end to safely operate its public transportation system, to allow law enforcement and emergency responders safe and easy access on and off the Boardwalk, and to not endanger performers, vendors or visitors.”

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April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Effort Launched To Restore OC’s Landmark Statue

April 30, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Two Ocean City mounted police officers are pictured heading to the Inlet past the Native-American sculpture that has been located in Ocean City since 1976.

Photo by Chris Parypa

OCEAN CITY – The Native-American sculpture, which has stood sentinel at the Inlet for over four decades, is falling into disrepair, but the artist who donated it to the town could be returning to revive it.

Artist Peter Toth presented the Indian sculpture perched near the entrance to the Inlet parking lot to the Town of Ocean City and the people of Maryland in 1976 as part of his larger plan to create a similar piece for every state in the U.S. as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebration. Through his Trail of the Whispering Giants plan, Toth created a sculpture unique to each state to raise the public’s consciousness of the plight of Native Americans and his gift to Maryland represents the Assateague Indian.

For 45 years, the sculpture carved from a 100-year-old oak has withstood fierce weather at the Inlet near the base of the Boardwalk, but it has gradually eroded to the point it will need to be restored to last more decades. A brace already shores up the feathers in the sculpture’s headdress and there are cracks forming in different areas of the statue.

At Monday’s Tourism Commission meeting, local resident Rebecca Yates said she and her husband Larry have been in contact with Toth about coming back to Ocean City to restore his original gift to the town. Yates, who had a replica of the sculpture on the table in front of her during her presentation, said the iconic sculpture is worth saving.

“It really welcomes visitors to Ocean City,” she said. “It’s one of the town’s iconic sites. People come into Ocean City and they see it right away.”

Yates told the commission she had been in contact with Toth on the return to Ocean City to make the needed repairs.

“We’ve been talking to Peter for about six months,” she said. “There’s a large split in the back and it’s been braced once. There’s another split on the lower right side. The elements have taken their toll.”

Yates said the repairs would take an estimated two weeks. She said Toth is not looking to be compensated for the actual work on the sculpture, but is seeking funding to cover his accommodations while in the resort, along with compensation for the time he will miss from his studio while in the resort.

“Peter would like to come and make repairs,” she said. “I hope the tourism commission will support that. He will donate the labor and he’s not asking for compensation for repairs. We’re looking for funding for his living expenses while he is here.”

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April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Center Donation: In an effort to help the nonprofit with its hopes of

locating a new base office, local attorney Brian H. Clark donated $5,000 this week to the C.R.I.C.K.ET. Center (Child Resource Intervention Center Kids Empowerment Team), which offers a safe location and resources for children and family members needing protection, support, crisis intervention, trauma based therapy and medical intervention. The child advocacy center’s services are offered free of charge and include a partnership between law enforcement, child protective services, legal professionals, medical and mental health professionals and child and family advocates. Above, Clark presents his donation to Executive Director Wendy Myers and facility dog Josiah.

Submitted Photo

… Artist Could Return For Repairs

She estimated the total cost to fund Toth’s expenses while in Ocean City would come to around $2,000 to $3,000 including accommodations and living expenses. Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCCHMRA) Executive Director and commission member Susan Jones said she would work with her members to find accommodations for Toth.

Mayor Rick Meehan made a motion to forward a favorable recommendation to the full Mayor and Council with an understanding to identify a funding source, work with the OCHMRA and reach out to the Art League of Ocean City to participate in some way. Yates was thankful and said the iconic Native American sculpture will remain in its current space for years to come.

“It won’t be perfect,” she said. “It will last another 20 years or more though.”

Yates said the initial plan is for Toth to return this fall during a major special event at the Inlet so visitors can see the restoration work first hand.

“He would come during Sunfest,” she said. “People coming down to the Inlet can see him working on it.”

Commission member Stephanie Meehan questioned if the timing for the proposed repairs was the best.

“Would October be a better time?”

she said. “That’s such a big weekend already. Maybe he can be here in conjunction with the Harbor Day at the Docks.”

The current proposed repairs are not the first time the town has explored restoring the iconic sculpture. In 2013 after Hurricane Sandy, an examination of the sculpture revealed it was cracking and showing its age and plan came about to solicit bids for the needed repairs. A noted West Ocean City woodworker and carpenter came up with a plan to restore the Inlet Indian at a cost of just under $10,000.

The plan called for removing the sculpture with a crane and transporting it to a West Ocean City shop for a major repair and restoration, and then returning it to is original location. The idea got little traction when a funding source could not be identified and the restoration at that time fizzled.

Toth’s Trail of Whispering Giants includes sculptures in other neighboring beach resorts including Bethany Beach and Virginia Beach, for example. Some have been restored and in at least one case, a fiberglass mold now stands where the original sculpture was placed.

Others have deteriorated and have been left to serve out their usefulness over time. Toth runs the Peter Wolf Toth Museum in New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

Page 13

Outdoor Mask Mandate Lifted, Some Dining Rules Eased

Page 14

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

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OCEAN CITY – Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan this week lifted the outdoor mask mandate and eased restrictions on outdoor dining as the state’s key COVID metrics continue to improve.

Acting on guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced earlier this week, Hogan on Wednesday immediately lifted the mask mandate in outdoor areas, although he encouraged those who have not yet been vaccinated to continue to mask up. Masks and face coverings are still required for all large ticketed venues as well as indoors at all public and private businesses and when using public transportation. The governor’s new directives for masks went in-

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to effect immediately on Wednesday.

Hogan on Wednesday also eased restrictions on outdoor dining. Effective Saturday, standing service may resume outdoors at bars and restaurants and all restrictions related to outdoor dining capacity and distancing will be lifted.

Seated service and physical distancing requirements will remain in place indoors at bars and restaurants.

Hogan credited Maryland’s steadily improving COVID metrics in certain key indicators along with the continued rollout of the vaccinations. The governor also strongly encouraged those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so.

“As our vaccinations continue to expand and our health metrics continue to improve, we expect to be able to take additional actions in the weeks ahead and return to a sense of normalcy,” he said. “However, I want to stress once again that the fastest way to put this pandemic behind us once and for all is for every single eligible Marylander to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Despite the easing of some of the restrictions, Hogan urged Marylanders to continue to remain vigilant against the pandemic.

“As we have stressed from the beginning, outdoor activity is much safer than indoor activity,” he said. “It has been a long and difficult year, but thanks to the hard work, the sacrifices and the vigilance of the people of Maryland, each day now brings us closer to the light at the end of this very long tunnel and a return to normalcy in our everyday lives.”

Locally, the changes announced by the governor on Wednesday come as welcome news. For over a year, masks have been required in all outdoor areas around the resort when social distancing is not possible, most notably on the Boardwalk where signage directing residents and visitors remained this week.

It’s important to note while masks will no longer be required while simply walking on the Boardwalk, they will be required when entering stores, restaurants and other indoor attractions.

The easing of restrictions on outdoor restaurants and bars is also welcome news in the resort. At the outset of the pandemic, many resort businesses pivoted to an outdoor model and the governor’s announcement on Wednesday will allow many to return to some semblance of normal operations.

Ocean City Communications Manager Jessica Waters said on Thursday the governor’s new directives announced on Wednesday move the resort closer to a return to normal in many aspects.

“Ocean City is lifting its outdoor mask requirement in line with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and the state of Maryland,” she said. “As Governor Hogan announced on Wednesday, with improved health metrics and expanded vaccination availability, we are optimistic that we will continue to take steps toward a full recovery.”

Ocean City Planning Tweaks To Pop-Up Rally Operations

April 30, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Among the biggest takeaways from the town’s latest motorized special event task force meeting last Friday was the need for private businesses to provide more security on their own properties.

The motorized special event task force reconvened last Friday for the first time in several months to begin planning for a series of sanctioned and unsanctioned special events in the coming months. While there was some discussion on the upcoming spring Cruisin event, the focus was largely on the unsanctioned pop-up car rally expected in September.

After a particularly troublesome motorized special event season a few years ago, Ocean City formed the task force to begin exploring strategies to address some of the lawlessness and abject bad behavior associated with some of the participants.

Out of those early sessions came the creation of a special event zone with increased penalties and other fines. Those early sessions also led to an increased police presence in town during certain special events in partnership with allied law enforcement agencies along with a stronger partnership between the town and its residents and business owners.

Still, those early measures, which did achieve some successes, were not enough as the lawlessness and reckless behavior continued and even worsened in some cases, particularly with the unsanctioned pop-up social mediadriven event. Last September, the popup car rally, as it is now being referred, brought huge crowds of largely unruly, disrespectful visitors that wreaked havoc on Ocean City for the better part of four days as expected.

Ocean City, its police department and its allied partners were perhaps as best prepared as ever heading into the pop-up car rally week with an enhanced special event zone law, a beefed-up towing ordinance, altered traffic patterns and road closures and all manner of equipment and resources on hand.

Those combined measures worked to a large degree for much of the weekend, but despite the thankless efforts of law enforcement and first-responders, the pop-up car rally was nonetheless an unmitigated disaster by Saturday night.

As Ocean City and its partners ramped up their enforcement efforts, a large majority of the pop-up car rally enthusiasts ratcheted up their unruliness in kind.

Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Ross Buzzuro said during Friday’s task force meeting his department and its allied partners have been planning for the expected pop-up car rally to return in September.

“We’re five months out and we’ve been looking at this since the 2020 event,” he said. “We’re taking our oper-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ation from last year and tweaking it out.

We’ll be out in full force. Collectively, we’ll be ready. Everything we did last year will be bigger and better this year.”

During last September’s pop-up event, the special event zone, with its enhanced penalties, was expanded to the major thoroughfares in northern Worcester County throughout the week. At a task force meeting last fall, members urged state officials to ramp up enforcement along the highways leading to the resort. Last Friday, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Greg Slater said those plans were in the works.

“We’re going to have a traffic safety week statewide, one in the spring and one in the fall,” he said. “We have grant funding for overtime for extra law enforcement. It will be a bay to beach highway safety week.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca summarized last September’s pop-up rally and urged the state to consider expanding its speed bump or speed hump program in the resort. Last fall, speed bumps were tested on certain known troublesome side streets in the resort, but DeLuca said it could be time to test some on Coastal Highway.

“Here’s a summary of last year,” he said. “On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the things we did were really successful. Saturday was really terrible.

SHA almost said yes to speed bumps at certain locations on Coastal Highway.”

One of the tools in the motorized event toolbox discussed on Friday was the OCPD’s Trespass Enforcement Authorization Program, or TEAP, in which business owners allow law enforcement to come on private property to enforce laws and resolve situations, particularly when businesses are closed. It was revealed around 200 private businesses have signed up for the program.

Another issue discussed was the need for private businesses to provide security on their own properties, allowing the OCPD and its allied partners to focus on the problems on the streets.

Many do provide their own security during the motorized events, but DeLuca said there is need for more.

“We need to emphasize each hotel, condo and business, especially on Baltimore Avenue, need to have extra security,” the chief said said. “If you’re closed, you need to get your application in to allow police to come onto your property.”

Mayor Rick Meehan agreed with the need for more security on private property.

“We need to address private property not having sufficient security,” he said. “It can be expensive to have, but

Page 15

it’s a must have. They can’t operate a business on a large scale and expect the OCPD to pick up the pieces. There are some businesses with no security and that’s just not acceptable.”

Another problem identified during the task force meeting last week were the large groups of rowdy individuals on hotel and motel balconies egging on the illicit behavior, particularly along Baltimore Avenue.

Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones told the task force many of her members had success with private-sector security guards and said the plan was to bring in even more next year, akin to bringing in more law enforcement officers from other areas. Jones said many of the unruly participants and spectators during the pop-up rally responded better to private security than law enforcement.

“Some motel owners told us their guests respected security officers even more than the police,” she said. “That’s just the way society is today.”

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser agreed the private sector needed to support law enforcement now more than ever.

“Law enforcement has had a really hard year,” she said. “It’s nice to see a community spend all of this time and effort to support law enforcement.”

Changes Approved For Fenwick Dredging Permit Process

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – Additional funding for permitting services is expected to move the town forward in its efforts to dredge the neighboring bay.

Last Friday, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted unanimously to allot an additional $4,000 toward the town’s effort to seek permits for a dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay. While the town had initially hired Coastal and Estuarine Research, Inc. to prepare state and federal permit applications for the project, Town Manager Terry Tieman said Fenwick was now seeking the services of Anchor QEA, a Lewesbased firm hired to manage the dredging project.

“Originally, when we started this dredging project we contracted with Coastal and Estuarine Research and Evelyn Maurmeyer. In fact, she was one of the first people we talked to,” Tieman told the council. “It’s been quite a few years, and Evelyn is no longer able to perform those services for us. Anchor QEA does do some of that work, and we believe that they will be able to handle this.”

Tieman said the town had budgeted $5,000 for permitting services. She noted, however, that Anchor QEA had submitted a proposal for $9,000.

“In order to keep the project moving forward, and that it seems like the most practical option, we would like to increase that amount from $5,000 to $9,000 to cover that expense,” she said.

Councilwoman Vicki Carmean said she supported the change order but questioned if the town had included a timeframe for the project to be completed.

“I don’t have any problem adding the amount to what was originally suggested to expend,” she said. “But in the contract, is there something there to give you a timeline, that this group is going to do what they are going to do within a certain period of time?”

Tieman said the contract would be sent to the town’s attorney, Mary Schrider-Fox, for review.

“She hasn’t reviewed this yet,” she said. “But because there was a budgetary component I wanted to make sure that we actually budgeted for it.”

Councilman Bernie Merritt, chair of the town’s dredging committee, added that the permitting process would work in conjunction with the memorandum of under-

standing (MOU) being established for the project.

“This is going to follow the MOU process and the whole permitting process that we hope to start soon as we go through this,” he said. “It will work in concert, it won’t extend past that once we get a green light to move forward with that MOU.” With no further discussion, the council voted 7-0 to add $4,000 to the town’s budget for permitting services. The money will come from the town’s dredging special reserve fund.

In 2019, the town council agreed to hire Anchor QEA to provide design, bidding and construction management services for a dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay. The project is expected to address shoaling in the back-bay system and clear thousands of linear feet of channel.

Additionally, roughly 12,000 cubic feet of dredged material would be moved to another site for reuse. Since 2019, the town has worked with the Carl M. Freeman Companies to relocate the material to one of its properties.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

bringing broadband to those without access.

“It’s a work in progress,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. “I don’t think we’re ready to put fiber to people’s homes but we are moving forward with it.”

Mike Malandro, president and CEO of Choptank, provided information on the Choptank Fiber initiative, through which the first customers were connected this month. Malandro said the company was committed to bringing internet to those who were not currently served.

“Our motto behind this is ‘no home left behind,’” he said.

The company estimates the cost of bringing fiber to those not currently served in Worcester County at $37 million.

Talkie Communications, the internet provider the county agreed to partner with in January so that it could apply for certain grants, initially presented the commissioners with a plan to start installing some fiber in the southern part of the county last month. The commissioners, however, asked them to return with a plan and estimated cost for installing fiber throughout the whole county within three years. They came back this week with an estimate of $51 million.

Talkie’s Andre DeMattia said the company could have some customers connected as soon as October if the county had them move forward.

Mitrecic said this week the commissioners would have to have a work session to discuss the two proposals and how to proceed.

County Hears Broadband Proposals

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County leaders continue to explore broadband possibilities for rural Worcester County.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week heard proposals from both Choptank Electric Cooperative and Talkie Communications. The commissioners are expected to have a work session in May to discuss how to move forward with

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Intruder Forces Resident Out, Damages Unit

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 17

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OCEAN CITY – A Virginia man was arrested on burglary and other charges last weekend after allegedly barging his way into a downtown apartment and forcing the resident out.

Around 12:30 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to an apartment on 6th Street for a reported breaking and entering in progress. Ocean City Communications advised a male had entered the apartment and forced the resident out.

OCPD officers arrived on the scene and walked around the back of the property.

The officers observed a back window on the second floor was open with the white drapes hanging out and the screen had been bent and popped out of the window. OCPD officer met with the female victim, who reported a tall man wearing all black clothing had knocked on her door. When the victim opened the door slightly, the suspect, later identified as Garrett Shoemaker, 30, an Annandale, Va., resident pushed the door open and entered the unit, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told police the intruder appeared disoriented and told her someone was coming to kill him. The victim left the unit and went to a neighbor’s house to call the police. The victim told police Shoemaker remained in the apartment and locked the door and she could not get back in, according to police reports.

About 15 minutes later, OCPD officers located Shoemaker at the intersection of 15th Street and Baltimore Avenue.

Shoemaker, who is 6’8” tall, was wearing all black clothing and was flailing his arms and shouting out loud. According to police reports, he was soaking wet and covered with sand. Garrett was taken into custody at that point.

The Ocean City Fire Department provided OCPD officers with a ladder to enter the second-floor window. Through the window, OCPD officers could see a television on the floor and a smashed decorative plate. The victim later told police the decorative plate had been given to her by her mother.

Officers went into the apartment and located a Garmin watch on the floor directly below the open second-floor window. Shoemaker told police he had lost a Garmin watch. The officers also located a sweatshirt in the apartment belonging to Shoemaker. In addition, there were blood stains around the door of the residence and Shoemaker had dried blood on his wrist and hand.

The victim positively identified Shoemaker as the intruder who had forced her out of her residence. He was charged with fourth-degree burglary, malicious destruction of property and disturbing the peace.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 19

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Berlin Planning Jazz, Blues Event

April 30, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – A three-day celebration of jazz and blues kicks off in Berlin next Friday.

The 13th Annual Berlin Jazz and Blues Bash, modified this year and known as “Jazz and Blues, Art & Booths,” is set for May 7-9. Though scaled back from what it has been in the past, the event will feature live music, an art show and food and drink specials from local businesses.

“Berlin Jazz and Blues, Art & Booths is going to be a great event because, as we saw and heard at the Berlin Spring Celebration of Hope a few weeks ago, everyone is so eager for life to return to normal,” said Steve Frene, deputy director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. “Our events have become a huge part of the positive atmosphere that visitors and locals have grown to love over the years.

Finding creative and safe ways to adapt to current conditions is what successful business owners do.”

