April 7

See Pages 16-17

• Photo by Bethany Hooper

See Pages 6-7 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

See Page 4 • Photo by Chris Par ypa

A new bay pinto foal, pictured at sunrise this week, was born last weekend on Assateague Island National Seashore . The foal brings the wild horse population on Assateague to 76.

Photo by Mary Fiore

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oc council concludes Budget Work sessions

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials last week agreed a policy was needed to address how room tax dedicated to marketing can be used to pay general fund expenses.

Last Thursday, the Mayor and Council concluded days of budget discussions with a work session to address issues such as charitable funding, beach patrol salaries and the addition of four, full-time firefighter/EMTs. Officials also discussed tourism funding, or more specifically, how room tax revenues should be used to pay expenses related to marketing the town.

“The issue of how and what the 42% of room tax dedicated to marketing can be used continues to cause controversy among the council and mistrust between some on the council and the staff,” Town Manager Terry McGean said. “My opinion is this mistrust is not warranted or necessary. What we need is clarification.”

Currently, 42% of room tax revenues are dedicated to advertising the town, while the remainder is used to cover general fund expenses. The formula, approved by the Mayor and Council through an ordinance, also outlines approved expenditures, such as advertising, sponsorships, promotion of special events, and more.

In recent years, however, the use of room tax dollars to pay general fund expenses have been the source of contention among council members and staff. Two years ago, for example, Councilman John Gehrig questioned staff on transfers from the town’s advertising budget to special events. At the time, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said more and more offseason special events required additional police and fire crews, trash collection and other town services.

“The mistrust stemmed from how the numbers were presented and policy dictated through the numbers hoping we would not be paying attention,” Gehrig said last week. “So $400,000 was stolen from that advertising budget for 10 years, on purpose, hidden by special events. It came to light at a meeting that those special events weren’t special events. It was public safety and public works to support the special events.”

Gehrig said those transfers were made at the direction of Mayor Rick Meehan during his tenure as acting city manager. For his part, Meehan said those funds were used for free events that were advertised.

“It was presented by then tourism director at that time and it was approved by the Mayor and City Council …,” he said. “That was the intent … If something changed after I left that position, I don’t know.”

Resort staff this week presented the council with a list of general fund expenses covered by tourism dollars. Gehrig pointed out those expenses totaled

SEE PAGE 69

Berlin Officials Work To Address Budget Shortfall

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Municipal officials face a more than $300,000 deficit as budget development gets underway in Berlin.

At a work session Monday, town officials started reviewing the proposed $11 million general fund budget. While revenues are increasing due to increasing property values, as proposed the budget still features a roughly $350,000 shortfall with, according to staff, little left to cut.

“Speaking for this budget I don’t think there is a wish item on this list at all,” Finance Director Natalie Saleh said.

Saleh told the council this week most revenue sources were increasing. Property tax revenue is set to jump 7%, bringing in about $4.2 million total. Highway user revenues are projected at $299,000

and slots income is estimated at $418,000. Expenses, however, have also increased. Officials plan to use the majority of the slots revenue to fund enrollment in the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System, a move that was just approved earlier this year. The town’s trash collection is not currently paying for itself. EMS costs have gone up, as staffing was increased last year. The town’s information technology costs are also set to increase. The police department’s budget as proposed is up more than 20%. Expenses are also up in public works and inspection costs are up in the planning department.

Mayor Zack Tyndall said initially, the budget featured a close to $600,000 deficit. Staff level meetings, however, resulted in some cuts. As far as the EMS funding, he said officials had asked the Worcester County Commissioners if they

could use money previously set aside for a Flower Street roundabout to instead support the EMS funding.

“If that doesn’t materialize, we’ll have to have a discussion about what our commitment will look like,” he said.

While there is a $200,000 contingency in the administration portion of the budget, Tyndall said that was set aside to be used for salary adjustments. Officials are in the process of a reviewing a salary and compensation study conducted by Paypoint HR.

“We do want to make sure we implement as many of those changes as we can for the upcoming fiscal year. That’s to give us a little more flexibility,” Tyndall said of the contingency.

Councilman Steve Green asked about the stabilization category of the town’s assigned fund balance, which currently contains more than $2.3 mil-

lion. Tyndall said that fund, recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association, had been set up two years ago in case casino revenue or property tax revenue ever decreased unexpectedly. He said it wasn’t a fund he felt comfortable using to balance the budget.

When Green asked what would happen to the surplus officials expected to have at the end of the current fiscal year, Saleh indicated it would go into the unassigned fund balance. She said using that to balance the budget wasn’t a longterm solution.

“The expenditures that we have, they’re ongoing…,” she said. “Advancing from your cash account for prior year is just fixing one year, not looking forward.”

Green said the budget appeared to be too tight to make many cuts. He recalled the 18% tax increase officials approved in 2019 and said he didn’t want to see the town’s finances get to the point that was again necessary.

“I’m not scared of an adjustment to the tax rate as long as it’s incremental and reasonable, with the goal being able to avoid the situation a year or two from now when we’re facing a double-digit increase,” he said. “That’s what upsets our citizens. It upset me.”

Green said if officials increased the tax rate by 2% from the current 81.5 cents to 83.5 cents, that would equate to about an additional $7 a month in taxes for someone with a $400,000 valuation home. He said he didn’t take the topic of a tax increase lightly but didn’t see any easy answers to addressing the deficit without compromising town services and infrastructure.

“I think we should discuss it,” he said.

Saleh noted that when the town did end the year with a surplus, that typically wasn’t because of increased revenues or decreased costs. Instead, it’s typically because a capital project was delayed. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen agreed and said often the town set aside money for a capital project but realized the funding wasn’t sufficient once actual bids came in.

“The money was saved in that sense but the project didn’t get done,” Bohlen said.

Councilman Jay Knerr agreed there was no easy answer. Councilman Dean Burrell concurred but said residents were already facing a tax increase because of the rise in assessments.

“I hear people talk about not being able to afford to live in the Town of Berlin …,” he said. “It is a heavy weight to carry when you have to juggle quality of services with folks’ livelihood and continued way of life. It’s just a lot of weight.”

Knerr said his main concern was the fact that as Burrell had mentioned, residents will already be paying more because of the increase in assessments. He said last week the assessment on his home will be increasing 7%.

“It’s a double hit,” he said.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said she’d like to see the town consider restructuring its fees, particularly since

Town Council To Discuss Municipal Fees Next Month

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – As budget discussions continue in Berlin, officials are expected to review a variety of municipal fees.

During a budget work session this week, council members talked about doubling the business license fee, increasing trash fees and reviewing fees within the planning department. The discussion is expected to occur at a council meeting in May.

“It’d be good to have that information presented,” Councilman Jay Knerr said.

As the proposed budget was being reviewed Monday, Finance Director Natalie Saleh said included in the town’s revenues was an additional $19,000 in revenue tied to a plan to double the business license fee. The fee is currently $75 and would be increased to $150. Knerr asked when potential increases would go into effect if the council wanted to review other town fees.

Saleh said that would be up to the council. While the business license renewal date is July 1, other fees not tied to a specific date could be adjusted any time.

Councilman Dean Burrell asked if the town’s business license fee could vary among businesses. He said he’d like to see downtown businesses pay a higher fee than businesses outside the commercial center.

Saleh said that could certainly be done, as some municipalities charged per square foot or increased if the business

…Town Staff Report Increased Costs Outpace Revenues

growth did mean increased expenses for the town.

Green agreed with his colleagues, saying, “I don’t want to come across as the raise taxes guy. It’s not something to take lightly. Affordability should be front and center.”

Nevertheless, he said significant cuts had already been made to the budget by department heads prior to even coming before the full council.

“There’s no waste,” he said. “That’s what concerns me the most. I think we’re going to need some new revenue personally.”

Tyndall agreed the cost of business was going up and the needs of the town were changing. He thanked department heads for all of the work they’d put into their portions of the budget.

“It is going to be a painful year,” he said. “It doesn’t make any of us happy having to move on fees, having to move potentially on the tax rate. But that’s the year we’re in. We’re going to literally pull every lever we can this year. It’s shared pain but hopefully we’ll get through this.”

held a liquor license. She cautioned, however, that would complicate the process.

“It becomes so complicated to separate each business,” she said.

Upon learning that the town’s trash collection operation was not covering its expenses, officials said they’d also like to consider a fee increase there. Currently, the town’s fees are lower than those charged by private trash companies.

“Making fees competitive is where we’re heading,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the current fees weren’t covering the town’s expenses.

“The reality is we shouldn’t be undercutting private businesses,” she said.

The council also asked to review the array of fees associated with the planning department. Berlin Fire Company President David Fitzgerald reiterated the need for a review of those fees when he

made the fire company’s budget presentation.

“You need to look hard at these public safety impact fees,” he said.

Fitzgerald used Oceans East as an example. He said it replaced an empty farm field and consisted of multiple twoand three-story apartment buildings. When residents of those apartments need help, crews from the Berlin Fire Company and the Berlin Police Department respond.

“You need to look at impact fee structure…,” Fitzgerald said. “Please put that on your radar when you’re looking at fees.”

He acknowledged that the subject of increasing fees wasn’t a popular one.

“People don’t like fees,” he said. “People don’t like taxes. But we have to operate.”

Tyndall encouraged Fitzgerald to email

the council any suggestions on that topic as the fee discussion approached.

“I believe the request you make is a reasonable request and very worthwhile,” Burrell said.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols also spoke in favor of reviewing fees.

“I’m not going to say it’s going to make a large impact but you’ve got to start somewhere,” she said.

Nichols said growth, particularly the addition of new residential structures, definitely had an impact on the town.

“With growth and development comes increased cost,” she said. “At the end of the day this new facility still has to be manned by the same bodies we have here.”

Staff is expected to compile the necessary information and return it to the council in May for a discussion regarding fees.

OC Council To Consider Workforce Housing Changes

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A code amendment defining non-accessory employee housing will advance to the Mayor and Council for discussion.

On Tuesday, Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville presented the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission with a draft code amendment allowing non-accessory employee housing. Neville said the changes would be presented to the Mayor and Council next week before it advancing to a public hearing in May.

“Our general goal for this evening is to decide whether or not you feel it’s ready to put this package out for a public hearing and allow everyone to comment on it,” he said.

Last year, the commission recommend-

ed a proposed code amendment that could help address the shortage of seasonal workforce housing in Ocean City. While the existing code defines employee housing as an accessory use – or living quarters with a portion of a main building or an accessory building located on the same site to be used by individuals employed on the premises – officials are looking to include employee housing as a non-accessory use.

The proposed amendment, which included other changes relating to workforce housing, was brought to the Mayor and Council before it was ultimately remanded back to the commission for revision.

During Tuesday’s presentation, Neville highlighted the proposed approval processes for small, medium, and large standalone employee housing projects. Tier one projects, with 16 or fewer residents,

would be approved through the building permit and rental licensing process, while tier two projects, with 60 or fewer residents, would be approved through the site plan process and tier three projects, with greater than 60 residents, would be approved through the conditional use process.

“As a reminder that would be a multistep process,” he added, “a public hearing with the planning commission going up to council for approval of that conditional use agreement.”

Neville added that housing would be prohibited in both the R-1 single family and MH mobile home zoning districts.

“We separated out that any rental housing that’s provided in the R-1, single family or the MH mobile home zoning districts would be regulated just under the normal rental license permit process with the maximum occupancy defined by our

definition of family, no more than four unrelated persons,” he explained. “That essentially keeps the single-family neighborhoods the way they are today in terms of someone’s ability to rent a house and put people in there on either a short-term or long-term basis.”

Neville told commission members this week the proposed code amendment also identified certain building types that would require a specific approval process. For example, commercial building conversions would require conditional use approval, condominium and multifamily apartment unit conversions would require owner association approval prior to a building permit or rental license approval, and one- or two-family dwelling conversions would require site plan approval.

“The reason we needed to point that out is normally single-family homes don’t require site plan review by the planning commission,” he explained. “But because of the change of use from a family dwelling to employee housing, we wanted to make sure it did meet the code through the site plan review process.”

Neville added that employee housing options had also been identified by basic building types.

“This highlights the issue for you that not every housing type can support employee housing. It also depends on what zoning district you are located in,” he said. “This was another way to graphically illustrate that we are trying to restrict and prohibit the barrack-style housing type.”

Commission members this week also reviewed new definitions and revisions that would give the board of zoning appeals the ability to grant parking exceptions. They also reviewed supplemental regulations, or best practices, being proposed for non-accessory workforce housing.

“The idea would be to make sure this expansion from accessory to non-accessory is tied to the public health safety and welfare,” Neville said.

For his part, Commissioner Palmer Gillis said supplemental regulations pertaining to parking and property management should be more specific. He questioned if the town should require that on-site property managers be a certain age.

“I don’t think a 16- or 18-year-old will be as appropriate as a 25-year-old,” he said.

Palmer also questioned if the proposed code amendment had the support of the Mayor and Council. His comments come months after recommendations from the planning commission were deleted from the council’s agenda with no discussion.

“I don’t want to go through a public hearing and staff time, and spend months, if not years on something and the town council not be on board with this …,” he said. I don’t like doing a lot of work on stuff and then getting blown out of the water.”

Neville pointed out that the proposed code amendment would be a topic of discussion at the council’s April 11 work session.

“That’s prior to the public hearing,” Commissioner Joe Wilson added. “So we will know before the public hearing if they have an issue.”

Community Upset Over Racial Incident Handling

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Community members expressed their frustration this week with the school system’s actions related to an incident at Snow Hill High School.

More than 100 area residents filed into Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday to share their disappointment regarding a racially charged social media post and the school system’s subsequent reaction to the incident.

“People are fed up,” James Jones of the Caucus of African American Leaders said.

Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor, Chief Safety and Operating Officer for Grades 9-12 Annette Wallace and Snow Hill High School Principal Kim Purvis joined a representative of the Tri-County Mediation Center Wednesday at the church in Snow Hill for a discussion regarding a social media post made earlier this month by members of the high school’s baseball team. Purvis, who has been a Worcester County educator for 30 years, said she hoped attendees would gain a better understanding of each other’s viewpoints during the discussion.

“How can we grow from this experience to ensure we do not find ourselves in this

place ever again?” she said. “That is my goal.”

When asked for an explanation of what really happened at the school, Purvis said a group of students brought to her attention a social media post made by another student.

“The picture that the young ladies brought to me was a picture of six students in baseball uniforms, Snow Hill baseball uniforms, and they had on ski masks or ninja masks and their full uniform,” Purvis said.

What made the post offensive, she explained, was the caption, which featured the word “Them” followed by six ninja emojis.

“At face value I did not understand the picture,” Purvis said. “At 52 I don’t get it all.”

She said the students told her why the ninja emoji was typically used.

“If you put in what is ninja code for, it is the N word …,” Purvis said. “The first thing I did was mention it to one of my staff members, she put it in her phone. Immediately an article comes up about how TikTok is banning the N word and kids have started to use the ninja to say the N word. Additionally, if you know anything about the iPhone, you can change the color or the shade of a face. The natural shade of that face is gold or something to that effect. This had been changed to a darker hue.”

Purvis continued to investigate the matter and spoke to the students, who acknowledged they were aware of the ninja emoji’s connotation.

“If you knew it was used that way,

you’ve seen it used that way, then why would you use it?” Purvis said.

She told community members she reviewed the code of conduct and suspended three students — the one who created the post and the two who shared it — for a game. She communicated her decision to Wallace, who she said supported the action.

The principal said she then talked to the students’ parents and had what she thought were good conversations.

“When you’re imposing a consequence, I don’t expect people to be happy with the decision,” Purvis said. “I don’t expect that. Kids want to play baseball. They want to play their sport. I don’t expect them to be happy. But I do expect you to respect the decision. In actuality we have had kids dismissed from teams for the whole duration of the season for doing something such as this.”

When Taylor became aware of the incident, however, he recommended the use of “restorative circles.” A restorative circle is a technique to restore relationships that involves participants talking together and being honest about their perspectives.

He said he wasn’t given all the information Purvis recounted when he made that statement.

“I wasn’t given any information other than it was a post made with some ninjas on it,” he said. “I, like Dr. Purvis, don’t sometimes understand emojis.”

The superintendent said he directed

SEE PAGE 72

Committee Continues Efforts To Improve School Safety

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – School system officials say student safety remains their number one priority in the wake of the tragedy in Nashville.

With the school shooting that occurred in Nashville on March 27 on the minds of many, Worcester County Public Schools officials said this week that ongoing efforts to review safety practices and make improvements to security measures remain at the forefront.

“Certainly in the wake of the national tragedy our thoughts go in to how strong our school safety plans are and making us take a close look at the policies we have in place,” said Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief safety and academic officer for grades 9-12.

Last fall, Wallace re-formed the school safety committee initially created after the

Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. In the months since, two subcommittees have been created—one to study the possibility of implementing weapons detection systems in schools and one to focus on communication. Wallace said the weapons detection system subgroup, which features representation from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, has been reviewing the various types of systems and will be traveling to Dorchester County to look at systems in place there.

The communication subgroup is reviewing messaging practices and looking for ways to improve notification to the community and parents when issues arise.

“Making sure our policies are the best they can be continues to be at the forefront of our minds,” she said.

Wallace added that working with law enforcement, particularly the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, is a key aspect of

school safety. The department has school resource officers in each of the county’s public schools.

“The Nashville shooting, it’s an absolute tragedy,” Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said. “It’s horrific to see these things occurring. That’s why as sheriff I feel it’s important we continue to have school deputies and law enforcement stationed at our schools.”

Those officers go through active assailant training yearly. Crisafulli said they’re also selected for the roles based on their experience.

“I can’t hire a recruit and immediately put them into a school,” he said, adding that school resource officers needed to have at least two years of road work and time to become familiar with the department’s policies, procedures and serving the public.

While deputies are in place at each school, Crisafulli’s department is down six

officers. He’s struggling with the same recruitment issues agencies are experiencing nationwide. As a result, he doesn’t always have the staff for deputies to cover afterschool programs.

“The afterschool academies are contingent on staffing,” he said. “Most of these events are filled with overtime. We’d love to have them all staffed but it’s up to available staff.”

The shortage of officers will also make staffing private schools a challenge.

“We’ve already been in discussions with one school,” he said. “We anticipate that other schools might reach out.”

He believes deputies should be in all schools, public or private.

“As sheriff of this county, I think it’s important we have a deputy in every school but in the private schools it’s contingent on the schools working through our county commissioners on the funding source,” he said.

In an attempt to improve recruitment and retention, Crisafulli said his proposed budget for the coming year includes funding for a 10% pay increase across the board. Currently, the starting salary for an officer in his department is roughly $49,000.

He said the pay increase wouldn’t solve the staffing issue but it should help.

“The county commissioners, they have been very supportive of my office,” he said. “We’re working together to find a solution. I respect they’re up against some challenges. As sheriff of this county I think it’s important for people to know that good quality public safety is costly.”

SD School Threat Found ‘Non-Credible’

BERLIN – A written message about a planned shooting at a local high school has been found “non credible” by law enforcement.

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On Tuesday afternoon, Stephen Decatur High School parents were notified in a message from the school system, "We have been made aware of a threat made in reference to our school. Please know all students and staff are safe, and we are working in partnership with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office to investigate the credibility of the threat, and we will keep you updated as more information is available."

Multiple sources within the school have reported to this media outlet and on social media a threat of a school shooting on April 12 was written on a wall within the school. Authorities were notified and immediately began an investigation, resulting in the juvenile student being identified.

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office released a statement Wednesday afternoon, reading, “Regarding yesterday’s threat at Stephen Decatur High School, we have deemed the threat non-credible, and the individual suspected of creating the threat has been identified. The appropriate charges are being forwarded to the Department of Juvenile Justice. No additional information will be provided to protect the privacy of the student.”

West Street Improvements Eyed

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Design of West Street improvements could begin in the coming year.

In a budget work session this week, town officials said Berlin’s proposed budget included $100,000 for West Street design, the first step in bringing stormwater and pedestrian access improvements to the street.

“It’s going to take a significant amount of money for us to improve West Street but what this $100,000 is going to allow us to do is design and engineer that footprint and what it would look like,” Mayor Zack Tyndall.

Tyndall told the council that during staff level budget meetings, Town Administrator Mary Bohlen had suggested beginning the West Street design process with $100,000 from the town’s reserve impact fees. Tyndall said the design would look improving what was under the street as well as stormwater and pedestrian access.

“That’s going to position us in a way we can hopefully advocate for some grant funding and at least understand our costs to be able to improve that,” he said.

Bohlen said the overall cost of the project couldn’t be projected until design work was done.

“We could take some wild guesses at this point what the cost would be but we don’t really know until we have the engineers dig into it,” she said.

She added that the improvements should be pursued all at once.

“My thinking on it is rather than do some of it now and come back later and dig that up to do another piece we really need to look at it as a holistic project and do all of it,” she said.

Councilman Jay Knerr pointed out town officials would also need to consider the replacement school being planned for the Buckingham Elementary School property. Tyndall agreed and said more should be known about the school de-

sign later this year. He added that citizens would be consulted as well.

“When you see something like this pop up, it’s very early in the process but what we would want to do at some point there is before things come to paper is we’ll have an ability for the public to weigh in and get some feedback from residents to make sure we’re capturing that as holistically as possible,” he said.

Residents of West Street have long sought improvements to the street. Many property owners have complained of drainage issues and pedestrians have expressed safety worries, as the majority of the street lacks sidewalks. Resident Marie Velong has been a West Street resident since the 1970s and believes the street aside portion closest to Main Street has essentially been ignored.

“Any improvements to West Street have been a block from town because they have affected Main Street and its environment,” she said. “I have had standing water in my yard since I moved here in 1976. I have seen growth all around me with no regard to the ancient infrastructure under this street that affects everyone.”

In addition to drainage issues, she says the amount of traffic on the street in recent years has increased significantly.

