April 8

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April 8, 2022

Serving Greater Delmarva Since 1984

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Green Light For Housing Project

See Page 12 • Submitted Rendering

OC To Increase Bonfire Permit Fees

New Island Colt: Assateague Island welcomed a new resident, known officially as N2BHS-APU. The colt was born March 27 to mare Autumn Glory.

Photo by Ann Richardson

See Page 16 • File Photo

Berlin Continues New Budget Talks

See Page 7 • Photo by Chris Parypa

Cutest Pet Of The Month

Hanging Out: This house finch was caught mid snack in north Ocean City on a warm spring day.

Photo by Chris Parypa

The winner of last month’s Cutest Pet of the Month Contest was Ruby, a 6-month-old English bulldog owned

by Lauren Presto.

See page 35 for this month’s contestants.

Submitted Photo

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OC Police Dept. Overtime Increase Called Into Question

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Concerns about rising overtime costs in the resort’s police department, particularly during the offseason, were allayed somewhat last week when the police chief outlined a myriad of reasons for the spike.

During a budget wrap-up session last Thursday, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, who often rails about overtime in all city departments, raised the question about the spike in overtime at the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD). Since the last budget cycle, the OCPD overtime paid has increased by $60,000, from $840,000 to $900,000.

“I asked the question because I was curious,” he said. “Everybody knows I

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

hate overtime, but I certainly understand.

I certainly understand June at half-amillion dollars and support it. I understand September at $142,000 and I support it. I understand the seasonal things in October. What I can’t understand is November, December, January, February and March at $262,000 when you’re fully-staffed. I just can’t understand it.”

OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro explained much of the overtime paid is when his department has to ramp up deployments during certain times.

“When we look at overtime in a traditional sense, we might have six officers on, and when we have issues arise, we might bump that up to eight or 10 because there is more work to be done,” he said. “That can be several hours of overtime.”

Buzzuro also attributed some of the challenges during the pandemic to the overall increase in overtime paid in his department.

“There is a myriad of ways an officer hits overtime,” he said. “The last couple of years have been extraordinary because of COVID. There are also a lot of circumstances in our postseason that we all know about. Some of the overtime is being spent in the offseason, especially in the extraordinary times we’ve seen the last couple of years.

The number of training sessions never stopped during COVID. Basically, officers have had to do double what they did a couple of years ago to make up for it.”

It’s no secret the OCPD has been trying to increase its number of full-time officers, which has now grown to 116

April 8, 2022

sworn officers.

In addition, it’s a constant struggle to reach the desired number of seasonal officers and public safety aides, all of which have to be recruited. During the pandemic, recruiting efforts were limited somewhat, but has now returned to some sense of normalcy, which has contributed to the increased overtime for the OCPD. “Recruitment has resumed,” he said.

“With the pandemic waning, we actually had to go back in the field to colleges and universities. There is a cost to that as well.”

Buzzuro said increases in arrests and enforcement efforts, especially during June and certain other sanctioned and unsanctioned special events has resulted in more court time for his officers, which has contributed to the spike in overtime.

“A couple of years ago we went into the pop-up rally, car events, also the previous Junes,” he said. “That had an effect on our agency and our department in arrests and enforcement efforts. All of those cases had to be adjudicated in court and we really can’t control that. That accounts for a lot of overtime.”

Overall, Buzzuro said his department has increased deployment, including an expanded presence on the Boardwalk in the summer, which is yet another reason for the increase.

“We didn’t pump the brakes at all last summer,” he said. “We pushed all the way through. That’s where you see the overtime in August 2021 compared to 2020.”

Buzzuro often points out during budget time, and during the presentation of his department’s annual report, that the OCPD consistently comes under budget each year.

He said he and his command staff are cognizant of the need to watch payroll hours, but at the same time, his department needs to maintain efficient and effective operations.

“The cumulative effect of all of the things I just mentioned are of the reasons why we have reached the overtime levels,” he said. “I can tell you as your chief there isn’t any spending that isn’t justified. We can break down the individual dates or the individual events and we can always do better, but the overtime is very key to our operation. It is the cost of doing business. The good news is as we come out of COVID, we should be able to see an apples-to-apples comparison.”

DeLuca said he wasn’t taking the department to task on the overtime hours logged during the peak summer months, but still had concerns about the overtime in the offseason.

“I just have a problem with January, February and March,” he said. “I often worry that overtime begins as a need and it ends as salary. I just caution that in down time. In June, August and September, whatever you need I support that.”

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

Berlin Council Reviews Pay Hikes, Tax Rate

April 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

BERLIN – Employee raises, the cost of special events and a potential tax increase dominated a budget discussion in Berlin this week.

Mayor Zack Tyndall and the town’s council members met Monday to review the proposed general fund budget for fiscal year 2023. A common refrain among department heads was the need for pay increases for municipal workers.

“I know everybody agrees with me and I’m probably putting my head on the chopping block but we’re never included in that process until this year,” Planning Director Dave Engelhart said. “We have to wait until the end and wonder if we’ll get anything. We get to the end and the cookie jar is empty and all we got to do was stand around and hope.”

Though the town’s proposed budget initially included a $462,000 shortfall, modifications in recent weeks dropped the deficit to roughly $280,000. Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said that despite the figure the town was in good financial position. In 2019, Fleetwood said the town had $16,000 in unrestricted funds. In 2020 that grew to $1 million and in 2021 increased to $2.9 million. At that point the town was able to move $1.9 million to reserves.

“I think we’re doing good,” he said.

He said he supported the budget requests presented by department heads.

“Employees are the number one resource of this town,” he said. “But this number one resource also needs the things to do their jobs. We also want be competitive with our surrounding employers.”

Police Chief Arnold Downing said he was struggling to find officers and as a result had increased the department’s proposed overtime budget. Despite a 9% police pay increase three years ago, salaries at the department remain low compared to those of other area agencies.

Mayor Zack Tyndall suggested hiring public safety aides or retired officers. Downing said that while that worked in Ocean City during the summer, when aides supported the array of resort officers, it would not work in Berlin. Often, only one officer is on duty.

“It’s not something we would even think about doing,” he said.

As far as retired officers, Downing said he’d love to hire some but that they were in high demand. As a result, Downing is trying to attract officers who might have retired from law enforcement jobs on the other side of the bridge.

“Some of those places work 12-hour shifts and they just go and go and go,” he said. “When they come here it’s called the beach. We can go ahead and sell something in a different way than they do when we’re talking about second life or second career.”

Tyndall acknowledged that Berlin would likely still have difficulty hiring.

“I think it’s going to be very difficult for us to compete with some of the numbers people are able to associate salary wise when we look at size and available funds that we have here in the Town of Berlin,” he said. “I empathize with the fact that we are short staffed.”

Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, highlighted the cost of special events in her department’s budget and said she was considering some sponsorships. The potential downside to that is working with a sponsor will increase some costs for her department, such as marketing and advertising.

She said the town could see substantial savings with changes to New Year’s Eve festivities. When the town hosts a 6 p.m. ball drop and a midnight ball drop, staff costs are high because they’re essentially on duty for eight hours during the special event. Wells said the town could host a 6 p.m. ball drop for families

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and then let businesses take over late night festivities.