After a year of uncertainty, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce planned for a scaled back jazz and blues event this year. After modifying the Berlin Spring Celebration similarly and finding success with that, merchants are eager to again welcome visitors to town. The event will feature live music at various venues in town Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as an art show and sale on the streets of Berlin Saturday.

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said that in the wake of a well-attended Spring Celebration Berlin’s businesses were looking forward to the jazz and blues event.

“Adding more art and music to our events is what we’re trying to do,” Wells said.

While the schedule is likely to expand in the coming days, the entertainment lineup for now includes live music Friday at the Globe Gastro Theater and Sisters Wine Bar. On Saturday, the art and vendor booths will be set up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The live music lineup includes Fast Eddie & the Slowpokes at the Globe Gastro Theater from 1-4 p.m., Zander Jett at the Atlantic Hotel from 1-5 p.m., Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos at Burley Oak Brewery from 4-7 p.m., Bryan Russo at Boxcar on Main from 5-8 p.m. and Beach Bandits Blues Duo at Sisters Wine Bar from 7-9 p.m.

On Sunday, the Globe Gastro Theater will host Dark Gold Jazz from 3-6 p.m.

“There will be plenty to do, see, hear, buy, and enjoy between the many jazz and blues bands appearing in Berlin venues over the weekend and the art and artisans on Main Street on Saturday,” Frene said.

For more information contact the Berlin Chamber of Commerce at 410-6414775 or email chamberinfo@berlinchamber.org. Event updates and more information can also be found on the Berlin Jazz and Blue Bash event page on Facebook or visit www.berlinchamber.org.

April 30, 2021

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Enhanced Animal Control Regs Move Ahead In Worcester

Page 22

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – Legislation to enhance Worcester County’s animal control regulations continues to move forward.

The Worcester County Commissioners last week agreed to introduce a text amendment that would strengthen local animal control laws. Various county departments partnered together to draft the changes after concerns were raised regarding a dog breeder in Pocomoke.

“We found our codes were lacking,” said Commissioner Josh Nordstrom, a vocal supporter of the changes. “I’m optimistic we can do most if not all we set out to do.”

Chief Animal Control Officer Glen Grandstaff presented the commissioners last week with a text amendment that would enhance existing animal control regulations. Grandstaff said the proposed amendment would clarify and increase existing standards, addressing issues like shelter provisions and commercial kennel recordkeeping requirements, among other things.

The proposed amendment also called for a reduction of the stray hold period to three days rather than the current 10 days. Grandstaff said that would free up

One Last Run: These German shepherds had some great runs last Sunday in Ocean City, taking advantage of one

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Photo by Chris Parypa

kennel space, since dogs wouldn’t have to wait so long before they could be rehomed. He said it would also help keep the agency from having to euthanize good animals when stray animals came in.

Commissioner Ted Elder said he’d rather see a five-day stray hold to give owners a chance to reclaim what could be a lost pet.

“We put three in because that’s gen-

erally the standard now,” Grandstaff said, adding that his department would be open to adjusting it to five days.

Commissioner Chip Bertino said he didn’t want to see a dog euthanized sooner than 10 days.

“Ten days is fine the way I see it,” he said. “There ain’t no coming back from putting Fido down.”

He added that he had no issue with allowing a dog to enter the adoption

queue in less than 10 days, but he didn’t want to see it potentially euthanized in three days.

The commissioners agreed to reword the amendment so that the period before euthanasia was left at 10 days.

Following last week’s meeting, Nordstrom said he was glad to see the legislation moving ahead.

“Hopefully we’ve worked out something everyone can agree on,” he said.

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Berlin analyzes utility Fund Budgets

April 30, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The lack of capital funding available within the town’s utility funds highlighted a budget work session this week.

Finance Director Natalie Saleh told the town council this week Berlin needed to begin planning ahead for capital projects. She says department heads are frustrated by the town’s inability to make necessary purchases related to water, sewer, stormwater and electric.

“We have to think about what needs to be done,” she said. “There has to be a plan in place as soon as possible …

Right now, it’s just we’re hoping nothing breaks.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall and members of the town council met for a utility funds budget work session Monday. Tyndall said the budgets being reviewed for each of the funds was what had been presented to him by department heads aside from a reduction in cell phone allowances and no salary increases.

In the electric fund, Tyndall highlighted the need for a rate study, as the last was completed in 2013, but said the town could not afford it.

“We’ll be exploring the best ways to move forward with a rate study in FY 23,” he said.

He added a rate study was already underway for the water fund.

“With respect to the water and sewer fund, two of our major issues at this time continue to be accurately capturing and billing for use of service along with the tremendous amount of debt on the books within the sewer fund,” he said.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood reminded the council utility funds are enterprise funds and operate like businesses.

“This is revenue driven, expense driven, based off what they do and what they produce,” he said.

He reminded the council electric rates were regulated by the Public Service Commission. The proposed electric budget is $5.3 million, which represents a decrease of 2.5%. Purchase power costs are anticipated at $2.5 million.

Fleetwood said the proposed water fund budget was $938,000, essentially in line with what it was for the current fiscal year. The sewer fund budget is proposed at $2.5 million, which is up 3% over the current year.

Saleh, following detailed presentations by department heads, stressed with its aging infrastructure the town needed to begin planning for capital projects.

“Right now, we’re talking about items we cannot do and have to have,” she said.

Though there was some talk of the potential $4 million in grant funding the town could receive through the American Rescue Plan, Tyndall said the town could not count on it now.

“Right now I think we need to budget with what we have,” he said.

The town’s budget, which can be viewed on the town website, is scheduled for a public hearing May 24.

No Will To Adjust OC Boardwalk Biking Start Time

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – It has already been established bicycles will be allowed on the Boardwalk until noon this year, but the concept of allowing them to start earlier in the morning has gained little traction.

In March, the Mayor and Council approved a proposal to move the stop time for bicycles on the Boardwalk from 11 a.m. to noon. The measure left the allowable hours for bikes on the Boardwalk from 2 a.m. to noon. However, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) had proposed moving the start time for bikes on the Boardwalk back from 2 a.m. to sometime earlier, perhaps midnight or at least 1 a.m.

The concept is to allow employees to commute home from their jobs on bicycles on a well-lit Boardwalk rather than on the city streets and alleys. The OCDC pitched the idea to the town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and also in a letter to the Mayor and Council.

“The OCDC Board recommends for the 2021 summer season, the bicycle hours on the Boardwalk to be moved up from 2 a.m.,” the letter reads. “We believe, due to the fact Boardwalk businesses are closing earlier in the evening each summer, that it would be appropriate that the evening bike hours be

moved earlier to allow for Boardwalk employees to use a well-lighted Boardwalk to bike home. The current situation is for them to use the darker alleys and Baltimore Avenue to bike home after their work.”

During Tuesday’s work session, Council Secretary and BPAC chair Tony DeLuca explained the request to alter the Boardwalk bike hours to the full Mayor and Council. He outlined the highlights of the letter from OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin.

“Glenn reviewed with the committee a proposal to move up the Boardwalk biking hours from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m.,” he said. “The reason for this suggestion was to allow the employees of businesses to utilize the more well-lit Boardwalk for commuting home after work. Allowing employees to use the Boardwalk provides an apparent safer solution than utilizing alleys, Baltimore Avenue or Philadelphia Avenue.”

DeLuca said the BPAC raised concerns about adding bicycles to the mix in what is often a challenging time for law enforcement on the Boardwalk in the early morning hours, particularly in June. He said the BPAC ultimately voted 5-2 to keep the Boardwalk biking hours from 2 a.m. to noon.

“The committee also discussed that the bikers using the Boardwalk at these hours may potentially be put in harm’s way given the concerning situations that

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occurred on the Boardwalk late at night in the summer of 2020,” he said. The proposal may also entail enforcement concerns.”

Councilman John Gehrig asked a question about what is typically going on at the Boardwalk at 2 a.m.

“Can I ask a question about the bike issue?” he said. “How busy is the Boardwalk at 2 a.m.?”

Council President Matt James said the situation varies from month to month, and even week to week.

“It depends,” he said. “In July and August, probably not very busy. In June, it

Page 25

was very busy.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said moving the Boardwalk biking hours earlier could create headaches for the often alreadytaxed Ocean City Police Department (OCPD).

“I think with the OCPD it creates another thing to enforce,” he said. “We don’t need something else to enforce this year with all of the other issues and the other enforcements we’re going through. They’re trying to bring some order up there and they don’t need something else to enforce. We can revisit this after the summer.”

Page 26

Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Assault, Child Abuse Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was arrested last week after allegedly assaulting a woman and a child at an uptown condo.

Around 1:25 a.m. last Wednesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a condo at 80th Street for a reported domestic assault. According to police reports, the caller stated she was bleeding and needed the police. OCPD officers arrived at the scene and set up a perimeter.

Officers were able to have the victim and her three children exit the building from the back-porch area. The victim reportedly told police she was too afraid to use the front door because she would have to walk past the room where the suspect, later identified as Joshua McIntosh, 34, of Munhall, Pa., was located.

Officers brought the victim and her children to a patrol vehicle to provide them with a safe location. The officers attempted to contact McIntosh at the front door of the condo for about 45 minutes,

according to police reports. The victim had signs of physical injury. OCPD officers gained entry to the condo and located McIntosh sleeping in one of the bedrooms. He was taken into custody at that point.

After being read his rights, McIntosh agreed to speak with the officers, according to police reports. He reportedly had fresh scratch marks on his chest, but when asked how he got the scratch marks, he said “nothing.” He also reportedly had a cut on his forehead, but would not say how he got that injury either.

Police escorted McIntosh to a patrol vehicle and transported him to the Public Safety Building. While awaiting booking, McIntosh reportedly told the officer, “I really [expletive deleted] up.” McIntosh told police he and the victim were in an abusive relationship and incidents such as this were a common occurrence.

Officers interviewed the victim and learned McIntosh had reportedly assaulted her juvenile son as well. The victim told police McIntosh bit the child’s thumb. The victim told police the incident began when the juvenile began asking

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McIntosh reportedly became enraged and starting pounding on the walls.

When the victim attempted to gain McIntosh’s attention by slapping him, McIntosh reportedly smashed her into a wall.

The victim told police she and McIntosh began to wrestle, and he overpowered her, slamming her to the floor, according to police reports.

The victim reportedly told the officers McIntosh pinned her to the ground with her knees pinned to her chest, causing her to gasp for air. McIntosh reportedly tried to choke the victim with the cord to a blow dryer. The victim told police she could not remember certain parts of the incident and was not sure if she had lost consciousness, according to police reports.

The victim had numerous visible injuries including redness on both sides of her face, bruises on her elbows and was bleeding from the mouth. She refused medical treatment. The juvenile victim also had redness on his thumb. McIntosh was charged with two counts of second-degree assault and child abuse.

McIntosh was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held without bond.

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OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore woman was arrested last week at a downtown hotel after allegedly assaulting her daughter.

Around 9:40 p.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a hotel at 33rd Street in reference to a disorderly female. The officer met with the hotel manager, who reported there was a female yelling and pounding on the door of a room on the third floor demanding to enter the room. The manager wanted the suspect trespassed from the hotel, according to police reports.

The officer reportedly met with one of the occupants of the room who said her mother, identified as Cherece Benjamin, 46, of Baltimore, had assaulted her. The alleged victim had a scratch on her arm with swelling around it, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told police she was staying in the room with Benjamin and they had only recently started talking again after Benjamin had stabbed her.

The victim reportedly told police she had an argument with Benjamin, during which Benjamin grabbed her by the hair, pulling braids out of her head. It was during the altercation that the victim received the scratches on her arm. The victim told the officer Benjamin reached for a fanny pack, in which the victim knew Benjamin kept knives. The victim told police she had been stabbed by Benjamin before, according to police reports.

The victim’s boyfriend was able to keep Benjamin from the fanny pack and separated the two, pushing Benjamin out of the room, according to police reports.

Benjamin reportedly yelled and banged on the door to gain re-entry, which is when the police were called. By now, a crowd of people had come out of their hotel rooms to see what the disturbance was about, according to police reports.

SEE NEXT PAGE

. . Cops & Courts

April 30, 2021

Benjamin was arrested at that point.

During a search of Benjamin’s fanny pack, paraphernalia used for ingesting powder cocaine was reportedly located.

Benjamin was charged with second-degree assault, possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.

Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest OCEAN CITY – A Baltimore man was arrested last week after allegedly providing a false name to a police officer during a traffic stop and then fleeing from the scene.

Around 9:35 p.m. last Thursday, an Ocean City Police Department officer tracked a vehicle going 52 mph in a 35mph zone in the area of 12th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. The officer conducted a traffic stop and the driver identified himself as Elijah Crandell. The driver told the officer he had no identifying information on his person. He also reportedly told the officer he did not have a driver’s license, but only held a learner’s permit from Maryland.

The officer returned to his patrol vehicle and did a license check on Elijah Crandell. The officer found a license record for Elijah Crandell, but the picture attached to the record was not the driver of the vehicle he had pulled over. The officer also located a warrant for a person named Letray Lee and at the bottom of the warrant, an alert indicated Lee often used the alias Elijah Crandell.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch The officer was able to determine the individual whom he had pulled over was indeed Letray Lee, 25, of Baltimore.

When the officer approached the vehicle again, Lee switched the transmission into drive and accelerated rapidly away from the traffic stop while spinning the vehicle’s wheels, according to police reports.

Lee reportedly drove west on North Division Street and through a stop sign on St. Louis Avenue. The officer followed and found the vehicle parked in a driveway at Caroline Street with its lights illuminated and its passenger outside the vehicle. However, Lee was no longer on the scene.

Witnesses alerted OCPD officers a male matching Lee’s description had been seen running south away from the vehicle. Lee was located at Worcester Street and Philadelphia Avenue and was taken into custody. Lee told the officer he knowingly provided the identity of his cousin, Elijah Crandell, because he had warrants out for his arrest, according to police reports.

Lee reportedly told the officer he had used the alias in the past and that he fled the scene because he did not want to go to jail. Lee reportedly told the officer he fled on foot after abandoning the vehicle and hid under a business’s staircase before police located him.

He was charged with assuming an identity to avoid prosecution, obstructing and hindering, making a false statement to a police officer and numerous traffic offenses. Lee was held initially on a $15,000 bond, but was later released after posting a $2,500 bond.

Page 27

Wrong Way Driver Arrested OCEAN CITY – A Delaware man was arrested last week on multiple charges after allegedly driving the wrong way on Coastal Highway and being found with martial arts weapons in his vehicle.

Around 1:15 a.m. last Wednesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer patrolling in the midtown area observed a vehicle at the traffic signal at 59th Street with its left-hand turn signal on, indicating the driver intended to turn north. When the light changed, the driver, later identified as Nicholas Focht, 18, of Clayton, Del., drove north in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway, according to police reports.

The officer reportedly activated his emergency lights and initiated a traffic stop. Focht was driving and there were

three passengers in the vehicle. When the driver approached the vehicle, an odor of marijuana emanated from the passenger compartment. Each of the occupants was asked to step out of the vehicle.

Focht reportedly told the officer he did not have a license to drive in Maryland or any other state. A search of the vehicle revealed containers of raw marijuana, partially smoked hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes throughout the vehicle, various items of paraphernalia, a spring-assisted camouflage knife in the driver side door map pocket and another knife in the center console.

Focht was arrested for possession of martial arts weapons, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, driving without a license and other traffic offenses.

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Ocean Pines Still Waiting On PPP Forgiveness

Page 28

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – The association’s general manager says he is waiting to hear if more than $1 million in PPP funding will be forgiven.

Last week, General Manager John Viola presented his monthly financial report to the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors. He said the association closed March with nearly $200,000 more than budgeted. He said Ocean Pines is now ahead of budget by more than $1.3 million for the year.

“We believe the favorability would be somewhere around $1,150,000 at the end of April,” he said.

Viola said much of the association’s positive variance occurred within the general administration budget, which includes $1.143 million in Paycheck Protec-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

tion Program (PPP) funding.

Last year, the association received $1.143 million in federal assistance tied to COVID-19 relief to pay employees’ salaries. Viola noted that money has yet to be forgiven.

“That’s where we are right now,” Viola said last week. “The fact that the loan has not been forgiven yet, I believe we stay the course the way we are and report it the way it is, which is basically income.”

Viola told board members last week community operations benefited from the PPP funds. While OPA projects a $1,150,000 surplus by the end of the fiscal year – April 30 – he said the association would have had an operating deficit of roughly $400,000 without the federal assistance.

“If I took out all the stimulus, we would have lost somewhere around $400,000 even with all the cost cutting …,” he said.

Viola noted the association had submitted its application for PPP loan forgiveness and was awaiting a reply. Director Camilla Rogers asked if similar organizations had received any response.

Viola said they had and the loans had been forgiven.

“If ours is not forgiven … that means that $1.143 million would come out of these operation numbers I gave you,” he said. “That would be a loan at 1 percent.”

Viola told board members the association would have a prior period adjustment if it learns the PPP loan is not forgiven after the fiscal year ends. If forgiven, however, he said the money would be used to cover the operating deficit and fund roads and drainage projects not funded in the fiscal year 2022 budget.

“I’m not going to come forward with that until I know one way or the other,” he said.

New OC Planning Position Approved

April 30, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials have approved a new full-time staff member for the Planning and Community Development department.

After the draft fiscal year 2022 budget was presented three weeks ago, each individual department came before the Mayor and Council to outline their individual budgets and special requests and needs.

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville was among the first to make his presentation, and while he didn’t specifically request a new position, it came to light his department was getting by with a short staff compared to its many responsibilities.

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

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

The department has five staff members in the planning and zoning section, including one part-time seasonal Boardwalk code inspector.

There are seven staff members in the building and inspection section, including one part-time seasonal housing inspector, along with two staffers in the plumbing permit and inspection section.

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

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

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

Pocomoke Middle’s Food Pantry Honored For Service

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

POCOMOKE – A community organization recognized the Pocomoke Middle School food pantry this week for efforts to feed local families during the pandemic.

Representatives of the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce visited Pocomoke Middle School Monday to recognize the school’s food pantry as the year’s best nonprofit. The pantry, and the numerous volunteers involved with it, provided the community with close to 95,000 meals since March 2020. Worcester County Commissioner Josh Nordstrom nominated the school pantry for the award after seeing the time educators and support staff from the Pocomoke area schools put into it.