“This street is used as the second outlet south for the town of Berlin,” Velong said. “We have an immense amount of truck traffic on our street.”

She’s glad officials have included some design funding in the budget and says it’s a little progress in the right direction. Mary Hedlesky, a resident of nearby Westminster Drive, agreed.

“That would definitely be a step in the right direction,” Hedlesky said. “West Street needs a lot of help. I am really glad to see the Mayor and Council dealing with West. I live on Westminster, which is off of West and we have additional stormwater issues. I hope this means that Westminster will be looked at as well.”

The town's proposed budget includes $100,000 for West Street design, which officials say would address issues like stormwater and sidewalks.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Utility Fees Jump For Ocean Pines Residents

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Water and wastewater bills in Ocean Pines are expected to increase as the county waits to learn if the area will get a flush fee exemption from the state.

First quarter water and wastewater bills for residents in the Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area will include a $15 Bay Restoration Fee. The fee, commonly referred to as the flush tax, goes to a dedicated fund used to upgrade publicly owned wastewater treatment plants throughout Maryland with enhanced nutrient removal (ENR) technology.

“The Bay Restoration Fee is a charge the Maryland Department of the Environment assesses to wastewater treatment plants if we have accepted federal or state money and we have not met a nitrogen and phosphorous limit,” Public Works Di-

rector Dallas Baker said.

Baker told the Worcester County Commissioners last week that though his department expected the service area to be exempt from the fee, officials from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) had not yet signed off on the paperwork.

“We submitted that back at the end of January for their concurrence we are exempt and do not have to charge residents,” he said at last week’s meeting. “To date we have not yet heard back from MDE.”

Baker said he was seeking guidance from the commissioners as far as the fee since first quarter bills needed to be sent out. He said the county could add the fee to the bill and refund it if the service area was deemed exempt. He said the county could also not bill for the fee, though if the service area is not deemed exempt residents would have to pay $30 rather than $15 on their next bill in that scenario.

The commissioners voted 5-0 to have staff incorporate the fee into the first quarter bills.

According to county staff, the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant meets the criteria for the fee exemption, which requires a maximum effluent concentration of 3 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of total nitrogen and 0.3 mg/l total phosphorous. Nitrogen and phosphorus are natural elements found in the earth and in the atmosphere but too much of either in area waterways can be harmful. Excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can cause algal blooms, which deplete the oxygen from the river that fish and other aquatic life need to survive. In addition to the environmental benefits, the plant’s ENR technology saves Ocean Pines Sanitary Service Area ratepayers more than $550,000 annually for each year that MDE grants the Bay Restoration Fee exemption.

Site Plan Revision Sought For New Seacrets Venue

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say site improvements to the area behind Atlantic Beverage Center liquor store will allow the connections of Seacrets to prepare for a new events venue at 51st Street.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission voted to amend a recently approved site plan and issue a building permit for utility and landscaping work on the west side of the parking lot between the Atlantic Beverage Center building and the 51st Street bayfront.

Architect Keith Iott said the applicant, Seacrets, wanted to install utilities and planter walls for what will eventually be a private events venue.

“The desire is to build these landscape structures and install the site utilities in anticipation of the work that will happen,” he told the commission.

Last fall, Leighton Moore went before the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners to expand his licensed premises to include the beach area at 51st Street. He said at the time the plan was to dedicate the area for private events.

Zoning Administrator Kay Gordy told commission members Seacrets would go before the technical review committee next week for its change of use request at the site. Plans for the events venue would then be presented to the commission in May.

In the meantime, however, Seacrets representatives said they were seeking a revision to the site plan approved for the Atlantic Beverage Center and a building permit for utility and landscaping work.

“The purpose of this this evening is to allow the construction of utilities within the parking areas and to create some planter walls that are going to be used to clean up some of traffic flow on that north parking lot …,” Iott said. “This is part of the ongoing site improvements.”

Iott noted that while proposed site improvements would reduce the number of parking spots, the property would remain within its parking requirements.

“We’re going to still be 40 spaces to the good at the end of the exercise,” he added. “We’re only cleaning up traffic patterns, we aren’t changing traffic patterns.”

Seacrets representatives ultimately asked the commission to approve the request.

Iott noted that plans for the events venue would be presented to the body at its May 2 meeting.

“We are respectfully asking you approve this so we can go ahead and get a building permit for some of these site improvements in anticipation of the May 2 meeting at which you will hear the overall case,” he said.

With no further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to revise the site plan and approve the construction of planter walls and site utilities.

Rehabilitated Harp Seal Released On Ocean City Beach

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A juvenile harp seal, rescued on Rehoboth Beach earlier this year, was released Tuesday in Ocean City.

Following a weeks-long rehabilitation, a juvenile harp seal, nicknamed Prince, in keeping with the National Aquarium’s current pop icon theme, was released back into the wild this week from the beach at 40th Street.

The marine mammal was admitted to the National Aquarium Animal Care and Rescue Center in Baltimore on Feb. 28 after being spotted in a weakened state on Rehoboth Beach by aquarium colleagues at the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute in Lewes.

Every winter, seals strand along the East Coast of the United States, according to the aquarium’s rescue center. Seals are semi-aquatic animals, which means they come ashore regularly.

Once a seal on a Maryland beach is determined to be injured or ill, National Aquarium Animal Rescue works with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to respond.

Officials say Prince was found on Rehoboth Beach in late February, exhibiting signs of dehydration, malnutrition and sea lice. Judging by his 42-pound weight when rescued, the Animal Rescue team was able to determine that Prince was likely born in the Arctic sometime at the end of April 2022.

While at the Animal Care and Rescue Center, officials say they treated Prince for lice and dehydration before taking on efforts to increase his weight. The seal was able to reach a weight of 53 pounds before his release by foraging for and taking 14 pounds of fish a day. To be released back into the ocean, the aquarium reports rehabbed seals must demonstrate they're ready by engaging in enrichment activities, passing medical and behavioral evaluations and weighing at least 50 pounds, the aquarium reports.

Before his release, Animal Care and Rescue staff attached a roto-tag to Prince’s back flipper. This process allows the team to identify Prince if he ever again requires human care and produces a sample of Prince’s DNA, which can be used to help researchers better understand and support the seal species that travel up and down the Eastern Seaboard. In 2022, animal rescue and animal health teams cared for a grey seal nicknamed Louis Armstrong that was the first seal to receive this special tag at the National Aquarium.

As part of Prince’s rescue, rehabilitation and release, the National A-

Prince, a juvenile harp seal rescued from Rehoboth Beach in February, was released this week after a weeks-long rehabilitation at the National Aquarium Animal Care and Rescue Center in Baltimore. Photo by Bethany Hooper

quarium this week announced the permanent placement of National Aquarium Animal Rescue staff and volunteers on the Atlantic coast.

Under the direction of Stranding Response and Triage Manager Kate Shaffer, a team of volunteers will have an ongoing presence on Maryland beaches where they will be able to quickly respond and react to seal sightings as well as other sea turtle and marine mammal stranding situations.

The aquarium reports the full-time presence will allow National Aquarium Animal Rescue to assist as many animals in distress as possible while eliminating the obstacle of the long commute from Baltimore when responding to precarious animal health events.

As part of the aquarium’s permanent placement, the National Aquarium has partnered with the Town of Ocean City to establish a private animal triage and exam space within the Ocean City municipal complex at 65th Street, allowing the team to assess the needs of rescued animals and establish itself as a reliable partner within the greater Ocean City community.

“We are so excited to have an official presence here on the Atlantic Coast,” Shaffer said. “This region is critical to our work to care for protected and threatened marine species, and being here full time allows us to be more responsive and efficient when time is of the essence. We are grateful to Mayor Rick Meehan, Public Works Director Hal Adkins and members of the Ocean City government for their support in establishing a work site and welcoming us so warmly, and we look forward to making a difference for animals and our neighbors here in this dynamic community.”

Meehan added, “We are thrilled to partner with the National Aquarium and have marine animals treated right here in Ocean City. For the National Aquarium to have an ongoing presence in Ocean City will be highly beneficial for marine life.”

National Aquarium Animal Rescue is federally permitted by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to sick and injured sea turtles and marine mammals along Maryland's 3,190 miles of coastline.

Seal rescue season in the mid-Atlantic typically lasts from the early winter through May.

The aquarium said seals encountered on the beach may not be sick, only resting. The aquarium reports observers should not touch or approach the seal, but maintain a distance of 150 feet, note their location and time of day, and immediately contact the National Aquarium's Stranded Animal Hotline at 410-576-3880.

Prince, a juvenile harp seal rescued from Rehoboth Beach in February, was released this week after a weeks-long rehabilitation at the National Aquarium Animal Care and Rescue Center in Baltimore. Photo by Bethany Hooper

Trimper Family Civil Suit Seeking $245M In Damages

BY STEVE GREEN EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Dissension among members of the extended Trimper family has led to a $245 million civil suit with legal documents alleging financial misconduct and fraud.

Represented by attorney R. Wayne Pierce of Annapolis, plaintiffs Antoinette Bruno, Wendy Delamater and Joyce Trimper filed the civil suit, which seeks a jury trial, against defendants J. Douglas Trimper, Brooks Trimper, the Estate of Chris Trimper, Linda Trimper Holloway, Stephanie Trimper Lewis and more than a dozen associated amusement corporations, namely Trimper Amusements, Inc., Windsor Resort, Inc., Trimper’s Rides of Ocean City, Inc., Trimper’s Playland, Inc. and Trimper’s Tidal Wave, Inc.

All the named plaintiffs and defendants are shareholders of Trimper corporations.

The 39-page civil suit alleges misappropriation, corporate waste, self-dealing and fraudulent concealment. There are nine counts listed in the civil suit, which was filed March 23 in Worcester County Circuit Court. Seven of the nine counts in the case seek a total of $105 million in compensatory damages and $140 million in punitive damages.

The nine counts listed in the civil suit with the dollar amounts sought, if any, include fraud, $15 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages; civil conspiracy, $15 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages; aiding and abetting, $15 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive

damages; breach of fiduciary duties, $15 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages; violation of directors’ statutory standard of care under Corporations and Association Article 2-405.1, $15 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages; conversion, $15 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages; demand for accounting; shareholders’ derivative action for conversation and waste of corporate assets; and shareholders’ derivative action-fraud, $15 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages.

“This is a civil action for legal and equitable relief, including damages, imposition of a constructive trust and stockholder derivate claims,” the suit reads.

“… Beginning in or about 1995 and con-

tinually until early 2020, some or all of the defendants … have engaged in a continuous course of wrongful conduct and breaches of fiduciary duties designed to surreptitiously and systematically misappropriate and waste of the Corporations and engage in self-dealing.”

The plaintiffs maintain in the civil suit the defendants, who managed the daily operations of the seasonal Trimper businesses from 1995 to 2020, intentionally concealed important and accurate financial reports from the board.

“In approximately 2009, (defendant) finally made one year of the Corporations' ledger available to the Plaintiffs,” the suit reads. “Access to this information allowed the Plaintiffs to determine that funding from the Corporations had been used to purchase two vehicles, and that the vehicles were titled in the personal names of (defendants). Plaintiffs brought this misappropriation to the attention of Windsor's Board of Directors, who chose to terminate Defendant Doug Trimper, but he continued to have an active role in managing the Corporations.”

In early 2020, the majority of the shareholders voted out a group of Trimper family members, the named defendants, who had been in control for many years. Bruno, a resident of New York and a minority shareholder since 2010, led the Trimper operation in Ocean City from March 2020 until December 2021 when the board voted for a change in leadership. Trimper Rides has been in operation in downtown Ocean City for 129 years.

When management operations changed hands in 2020, analyzation of the books led to concerns over financial malfeasance, including skimming of cash operations, according to the civil suit. It reads, “The point-of-sale system digitized the business on electronic ‘thrill cards,’ removed 90% of cash transactions from the business, tracked individual sales and individual rides ridden, and made cash shortages in prior years obvious. The cash shortages also became apparent because the pandemic forced the Corporations to bring in independent but similar rides in 2020 and 2021, which allowed the Corporations to compare independent performance data to the performance when Defendants … individually, and in concert with each other, had previously operated the Corporations.”

The civil suit continues, “Plaintiffs … allege that Defendants … have acted fraudulently, including intentional, deliberate, and fraudulent acts and misrepresentations and acts of concealment to and from the Corporations and their shareholders. These fraudulent acts were undertaken with the intent to cause financial injury to the Corporations and the other shareholders and to unjustly personally enrich the Defendants …. The fraudulent acts of Defendants … have included, inter alia, skimming of corporate cash, concealing corporate revenue, and representing fraudulently

Fire Station Fundraising To Continue Without Consultant

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – Officials continue to pursue funding for the construction of a new fire station.

Last week, General Manager John Viola presented members of the Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee with an update on the South Station capital campaign.

As the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) looks to construct a new firehouse, a workgroup has been established to kickstart fundraising efforts. Viola, however, said officials will now have to do so without the assistance of a fundraising expert.

“The person we had hired had to back down for reasons she gave, which is fine,” he told committee members last week. “That fundraising, that approach, frankly now is not happening. We have offered to the fire department the resources we have here, like I always have, on what they want to do next.”

Last fall, the OPVFD workgroup issued a request for proposals seeking consultants for the creation of a feasibility study that would be used to launch a capital fundraising campaign. And in the weeks that followed, the group received six proposals, with prices ranging from $28,000 to $60,000.

In a December presentation, however, workgroup representatives told board members the group had since changed course and was seeking a local fundraising expert instead.

“Our in-depth review indicated an alternate path to success, and we requested a formal proposal from a respected fundraiser who has raised millions of dollars for the Salisbury Zoo and Delmarva Discovery Museum,” workgroup leader Ted Moroney said at the time.

In an update this week, Viola said that expert was no longer working with the

… Fraud, Corporate Waste Alleged In Suit

that all money spent by the Corporations wise for a legitimate business purpose. Defendants also fraudulently concealed, inter alia, their acts of self-dealing, selfinterest in transactions, and conversion of corporate assets for their personal use and benefit.”

The civil suit ranges from general claims to specific accusations, including under the fraudulent concealment, “During a meeting in approximately 2009, Plaintiff … confronted Defendant … that he and other Defendants were driving the Corporations broke. Defendant … denied this, stating that the Corporations were on an even keel, neither making money nor losing money. On information and belief, Defendants … concealed their actions by creating zombie Corporations – profit was misappropriated, but the residue was sufficient for the Corporations to keep walking and not draw scrutiny.”

workgroup. When asked if fundraising efforts have stalled, Viola noted that the department continues to sell raffle tickets for a 2023 Ford Explorer. Committee member George Solyak also questioned the board’s involvement in fundraising efforts.

“The memorandum of understanding, if I remember it right, said that the board will work with the fire department on fundraising,” he said. “Who from the board is working with them?”

Director Monica Rakowski, committee liaison, said no one had been assigned to the task.

“In general, it’s on all of the board members,” she replied.

Viola also told committee members last week the OPVFD workgroup would be meeting with contractors to review preliminary designs, update timelines and receive cost estimates. He said a

presentation would be made to the board this spring.

“It’s just a good time now to try and get an idea, with the changing environment of construction and logistics and all that stuff,” he said.

When asked if the cost estimates would be to refurbish or replace the fire station, Viola said it was one of the topics the workgroup would discuss with the contractors.

“We’re looking at that site, that building …,” he said. “Right now, in my mind, it could be either one.”

In addition to hiring a fundraising expert, workgroup members in December presented the board with a threepronged fundraising approach that involved finding key donors, hosting community fundraising events and seeking grant funds. While the OPVFD currently has $1.7 million in state funding for the

South Station construction, the workgroup had entered into an agreement with a local grant writer to find additional grant money.

“There’s no change in how much money they have put aside,” Viola said last week, “although we have a grant writer and we continue to look at grants to try and see what we can get.”

Last year, OPVFD leaders held a town hall meeting to discuss proposed South Station renovations, and the funding needed to make the project a reality. Officials are proposing an $8.6 million renovation that calls for a demolition of the station’s living and administrative quarters, the addition of a two-story building, and a new bay. With $1.7 million in state funding and $1 million in department reserve, the department and association are now seeking community support to fund the remaining costs.

Burglary, Fighting Axe

OCEAN CITY – A man wanted in Delaware was apprehended in Ocean City last week after leading police on a high-speed chase.

On March 28, Ocean City police on regular patrol observed a 2003 Buick Century entered Coastal Highway near 34th Street without its lights turned on. As police followed the vehicle, numerous other traffic violations were observed. After being alerted to pull over for a traffic stop by siren and patrol lights, the motorist, Richard A. McLamb, 48, of Dover, Del., accelerated westbound off Coastal Highway on 56th Street into a condominium parking lot.

McLamb’s vehicle reached a dead end inside the garage. The motorist then turned the car around to face a police officer and

COPS & COURTS

his cruiser. McLamb sped at the vehicle and crashed into the passenger side. McLamb then drove back toward Coastal Highway, cruising through a stop sign and speeding north. Police were able through radar detection to determine McLamb’s vehicle reached a speed of 83 mph in 40 mph zone.

Police deployed stop sticks in the area

of 94th Street, causing McLamb’s vehicle to eventually stop on a sidewalk around 123rd Street. McLamb and his passenger, a female, then fled the scene on foot and removed their jackets to try and change their appearance, according to the police report.

The suspects were apprehended outside a condominium unit on 123rd Street. McLamb was observed trying to gain entry into the unit, but the door was locked. He tried to tell police they were not the suspects being sought, giving a false name and providing an excuse of just having sex as to why he and the female were so out of breath.

McLamb was placed under arrest and a warrant check revealed he was wanted in Delaware for failure to appear to face charges of unlawful sexual contact third degree, first-degree burglary, resisting arrest and violation of probation.

Inside the vehicle McLamb left behind on Coastal Highway, police found a concealed Alaskan Ulu knife within the driver door pocket. Police determined the weapon was considered a fighting ax, which is illegal according to the Ocean City’s martial arts ordinance. Inside McLamb’s wallet police found a folded piece of paper

with crystal methamphetamine, a schedule II narcotic.

During the process, McLamb told police he needed to go to the hospital because he was in pain. Police noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath and further observations ultimately led to a driving while impaired by alcohol charge.

In all, McLamb was charged with obstructing and hindering a police officer, making a false statement to police, carrying and concealing a dangerous weapon (fighting ax), attempted breaking and entering and possession of schedule II narcotic.

K9 Gains Compliance From Wanted Man

OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man was arrested last week after resisting arrest on an outstanding warrant.

Ocean City police officers were dispatched March 30 to assist a citizen who was trying to recover her belongings from her husband, Chad Shipley, 32, of Ocean City. Police were familiar with Shipley and aware of past instances when he was confrontational with police and resisted detainment.

It was determined Shipley was wanted for a second-degree assault in Ocean City on March 23. In that incident, Shipley and his wife were engaged in an argument with the woman reporting domestic assault. Police assisted the woman with gathering her belongings before leaving the residence. During the situation, Shipley became verbally combative and spit at an officer. Another officer nearby observed Shipley throw a piece of broken door frame and a sensor light into the

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street. Shipley was then observed walking over to the woman’s vehicle and making a stabbing motion with a knife at the tires. Police observed all four tires were destroyed by Shipley, resulting in about $500 in damages. Though not apprehended at the time, Shipley was charged with second degree assault, disorderly conduct and malicious destruction of property under $1,000. An arrest warrant was then issued for Shipley.

When questioned by police on March 30, Shipley was “verbally defiant” and “appeared to become agitated,” according to police records, and began walking away from police. Shipley resisted handcuffs and ignored instructions until K9 Zorro arrived on the scene.

Shipley was searched and police found four unopened packages of Suboxone Sublingual Film inside his wallet. Suboxone is commonly prescribed to treat and decrease opioid use withdrawal symptoms. Since police were unable to locate any prescription, Shipley was charged with possession controlled dangerous substance of schedule III (Buprenorphine). He also faces charges of intentionally resisting arrest and obstructing and hindering police.

Arrest Warrant Served

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man is facing six charges this week after violating a protective order filed by a former girlfriend.

An Ocean City woman was granted a protective order in March through Sept. 6 against William R. Bruce, 67, of Baltimore. The order restricted Bruce from contacting the woman in any fashion.

On March 7, Ocean City police responded for a call of a disorderly male at a residence in north Ocean City known for domestic disputes between Bruce and the victim. The female resident, who previously had a relationship with Bruce, was hiding in the restroom with a hammer in fear of her safety. She reported to police Bruce was banging on her front door.

The victim told police earlier in the day Bruce had stolen a hat and gloves from her vehicle. The victim showed cell phone footage of Bruce entering her truck. Bruce later damaged the victim’s house by pulling back the siding of the home to enter her home from underneath. While screaming, “I’m coming in,” the suspect then tried to enter the home through her bathroom window and a secondary door unsuccessfully.

Bruce was charged with violating a protective order, harassment, malicious destruction of property valued $1,000, rogue and vagabond, theft less than $100, fourth degree burglary and trespassing.

Back in March of 2022, a similar situation played out at the same residence. Ocean City police was notified Bruce was at the woman’s residence. A warrant check found Bruce had an active arrest warrant through the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for violation of a protective order, harassment, rogue and vagabond, theft less than $100 and attempted fourth degree burglary. When the victim allowed police into her home, Bruce was located within the residence hiding in a closet. Bruce was arrested without incident.

New Foal: Assateague Island welcomed a new addition to its wild horse herd last weekend. Above the new foal is pictured with his brother, Jack. The foal’s mare is Autumn Glory and the sire is believed to be Assateague Phoenix.

Photo by Kevin Lynam Photography

Mixed-Use Building Proposed For Berlin Commons Property

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town’s board of zoning appeals is set to consider plans for a new building at the Berlin Commons.

Next Wednesday, the board of appeals is set to hear a special exception request from Brett and Megan Hines of The Buzz Meadery. The owners hope to erect a three-story building on the section of the Commons property closest to Main Street.