“We could close the road,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of restaurants and bars downtown. I don’t know that we necessarily need to do a town sponsored event.”

Following a review of the town’s projected revenues and each department’s expected expenditures, Councilman Jack Orris and Councilman Jay Knerr each presented ideas on ways to eliminate the deficit as shown. The proposal by Orris delayed a substantial amount of street paving and made use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Knerr’s proposal used ARPA funding for various large capital vehicle purchases and used $109,000 of the town’s unrestricted funds. Both proposals kept the tax rate flat.

“We have in excess of $1 million in unrestricted reserves so we can definitely afford to do that,” he said.

Both proposals included raises for staff — 3% in the Orris proposal and 5% in the Knerr proposal — which are not currently shown in the town’s projected expenditures.

“There’s a common theme,” Tyndall said. “We all want to see something for our employee group. We do recognize that work, what that value is we don’t exactly know.”

He said he thought the town needed to start looking at things differently in an effort to save money. He asked officials to consider ways to accomplish what needed to be done but without passing on additional costs to taxpayers.

Councilman Dean Burrell praised department heads for their presentations.

“Someone said something about this budget that has been presented, that it’s not a budget of wants it is a budget of needs,” he said. “What you need to do your job and what you need to do your job safely with a competent staff is what I think is important.”

He also addressed the mayor’s suggestion to improve operations.

“I think there’s room for greater efficiency and effectiveness, but the time is out of joint,” Burrell said.

“This is not the time I feel to have those discussions.

We’re going to be striking a budget at the end of this fiscal year. I think those type discussions the mayor is talking about need to be an ongoing thing for the upcoming year. We can sit here and talk about events and sponsorships and all that kind of stuff but that time is not now.”

He acknowledged the concerns about staff salaries and said human resources were the town’s greatest resource. Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols agreed and said she was pleased that Knerr and Orris both proposed pay increases.

Councilman Troy Purnell said he liked Knerr’s proposal but would give the employees a 10% increase.

He said it was great that the town had ARPA funding to supplement its budget but that those funds wouldn’t last forever.

“I’m sorry to say it but it means a tax increase or you’re going to run into it worse a few years down the road,” he said.

Engelhart said the town should set aside funding for employee raises, similar to the reserve funds.

He also objected to the practice of equating pay increases to cents on the tax rate, as that created a negative perception among citizens. Finance Director Natalie Saleh agreed that tax increases related to a combination of factors. Like Purnell, she encouraged officials to think about the future, when there was no ARPA money. She said the expenditures presented featured a deficit even without pay increases. She said the town had to plan for the future and begin setting aside funds.

Tyndall said he would meet with Knerr and Orris to go over their budget proposals. The council’s next budget work session, which will focus on the utility funds, is set for April 11.

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Capital Plan Discussions Lead To Reserve Policy Debate

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A review of the capital improvement plan at the outset of the fiscal year 2023 budget wrap-up session led to a larger debate about the level of minimum reserve fund balance and a shift of funds to the relatively new capital reserve fund.

Every two years, the Mayor and Council works with the town’s various departments to establish a capital improvement plan (CIP), or a list of significant projects that need to be funded in the budget through a combination of bonds and pay-as-you-go projects funded in the budget or through the reserve fund balance. A couple of years ago, the Mayor and Council established a capital reserve fund (CRF) in addition

20% Minimum Threshold Considered

to and apart from the general budget reserve fund.

The operational reserve fund balance is a rainy-day fund of sorts in the event of an emergency, such as a hurricane or major storm, or most recently the pandemic. The capital reserve fund was established as a means to pay for annual ongoing maintenance projects, such as street paving and canal dredging, for example.

At the outset of last Thursday’s marathon budget wrap-up session, City Manager Terry McGean led off with a review of the CIP and what it means in terms of the proposed fiscal year 2023

operating budget.

“We do the full capital improvement plan every other year,” he said. “That’s when the staff puts all of our projects together and we send them to you to work together to establish the plan.”

McGean explained in terms of the draft fiscal year 2023 budget on the table, the town was working with a CIP established last year.

“This is an off-year,” he said. “The last was fiscal year 2022. We will start a full update of the plan in the fall. What we’re doing in the current fiscal year is essentially following the plan that was adopted last year.”

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The CIP breaks down projects in a variety of ways, from those that are bonded long-term to those that are paid internally, either through fund balance or the capital reserve fund. They are also broken down to those that have been completed, those that are in progress and those that are stalled waiting for materials.

Projects in the current CIP that have been completed include canal dredging, the new Northside Park west gym floor, the Sunset Park re-decking, the Northside Park soccer field lights and the convention center expansion. Projects listed as still in progress in the CIP include the Boardwalk re-decking, the Chicago Avenue seawall, street paving and storm drain repairs and storm drain outfall repairs. Projects listed in the CIP as waiting for materials include the fire headquarters elevator repairs, the Northside Park public address system upgrades and an upgrade in the backup communications system at the Public Safety Building.

The list of projects in the CIP are rated first by staff from less important to very important to critical. The Mayor and Council then review those rankings and establish their own rankings based on their priorities. The projects are then established in the CIP and a plan is developed for how best to pay for them.

McGean said based on the growing number of significant projects in the CIP, it would be challenging to add more in the next version until some of them are crossed off. He said the draft fiscal year 2023 budget is based on some optimistic projections on revenue, and if those projections play out as expected, the CIP could be revisited in the fall.

“In my opinion, if we talk about what else we want to do, given what we have in progress for fiscal year 2022 and what we’re adding in fiscal year 2023 in terms of our current staffing levels, I think that we are very close to being maxed out on our ability to manage that many projects,” he said. “If you take everything that I’ve just talked about plus water and wastewater projects, we’re pretty close to saying we have all we can handle right now in the next few years.”

Again, the Mayor and Council a couple of years ago created a separate capital reserve fund to pay for ongoing significant maintenance projects. The town shifted $3 million into the CRF as seed money, and has contributes $1.5 million into it each year. The current balance in the CRF is around $1.6 million, before a contribution from the proposed fiscal year 2023 budget is added, according to McGean.

“The capital reserve fund remains in pretty good shape,” he said. “We can talk about a couple of things we want to do after the summer. If we continue to put in the $1.5 million, it will allow us to do everything that is shown in the capital improvement plan.”

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… Officials Move $4.5M In Excess Reserves To Capital Fund For Large-Scale Future Projects

April 8, 2022

That led to a larger discussion of the ongoing minimum reserve fund balance. Under current policy, the town maintains a reserve fund at 15% of the overall operating budget. There has been discussion in recent months of increasing that minimum threshold to 20%. In reality, the minimum threshold is largely a paper one as fund balance as soared to over 30% in recent years. McGean said fiscal year 2021 was a bit of an aberration in terms of growth in fund balance because of contributions from federal COVID-related grants.

“Excluding fiscal year 2021, fund balance has increased by an average of $1.3 million per year,” he said. “In fiscal year 2021, it grew significantly. That’s largely because of one-time COVID-related grants.

If you take out 2021, the contribution has averaged around $1.3 million.”

McGean explained some potential threats to the healthy fund balance. He said a change to the assumption for the annual rate of return on the pension fund from the current 7% to 6.5%, for example, could increase the pension fund liability by over $8 million.