“The effort I saw, that I was proud to be a part of, was simply amazing,” Nordstrom said. “It doesn’t happen in every community but it happens here and it happens here every single day.”

In a socially distanced recognition ceremony Monday, Lisa Taylor, executive director of the chamber, said the food bank was created in 2018 and expanded its efforts in 2019. In 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent closure of schools, the food pantry proved to be critical in ensuring local families had enough to eat. The pantry, operated by the school’s

“We continue to feed hundreds of people in our community, right here in Pocomoke, every single week,” said County Commissioner Josh Nordstrom, who represents Pocomoke.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

counselors, food service workers and school resource officer, provided canned goods to families as well as hot meals.

“The commitment and spirit of this team in the summer heat and the cold of winter, through the wind and the rain, is truly special and a rare thing to find,” Nordstrom wrote when nominating the food bank for the award.

Superintendent Lou Taylor thanked those directly involved with the food pantry as well as the community partners that supported it financially. He said the county had provided $235,000 toward the effort.

“It does take money,” he said. “Yes it takes volunteerism but we’ve got to have something behind it so we can get the job done.”

The superintendent encouraged Pocomoke Middle’s students, most of whom were watching the presentation via a Zoom broadcast, to consider volunteering in the future.

“Yes, you have to make a living someday, yes you have to pay your bills, but giving back your time and energy is probably more important than anything you’ll do in life,” he said. “That’s what sustains us as human beings, being ab-

Page 29

le to give back to those less fortunate than us.”

Nordstrom, a graduate of Pocomoke’s schools, told students they were lucky to have the immense support educators and school staff provided the community. He said that while students might not think of cafeteria staff beyond seeing them serving kids’ lunches, that wasn’t all they did. Students didn’t see them report to schools, despite rising COVID-19 numbers last year, to ensure those in need had food to feed their families.

“They took time away from their families sometimes and they put themselves at risk, because we’re still in the middle of a pandemic,” Nordstrom said.

“They came here and we did the work together, as a community, to help the people in our community.”

Nordstrom also expressed appreciation for the Maryland Food Bank, local churches and the Pocomoke Elks Lodge for supporting the school’s food pantry.

“We continue to feed hundreds of people in our community, right here in Pocomoke, every single week,” Nordstrom said. “I felt strongly working with these people that all of these dedicated educators, the dedicated support staff, they deserve to be recognized for the things they did day in and day out, not just to help you guys and help us but all of Pocomoke, this entire community.”

Page 30

Mostly Positive Reports Heard At Delmarva Economic Forecast

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN CITY – As COVID-19 recovery efforts continue, business leaders say they are optimistic about the future of the local economy.

On Wednesday, regional economists, economic development directors and business leaders gathered at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center for the 33rd Annual Southern Delmarva Economic Forecast.

The event – presented by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and the Business, Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University – featured an analysis of challenges facing the regional, national and global economy, as well as discussions on local issues, initiatives and opportunities.

BEACON Director Dr. Memo Diriker said despite recent events, a recent forecast of economic activity highlighted the community’s confidence.

“Hope was the word that was used the most to describe the economy,” he said, “and enthusiasm was the second.”

In his presentation this week, Salisbury University economics professor Dr. Dustin Chambers noted improvements in U.S. unemployment statistics and sharp rebounds in most sectors of the economy. But he said more people are voluntarily withdrawing from the labor force.

“We saw this during the housing crisis as well,” he said. “Policymakers extended unemployment benefits, which at the outset seemed like a compassionate thing to do. But as the economy recovers, it’s ill advised to continue with aggressive unemployment benefits moving forward, as it creates a disincentive, to not reenter the labor force.”

Chambers added that increased savings and lower mortgage rates were also fueling a national housing boom.

In Worcester and Wicomico counties, he said, the market has steadily improved since the Great Recession.

“You can see there has been a recovery since that time,” he said, “and the market seems to be on fire.”

Officials told attendees this week the pandemic had a significant impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors in 2020. However, they projected a rebound in car travel to benefit the resort economy.

“If you can’t fly to go off on a vacation, you are most likely to drive,” Chambers said. “And an area like Ocean City, near so many population centers, it would be an attractive alternative to say flying to Europe or across the United States.”

Melanie Pursel, tourism and eco-

BEACON Director Dr. Memo Diriker is pictured speaking during this week’s economic forecast event as Dr. Dustin Chambers of Salisbury University looks on.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

nomic development director for Worcester County, said the local tourism and hospitality industry took the biggest hit during the pandemic. She noted that lodgings were down 17% and restaurants were down 12.6% from July to December 2020.

Pursel also highlighted efforts to address local labor shortages.

“We know it is a national issue, but here it is a paralyzing issue,” she said.

“We are very concerned.”

Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development Executive Director Dave Ryan agreed.

“The demand for talent and trying to attract talent to your organization is as great today as it’s ever been,” he said.

In Wicomico, Ryan said $12.7 million in federal assistance was distributed to roughly 1,200 businesses in the last year. And while some businesses have suffered during the pandemic, others have prospered.

“Residential construction is driving a lot of the economy today in Wicomico County,” he added. “It’s something we haven’t seen in years – a decade, 15 years, since the Great Recession.”

Sussex County Economic Development Director Bill Pfaff said his county has also seen growth in residential and commercial construction. He said between July 2020 and June 2021, Sussex is projected to issue more than 12,000 building permits.

“From a growth standpoint, we have not missed a beat during COVID,” he said.

On Wednesday, economic development directors from six counties highlighted ongoing initiatives to attract and retain businesses and improve quality of life for citizens. Business leaders were also on hand to discuss broadband and wind energy development, agriculture, health and hospitality.

Following the economic forecast, the Lower Shore legislative delegation met to answer questions regarding the 2021 General Assembly session.

Ocean City Taxi Medallion System Could See Overhaul 63 Companies Did Not Pay Fees Last Year

April 30, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An overhaul of the entire resort taxi cab medallion system could be in the offing after issues with the industry were raised.

In 2010, Ocean City adopted a taxi medallion system in an attempt to better regulate the town’s cab industry and as a means to generate revenue. The intent was to limit the number of cabs that operate exclusively on the island, eliminate rogue cab companies from other areas that showed up during peak times and add stronger regulations including inspections in the interest of public safety.

At the peak of the system, there were 175 town-issued taxi medallions on the streets in town. Now, the number has dwindled to 106, largely because of changes in the industry and the proliferation of ride-share platforms such as Uber and Lyft, for example.

During an Ocean City Police Commission meeting last week, it was learned a letter was erroneously sent to all medallion holders that the inspection fees for 2020 had been waived because no inspections took place because of COVID restrictions. It was reported 43 of the 106 taxi companies did pay their medallion and business license fees last year, but the remainder did not. Now, a second letter is going out informing those who did not pay last year will now have to pay for 2020 and 2021.

In addition, another issue raised during the police commission meeting last week and revisited during a Mayor and Council meeting dealt with the fee for transferring a medallion from one operator to another. The transfer fee used to be a percentage of the original cost of the medallion, but the town has since lowered the transfer fee as the medallions have become less valuable under the challenges of Uber and Lyft, for example. Councilman John Gehrig said under the current circumstances, the entire medallion system might need an overhaul.

“The entire business has changed since we started this,” he said. “Some of these medallions are practically being given away. When we started this, the medallions were worth something. I’m fine with revisiting the entire medallion system.”

Councilman Lloyd Martin agreed.

“It has changed,” he said. “It was the wild, wild west out there for a long time, then we took these steps to make it run more like a business with licenses and inspections. Then Uber came along. The goal of this was to make the taxi business more stabilized and modernized.”

Responding to a question about how many of the 63 medallion holders who didn’t pay the fees last year drove any-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 31

mer,” he said.

Gehrig said it was a little onerous to charge medallion holders for both 2020 and 2021 if there were no inspections last year because of COVID and many didn’t operate anyway.

“If they didn’t operate, charging them for two years of fees seems a little stiff,” he said.

Blondee’s Express

way, Council President Matt James said most likely did. Those who didn’t pay had the option to turn in their medallions

for a six-month hiatus.

“If they didn’t turn their medallions in, the assumption is they drove all sum-

www.blondee-express.com

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Page 32

Fenwick Police Add Body Cameras

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

FENWICK ISLAND – As talk of mandatory body camera use grows, Fenwick Island’s police chief says his department is taking steps to prepare.

In a meeting of the Fenwick Island Town Council last Friday, officials presented an update on police WatchGuard body cameras.

“We’re going to see, going forward, lots of changes through state legislation being made at the police department,” Town Manager Terry Tieman told council members. “In fact, we all received a memo earlier today saying that body cameras are probably going to become mandatory.”

Police Chief John Devlin highlighted recent discussions about the mandatory use of police body cameras. He argued the cameras could be beneficial not only for citizens, but for police officers as well.

“I think they’re a really good asset, and it cuts down on officer complaints, some of them frivolous …,” he said. “It’s more transparent and everyone can see what’s going on.”

Devlin told council members last week there had been a recommendation to mandate the use of police body cameras across the state. He said his department had already purchased four cameras in preparation for that scenario.

April 30, 2021

“We knew this, going down the road,” he said. “So I obtained between $25,000 and $27,000 worth of equipment through grants, so we’re ahead of the curve.”

Devlin said the police department had purchased four body cameras, a server and an upload system to make video transfers seamless.

“Currently, I’ve purchased four body cameras,” he said. “That’s enough for officers who are going to be on the road at one time. When this other funding comes in I plan on getting eight body cameras, so each officer will have their own camera.”

Devlin noted the purchased equipment would be installed and in use by Memorial Day. “We’ll be up and running before the season this year,” he said.

Councilman Bill Weistling asked if the town would have access to body camera footage.

“Will the town be able to keep a record of these on file or does this go directly to the state?” he said. “And how long do these records remain in the system?”

Devlin said it was still a matter for the state to decide.

“They’re still trying to work out that part of it, that’s why I got the server for now,” he said. “We’re not sure. They haven’t figured out the parameters of how long and where it’s going to be stored.”

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Community Rallies To Fund Kiln To enrich art program

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Students at Buckingham Elementary School will soon have access to a kiln thanks to the efforts of the school’s PTA. After a PTA-led fundraising effort last year, Buckingham Elementary School has now added a kiln to its art program.

Installation of the kiln, purchased primarily with donations from Berlin’s Arts and Entertainment Committee and the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, is currently being finalized. Melissa Reid, the

school’s art teacher, says the kiln will give kids the chance to use real pottery clay.

“It’s going to provide kids with a chance to express themselves,” Reid said.

In the past, Reid has given kids airdry clay for projects. While students enjoy the chance to shape the clay, it can’t be fired and their creations aren’t very durable. When the school worked with an artist in residence on a tile mural a few years ago, Reid realized how beneficial a kiln could be. Though kids created pieces for the mural, those pieces

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had to be taken to Berlin Intermediate School’s kiln so they could be fired and installed on the school wall. Aside from the inconvenience, Reid said the experience showed kids how much more was possible with clay that could be fired.

“It really gave the kids an appreciation for real pottery clay, what it can do,” Reid said.

Buckingham’s PTA, which tries to support the school and its programs however it can, developed a plan to raise $6,000 to buy a kiln. Though the pandemic interrupted the effort, the PTA was able to raise the money through donations from the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Committee and the Optimist Club.

Reid said the pandemic actually highlighted the value of the kiln, as it will allow kids to explore art, something that has provided solace and self-expression for many during a technology-heavy time.

“It’s so tactile,” she said.

Though it starts out as what looks like a lump of mud, after being shaped and fired the clay becomes something completely different.

“It’s transformed so dramatically,” Reid said. “It’s wonderful for children to see that change.”

Jeff Smith, president of Buckingham’s PTA, said the organization was happy to help. Along with supporting stand-alone projects like this one, the

PTA also works on annual efforts. The group raises money to help buy Field Day shirts for students and raises money for initiatives during Teacher Appreciation Week.

“We have a small but active PTA,” he said.

Smith added that the group, which also advocates on behalf of parents when they have concerns, welcomed new members.

“PTA works best when it’s a collective voice,” he said. “The more people in it the stronger PTA can be.”

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Ferrantes Taking Charitable Approach For Month-Long 25th Anniversary Celebration

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

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Park Place Jewelers owners Todd and Jill Ferrante are pictured inside their expansive 4,100-square-foot location in West Ocean City that opened in 2018.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

WEST OCEAN CITY – The owners of a local jewelry store are celebrating 25 years of business with a month-long giving event.

Throughout the month of May, Park Place Jewelers will celebrate its 25th anniversary by donating a portion of its sales to four local charities – Believe In Tomorrow, the Worcester County Education Foundation, Atlantic General Hospital and the Rebecca and Leighton Moore Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit.

Owners Todd and Jill Ferrante say it is a small way to give back to the community that has supported their business for two-and-a-half decades.

“The community and the vacationers have allowed us to stay in business and serve them for 25 years, so we’re donating back a portion of all sales to four charities throughout the month of May,” Todd Ferrante said.

“We always believe in giving back. It’s been our mantra.”

Serving the community since 1996, Park Place Jewelers boasts two retail locations, an extensive collection of diamonds and jewelry, unique pieces and exceptional customer service. Reflecting on 25 years of business, the Ferrantes say it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of life-long customers, administrative staff and trained sales associates.

“There are a lot of people to thank for us being here this long,” Todd Ferrante said. “We just want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years.”

The Ferrantes’ bustling business began in May of 1996, when Todd Ferrante opened his first jewelry store – Michael’s Fine Jewelers – on the Boardwalk.

Three years later, he opened Park Place Jewelers at its current Boardwalk location between 2nd and 3rd streets.

But with an opportunity to expand their business into West Ocean City, Ferrante said Michael’s closed its Boardwalk storefront and moved to the outlet mall in 1999, adopting the Park Place Jewelers name.

“I saw the market expanding to West Ocean City …

,” he said. “It was becoming a heavily residential neighborhood.”

For 10 years, Park Place Jewelers occupied a 1,200-square-foot showroom at the outlets. And in 2009, the business moved to a new location at the White Marlin Mall.

But the Ferrantes had bigger plans in mind. In 2013, they settled on a piece of property along Route 50 eastbound. And in 2016 construction began on the Park Place Plaza, a multi-use development with 4,100 square feet of showroom space at the center of the building. The plaza is now home to its popular namesake jewelry store, Dolle’s, Bank of Delmarva and Tequila Mockingbird.

“We got to design every aspect of the store,” Jill Ferrante said. “There was a lot of planning with the architect – the vaulted ceilings, the chandeliers, the curved showcases. That was really a wonderful aspect, to put our touch on something.”

With two locations, a large selection of jewelry and engagement rings, and services that include repairs and custom designs, the Ferrantes say they bring a first-class operation to the Eastern Shore. They noted that customers can find the latest trends in jewelry and items for all price points and occasions.

“You are celebrating special moments in people’s lives …,” Jill Ferrante said. “They aren’t just someone who comes in, and you serve them. We’re here for making memories, for making lifetime customers.”

The owners encouraged people to visit Park Place Jewelers at any of its two locations and celebrate the store’s 25th anniversary throughout the month of May. Donations to the four local charities will be presented after the month of May. “It’s always been my thought that if you live in a community, you have to do whatever you can to support it,” Todd Ferrante said. “The more support you give to your community, the better the community will be.”

Park Place Jewelers is open seven days a week at both locations. For more information, visit parkplacejewelers.com.

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Page 36

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

Page 38

Obituaries

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

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

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

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

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

Wayne H. Cannon OCEAN CITY – Wayne Herbert Cannon (April 11, 1949-April 19, 2021), a popular disc jockey and dedicated member of the Ocean City community, passed away on April 19, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin after a brief battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was 72.

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

Mr. Cannon was raised in Delmar. He received a professional degree from the Career Academy of Broadcasting in Washington, DC in 1968. He then served as a medic in the Army, stationed in Germany, from 1969 to 1972. Upon returning to the States, he moved to Ocean City and began his career in radio, which in time led him to become the “voice” of Ocean City. Through the years he worked for WETT AM/WWTR FM “96 Rock” and WSEA AM/WZBH FM, before joining WGMD FM in 1993, where he remained for 20 years before retiring from radio in 2013. Wayne also served as WBAL Baltimore’s “Man in the Sand,” providing weekly insights on the goingson in Ocean City for Baltimore residents looking to head “down the ocean” for a week at the beach. Simultaneous with his radio career, for 20 years Mr. Cannon produced and hosted the cable access show “This Week in Ocean City,” which provided an interview forum for “movers and shakers” of the Eastern

Shore community.

Known locally as the “Mayor of West Ocean City,” he was the Master of Ceremonies for the Berlin Christmas Parade, O.C. St. Patrick’s Day Parade, O.C. Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim, local Epilepsy Telethon, and numerous other local events. He was Ocean City Citizen of the Year in 2004, Past President of the Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the O.C. Paramedics Foundation, a member of the O.C. Lions Club, where he mentored the O.C. Leo Club based at Stephen Decatur High School, and member and past Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City, to name a few.

Wayne’s many honorifics include the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year” award in 2004, the Grant-a-Wish Foundation’s “Humanitarian of the Year” award in 1996, a commendation from the State of Delaware House of Representatives for “Outstanding Public Service through Broadcasting” in 1996, the Ocean City Elks Lodge “Citizen of the Year” award in 1998, and the Ocean City Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services – the highest award offered by the Lions Club International.

It will be hard to fill the shoes of this man who willingly donated so much of his time and energy to the town and surrounding areas that he loved. A true family man, Wayne’s love of and devotion to his family surpassed even his dedication to Ocean City. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

In tribute to Wayne’s legacy of service, mentorship, and dedication to the craft of radio, his family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Radio, Television, and Digital News Association’s Scholarship and Fellowship program, either online at https://rtdna.networkforgood.com/ projects/129443-in-memory-of-waynecannon or mailed to RTDNA, Attn: Scholarships and Fellowships The National Press Building 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 1240, Washington, D.C. 20045 Alternatively, in honor of the many furry friends who enhanced Wayne’s life, donations can be made to the Worcester County Humane Society, either online at worcestercountyhumanesociety.org or mailed to Worcester County Humane Society, in memory of Wayne Cannon, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, Md. 21811.