“It wouldn’t be quite the Commons anymore, but we want to retain as much green space as we can,” Megan Hines said.

In 2021, The Buzz Meadery opened the Berlin Commons on Jefferson Street, in the vacant lot once owned by Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County. The couple turned the vacant lot into a fencedin community green space and encouraged the public to take advantage of it. Throughout the year, they sold mead from The Buzz Meadery van and hosted special events like Merry Marketplace.

In an effort to establish something more permanent on the site, they’re now moving forward with plans to construct a threestory building on the part of the property adjacent to Jeffrey Auxer Designs.

“The overall plan is for a mixed-use commercial space…,” Megan Hines said. “Ultimately we want to promote the amount of business in Berlin. We feel it’ll bring in tourists looking for something different.”

She said that while they wanted to keep the green space at the point of the triangular property, the building would feature a taphouse on the first floor with a small seating area. The second floor would be additional seating and special event space. The third floor would be residential.

Hines said that because they want to leave as much green space as possible, they are seeking a special exception for the setbacks on the lot from the board of appeals. Hines said that would allow the structure to be located closer to the sidewalks on both Jefferson and Gay streets rather than be extended farther into the green space to the south of the property.

The town’s board of zoning appeals is set to hear the special exception request Wednesday, April 12, at 5:30 p.m. While The Buzz Meadery has submitted a conceptual rendering to show the footprint of the structure planned for the site, Hines stressed that the design was not final.

“At the board of appeals we’re just asking for the setbacks,” she said, adding that the project would eventually be reviewed by the Berlin Historic District Commission and the Berlin Planning Commission.

For this summer, she said the Commons would be operated like it was last year.

“We’re continuing business as usual,” she said, adding that people were welcome to continue to use the Commons to eat lunch or sit outside.

A mixed-use building is being planned for the triangular lot at the corner of Jefferson and Gay streets in Berlin. Above is a preliminary vision. Submitted Rendering

OC Convention Center Parking, Advertising Budget Discussed

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Discussions on convention center parking and advertising highlighted a recent budget work session.

Last week, the Mayor and Council continued its review of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, meeting with department staff to review their submitted spending plans.

Under the convention center budget, officials have proposed increases to both revenues and expenditures, as well as facility improvements. Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said increased use also highlighted a parking issue at the convention center. He pointed to a cheerleading event last month, which caused parking problems in the area.

“The lack of parking space, and parking all over, was evident,” he said.

When asked if it was an ongoing problem, Convention Center Executive Director Larry Noccolino said it was an issue roughly seven or eight times each year. Perlozzo said that number could increase as staff look to maximize revenues at the convention center.

“The convention center has been programmed for a single use of the building, predominantly …,” he said. “So what’s going to happen when, in the future, we try to bring in all those groups together and maximize revenue, the seven or eight events might turn into 15, 16, 17 events.”

Councilman John Gehrig said the lack of parking was a major concern. He noted that officials had explored a parking garage for the third phase of construction at the convention center, but instead had opted for an expansion.

“It’s not unforeseen,” he said. “We debated up here whether phase three should be the parking garage or the current phase three, and it was determined that parking doesn’t really matter, let's just add more people. Could we use a parking garage there?”

Noccolino said they could.

“But not a garage, a parking deck, which we can utilize more than a parking garage,” he said.

Gehrig questioned why it was not included in the town’s capital improvement plan (CIP). City Manager Terry McGean said department heads had never discussed parking when submitting their CIP requests. When asked if the town could secure funding through the Maryland Stadium Authority, McGean said it was unlikely.

“In order for the Stadium Authority to fund it, you have to show the economic benefit of it,” he said. “They are not going to be able to show the economic benefit of a parking garage.”

Mayor Rick Meehan suggested officials could consider a parking project

for the fourth phase of improvements at the convention center.

“I think it’s a fair request to look at that and have it put on the CIP and begin to have some discussions with the Stadium Authority on what criteria has to be met in order for that to qualify for state assistance,” he said.

The Mayor and Council last week also reviewed budgets for special events and tourism. Under the tourism department, Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Waters said estimated room tax revenue totaled more than $25 million in fiscal year 2024.

“We know that is an increase, and we wanted to suggest what some of that increase might be from,” she said. “Of course, it’s from the half-percent increase in the room tax, increased ADR from the collection of short-term rentals, from larger and more events, and year-round segmented marketing.”

She noted that room tax revenues funded advertising, special events and marketing and general fund contributions, among other things. She noted that advertising for fiscal year 2024 is funded at $9.25 million. Officials added that the town also anticipates advertising grant revenue from both the state and county.

“The state grant is basically a reward,” Gehrig said, noting that the more advertising dollars the resort spent, the more money it received from the state.

Councilwoman Carol Proctor, however, questioned the advertising budget, and if it had resulted in additional revenues for the town. She noted that while the town’s advertising budget had increased to $11.6 million in fiscal year 2023, the return in room tax revenue had increased just 3%. She added that parking and special event revenues, among other things, had increased by $20,000.

“I’m looking at the return the city is getting,” she said. “And that’s a tremendous amount to spend on marketing when I’m seeing room tax and other revenues aren’t coinciding with that.”

Perlozzo noted that the town had yet to launch its new advertising campaign.

“The answer to your question is it’s just not going to happen overnight …,” Perlozzo said. “I think we haven’t had a year of branding. We don’t know what the impact is going to be.”

Gehrig added that while the town had already spent $6.7 million in advertising, $2.6 million is unrealized. He also highlighted the realized increase in room tax revenue.

“Actual realized room tax revenue increased 35.4% in two years, which Jennie [Knapp, budget manager] said is the largest revenue increase in the budget …,” he said. “We need to be celebrating the fact that it continues to increase.”

Decatur Park Best Skate Park Option

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur Park is the most feasible location for a skate park in Berlin, according to industry professionals. Spohn Ranch, the company hired by We Heart Berlin to review locations and design a skateboarding facility for Berlin, identified Stephen Decatur Park as the most suitable location for a skate park in a draft report last week. The Tripoli Street space ranked just slightly ahead of Henry Park.

“We are extremely excited,” said Tony Weeg, founder of We Heart Berlin. “It’s another step in the process.”

Representatives from Spohn Ranch visited Berlin earlier this year to review Henry Park, Heron Park and Stephen Decatur Park as potential skate park locations. They looked at things like visibility, accessibility, amenities and surrounding environment to rate the three parks. Out of 60 possible points, Decatur Park scored 43 while Henry Park scored 37 and Heron Park scored 30.

“It was really close between Henry Park and Stephen Decatur Park,” Weeg said. “I do think it’ll end up being at Decatur Park because I think that’s where the people who are most vocal about it want it.”

According to Weeg, Stephen Decatur

Park scored higher because of accessibility. At Henry Park, an ADA walkway would need to be built from the parking lot to where a skate park could be built.

“It’d be harder for emergency crews to get to that,” Weeg said.

In contrast, at Stephen Decatur Park, the skateboarding infrastructure could be built adjacent to the parking lot near the pond. While the actual elements for Berlin’s skate park haven’t been selected yet, the concept drawing Spohn Ranch shows at Stephen Decatur Park features a flow bowl on one side, a street section in the middle and a pump track on the other side. Berlin’s park will likely be done in phases,

with the street section and entire site stormwater occurring first.

Weeg said We Heart Berlin will now provide feedback to Spohn Ranch before representatives come back to Berlin and make a presentation.

“Once that (location) decision is made, the next part of the process is design,” Weeg said.

He added that while the report from Spohn Ranch is an exciting part of the process, another key piece occurred at the March 27 council meeting. Town officials agreed to include the skate park on Berlin’s Program Open Space (POS) Annual Program for Development and to list

it among the capital projects the town is pursuing on Worcester County’s Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan (LPPRP).

“The biggest thing is the town giving it the credence it needs on the LPPRP and the POS wish list,” Weeg said. “Being that it’s now written down as a priority, we might be able to get funds we weren’t counting on. This is like a dream come true.”

The Berlin skate park is expected to cost around $800,000, according to the Spohn Ranch report, while additional amenities like seating, lighting and landscaping would bring the total cost to about $1 million.

A rendering of a proposed skate park is shown north of the playground area. Rendering by Spohn Ranch

Serving most states

Fundraiser To Support Newark Family

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – Community members are showing support for a Newark family after a fire destroyed their home last week.

A GoFundMe page has been created to raise money for the Croppers Island Road family that lost their home in a fire last week.

“Any donations will greatly help this family, no matter how small,” neighbor Michelle Beebe wrote on the page. “As they heal, I hope we can pull together as a community and help take some of the pain and give them hope.”

The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office last week investigated a residential structure fire on Croppers Island Road in Newark. The Newark Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched for a reported house fire at 11:12 a.m. on March 29. Upon arrival, crews experienced significant fire conditions throughout the two-story singlefamily home. Early into the incident, an evacuation of interior crews was ordered after a firefighter fell through the second floor and the building partially collapsed.

Assistance was requested from Ocean City, Showell, Berlin, Stockton, Powellville and Willards fire depart-

ments. Firefighters spent 4.5 hours on scene bringing the fire under control and estimate they used over 50,000 gallons of water during the event.

The American Red Cross provided assistance to three adults who lived in the home. The fire marshal’s office reported that 20 animals were believed to have perished in the fire.

“This was their home for nearly 30 years, 30 years of memories, collectables, antiques and all personal possessions,” the GoFundMe page reads. “In addition, the family lost every family pet in the fire, unable to retrieve them. Over 20 pets, cats and dogs perished in the fire.”

The exact cause of the fire is considered accidental and is believed to be contributed to by a portable heating appliance. No injuries were reported. The GoFundMe page had raised more than $5,300 as of Monday. In addition, Burley Oak Brewing Co. has scheduled a fundraiser for April 17.

“Two of our very longtime and loyal customers and friends, Jackie and Jeff Martin, lost their entire home, all of their belongings and all of their family pets in a very unfortunate fire,” the brewery’s Facebook page reads. “We will be hosting a fundraiser to support them on April 17, 2023 from 6-9 p.m. in the taproom.”

Crews are pictured battling a fire at a home on Croppers Island Road last week.

Photo by Worcester Fire Marshal’s Office.

Council, Planners Eye 3rd Meeting

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say a fall meeting of the Mayor and Council and the Ocean City Planning Commission will give members enough time to make any necessary code amendments brought forward from previous discussions.

Last week, the Mayor and Council had before them a draft agenda for a third joint meeting of the two government bodies. While the date was initially set for April 11, or the council’s next work session, officials agreed to approve the agenda with a fall meeting date.

“We did two joint sessions, back to back, and we should see some forward progress before we get to a third one,” Councilman Peter Buas said. “I’d like to see it done in the fall, and I make a motion to approve the agenda but push it to a fall calendar date to be determined.”

A rift between the Mayor and Council and planning commission was first made evident last year, when the council removed two proposed code amendments brought forward by the commission from its August agenda. And last fall, the Mayor and Council and members of the planning commission met for the first time to clear the air over certain issues.

Over the course of two meetings –one held in September, and another held in December – officials discussed topics such as nonconforming signs, LED lighting, parking, building heights, workforce housing and conditional use approvals, among other things. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville told the Mayor and Council last week those topics would be reviewed at the third joint meeting.

“So the agenda that you have in front of you would essentially provide you with an update on those items the council did provide direction on at the last meeting,” he said.

Neville added the agenda would also include items the Mayor and Council and planning commission did not have time to discuss, including the site plan appeal process and funding related to traffic lights and crosswalks.

“I don’t think we really touched on those to a point where we got particular direction on that …,” he said. “We can either keep it on for discussion purposes or not.”

He said he also included minimum residential parking requirements and nonconformity as discussion topics.

“We tried to focus on this question of redevelopment is a term that is not currently included in the nonconformity section …,” he said. “If we do want all the nonconformity to apply to all brand-new redevelopment, that word redevelopment should probably be included in this section. That would be a clear statement of what we think our current policy has been. If we agree that it was left out for a reason, we need to confirm that

with you.”

Neville told officials this week he was seeking approval of, or alterations to, the proposed agenda. The meeting, he said, would be held April 11, during a work session of the Mayor and Council.

“I think both the council and the planning commission would benefit from being able to at least have a brief discussion on the nonconformity issue if we meet,” he explained. “It’s an opportunity for council to either add or subtract from this agenda and also confirm whether or not you’d like to move forward with scheduling a meeting for your April 11 work session.”

Buas, however, said officials have yet to receive any proposed code amendments from the first two joint meetings.

“This is the third joint session, and we haven’t seen any code amendments come up since those two joint sessions,” he said. “And while, of course, there is spirited discussion as to nonconformity, I’m wondering if it’s premature until we actually get some of this stuff on the beginning of this list checked off.”

A motion made by Buas to approve the agenda with a third joint meeting to be held in the fall was seconded by Councilman Will Savage. With no discussion, the council voted 5-0, with Councilman John Gehrig and Council President Matt James absent.

50 Years Later, Developmental Center Serving 85 Clients

OCEAN PINES – For 50 years, the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC) has helped local people with intellectual disabilities find meaningful employment, gain independence, and increase their self-worth.

WCDC’s headquarters is in Newark, and the center also operates seven group homes in Ocean Pines.

Executive Director Jack Ferry is an Ocean Pines homeowner. Ferry said the center first opened in September 1973.

“The center was started by families who saw that there was nothing for their adult children after they got out of school,” Ferry said. “At the time, there really wasn’t anything in Worcester County for individuals with disabilities, and they needed activities for them to do.”

Fifty years ago, WCDC had nine clients. Today, they have about 85.

“There also were no residential homes at that time, and now we have 14 operating homes throughout Worcester County, and one more that will be opening within the next couple of months in Ocean Pines,” Ferry said.

Ferry said clients are referred to WCDC by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration, a state agency that oversees and licenses the center, and provides funding.

All the clients have intellectual disabilities, and many also have secondary issues including physical disabilities and other medical issues.

The original WCDC building in Newark burned down in 2007. Ferry said it was a blessing in disguise that fortunately happened on a day when no clients were in the building.

“It was an in-service day, so there were no clients and only a couple of staff there, and luckily nobody got hurt.

At that time, it was an 87-year-old single-story schoolhouse that was crumbling,” Ferry said. “So, they were able to build a brand-new center and today we’re able to do so much more because of that.”

Ferry started working for WCDC in 2008 and became the executive director in 2014. He’s aided by a staff of 144 and supported by state and federal Medicaid programs.

He said the clients are so successful “because of our hard-working, dedicated, talented staff.”

Those workers, he added, also help boost the local economy.

“Last year, our budget was $6.3 million. That's all-new dollars that we're bringing into Worcester County, and about 80% of our funding goes into staff salaries,” Ferry said. “That's money that our staff are using to buy groceries and rent homes or pay mortgages and things

like that. So, we're bringing a significant amount of money into the county.”

About a decade ago, the center was a vital part of the resort industry, with clients helping to run a linen laundry service that served many Ocean Pines restaurants and hotels. A lawn-care service was also utilized by many in the Ocean Pines community, and clients also worked for a catering service through WCDC.

More stringent federal guidelines shuttered those programs around 2016. Ferry admitted it was a difficult transition.

“When we sold our laundry equipment and I watched it going out the building, I had tears in my eyes, because that was such a tremendous program,” he said. “Not only were we able to hire our clients, but we had so much business that we worked with the Worcester County schools, with their special ed department and their summer school, and we even hired some of their students. We also hired clients from other agencies, so we had a lot of people involved.”

Now, WCDC operates in part as a center for the arts.

“When we found out we weren't going to be successful in fighting the federal changes, we sat down and we thought about what we were going to do next,” Ferry said. “The work we had been doing was significant, and it was also something that set us apart. We had a variety of jobs where we could train clients to have them work and earn a paycheck.

“We were looking for two things. One, what's going to be best for our clients and, two, what's going to set us apart and keep us a little bit different, so that we stand out so that we can attract more people and grow,” he added.

Ferry said almost all clients struggle to communicate in one way or another. Some have physical limitations and others have intellectual difficulties.

“We tried to think about nonverbal ways for our clients to communicate. And we said, through the arts, everybody can do that,” he said. “We looked into it a little bit and decided that's what we're going to do. So, we become a center for the arts and the clients are having a great time.”

WCDC partnered with the Art League of Ocean City, with clients able to visit for classes, or attend remotely through online programs like Zoom.

“That's been a nice relationship,” Ferry said.

While Ferry is unhappy that some of the center’s prior programs are no longer viable, he said the timing was extremely fortuitous.

“I think it was a case of God watching over our clients, but also you kind of make your own luck,” Ferry said. “When COVID hit, it was very fortunate that we were becoming a center for the arts. If we had still been doing work at the center, all of that would have been SEE PAGE 50

Residence Relocated In Ocean

City: On Tuesday, crews with Expert House Movers spent the day relocating a home on South Heron Gull Court in Ocean City from its existing bayside location to a canal-front lot at the end of the cul-de-sac. The company spent eight days raising the 160-ton home, which was moved down the street and rotated 180 degrees before being placed on the vacant property. Gabriel Matyiko of Expert House Movers said the house is one of the largest structures to be moved on the island since a historic TarryA-While building on Dorchester Street was relocated in 2005. Photos by Bethany

Hooper

School Helps Veterans Foundation

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Students at Worcester Preparatory School recently raised $1,000 for a foundation dedicated to supporting veteran recovery and rehabilitation.

A casual dress day at Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) resulted in $1,000 for Catch a Lift, a foundation that gives post 9/11 combat veterans the chance to rehabilitate through physical fitness.

“They’ve had a tremendous impact on veterans,” said Dr. John McDonald, WPS head of school.

According to McDonald, seniors Ava Wilsey and Caitlyn Hoen suggested a dress down day—an opportunity for students to dress casually in exchange for a $2 donation to a nonprofit—he immediately thought of his former college roommate Chris Coffland. Coffland’s family created a foundation in his memory following his death in 2009.

“Chris loved football, his parents live in Ocean Pines and his niece graduated from Worcester Prep,” McDonald said. “It all made sense.”

And so students got to wear their favorite football jerseys just before the Super Bowl, raising $1,000 for the Catch a Lift Foundation. Coffland’s parents, David and Toni Coffland, stopped by Worcester Prep this week to accept the donation. David Coffland said the funding would help the foundation continue its efforts to support combat veterans regain their mental and physical health through fitness.

“We have over 8,000 veterans enrolled,” he said. “What we do is we buy them gym memberships anywhere they’d like.”

When veterans aren’t able to visit gyms, the foundation buys workout equipment for their homes. It can also help with personalized fitness and nutrition programs and a peer support network.

“It’s been very productive,” Coffland said.

McDonald was pleased WPS was able to support the foundation created in honor of his former roommate and football teammate at Washington & Lee University.

“He was a fitness fiend,” McDonald recalled. “He was probably in the best shape

of anyone I ever met. When he’d go workout, he’d always say I’m going to go catch a lift.”

Coffland was captain of the football and lacrosse teams during his college years and went on to play football in Finland and coach in Australia. He studied anthropology, visiting the rain forest of Gabon, and worked at the Art Institute of Seattle and at Loyola Marymount Institute in Los Angeles. Coffland enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 41 and died in 2009 in Afghanistan serving during Operation Enduring Freedom.

“He lived quite a life,” McDonald said.

Pictured, from left, are Toni and David Coffland, Worcester Prep Seniors Ava Wilsey and Caitlyn Hoen and Head of School Dr. John McDonald. Submitted Photo

Berlin Will Host Egg Hunts, Games, Bonnet Parade

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town kicks off a busy season of events with the Berlin Spring Celebration this Saturday.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, a bonnet parade and an egg hunt are all on tap at this year’s Spring Celebration. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 8 in downtown Berlin.

“We’ve taken a pretty hard look at not just our Spring Celebration, but all of our events, and are fixed on making every aspect the best it can be,” said Ryan Nellans, executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. “Spring Celebration isn’t just an already amazing egg hunt, it will now have every concession you can imagine—singing and dancing, wild animals and a dozen midway games—free to play, with prizes.”

The day kicks off early, with the Berlin Fire Company hosting “Breakfast with the Easter Bunny” from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event, which is $5 for kids under 10 and $10 for adults, will be held in the upstairs event hall at the station on Main Street. All-day parking will also be available at the firehouse, where cash donations will be accepted.

The Spring Celebration itself will begin with some fanfare, as a bonnet parade will run from the firehouse to the festival grounds on Main Street. There, the best bonnets will win prizes as children are invited to participate in a dozen midway style games being set up by local nonprofits. This year’s “Midway on Main Street” will give participants the opportunity to win prizes donated by Jolly Roger Amusements.

The big draw at the Spring Celebration, the egg hunt, is set for 11:30 a.m. on the lawn of the Taylor House Museum. Nearly 5,000 eggs will be scattered on the lawn.

This year’s Spring Celebration also includes live music—Shake it Up Jam with Lisa Mathews—face painting by Lollipop the Clown & Company, Scales and Tales from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and food from a variety of popular local vendors.

“The Spring Celebration has been a Berlin staple, year after year, and our great opportunity to give back to the children in the community. That sentiment has been echoed by our many donors, sponsors, and friends: Jolly Roger Amusements, The Berlin Arts & Entertainment District, Atlantic General Hospital, The Sterling Tavern and The Treasure Chest,” Nellans said.

The Berlin Spring Celebration is free to attend. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook or berlinmainstreet.com.

Many activities are planned for Saturday’s Berlin Spring Celebration. Above, the Easter bunny stops for a photo op along Main Street last year.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Freeman Arts Pavilion Releases Latest Performance Schedule

SELBYVILLE – Freeman Arts Pavilion has announced its latest round of performances for its 2023 season.

The outdoor venue — a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, a fundraising arts nonprofit, located in Selbyville — will present its 16th season with a mix of dance, theatre, children’s performances and live music.