Of course, there is always concern about the expense of the potential disaster.

“The budget estimates room tax at $22.5 million, which is our highest budgeted estimate ever,” he said. “A disaster could eliminate or at least reduce that revenue. We would like to hold the line right where we are through the summer.”

If the Mayor and Council ultimately decide to maintain the minimum reserve fund balance at 15%, that would ultimately lead to more growth in the fund’s bottom line. McGean said if the council opted to hold the line on the policy of maintaining the fund balance at 15%, the excess funding could be directed at other significant projects rather then bonding them entirely.

“If we don’t increase the minimum fund balance from 15% to 20%, what would we do with the difference?” he said. “The difference would be about $4.5 million. That’s one thing you could do to pay down Baltimore Avenue without bonding the entire project.

I would not recommend making that decision right now.”

McGean pointed out the intent of the separate CRF was to pay for ongoing and annual maintenance projects such has street paving and canal dredging, for example.

“When we established the capital reserve fund, the concept was we would add $1.5 million to that every year,” he said. “That fund is basically for ongoing maintenance projects like canal dredging and street paving. It’s not really intended for other capital projects.”

Councilman Peter Buas said he liked the concept of the CRF, but voiced concern about the continued growth in the reserve fund balance. He proposed an alternative which would shift the estimated $4.5 million difference between a 15% minimum reserve fund balance and a 20% reserve fund balance to the capital reserve fund. The concept is to shift excess fund balance to the CRF in a one-time installment rather than adding $1.5 million over a period of a few years.

“I like the idea of putting $1.5 million in the capital reserve fund every year,” he said. “What I don’t like is sitting on a $10 million unreserved fund this year.

A good plan is doing capital projects as a way to give back to the taxpayers. Sitting on the $10 million makes me uncomfortable because I’d like to see it at $4.5 million, which still gives you a cushion for any

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

revenue deficiencies.”

McGean said Buas’ recommendation had merit.

“I understand Councilman Buas’ point in that it is a way to reserve more fund balance without it growing every year,” he said. “I understand the logic behind that.”

McGean said the reserve fund balance is a means to insulate the town from unforeseen setbacks or disasters. In addition, having a healthy fund balance improves the town’s ratings when it has to go to the bond market to fund major projects.

“There has always been a question of how much we are comfortable with taking out of fund balance,” he said. “What do we want to pay cash for versus what we want to bond? I like the idea of taking out $4 million and putting it in the capital reserve fund to pay down capital maintenance projects. Whatever you want to call it, instead of the policy being we’re going to increase the minimum fund balance reserve from 15% to 20%, I like the idea of saying 15% and putting $3 million and that number is going to be fixed.”

After considerable debate, McGean attempted to boil down the two separate issues of reserve fund balance and the capital reserve fund.

“We’re talking about two different things,” he said.

“The first would be a one-time $4.5 million that would move from fund balance to the capital reserve fund instead of pulling out $1.5 million every year for the next five years. The second thing is a policy change that would say in addition to a minimum of 15% of operating budget in fund balance, there will also be $3 million set aside for immediate disaster relief or hurricane relief or whatever you want to call it. It would be revisited every four or five years.”

Buas said he remained uncomfortable with the proposal to increase the reserve fund balance to 20%.

“I don’t want to raise it to 20%,” he said. “This is a compromise between the two. That way, we’re spending money on the town rather than having it sit in the bank.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said he would like to rely on the opinions of McGean, Finance Director Chuck Bireley and Budget Manager Jennie Knapp on the minimum reserve fund balance issue.

“What would you recommend?” he said. “The finance director, the budget manager and the city manager are all here recommending we go to 20%.”

Bireley said Buas’ suggestion had merit, but the policy decision on the minimum threshold did not always meet the reality.

“If you do what Peter is suggesting, you’re still going to be over 15%,” he said. “You might not be at 20%. Our recommendation was to go to 20%. Given the way fund balance is going, last year it was over 30%. Going to 20% was a reasonable suggestion. I still like 20%, but I’m not opposed to what I’ve heard here today.”

After considerable debate, the council voted unanimously to approve Buas’ suggestion to shift $4.5 million to the CRF in the current budget instead of the annual $1.5 million contribution over a number of years. The issue of raising the minimum reserve fund balance threshold from 15% to 20% was left open. DeLuca asked McGean, Bireley and Knapp to come back with a recommendation on that decision at a future work session.

“Can the three of you come back with a recommendation based on what you’ve heard today?” he said.

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Buckingham Unveils Book Vending Machine At Ribbon Cutting Event

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

School system officials joined Buckingham Elementary staff and students for a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the school’s new book vending machine.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

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BERLIN – A new addition to the Buckingham Elementary School lobby aims to help inspire a love of reading among students.

Buckingham Elementary School on Tuesday hosted a ribbon cutting for its new book vending machine. Students each got to put a token in the machine to get a copy of “Ranger in Time: Rescue on the Oregon Trail,” the book featured in this year’s “One School, One Book” program.

“Kids will love this,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said.

The colorful new vending machine was funded with a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and $300 from the Buckingham Elementary School PTA. An inkind donation of books from the Briddell Foundation will ensure that once the copies of “Ranger in Time” are distributed the machine can be refilled with various books for all reading levels.

Students will be rewarded with tokens to get new books throughout the school year.

“We just wanted to keep building

a love of literacy, to make reading even more inviting,” said Laura Arenella, Buckingham’s curriculum resource and Title I coordinator.

The machine features slots for dozens of titles and even includes space for larger picture books for young readers. The donation from the Briddell Foundation will ensure it’s stocked with a variety of books in the coming weeks.

Arenella said educators were thrilled to be able to kick off the annual “One School, One Book” program for all students in kindergarten through fourth grade with the vending machine.

“It’s pretty exciting,” she said.

Principal Chris Welch agreed.

“We can’t thank the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore enough,” she said. “This way to kick off our book study is going to be amazing.”

Through the “One School, One Book” program, every family at the school receives a copy of the same book to read together at home. The program is meant to build a community of readers and inspire discussion of the book both at home and at school.

Students will also have the chance to answer reading comprehension questions for a chance to win daily drawings at school.

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Offseason Beach Trash Barrels Unlikely

Page 12

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Offseason trash barrels on the beach are not necessary, according to Public Works Director Hal Adkins.

During a budget wrap-up session last week, Adkins was asked for an update on a proposal to add some of the familiar blue trash barrels on the beach during the winter months. Adkins said he has received few complaints in his 38-year career with the city on the topic, saying, “I can name on one hand in any given year the number of complaints that we would get relative to any trash cans on the beach in the winter months. I realize it may be personal to some if they’re out there and walking a dog or whatever, but we haven’t gotten many complaints otherwise.”

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Adkins explained limited complaints come at times when the weather is unseasonably nice in the winter months and more people are out on the beach than usual. He said, “How many days in early April or late October that would occur is not many versus the number of days we may have weather that is not fit for beachgoers or it is windy and I end up with cans rolling out into the ocean.”

Adkins said putting trash barrels on the beach in the winter months was a policy decision left up to the Mayor and Council.

“My initial stance is I work for you,” he said. “I would prefer not to put barrels on the beach in the winter months. There is an adage that the cure might outweigh the problem.”