A celebration of life will be held on May 8, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Holy Savior Catholic Church on 17th Street in Ocean City. Social distancing protocols will be in place. A live stream of the service will be available online on the Holy Savior Facebook page. Visitation will be held the evening prior, May 7, at Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin from 5-7 p.m. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Robert Samuel Dicken BERLIN – Robert Samuel Dicken, age 89, died Friday, April 23, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Born in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Werner Dicken and Viola DeLuca Dicken. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Dicken, in 2008.

He is survived by his children, Theodore Dicken and his wife Stephanie of Bishopville, Anthony Dicken and his wife Joy Snyder of Ocean City, Mary Ann Ottenberg and her husband Jeffery of Potomac Falls, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his sons, Patrick Burke Dicken and Michael Werner Dicken, ROBERT SAMUEL and a brother, Werner DICKEN Dicken. Also surviving is a daughter-in-law, Susan Dicken in Ocean City; five grandchildren, Robert Neal, Burke Michael, Michaela Ann, Ashley Elizabeth, Michael Patrick; and five great-grandchildren.

Robert was a graduate of Fort Hill High School in Cumberland. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran having served in Korea and retired from the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company. He was a member of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City and a loyal Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals fan. He also enjoyed golfing. He loved boating and fishing, especially when it was time spent with family.

A mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Holy Savior Catholic Church on 17th Street, Philadelphia Avenue in Ocean City. Reverend John Solomon officiated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Savior Catholic Church 1701 Philadelphia Avenue Ocean City, Md. 21842. Condolences may be sent the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Rose Dolores Felty OCEAN CITY – Rose Dolores Felty, age 88, of Ocean City, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

She was born on July 28, 1932 in Lebanon, Pa. She was one of 16 children born to the late Howard H. Arnold, Sr. and late Mabel E. (Alwein) Arnold.

ROSE She is survived by DOLORES FELTY her daughter, Tina Preziotti and her partner Raymond Kudobeck; son, Bryan Felty and his wife Sandra; granddaughter Angela Ortt and her husband Matthew; grandsons Jonathan and Justin Pirrone; and greatgrandsons, Kaden and Grayson Ortt.

She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Arnold and his wife Margaret, and her sister, Anna (Sister Agnes Leona),

Obituaries cost $50 to appear in The Dispatch and photos are no extra charge.

Direct all inquiries to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com, fax to 410-641-0966 or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.

April 30, 2021 as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Richard W. Felty Jr.; her grandson William Riedel; five brothers; and eight sisters.

Rose worshiped at St. Mary Star of the Sea/Holy Savior Catholic Church in Ocean City. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #166 and a member of the Ladies of the Elks, Lodge 2332.

After a long and successful 30-year career, she retired from the federal government. To keep busy she continued working “fun jobs” until she relocated to Ocean City. She was a volunteer for 16 years at the Atlantic General Thrift Shop.

She always lived life to its fullest spending her days surrounded by family and friends doing the things she enjoyed such as her porch parties, swimming with her great-grandsons, enjoying crabs, playing slot machines and caring for her dog Lexi.

A celebration of life will be held on May 16 at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Post #166 in Ocean City. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, 2604 Old Ocean City Road, Salisbury, Md. 21804.

Arrangements are private and in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home.

Condolences may be made via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com

Dale Edward Brady OCEAN CITY – On Saturday April 24, 2021, Dale Edward Brady, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 71.

Dale was born on Aug. 13, 1949 in Fairmont, W.Va. to John Copsey Brady and Ruth Gyda Jenkins.

He married the love of his life, Victoria Lee (Dennis) Brady, on Oct. 5, 1968.

Together they raised two sons.

He is survived by his loving wife, Victoria, and their children, William Edward and wife Penny and Don Robert and wife Jill. He was lovingly known as Pawpaw to his grandchildren Cherrelle DALE EDWARD (Chris), Jacob (ShanBRADY non), Jessica, Julia, Kayla and Jack, and great grandchildren Emmalyn, Gabrielle, Caroline and Carter. He is also survived by his siblings, John Richard Brady (Nancy), Elaine Ruth Wright (Ed), Karl Seymour Brady (Stephanie) and Joan Copsey BradyRios (Augie); his step siblings Janet Low (Mike), Mark MacDonald (Joy), Michael MacDonald and Lynda Filbert (Dick); and many nieces and nephews.

Dale worked 40 years for Montgomery County Public Schools as an auto mechanics supervisor. He was a proud member of the Ocean City Jeep Club and Bikers Without Borders Foundation.

He was an Eagle Scout, enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. His mechanical inclination could be seen in all aspects of his life, not only when working on vehicles, but also in his ability to engineer solutions throughout all trades such as carpentry, plumbing and electrical. Dale was a man of few words but his actions more than made up for it. His quick wit, selflessness, SEE PAGE 40

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

. . Obituaries

Page 40

FROM PAGE 38 kindness, patience and integrity will have an everlasting effect on his wife, family and friends.

Dale was a beloved husband, father, Pawpaw, brother, uncle, friend and our Hero. The family would like to invite you to a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 16 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Windmill Creek Winery, 11206 Worcester Highway, Berlin, Md. 21811. Pastor Bob Miller will share some words of encouragement followed by local musicians Opposite Directions. The family will provide water and Dale’s favorite beer. Windmill

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Creek will have food and wine available for purchase should you like to extend your celebration. Limited chairs will be provided so please consider bringing your own lawn chair.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dale’s memory to The Believe in Tomorrow House by the Sea, Children’s Foundation (Beach Respite Homes, Ocean City Area) https://believeintomorrow.org/programs/by-thesea. Letters of condolences may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com

Stephanie Christine Smith OCEAN CITY – Stephanie Christine (McClarren) Smith, age 50, passed away April 24, 2021 peacefully in her home where she lived with her fiancé,

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Stephanie was born June 1, 1970 to Robert McClarren and Cecelia (Lannak) Edwards in Baltimore. She is preceded in her death by her mother, Cecelia Edwards; stepfather, Gary Edwards; and her beloved grandparents, Blanche and Leonard Lannak. Stephanie is survived by her two daughters, Christina McClarren and Sarah Dwyer; fiancé, James Percy; STEPHANIE her younger brother and CHRISTINE sister-in-law, Eric and SMITH Dana McClarren; nephew Logan McClarren; and niece, Katie McCauley and her children. She is also survived by her fiancé’s immediate and extended family including his three children and grandchildren, and his mother; and many more extended family members and close friends.

Stephanie was adored by many in Ocean City. Those who knew her knew that she was kind, friendly and free spirited. She was also known for her good cooking. She had graduated from culinary school in May of 2020 with dreams of opening her own restaurant. When Stephanie was not cooking, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and watching T.V. She enjoyed being at the beach and thrived off the summer weather. She will be missed by the Ocean City community.

Stephanie opted to forgo funeral services or memorial services, and the family is asking that in lieu of flowers and cards, a donation can be made to Coastal Hospice P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury,

April 30, 2021 Md. 21804.

George P. Broderick FRANKFORD, Del. – On Sunday, April 25, 2021 George P. Broderick, Jr., age 72, of Frankford, Del., formerly of Bethesda, Md., passed away.

He was the beloved husband of Shirley Broderick; mother, Ruth Broderick; four daughters; a stepdaughter and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, George P. Broderick, Sr. George worked with Asbestos Workers Local 24 and National InstiGEORGE P. tutes of Health where he BRODERICK retired in 2000. George was a member of American Legion and the Elks Lodge. He was a Washington Nationals and Redskins fan and enjoyed playing golf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Del. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Del. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols will be observed and masks are required for all of those in attendance. The service will also be live streamed by visiting www.facebook.com/stannbb In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in George’s name to the Beebe Medical Foundation directed to the Intensive Care Unit, 902 Savannah Rd., Lewes, Del. 19958.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

Spartan Race May Return To Resort As Two-Day Event

Page 42

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The popular Spartan obstacle race held in the downtown area in 2019 is returning this fall, but the challenge now is how to make it a two-day event.

For the first time ever, Spartan, a Boston-based company that produces high-intensity obstacle course races all over the country and throughout the world, brought its sprint-style competition in October 2019. It was set to return last year, but was canceled because of COVID restrictions.

The Spartan obstacle course event included a festival village at the Inlet parking lot with tents featuring food, music and vendors. The race itself took place largely on the Boardwalk, beach areas and side streets in the downtown area with all manner of obstacles to overcome. Over 3,000 racers competed in the event, which included obstacles such as cargo nets, walls to traverse, rope climbs, monkey bars, water hazards, atlas carries, spear throws, sandbag carries and many others. Spartan produces similar events all over the country with different courses and vary-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ing degrees of difficulty, It was difficult to quantify how many of the competitors and their friends and families stayed over night or made a weekend out of the event. Many from large metropolitan areas relatively nearby likely made it a day trip while others stayed over the night before the race or the night after. During a Tourism Commission meeting on Monday, Mayor Rick Meehan asked if there was any effort to expand the popular event.

“What do we need to do to make this a two-day event?” he said. “The goal is to get people to stay after.”

Special Events Director Frank Miller said that would likely depend on the event’s continued popularity. During the 2019 race in Ocean City, over 3,000 participated and went off in waves of 150 every 15 minutes. If the number of registered racers exceeded the available start times, the race could be expanded to two days.

“It will take some time for it to grow,” he said. “If they get enough registrations, they will make it a two-day event.”

Worcester County’s Director of Recreation and Parks, Tourism and Economic Development Tom Perlozzo said he has had discussions with Spartan’s

April 30, 2021

new leadership.

“I’ve met with them and we’re trying to get their interest in making it two days,” he said. “It’s worth a conversation with Spartan. My thought process is how we can make it even longer than two days.”

Miller agreed the new leadership

might be responsive to expanding the event.

“They’re fitting their model into a unique venue,” he said. “They were resistant to change, but they have new leadership so there may be an opportunity there.”

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

Last Friday morning, OCPD detectives executed the three search warrants after observing Hudson driving his vehicle. The search resulted in the seizure of roughly one ounce of cocaine, one-third of a pound of marijuana and nearly $13,000 in cash. As a result, Hudson was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a schedule I controlled dangerous substance.

Hudson was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered to be held on a $10,000 bond. Also arrested was Hudson’s roommate, identified as Erika Pletcher, 25, of Ocean City. Pletcher was charged with possession of CDS-not marijuana. She was seen by a District Court Commissioner and released on personal recognizance.

On April 14, an OCPD officer authored three search and seizure warrants, which were signed by a District Court judge.

Around 12:25 a.m. last Friday, the OCPD officer who authored the warrants observed Hudson driving a Ford Escape and requested other OCPD officers stop the vehicle and detain Hudson, who was issued the warrants.

During a search of Hudson’s person, OCPD officers located eight bags of suspected powder cocaine, according to police reports. During a search of the vehicle, OCPD officers reportedly located another glassine bag of suspected powder cocaine on the driver’s side floor.

After searching Hudson and the vehicle, OCPD officers responded to the residence on Bayshore Drive and located more bags of suspected powder cocaine.

The cocaine was located in a bedroom in a gym bag containing men’s clothing and a document with Hudson’s name on it.

In a backpack found on a couch in the living room, OCPD officers located roughly one-third of a pound of marijuana.

The backpack also contained a large amount of U.S. currency, according to police reports.

Two Arrested After OC Drug Probe

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Following a monthslong investigation, Ocean City police officers last week arrested two local individuals for allegedly dealing narcotics in the resort.

During the month of February, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Narcotics Unit initiated a controlled dangerous substance investigation into the alleged dealing of Brandon Hudson, 32, of Snow Hill, who was reportedly selling cocaine at various local bars in Ocean City and from his residence. Based on the three-month investigation, OCPD detectives obtained search warrants for Hudson’s person, vehicle and residence in Ocean City.

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Capital Reserve Account Approved

April 30, 2021

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With an eye on creating a funding mechanism for certain pay-as-you-go projects, resort officials signed off on a proposal to create a capital reserve account.

During recent capital improvement plan (CIP) discussions, the concept of creating a capital reserve fund was pitched by town staffers. Many of the projects in the CIP are pay-as-you-go projects paid for through general fund contributions, while other larger capital projects are bonded.

However, some projects are ongoing and paid for through the general fund each year such as street paving and canal dredging, for example. In addition, there are occasions when emergency projects need funding outside of the parameters of the general fund budget.

To that end, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp and City Engineer Terry McGean pitched the idea to the Mayor and Council to create of capital reserve account for those types of projects.

The plan calls for a first-year contribution to the capital reserve fund from the general fund of $3 million.

Another $1.5 million would contributed to the account annually in each year thereafter as part of the budget process. The plan also calls for main-

Berlin Farmers Market Returns

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

taining a minimum balance of $1 million at the end of each fiscal year. If the capital reserve account ever dipped below $1 million, the annual contribution from the general fund could increase.

The annual contribution to the capital reserve account would not occur if the unassigned general fund balance ever fell below the town’s stated policy of 15% of the total budget. However, it’s unlikely given the town’s unassigned fund balance is around 22% in the proposed fiscal year 2022 budget, even after transferring roughly $2.4 million to cover fiscal year 2021 shortcomings related to COVID. In order to qualify for funding from the capital reserve account, a project would have to have a relatively high monetary value at a minimum of $100,000, have an expected long life of at least five years and result in the creation of a town asset or the revitalization of a town asset. Knapp on Tuesday explained the reasoning behind creating the capital reserve account.

“What were trying set this up for is maintenance projects,” she said. “This is for street paving, bulkhead repairs, maintenance at Northside Park and projects like that.”

The council voted unanimously to approve the creation of the capital reserve account.

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – The Berlin Farmers Market will kick off its fourth season Sunday.

More than 30 vendors are expected to take part in this year’s market, which starts May 2 and will take place on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year, Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic.

“I’m really happy the State Highway Administration is allowing us to close Main Street,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

The Berlin Farmers Market, a produc-

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ers only market, runs May through September. Though the market was located on Pitts Street and Commerce Street last year, many attendees didn’t realize Main Street was not closed as they moved between vendor booths on the two side streets.

“People weren’t looking, weren’t paying attention,” she said.

With the street closed, there will be room for café tables and live music as well. Several downtown shops are also planning to open early and display their wares on the sidewalk during market hours. In addition, there will be grab-andgo art activities for children.

Page 44

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… WMO, City Council Ink MOU On August Marlin Fest Event

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FROM PAGE 4 ters in and around Harbour Island, but the actual number is just a fraction of that. Rowan said the WMO went to the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) for some support and relief from the exorbitant fees, but were denied.

For the record, TAB reviews proposed new special events and recommends financial support, typically for start-up events that bring people into the resort, to the Mayor and Council. Rowan said while TAB liked the concept, members withheld support because the WMO is an established event that happens during one of the busiest weeks of the summer.

“We’re asking for support from the council,” she said. “We applied through TAB, but they denied supporting the event. Their reasoning is it is already a busy week. We get that all the time. We believe it is a busy week in part because of the White Marlin Open.”

Because the planned event will be held at a recreation and parks facility, but it is also considered a special event, it doesn’t fit easily into the town’s existing fee structure for other special events.

For that reason, the WMO was seeking some relief, especially from the exorbitant $625 per vendor fee. Rowan said the WMO is expecting as many as 30 vendors at the 3rd Street venue.

“It’s a recreation and parks facility,” she said. “That’s why the vendor fees are so high. We can’t make any money with those fees. We want to have this event year after year, but it has to make financial sense. We’re looking at $25,000 in fees. That’s a big expense right off the top for the first-year event.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said he supported the Marlin Fest concept and hoped some common ground could be reached on the fees and in-kind services.

“It moves a lot of people out of Harbour Island,” he said. “The sticking part for me is waiving the vendor fees at $625. I’m a little surprised TAB turned this down. It is a busy week, but I think it’s busy because of the White Marlin Open.”

Rowan said the recreation and parks facility fee at around $2,800 for the week was fair, but sought relief from the vendor fees compared to other special events.

“There are different vendor fees for special events,” she said. “Because we’re under the recreation and parks umbrella, all of these other fees are added. We’re just asking to be treated like other special events. We feel like we’re in a gray area.”

Paddack suggested maybe some compromise on the fees could be reached for this year, and the recreation and parks committee could go back and review a new fee structure for the event going forward.

“Is it possible to get through this first year and maybe cut the vendor fees in half to $300?” he said. “Then we can go

April 30, 2021

back to the recreation and parks committee and maybe come up with some fee schedule because this is a unique event that doesn’t fit into our other formulas.”

Rowan said cutting the vendor fees in half for this year did not seem like a fair compromise in light of the fees charged to other special events.

“I don’t know why we would pay $300 per vendor when these other events pay a flat $75 vendor fee total no matter how many vendors they have,” she said.

Paddack made a motion to keep the recreation and parks facility fee the same at around $2,800, but set the vendor fees at the same $75 rate enjoyed by other special events. That motion ultimately died for lack of a second.

“It’s a great event,” he said. “It’s great for the town and our visitors. This is a next step in making it even bigger.”

While all agreed with the essence of Paddack’s motion, there was still the issue of the in-kind services to resolve.

Councilman John Gehrig said the town’s level of in-kind services, from trash removal to barricades to police and public works support and even electric service, was not necessarily changing, but rather was being redistributed between the two venues. Gehrig made a motion to keep the recreation and parks facility fee at $2,800, set the vendor fees at the $75 rate used for other special events and cap the town’s in-kind services at $25,000.

“I think we provide the same level of in-kind services we always have,” he said. “We just shift the resources to the different venues as necessary.”

Councilman Tony DeLuca said it might be premature to approve the MOU when the level of the town’s in-kind services contribution was such a moving target.

“We’re making motions when we don’t even know what the numbers are,” he said. “Are we talking about $50,000 in in-kind services or $25,000? I think we need to pin those numbers down and maybe bring this back on Monday.”

Special Events Director Frank Miller said Marlin Fest was unique because it didn’t fit easily into the town’s other special events structure.

“We’re stuck between two processes,” he said. “It’s a recreation and parks facility, but this is treated like a special event.”

Councilman Peter Buas came up with language that could make approving the MOU palatable in terms of the in-kind services number such as “in-kind services will be consistent with what we have provided in the past.” In that way, the special event team can work with the WMO to determine what exactly will be needed in terms of trash removal, barricades and fencing and even the Sunfest arch, which will be used as an entry point to Marlin Fest.