National acts included in this round of performances are Walker Hayes on July 7; Brass Transit; The Musical Legacy of Chicago on July 27; Brandi Carlile on Aug. 4; An In-depth Rare Evening with Ms. Dionne Warwick on Aug. 9; The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA on Aug. 12; Floyd Nation: Experience Pink Floyd on Aug. 15; The Legendary Ingramettes on Aug. 16; Shakey Graves and Lucius on Aug. 17; The Righteous Brothers on Aug. 18; Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes on Aug. 19; Gary Clark Jr. on Aug. 30; First State Ballet on Aug. 31; Arts & Jazz Festival on Sept. 9; Voyage: The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band on Sept. 8; and MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 9. The nonprofit’s Saturday morning children’s performances will be announced soon.

Tickets for these performances are

now on sale at freemanarts.org. Onsale times will vary throughout the day, and interested attendees should check individual event pages for exact times. Tickets for Brandi Carlile will go on sale at a later date; announcement of sale date coming soon.

As an arts nonprofit, Freeman Arts offers performances for all ages to enjoy with the support of local organizations, such as its Season Sponsors, including Sara Chase Carlson of Sodoka, Inc., Schell Brothers and Preston Automotive Group. For more information, visit freemanarts.org.

Freeman Arts Pavilion is a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, with a purpose of creating experiences that elevate the human spirit. This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com. Grant support is also provided by the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, the Sussex County Council, and the state of Delaware.

New acts announced Monday for this summer include Walker Hayes, above left, July 7, and Brandi Carlile, Aug. 4.

Submitted Photos

Sofas • Love Seats

Fenwick Committee To Review Town Noise Ordinance

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials in Fenwick Island agreed to have a resort committee review the town’s noise ordinance, but not before considerable debate on the elimination of time constraints.

Late last month, Councilwoman Janice Bortner presented the Fenwick Island Town Council with a recommendation to have the town’s charter and ordinance (C&O) committee consider removing time constraints for the enforcement of noise ordinances. She noted that while the town code states an enforcement time of midnight to 8 a.m., she said members of the town’s residential concerns committee wanted to see it removed.

“I don’t think it would hurt to look at the noise ordinance, but the main focus is the time constraints of enforcement,” she said. “In there, it says the enforcement is from 12 midnight to 8 a.m., and we’re saying we don’t feel that’s necessary … It should be all the time.”

Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said she took no issue with the town’s charter and ordinance committee reviewing the noise ordinance but said she had concerns about removing the time constraints.

She pointed out that the town’s noise ordinance is enforceable at any time of day.

“I think it is all the time but it is of particular importance from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.,” she said. “I would be fearful of removing the time.”

Bortner agreed, noting that she had talked to the police chief to confirm that the ordinance could be enforced at any time. However, she said removing the time constraint would clarify the issue.

“It wouldn’t matter if it was 12 in the afternoon or 12 midnight …,” she said. “The understanding is you would have to abide by these noise ordinances, it doesn’t matter what time of the day it is.”

Magdeburger, however, said she could not support the recommendation.

“I don’t want to get into a situation where we are weaponizing our noise ordinance,” she said. “I think that’s a dangerous place for anyone in Fenwick to be because it is a community that prides itself on outdoor activities, and outdoor activities engender noise … I think the way it’s written now can probably be tightened up, so that there’s more clarity for our officers in terms of enforcement.”

Councilman Richard Benn agreed. He argued the time constraint was important.

“I’ve got a neighbor that’s putting in a pickleball court. I’m not very excited to be listening to it, but that doesn’t mean I can weaponize it,” he said. “He’s going to enjoy his pickleball court, and I’m going to have to listen to it, and that’s fine. Now if he wants to do pickleball at midnight, then he’s going to have a problem.”

Bortner said the residential concerns committee had wanted the town to review the noise ordinance in its entirety, but specifically brought up the issue of the time constraint. She argued eliminat-

ing the language would make it easier for residents to understand and officers to enforce.

“I guess it’s just to put more teeth in the ordinances so that there’s no question,” she said. “Someone could come back and say, ‘Well it says from 12 to 8 in the morning.’ Well, if you are disrespectful of your neighbors, and it’s causing an annoyance and inconvenience to the public near that house, then it gives it a little more teeth.”

Police Chief John Devlin told the council the ordinance as currently written was enforceable, no matter the time of day.

“If we have an occurrence with an electric guitar at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, we can put an end to it …,” he said. “We have discretion as police officers, 24/7, even if there’s a caveat in

there from 12 to 8. Of course, it’s more egregious if it’s midnight than 3 in the afternoon.”

He noted, however, that he supported a review of the town’s noise ordinance.

“It doesn’t hurt to look at it in C&O and check out the wording and see if we can make it a little tighter,” he added.

Magdeburger agreed.

“Certain activities that may be fine at 3 o’clock in the afternoon are maybe not so fine at midnight. That's where I’m concerned about the wording of your motion,” she said. “If it’s to look at the whole issue, I’m all in. But if it’s specifically to delete the timeframe, I think we give up that ability to make sure between midnight and 8 a.m. that we can sleep, that it’s a quiet community.”

After council members shared their concerns about the wording of Bortner’s

motion, Bornter amended the motion to have the charter and ordinance committee simply review the town’s noise ordinance. The council then voted 6-0, with Councilman Ed Bishop abstaining, to approve the amended motion.

“I think cutting out the time would have adverse consequences none of us would want,” Magdeburger said.

For his part, Bishop said he opposed any changes to the town’s noise ordinance, as he had no complaints with the current wording.

“I don’t want to create work for the group unnecessarily,” he said.

Magdeburger, however, said the charter and ordinance committee will simply be tasked with reviewing the ordinance.

“We’re not actually passing anything at this point,” she said.

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those

Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Beth Laque and Misty Gonzalez volunteered at an egg hunt to benefit the softball team at Decatur.

Ryleigh Smith and Leah Simpson welcomed kids to an egg hunt to benefit the Stephen Decatur girls softball team.

Madison Donoway and Christa Andrews are pictured at an egg hunt to support the softball team at Decatur.

Luke and Josh Blume held down the food tent at a fundraiser Saturday for Decatur’s softball team.

Dylan Jung and Matt Tilghman helped out at an egg hunt at Sonrise Church in Berlin.

Volunteers passed out candy at an egg hunt at Sonrise Church.

Shaneka Nichols and Maddy McGinnis helped out at an Easter event to support the softball team at Decatur.

Maddy McGinnis and Emily Blume helped out at an egg hunt to support Stephen Decatur’s softball team.

Kaitlynn Young and Leah Walker helped out at an egg hunt hosted by Sonrise Church.

Funny Farm’s Emily Burris brought a variety of animals for kids to see at an Easter event at Sonrise Church.

Ocean City Police’s Moreck Retiring After 42 Years

OCEAN CITY – After 42 and a half years of dedicated service to the citizens of Ocean City, Lieutenant Richard Moreck retired effective April 1 from the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD).

Moreck began his career with the OCPD as a seasonal police officer in the summer of 1980. Moreck was then hired as a full-time police officer with OCPD in the fall of 1980.

Moreck currently serves as the special events coordinator. During his career, he has served in all three divisions of Support Services, Patrol, and Criminal Investigations. Moreck was promoted to lieutenant in the spring of 2004. The following year, he graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, an elite law enforcement leadership academy.

One of his most notable achievements is serving as the commander of the Quick Response Team and a team member since 1982. The Quick Response Team is comprised of a team of officers who have received advanced training in the area of specialized weapons and response tactics. They are deployed for various situations such as search warrants and hostage incidents. Moreck has also served as the firearms unit commander, instructor and armorer for the department. His extensive knowledge of firearms has been passed along to generations of full-time and seasonal police officers.

“Now in his fifth decade of service, Lt. Rick Moreck has served the Ocean City

community with honor and distinction. Throughout his accomplished career, his professionalism, passion, and abilities have shined through” said Chief Ross Buzzuro. “As Chief, I have been extremely fortunate to have his level of knowledge and experience as a member of the Command Staff. He truly is the epitome of Ocean City’s finest.”

After his retirement, Moreck plans to spend more time with his family, especially his three grandsons. He is looking

forward to traveling and working on his family cabin located in Pennsylvania. Between family time and traveling, Moreck will continue to work part-time as a reserve officer with the OCPD, passing along his expertise and knowledge in firearms and the firing range.

“I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve with the police department. It has been a rewarding experience serving the citizens of Ocean City since 1980,” he said. “A special thanks to past and

present members of the Quick Response Team for their commitment, dedication, and loyalty during the countless highrisk situations handled over the years. To the men and women of the Ocean City Police Department, my best wishes for future success and health. I have truly enjoyed working with the members of the department throughout the years and will reflect often on the memories, relationships, and challenges we’ve faced together.”

Retiring Lt. Richard Moreck is pictured with his family and Mayor Rick Meehan, right, at a retirement recognition ceremony last month. Submitted Photo

New Exhibits Planned For April At Arts Center, Galleries

OCEAN CITY – The public is welcome to meet the artists at Ocean City’s First Friday art openings on April 7 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street bayside and two nearby satellite galleries. Admission is free. PKS Investments is sponsoring the complimentary reception beverages at the arts center.

The Thaler Gallery hosts two painters whose styles are complimentary. Artist Jonathan Nordstrom of Ocean Pines is also a federal firefighter and an author, writing and illustrating four children’s books. His show, “Behind Closed Eyes,” takes its inspiration from Nordstrom’s dreams. “Every so often, I drift off and see the universe in motion,” he said. “Surreal pointillism is a term I like to use to describe my style of painting, though some of my subjects are very real. I love using pointillism to relay the very fabric of what the universe truly is - infinite small particles working together to create matter, energy, light, and everything we love.”

Sharing the Thaler Gallery is abstract painter Mary Catherine Scirè of Frederick. Her show, “Lost Threads,” is a collection of abstract paintings based on lost

writing systems, or scripts, from antiquity. Their unique forms, although simple in nature, pull together to create complex paintings that reflect the collective diversity of these lost scripts. “My studies in archaeology and art history spurred an interest in the origins of human creativity as evidenced by the earliest cave paintings, tool-making abilities, and written forms of communication, Scirè said. “All of these remnants from the past speak to the birth of imagination.”

The Corporate Partner Juried Group Show, an annual exhibition to honor the corporate partners of the Art League of Ocean City, will be on display in The Galleria.

“Our corporate partnerships are vital to keeping the Ocean City Center for the Arts up and running, and this is our way, once a year, to thank them for their support,” Rina Thaler, executive director, said.

Chris Harrington, chair and professor of the Department of Fine Arts at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, juried the show and selected the winners, who will receive cash prizes.

The Spotlight Gallery hosts University

of Maryland Eastern Shore associate professors Elvin Hernandez and Brad Hudson and celebrates Manga and Anime styles of animation originating in Japan, characterized by stark, colorful graphics depicting fantastic or futuristic themes. The student portion of the show will open on First Friday and continue through the weekend.

Art League developed this Manga and Anime exhibit to promote creativity among students outside formal art programs and increase community awareness of the art form. Students in middle, high school, and higher education on the Eastern Shore submitted entries judged by Hernandez and Hudson. Art League President John Sisson and Ocean City Comic Con are donating prizes to the winners.

Studio E’s artist for April is Emma Matheu Bailey, an up-and-coming nature photographer from Annapolis, Md. Her passion for nature photography stems from being raised on Kent Island and learning about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem as a child. She focuses on photographing wildlife and plants hoping to inspire people to

learn about protecting nature’s creatures and the environment.

Glass artist Jason Giusti is the artisan for April. A graduate of The Fulton School of Liberal Arts at Salisbury University in 2006 with a concentration in hot glass, he furthered his knowledge in glassblowing with intensive classes at The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, N.Y.

The Princess Royale satellite gallery, 9100 Coastal Highway, hosts the artwork of painter Cindy Beyer of Rehoboth Beach, Del. Beyer spends most of her time painting the local seascapes and landscapes, but has also traveled across the country and world to study with artists allowing unique perspectives that have translated into her work.

The Coffee Beanery satellite gallery at 94th Street and Coastal Highway displays the work of abstract artist Karen Hutchison of Herndon, Va. Working in acrylic paint and various mediums, she creates a diversity of styles from soft dreamy color studies to dynamic textured pieces that have a structural feel, occasionally in neutral palettes, often in a selection of compelling hues.

Golf superintendent Retires after 32 Years

OCEAN CITY – After 32 years with the Town of Ocean City as recreation and parks golf course superintendent, Joseph Perry has retired. Since 1990, Perry has played a leading role with the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department.

Prior to beginning a full-time career with the town, Perry was a golf course superintendent of Crestbrook Park in Watertown, Conn. He has worked in various recreation and parks departments for 40 years, including Texas and Illinois.

Perry has played an essential role at Eagle’s Landing Golf Course as superintendent. He was involved with the construction of the golf course before it opened in 1991. The first year, Eagle’s Landing was recognized as one of the best public courses in the country to open that year. Perry has helped Eagle’s Landing receive numerous awards and recognitions over the years. Under his direction, the city secured an over $2 million state of the art irrigation system and pump station for improvements for the golf course. Perry also was commit-

ted to the Eastern Shore Association of Golf Course Superintendents (ESAGCS). He served at every board level and was association president in 1998. In 2014, Perry was inducted into the Eastern Shore Golf Hall of Fame and in 2015 was recognized for distinguished service by the ESAGCS.

Director of Recreation and Parks Susan Petito addressed her appreciation of Perry and his many dedicated years of service.

“Joe Perry has been the driving force behind Eagle’s Landing’s reputation as one of the finest public golf courses in Maryland with regard to course condi-

tioning and playability,” she said. “His dedication to Eagle’s Landing and to his profession has earned him well-deserved recognition throughout the state; however, none so much as the appreciation and recognition we all have for him in the Recreation & Parks Department. Joe will be missed.”

Retiring Superintendent Joe Perry, center, is pictured at City Hall last week during a recognition event. Submitted Photo

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE NEWS

Committee Appointment

OCEAN CITY – The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced that Reid Tingle, president/CEO of Bank of Ocean City, Ocean City, was elected to serve on ICBA’s Legislative Issues Committee.

ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks and is committed to its founding mission to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish.

“As a financial steward of my community and advocate for the community banking industry, I’m proud to support ICBA’s efforts to highlight the important role community banks serve both locally and in our nation’s economy,” Tingle said. “As relationship lenders, community banks remain focused on the needs of their customers, and work hard to earn and retain their trust every day. I’m proud to be a community banker and to be called to serve to preserve our industry’s legacy for future generations.”

In addition to helping shape and promote ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Tingle’s duties include engaging in grassroots activities in Maryland to advocate pro-community bank policies and serving as a liaison between community banks and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C.

“Reid Tingle is a respected civic leader and community banker who has graciously volunteered his time and resources to advocate and promote the important role of community banks in our financial system,” said ICBA Chairman Derek Williams, president and CEO of Century Bank & Trust in Milledgeville, Ga. “We are honored that Reid has accepted this appointment and extend our heartfelt appreciation for his ongoing efforts to ensure the future of community banking remains bright.”

Executive Named

SALISBURY – Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, president and CEO of TidalHealth, announced that Angela (Angie) Brittingham, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, NEA-BC, CPHQ, has been named as the health system’s next chief nursing executive (CNE).

Brittingham was selected after the completion of a national search following the departure of Dr. Sarah Arnett last year.

Brittingham, who began her career at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in 2000 as a certified nursing assistant on the mother/baby unit, transitions to the executive team from her most recent position as TidalHealth’s senior director of emergency and trauma services.

Previously, she has served in leadership roles as the director of emergency and trauma services, clinical manager of pediatrics, emergency charge nurse/supervisor, and a staff nurse on both the mother/baby unit and in the emergency/trauma center.

In her new role, Brittingham leads the professional practice of nursing across the health system, including at the Salisbury hospital, at the 99-bed TidalHealth Nanticoke hospital in Seaford, Del., and at the Chesapeake Cove Assisted Living and Tawes Nursing Home, both located in Crisfield, Md.

“Angie brings a vision for nursing excellence, both from the patient experience as well as the nurse/care team experience,” said Leonard. “She is frequently complimented by her employees for her exceptional communication and clinical skills and her overall leadership qualities. We look forward to the continued growth and development of our nursing care team with Angie as our CNE, and also thank Dr. Kathryn Fiddler who has done an exceptional job leading patient care services on an interim basis for the past year.”

Lot Sold

SALISBURY – Meredith Mears, senior advisor with SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate, sells 714 E. Lincoln Avenue, Salisbury, Md., 21801.

This land lot is an approximately a two-acre corner lot in the Center of Salisbury. Local businesses, Union Latina and Tienda & Carniceria will eventually expand to the highly trafficked location.

The family-run businesses have been in operation for four years in this market. They persevered through the first year, experiencing difficulties directly related to pandemic conditions. They began to see exponential growth over the last year. The store features a butcher that offers premium fresh meat prepared with Hispanic style cutters. There are a variety of seasonings signature to the Hispanic culture and a grocery section with an array of fresh vegetables and foods. Maryland lottery will also be available at the store. Money transfer services will also be available. This particular lot has been on the market for over five years and has presented challenges for several potential buyers in the development process.

Mears began working with the sellers two years ago to position the land for a marketable offering. Mears utilized her strong development background to create a clear and succinct path to successful development of the property. Mears’ relationships with the City of Salisbury, local engineering firms and traffic study groups enabled her to create a clear plan outlining the course of action for a potential buyer. Mears cooperated

with Eka Suryadi with Keller Williams. Suryadi represented the buyer in this transaction.

Associates Welcomed SALISBURY – Becker Morgan Group is excited to announce additions to its leadership team, welcoming one new senior associate and three new associates.

Allison L. Shockley, AIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C, has been promoted to senior associate. Shockley started her career with Becker Morgan Group in 2012 after completing her Master of Architecture at The University of Maryland. She returned to Becker Morgan Group in 2021 after spending five years in Charlotte, N.C. Shockley has a passion for educational design and complex projects. She enjoys collaborating with stakeholders and the project team to understand their vision and develop the most appropriate design solutions within a project’s parameters. Tylershane Giffear, PE, civil engineer, is now an associate with Becker Morgan Group. Giffear joined Becker Morgan in 2018, having recently graduated from the University of Delaware. Giffear received licensure in 2022 and has put that knowledge to work for clients throughout the region, with particular emphasis in northern Delaware. One of Giffear’s more significant projects has been Winchelsea, a 132-acre subdivision near Middletown, Del.

Andrew P. Colletti, civil designer, has been promoted to associate. Colletti started with Becker Morgan Group in 2016. A 2014 graduate of the University of Delaware, he has broad experience in all aspects of civil site design and has specific experience working with large industrial sites throughout northern Delaware. His notable project work includes the 190acre WuXi AppTec Pharmaceutical site in Middletown, Del., and Glasgow Commons in Newark, Del., a 149-acre logistics campus.

Ryan J. Musacchio, PE, civil engineer, is now an associate at Becker Morgan Group. Upon graduation from the University of Delaware, he joined the firm full time in 2014. Musacchio has developed skills and experience across a wide variety of projects and has become wellversed in land development regulations in New Castle County, Del. In addition to various retail commercial site plans, Musacchio is also experienced in designing residential subdivisions.

REID TINGLE

The Ocean City and Ocean Pines chambers of commerce recently celebrated the new office of Movement Mortgage on 82nd Street in Ocean City with a joint ribbon cutting. Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Thompson, left, and Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kerrie Bunting, right, present plaques to Senior Loan Officer Pam Rocco, Market Leader Justin Kozera and Branch Manager Joe Brach. Submitted Photo

ANGELA BRITTINGHAM

COMMUNITY News In Photos

At a recent meeting, Ocean City Lioness Lions Club President Bev Topfer presented a check for $1,000 to Tim and Cheryl Cuneir. They were accompanied by Tim Cunier’s “Leader Dog.” Leader Dogs for the Blind is funded through donations from Lions Clubs across America.

Submitted Photos

Members of the Worcester County Garden Club recently visited Cross Farms in Showell to learn about growing plants hydroponically. Owner Carol Cross described the benefits of hydroponics and demonstrated the ebb and flow system in use at the farm.

Members of the Optimist Club attended the Worcester County Teacher of the Year Banquet. Pictured from left to right, are Charlie Smith (a former president of the Optimist Club), Cheryl Brown (member and also the library and media specialist at Stephen Decatur Middle School), Todd Ferrante (member and the president of the Worcester County Board of Education), Christina Dolomount-Brown (Optimist Club president), Lynn Barton (member and principal of SDMS) and Mark Shipley (member and assistant principal of SDMS).

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club recently donated $7,112 to Ocean Pines Golf Club to support youth golf initiatives. The money will be used to: purchase 35 sets of golf clubs for young children, 18 sets of golf clubs for older children, a golf clinic for 20 children and five spots in the golf camp. Pictured from left to right are Optimist member Bill Thomson, head pro Bob Beckelman and Optimist member Bill Hickey.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City recently presented a $1,000 donation to The CRICKET Center. Pictured from left to right are Kiwanians Jose Alvarez, Jim Ulman, CRICKET Center's Lauren Cooper, Kiwanians John Hanberry and Geoffrey Goodson.

The flower arranging class at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on March 17 produced beautiful centerpieces. Pictured left to right, seated, are instructor Joan Guerriero and Jean Nussle. Pictured standing, are Janet Eke, Lynn Rehn, Mary Toney, Marilyn Fraulo, and Georgia Cacciapaglia.