He also warned putting trash barrels on the beach would mean more than simply deploying them. The barrels would have to be routinely emptied, requiring

more manpower and payroll.

There was also an issue raised if barrels could be placed at street ends so wintertime beachgoers could have a place to dispose of their refuse.

“Another issue raised is could we put trash cans at the head of specific streets,” he said. “We already do that for many streets from north of 118th Street to the Delaware line. Those are normally removed during the winter months.”

The council expressed no desire to add trash barrels beyond the existing graduated schedule.

“I agree with you Hal,” said Council Secretary Tony DeLuca. “This has been discussed many times on the Green Team.

The negatives far outweigh the positives.

I live on the beach and out of 196 people in our building, only one has ever mentioned putting trash barrels out on the beach in the winter.”

Downtown Housing Project Moves Ahead

April 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – As part of a larger budget wrap-up session last week, resort officials agreed to provide $25,000 for a downtown multi-use facility for the police department, but not before a larger debate about how it is ultimately going to be paid for and parking concerns.

Last week, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) pitched the concept for a pair of projects in the downtown area including a mixed-use facility at Somerset Street for the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) and a future seasonal housing project on a portion of the model block. The OCDC is a quasipublic organization dedicated improving the downtown area and for years has been acquiring properties when they come available for future redevelopment.

The OCDC is proposing a mixed-use facility on a parcel the town owns on Somerset Street, which would include new storage and space for the OCPD’s bike patrol, public restrooms, an improved bus stop and at least 25 beds of seasonal housing for the OCPD. The overall cost estimate for the project is $2.4 million, which would include a $1.4 million contribution from the town and a $1 million contribution from the OCDC through its share of the Inlet parking lot revenue.

The OCDC’s contribution for the proposed Somerset Street project would come from a portion of that Inlet lot fund.

For now, the OCDC was seeking a $25,000 contribution from the town to fund a pre-construction management consultant who would work with the project architect on the design, City Manager Terry McGean said last week during a budget wrap-up session.

“The OCDC is committed to paying all of the design fees,” he said. “It’s about $150,000. The $25,000 would be our upfront cost.”

McGean said for the purposes of the current discussion, the decision the council needed to make was whether to provide the $25,000 in what is essentially seed money for the project. That investment would trigger the OCDC’s next step in the planning and design process, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the town on the project.

He said committing the $25,000 for preconstruction services at this time did not necessarily mean the town was all in on the project.

“My goal is to bring in a construction management firm,” he said. “We would bring in the construction manager early on. That’s what our $25,000 would be for. The $25,000 does not bind us to the proposal. It pays for the hiring of a construction manager to begin to work with the architect to make sure the project is designed efficiently.”

The 25 beds the project would provide for OCPD seasonal officers would come with an estimated rent of $2,500.

OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro was asked if SEE PAGE 58

Baltimore Ave. Timeline Extended

April 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – It was learned during a budget wrap-up session last week the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment project will take longer than first anticipated.

In recent years, a major renovation of the streetscape along the Baltimore Avenue corridor from North Division Street to 15th Street, including undergrounding the utilities and widening the sidewalks, has been on the town’s radar, but the issue is complicated. The project was listed as a top priority in the recent capital improvement plan and will ultimately come with an estimated $20 million price tag funded through a future bond sale. In the fiscal year 2022 budget approved in the spring, $200,000 was included for preliminary design work, which will be refunded to the town when the next bond sale is complete.

Through the process, then-City Engineer and now City Manager Terry McGean has presented different alternatives to the Baltimore Avenue redevelopment plan. In December, the council approved a hybrid alternative put forth by Councilman Peter Buas that includes wider sidewalks on each side of the thoroughfare, a utility strip on each side, undergrounding the utilities, providing a pedestrian-safe buffer, landscaping and ultimately repaving the

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roadway.

Through the initial design phases, McGean had proposed a two-year construction phase for the project, including the undergrounding of utilities in the first phase and the landscaping and repaving in the second phase. The intent all along was to limit the disruption along the major corridor to the extent possible.

However, during a budget wrap-up session last week, McGean said the construction schedule for the redevelopment of Baltimore Avenue would need to be expanded.

“With Baltimore Avenue, we originally envisioned this project happening in two years,” he said. “The first year is all of the undergrounding and the second year would be the street-scaping.

McGean said the resort’s seasons have changed since the last section of Baltimore Avenue north of 15th Street was developed.

“In 1998, we were able to come in the day after Labor Day and start tearing up Baltimore Avenue and were able to work right up to the famous five o’clock on the Friday before Memorial Day,” he said. “I don’t think anybody in this room wants us to do that given how much we’ve grown in the offseason.”

McGean said the original two-year time estimate was aggressive.

“We have seen how long it has taken to do Somerset Street, and that’s just SEE PAGE 42

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Spring Celebration Event Returns To Berlin April 16

April 8, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

The Tables At Burbage Park:

Members of the nonprofit We Heart Berlin hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for The Tables at Burbage Park on Saturday, April 2. Dozens of community members came out to celebrate the start of the project, which will bring two Ping Pong tables to the underutilized park. The project was made possible by donations as well as with money raised with fundraising opportunities provided by the Town of Berlin during Oktoberfest.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

BERLIN – A spring celebration will return to downtown Berlin this month.

On Saturday, April 16, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Spring Celebration.

As the weather warms and COVID restrictions ease, community members are invited to join for a day of fun, food and family-friendly activities.

“It’s a great, free event for kids,” said Ryan Nellans, administrator for the Berlin Chamber. “There’s something for everyone; singing and dancing, educational activities, crafts and kid-centric vendors.”

Festivities begin at 8:45 a.m. with a Bunny Brunch at Rayne’s Reef. With three seatings at 8:45, 9:30 and 10:15, families will be able to enjoy pancakes and sausage as vendors – including Kona Ice, Grandy Cotton Candy, Ray’s Wraps and Loco Lights & Bubbles – begin to set up their tents.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., kids will have an opportunity to participate in themed games, crafts and face painting. The event will also feature Easter Bunny appearances, readings by children’s author Katie Ruskey, music and entertainment from Celtic Pierogi and a “Scales & Tales” educational demonstration from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

“During that time, we’ll have a bunch of vendors and many businesses will have crafts and games,” Nellans said.

“One person is even doing flower arranging.”

Festivities continue after lunch with an egg hunt beginning at 1 p.m. at the corner of Washington and West streets and an Easter Bonnet Parade beginning at 4 p.m.

“For our Bonnet Parade, there’s going to be three prizes,” Nellans said, “one for most original, one for most eco-friendly and best overall.”

But Nellans said community members don’t have to wait until April 16 to join in the spring festivities. Beginning April 1, downtown businesses launched an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, which takes participants to local stores in search of decorated eggs, each with a springthemed word.

“They can pick up a flyer from the Welcome Center,” he said. “If they find all the words, they are entered into a drawing for one of four $50 gift cards from World of Toys.”

Officials noted there will be road closures for the duration of the event. For more information, visit the Berlin Spring Celebration event page on Facebook.