With that language added to Gehrig’s motion, the council voted 6-0 to approve the MOU with Councilman Lloyd Martin absent.

County Officials Talk Agritourism

April 30, 2021

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners are expected to discuss zoning and agritourism at a work session next week.

The commissioners last week agreed to make a text amendment that would pave the way for more agritourism in Worcester County the subject of an upcoming work session. Though proposed by staff as a way to help the local economy, the text amendment drew criticism from several commissioners concerned about its broad scope.

“I read this three times because I couldn’t believe all the things that were allowed to take place,” Commissioner Diana Purnell said.

Ed Tudor, the county’s director of development review and permitting, presented the commissioners last week with draft agritourism regulations developed with input from a consultant and the county’s economic development team. The new draft definition of agritourism includes uses previously permitted but also includes camping, children’s day camps and live entertainment, among other things.

“In addition, in the current code provisions for wineries and special events on a farm are special exception uses but are now proposed to be accessory uses no longer subject to Board of Zoning Appeals approval,” Tudor wrote in his report to the commissioners. “In order to facilitate an expedited approval process, we have eliminated all access and traffic circulation, parking, off-street loading, landscaping and buffering, exterior lighting and site plan approval requirements and greatly reduced lot requirements.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting was quick to question the impact new regulations would have on farmers. He said there were some people with farms that could be good for tourism uses but that he didn’t want to see working farms negatively impacted. He said he envisioned problems if a farmer was trying to harvest crops adjacent to a parcel zoned agricultural that was instead being used as a concert venue.

“It’s so broad,” he said of the regulations. “We’re going to destroy our agriculture.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked why the changes were being proposed.

Tudor explained they came as a result of a meeting with Worcester County Economic Development and Grow & Fortify’s Kevin Atticks.

“This is opening up the floodgates,” Bertino said.

Tom Perlozzo, the county’s director of recreation and parks, tourism and economic development, said the changes were meant to have a positive impact on the county.

“This is our department looking at ways we can develop the economy in the southern half of Worcester County,”

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

he said.

Bertino said changes such as those proposed were usually brought up by property owners, not outside consultants.

“This is basically throwing everything out the way it’s currently written, that we’ll just allow anything to happen on these farms, because the consultant thinks it’s a good idea,” he said. “We are not hearing from the property owners.”

Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins said the county had received complaints from property owners because they found the current zoning regulations didn’t allow some activities.

“Anything we can do to help our farmers we need to do,” Commissioner Ted Elder said. “I think this bill needs a little bit of cleaning up.”

Several commissioners said they wanted to discuss the proposed changes in a work session.

“It’s a great economic driver, it could be, for the entire county, especially the southern end,” Commissioner Josh Nordstrom said. “We’ll figure it out and make it work.”

A motion from Commissioner Bud Church to set a work session for May 4 passed 6-1, with Bunting opposed.

“This isn’t rocket science,” Church said. “I don’t understand why we’re not going to make a move on this today.”

Page 45

Page 46

Students

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021

In The News

Fifth grade students at Berlin Intermediate School have been learning about the importance of Conserving the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Students will create a service learning proposal where they partner with a nonprofit organization in order to conserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. On Earth Day, Susan Cropper’s class did their part by picking up trash around the school yard.

Pictured are Wyatt Scrimgeour, Emma Vandiver, Brooks McCready, Cole McCarty, Lindsey Reed, Matthew Redden, Jonah Devito, Maggie Tucker, Bianca Monticello and Elliot Lewandowski.

Submitted Photos

First grade students at Ocean City Elementary celebrated Earth Day on April 22. They learned about different ways they can care for the earth and created models of the earth using a coffee filter and markers. Pictured are Avah Black, left, and Logan Cantwell.

Ocean City Elementary students enjoyed celebrating Disney Spirit Day on April 16. Enjoying lunch and a mask break are Olivia Reddick, left, and Jillian Strawley.

Worcester Prep faculty and students wore Stay Positive T-shirts to school one day in support of two WPS freshmen who created a website about spreading positivity. Brothers Dylan and Hunter Simons are co-founders of a motivational new website, www.onlypositivestories.com. The boys developed the concept to inspire the global community to share uplifting stories by encouraging people to focus on the positive and making a difference. Their optimism is even more compelling given they were once orphans in Siberia, Russia who were adopted at two years old by Dr. Richard and Sharon Simons. After reading about their family’s incredible journey of trials, tribulations and determination to navigate international adoption on their website, it is no surprise the boys wanted to share their experience of positivity with the world. To enhance their Only Positive Stories mission, the scholar-athletes launched a coordinating FIND YOUR STRONG (in you) merchandise line to not only think positive but to also wear positive, from athletic teams to academics. The merchandise is available on the website and a portion of the proceeds are donated to local animal charities. Above, from left, are WPS Head of School Dr. John McDonald, Hunter and Dylan Simons and technology teacher Nancy Raskauskas, who has been a guiding force helping the boys in their mission.

Pictured below are middle school teachers Jon Adkins, ninth grader Dylan Simons, Head of Middle School Megan Wallace, Susan Godwin, Allison Bescak, ninth grader Lebby Becker, Lindsey MacWha, ninth grader Hunter Simons, Elaine Burg and Mandy Carmean.

Bottom, classmate volunteers helping the Simons brothers promote their mission are Moorea Phillips, Hunter and Dylan Simons, Arnav Sehgal and Lebby Becker.

Rescued Seal Released After Successful Rehab

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 47

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

ASSATEAGUE – For the second time this month, a seal rescued from local beaches this winter and rehabbed at the National Aquarium in Baltimore was released back into the wild from Assateague State Park.

On March 2, a harp seal, now known affectionately as Stuart Little, in keeping with the National Aquarium Animal Care and Rescue Center’s theme this year of naming rescued marine animals after beloved children’s books, was rescued from the beach in Ocean City. Last Friday, after weeks of rehabilitation at the National Aquarium, Stuart Little was released back into the ocean from the beach at Assateague State Park.

Upon arrival at the National Aquarium Animal Care and Rescue Center, Stuart Little was treated with fluids and later for several parasitic infections, which are common in harp seals. During his time at rehab, Stuart Little became not so little, unlike his children’s book namesake.

While he came to the aquarium malnourished, he tipped the scales at 70 pounds and measured 48 inches in length before he was released at Assateague last Friday. He became a voracious eater during rehab, often consuming his entire meal under water before coming up for a breath of air. Stuart Little also showed a passion for rolling around on ice during his stint at rehab at the aquarium.

“Harp seals are considered ice seals, which means they typically spend most of their time on ice floes or in areas with plenty of ice covering,” said National Aquarium Animal Rescue Director Jennifer Dittmar. “Therefore, it’s no surprise Stuart’s favorite enrichment activity was eating and rolling around in ice.”

With his rehab completed, Stuart Little was deemed ready to be released back into the sea. When aquarium staffers opened his crate, Stuart Little made his way across the beach and entered the ocean before swimming away. As E.B. White, who wrote the book Stuart Little put it best, “but the sky was bright, and somehow he felt he was headed in the right direction.”

The National Aquarium recently admitted its third seal patient of the season, a juvenile grey seal, now named Tom Sawyer, which was rescued from the beach in neighboring Delaware in cooperation with the Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation (MERR).

Tom Sawyer is currently in critical condition and is being treated for several ailments including bite wounds and a parasitic respiratory infection by the Animal Health and Rescue Team.

After six weeks of rehabilitation, this harp seal is pictured getting a taste of freedom last Friday.

Photo by Theresa Keil of the National Aquarium

The Dispatch

Page 48

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

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

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

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BUSINESS OFFICE Bookkeeper/Classifieds Manager classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

AGH’s Evolution Of Serving During Pandemic The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

HOW WE SEE IT

(Editor’s Note: Atlantic General Hospital and Health System issued a recap this week on its COVID-19 response while also looking forward. We thought it was worthy of sharing in its entirety.)

For more than 13 months, Atlantic General Hospital and Health System and its frontline staff have been at the forefront of COVID-19 efforts to mitigate the effects of this devastating pandemic on communities of the Eastern Shore. The organization rallied early on to give patients fighting severe COVID-19 early access to the latest treatments and therapeutics not yet being offered by larger hospitals and major academic medical centers.

That same flexibility and forward thinking brought treatment for more moderate coronavirus infections to Worcester County as well as the Lower Eastern Shore’s first of many community vaccination clinics.

In April of 2020, just five weeks after the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in Worcester County, Atlantic General Hospital began treating inpatients with convalescent plasma as part of a Mayo Clinic study, in partnership with the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

The trial, which included more than 35,000 patients at hospitals across the country, ultimately led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s emergency use authorization of a refined treatment regimen of high-antibody-level convalescent plasma for hospitalized patients early in the course of their COVID-19 disease.

The infusion treatment uses the antibody-rich plasma of now healthy coronavirus survivors to help the patients fight the virus. Additional trials are still underway in the U.S. and internationally to learn more about the benefits of convalescent plasma.

Atlantic General also began providing another therapy to qualified COVID-19 patients, an antiviral called remdesivir, in early May 2020. The medication was originally developed to

treat hepatitis C and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and is used to treat a wide range of viruses. Remdesivir received FDA emergency use authorization to treat COVID-19 in April 2020.

Despite the ongoing strain on supply chains for a variety of supplies and pharmaceuticals at the time, Atlantic General was able to maintain stock of the drug, which has since proven to shorten recovery time for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and likely prevents a worsening or progression of the disease.

In early December 2020, it was announced Atlantic General Hospital would be one of the first six treatment sites in the state of Maryland to offer the monoclonal antibody therapeutic bamlanivimab to high risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection.

The therapeutic mimics immune system antibodies that block viruses.

It was granted emergency use authorization by the FDA for treatment of individuals with COVID-19 before severe symptoms occur, to reduce the chances of the infection worsening and requiring hospitalization.

More recent research has shown that combining bamlanivimab with etesevimab, another monoclonal antibody therapeutic, offers significant improvement in patient outcomes. To date, Atlantic General Hospital has provided the infusion therapy to 150 outpatients to prevent a worsening of their disease.

On Jan. 16, 2021, Atlantic General held its first COVID-19 community vaccination clinic in an effort to utilize doses of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine remaining after staff vaccination.

The event, for 735 individuals ages 75 and older, was the first community clinic in Maryland, coming just ahead of the state’s formal transition to Phase 1B. AGH has been holding weekly clinics since that time, in addition to vaccine administration through the state of

Delaware at their Atlantic General Health System (AGHS) physician practices located in Sussex County. To improve patient access, AGHS will soon offer COVID-19 vaccines at their Maryland offices as well.

In the next week or two, the small community hospital anticipates reaching the 10,000-doses-administered mark in the campaign to vaccinate residents against COVID-19. To date, more than 31% of the population of Worcester County has been fully vaccinated through combined efforts of Atlantic General Hospital, the Worcester County Health Department and local retail pharmacies. With these collaborative efforts, the percentage of Worcester County residents vaccinated has consistently been one of the top three jurisdictions in the state.

Atlantic General’s approach to community vaccination continues to evolve as they make plans to specifically target underserved areas to reach individuals who are unable to schedule an appointment at a traditional vaccine clinic, due to disability, technological barriers or lack of transportation.

“Our staff has worked tirelessly over the past year to combat surges in COVID-19 community infection rates and keep patients, family members and each other safe, while never losing sight of the individual – the patient who is scared and suffering and alone or the one who is tired but so thankful to finally be able to go home, or the distraught family member who cannot visit their sick loved one,” said Michael Franklin, president and CEO of Atlantic General Hospital. “It takes a lot of empathy and emotional energy, in addition to their expertise. They have quickly pivoted to respond to the changing face of this pandemic, and I cannot thank them enough. We still have a ways to go, and I’m proud we’re able to offer this kind of high quality, compassionate care to our community.”

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

April 30, 2021

Editor: As a property owner in Ocean City, I recently received my yearly calendar from Ocean City. I was not pleased when I read a statement in this calendar which is questionable in many ways. Not only was the following statement in the calendar, I followed the link found in the calendar and found exactly the same statement in the city's web pages. The statement regarding the offshore wind turbines is as follows:

"... the foreign owned companies developing the projects further attempt to push these giant structures closer and closer to our beach."

I have been following this story ever since it suddenly rose in 2017 shortly after the news that the Ocean City Mayor and Council were sending taxpayer money to a lobbyist named Bruce Bereano to discredit the offshore wind projects. In light of Mr. Bereano’s conviction several years earlier for felonies involving monetary improprieties, it was surprising to hear this.

However, it turns out this was the tip of the iceberg. The Mayor and Council have spent a great deal of taxpayer money as is well documented in a letter to the editor by Jared Schablein published Feb. 18.

Now the statement that the companies are foreign owned is a bit xenophobic and meant to incite a certain type of person. However, given that foreign companies have been building offshore wind turbines for many, many years and US companies have not, I SEE NEXT PAGE

April 30, 2021

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should certainly hope that professionals rather than amateurs are leading this effort. When I look at US Wind, I find that it is an American company headquartered in Baltimore. It is a subsidiary of an Italian company, but it's generating jobs right here in Maryland.

Given how many jobs in offshore wind are going to neighboring states because of Maryland's hostile lobbyist driven attacks, I'm happy I can find this one example of Maryland winning some jobs from offshore wind development.

Another xenophobic statement that I've seen too often is that the turbines will be foreign made as well. General Electric will be making these turbines.

They'll be made in America by Americans unless the Mayor and Council manage to delay this economic windfall a few more years than they years they've already delayed it.

Now let’s examine the most dishonest part of the statement, the statement that the developers are pushing these projects "closer and closer to our beach." The federal government chose the area where the turbines can be located about a decade ago and awarded the projects in 2014. The lease area hasn't changed and the developers have no choice in pushing the turbines out farther, so they do the best they can. The Skipjack project is building at the farthest extent of their lease area. Everything I've read about US Wind's plans including their own web pages says they are also building at the farthest extent of their area as well.

I have only found one reference that says otherwise and that is Mayor Meehan's words from a Feb. 18 article in The Dispatch. The wording here is confusing: "...if they were the winners of the additional ORECs, the lease area would be about 12 miles off our coast". In other words, if the US government gives them an additional lease area 12 miles off the shore, that's where they'll build. Well, of course, they'll build where the government allows them to build. But that would be if they get an additional lease area that is only 12 miles off the shore, which would happen many years in the future and would need to go through years of regulatory approval. Mayor Meehan is either a little confused or is being intentionally misleading.

The only people telling them to ignore what the government tells them to do is Mayor Meehan and the Ocean City Council. He keeps telling the developers to build at 31 miles. That's outside the lease area specified by the US government. He knows the developers won't but he can paint them as

Between The Lines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

the villain for people that are foolish enough to believe him.

Mayor Meehan has had several years now to comment and get the PSC to change the lease. The PSC is made up of knowledgeable people.

They listened when the city asked them to come to Ocean City. But when the mayor and the eastern shore politicians made speeches full of disinformation, the PSC ignored the disinformation and made a ruling to continue. I don't expect a change in the mayor's approach. It's popular with some people in his base but all it's really doing is sending good jobs to adjacent states and ruining Maryland's reputation for forward thinking and innovation.

Doug Miller Jessup and Ocean City

Commissioners Should Stick To County Matters Editor: As the only male left on both sides of my family, I have inherited a small arsenal. I have shotguns of every gauge, rifles and more. My favorite isn't a military weapon but a little .22 caliber pump that was once used for target shooting on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Believe it or not, the amusement arcades once used real guns.

I grew up hunting on Ayers Creek in Worcester County and have a keen appreciation of the county's rural heritage, the preservation of which has been a concern of my family for several generations now.

Playing politics about guns, however, doesn't have a damn thing to do with the competent administration of Worcester County or meaningful preservation of its heritage. And I wish that our elected officials would put their limited time and energies toward local matters over which they have actual responsibility rather than auditioning for a cameo on Fox News during commission meetings.

If some of our commissioners would like to create a spectacle about gun rights, I think that they, like the rest of us, can use personal time to reach out to national elected officials, the people who have actual competence in these matters. I'm pretty sure that they'll find a sympathetic ear in Dr. Harris.

But let's stay on the high road and keep the focus of Worcester County government on the county, and not partisan grandstanding about things over which the commissioners have no responsibility or control.

Edward Hammond Berlin

TO OUR READERS: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers.

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

Page 49

By Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Rising with the mercury these days appears to be frustrations over government mandates and the inconsistencies associated with implementation and reality. It’s understandable, as the phrase “pandemic fatigue” has now become cliché and aggravations are boiling over amid fears this summer could be even more challenging for many businesses than last year.

An example was this week’s so-called big announcement from the CDC about masks no longer being required outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals. If social distancing is not possible, those who are not vaccinated should still wear masks. A couple days after the CDC’s announcement, Gov. Larry Hogan held a press conference to announce he was removing the outdoor mask mandate for vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals except at large sporting events and concerts.

Both these mask announcements were odd (and confusing) because they were anti-climactic. Most people are already not wearing masks outside unless in crowded areas. As a fully vaccinated person, I am not wearing a mask outside no matter if I’m near someone or not. I have company.

For example, the governor’s press conference Wednesday was held at the same time I was on the sidelines of a middle school lacrosse game in Easton. As I read the update, I looked along the sidelines and saw not one parent wearing a facial covering. The announcements masks are no longer required outside was a “duh” moment for many.

The reality continues to be there are too many inconsistencies at play.

The announcements of restrictions being relaxed are laudable and appropriate but in many cases not impactful for many. A prime example is the lifting of the 50% restaurant capacity restrictions last month coinciding with upholding social distance requirements. Only the large places with the ability to spread tables cheered this decision. A restaurant with a 120-person capacity can still only meet about half of its capacity if tables must be six feet apart and no bar standing is allowed.

Another example came with this week’s announcement effective Saturday outdoor dining restrictions are lifted. The result of this change is standing at outdoor bars will be permitted and outdoor tables no longer must be distanced. This is a major change for outdoor dining establishments. Though good news for open air places, Fager’s Island owner John Fager said on his restaurant’s Facebook page the announcement did little to change things at his place, specifically his covered deck area. He said the planned first deck party of the season was being delayed because of Hogan’s decision.