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, an aerial view of the south end of Ocean City is pictured from six years ago. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 78

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Change is still dominant for Rams and Ewes, both in the workplace and in their private lives. This is also a good time to look at a possible relocation if that has been one of your goals.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Doing things for others is what you do well. But don't forget that Bovines thrive on the arts, so make some time for yourself to indulge your passion for music and artistic expression.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): While the Romantic Twin considers where to go for an upcoming vacation, the Practical Twin will start making travel plans now to take advantage of some great bargains.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Your sensitive nature helps you deal with a difficult emotional situation. Be patient and continue to show your sincere support wherever (and for whomever) it is needed.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): You're making progress as you move through some unfamiliar territory. And while there might be a misstep or two along the way, you're heading in the right direction overall. Good luck.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Some good news arrives -- and just in time to remind you that you're making progress. Perhaps things aren't moving as quickly as you'd prefer, but they're progressing nevertheless.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): This is a good week to step back and assess the facts that have recently e-

merged, to see where they can be used to your advantage. Also, don't hesitate to make changes where necessary.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): You should begin to experience some support from those who now agree with your point of view. This should help counter the remaining objections from die-hard skeptics.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Don't let your aim be deflected by trivial matters as you try to resolve a confusing situation. Take time to find and thoroughly assess the facts before making any decisions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): The possibility of moving to another location has come up. But, before you dismiss it as unworkable, it's worth checking out just in case it does have some merit after all.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): New relationships, personal or workrelated, show mixed signals. Best to assume nothing. Let things play themselves out until you have something substantive to work with.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): Your ability to make needed changes without causing too much, if any, negative ripple effect comes in handy when dealing with a sensitive matter either on the job or in the family.

BORN THIS WEEK: Although you like things to go smoothly, you're not shy about making waves when you believe the situation calls for it.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Chippy youth sports games

Working a breaking news story

Holy Week services

A heated steering wheel in the morning

The first day on vacation

The sounds of a crab house

A work day that goes fast

The beach at dusk

A hammock between two trees

When a grassroots effort is successful Leftovers as good as the first time

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY WITH

BUNK MANN

Easter was a big holiday for Ocean City in the late 1950s and throughout much of the 1960s. Easter parades were held on the Boardwalk near the old bandstand with prizes for the best dressed family, prettiest Easter bonnet and other categories.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the “animal hunt” sponsored by the Ocean City Lions Club. Held on the bayside between 3rd and 4th streets, children competed to chase and hopefully capture live chickens, rabbits and greased pigs. It was a glorious time for the kids but not so much for their parents who were not excited about bringing a new pet into their home, particularly a baby pig.

The “animal hunt” ended in the late 60s due to concern for the animals as well as the wrath of local motel owners who often found chickens and rabbits in their motel rooms when children’s “prizes” were left behind by out-of-town participants of the Easter festivities.

Above, Lions Club President Joe Sacca with the “animal hunt” winner in 1965.

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

Photo courtesy Liz Sacca Kuczinski

… Ferry: ‘A Joy And A Pleasure …To Work With Them’

FROM PAGE 30

“Because of the change in focus, we were able to keep our doors open and provide support for the clients,” he continued. “Our staff would pack up two weeks' worth of art supplies, drop them off at the client's houses, and we would do Zoom lessons with them either through the Art League or through our staff here. So, we actually did OK during COVID because we were able to keep our clients very active and engaged because we had made those changes.”

Along with helping clients learn how to communicate better through the arts, Ferry said jobs programs continue to be a major focus of the center.

“Our goal is to help everybody get a job in the community who wants a job,” he said. “We have a job coach who will help them find a job, and then follow along with them to make sure they're able to do that job properly.”

Ferry said working for WCDC has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, and that feeling is shared by many of his staff.

“When we have an in-service day and the clients aren't here, everybody just feels like something is missing. You really miss their life and their vitality, their energy, their enthusiasm,” Ferry said.

“I've been in this field for 30 years now, and they teach me more every day than I've taught any of them in 30 years. They're just the best people in the world,” he continued. “They love to learn, they love to be active, they love to be engaged. And it just really is a joy and a pleasure to be able to work with them.

“I always like tell our new staff, ‘You're gonna have the best job in the world. And you know why? You're gonna be able to go home at night and get a good night's sleep because what you did today made somebody else's life better,’” Ferry said. “I can't think of a better job than making somebody else's life better and helping somebody who appreciates it and somebody who just needs that little bit of help.”

Ferry said the Worcester County Developmental Center is always in need of financial support, as well as local businesses and nonprofits to partner with.

“If people have businesses that they think can work with us, we're always looking for new opportunities for our clients,” he said. “Any way that we can get them involved in the community is a plus. We're also hoping to restart our volunteer programs where our clients would go out and volunteer in the community very soon.”

For more information or to donate, visit www.wcdcservices.org or email ferry@wcdcservices.org.

Former Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan is pictured visiting the Worcester County Developmental Center during a previous trip to the lower shore. Submitted Photo

gone.

Grant Funding Eyed For Master Bikeways Plan

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A master plan for bikeways and greenways could help Worcester County secure additional grant funding for trail development.

The Worcester County Commissioners last month approved plans for the Worcester County Office of Tourism and Economic Development to manage funding targeted toward trails and greenways. Officials plan to use the funding to hire a consultant to help with a bikeways and greenways master plan.

“To go for additional grant funding for engineering and construction we really do need to have a master plan, which we don’t have,” said Melanie Pursel, the county’s director of tourism and economic development.

According to Pursel, as part of the Tri- County Council Rural Maryland grant funding Worcester County received, $100,000 was approved for trail development. Though that grant funding was initially going to be managed by a local nonprofit, Pursel said staff had determined it would be better for the county to manage the funds inhouse. She said that because the municipalities were in various states of bikeways development it would be easier for Worcester County to handle the project. She said her office would work in coordination with other relevant departments such as development review and permitting, environmental programs and parks and recreation.

“The goal is to simplify the scope of work and to engage with a professional consultant to study existing bikeways, greenways/walkways throughout the county and make recommendations for connections at various points throughout the county,” she wrote in a memo to the commissioners.”

The end result will be a comprehensive bikeways plan for the county.

“This plan will also help in attaining additional grant monies for engineering and construction moving forward,” Pursel wrote.

She added that if the plan cost less than the $100,000 grant amount, any leftover funds would be reallocated to the existing county projects approved through the Rural Maryland program.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve Pursel’s request for her office to spearhead the project.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic agreed a master plan could lead to more financial support from the state.

“Considering the governor’s new push for this I think we can certainly count on more grant funding and handle this in house,” he said.

Last month 23 Worcester Preparatory School students were inducted into the Pablo Picasso Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and one student into the Societe Honoraire de Francais Chapitre Bastille at the WPS Spanish and French Honor Society Induction Ceremonies. The French Honor Society inductee was Jennifer Kimbrew. The remaining students pictured were inducted into the Spanish Honor Society. Pictured, front from left, are Landon Schul, Lindsay Bruner, Nazli Unal, Emma Zajdel, Danielle Carr, Lillian Doran and and Travis Netting; second row, Jackson Fernley, Jayden Scopp, Kimbrew, Lydia Schwartz, Sydney Tingle, Savannah Palmisano, Abigail Ament, Benjamin McGovern and Michael DePalma; and, back row, Allen Zhang, William Wells, Dillon Scopp, Lucas Nicastro, Jack Lynch, James Haley, Aleksey Klimins and Ryan Mann. Submitted Photos

STUDENTS In The News

Second graders from Amy Burbage’s class at Ocean City Elementary School are anxiously awaiting the hatching of their baby chicks that have been in incubation for the last two weeks. The students are learning about the stages of embryology. This enrichment program is being led by Barbara Barga with the University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth Development Organization.

A group of Worcester Prep middle school students attended the Annapolis Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competition in February held at the Chesapeake Science Point Charter School in Hanover. The competition included four rounds: a sprint round, the target round, and the team round, which resulted in the final round.

Worcester Prep math teachers Hunter Causey and Kristina Watts coached the students throughout the school year in preparation for this competition. Representing the eighth grade were Isabella Fernley, Isha Garg, Jacob Lev, and Noa Bouzaglo. The seventh grade team included Chloe Holland, Ben Rafinski and Scarlett Shimko. Sixth graders Emerson Bofinger and Zane Freih rounded out the team. The students performed well but were edged out of the final competitive round by a few points.

Pictured, front from left, are Chloe Holland, Zane Freih, Emerson Bofinger, Isha Garg and Scarlett Shimko; and, back, Noa Bouzaglo, Jacob Lev, Isabella Fernley and Ben Rafinski.

Students in Laura Black's Kindergarten class, like River Kennedy and Morgan Connolly, at Ocean City Elementary School have been learning about forces and how to change the direction of a moving object.

Fenwick Sidewalk Project Continues

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say construction on a long-awaited sidewalk project should be conclude before the start of Fenwick’s summer season.

In mid-March, construction began on a sidewalk project in Fenwick Island. In an update last Friday, Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said crews continue to move south along the five bayside blocks.

“The first block is almost completely finished (in front of Warren’s Station) and the second block should be done early next week,” she said. “With good weather, we are hoping to complete the bulk of the construction in early May and hopefully well before Memorial Day.”

A town-led sidewalk construction project began in earnest last year, when the Fenwick Island Town Council signed off on a contract with Century Engineering to begin design work for the first phase of construction.

With more than $600,000 in funding set aside, officials say the town will install sidewalks along five bayside blocks, beginning in front of Warren’s Station restaurant at Indian Street and moving south toward Dagsboro Street.

“Former Mayor (Vicki) Carmean had worked during her tenure to push the state to build sidewalks and, when the state failed to do so, obtained funding from Representative Ron Gray and the Sussex County Council,” the town said

in a social media statement. “With the money obtained, the town can construct five blocks of sidewalk in our northwest area of our commercial district that will benefit pedestrians as well as our businesses.”

Officials say the sidewalk construction project has been 20 years in the making.

And while the town has secured funding for the first phase of construction, officials say they will continue to work with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to install walkways along the remainder of Coastal Highway.

“We are so excited that we could bring this 20-year-in-the-making project to a successful completion,” Magdeburger said last week. “This is a great addition for Fenwick and our businesses on the north side as well as our entire community.”

The ongoing sidewalk project along Route 1 is pictured. File Photo

Dockside To Host Country Jam

POCOMOKE – Dock Jam – a live concert with the Roots and Boots Tour featuring three country superstars – will stop at Dockside Restaurant in Pocomoke City on May 20 at 6 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at dockjam.com. Prices range from $65 for VIP seating; $55 for chair seating; and $45 for lawn seating.

The Roots and Boots Tour represents Nashville legends Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye, and Sammy Kershaw, who have multiple Grammy nominated songs and multiple Platinum and Gold albums combined. All three have incredibly successful careers touring separately and have combined their talents for this amazing show. Dock Jam is excited to be hosting this one-of-a-kind concert in Worcester County and will provide a unique experience to all ticket holders, looking for a top-notch live concert.

With a wide smile and engaging Southern drawl, Tippin proclaims he’s the “luckiest hillbilly that has ever lived,” and there’s no arguing it. After all he’s been struck by lightning twice and lived to tell, piloted planes with engine failure and even somewhat more miraculously, he’s survived more than three decades in the music business and is still going strong. Along the way, he’s earned six gold albums and one platinum. He’s released more than 30 singles, including such hits as “You’ve Got to Stand for Something,” “My Blue Angel,” “I Would-

n’t Have it Any Other Way,” “Kiss This,” “Workin’ Man’s Ph. D,” “There Ain’t Nothing Wrong with the Radio” and “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly.”

Raye was one of the true hit makers of the 1990’s. He continues to crank out soulful, heartfelt material with the honesty and richness that is signature to his vocals alone. With 24 top ten records, 16 No.1 hits, and having been a 10-time male vocalist of the year nominee, the electrifying performer of his era remains one of the great voices of the time. When “Little Rock,” an anthem for those struggling with addiction recovery, hit the chart in 1994, its video led to over 100,000 phone calls to Alcoholics Anonymous from folks seeking help in their addictions.

While breaking into the ranks of stardom in country music, Kershaw has made contributions to more than just the charts. His platinum albums were propelled into the records books by hits such as “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” “I Can’t Reach Her Anymore,” “National Working Woman’s Holiday,” “Love of My Life,” “Cadillac Style,” “Don’t Go Near the Water,” “Haunted Heart,” ...and many other milestones. Since his debut on the music scene in the early 90’s, Kershaw has remained one of the most consistent power hitters in country music—both with a chain of major hit records and sell-out touring schedules.

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

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

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

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

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

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

Every Wednesday: Bingo

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting

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

April 7: Good Friday Service

St. John United Methodist Church will host at 6:30 p.m. Guest speakers include Min. Major Purnell, Rev. Star Purnell, Rev. Eloise Henry-Gordy, Rev. Betty Smith, Min. Sandra Foreman, Sis. Beatrice Spence and Sis. Geraldine Rhock.

April 7: Prayer Service

Good Friday Prayer Service, self-guided prayer stations, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin.

April 7-8: Easter Art & Craft Show and Kids Fun Fair Convention Center 41st. Street, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Activities, contests, Beanny the Easter Bunny and more. Artists displaying unique gifts. Adults $5, seniors 60+ $4, students $4, fire/military/police with ID $2, kids 3 & under free. oceanpromotions.info.

April 8: Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfast

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ocean City invites the public for breakfast with the Eas-

Things To Do

ter bunny at 10 a.m. followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. $10 donation for anyone 6 years of age and older. Free for kids 5 and under.

April 9: Resident Golf Day

Ocean Pines Golf Club will feature free greens fees for Ocean Pines residents, playing tips, fun activities, and a chance to learn more about Ocean Pines golf groups. Tee times have been set aside for residents from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Greens fees are free; cart fees are $25 per player for 18 holes and $15 per player for nine holes. An Ocean Pines resident ID card (available at the Ocean Pines Administration Building) must be shown at check in to receive the special rate. Free greens fees are for registered golfers only – no additional riders or walkers are allowed. Representatives from the new Golf Academy in Ocean Pines, the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association, the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association and the Ocean Pines Golf Advisory Committee will be on hand with information and sign-up opportunities. Golf professionals will be on the driving range offering tips, and other fun activities will be available. To make a tee time, call the Golf Shop at 410-641-6057.

April 9: Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast

6:30 a.m. service at Assateague State Park; breakfast follows at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin.

April 9: Sunrise Service

Wilson United Methodist Church, 10722 Bishopville Rd.,Bishopville will hold a 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service followed by fellowship breakfast 9:15 a.m. Easter Service Pastor Paul Sherwood.

April 12: AARP Meeting

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

April 13: Memorial Ceremony

The Ocean Pines Garden Club will once again hold its Arbor Day Memorial Ceremony at Pintail Park at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is held to honor and remember friends and family who passed away in 2022. The ceremony includes a tree planting, music by the Delmarva Chorus, a bagpiper, readings by garden club members, and commemorations by local dignitaries. All are welcome.

April 13: Membership Meeting

At 6:30 p.m., the Worcester County NAACP will hold General Membership Meeting (Zoom). The keynote speaker will be Officer Jonette Miller of Ocean City Police Department. She is the first full-time African American female police officer for OCPD and is being recognized in a Women’s History Month Celebration. For more information call

443-944-6701 and visit Worcester County N.A.A.C.P. Facebook page for Zoom link.

April 14: Crab Cake Dinner

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

April 15: Bikers For Autism Ride

Join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation for the 2nd Annual Bikers for Autism ride in Ocean City to raise funds for the Autistic Children’s Support Group of Worcester County. Bike registration will be held from 9-11 a.m. at The Cork Bar (motorcycles park along Wicomico Street) followed by the ride, escorted by the Wicomico and Worcester County Sheriff’s departments. Following the ride, join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation and other enthusiasts from 12:30 to 3 p.m. for a block party sponsored by The Cork Bar, The Bearded Clam and Crawl Street Tavern with live music from Shots Fired. The $25 registration fee (cash only) includes a buffet lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. All are welcome to join the ride and the block party. There will be silent auctions, raffles, and a 50/50 raffle. www.acsgwc.org.

April 15: Church Rummage Sale

Ocean City Presbyterian Church on 1301 Philadelphia Avenue from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

April 16-30: OC Restaurant Week

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

April 19: Town Cats Benefit

From 5-10 pm. Shotti’s Point Lunas (formerly Full Moon Saloon) will be donating a portion of sales to Town Cats. Check out the new menu and support your local cat rescue.

April 21: Putt Putt Benefit

Women Supporting Women, a local nonprofit organization providing awareness, education and support to individuals who are affected by breast cancer, will hold the first annual “Putt the Night Away” miniature golf fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. at Old Pro Golf – Under the Sea indoor course on 68th Street in Ocean City. Family and friends are invited to an evening of unlimited mini golf play that includes a Hole in One Contest, basket raffle and a meet and greet photo op with Mermaid

Tasha, the Marlin Mermaid. Entry for adults is $15 and $10 for children 12 and under which includes unlimited mini golf play, one slice of pizza and a bottle of water.

April 22: Earth Day Cleanup

The Fenwick Island Environmental Committee will host its Bay to Beach Cleanup to celebrate Earth Day 2023. Event begins at Town Hall at 8:30 a.m. Refreshments, supplies, door prize raffles and a comm-

emorative token will be provided. Rain or shine event.

April 22: Drive Thru Church Luncheon

From 10 a.m. until sold out at the Powellville UM Church located at 35606 Mount Hermon Road. Drive thru luncheon features oyster fritter sandwiches, homemade chicken salad, homemade soups including peas and dumplings, and veg. beef. Bake sale items will be available. No pre-orders. Call 410-835-8796 or 443-880-8804 for more details.

April 22: Clean-Up Day

The annual Berlin Clean-Up Day from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Dedicated volunteers are needed to help for a few hours to celebrate Earth Day by giving Berlin’s Parks, downtown, and neighborhoods, a spring cleaning.

There are several opportunities for volunteers assisting the Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee with planting gardens in the parks and downtown from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. and helping with low maintenance planting, weeding, raking, mulching, and trash pick up downtown and in the Parks.

The main clean-up areas are Stephen Decatur Park on Tripoli Street, Henry Park on Flower Street, Heron Park on Old Ocean City Boulevard and in the downtown commercial district. Some supplies will be available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Rakes, shovels, and wheelbarrows are always needed. This is a great opportunity for students to earn service hours.

Clean-up of Hudson Branch will also be needed; this activity is not for young children. Heavy clothes and boots are recommended. For general park clean-up, sign up at any of the parks starting at 8:30 a.m.; Hudson Branch sign-up is at Henry Park.

Volunteers can also choose to spend their time anywhere they feel needs attention. Trash pickup will be available; items for pickup will need to be placed in one location in the clean-up area and the Town must be contacted so that crews are aware of the location. Volunteers are asked to sign in and pick up supplies at the town’s parks and at the Berlin Welcome Center starting at 8:30 a.m.

April 23: Kennedy-King Dinner

The Democratic Central Committee of Worcester County will hold its annual gala dinner at Lighthouse Sound. Special guest speaker to be announced. Reception at 5:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:15. Tickets are $100 per person. Make check payable to DCCWC, P.O. Box 34, Berlin, Md. 21811. Please include your dinner choice of Prime Rib, Grilled Salmon, Chicken Chesapeake or Vegetarian. For further information call Vicky Wallace 410-208-2969 or email vick1947@aol.com.

April 23: Dinner Dance

The Polish American Club of Delmarva (PAC) will hold its Spring "Majowka" Dinner Dance from 1-5 p.m. at the Ocean City Elks Lodge, 13708 Sinepuxent Avenue. Tickets are $35 per person and includes a delicious dinner platter, dessert, beer, wine, soda, coffee and tea. Polish/ American Variety dance music will be provided by the "JOY" Trio of Maryland. For tickets and further information contact Denise 443-857-9054 or Steve 443-857-3802. No tickets will be sold at the door.

The Dispatch Classifieds

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

HELP WANTED

YEAR ROUND OUTBOARD

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

CLEANERS/VACATION

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

DISHWASHER: Hiring Seasonal, Part-time Dishwasher. The Grove Market, Bishopville. Call 410-3525055.

SECURITY POSITIONS: Positions in Salisbury, Ocean City & Berlin. Must be reliable. Call 443-5134198 or email: abcoinvestigations@yahoo.com

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

MAINTENANCE: FT, YR. Perfect job for jack of all trades handyman. Company provided vehicle. Looking for dependable, quality worker. Call 410-250-1111 or email resume to Fred@paradiseoc.com

SMALL OFFICE POSITION: Accounts Payable, general office duties, knowledge of commonly used operating systems, Access, Excel, Office Word, etc. Full or Part Time. Perfect for retirees. Small Local Co. 30 Years Serving Delmarva. 410641-4411.

EXPERIENCED

HOUSEKEEPER

FT/PT Work in Motel. Must HaveExperience

•GREAT PAY!

•SEASONAL BONUS!

Call 410-289-9205

Now Hiring

Seasonal FT/PT

•LINE COOKS

•DISHWASHERS

•SERVERS

•BARTENDERS

•COUNTER

Village of Fenwick 300 Coastal Hwy Fenwick Island, DE 302-581-0255

Now Hiring

Cosmetologists

Hair Stylists

Nail Technicians

To Apply: Call 410-213-1122 or Email info@blissoc.com

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER FLOATER

Farmers Bank of Willards has a Full-time Personal Banker Floater position available to cover Willards, OC and Millsboro locations

Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to: kris.derickson@fbwbank.com or call Kris at 410-835-8906

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

FT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

A beautiful award winning community in Ocean View, DE is seeking a motivated, driven, and goal-oriented administrative assistant with excellent customer service skills. Must be organized and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be computer proficient in MS Office and have the ability to multi –task. Previous experience in working with HOAs a plus, but not required. Full-time, yr round 40hrs/wk.

Interested candidates should email resume w/salary requirements to : Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz

LIBRARIAN MEDIA SPECIALIST

Mon-Fri 10am-2pm 32nd St & Baltimore Ave Ocean City

NOW HIRING SECURITY GUARDS

Security guard positions available at local high rise condominium.Part time and/or full time. Good starting pay with salary increases and bonuses available annually.

Send resume to apurnell@legumnorman.com

CAD DESIGNER / DRAFTER

Berlin, MD area

Work experience and/or an Associates degree in CAD or closely related field preferred.