For breakfast reservations, call the Berlin Chamber of Commerce at 410-641-4775, or email berlinmdchamber@gmail.com.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to have a family event in Berlin, specifically over the last two years,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “The Spring Celebration has expanded to include more events … We’ve added more fun things for kids to do this year.”

Destruction Arrest For Shattered Door

April 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A Florida man was arrested on malicious destruction of property charges last weekend after allegedly shattering a glass door at a downtown bar following an argument inside.

Around 1:50 a.m. last Friday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to a downtown bar at 8th Street for a reported malicious destruction of property that had already occurred. Communications advised a male suspect, later identified as Vincent Johnston, 23, of Fruitland Park, Fla., had kicked in the front door of the establishment and left the area on foot.

As the arriving officers approached the bar, they discovered the exit door on the north side of the building was shattered with glass all over the ground and drops of blood leading from the door, according to police reports. The officers spoke with a bouncer who advised Johnston and a female had been in the bar and that they had become disorderly, according to police reports.

According to police reports, the female, at one point, slapped Johnston and bar security staff removed him from the bar. One bouncer reportedly told police while Johnston was being removed, he kicked the glass door on his way out. The bouncer told police Johnston returned and kicked the glass door multiple times, according to police reports.

The bouncer reportedly told police he pushed Johnston away and went back inside when he heard the glass door shatter and Johnston run away to the north. Two bouncers gave chase, but could not locate Johnston, according to police reports.

A bar manager showed officers video surveillance footage, which showed Johnston and the female arguing in the bar. Footage from the exterior of the building showed Johnston being ejected from the bar. The footage showed the bouncer open the door and push Johnston from the property. Johnston then returned and punched the door with a closed fist, shattering the glass before running across Philadelphia Avenue.

An OCPD officer located Johnston in the area of 9th Street passed out and bleeding from his hands. According to police reports, Johnston was covered in blood and vomit and could not sit up on his own, so he was transported

by Ocean City EMS to Atlantic General Hospital.

About three hours later at 4:50 a.m., OCPD officers were in the back of a convenience store at 120th Street when they reportedly heard a male yelling loudly at a female near the front of the store. The officers recognized the female as the same person who had been involved in the bar argument at 8th Street hours earlier, according to police reports.

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The officers also recognized Johnston who was behind the wheel of an SUV. The officers attempted to stop Johnston, who drove out of the convenience store lot and onto Coastal Highway. The vehicle then turned around and traveled north in the southbound lanes of Coastal Highway before turning back into the convenience store lot, according to police reports.

OCPD officers stopped Johnston at that point. He was reportedly still covered in blood and vomit. Johnston told police there had been no assault and he only tried to get back into the bar at 8th Street earlier to get the female. He told police he did not mean to break the glass, and that he only ran because he was scared, according to police reports.

Johnston reportedly told police he was picked up from the hospital by the female and another male, which started another argument with the female.

However, he again told police no assault had occurred. OCPD officers interviewed the female, who had changed her clothes since the incident at the downtown bar.

The female told police no assault had occurred at either the downtown bar or the uptown convenience store and that Johnston breaking the bar’s glass door was an accident. Based on the evidence, Johnston was arrested and charged with malicious destruction of property and a noise violation.

Page 15

OC Council Moving Ahead With $10 Bonfire Permit Hike

Page 16

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A divided council this week voted in favor of beginning the process of nudging up the beach bonfire permit fee incrementally from the current $75 to $85.

During a budget work session last week, Ocean City Fire Marshal Josh Bunting presented revenue projections for the beach bonfire permit program. At the time, the council requested Bunting return with some more detailed analysis on the program and examine if there was room to increase the current fee of $75.

“You asked for an update on potential revenue and the bonfire fee,” he said.

“Those fees are set by resolution. Regardless of what you decide today, we’ll have to move forward with a resolution to change the fees.”

The beach bonfire program began in

the 1970s and has steadily increased in popularity over the decades. In 2017, the department implemented a streamlined online permit system that allowed residents and visitors to request a permit and pay for it practically in real time, which caused the numbers to really spike.

When COVID hit, with restaurants, bars and other amusements closed or operating under strict limitations, the number jumped exponentially again. Last year, for example, there were around 3,300 permits issued. Bunting said the current fee is $75 and there has been little pushback about the cost of the permit.

“It’s currently set at $75,” he said. “I can tell you off the top from an enforcement strategy or a safety strategy. In other words, raising the fee doesn’t make it any safer or less safe. In the realm of citizen and user feedback, it still remains more positive than negative. We do receive some complaints, maybe 20 to 30 a year,

but I wouldn’t say a lot.”

Bunting half-jokingly said there were come complaints about the bang for the buck from some permit holders.

“The complaints are mostly on what that $75 gets them,” he said, rather tongue-incheek. “Some people are a little shocked it is $75, and we don’t actually start the fire for them and bring the s’mores and have everything set up for them.”

Bunting said he did a fee comparison for similar beach resorts up and down the coast.

“From a regional comparison, we’re probably mid to high,” he said. “Fenwick is $100. Assateague National Seashore is $50 and Lewes Beach is $50. The program costs my office $41,000 per year when you put together the booking software, the inspection staff, uniforms and the equipment we need to police that on the beach.”

The revenues from last year’s permits

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totaled $247,500. Bunting said it was up to the council to set the policy on beach bonfire permit fees.

“In conclusion, again, I would echo my original statement that I work for you,” he said. “If you want the fee to be what it is, that’s what it will be. To give you a true revenue estimate, I’d rather have a nonCOVID year under our belt. I’d like to see what it would look like consistently yearto-year.”

He also pointed out because there were already advanced bookings for bonfires this summer, changing the fee at this point could create some disparity among users.

“Also, if we changed the software tomorrow, we could see some pushback from the disparity,” he said. “We could have people sitting on the beach who paid $75 and somebody sitting next to them who paid the higher rate.”

At that point, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca asked Bunting if he preferred $85, $90, or $100, and made a motion to increase it to $85. Councilman Mark Paddack seconded the motion for the purpose of discussion.

“During the budget debates, there was discussion about a bucket truck needed to scoop up what our customers leave behind that they should be taking with them,” he said. “There is a cost associated with this in addition to your $41,000.”

Paddack said the addition of that equipment and manpower on the public works side would also increase the cost of proSEE NEXT PAGE

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viding the program.

“The estimate for the bucket attachment is $10,000,” he said. “Then, you’re going to have an employee that’s going to ride nine-and-a-half miles up the beach and turn around and come nine-and-ahalf miles back with whatever garbage gets left behind or buried.”

Paddack, however, withdrew his motion to increase the fee at this time.

“I’m not opposed to increasing the $75 to $85,” he said. “However, I’d like to have a little more data about the costs for public works that would justify an increase in the permit fee. Some people aren’t cleaning up the way they should be. Not all of them, some are very, very clean.”

Council President Matt James favored holding the fee at the current rate, but suggested the deposit could be increased to cover the cost of those who don’t clean up after themselves.

“At this time, I’d like to see keeping the fee at $75, but raising the deposit,” he said.

James read a section of the bonfire ordinance that calls for a $100 refundable deposit if the permit holder did not properly clean up his or her area. However, Bunting said when his office went to the online permit booking system, there was no mechanism to collect a refundable deposit.