“Since the governor will not allow us to open fully, we cannot have dancing, food lines or large crowds so our 1st deck party is POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 17, 2021 when our outdoor beach area is fully setup for more guests to enjoy the entertainment,” Fager wrote.

It appears progress towards normalcy is being made in general, but there continues to be much dispute over the pace of the changes and the actual impact they have on decisions operators must make for their establishments. When asked by a reporter at his press conference what Maryland will look like come July 4, Hogan replied, “hopefully it’s going to look a lot like not last July 4th but the July 4th before.” This will not be the case unless the social distancing requirement is loosened.

Though it carries no legal binding, the Maryland State Board of Education issued a resolution this week in full support of school systems offering in-person instruction five days a week.

In Worcester County, approximately 70% of public school students are currently being taught in their schools. The remaining students have chosen virtual learning models. It appears public school systems will need to offer virtual learning options next year, and some administrators are looking to hire teachers to specifically teach the at-home students. This will ease the stress and workload for classroom teachers and reportedly ease the demands on tech devices in class.

Maryland Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon reported this week just 42% of public school students in the state are learning in-person, meaning about 512,000 kids are still learning from home in either a hybrid format or strictly distance learning. Although the weight it carries is questionable, the resolution comes at a critical time. It appears most school systems, including Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties, are planning to return to five-day, in-person instruction, but there are others planning for a hybrid format in the fall. It’s a plan the state school board hopes to stop.

“We are trying to send a very clear signal to the school systems with as much lead time as possible to expect to be back in school,” Board President Clarence Crawford said. “What we are saying is that status quo is not sufficient. … We are talking about impacting people for a lifetime ...”

Locally, Worcester will clearly be open on a five-day format, as it has been a leader throughout the last year in its commitment to in-person learning. It has not been perfect and there have been hiccups, including this week’s spike in positive cases at Stephen Decatur High School. However, positive cases will occur with teenagers assembling often. In Wicomico, though it will operate under a four-day in-person model through the end of this school year, the plan is to return to five-day, in-person learning in September.

Business And Real Estate News

Page 50

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Bank Leadership Hire SALISBURY – John W. Breda, President and CEO of The Bank of Delmarva, recently announced Ginger Donovan has joined the bank as an Assistant Vice President-Branch Manager of its Pecan Square Office.

GINGER DONOVAN Donovan has 26 years of banking experience in the Salisbury area and has served as a board member for Habitat for Humanity and Women Supporting Women.

Manager Promotion SALISBURY – Hudson Behavioral Health announced Michele Sterling has been promoted to the position of clinical treatment manager.

In her new role, she is responsible for the daily operations of Hudson’s residential campus. She provides clinical oversight for staff on campus and in residential housing, along with providing supervision for intern students.

“Michele has played a MICHELE key role on our treatment STERLING team, and I’m looking forward to seeing her thrive in this new position,” said Leslie Brown, CEO of Hudson Behavioral

Health. “One important component of Michele’s job is to oversee our internship program, which provides a wealth of knowledge and hands-on social work experience to our interns. Her own experience in the field will greatly benefit their experiences.”

Sterling joined Hudson in 2019 as residential lead counselor. She has served in a variety of settings including both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, working with both adolescents and adults.

Top Producers Named OCEAN CITY – Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva has announced its March top producers for Maryland locations. The awards are based on gross commission income or number of units, whichever is higher, for the month.

The Double Platinum Award winner was Melanie Shoff of the Ocean City Office.

Individuals winning the Triple Gold

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award are Michael Dunn of the Salisbury office and Billy Barr of the Ocean City office.

The Gold Award winners are Jay Pierorazio of the Ocean City office, Kim Lucido-McCabe of the Ocean City office, Sheri Smith of the Ocean City office and Tim Dennis of the Salisbury office.

Ben Dawson, Brenda Archer-Nichols, Mia McCarthy and Kelley Bjorkland of the Ocean City office earned Silver Awards.

The long list of Bronze Award winners include Bud Cumberland, Chris Dero, Gaije Hallstrom, Jumbo Weismiller, John Camelio, Kimberly Lucido-McCabe, Lauren Fiorelli, Melissa Anderson, Michael Maykrantz, Sandie Mattes and Sheri Smith of the Ocean City office. Cassandra Price, Gillian Walsh, Harryson Domercant and Rusty Molnar of Salisbury also won bronze honors.

The Top Team for the month of March is the Fritschle Barker Group of the Ocean City office earning a Millionaire

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Award. Team members are Grant Fritschle, Jon Barker, Clint Bickford, Bryan Coates, Mark Barker and Jackson St Jean.

The Windrow Group of the Ocean City office as well as the Moore Team of Salisbury won Triple Platinum status. Team members are Erik Windrow, Nikki Rayne, Jennifer Kukel and Robert Windrow. The Moore Team consists of Michael Moore, Mary Moore and Tammy Hall.

The Double Platinum award was rewarded to the Britt Team of the Ocean City office (Gregory Britt, Nancy Britt, Lauren Britt Hudson, Kate Deckenback and Mandi Martenson).

Teams earning the Platinum are the Lucido Global Team (Frank Serio, Audrey Serio, John Mead, Karen March) and the Sharon Daugherty Group (Sharon Daugherty and Annie Tingle) both of the Ocean City office.

The Davis Strategic Team of the Salisbury office earned the Quad Gold Award. Team members are Brett Davis and Chuck Campbell.

Finally, the Optimism Group earned Triple Gold status. Members include Alishia Potter, Temeka Mumford and Charlene Spence.

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Qualified Business Income Deductions Designed As Tax Breaks Wealth Of Knowledge

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BERLIN – One of the provisions included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was the Qualified Business Income

(QBI) deduction. It is designed as a tax break for small businesses or self-employed individuals and is comparable to the enhanced tax breaks legislated for larger companies. However, while the corporate tax changes are made perma-

fessional licenses, bringing critical knowledge and capabilities to the firm and its clients. All three individuals fulfilled the educational, experience, and examination requirements set forth by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Smith Purdum, II, P.E. has earned the designation of Professional Engineer, allowing him to take a larger role in the firm’s civil engineering projects. Purdum joined Becker Morgan Group as a civil engineering designer after graduation from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. Since joining the firm Purdum has contributed to a variety

of projects across Maryland and Delaware, including the recently opened Residence Inn, Rehoboth Beach.

David Botscheller, AIA and Brice Reid, AIA have earned their professional licenses, growing the firm’s architectural licensed staff to 19.

Botscheller joined Becker Morgan Group in 2014 after graduation from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. with a Bachelor of Architecture. During that time, he has primarily worked in the firm’s hospitality and residential studios and brought an unmatched passion to each project.

Reid has been with BMG for five years, working primarily in healthcare, working closely with TidalHealth on a variety of projects, including their Ocean Pines Medical Campus.

BY COLLIN MACOMBER

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

... Business News

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nent, the QBI is scheduled to end in 2025 – along with a host of other individual taxreturn breaks.

The QBI applies to revenues that are “passed through the business,” so the owner actually pays taxes on that money on his or her individual tax return at their individual tax rate. Since they do not benefit from the substantially reduced corporate tax rate, S Corp or sole proprietors can claim up to 20% of their “qualified business income” as a deduction.

The IRS defines QBI as income, gains, deductions and losses from a qualified trade or business – including income from partnerships, S corporations and sole proprietorships – minus business deductions such as half the self-employment tax, self-employed health insurance and qualified retirement plan contributions.

To qualify, the taxpayer’s income must be at or below $163,300 for single filers or $326,600 for married filers ($164,900/$329,800 in 2021). If income is above those thresholds, the taxpayer may still qualify for the QBI, but it gets tricky, particularly if he or she works in a specified service trade or business. This gen-

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erally includes high-income professions such as a doctor or a lawyer. It’s a good idea to consult with a financial professional to help you understand if you qualify for this deduction.

A taxpayer with several different entrepreneurial ventures can combine those multiple sources of income to calculate his total QBI. The higher the qualified income, the higher the deduction (as long as it remains below the threshold for the individual’s filing status).

When income looks to be higher than the limit, COLLIN these tactics can be used MACOMBER to help reduce it to qualify for the QBI deduction: Be aware that a taxpayer who claims business losses may still qualify for the QBI but, here too, it gets very complicated. It’s important to work with a qualified tax professional who is familiar with the ins and outs of this deduction.

(The writer is an investment advisor with Key Financial Services. The entire KFS team can be reached at 410-629-0357.)

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Encouraging shoppers to donate to their food drive, were Jackson Parsons, Heath “Maverick” Kerkovich, and Rob “Salt” Baker of the Bikers Without Borders Foundation.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

People

By Jeanette Deskiewicz

FEATURING THOSE HELPING CAUSES IN THE RESORT AREA

Sisters, Sherri Lassahn, Robin Boord and Peggy Davis welcomed Ocean Pines Chamber Members to the Yacht Club for the April Business After Hours.

In Society

April 30, 2021

Attending their first Business After Hours were Mike Noyes, Sara Aquino and Gavin Aquino of APX, new members to the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce.s

Behind the buffet line for the April breakfast were Kayden Woods, Sarah Baker, Hunter Church, Kayden Ford, and Lukas Washburn at the Powellville Volunteer Fire Company.

Loading up an outpouring of donations were Lacey Egerton and Kathy Winte at the Bikers Without Borders Foundation Fill-the-Truck Food Drive.

Powellville Volunteer Fire Company President John Hilton and Vice President Michael Satterfield were happy to have the monthly breakfasts restart this spring.

At the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department's Spring Outdoor Flea Market, Roshell and Wanda Lee (Love Lee’s Jewelry) had a variety of fashion accessories for sale.

Helping out at the recent Powellville Volunteer Fire Company monthly breakfast were Delaney McIntosh and Ayriana Brumbley. Next breakfast is Sunday May 2.

Katie Van Brugger helped her dad, Robin, get his garage back by selling their unused stuff at the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department's Spring Outdoor Flea Market.

Ocean Pines residents Kathy and Peter Collins sold items at the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department's Spring Outdoor Flea Market and made some extra cash!

Proposed Land Conversion For Park Project Discussed

April 30, 2021

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

SALISBURY – County officials last week agreed more discussion was needed on a potential land conversion that would allow for future park development at Connelly Mill.

In a work session last week, representatives with the recreation, parks and tourism department presented the Wicomico County Council with a proposed Program Open Space (POS) land conversion.

Recreation, Parks and Tourism Director Steve Miller told county leaders the conversion would transfer a POS restriction from the West Metro Core property on Levin Dashiell Road to the recently acquired Connelly Mill property on Connelly Mill Road.

“Our proposed plan, and why we are here today, is to move the Program Open Space restriction from the West Metro Core property to Connelly Mill,” he said.

“A portion of that Connelly Mill property would then have that restriction to be used for Program Open Space and development. We feel this is a much more beneficial opportunity for the residents and citizens of the county.”

Miller told council members last week the county used POS funds to purchase the West Metro Core property in 2009.

He said the initial plan was to build a sports complex on the property as development grew on the west side of Wicom-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ico.

“This property was intended at one time to be built into a sports complex in order to meet that demand,” he said.

“Fast forward 12 years later, that development didn’t materialize to what was anticipated, and plans for the park did not materialize as well.”

For the last 12 years, he said, the land has been leased to a local farm. And last year, officials began the process of seeking approval from state agencies to move the POS restriction to Connelly Mill.

“What we are here to do is seek council approval for this conversion,” he said.

Councilman Joe Holloway noted several residents expressed their support for a park when the property was purchased in 2009. He questioned if the county should seek public input now that a conversion was being proposed.

Council Administrator Laura Hurley said a public hearing was not required unless the county wanted to dispose of the property. Holloway, however, continued to advocate for public input.

“I think the people on the west side needs to have a voice in what happens,” he said. “They certainly had a voice when it was purchased, so I think that’s where we need to head with this before we do anything else.”

Miller told council members his department held a public hearing on the land conversion before the process started. He said there was no opposition voiced at that meeting.

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“I’m not opposed to further public discussion on the topic,” he said, “but I’ve not been made aware of from anybody or heard public demand to develop this.”

Miller added the future of the West Metro Core property was for another discussion at a later time.

“The conversion would not commit you to keeping or selling the property,” he said. “The county could still hold onto it.

The conversion would move the restriction from one property to another, and that’s really what we’re here to do now.”

Miller said the county had collected roughly $300,000 in farm lease revenue from the West Metro Core property. He

Page 53

added those funds could be used for future park development at Connelly Mill, or to develop the West Metro Core.

Councilman John Cannon questioned the conversion process. He noted the county purchased the Connelly Mill property with the intent to use it as a borrow site for the county landfill.

“I was under the impression the entire property needed to be used to accomplish that goal,” he said.

Miller noted that was a question for the county’s public works department.

After further discussion, the council agreed to hold another work session with representatives from both departments.

Community

Page 54

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021

News In Photos

On Doctors’ Day last month, Atlantic General Hospital’s medical staff decided to share the recognition with all clinical and support staff within the organization who make it possible for them to deliver great care. Dr. Cory Carpenter, emergency department physician and chief of the medical staff at Atlantic General, presented employees with a hero pin to honor them for their hard work and sacrifice during the pandemic. Doctors’ Day is a national day of recognition celebrated each year on March 30. Pictured, above from left, are Sharon Zimmerman, Anna Oberste, Michael Geeseman, Tonya Givens, Mark Scott, Michael Downes, Carpenter, Ingrid Cathell, Janice Novak, Ann Bergey, Glenn Lebedz, Kelly Lund and Alvin Tilton. Below, Carpenter presents a hero pin to Bryauna Menafee, housekeeping supervisor, on Doctors’ Day. Submitted Photos

The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) annually recognizes a woman, past or present, who has made a difference in her community, and submits a brief biography and photo of the honoree for inclusion in the National Society’s Women in American History Project database. This year, the chapter honored deceased member Ann Lockhart Showell. A trailblazing businesswoman who oversaw financial operations at the family’s Castle in the Sand Hotel, Showell helped build the tourism industry in Ocean City. Above, the hotel’s director of special events, Patricia Smith, accepted the award certificate on behalf of the Showell family from Regent Gail Weldin during an enjoyable breakfast recently at the hotel’s Beach House Restaurant. Several members gave tribute to Showell and a donation will be made in her memory to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum.

On April 21, 2021 volunteers assembled the traveling version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. The community was asked to volunteer to both assemble and break down the Wall That Heals. Among the many volunteers were members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City Maryland. Kiwanians pictured, from left, are Roy and Candy Foreman, Shelley and President Steve Cohen, Diane Denk, Bob Wolfing and Diane Sparzak.

OC Lions visited 4Steps Therapeutic Riding Program to learn about their services and present a check. 4Steps works with children and adults with physical, emotional and behavioral health issues. Pictured, from left, are OC Lions Director Doug Parks, 4Steps Executive Director Sandy Winter, OC Lions 1st Vice President Scott Stark and President Mike Hooper. Riding is Lion Greg Burgan.

The Worcester County NAACP Chapter 7029B met at Stephen Decatur Park for a group photo of the 2021-2022 Executive Board. Pictured are Judy Davis, Press; Dr. Roxie Dennis Acholonu, Religious Affairs; Catherine Freeman, Political Action; Christine Clark, Treasurer; Linda Hilliard, Secretary; Ivory Smith, President; and Rev. James Jones and Larry Ryan, Environmental and Climate Justice.

Utilizing Cloud Computing A Greener Side Of Technology

April 30, 2021

BY SAM CARD

SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

BERLIN – Most of us, as technology consumers, mentally separate digital from reality. The internet feels abstract in comparison to older iterations of technology, like CDs, DVDs and newspapers, which are tangible. Music and video streaming services like Spotify and Netflix just don’t have the same feel as their older counterparts.

This sense of digital “weightlessness” has on- SAM CARD ly been heightened by the accessibility of Wi-Fi, which is seemingly everywhere, giving users the feeling of being plugged in at all times.

The cloud reinforces a feeling of abstract power. It is a vague place we don't seem to think about outside of eliminating restrictions on storage capacity. For this reason, we are happy to “dump” our data there. However, the cloud does impact the environment and has consequences.

It’s not often we consider how many servers are actually propping up our wireless lifestyles. What we need to realize is the cloud is a physical storage facility that has a burden on the world and the internet does have a carbon footprint.

Both cloud computing and environ-

IN DEPTH WITH SAM CARD The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

mental sustainability are emerging trends in business and society. Most consumers are already heavy users of cloud-enabled services like email, social media, online gaming and many mobile applications, without being fully aware of it. The increase in use translates into the simultaneous growth of the global impact of our information technology practices.

While shifting to online video streaming and digital publications are a greener way to consume media — less paper and transportation – it does not fully mitigate our digital technology impacts. The main impact of cloud computing is the large amounts of electricity required to power the servers and keep them cool. Demand for cloud computing is only expected to grow; an IDC Study claims that by 2025, worldwide annual data traffic will increase by 60% to 175 zettabytes (175 trillion gigabytes), with cloud computing applications driving the majority of this growth.

As sustainability continues to gain importance, corporate sustainability officers and regulators have challenged companies to develop long-term strategies to reduce their carbon footprint through more sustainable operations and products.

According to a study conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Northwestern University with funding from Google, they found that moving common software applications used by

86 million U.S. workers to the cloud could save enough electricity annually to power Los Angeles for a year.

The report examined the use of email, CRM software and bundled productivity software (spreadsheets, file sharing, word processing, etc.) which are all commonly used business applications. They discovered that by moving these software applications from local computer systems to centralized cloud services it could cut IT energy consumption by up to 87%. Fur-

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thermore, cloud computing is a major enabler of both home and remote working, reducing the need for commuting and therefore decreasing emissions.

Cloud computing has enormous potential to transform the world of IT: reducing costs, improving efficiency and business agility and contributing to a more sustainable world.

(The writer can be reached at SCard@cards-tech.com. To learn more about Cards Technology, visit www.cards-tech.com.)

Page 56

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above individuals are pictured taking in the sights and sounds from the Inlet jetty Sunday. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

April 30, 2021

Sports

Mallards Streak Ends In Loss To Cape

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 57

In The News Worcester Boys Beat Tower Hill In Double OT Worcester’s Caitlyn Hoen prepares to take a draw against Gunston’s Bella Adams during the Mallards’ 13-6 win over the Herons last week.