Send resume by email to jsalm@jwse.com

Worcester Preparatory School seeks an experienced full-time Librarian Media Specialist. This position reports to the Head of School.

Experience with instruction on information and technology literacy skills, including the research process. Experience in evaluating and selecting print and digital resources. Expertise in basic technology, including computer operation, productivity software, and basic network knowledge. Candidates with the experience and interest to coach are desirable.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City beaches, Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school of over 500 students in grades pre-K – 12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus. All graduates matriculate to fouryear colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation.

Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion. gender, national 0rigin, age, disability. veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials. Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application, resume, and educational philosophy (if available) to Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, at lwatson@worcesterprep.org

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER FLOATER

Farmers Bank of Willards has a Full-time Personal Banker Floater position available to cover all Salisbury locations. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must. Please send resume to: kris.derickson@fbwbank.com or call Kris at 410-835-8906

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE

The T-Shirt Factory in Ocean City seeking a full-time, year-round Warehouse Associate. Candidates must have a minimum of 6 months warehouse experience, valid drivers without points, ability to drive a box truck and lift up to 50 lbs. or more. Benefits and pay depends on experience.

To apply send resumes to bkmoira@yahoo.com or call the Corporate Office at (410) 213-9650.

EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

Worcester Preparatory School is seeking experienced teachers.

Candidates for this position should possess a degree in education. Previous experience teaching lower, middle and upper school students is desirable. State certification is not required.

Candidates with experience and an interest in coaching are desirable.

Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in Berlin just fifteen minutes from the Ocean City beaches, Worcester Preparatory School is a co-ed independent day school of over 500 students in grades pre-K -12. The school has comprehensive facilities on a 45-acre campus just a mile from the vibrant town center in Berlin. Governed by an independent board of trustees, WPS was founded in 1970 and enjoyed rapid growth in the decades that followed. It is the premier independent school on the Eastern Shore, drawing students from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware; some travelling over an hour to reach campus.

AII graduates matriculate to four-year colleges or universities, many among the most selective in the nation.

Worcester Preparatory School is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion. gender, national 0rigin, age, disability. veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Compensation and benefits are competitive with other area private schools and are adjusted based on experience level and credentials.

Interested persons should send a letter of interest, employment application. resume, and educational philosophy (if available) to Linda Watson, Director of Human Resources, at lwatson@worcesterprep.org

ALL

•KITCHEN

INDIAN

SEASONAL STAFF

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

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

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

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING NIGHT AUDITOR MIDNIGHT-8AM COMPETITIVE PAY, OVERTIME HOURS AVAILABLE!

APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Fri 10am-2pm 32nd St & Baltimore Ave Ocean City

SUMMER BEACH CONDOS #3 35TH STREET, OCMD Is Looking For:

CUSTODIAL PERSONS

•Year-round/Daytime 7am-2pm 4-5 Days/Week

Weekends A Must $13./Hour

•Seasonal Evening 4pm-12am 2 nights per week, Weekends A Must $13./Hour

**Must Be Able To Move Heavy Objects** Call 410-603-5627 to set up an interview.

LOOKING EVERWHERE?

Check here first! The Dispatch Can Point You in the Right Direction!

The

SEEKING HOUSING

The Dispatch Legal Notices

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19634

To all persons interested in the estate of MATTHEW HERRMANN, Estate No. 19634. Notice is given that KIMBERLY BANKARD, whose address is 11203 TAMMY TERRACE, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of MATTHEW HERRMANN, who died on FEBRUARY 17, 2023 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MARCH 24, 2023

KIMBERLY BANKARD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19595

To all persons interested in the estate of BARRY LEE FRIEDMAN, Estate No. 19595. Notice is given that RANDI SUZANN ANDERSON, whose address is 1214 WEST MARKET STREET, YORK, PA 17404, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARRY LEE FRIEDMAN, who died on NOVEMBER 12, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment

(or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

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 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19633

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM PAUL ASHER, AKA: WILLIAM P. ASHER, Estate No. 19633. Notice is given that ELIZABETH KAREN ASHER, whose address is 512 NORTH HIGH STREET, SELINSGROVE, PA 17870, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM PAUL ASER, who died on NOVEMBER 15, 2022 without a will.

Further information can be

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

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

MARCH 24, 2023

ELIZABETH KAREN ASHER

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

Third Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE19636

To all persons interested in the estate of GLORIA JEAN STRICKER, Estate No. 19636. Notice is given that DENISE MCINTYRE, whose address is 220 POMPTON DRIVE, UNIT B, AUSTIN TEXAS, 78757, was on MARCH 15, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GLORIA JEAN STRICKER, who died on DECEMBER 05, 2022 with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of

the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

DENISE MCINTYRE Personal Representative

True Test Copy

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

3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

FRANK W, CAMPBELL

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

fore the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 24, 2023

TEMBER 2023.

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

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE19621

To all persons interested in the estate of HORACE FRANKLIN CAMPBELL, Estate No. 19621. Notice is given that FRANK W. CAMPBELL whose address is 9062 OLD OCEAN CITY ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MARCH 09, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HORACE FRANKLIN CAMPBELL, who died on FEBRUARY 22, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will

Third Insertion

TREVOR A. KIESSLING, JR, ESQ. 8482 FORT SMALLWOOD ROAD SUITE A PASADENA, MD 21122

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19627

To all persons interested in the estate of HAROLD D. KING, SR, AKA: HAROLD DAVID KING, SR. Estate No. 19627. Notice is given that DONNA M. CAPEROON, 308 16TH AVENUE, BROOKLYN PARK, MD 21225, was on MARCH 13, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HAROLD D. KING, SR., who died on JANUARY 25, 2023 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

DONNA M. CAPEROON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

Third

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19606

To all persons interested in the estate of DENNIS GREGORY MAKUCHAL, Estate No. 19606. Notice is given that PENNY MAKUCHAL, 4906 BIG MILL ROAD, STOCKTON, MD 21864, was on MARCH 16, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DENNIS GREGORY MAKUCHAL, who died on APRIL 30, 2021 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or be-

PENNY MAKUCHAL Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-24, 3-31, 4-07

Second

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19644

To all persons interested in the estate of DOROTHY BELLE GODFREY, Estate No. 19644. Notice is given that LISA ANN NUGENT, 11426 MUNFORD ROAD, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on MARCH 23, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY BELLE GODFREY, who died on JANUARY 4, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23RD day of SEP-

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 31, 2023

LISA ANN NUGENT Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 3-31, 4-07, 4-14

Second Insertion

D. NICOLE GREEN, ESQ. D. NICOLE GREEN, PA 300 EAST MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19646

To all persons interested in the estate of JOSHUA MICHAEL HATKIN, AKA: JOSH HATKIN, Estate No. 19646. Notice is given that JANET L. HATKIN, 8203 SHAVOX CHURCH ROAD, WHALEYVILLE, MD 21872, was on MARCH 23, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSHUA MICHAEL HATKIN, who died on JANUARY 19, 2023 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by con-

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. The deadline is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com

tacting 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 23RD day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MARCH 31, 2023

JANET L. HATKIN

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-31, 4-07, 4-14

Second Insertion

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET

P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19650

To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH E. BAINE, Estate No. 19650. Notice is given that GEORGE TOWNSEND, 3932 MARKET STREET, PO BOX 34, SNOW HILL, MD 21863,

was on MARCH 28, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOSEPH E. BAINE, who died on MARCH 10, 2023 without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MARCH 31, 2023

GEORGE TOWNSEND

Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 3-31, 4-07, 4-14

Second Insertion

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19612

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES ALBERT BLUMENAUER, Estate No. 19612. Notice is given that, DIANA LYNN KARPAVAGE whose address is 1323 MT HERMON ROAD SUITE 2B, SALISBURY, MD 21804 was on MARCH 22, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JAMES ALBERT BLUMENAUER, who died on FEBRUARY 18, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22ND day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MARCH 31, 2023

DIANA LYNN KARPAVAGE

Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

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

3x 3-31, 4-07, 4-14

SUSAN HUESMAN MITCHELL, ESQ.

STEEN, WAEHLER & SCHRIDER-FOX, LLC

92 ATLANTIC AVENUE UNIT B

PO BOX 1398

OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970

ESTATE 19652

To all persons interested in the estate of LINDA M. BROWN, , Estate No. 19652. Notice is given that, R. JORDAN BAYLY whose address is 12506 WHITESVILLE ROAD, LAUREL, DE 19956, was on MARCH 31, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LINDA M. BROWN, who died on MARCH 18, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30TH day of SEPTEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication APRIL 07, 2023

R. JORDAN BAYLY Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 4-07, 4-14. 4-21

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND ROSCOE LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY GOVERNMENT CENTER, ROOM 1103

1 W. MARKET ST. SNOW HILL, MD 21863

UNKNOWN OWNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO. 21, ACCOUNT NO. 08004013, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 4 ACS S SIDE

BIRD HILL ROAD STOCKTON, DEED REFERENCE: 00031/00288, ASSESSED TO EDDIE DOUGLAS, THE UNKNOWN OWNER'S HEIRS, DEVISEES, AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES AND THEIR OR ANY OF THEIR HEIRS, DEVISEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, GRANTEES, ASSIGNS, OR SUCCESSORS IN RIGHT TITLE AND INTEREST

ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ITEM NO.21, ACCOUNT NO. 08004013, PROPERTY DESCRIPTION 4 ACS S SIDE BIRD HILL ROAD STOCKTON, DEED REFERENCE: 00031/00288, ASSESSED TO EDDIE DOUGLAS.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

Item No. 21, Account No. 08004013, Property 4 ACS S SIDE BIRD HILL ROAD STOCKTON, Deed Reference: 03793/00549. Assessed to 00031/00288, Assessed to Eddie Douglas. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY 3x 4-07,

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET

P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19656

To all persons interested in the estate of MICHELLE KATHLEEN NORDSTROM, ESTATE 19656. Notice is given that CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL HORNUNG, 9407 CROPPERS LANDING ROAD, NEWARK, MD 21841, was on MARCH 31, 2023 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of MICHELLE KATHLEEN NORDSTROM, who died on MARCH 28, 2023 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

CASE NO: C-23-CV-23-000068

IAN HAMMER 10103 TIMMONSTOWN ROAD BERLIN, MD 21811 PLAINTIFF

V EDDIE DOUGLAS 3332 BETHEDEN CHURCH ROAD

It is thereupon this 29th 0f March, 2023 , by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 28th day of May, 2023, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication

APRIL 07, 2023 BEAU H.

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication APRIL 07, 2023

CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL

AGH, Agencies Partner To Host Trafficking Conference

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say an inaugural anti-human trafficking conference will allow community members to learn more about resources available to them on the Eastern Shore.

On Saturday, April 22, Atlantic General Hospital (AGH), in partnership with several local agencies, will host its first Lower Shore Anti-Human Trafficking Conference at Sonrise Church in Berlin. Gail Mansell, director of supportive care and pastoral care at Atlantic General, said

Mansell: ‘This Is A Topic Where We Need To Open The Can of Worms

the three-hour event will feature guest speakers, testimonials, a question-andanswer panel, and vendors.

“Human trafficking is like what mental health and addictions was a few years ago, where we swept it under the rug and

…’

pretended like it didn’t happen …,” she said. “I think this is a topic where we need to open the can of worms, so to speak.”

Mansell said efforts to form an antitrafficking conference began in earnest last fall, after a monthly meeting of the hospital’s Faith-Based Partnership, a collaboration between local worship centers and AGH to promote health awareness, education and healthy living within the community.

“We had a guest speaker who spoke briefly about human trafficking …,” she explained. “I invited her back the next month, in November, and she gave us a wealth of information. Right then and there, we decided it was information our community needed.”

Danielle Thomas, child sex trafficking regional navigator for Life Crisis Center, a participant in this year’s conference, said human trafficking is prevalent on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“Human trafficking is everywhere, and it definitely happens on the Eastern Shore,” she explained. “Labor trafficking is very prevalent in rural areas like ours

… and we also have a transient population in Ocean City that comes in the summer.”

Mansell agreed, noting that she and other chaplains at the hospital had encountered patients who fit the criteria for human trafficking.

“We didn’t know where to turn …,” she said. “I realized we are a gateway between all the highways and waterways and states that surround us, but we had no clue.”

This conference, Thomas explained, will provide community members with the necessary resources.

“It’s a place to come and find answers to human trafficking, what warning signs to look for and what exactly is human trafficking,” she said.

Registration for the Lower Shore AntiHuman Trafficking Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., with activities beginning at 9 a.m. The event will feature refreshments, vendors, a Q&A panel and guest speakers, including a human trafficking survivor. Officials say a second conference is already being planned for January, during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

For more information, or to pre-register, visit the Lower Shore Anti-Human Trafficking Conference event page on Facebook, or email gmansell@atlanticgeneral.org.

“It’s going to be a busy day,” Mansell said.

SPRING SPECIALS

Tuesday - Seafood Frenzy

- Seafood & “Lobsta” Sunday - Easter Menu

Take Pride In Berlin Events Planned

Our Regular Menu Available. As Well As Our Special Easter Menu for the Whole Family to Enjoy! Happy

EASTER

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Residents are once again urged to get outside and help beautify the town during Take Pride in Berlin Week.

The annual event, which runs from April 17-22, encourages the town’s citizens to take pride in their community, whether through neatening their own yards or helping in the town-wide cleanup on Earth Day on April 22.

“It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to volunteer,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “It gives everyone the opportunity to be outside, meet your neighbors and get your yard together. You could even host your own community cleanup.”

While Take Pride in Berlin Week occurs each year, the 2023 rendition features a new addition. Throughout the week, local nonprofits will be setting up in front of the Berlin Welcome Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. On Monday, The Grace Center will be set up. On Tuesday, the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will be featured. On Wednesday, We Heart Berlin will be set up. On Thursday and Friday, Worcester Youth and Family Counseling and the Berlin Lions Club will be featured. All nonprofits chosen reside in town limits.

Wells said the idea of incorporating nonprofits into Take Pride in Berlin Week was suggested by administrative assistant Allison Early.

“Berlin nonprofits like The Grace Center and We Heart Berlin mean a lot to me and do such amazing things for our community, mostly under the radar,” Early said. “I saw this as an opportunity to give them a spotlight and a heavily visited area to fundraise. Helping our nonprofits directly benefits our town and there is no better way to take pride in Berlin than that.”

The week culminates with a day of gardening led by the Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee. Residents who want to help out are encouraged to bring their shovels and meet committee members at the Berlin Welcome Center at 8:30

a.m. on April 22. No experience is required and community service hours are available.

Committee member Andrea Weeg said various areas in town will be targeted for planting that morning. One of those is the garden at Stephen Decatur Park.

“There are a lot of weeds in there,” she said. “We’ll need help planting. People who like gardening, it’ll be great for them.”

For those who want to work on a blank slate, planting is planned for the new pocket park near the mural honoring Rev. Dr. Charles Albert Tindley. A sign sharing information about Tindley will be installed in the center of the small garden space this week. On Saturday, volunteers will have the opportunity to add plants.

“That’s a fun project because it’s a brand new garden,” Weeg said.

Volunteers are also needed to help fill five new planters for William Street as well as window boxes for town hall.

On Main Street, the committee is focusing on the garden at the memorial located at the intersection with West Street. Weeg said red, white and blue annuals will be added to the space.

“We want it to look nice for Memorial Day,” she said.

Weeg said families are welcome to participate and those with children will likely be assigned to Stephen Decatur Park, as it’s a more child-friendly area than the streetside locations.

While there are plans to add plants at Henry Park, Weeg noted that wouldn’t take place on April 22 because that was a larger project that required more cleanup and planning. The horticultural committee is currently working to get feedback from community members on the redesign of the garden there.

For more information on Take Pride in Berlin Week visit the event page on Facebook or email berlinhorticulture@gmail.com.

“It’s the community getting together to show their pride in where we all live,” Wells said. “It’s a great chance to get outside.”

Berlin’s annual town-wide cleanup day will take place April 22.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Who’s Where When

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Thursdays & Fridays:

DJ Billy T

Saturday, April 8: The Dunehounds, DJ Jeremy

Sunday, April 9:

Opposite Directions

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia

Ave.

Fridays:

Beats By Deogee

Saturday, April 8: Joey Harkum

Sunday, April 9:

Beats By Deogee

Mondays:

Karaoke with Wood

Tuesdays:

Beats By Wax

Wednesdays:

Beats By Deogee

Thursdays:

Beats By Wax

PURPLE MOOSE

SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, April 7 & 8: Awaken

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, April 7: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, High Five Swan Dive, The Way Outs

Saturday, April 8: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Not Leaving Sober, Jason Dumm Band, Turning the Tide

Thursday, April 13: DJ Connair, Full Circle Duo

BEACH BANDITS Coins Pub: Saturday, April 8

JOEY HARKUM BAND Pickles Pub: Saturday, April 8

THE DUNEHOUNDS Harborside: Saturday, April 8

MONKEE PAW Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, April 12

REV6 Fager’s Island: Saturday, April 8

ROGUE CITIZENS Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, April 7

THE JOHN FRASE PROJECT Fager’s Island: Saturday, April 8

JASON DUMM BAND Seacrets: Saturday, April 8

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, April 9

FULL CIRCLE DUO Seacrets: Thursday, April 13

Fenwick to help Fund economic impact study

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – A contribution from the Town of Fenwick Island will allow the state’s coastal communities to renew an economic impact study.

The Fenwick Island Town Council voted last month to contribute $3,000 toward a study on the economic impact of Delaware’s coastal communities. Mayor Na-

talie Magdeburger said the idea was brought up by Bethany Beach Mayor Rosemary Hardiman at the most recent meeting of the Association of Coastal Towns (ACT).

“Mayor Hardiman brought to ACT last month that she wants to renew the economic impact study of the coastal communities,” she explained. “It was done several years ago, and it basically looked at how much money the coastal commu-

nity puts into the till. Lots of money comes from our coastal economy through tourism, etcetera. She would like each of the towns to participate.”

Currently, the Town of Bethany Beach is spearheading an update of the 2012 study, “The Contribution of the Coastal Economy to the State of Delaware.” Officials say the town has initiated the study and that most ACT towns would likely contribute.

In last week’s council meeting, Magdeburger said she wanted Fenwick to participate. She added the study could support the town as it seeks funding for future resiliency projects.

“I think we should help pay for it …,” she said. “How much value we add to economic impact will play a big role in how much interest we will get in terms of supporting us as we go through our resiliency challenges.”

The council ultimately voted to contribute $3,000 toward the $20,000 study.

Magdeburger also presented the council last week with an update on a beach replenishment project along Delaware’s coast. While work was initially expected to start last fall, she said the timeline for starting beach replenishment has moved to the spring months.

“That was supposed to start in Rehoboth the first week of April,” she said last week. “We’ve already received word that they are delayed because they are trying to get the equipment out of New Jersey, where I guess they were working.”

Magdeburger said delays in the project would likely impact Fenwick’s summer season. She noted crews will begin in Rehoboth Beach and work south toward Fenwick, where they will shut down several beach ends.

“When they were supposed to start the beginning of April, they thought we would be getting ours sometime in the month of July,” she said. “So if the delays continue, we might actually – knock on wood – luck out and maybe it will push it all the way to after Labor Day. As we get word for when that’s going to occur, we’ll let everyone know and post it on Facebook and on the website.”

hazy day: A lingering haze hung over the beach Tuesday in Ocean City as warm air temperatures collided with the chilly ocean water.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

… Council Discusses Room Tax Policy

FROM PAGE 4

roughly $700,000.

“At least $700,000 is coming from the advertising budget to support other city expenses,” he said.

For his part, McGean said language in the town’s room tax ordinance was open to interpretation. He said this has led to some level of mistrust between some members of the council and staff.

“In my opinion, the solution is for council to adopt a policy that better defines how the ordinance should be applied …,” he said. “I think this will go a long way in putting this issue to rest and providing better assurance these funds are being spent as the council intended.”

After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to explore a proposed policy at a future work session.

The council last week also voted to fund $1.58 million in pay-as-you-go capital projects in the coming fiscal year, as well as requests from various charitable organizations.

The council also agreed to establish end-of-season bonuses and overtime pay for lifeguards, so long as a balanced budget is maintained.

“The standard lifeguard works 43.5 hours a week,” McGean said. “We’d like to suggest that time worked beyond that they’d get an extra $1 an hour. What we’d like to do is encourage the people we have to work more hours. Number two, the suggestion we’d like to make is have an end-of-season bonus of $250 provided you work 80 hours after Labor Day. I think that would do more than the standard increase in the hourly rate.”

During budget discussions late last month, officials highlighted the beach patrol’s efforts to hire lifeguards ahead of the summer season. They noted that wages and housing had made hiring difficult this year. When asked about wages, Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin said other beach patrols paid between $1 to $1.50 more per hour.

“We are now behind the other beach patrols on Delmarva,” he said.

Last week, however, McGean noted that research on beach patrols from Atlantic City to Myrtle Beach revealed that Ocean City’s lifeguard wages were higher than most other jurisdictions.

“We believe our hourly pay is adequate,” he said.

Officials noted that base pay for lifeguards had increased to $18.45 an hour, and $18.82 for those who worked more than 400 hours. Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, said starting pay should be increased to $18.55 an hour, or the same rate paid to state lifeguards.

“We have a hiring issue,” he said. “I think Ocean City should be the most attractive and have the highest pay in the state, not Assateague, not Sandy Point, not Gunpowder Falls.”

DeLuca then made a motion to approve the end-of-year bonuses and overtime pay, but to increase base pay to $18.55 an hour, with max pay set at $19 an hour. The motion failed with DeLuca in favor and the remaining six councilmembers opposed.

“The concern we always have when we raise the rates is the ripple effect it can have for other positions, which is why we prefer what we are suggesting,” McGean said.