Paddack said the impact of increased costs on the public works side would not come close to the roughly $250,000 in revenue the program generated last year.

“There was $250,000 in revenue last year and you are reporting $41,000 in expenses related to the program,” he said.

“Public Works is not going to spend an extra $200,000-plus cleaning this up. What’s the motive for increasing it? Is it revenue?

DeLuca said that was the sole purpose for his motion to increase the permit fee.

“Yes, I just think it’s an opportunity,” he said. “I think $75 is very reasonable.”

Councilman Lloyd Martin said he could not support the increase as proposed.

“I like what you said about waiting until after we have a non-COVID year,” he said.

“I think it’s a hit. Right now, I’m not ready to increase it from the $75.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said the program would likely continue to expand and suggested revisiting the issue again after the summer and a return somewhat to postCOVID normalcy.

“I think you’re going to see the number of bonfire permits increase rather than decrease,” he said. “I think you would see the number of complaints go up and I think you’re going to see the use of that bucket truck become a normal procedure at some point in time. I can see where Councilman DeLuca is going with an incremental increase. We should look at it at the end of the summer.”

With DeLuca’s motion still on the floor after Paddack withdrew his second, Councilman John Gehrig entered a motion to begin the process of raising the bonfire permit fee from $75 to $85. That motion passed on a 4-3 vote with DeLuca, Gehrig, James and Frank Knight in favor, and Martin, Paddack and Peter Buas opposed.

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April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

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Page 19

Pines Fire Dept. Receives $1.35M For South Station Reno

Page 20

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Officials say $1.35 million in state funding will allow the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) to complete major renovations at its South Station.

Last week, Gov. Larry Hogan submitted his $2.8 billion supplemental budget to the Maryland General Assembly. Included in the list of funded projects was a line item dedicating $1.35 million for renovations to Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department’s South Station.

In an interview this week, OPVFD President Dave VanGasbeck explained preparations for a renovation project at the South Station began last year, when the department contracted with Manns Woodward Studios to complete a feasibility study.

Of the options presented to the department, officials say they have opted for an extensive renovation of the facility, which includes the demolition of its living and administrative quarters and the addition of a two-story building.

“They did a feasibility study for an add/alter or a restoration/renovation of this building,” he said. “The only thing we are keeping is the existing three bays …

A two-story addition will be attached, and another set of bays will be added to the other side.”

VanGasbeck noted the decades-old

The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department is looking to start a renovation and addition project at its South Station with the use of $1.35 million in state funding. The existing South Station is pictured above.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

facility currently fails to comply with standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and building codes. In addition to settling concrete in the administrative portion of the building, the department has also reported mold issues in the apparatus bay.

“It doesn’t meet any codes, whatsoever,” he said, “and its falling apart.”

While the department plans to fund a portion of the project itself, OPVFD officials in November met with local leaders – including Ocean Pines officials, county

commissioners and state representatives – to discuss additional funding opportunities. And with the help of Del. Wayne Hartman and Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, the department’s request for supplemental funding was granted.

“I can’t say enough for the work they did on our behalf,” VanGasbeck said.

It should be noted that the department still awaits approval of a bond initiative request to the Maryland General Assembly, which could provide the OPVFD with additional funding. The department will also come before the Ocean Pines com-

April 8, 2022

munity in May seeking the association’s support to fund the balance of the project.

“The next step is to have a town hall meeting for the Ocean Pines community in mid- to late May to explain what we are doing,” VanGasbeck said. “The idea is to lay out to the community, transparently, what we are doing and why we are doing it … Then we will be going to referendum for the balance of the money, which will be mortgaged over a period of 30 years.”

While the total project cost is still under review, VanGasbeck said the renovation and addition to the existing South Station would allow the department to better serve the community in the years to come.

“This is not a project that lasts five years,” he added. “This is a fifty-year build. Another thing to add is it’s not the Taj Mahal, it’s not a wish list. This is simply to comply with NFPA, ADA and building standards.”

In an email update to constituents this week, Carozza also recognized the governor’s addition of supplemental funding for the fire department’s South Station.

“Governor Hogan has always supported priority Shore projects tied to public safety and economic and community development,” she wrote. “On behalf of our Shore community, I extend our deep appreciation to the Governor for his strong and steadfast support of these Shore priorities.”

April 8, 2022

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April 8, 2022

COPS & COURTS Property, Kittens Tossed OCEAN CITY – A local man was arrested last weekend after allegedly assaulting a female victim and destroying and throwing her belongings, including three newborn kittens, out of her residence.

Around 11:10 p.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer responded to a residence on East Biscayne Drive for a reported domestic dispute. The officer arrived and parked slightly down the street and walked toward the residence, according to police reports. As the officer approached, a female was observed outside pacing around with a phone in her one hand and an unknown object in her other hand, according to police reports.

The officer reportedly observed another individual, later identified as George Ruark, 39, of Ocean City, walking toward the female while screaming at her. The officer observed Ruark walk toward the female victim at a fast pace, raise his arms near his chest and run into her, knocking her back about three feet, according to police reports.

There was a large tree in front of the residence that partially obscured the officer’s view. The officer immediately started giving commands to Ruark, and once he saw the officer he sat down on the ground and he was placed in handcuffs, according to police reports.

The officer interviewed the victim and learned the unknown object she was hold-

ing in her hand was actually three small kittens. Ruark became defensive and told the officer he had tripped on something, which is why he had slammed into the victim. When the officer allowed Ruark to show where and what he had allegedly tripped over, he stumbled and showed signs of intoxication, according to police reports.

Ruark reportedly told police he had been arguing with the female victim and that she had punched him in the face.

Ruark told police during the argument the couple had started throwing things at each other, according to police reports.

He was reportedly unable to keep his story straight.

Officers interviewed the victim, who reportedly told police Ruark had been out and when he came home, they began to argue. The victim reportedly told police Ruark began throwing her property out of the residence after he had broken numerous items of her property by throwing them and stomping on them.

The victim also told police during the argument, Ruark also took three newborn kittens and threw them out of the residence onto the concrete sidewalk, according to police reports. The victim also told officers Ruark had grabbed her face as she attempted to call 911, according to police reports.

Officers entered the residence and found it to be in disarray, according to police reports. Ruark was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and SEE NEXT PAGE

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... COPS & COURTS malicious destruction of property.

Bike Theft, Assault Arrest OCEAN CITY – An Elkton, Md., man was arrested last week after first attempting to steal a bicycle and then allegedly assaulting a male and female attempting to stop him.

Around 11:20 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a downtown bar for a reported theft and assault that had occurred. Communications advised a male suspect attempted to steal a bicycle, assaulted a female and fled the area. Communications advised a second male suspect had assaulted the owner of the bicycle and fled the area as well.

Officers arrived on the scene and met with the female victim, whose right side of her jaw was red and swollen, according to police reports. The female victim reportedly told police she was inside the bar with her fiancé, who had left his bicycle outside of the bar unsecured, according to police reports.

The female victim reportedly told police her fiancé looked out of the bar’s window and observed a male suspect operating his bicycle in the street. The male victim went outside and tackled the suspect off of his bike to retrieve his stolen property.

The female victim went outside to assist and was punched in the jaw by the male suspect, who fled the area on foot, according to police reports.