Photo by Chris Hoen

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

Worcester Prep senior midfielder Brugh Moore drives to the goal against Tower Hill.

Photo by Chris Hoen

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team rebounded from a tough loss to Cape Henlopen last Saturday with a thrilling double-overtime win over Tower Hill on the road this week.

The Mallards last Thursday beat Gunston, 13-3 at home on Senior Day. Worcester seniors Brugh Moore, Connor Carpenter, John Arrington, Graham McColgan, Mason Brown and Hunter Gentry were honored following the convincing win over Gunston.

Last Saturday, the Worcester boys hosted always-tough Cape Henlopen and fell 18-8. The Mallards fell behind early and trailed 8-0 after one quarter

and 13-3 at the half. Worcester played Cape essentially even in the second half, but the damage had been done and Cape prevailed, 18-8.

On Tuesday, Worcester traveled to Tower Hill in Delaware and won 12-11 in double-overtime. The Mallards led 41 at the end of the first, but Tower Hill battled back to pull even at 7-7 at the half. Worcester outscored Tower Hill, 32, in the third quarter, but, again, Tower Hill pulled even at 11-11 at the end of regulation.

Worcester won the contest,12-11, in the second overtime period. For Worcester, Jack Gardner and Griffin Jones each scored three goals, McColgan and Arrington each scored twice and Moore and Austin Airey each contributed single goals.

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team suffered its first loss of the season last weekend, falling to Cape Henlopen at home, 18-2, on Saturday.

The Mallards had started the season with a perfect 4-0 mark including a 13-6 win over Gunston at home last Thursday. The Worcester girls ran into a buzz saw last Saturday at home against

Tough Guy Of The Week:

Cape Henlopen, falling to the Vikings, 18-2. Cape led 13-1 at the intermission and never looked back. Sophia Lundt scored both of Worcester goals, one in each half.

The Mallards faced old rival Saints Peter and Paul on the road on Thursday in a game played too late to be included in this edition. Worcester faces Salisbury School on the road on Monday, followed by another rematch with Saints Peter and Paul at home on Tuesday.

Worcester’s record is now 4-1.

The final Atlantic Physical Therapy “Tough Guy of the Week” award for this season went to senior Rafe Parsons for his outstanding performance in a 48-7 win over Snow Hill. Pictured above is Parsons (center) with his parents.

Submitted Photo

Page 58

Best Beats

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021

on the beach

BEATS BY WAX Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, April 30 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays Coins Pub: Wednesdays Crawl St. Tavern: Mondays

Who’s Where When 45TH STREET TAPHOUSE 443-664-2201 4507 Coastal Hwy. Tuesdays: Aaron Howell Wednesdays: Aaron Howell (137th St. Tavern) ATLANTIC HOTEL 410-641-3589 2 North Main St., Berlin Mondays: Earl Beardsley

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, April 30 Crawl St. Tavern: Tuesdays

BUXY’S SALTY DOG DRY DOCK 28 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 30: Aaron Howell Duo, 6 p.m.

DJ Wax, 9 p.m.

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 30: Full Circle Duo Wednesdays: DJ Wax CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd. Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Sunday, April 30: Sean McFarland, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 5: Smooth & Remy, 5 p.m.

CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St. Downtown O.C. Friday, April 30: Honey Shine, 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 1: Dust N Bones, 9 p.m.

Sunday, May 2: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy, 9 p.m.

Monday, May 3: Beats By Wax, 10 p.m.

Tuesday, May 4: DJ RobCee, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, May 5: International Night w/Reckless Minds, 10 p.m.

Thursday, May 6: TBA CORK BAR Sunday, May 2: Blue Collar Boys, 4 p.m.

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. in the Bay Friday, April 30: DJ RobCee, 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 1: Holly Montgomery Band, 5 p.m.

DJ Groove, 9 p.m.

DJ ADAM DUTCH Purple Moose: Saturday, May 2 Sunday, May 4 Thursday, May 6

KARAOKE W/DJ JEREMY Crawl Street Tavern: Sundays

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Saturdays & Wednesdays

KARAOKE W/WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays

AARON HOWELL 45th St. Taphouse: Tuesdays Taphouse Tavern: Wednesdays

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, May 1

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 59

Who’s Where When GREENE TURTLE WEST 410-213-1500 Rte. 611, West OC Saturday, May 1: Rogue Citizens

HONEY SHINE Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, April 30

J PARIS Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, April 30 & May 1

MULLIGAN’S 410-213-7717 12445 Ocean Gateway, West OC Thursday, May 6: TBA OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The Clarion Hotel Friday & Saturday, April 30 & May 1: On The Edge

ON THE EDGE Ocean Club/Clarion: Friday & Saturday, April 30 & May 1

THE DUNEHOUNDS Pickles Pub: Saturday, May 1

SMOOTH & REMY Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, May 5

FULL CIRCLE DUO Coins: Friday, April 30 Seacrets: Saturday & Thursday, May 1 & 6

Truck’nAmerica HOLLY MONTGOMERY BAND Fager’s Island: Saturday, May 1

AARON HOWELL DUO Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, April 30

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

GOLF CART

.com

443-783-2570 Sales H Repairs H Accessories

PICK UP & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Friday, April 30: Beats By Styler, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 1: The Dunehounds Mondays: Karaoke With Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boardwalk Friday & Saturday, April 30 & May 1: J Paris Saturday, May 1: DJ Adam Dutch, 2 p.m.

Sunday & Thursday, May 2 & 6: 9 p.m.

SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 30: Cherry Crush Duo, 5 p.m., Zion Reggae Duo, 8 p.m., My Hero Zero, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 1: Full Circle Duo, 5 p.m., Zion Reggae Duo, 8 p.m., Steal The Sky Duo, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 6: Full Circle Duo, 5 p.m.

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

May 1: Community Bike Ride Ocean Pines and the Worcester County Bike and Pedestrian Coalition are teaming up to host a free community bike ride on Saturday, May 1. To register, call 410-6417052. Day-of registration starts at 3:30 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Racquet Center.

Things To Do The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

May 2-16: Restaurant Week Participating restaurants in the Ocean City area will offer special, fixed-price menus throughout the promotion. Check out individual restaurants at www.oceancityrestaurantweek.com

May 2: Farmers Market From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the Berlin Farmers Market is a producers only market on Main Street featuring produce, flowers, baked goods, art & homemade products.

Lots of free parking too.

May 6-9: Springfest The Inlet will host the 30th Anniversary Springfest Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8

p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Event features delicious food, live entertainment and unique arts and crafts.

May 7-9: Jazz & Blues, Art & Booths The Berlin Chamber of Commerce will hold a scaled back version of its former Jazz and Blues Bash, featuring a threeday celebration of live jazz and blues music, wine, beer, spirts and food offerings. Live music will be offered throughout the weekend. A one-day art show and sale will be held Saturday, May 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.berlinchamber.org May 8: Maryland Coast Bike Festival Saturday, May 8, community members

April 30, 2021 are invited to join the inaugural Maryland Coast Bike Festival, a day-long celebration that starts and ends at the West Ocean City Commercial Harbor. A series of bike rides, and participants can register for any of the three routes. The Island Ride (17 miles) features a family friendly loop that explores the area around Assateague Island, while the Surf & Turf (35 miles) and Metric Century (62 miles) loops around Assateague Island and the scenic back country of Worcester County. The rides will begin and end at the harbor, which will feature live music, food, craft beer, vendors, and paddleboard, skateboard and electric bike demonstrations.

Online sign-ups are also open for cleanup volunteers and event vendors. Fees will be waived for local businesses.For more information, visit marylandcoastbikefestival.com.

May 8: Safe Boating Course The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a one-day virtual Maryland Safe Boating Course, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is $20.00. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or Email: CGAUXOC-@Gmail.com.

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

May 14: 2nd Friday From 5-8 p.m., 2nd Fridays in Berlin are back with a new vibe. Live outdoor and indoor music, kids’ art, shops open late, plenty of restaurants offering outdoor dining.

May 20: NAACP Meeting Worcester County NAACP will host a Zoom meeting at 6 pm. hosted by Larry Ryan, Worcester NAACP Executive Director for Environmental & Climate Justice. The title of the presentation is "How Climate and Racial Justice intersect."

Look for Zoom link information on Worcester County NAACP Facebook page.

410-213-1956

May 20-23: Spring Cruisin Car show featuring hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, muscle cars and more. Thursday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

Food concessions.

May 28-31: United Beams Of Light Thirteen beams of light will be displayed at dusk at N. Division Street in Ocean City to serve as a beacon for military personnel killed in service.

The Dispatch Classifieds

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)

HELP WANTED FULL MOON SALOON: Now hiring full or part time server, hostess, dishwasher, line cook, kitchen expo. Great Salary! Apply within at 12702 Old Bridge Road, WOC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MAINTENANCE: F/T, Y/R, 32-40 hrs/week. Dependable. Handyman with good skills. Must have transportation/tools. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BUILDING ATTENDANT: PT/FT. Summer season. Monitor pool and parking lot. Report to property manager. Good pay. Send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com or 410-250-1111.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– MAINTENANCE/CUSTODIAL: Large OC Association is looking for a fulltime person to join the on-site staff. Competitive Salaries & Benefits. Please fax resumes to (410) 723-0676 or email to dwilson@legumnorman.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

C L E A N E R S / VAC AT I O N RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BALI-HI RV PARK: Bishopville, MD. Maintenance Man/ Groundskeeper. Grass cutting. Experience in plumbing and electric.

40 hrs/wk, $15/hr. 724-825-8746.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

holtzpropertymanagement@gmail.com

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have valid DL. Reliable transportation to work. Call 410-641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LINE COOK: Experienced Line Cook needed. Work with us in West OC! Assateague Diner+Bar. Competitive pay $13-$18/hour with pay bump.

Text APPLY > 703.268.6444.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SERVER: Hiring Servers ASAP. Must be 18+. Assateague Diner+Bar. West Ocean City Area.

Good tips, fun summer job, $$$.

Text APPLY > 703.268.6444.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BALI-HI RV PARK: Bishopville, MD. RV Park Manager. 40 hours per week, $15 per hour.

Full Time. Call 724-825-8746.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

HIRING AT BOTH LOCATIONS ALL POSITIONS INCLUDING MANAGEMENT APPLY IN PERSON South Location 31st St. Coastal Hwy. 410-289-2581 North Location 128th St. Coastal Hwy. 410-250-2304

PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811

Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard.

GATE ATTENDANT: Assateague Point, West OC/Berlin gated community. Sat 5pm-1am. Sun 4pm1am. Call 410-641-1671 to apply.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Looking for a rental agent familiar with VRBO/Airbnb and software for rental companies.

Must have experience. Salary negotiable. Must be able to work flexible hours. Send resume to

Page 61

SUN N FUN MOTEL NOW HIRING FOR*FULL TIME 2ND SHIFT FRONT DESK CLERK 4PM-MIDNIGHT *DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING

APPLY IN PERSON 29th St & Baltimore Ave. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm Berlin is a Great Place to Work!

Take Advantage of Year-Round Employment Opportunities at

THE ATLANTIC HOTEL Now Hiring -

COOKS FOOD RUNNERS SERVERS HOUSEKEEPERS Apply in Person at the Front Desk.

2 North Main Street, Berlin, MD

NOW HIRING! ’S T OC CE WES UN PLA F K T MOSTO WORK E MA AND $ $$$

YEAR-ROUND FULL- OR PART-TIME

•HOSTESS •SERVERS •LINE COOKS •FOOD RUNNERS •BARBACKS Please apply in person.

Greene Turtle West, Rt. 611, West OC 410-213-1500

I NDI A N R I V ER MA R I NA I S NO W HI R I NG! •NIGHT WATCH 3PM-11PM SHIFT

•GENERAL CLERICAL •SEASONAL MAINTENANCE Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

The Dispatch

Classifieds

Page 62

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811

The Castle in the Sand Hotel and The Barefoot Mailman are currently seeking applicants for the following positions for the 2021 season.

FRONT DESK STAFF NIGHT AUDITOR Experienced applicants are preferred, but not required. We require a satisfactory pre-employment background check by all applicants. Please contact Bob at 410-289-6846 for further information or to schedule an interview.

Work With the Best Ocean City has to Offer ...

We Invite You to be a Part of our Family!

Year Round Positions ~ROOM ATTENDANT ~LAUNDRY ~LOBBY ATTENDANT ~OVERNIGHT CLEANER ~HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR ~FRONT DESK AGENT ~NIGHT AUDIT ~RESERVATIONS ~PAINTER ~FRONT DESK SUPERVISOR ~FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER ~MAINTENANCE ~EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ~HVAC Seasonal Positions ~SERVER ~BARTENDER ~HOSTESS/HOST ~BUSSER ~FOOD RUNNERS ~POOL ATTENDANT ~WAREHOUSE CLERK ~GRILL COOKS ~BEACH STAND ~SECURITY EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

FAX RESUME & SALARY REQ. to: 410-723-9109 Online at www.clarionoc.com APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

CLARION RESORT FONTAINEBLEAU HOTEL 10100 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD. 21842 EOE M/F/D/V

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Delaware Learning Institute of Cosmetology in Dagsboro, Delaware is looking for COSMETOLOGY, ESTHETICS, AND NAIL TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTORS!

Must be available to work Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-4pm. We offer competitive benefits, like optional health care plans, dental and paid time off. Must maintain guest satisfaction, and ensure guest servicing is consistent with educational standards. Must provide and promote a positive learning environment for the student body. Must hold a valid DE license.

Must have salon industry experience and ability to maintain composure and drive in a fast-paced, high stress environment. Must have a polished professional image. No phone calls please. Email resume and cover letter w/salary requirements: jcook@delawarecosmetology.com

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS

Must have: Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License

Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

April 30, 2021

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING FRONT DESK HOUSEKEEPING PM BELLMAN/ MAINTENANCE APPLY IN PERSON

Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Thunderbird Beach Motel 32nd Street, Ocean City

Currently hiring manpower for

•STUCCO & EIFS MECHANICS •CARPENTERS •CONCRETE BLOCK •COATINGS SPECIALISTS •FLAT CONCRETE •CONCRETE REPAIRS •PT WELDER •COMMERCIAL CAULKING •WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLERS •WAREHOUSE HELP (DRIVER’S LICENSE REQ’D) Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus. Competitive benefit package available.

Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES! Large automotive center with auto parts/ marine store, service centers, and used car dealership, is now hiring for: ~Service Parts & Advisors ~Experienced Tow Truck Drivers ~Technicians ~Maryland State Inspector Excellent Pay and Benefits.

Call: 302-344-9846

PART-TIME FRONTLINE ASSOCIATE

NOW HIRING DRIVER, BARTENDER, COOK & COUNTER

Farmers Bank of Willards has a Part-Time Frontline Associate position available at the Talbot Branch, Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 05-10-2021

Call 410-726-7061 for Interview

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

Come Join Our Winning Team!

Now accepting applications for the following positions!

Reservationist Over Night Front Desk Front Desk Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Room Inspectors Maintenance Server Cashier Barista Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

The Dispatch

Classifieds

April 30, 2021

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811

NOW HIRING - YEAR ROUND COOK OCEAN PINES LOCATION

Call 410-726-7061 for Interview

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch SEASONAL OC HOTEL NOW HIRING FOR:

Seasonal Housekeeping Positions Must Be Dependable.

Call Seahawk Motel

1-800-942-9042 THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME SEASONAL: FRONT DESK HOUSEKEEPING MAINTENANCE/ BELLMAN Daytime & Evening Positions Available

APPLY IN PERSON 1800 Baltimore Avenue Monday-Friday 11am-4pm

MONTEGO BAY MARKET 12903 COASTAL HIGHWAY

HIRING Evening Cashier Day & Evening Deli Personnel Please Emailmontegosuperthrift@gmail.com Or Apply In Person11am-4pm Monday-Friday

NIGHT SUPERVISOR FT, YEAR ROUND BENEFITS INCLUDE VACATION, SICK DAYS, HEALTH INSURANCE, 401-K. Competitive Hourly Wage + BONUS

To Apply-go online www.petromg.com *Employment *Retail *OC MD *Night Supervisor *Search *Night Supervisor-Wine Rack Rt. 50 Wine Rack 12827 Ocean Gateway West OC, MD

• DELIVERY DRIVERS Make Up To $20/Hour Full-Time or Part-Time Call 443-856-5652 or Apply In Person Downtown Location 710 N. Philadelphia Ave.

Must be friendly & dependable FT/PT - Year Round & Seasonal - Various Shifts Competitive Hourly Wage + BONUS Benefits Available

To Apply-go online www.petromg.com *Employment *Retail *OC MD *Cashier Wine Rack *Search *Cashier Sales Assoc.-Wine Rack Rt. 50 Wine Rack 12827 Ocean Gateway West OC, MD

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE II Full Time, State Benefits. Occassional weekends and evenings required. Duties include but not limited to providing community health nursing services to individuals and/or families in the community. This is done through the use of the nursing process. This position serves the Adult Evaluation & Review Services (AERS) and Worcester County Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) programs.

Services include, but are not limited to: home visiting, comprehensive assessments, health promotion, health maintenance, health education and management, coordination, and continuity of care in a holistic approach to the management of the health care of individuals, families and groups in a community setting.

Must possess a current license as a Registered Nurse from the Maryland State Board of Nursing. Valid driver’s license required. Background check & drug screening required.

APPLY ONLINE AT www.jobapscloud.com/md We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221

Now Hiring ALL POSITIONS Kitchen, Servers, Bussers, Hostess

Apply in Person IN THE OF FENWICK

Now Hiring ALL POSITIONS Kitchen, Servers, Bussers, Hostess

Berlin’s Newest Eatery!

Now Hiring: ALL POSITIONS Seasonal Part-Time Full-Time Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

RENTALS

ROOMMATES

YEAR ROUND RENTAL: Houses for rent in Salisbury, MD. Only 40 minutes from Ocean City. Rents are $900-$1200/month. Call 443373-5638.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUMMER SEASONAL: 1 room, Sleeps 2. May-September. Electric included. $8000. Call Tricia 443-610-4665.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUMMER SEASONAL RENTAL: Three Cheers Studio Apartment.

30th Street. No Smoking, No Pets. $8000 for season. Call for application 410-524-0295.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ROOM FOR RENT: Ocean Pines, about 1 mile in from North Gate.