A motion was then made to include an end-of-season bonus and overtime pay in the coming year’s budget, with the stipulation that the budget remains balanced. The motion passed unanimously.

“What we are offering is fair at this point,” said Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald. “My goal is to have the right number of guards to guard our beaches properly for this summer.”

The council last week also voted to include funding for four additional, fulltime firefighter/EMTs. While the draft budget submitted to the Mayor and Council last month includes funding for eight new positions, officials say 12 positions are needed to meet the needs of the department.

“What we need for the additional four positions is $104,473. I’m much more confident the Medicaid reimbursement would at least be that much …,” McGean said. “I’m comfortable moving forward with four added positions with a balanced budget.”

Lastly, the council last week had before them a motion regarding the mayor’s mileage reimbursement program. Officials noted that despite the name, the mayor was paid a yearly stipend based on 24,000 miles at the current federal mileage rate of roughly 65 cents per mile.

“A mileage reimbursement should be based off actual mileage,” Council President Matt James said.

Gehrig agreed.

“That’s a ton of miles when you live in Ocean City. That’s 100 trips to Annapolis a year …,” he said. “It seems easier to have a fixed allowance, or submit actual mileage, or buy a car we can brand.”

McGean noted that before the formula was implemented, mayors received cars for their personal use, and the town paid for fuel, insurance and any maintenance. Since then, the town has implemented an annual car allowance, which is based off 24,000 miles multiplied by the federal mileage reimbursement rate.

“A reminder, it is a taxable benefit,” Knapp said. “The mayor is taxed on this.”

Gehrig, however, said the town could better manage costs by either paying the mayor based on actual miles driven, or purchasing a company car for the mayor’s use.

“I don’t know what the problem is for either one of them,” he said.

DeLuca, however, made a motion to keep the current formula and rename it the mayor’s vehicle allowance. The motion passed 5-2, with James and Gehrig opposed.

“If it’s a small thing, it’s an indicator the big things are out of control too,” Gehrig said. “We see it all the time … The public needs to start asking some questions.”

OF THE ORIGINAL FRESH -SQUEEZED “ORANGE CRUSH”

Happy Easter!

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ENTERTAINMENT

Homeless Outreach Efforts Continue In Worcester, OC

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say they continue to address homelessness in Ocean City and throughout Worcester County.

In 2018, the Worcester County Health Department, Local Behavioral Health Authority, Department of Social Services, Ocean City Police Department, Diakonia, Ocean City Crisis Coalition, and Atlantic General Hospital joined together to create the Worcester County Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), an effort to connect homeless individuals with local resources.

And while the outreach team has helped dozens of individuals since its formation, Jessica Sexauer, director of Local Management Board and Local Behavioral Health Authority, said it has no intention of slowing down.

“I think it’s important for the public to know we are out there offering support consistently, and we’re trying to help make an impact,” she said. “At the end of the day, it comes down to the people we are helping and their right to choose.”

Today, HOT consists of several agencies, nonprofits and faith-based organizations. Although the team offers outreach to homeless individuals throughout the county, efforts initially began in Ocean City, as homelessness along the Boardwalk and at transit centers had been a cause for concern among residents and visitors.

“The Homeless Outreach Team serves the entire county,” Sexauer said. “But there continues to be a lot of effort in Ocean City.”

Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Cpl. Neshawn Jubilee, a HOT member, said the program has been successful in addressing some of the issues associated with homelessness in town.

Working with area partners, he said HOT has been able to provide individuals with things such as vital records needed for employment and housing.

“A lot of them are taking the resources we offer them,” he said.

OCPD Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said the department has identified 13 homeless individuals so far in 2023 and 33 homeless individuals in 2022. She said many tend to congre-

gate at transit stations, bus shelters and areas with overhangs.

“During winter months we usually see fourth-degree burglaries because they are trying to get out of the elements,” she added.

Deputy City Manager JR Harmon said issues also continue at Entry Park, located at the base of the Route 50 bridge. He highlighted multiple complaints and law enforcement service calls for issues such as assaults, public intoxication, littering, urination and makeshift camps, to name a few.

“Despite law enforcement’s best efforts to address the issues, complaints continued into September of 2022,” he noted. “In collaboration with surrounding property owners a decision was made to fence in the eastern portion of entrance park. This is a form of problem solving through environmental design. We believe that this will eliminate the abovedescribed nuisance issues in that area and allow the city to secure the well house situated in the inner perimeter of the newly constructed fence.”

Officials say homelessness is a complex issue. Sexauer said a recent survey

of homeless individuals in the tri-county area identified contributing factors such as chronic health illness, mental illness and substance use. Officials say they continue to offer health assessments and mental health resources.

“We try to bring a lot of resources to them …,” Jubilee said. “It’s just up to them if they take it.”

At Diakonia, officials have also launched a Rapid Response Team, which responds to calls regarding homeless individuals.

“Essentially, if someone were to call into Diakonia, the goal is to respond within the hour …,” Vance Larson, team lead, explained. “We launched last week, and we’ve already responded to four bootson-the-ground calls.”

Larson said housing continues to be an area of concern. With a moratorium on rental evictions now expired, officials say more and more people are coming to organizations like Diakonia for assistance.

“I think COVID has made it even more challenging because what we saw happen during COVID was a stall in rental evictions …,” Sexauer said. “We had also seen a significant increase in rent happening across Worcester County, especially the north end of the county, which has higher rental values.”

Larson agreed.

“What we’re seeing is now is our population, our clientele, has diversified …,” he said. “These people up until pandemic never needed to ask for assistance.”

Sexauer said that demand has also placed a strain on shelters.

“They are often at capacity,” she said. “Rarely is there a day where I’m getting a notice that a bed is available.”

Larson, however, said HOT partners continue to do everything they can to address the needs of homeless individuals.

“I don’t think people understand the complexities and what is happening with someone who’s homeless …,” he said. “A lot of times people will be unsympathetic and aggressive that we haven’t housed them. It’s a problem that’s not going away and we’re on it. We ask people to be patient, and know we are serving to the best of our ability.”

Comp Plan Open House Scheduled

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say community members will have a chance to review the town’s comprehensive planning efforts at an upcoming open house.

On Wednesday, the Fenwick Island Planning Commission adopted a timeline for completing and submitting the town’s new comprehensive plan. Committee members say the timeline also includes an open house, scheduled for May 20, which will give community members an opportunity to discuss and engage in the planning process.

“The more information you can get to people, and the more channels you can use, the better it will be and the more transparent this process is,” Mayor Natalie Magdeburger, commission member, said.

Last year, the town council agreed to hire consultants to assist the planning commission in rewriting Fenwick Island’s comprehensive plan. And in the months since, officials have worked with University of Delaware advisors to collect data, maps and demographics and develop a vision for the town’s future. The commission also launched a public survey, the results of which were reviewed this week. Officials say the town received responses from 338 part-time residents, 105 fulltime residents, 13 business owners, and 26 visitors.

Commission Chair Susan Brennan noted survey results highlighted commu-

Dredging Negotiations Continue

nity members’ opposition to wind turbines, their concerns about bayside flooding, and their desires to maintain the town’s quiet, family oriented character, among other things. Those results, officials say, will be used to help shape the draft comprehensive plan.

“The number one sort of overriding feature is to keep Fenwick Island a family friendly beach,” Magdeburger said.

Officials this week said the commission will finalize chapters of the comprehensive plan in April and hold an open house on May 20. Commission member Amy Kyle questioned if a completed draft would be available at that meeting.

Other commission members said some completed chapters would be available for review, which others could be presented in a PowerPoint format. Magdeburger noted that the public would also have a chance to review the draft document in the weeks following the open house. She added that the draft plan would be presented by the town council on June 8.

“There will be multiple public engagement sessions that will push this out,” she said.

After further discussion the commission voted to adopt the comprehensive plan timeline, with Kyle opposed. She argued that the town should give the community additional opportunities to comment before the plan is presented to the town council.

“I just don’t think it’s sufficient,” she said.

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say negotiations with a local developer are ongoing as the town identifies a placement site for its dredging project.

Late last month, Councilman Bill Rymer presented members of the Fenwick Island Town Council with an update on the longawaited dredging project of the Little Assawoman Bay. As permitting work continues, he said officials were working with Carl M. Freeman Companies to utilize their Route 54 property as a dredging placement site.

“We are working with our environmental attorney throughout the entire process,” he said. “We are hopeful we can finalize an agreement, but obviously we need to make sure it’s a contract the Town of Fenwick Island and this council can support. Hopefully I’ll have more clarity over the next two weeks.”

Plans to dredge roughly 19,000 cubic yards of material from the Little Assawoman Bay began in earnest in 2018, when the town hired Tony Pratt, a former administrator for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), to guide them through the funding and permitting processes. And in 2019, Anchor QEA, a Lewes-based engineering firm, was brought on board to provide design, bidding and construction management.

Earlier this year, committee members reconvened to discuss three potential placement sites for material that will ulti-

mately be dredged from the Little Assawoman Bay. Rymer, committee chair, said that while the town continues to explore locations such as Seal Island and Seatowne, it is now looking closely at a parcel of land off Route 54 owned by Carl M. Freeman Companies.

“This was the location that was being discussed two years ago,” he said in January. “Their timeframe had changed, so about one-and-a-half years ago they told the town they were going to proceed with their development plans without utilizing our dredged material. However, they came back to us late last fall.”

From those discussions, Rymer said, came a renewed interest in partnering with the town and using its dredged materials on the company’s property. He said the town is working with its solicitor to draft a legal agreement.

“We’re negotiating with the developer to have access to their property to place materials there,” he explained in an interview last week. “As part of our overall dredging permit application, not only do you have to talk about the dredging project, but you have to get a permit for placing the material. We need a place to put it, before permitting can move forward.”

Rymer said the town is working with Anchor QEA to complete permitting work related to a potential dredging and placement project at the Route 54 property. He said other placement locations are also under consideration.

“We need to find a place to place the material …,” he said. “We’re hopeful we can get this agreement done.”

… Snow Hill High Principal Criticizes Administrators

FROM PAGE 10

one of his executive team members to visit the school.

“I said maybe restorative circles will work in this,” he said. “I didn’t even know there was a suspension that had taken place at that point.”

Taylor said that was when a breakdown in communication occurred, as Purvis, when approached by executive team member Dwayne Abt, felt she was being directed to drop the suspension in favor of a restorative circle.

“I was told and I quote ‘Dr. Purvis you don’t want something like this to tarnish your 30 year career,’” Purvis said. “That is what I was told. What do I do with that? I was also told ‘Dr. Purvis, I’ll be very honest with you. you can take this to the board but I don’t think the board will support you.’ So what decision was I to make?”

To make matters worse, Purvis said she was then excluded from the restorative circle — which didn’t even include all of the relevant parties — at the direction of Abt.

Community members asked Taylor what he was doing to correct the situation. He said the suspensions Purvis initially recommended had been carried out. He said he visited the school when some students protested the entire situation on March 23. He said he talked to parents as they showed up during the protest and returned the next morning to speak with the students who had protested.

Jones, outlining the efforts of the African American Caucus, recalled Purvis initially worked as an educator in Pocomoke and

that community members had expected her to be appointed principal of Pocomoke High School in 2012, when Wallace was appointed instead.

“Now, 10 years later, you’ve succeeded again Worcester County Board of Education to undermine Dr. Purvis and her ability by overturning a disciplinary decision designed to teach these young people not a lesson but etiquette and how to conduct themselves,” Jones said.

Jones said there were few African American educators in central office positions.

“We’re at an all-time low for African Americans applying for teaching positions in general,” Taylor responded. “It’s across the board, it’s not just in Worcester County. We have a very small pool of applicants.”

Taylor added that the school system made efforts to recruit African American

educators and had created initiatives focused on that. When Purvis pointed out that she’d applied for three positions at the central office and hadn’t received any of them, Taylor said two of those spots were filled with other African American educators.

Roxie Dennis, also of the caucus, said countless students had reached out to her in the wake of the incident. She praised the protest they held March 23.

“I applaud them for peaceful demonstration,” she said. “We are demanding that something be done and it be done quickly before it really gets out of hand.”

Attendees said racial issues were on the rise among athletes nationwide. A parent in the audience said there had previously been racially charged incidents at local schools. She said a note referencing

the KKK had been circulated in her son’s class when he was in seventh grade at Snow Hill Middle School. She said administrators there tried to smooth the incident over with a pizza party.

“This has been going on for far too long,” she said.

Snow Hill resident Eddie Lee said the dozens of people in attendance this week should reiterate their concerns in front of school board members at their next meeting on April 18.

“The change is going to come when this kind of energy is put in front of the board of education,” he said. “They are an elected body.”

He added that he’d reached out to Taylor previously asking him to apologize to Purvis publicly.

Taylor said he was sorry for the missteps that had taken place and was sorry Purvis felt the way she did.

“I take full responsibility,” he said. When asked about Abt, Taylor said he couldn’t discuss personnel matters.

“I will tell you that people make mistakes,” he said.

Purvis, who pointed out that Abt was not present to speak for himself, said she felt he was just a messenger.

“I do not believe Dr. Abt came to me on his own accord,” she said. “I think he was directed to come to me and smooth the situation over after phone calls unfortunately were made to the superintendent’s office. … A designee does what you ask them to do. I believe in this case Dr. Abt was a designee.”

A crowded Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church is pictured Wednesday night.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

OBITUARIES

Maxine Brisbane

OCEAN PINES – Maxine Dorman Hocheder Welker Brisbane, 88, of Ocean Pines, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023. She was the daughter of Charles and Helen Dorman and the sister of John Charles Dorman (Melva Dorman) of Baltimore.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Hocheder Leaf McMahon (Robert) and Jill Hocheder Anthony (Byron); five stepsons, Byron Welker (Cindy), Scott Brisbane (Patrice), Christopher Brisbane (Babs), Craig Brisbane (Karen) and Thomas Brisbane (Yesim); eight grandchildren, Heather Bailey, Shannon Melito, Erin Anderson, Gabrielle Remington, Jesse Hocheder, Philip Anthony, Katie Hocheder, and Dimitri Anthony; and five great-grandchildren, Reagan Bailey, Abigail Melito, Matthew Anderson, Vincent Anderson, and Helena Remington. She was predeceased by her son, Steven Hocheder, her husband, Ronald Welker, as well as her husband, Donald Brisbane.

She was born in Baltimore on Feb. 3, 1935. Maxine graduated from the University of Maryland and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field of education. She taught in the Howard County school system as a kindergarten teacher until she retired in 1995. She continued to substitute teach in Worcester County following her retirement.

Maxine was a devoted educator and continued to support the school system through her dedication to the Berlin/Ocean City Optimist Club. She could be found ushering local events at the Ocean City Convention Center and volunteering at the Ocean City Boat Show. Maxine was also a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed gardening, boating, fishing, crabbing, and reading. Maxine was loved by all who met her, always quick with a smile and a joke. She was a kind, gentle, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

A service will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Ocean City on July 15 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Gordon Stewart Waite

OCEAN CITY – Gordon Stewart Waite of Ocean City passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2023. To know him was to love him and he will be sorely missed as he was such a caring father, grandfather, brother, husband, and friend.

Gordon was born on May 2, 1958, sharing the May 2 birthday with his youngest son Jacob Waite. He was born in New York but moved as a child with his parents Helen Faith Waite and Lewis Gordon Waite (both of whom preceded him in death) to Bowie along with his sister Michelle Wagner and his brother James Waite. He was raised in a strong Christian

home of faith; his father helped start and literally build the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Bowie and Gordon relayed that “if the church doors were open we were there.” The family spent many happy summers at the family farm in Campbell located in upstate New York, and he often shared those memories.

Gordon completed a two-year course of study in automotive repair and graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute in Columbia. He worked as a mechanic for Superior Auto Care and had many loyal customers and friends. Later in life he became a real estate agent.

Riva Trace Baptist Church became Gordon’s home church after he divorced from Valerie Marlene Haines, his children’s mother, in 2005. He was active in the singles ministry and bible study. When Kim Leaman started attending church there, they met and became friends, and later started dating. Gordon and Kim were married in 2013 and enjoyed many happy years living in Whitehurst in Severna Park.

Upon his wife’s retirement in 2019, he and Kim moved to Ocean City and he obtained a pre-retirement job as a bus technician with the Town of Ocean City. He often said, “I’m living the dream, they are paying me to live at the beach.”

The decision to move to Ocean City was a fortuitous one. Gordon took up new hobbies of pickleball and golf, indulged in his love of playing cards and poker with great new friends, as well as travelling and enjoying the beach life. Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and other is gold.

He adored his children, his grandchildren, and Kim’s children, and loved his family and friends with his whole heart. He loved living life in Ocean City and all the many new friends he made socially and at work.

He leaves behind his son, Jerrod Waite and his significant other Kara Long and Jerrod’s daughters Madison Waite and Kinsley Waite; daughter Kelsei Waite and her significant other Frank Willey and their daughter Kaylee Willey; son Jacob Waite and his wife Kayla Waite; sister Michelle Wagner and brother-in-law Dan Wagner and nephews Daniel Wagner Jr. and David Wagner; brother James Waite and sister-in-law Tonya Waite and niece Nicole Waite; his wife Kimberly Leaman and her children John Robert King and his significant other Michelle Kerkeslager, Tyler King and his fiancé Lauren Miller, and Emily King and her significant other Michael Miller; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Sands Resort in Ocean City. Park in any spot, passes will not be needed for the service. The service is also being live streamed via: https://www.facebook.com/groups/779567236847343.

In memory of Gordon, in lieu of flowers, if you’d like to donate to the Gordon Waite College Fund, which will benefit his beloved grandchildren, the family would be thankful. Donate at https://gofundme.com/f/gordon-waite-grandchildcollege-fund.

Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

POINTS REACH IN OCEAN PINES

MAXINE BRISBANE

3BR/2BA first floor unit. Chef’s kitchen with bar seating, granite counter tops and pantry. Dining/living areas have views to balcony that stretch across the entire unit. Hardwood floors in living areas and carpet in bedrooms. Corner gas fireplace. Primary suite has 2 walk-in closets and bath with whirlpool tub/shower. Built-in Viking Grill on balcony. Geo-thermal heat pump. Personal

The Dispatch

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How We See It

Lifeguard Hourly Pay Confirms Labor Complexities

A common headache for all governments reconciling budgets this month remains labor complexities and associated expenses.

Recruiting and retaining employees remains a challenge in an uber competitive and desperate marketplace, and governments are balancing the desire to address employment needs with increasing pay requirements and astronomical jumps in health insurance rates in a postpandemic environment.

In Ocean City, a specific concern to the beach patrol surfaced during budget talks last week. The issue is complex because city officials and beach patrol representatives disagree on whether Ocean

City lifeguards are underpaid compared to competing agencies. OCBP Captain Butch Arbin estimates the resort’s guards are paid $1 to $1.50 an hour less than other beach towns. City Manager Terry McGean believes the city’s rate is “adequate” and even higher than some according to his own research.

An Ocean City lifeguard typically works 43.5 hours a week during the season at $18.45 an hour, resulting in a gross weekly pay of $802. Currently for every additional hour beyond the 43.5-hour mark lifeguards get a boosted hourly rate of $18.82/hour. As an overtime bump, the city proposed the hourly rate jump one dollar for any additional hour worked in a

week. In an effort to address the postLabor Day staffing crunch, the city is proposing a $250 bonus if a guard works 80 hours in September.

An effort by Councilman Tony DeLuca to increase the hourly rate by a dime with a higher overtime rate failed due to ripple effect concerns the change may have on other hourly positions with the city staff.

These sorts of management decisions are playing out across all governments these days. Managing the specific requests with needs, wants and wishes is tricky business for elected officials to balance in this current climate. A case-bycase basis seems to be the only approach.

Letters To The Editor

Board Member Response

Editor:

My husband and I have been educators in Worcester County Public Schools for 26 years, and our two children went through Worcester County Public schools from pre-kindergarten until 12th grade.

For several decades Worcester County Public Schools have earned accolades and attracted the best teachers in the region. This did not happen by chance; it took purposeful dedicated work. Worcester County citizens, parents and educators who have dedicated their working lives to researching and implementing best practices for children worked in collaboration with local elected officials to build our exceptional public school system. A well-funded and well-run publicschool system is crucial to our local economy, especially in Worcester County with our need for trade jobs such as HVAC technicians, plumbers, electricians, as well as qualified health care professionals, teachers, small business owners, farmers, the list could go on.

Prior to her election to the Worcester County School Board, I have followed comments made by Kate Addis in this paper during interviews held with all candidates running for Board of Education. I have continued to follow her comments during broadcasted board meetings, and finally in her letter to the editor published in this paper last week. In that letter she claims she was ignored and ridiculed during the last Board of Education meeting. Having watched the meeting it is clear that Ms. Addis was neither ignored or ridiculed, instead, fellow board members simply did not agree with her motions or comments. That is actually how a local and national democracy works, people are free to make statements and others can choose to disagree. This disagreement does not mean that other board members are not fulfilling their duty to the citizens of Worcester County. The other members of the Worcester County Board of Education are some of the most respected citizens of Worcester County with years of dedicated service to the students and families of Worcester County. My hope is that going forward Ms. Addis will refrain from this unproductive blaming

and instead focus on the collaborative, focused work required to maintain the level of excellence that Worcester County Public Schools and our students and families deserve.

Melissa Reid Berlin

School Staff Should Carry

Editor:

When will the Worcester County Board of Education harden our schools? All federal facilities are hardened having armed security as well as the Supreme Court, Capital Building, airports, the TSA sporting events, local police stations, etc. etc. etc. Even the recent Board of Education meeting had armed police stationed in the hallway. How is it that our children are not secured with armed personnel?