OCPD officers met with the male victim, who confirmed the events described

by the female victim. The male victim reportedly told police after the female victim was assaulted, he was struck in the back of the head by a second male suspect. The male victim told police he was not sure if he was struck from behind with a fist or a blunt object, according to police reports.

The male victim told police he chased the two male suspects as they ran toward the Boardwalk, but lost sight of them and returned to the bar area to speak with the officer. The male victim provided a physical description of the two suspects. Communications advised they were actively observing the two suspects on the City Watch system running on the Boardwalk in the area of 9th Street.

The two suspects were located and detained. The two victims arrived for a show-up identification and positively identified one of the two suspects, Caleb Cline, 20, of Elkton, Md., as the male who had assaulted both of them and had attempted to steal the bicycle. Cline was arrested and charged with theft and second-degree assault.

False Identification Arrest

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investigation. The officer asked the rear seat passenger for her identification and she said she did not have any identification on her, but that her name was Jennie Davis, according to police reports.

The officer checked with Ocean City Communications, which reported it found no reference to a Jennie Davis with the date of birth provided. The rear seat passenger reportedly told the officer she had a driver’s license in 2017 but had since lost it. A search of the vehicle turned up various containers of marijuana, according to police reports.

On the back seat, officers located a white purse with two credit cards in it with the names Natashia Washington and Alecsus Dupont. The officers asked the back-seat passenger if the purse was hers and she indicated it was, according to police reports. The officer asked the woman

to write down her name and date of birth again and she wrote down Jennie Davis and provided a date of birth.

The officer reportedly told Davis she was lying to him about her identity and told her she would be arrested if it was determined she was lying. The officer then checked the MVA database and found Alecsus Dupont, 23, of Salisbury, with the same date of birth and confirmed her identity through her picture.

Ocean City Communications advised Dupont was wanted on two separate warrants from Salisbury, one for failing to appear for a driving while impaired case and one for a child neglect case. Dupont was taken into custody at that point. The search of the vehicle turned up over 12 grams of marijuana. Dupont was charged with identity fraud and possession of over 10 grams of marijuana.

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Around 1:25 a.m. last Saturday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer stopped a vehicle at 25th Street for following too close behind his vehicle with its high beams on. The officer approached the vehicle and detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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SNOW HILL – County officials agreed this week to transfer 3.4 acres off Flower Street to the Town of Berlin.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to transfer 3.4 acres near the multi-purpose building on Flower Street to the town. The transfer will enlarge the site currently being considered for a community center.

“We really need that piece of property for the center we’re trying to put up there,” Commissioner Diana Purnell said. “We really appreciate the county giving it back to us.”

County staff told the commissioners the Town of Berlin had requested a 3.4-acre piece of land the county owned that was located near the multi-purpose building, behind the SHORE UP facility. Municipal

leaders would like to combine the county parcel with property owned by the town and property owned by the Berlin Community Improvement Association (BCIA) to create a 6.5-acre site for a new community center. The town already manages the offline wetlands that serve as a stormwater feature on the county parcel.

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the transfer Tuesday. Town officials are pleased the request was granted.

“We have selected the Flower Street site as the location of our future community center,” Councilman Jay Knerr said.

“Having the connecting parcel from the county allows us to plan for uses such as sports fields, possibly a community pool and expansion of the community center itself. It’s a win for Berlin.”

Councilman Jack Orris agreed that the land would expand the potential for the site.

April 8, 2022

“This is a great step forward in our goal to establish a long-awaited community center on the Flower Street property,” he said. “With this added property—and again a thank you to the commissioners and everyone who helped make this happen—we have more space available to consider when looking at options of buildings, existing and new, as well as amenities.”

Berlin leaders have been talking about a community center for years and in recent months have taken steps toward making it a reality. In the fall, the town spent $45,000 to purchase a half-acre lot adjacent to the BCIA parcels containing the multi-purpose building and SHORE UP’s facility. In the months since, town leaders have been working with BCIA representatives to advance plans for combining the properties so a community center can be built at what was once the site of the historic Flower Street School.

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Resort Extends Compost Agreement Private Company Looks To Expand

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The ever-growing private sector food waste composting program got another one-year extension from the Town of Ocean City last week.

The Mayor and Council last Tuesday had before them a request to extend the agreement with the private sector company Ocean Compost LLC for another year.

Last July, The Hobbit Restaurant owner and Ocean Compost LLC representative Garvey Heiderman pitched his pilot food waste composting program to the Mayor and Council.

The concept calls for Ocean Compost LLC to collect food waste from a handful of restaurants in the resort and transport it to a composting site in Bishopville.

The idea is to reduce the overall waste stream emanating from Ocean City by removing a significant amount of biodegradable food waste and composting it on a five-acre site in northern Worcester County.

Over a decade ago, Ocean City pivoted from a traditional curbside recycling program to an innovative waste-to-energy operation. Trash collected in Ocean City is transported to a plant in Pennsyl-

April 8, 2022

vania where it is incinerated and converted to energy. The town pays Covanta, the waste-to-energy operation, per ton to incinerate waste collected and convert it into renewable energy, and Ocean Compost LLC is using a pilot program to reduce the amount of food waste that heads to Pennsylvania.

In the pilot program, Ocean Compost LLC collected food waste from five participating restaurants in the resort, weighed it at the town’s public works complex at 65th Street and then transported it to a site in Bishopville for composting.

Last Tuesday, Public Works Director Hal Adkins and Heiderman appeared before the Mayor and Council seeking a one-year extension of the town’s agreement with Ocean Compost. The council unanimously approved the agreement extension.

“They are hoping to expand the program,” said Adkins. “It’s going very well.

They now wish to extend the agreement for an additional year and expand the number of businesses they will service.”

Adkins explained there are now financial strings attached for the town in approving the extension.

“The program is the sole responsibility of Ocean Compost, with the exception that their food waste collection is weighed at 65th Street and they are compensated on a per-ton basis,” he said. “This per-ton compensation is not in addition to payments made to Covanta, it is compensation to Ocean Compost in lieu of per-ton payments to Covanta.”

Councilman Mark Paddack said he hoped the extension would result in an expansion of the program.

“There are 14 businesses expressing an interest in the program and the town has over 200 liquor licenses,” he said.

“You have to crawl before you walk. I’d like to see more participation in the future. It’s a great program.”

Late last year, Heiderman presented an update on the pilot program. He said the program composted about 80,000 pounds of food waste last year, or around 40 tons, including 12,000 pounds from The Hobbit alone.

It’s important to note those numbers essentially reflect half a year’s worth of collections as the town did not start partnering with Ocean Compost until last July.

This year, with more restaurants getting on board, the program is projected to collect and compost 250 tons of food waste in the resort. It’s interesting to note, of the roughly 80,000 pounds of food waste collected through the program, the Bonfire led the way with over 30,000 pounds collected, while the Hobbit was second with nearly 28,000 pounds collected.

The balance was spread over the three restaurants participating, including Annabelle’s, the Dough Roller and Mother’s Cantina.

Special Police Detail In North OC Leads To 13 Speeding Citations

April 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) special traffic enforcement detail last month in a north-end residential neighborhood resulted in dozens of citations and warnings issued.