Males only.

Non-smoker. $600/month. Call 267-784-2588.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Apply in Person

RT. 54, FENWICK ISLAND SUMMER BEACH CONDOS #3 35TH STREET, OCMD Is Looking For-

Now Hiring

CASHIER/ SALES ASSOCIATE

Page 63

PART TIME CUSTODIAL & LIGHT MAINTENANCE PERSONS Day Shift 7am-2pm 4-5 Days/Week Weekends A Must $11/Hour Night Shift 4pm-12am Weekends A Must $12/Hour **Must Be Able To Move Heavy Objects** If interested please contact Diana Whittington at 410-603-5627 to set up an interview.

Ride the B in OC! Come Join Our Winning Team!

Food & Beverage Manager We are looking for an experienced and detail oriented person for our busy and diverse Food & Beverage operation. The candidate must prioritize cleanliness, quality service, and customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: staff training, efficient operation scheduling, and adherence to established controls and standard operating procedures. This position reports to the Food & Beverage Director.

Competitive salary with full medical & benefit package. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or come in and complete an application at the front desk. We require satisfactory preemployment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

LOOKING EVERYWHERE? CHECK HERE FIRST! The Dispatch classified pages can point you in the right direction.

Help Wanted, For Sale, Yard Sales, Services, Rentals, Roommates & More Print & Online ~ www.mdcoastdispatch.com

COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE: Retail Banking Center with drive thru. Contact Brian Gamm. 443-880-2225.

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

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

REAL ESTATE MOBILE HOME FOR SALE: 14x45. Ground and 2 boat slips included in price. 2BR on 24th Street, OCMD. $299,000. Call 410-477-6073.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ATTENTION DEVELOPERS

14.74 Acres For Approximately 45 Home Building Lots.

Next to N. Gate Ocean Pines. $1,200,000

YARD SALES MULTI-FAMILY YARD SALE: Bonita Drive, West Ocean City.

Saturday, May 1st. 8am-until.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COMMUNITY YARD SALE: Berlin, Decatur Farm. Off Route 113, across from Stephen Decatur Park. Sat. May 1st, 8am-noon.

Don’t forget to wear your mask.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Dispatch

Call Garliss Real Estate 443-859-3210

Legal Notices

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

THIRD INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 17895 To all persons interested in the estate of IRANE ELIZABETH DUFFY AKA IRENE E DUFFY, ESTATE NO. 17895.

Notice is given that JOYCE MARIE SAVAGE, 2418 HILLTOP ROAD, GREENVILLE, NC 27858 was on, APRIL 06, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of IRANE ELIZABETH DUFFY, who died on JUNE 06, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the

Register of Wills on or before the 6TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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

The Dispatch

Page 64

LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per

column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 16, 2021 JOYCE MARIE SAVAGE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

THIRD INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18684 To all persons interested in the estate of CATHERINE MARIA RODEFER, ESTATE NO. 18684. Notice is given that MARY KATHLEEN HUNTT, 29 SANDALWOOD DRIVE, REHOBOTH BEACH, DE 19971 was on, APRIL 06, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CATHERINE MARIA RODEFER, who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 16, 2021 MARY KATHLEEN HUNTT Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18690 To all persons interested in the estate of ELIZABETH DORNAN, ESTATE NO. 18690. Notice is given that ROBERT JAMES DORNAN, 8413 MYRTLE AVE., BOWIE, MD 20715 was on, APRIL 08, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ELIZABETH DORNAN, who died on APRIL 13, 2020, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by 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 8TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy

Legal Notices The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 16, 2021 ROBERT JAMES DORNAN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18692 To all persons interested in the estate of MILLIE E. JONES, ESTATE NO. 18692.

Notice is given that MICHAEL LEE JONES, 3232 ST. LUKE ROAD, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on, APRIL 06, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MILLIE E. JONES, who died on JANUARY 10, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6TH day of OCTO-

BER, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 16, 2021 MICHAEL LEE JONES Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

THIRD INSERTION

MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18695 To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES RICHARD EISENHAUER JR, ESTATE NO. 18695. Notice is given that LESLIE M EISENHAUER, 18 FALCON BRIDGE ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, APRIL 12, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES RICHARD EISEN-

HAUER JR, who died on MARCH 29, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 16, 2021 LESLIE M EISENHAUER Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 04-16, 04-23, 04-30

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18697 To all persons interested in the estate of LLOYD MAR-

April 30, 2021 TIN HEISER, ESTATE NO. 18697. Notice is given that DIANNA GREEN, 5839 WALLACE DRIVE, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on, APRIL 13, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LLOYD MARTIN HEISER, who died on MARCH 23, 2021, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 23, 2021 DIANNA GREEN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x, 04-23, 04-30, 05-07

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF ST. MARTINS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BERLIN, MD 21811 A Charge Conference will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm to vote on the church’s disaffiliation from the Methodist Denomination.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 30, 2021 2x 04-30, 05-07

The Dispatch

April 30, 2021

Legal Notices

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18679 To all persons interested in the estate of FRANCIS ANTHONY PETTOLINA III, ESTATE NO. 18679. Notice is given that JENNIFER L. PETTOLINA, 9800 MOORING VIEW LANE UNIT 14, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 was on, APRIL 20, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FRANCIS ANTHONY PETTOLINA III, who died on MARCH 22, 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 20TH day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 30, 2021 JENNIFER L. PETTOLINA Personal Representative

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-30, 05-07, 05-14

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18687 To all persons interested in the estate of JOEY EISENMAN, ESTATE NO. 18687.

Notice is given that MARY TOPAR, 29 BREEZEWAY LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, APRIL 21, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOEY EISENMAN, who died on MARCH 28, 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 21ST day of OCTOBER, 2021.

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 30, 2021 MARY TOPAR Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-30, 05-07, 05-14

FIRST INSERTION

HAROLD S. LINK, ESQ. 875 VICTORIA PARK DRIVE SUITE 303 SALISBURY, MD 21801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18709 To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLENE ANORA ROBERTSON, ESTATE NO. 18709. Notice is given that PATRICK JOSEPH ROBERTSON, 13047 SELBY ROAD, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813 was on, APRIL 21, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLENE ANORA ROBERTSON, who died on DECEMBER 31, 2020, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21ST day of OCTOBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 30, 2021 PATRICK JOSEPH ROBERTSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-30, 05-07, 05-14

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18710 To all persons interested in the estate of CLEOLA BERNICE HENRY, ESTATE NO. 18710. Notice is given that ANNETTE FORD, 210 BRANCH STREET, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, APRIL 22, 2021, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CLEOLA BERNICE HENRY, who died on MARCH 28, 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 22ND day of OCTOBER, 2021.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, ex-

Page 65 cept if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 30, 2021 ANNETTE FORD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-30, 05-07, 05-14

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Though it will be scaled back this year, an arts and crafts vendor area will be available for perusing at next week’s Springfest.

File Photo

Springfest Back In OC Starting Next Thursday

April 30, 2021

OCEAN CITY – It is officially the start of the season, as Ocean City’s Springfest Arts and Crafts Festival returns next week for the 30th anniversary, May 6-9.

The public is invited to come to the resort for live music, art, crafts, food and more – all located adjacent to Ocean City’s Boardwalk and beach.

Springfest comes to life with a diverse variety of live outdoor musical entertainment all day long for four days.

Visitors should bring their appetite as the event includes delicious offerings from famous Eastern Shore delicacies to a wide assortment of food, beer and wine.

Springfest, one of the top arts and crafts shows in the United States, features over 250 vendors selling art and crafts.

Springfest is located in the Inlet parking lot at the south end of Ocean City’s famous Boardwalk. Springfest is fun for people of all ages and admission to the four-day event is free, including all entertainment.

Since parking in the downtown area is limited and there will be no parking in the Inlet parking lot throughout the event, the Town of Ocean City will offer Springfest transportation. The Coastal Highway Beach Bus will be operating for only $3 all day boarding. Take advantage of the town’s park and ride location on Route 50 in West Ocean City. Park your car for free and ride the shuttle to Springfest for $3 all day boarding. Both bus services are every 20 minutes from 6:20 a.m. to 11:35 p.m. Masks are required to ride and seated loads only. For more information about transportation, call 410-723-7606.

The event will be modified to follow state and local heath guidelines but still offer the traditional Springfest favorites.

Facial coverings and social distancing is required at the event. Guests must also enjoy their food and beverages while being seated.

Hours for the popular free-admission event are Thursday-Saturday, May 6-8 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 9, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

For more information about Springfest 2021, call the Ocean City Recreation & Parks Department at 410-2500125, toll-free at 1-800-626-2326 or visit OCocean.com.

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Broadening Our Commitment.

The Dispatch Is On The Web: www.mdcoastdispatch.com

$20K In Education Grants Awarded

April 30, 2021

SALISBURY – Schools in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties received $20,016 in grant funding through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s 2021 Education Award Grants Program to help them get through the second half of this challenging school year.

With schools fluctuating between inperson, virtual and hybrid schedules, students and teachers have been faced with a host of unique hurdles. Many teachers have gotten creative, transforming their curriculum into virtual programming. Others have adopted a variety of methods to make in-person learning safer.

“The creativity and willingness to adapt we have seen really highlights the passion our local educators have for their students,” said CFES President Erica Joseph. “We are proud to support these learning opportunities for Lower Shore students.”

Grants are made to those schools that have developed innovative programs to enhance education and improve the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of their students and communities. For 2021, a mid-year grant round was added. The following mix of virtual and in-person programs received grants: Berlin Intermediate School will purchase paint supply kits to send home to students for virtual arts programs.

Faith Baptist School will outfit a new Summer STEM classroom to comply with CDC guidelines.

Salisbury Christian School will create a sensory walkway for students in school to help with behavioral problems.

Salisbury School will purchase ageappropriate games and tools for the school counselors and purchase additional supplies for the Maker Space Carts to create COVID-19 safe sharing practices.

Washington Academy High School will start a virtual Project Lit group for students and community members to read and discuss carefully selected books that focus on important social and cultural issues.

St. Francis de Sales Catholic School will expand the outdoor classroom space by adding a sandbox to be used for sensory education, and the supplies needed to keep it safe and sanitized.

The Wicomico County Board of Education will purchase supplies for the new English Language Learning Center serving ELL students from Wicomico County in a hybrid format.

Parkside High School will purchase Go-Pros for students to borrow to demonstrate virtually to their instructors and classmates their culinary knowledge from their home kitchens.

Glen Avenue Elementary School will enhance its outdoor learning space, to include painting a US Map on the blacktop, a number grid game, and a sensory pathway.

Prince Street Elementary School will purchase additional technology for the World Music Program to make music technology compatible with virtual learning.

Wicomico County Public Schools TAD Program will create a podcast program for TAD students to plan, write and de-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

liver their own podcasts.

Salisbury Middle School will turn the school courtyards into "Sensoryscapes" for returning students, to help with mental health, mindfulness, and education.

Pocomoke Middle School will launch the Hide and Go Read initiative, which includes goodie bags for a scavenger hunt style program that incentivizes reading.

Worcester County Public Schools will provide voice amplifiers to multiple county schools so choral groups can continue to sing while using voice masks.

Pocomoke Middle School will purchase books for a culturally responsive, social and emotional needs project.

Snow Hill High School will purchase a variety of supplies, including costume materials to be hand-crafted, and set props for the theatre program to put on a virtually streamed production.

Page 67

Berlin Intermediate School used a grant to purchase paint supply kits so students could participate in virtual arts programs from home.

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The Adventures Of Fatherhood

By STEVE GREEN

t was a short email. It read, “don’t sweat the small things, focus on the big stuff. Otherwise, you will drive yourself crazy.”

This was from a man who read a recent column about the trials and tribulation of raising tweens.

Coming from a father of four – three adult men and a woman, all in their 20s – it’s advice I will heed. They are words I recall when dealing with this or that situation with my kids, especially the near 13-year-old.

I remind myself to not sweat the small stuff when I text him to come inside for dinner and get attitude about not being able play with his friends for more than two hours on a school night. I will tell myself these words when I ask him about a missed homework assignment and get a blank stare of disgust in return, or when I have to wake him up in the shower every single morning before school.

I prefer to think of the long conversations we have on car rides as things to cherish. An example would be this week after a middle school lacrosse game in Easton. It’s when we have our best interactions and sometimes it’s just silence listening to hip hop, his favorite genre of music. We don’t talk about his day beyond cursory homework stuff. We talk about what lacrosse was like when I was his age.

What I did for fun when I was his age.

How it was possible to live without a cell phone.

It was a great wide-ranging talk, one he directed as he wished. I let him interrupt me from time to time and change the subject randomly. It was just a free flow, the kind of chats he craves. I went along with it because it’s these sorts of conversations I want to hang on to as memories.

As we finished our hour-olus drive, the last 20 of which was mostly si-

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lence listening to music, I remembered something I had read earlier that day from raisingteenstoday.com.

I found it a good read, it’s a good reminder for parents of teens as well as reflective for those with young adults or older.

Now that my kids are teenagers, here are a few “honest truths” that I’ve come to realize.I’ve realized that the time I have with my kids is brief and that I don’t want to spend my days nagging them about ridiculously unimportant things like a few wet towels they forgot to hang up, putting the toothpaste cap back on the toothpaste or whether they’re wearing the same sweatshirt to school two days in a row.

I’ve learned that my kids are only mine for a little while and even though there are a million things I want to teach them about life before they leave my tender care, my main goal is to teach them to be kind – to family, friends and even strangers on the street, to get along with others, to embrace their differences and those of others, to face this world with humility and be grateful for each new sunrise.

I’ve realized that grades may be important, but they’ll never define who my kids are and that a simple letter, ACT or SAT score, or their GPA will never fully encapsulate my kids’ abilities or serve as measurement of their future success.

I’ve realized that having a strong relationship with my kids is my ultimate goal which means I need to dig down deep for patience when I haven’t any left to spare, listen before I talk, think before I react and have faith that all the lessons that I’ve instilled in them since they were toddlers will sink in and guide their decisions through life.

I’ve learned to block out what every other parent is doing, and follow my own parenting path and focus on

what’s important for my kids and my family. I’ve learned that everything pales in comparison to our time together. Once it’s gone we can never get it back. Grabbing a few minutes before they head off to school, playing a silly card game, taking a road trip or having dinner together as a family – whether it’s five minutes or five hours – I’ll take every moment because time spent with my kids is time I’ll never regret.

I’ve learned that all the while I thought I was teaching my kids, they were teaching me, too.So many lessons they’ve taught me without even realizing it – lessons about my capabilities as a mom, about holding on to your childlike spirit with a vice grip because that’s the secret of youth, about finding a little piece of adventure in every day and that dancing with your kids in the kitchen to blaring music is the kind of therapy every mom needs.… I’ve learned that although I question myself as a parent often enough, my kids are on the right path. I must have done something right, at least up until now. Sure, they have some growing up and maturing to do, and they’re still capable of making poor decisions, but they’re smart, competent and ready to take on this world without my constant intervention. This is my time to take a step back and let them take the reins in their life. Lastly, I’ve learned that this is one journey that doesn’t have to end. I’ll always be by their side cheering them on and loving them with all my heart. There’s a bond between us that can never be broken – we’ll always have each other and I will always be their mom.

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 69

The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 68

Horoscopes

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Temper your typical Aries urge to charge into a situation and demand answers. Instead, let the Lamb's gentler self emerge to deal with a problem that requires delicacy.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You are aware of what's going on, so continue to stand by your earlier decision, no matter how persuasive the counterarguments might be. Money pressures will soon ease.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): By all means, have fun and enjoy your newly expanded social life. But don't forget that some people are depending on you to keep promises that are very important to them.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You need to wait patiently for an answer to a workplace problem and not push for a decision. Remember: Time is on your side. A financial matter needs closer attention.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): You now have information that can influence that decision you planned to make. But the clever Cat will consult a trusted friend or family member before making a major move.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Good news: You're finding that more doors are opening for you to show what you can do, and you don't even have to knock very hard to get the attention you're seeking.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Your gift for creating order out of chaos will

help you deal with a sudden rush of responsibilities that would threaten someone less able to balance his or her priorities.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Congratulations. Your energy levels are coming right back up to normal -- just in time to help you tackle some worthwhile challenges and make some important choices.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): The sage Sagittarian should demand a full explanation of inconsistencies that might be cropping up in what had seemed to be a straightforward deal.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): A conflict between obligations to family and to the job can create stressful problems. Best advice: Balance your dual priorities so that one doesn't outweigh the other.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Don't guess, speculate or gossip about that so-called mystery situation at the workplace. Bide your time. An explanation will be forthcoming very soon.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Boredom might be creeping in and causing you to lose interest in a repeat project. Deal with it by flipping over your usual routine and finding a new way to do an old task.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can warm the coldest heart with your lyrical voice and bright smile. You find yourself at home, wherever you are. © 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

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OCEAN CITY vanishing

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things I Like ...

By Steve Green

April 30, 2021

WITH BUNK MANN

Laying in freshly cut grass

Watching my son compete in sports Before-and-after photos of projects Weekend mornings when no one else is awake

Stories on new businesses opening Watching dogs play on the beach All the great places to eat within a short walk from home Classic movies with my kids

Freshly mulched flower beds Carryout on the weekends

Dreaming about something, then it happening

BJ’s on the Water, an Ocean City landmark, served its last meal on Jan. 31, 2021. A local’s favorite for over 41 years, BJ’s closed due to the stress of running a restaurant during the pandemic and some health-related problems of its popular owners, Billy and Maddy Carder. The property has been sold and a new restaurant will be opened on the site.

BJ’s opened in 1979 on the bayside of 75th Street as a 39-seat restaurant and bar. It grew to over 300 seats including an outside deck area in the summer. The name BJ’s stood for Billy and John (an original partner who left in the early 1980s). The most popular menu item was the acclaimed “seafood skins” while others include crab cakes, steaks and stuffed flounder.

In addition to good food and a friendly atmosphere, BJ’s was known for the daily duck feedings, the annual canoe races and the band “Teenage Rust,” which played for many fundraising events and was a highlight of Ocean City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade for many years.

Gone but never forgotten, BJ’s will be missed by many.

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

Photo by Bunk Mann

April 30, 2021

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 30, 2021