I believe that an armed, uniformed person will be taken out first by a deranged shooter allowing him/her to proceed, freely in the carnage. Volunteer school staff members can be trained in the proper, safe use of a firearm and be permitted to conceal carry in our schools. This would be the greatest deterrence to an assassin for he/she will not know where return fire will come from. The National Rifle Association has a program specifically designed to train school personnel and a program called “School Shield,” which will help defray the cost of this security. Many schools throughout the country have signed on to this program. Some shallow thinkers claim that this would lead to a shootout. Yes, of course, but the difference is that the bullets will be going the other way greatly shortening the carnage. These shallow thinkers don’t and will not understand that a bad man with a gun is always stopped by a good man with a gun. They cannot get past the emotion and thought of guns in our schools will make them safer for our children. They are also consumed with the optics of gun toting staff members. Hey, how does the optics of our children’s blood all over a classroom and children hysterically crying appeal to you? Trained staff members in our schools will be able to save lives by saving the precious minutes it will take for the police to arrive, carrying guns, to stop the killing.

How is it that it is ok for the police to arrive with guns in the “gun free zone” but it is not ok for school staff volunteers to already be at ground zero ready to save lives?

The other suggestion I have is to take down those maniac attracting signs that read: “this is a gun free zone.” More gun violence has taken place in gun free zones then in any other areas of our country. They are danger zones. Again, shallow thinking people feel good about these signs. Now, think deeper and try to get into the mind of a psychotic would-be mass murderer. Do you really “think” that a nut will be persuaded in any way shape or form not to kill a dozen or so of our beloved children because he or she read this sign? The people that are persuaded are the very people that could shoot back and stop the mayhem. These signs give the assassin a secure feeling that they will not be shot.

Let’s do this now before it becomes our turn to cry. Let us learn from others’ horrible misfortunes. Keep in mind the Boy Scout’s motto, “be prepared” because right now we are not.

Dennis W Evans Berlin

Board Discussions Needed

Editor:

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 was one of two nighttime meetings held by the Worcester County Board of Education and was well attended. Many people thanked the board for the opportunity to attend a night meeting. The audio system was in and out during the entire meeting and many comments from Board members and the public were inaudible, thus the live stream of the meeting was poor, and if you tried to follow via closed caption, possibly misleading. What I was able to hear and observe was upsetting at times.

A mother and father from Ocean Pines with a family of five children spoke, the mother relayed that her 5-year-old corrected her when she called him mommy's boy, stating he had to be mommy's girl now. As a result, they have pulled all five of their children from Worcester County

Letters To The Editor

public schools which has placed a great hardship on their family. A second grade teacher came forward to make her comments to the board; she stated among other remarks that the mother's statement was not true. This teacher must have been nervous about speaking because Superintendent Taylor gave her two thumbs up as she finished her comments.

Our newest board member, Katie Addis asked to discuss several issues, the first was that she had been asked about several of the school incidents we all are heard about and discuss each week now. This incident involved a county deputy who was injured at Snow Hill Middle School and transported to the hospital. Mrs. Addis motioned that the board members receive some type of communication when these incidents happen so that board members, elected by the people in their community to represent them, can offer an intelligent response, possibly; Yes, I am aware of the incident and the board is responding and handling that particular incident. I heartily agree, I want all board members apprised of these incidents. Mrs. Addis was chided for bringing these incidents up during the public meeting and was directed to follow Board procedure, which is to direct all inquires about these type incidents to Dr. Annette Wallace, which Mrs. Addis stated she had done. Motion denied.

Mrs. Addis then motioned to delay adopting the current proposed budget, which she felt they had not all adequately reviewed and discussed as a board. That is the budget for which we, the taxpayers are footing 82% of the funding, I think we are entitled to see how this money is being used and I don't mean in generalized categories/expenditures. I want to know if we purchased another RV for the board in lieu of a better audio system etc. Thank you Katie Addis for representing us. Mrs. Addis stated she had spent many hours reviewing the budget before the board meeting. Mrs. Addis was admonished and advised to do her homework. Superintendent Taylor commented that this was wasting time, I assume he meant the board’s and the public present at the meeting. Motion denied.

Mrs. Addis then motioned that the board send a second letter of opposition to the state regarding HB 119. HB 119 basically usurped Maryland counties authority to set their own curriculum in regard to Md Comprehensive Health Framework. HB 119 has been amended, among other changes, it will punish local school boards who do not comply by reducing the state funding by 10% and then an additional 10% if they still do not comply. Additionally, the amendment has nullified the opt-out option, it must now meet the requirements and definition of the state. After some discussion by Mrs. McComas, who would vote against this motion, Dr. Andes seconded this motion, and stated the letter must be sent immediately. Motion passed.

With reference to the Opt-Out option, all parents should contact their legislators, senators and school board members to insist that this be an Opt-In option. This Opt-In option should not be limited to the Md. Comprehensive Health Framework curriculum, many times parents find out in conversation after the fact, that their

child was introduced to a subject or activity that they would not have chosen to have their child participate in.

In the future I hope to see more discussion and cooperation among the board and more interaction with parents. We have elected you the board to facilitate the education of our children. We all want our children to be well educated, productive and prepared for their future. Working with each other, this should be our common goal.

Patricia Barbely Newark

Fully Fund Our Schools

Editor:

As Maryland is moving towards a world class education system, we need to make sure Worcester County is not left behind. To do this Worcester County must be a full and enthusiastic participant in the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future reforms.

The Blueprint reforms are not an unfunded mandate but a continued partnership between the state and the counties to provide the best education for every Maryland student. These reforms include building a robust and quality early education structure; developing a plan to increase the starting salary of teachers to a professional level and creating professional career ladders for teachers and administrators that they so rightly deserve; creating a career and college pathway system that ensures every student leaves high school prepared to enter a satisfying career; and building communities that have the support systems required to help all students and families, especially those with extraordinary struggles.

As budget requests are considered, we should remember that quality education is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Therefore, for the sake of our students and our teachers I ask the commissioners to fully fund the WCBOE FY24 budget.

Vicky Wallace Ocean Pines

Wind Farm Realities

Editor:

As an older citizen with few illusions about how the world works, I am not surprised when I read press releases or letters extolling the benefits of offshore wind farms written by employees of the foreign wind companies. There is a lot of money to be had from the wind farm business in the form of billions of government subsidies and the higher electric rates that will follow.

But as an environmental professional, I am disheartened when ordinary people write letters supporting the construction of these giant wind turbines in the ocean.

Clean energy is good, but if these wind farms get built off our coast, the huge commitment to this technology will permanently impact the ocean and will someday be seen as a big mistake.

To understand why these turbines are such a bad idea, all we have to do is to balance the dubious claim that these wind machines will do anything substantial to change the climate, against the real environmental harm they pose, not only to our

SEE PAGE 76

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Communication is critical when public school safety incidents arise. By and large, it seems Tuesday’s situation at Stephen Decatur High School was handled much better than other incidents in previous years. A message was reportedly written on a wall inside the school about a shooting to take place at the school on April 12, the first day after spring break. Once word of the threat was made, teens started texting their parents, resulting in some anxious moments as messages got convoluted and anxieties trend to the worst in these situations. It’s why immediate and frequent messages to parents are important as efforts continue to ensure the safety of the students and teachers.

On Tuesday afternoon, parents were notified in a message from the school system about the threat. It read, "We have been made aware of a threat made in reference to our school. Please know all students and staff are safe, and we are working in partnership with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office to investigate the credibility of the threat, and we will keep you updated as more information is available." Around the same time, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook and through a press statement, “We have been made aware of a threat made in reference to our school. Please know all students and staff are safe, and we are working in partnership with the Worcester County Public Schools to investigate the credibility of the threat, and we will keep you updated as more information is available.” Around 4 p.m., another post from the Sheriff’s Office read, “…. investigations into the writing found at the school is ongoing and will continue into tomorrow. Out of an abundance of caution, an increased law enforcement presence will be at the school until that time that the threat is deemed non-credible. We will provide an additional update tomorrow as it is made available.”

On Wednesday afternoon, the follow-up email came from the sheriff’s office, reading, “… we have deemed the threat non-credible, and the individual suspected of creating the threat has been identified. The appropriate charges are being forwarded to the Department of Juvenile Justice. No additional information will be provided to protect the privacy of the student." It was widely speculated low attendance at the high school Wednesday was connected to the incident on Tuesday. While there may have been a few reservations from students and parents, the half-day before spring break, and any extended break from school for that matter, always sees lighter attendance than usual.

It was a commendable effort, one that appears to be improved after previous situations in years past when direct communication was lacking, resulting in hysteria among parents. Now what’s often never learned is what kind of discipline the young person will face for the threat. This is unfortunate because the punishment should be known to all as a potential deterrent to a juvenile threat intended to scare and disrupt.

There is a tremendous amount of passion for education in this community. It’s a good thing and has been spotlighted several times over the last few weeks. People care tremendously about our schools, and it’s one of the reasons Worcester County Public Schools is annually deemed one of the best in Maryland.

When she was elected to the Worcester County Board of Education in November, it was evident Katie Addis was going to shake things up in Newark. Though it’s an elected board, the norm for school system management is the superintendent and his or her administrative team run daily operations. Rarely, if ever, is the superintendent at odds with the school board and most matters are routinely handled during meetings. The sense is the school board leaves the operations of the schools to the experts. Addis is making it clear she will be questioning matters before her and voting against decisions if she feels they are rushed or when not enough information has been provided. During last month’s meeting, Addis questioned why as a school board member she learns details about a school safety incident from a Facebook page and not the school system administration directly. Numerous comments were made about the safety of students and personnel being paramount during these sorts of incidents. While encouraging Addis to reach out to him or his team when she has questions, Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor seemed to take exception with the approach Addis took at the public meeting. During his response to Addis, Taylor said, “I would appreciate notifying me or my team … instead of in here where I think it’s wasting everybody’s time.” Addis responded she didn’t think she was wasting anyone’s time. A week later, Addis outlined her approach to current school system affairs and her two failed motions at last month’s meeting in a letter to the editor. A letter in response from long-time local teacher Melissa Reid defended the school system and encouraged the newly elected school board member to focus her efforts what’s “required to maintain the level of excellence” within Worcester County schools.

More passion for our schools was evident Wednesday when about 100 community members gathered in a church in Snow Hill to discuss the handling of a racial post by a high school student. What seemed to bother most about the situation was a discipline handed down by Snow Hill High School principal was seemingly questioned by a member of the school system administration. The principal was direct in her claims her judgment was criticized after calls were made to Newark to get a one-game suspension overruled for those involved. She maintains she was bullied by the school system into changing her discipline, which was eventually carried out after an uproar along with something called a “restorative circle.”

local ecosystem, but also in faraway places throughout the world.

One wind turbine uses about one ton of rare earth minerals. Mining these minerals is a dirty business, with devastating impacts on the environment and human health, which is why there is very little mining — and no processing -- in western countries. China accounts for 63 percent of the world’s rare earth mining, 85 percent of rare earth processing, and 92 percent of rare earth magnet production.

Places where rare earths are mined and refined are known as “sacrifice zones,” where the economic benefits are deemed to outweigh the environmental harms. Such zones are also found in Africa and Vietnam.

The consequences for human health in these sacrifice zones are enormous. Baotau, a city in China with a population of 2.5

Letters To The Editor

million, is just south of the largest rare earth mine in the world. The ore is processed at massive industrial complexes within the city, and one in seven residents has cancer. One in seven.

Crippling bone deformities are rampant in the area, caused by the air and water pollution from elements that are brought to the surface during mining. The Chinese government has built many 20-story hospitals in Baotau that are dedicated solely to treating bone disorders.

Until methods are developed to mine and process these elements without all the environmental damage, it makes sense to ban their use for permanent industrial applications like wind turbines. Meanwhile, there are many clean energy solutions that are far less damaging.

One recent letter promoting these wind farms said all we’ll see is “thumbnailsized” turbines on the horizon. But I’ll see

a lot more than that.

I’ll see a wall of industrial junk cluttering one of our remaining unspoiled views of the natural world. I’ll see dozens of red lights blinking on the nighttime horizon,

And, with my mind’s eye, I’ll see all the sickness and suffering that allows comfortable Americans to indulge their misguided energy fantasies.

Spencer Rowe Ocean City

Festival Note Of Thanks

Editor:

On behalf of the Art League of Ocean City, thank you to everyone who supported and made the 7th Annual Ocean City Film Festival a huge success, including our generous sponsors, attendees, filmmakers, committee, volunteers, moderators, and staff. A special shoutout to our headliner, the legendary John Waters,

who performed to a sold-out crowd on Saturday night, and to our title sponsors — the Town of Ocean City, the Maryland Film Office, and Ocean Downs Casino — who helped make our festival happen.

The Film Festival was truly a citywide happening and a real boost to the offseason in Ocean City. A big thank you to all of the venues that screened the films and made this year’s festival a success — Flagship Cinemas, Fox Gold Coast Theater, Ocean City Performing Arts Center, Ocean Downs Casino, Seacrets Morley Hall, Residence Inn, and Nick’s. And also to the local businesses who supported us with the popular afterparties — Residence Inn by Marriott, the Princess Royale Hotel, Jay’s Café, Holiday Inn Coral Reef, Seacrets, and the Cambria Hotel.

Thank you to the diverse group of filmmakers from around the world, many who attended, who allowed us to share 70 compelling films to more than 1,000 attendees. The festival showcased industry professionals as well as university students, young filmmakers, and local talent and gave them opportunities to network with others who share their passion.

Thank you to our additional supporting sponsors: OCMD Hotels, Atlantic Planning & Development, Good Clean Fun Life Productions, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, WRDE, Bank of Ocean City, Blue Fish, West O Bottle Shop, Shore United Bank, and Fager’s Island. Also, Papi’s Tacos, Coins Pub, Carousel Resort, Truist Bank, Taylor Bank, Town of Berlin, and Worcester County Tourism. And to our media sponsors: OCToday, Coastal Point, The Dispatch, Ocean 98.1, Ocean City.com, and Unscene Productions.

Finally, to our audiences who laughed, shed a tear, asked insightful questions, and enthusiastically applauded, we appreciate you choosing to spend your time with us.

We invite you to join us for our monthly film nights at the Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th St., where you can experience independent film screenings year round. Look for the next Ocean City Film Challenge in summer 2023.

Rina Thaler

B.L. Strang-Moya

(Thaler is the executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, while B.L. Strang-Moya is the creative director of the Ocean City Film Festival.

Speed Camera Site Idea Editor:

Since the Town of Berlin is exploring locations for speed control cameras I believe Old Ocean City Boulevard between Route 113 and Route 50 should be added to the list. The road is less than half a mile from Stephen Decatur High and Middle Schools. Also on the street are Atlantic General Hospital and two veterinarians' offices.

Even though the speed limit is 40 mph, I have seen many vehicles speeding over the limit. At times it is almost suicidal to exit the medical parking lots, especially those of the veterinarians. Maybe if the pockets of some of the speeders were emptied they would learn to slow down.

Bob Faszczewski Berlin

Street ~ Dinosaurs & Indoor Under Sea Adventure

Temple Of Dragons

Lady Seahawks Win One, Drop One Worcester Prep Weekly Roundup

SPORTS In The News

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s lacrosse teams continued their season this week with the boys team winning two games and the girls squad splitting their two contests.

After a dismal 0-3 start with close losses to Bennett and Decatur and a blowout by Easton, the boys’ team has rebounded, winning two straight games before Wednesday’s game with The Salisbury School was canceled because the Dragons didn’t have enough healthy players.

The Mallards had a get right game last Friday at home against Cambridge, winning their first game of the season 17-2. Five-goal outings from senior attackman Griffin Jones and sophomores Ryan Mann and Jack Lynch paced the way. Others in the scorebook were junior Cole Campbell with a goal and assist; freshman Jake Campbell, two assists; and sophomore Dillon Scopp with a goal.

On Tuesday, the Mallards recorded their biggest win of the season, knocking off Sts. Peter and Paul 10-5 behind strong offensive games by seniors Jones (five goals) and Jack Gardner (four goals). Junior goalie Connor Ferguson was huge for the Mallards, recording more than 10 saves.

The girls team stands at 3-2 on the season, defeating Cambridge 17-7 last Friday before being overmatched by the Sabres of Sts. Peter & Paul on

Tuesday, 19-2. In the Cambridge win, leading the offensive onslaught, featuring 34 shots, were freshmen Lo Malinowski and Caitlin Shimko with four goals apiece. Seniors Isabella Borsini and Ava Wilsey added three goals apiece. In a losing effort Tuesday in Easton, sophomore Nazli Unal scored two goals and junior goalie Caitlin Williams record eight saves and freshman Chloe March had three saves.

Before last week’s home game, the Stephen Decatur girls lacrosse team celebrated the life of Lakelyn Draheim, who died in January of brain cancer. Above, Shelby Rosemond and Mia Kemp carry an honorary framed jersey in Draheim’s favorite color of pink. Kira DiPietro gave up her number for the gift because it was Lakelyn’s favorite number. Below, Sadie Kauffman, who had four goals against Sts. Peter and Paul, fires a shot last Friday. Decatur lost to the Sabres 9-8 in overtime. On Tuesday, Decatur smothered Kent Island, 19-1, to improve to 2-2 on the season. Leading the offensive rout were Audrey Mumford and Laila Pascucci, with three goals each, and Rosemond and Morse, with two goals each.

Decatur Boys Lose First:

lost its first game of the season Monday, falling to

an early

on

road, 15-8.

Mallard attackmen Ryan Mann and Griffin Jones, front, move the ball behind the net during last Friday’s rout of Cambridge. Above, junior goalie Connor Ferguson eyes an outlet pass. Photos by Steve Green

Freshman Caitlin Shimko scored five times against Cambridge last Friday.

Photos by Delmarva Sports Network

Stephen Decatur boys lacrosse team

Easton

the

The Warriors dominated the game, getting out to

lead and never looking back. Last Friday, Decatur won a thriller over Sts. Peter and Paul at home, 9-8. Above, senior Gabe Geiser is pictured making a move toward the goal last Friday.

Photo by Delmarva Sports Network

Puzzle Answers

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

On World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 in a previous year, my wife posted on Facebook, “Autism is a journey we never planned, but we sure do love our tour guide.” Her words hit the mark.

The basic concept of Autism Awareness Month is to increase understanding and acceptance through education.

Prior to becoming a parent to a special needs child, I knew little about Autism because I had no personal connection. What I know today is Autism is the challenge of my lifetime. There are days when Autism wins and it’s not even close. Nonetheless, I find comfort and peace in knowing the disability cannot choke the joy out of life. My Carson, 13, through his disabilities, is the most inspirational person I know. I am blessed to be his father.

Each April during Autism Awareness Month I like to share Carson’s story. Soon after Carson, who we adopted, was born in 2009, we knew something was different. When he was 3 years old, we learned through genetic testing he had a duplication of chromosome 7. It’s an abnormality with no cure that results in major developmental delays, anxiety disorders, social phobias, speech and language delays, ADHD, psychological impairments and cardiac and renal defects. A few years later, after we realized his therapies and care would not be covered by insurance, we were advised to have him tested for Autism. We received the official diagnosis 30 minutes after walking into the doctor’s office through waiting room observations.

It’s easier to explain our child as autistic, rather than having a duplication of chromosome 7. It doesn’t matter to me. I could care less about labels. I just want what is best for him. If having a diagnosis of Autism will allow him access to more services in life, then that’s fine. What I do care about is the uncomfortable journey my family is charting.

Our life is a roller coaster ride full of incredibly inspiring highs and horrifyingly disturbing lows. While the focus is on the positive, there’s no denying we have scars from the negatives.

I used to most worry about our older son, Beckett. His resentment toward his little brother was once palpable. Things have changed, as Beckett, 14, has matured. Without question his six months at boarding school changed him and his perspective on his little brother. Beckett thought he wanted a different life, but he realizes now home with his family is indeed where he wanted to be.

I have never doubted Beckett’s love for his brother. He will do anything for him, but he has vocalized how exhausting it is for him to always acquiesce to Carson in fear of a behavioral outburst. Instead of focusing on how he was once pushed down the steps by his brother during a tantrum, Beckett reflects on how far he has come.

Pam and I understand the resentment aspect. We know it’s difficult and want Beckett to communicate when he feels his needs are being overwhelmed by his brother. Beckett accepts his brother is different. He no longer decries the inconsistencies in our parenting of him compared to his brother. We expect more from Beckett. He complained about that for a long time as unfair. He seems to understand the realities of the situation better now.

The key to a happy life with our special needs son is patience. It’s challenging each day, but it helps to have an empathetic heart and a forgiving soul.

Because this month is about awareness through sharing, here’s a message I wanted to include here a Facebook post from a friend, Gina Watts, who has a son with Autism in Carson’s grade. I was able to coach Nate in our TOPSoccer program over the winter and have watched him grow up through elementary school. I loved her message.

Today is World Autism Day. As many

of you know we live with autism everyday in our house. One of the things I wish people would understand about raising a child with is autism is that it can be really, really hard. Some days Nate can go from very happy to full meltdown, with self harm or harm to those around him, in a matter of seconds. Due to his inability to functionally communicate often times we aren’t sure what triggers him. Some my hardest moments as a special needs mom are seeing my child physically hurting himself.

I also wish people understood that kids with autism are all so different, sometimes when I tell someone we have a child with autism I hear things like “oh but they are so smart”, or “what’s the one thing he’s good at?” “does he have a good memory?”

Often I want to respond by saying the one thing he’s good at is putting holes in the wall because he was startled by our dog barking, or he’s really good at breaking things just because he likes to hear them break. His memory is amazing, he can recite lines from cartoons OVER and OVER again for hours.

Nate requires so much work behind the scenes that people just don’t see, one the hardest, is advocating for him so that he is getting an appropriate education. The paperwork alone for this is overwhelming. The fight is ongoing and I won’t ever stop fighting for him.

One of the best things I’ve learned since Nate was diagnosed, there are amazing people in the world and many of them are autism moms who fight everyday for their children. So, on World Autism Day, just let them know you see them and are there for them in those times when autism just breaks us down.

(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.)

PUZZLE ON PAGE 47