During the month of March, the OCPD’s Traffic Safety Unit (TSU) conducted a specialized traffic enforcement detail on the north-end of town.

The special traffic enforcement detail was initiated after the department received numerous complaints about vehicles speeding through a north-end neighborhood, serving as a short cut between Route 54 and Coastal Highway.

The TSU conducted increased enforcement efforts from Feb. 27 through March 31. The enforcement area concentrated on the 142nd Street corridor, which connects Delaware’s Route 54 to Coastal Highway in north Ocean City.

During the month-long special enforcement effort, TSU members and patrol officers conducted 25 stops.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

From those 25 stops, the OCPD issued 13 speeding citations, three speeding warnings, 17 citations for various other violations and 18 warnings for various other violations.

There was also one outstanding warrant arrest during the special enforcement effort.

The posted speed limit on 142nd Street is 25 mph. The highest speed OCPD officers observed during the initiative was 44 mph. During the monthplus effort, OCPD officers spent about 14 hours on the detail.

The department is “reminding residents and visitors to obey all speed limits and laws within the Town of Ocean City. The OCPD is prepared and proactively handling criminal violations and citizen complaints of illegal activity to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.”

The department is also requesting if citizens see something suspicious or have concerns about possible illegal activity to reach out to them. Citizens are urged to call the OCPD’s Tip Line at 410-520-5136, email to crimetips@oceancitymd.gov, or call the department’s direct line at 410-723-6610.

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OPA Seeks At Least 5 Candidates For 2022 Board Election

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BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – As the board election process gets underway, association officials are reminding residents of upcoming election dates.

This year, three board seats currently held by Directors Larry Perrone, Amy Peck and Josette Wheatley will be up for grabs in the 2022 election of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors. To that end, the association’s Search Committee is seeking eligible candidates.

A revised application form, approved by the board last month, is now available at the administration building and on the Ocean Pines Association website, www.oceanpines.org.

“Our Search Committee is ramping up efforts to find and support individuals who

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

wish to apply to become a candidate for the Board of Directors in our 2022 election,” said Association Preident Colette Horn. “For additional information about the application process and the responsibilities involved in sitting as a Director, please contact the Search Committee Chairperson, Tom Piatti, at tompiatti@aol.com.”

Applications are due in the association offices no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10. They can be mailed to Ocean Pines Association, ATTN Linda Martin, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 or emailed to lmartin@oceanpines.org.

“There will be three vacancies to be filled in this election,” Horn said. “All applications are welcome. The Search Committee is looking for at least five candidate applications, per Ocean Pines bylaws re-

quirements.”

Resolution M-09 of the association’s governing documents calls for at least two more candidates than the number of open seats, meaning the association is seeking five or more candidates for its seven-member governing board.

“If you’re thinking about applying as a candidate for the Ocean Pines Board of Directors, there’s a wealth of information at www.oceanpines.org,” Elections Committee Chairperson Carol Ludwig said.

“We also recommend that you establish contact with the Ocean Pines Search Committee, and educate yourself about the Ocean Pines community and governance through the bylaws and Book of Resolutions.

She added, “Pay particular attention to Resolutions C-08 and M-06, as they pertain to candidate activities and elections

April 8, 2022

procedures. Previous Board of Director meeting agendas, meeting materials and minutes are available at oceanpines.org, and videos of previous Board of Director meetings can be viewed via YouTube and www.oceanpines.org.”

In addition to candidate application deadlines, the association has also announced important upcoming dates involving the 2022 board election.

On Tuesday, June 7, the Ocean Pines Association will hold its eligible candidate draw and workshop to determine ballot order and seating during candidate forums. The event begins at 2 p.m. in the East Room of the Ocean Pines Community Center.

This year, the community will host two candidate forums, one on Wednesday, June 22, at 6 p.m. in the Clubhouse meeting room and another on Saturday, June 25, at 10 a.m. in the Clubhouse meeting room.

Payments of annual dues must be made by Wednesday, July 6, to meet the voter eligibility deadline. The deadline to return completed ballots will be Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 4 p.m.

The ballot count will begin Thursday, April 11, starting at 10 a.m. in the Clubhouse meeting room. Vote totals will be announced that same day. The association’s annual meeting will be held on Aug. 13 at a time and location to be determined.

For more questions about the election, contact elections@oceanpines.org.

Community Hospital To Host 29th Annual Anniversary Event

April 8, 2022

BERLIN – As spring approaches, Atlantic General Hospital Foundation is preparing to present one of its largest fundraising events, the annual anniversary celebration. This is a special occasion for Atlantic General Hospital as it is a time to come together to celebrate the hospital the community helped create 29 years ago.

Bob Kelly, president of Bil-Jac Foods, also known as Kelly Foods Corporation, finds great value in donating to the community hospital and has signed on to be title sponsor again this year. This year marks Kelly Foods’ 18th consecutive year as Legacy Sponsor. Kelly Foods and the Kelly family have contributed more than $216,000 to Atlantic General Hospital since 2004, with plans to continue the family tradition of giving to the local community hospital as an annual sponsor of the spring celebration.

Kelly’s father always believed it was important to give back to the community and he demonstrated this by contributing financially, in addition to volunteering his time to serve the local hospital in their hometown of Medina, Ohio.

“When I moved to the Eastern Shore in the 1970s, I remember what it was like when there was no hospital in Worcester County,” said Kelly. “A local community hospital is not something that should be taken for granted. I encourage our community members to help support our local hospital in any way possible, especially during such trying times.”

Bob Kelly’s father, Bill, and Bill’s brother, Jack, founded Bil-Jac Foods in 1947 based on their passion to help dogs thrive by improving their nutrition through the best combination of ingredients, vitamins and minerals. Although the Kelly Foods headquarters is located in Medina, Ohio, they also have a presence in Berlin with their pet food plant half a mile from Atlantic General Hospital.

Additional event sponsorships are available. Several sponsorship levels include complimentary admissions to the celebration hosted by Kevin Myers and his family at their beautiful home in Berlin. Guests are encouraged to wear cocktail attire for the outdoor event that will take place, rain or shine, during the evening of Thursday, May 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. Features of the gala include an abundance of sophisticated hors d'oeuvres catered by Taste Events, an array of stylish cocktails provided by locals’ favorite establishments, and live music performed by Jellyroll for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Visit www.agh.care/agh29 to submit sponsorships or purchase admissions.

All proceeds benefit Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, and all gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Pictured, from left, are Kam LaBrunda, AGH Foundation Grants and Operations Officer; Sally Dowling, MD, AGH Co-Interim CEO; Robert Garner, Kelly Foods Plant Manager; Emily Tunis, 29th Anniversary Celebration Co-Chair; Steve Green, AGH Foundation Chair; Toni Keiser, AGH Vice President of Public Relations; and Sam Widgeon, AGH Foundation Event Coordinator.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

People in Society Sampling the spirits after a tour of Seacrets Distilling Company were Marnien O’Brien, Lisa Ashcraft, and Ellen Schwartz at the March Social of the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group.

by Jeanette Deskiewicz Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Just a couple of old Marines, David Kline and Bob Pisano, of the 1st State Detachment Marine Corps League, sold tickets for their bike raffle at the Spring Home, Condo, and Outdoor Show.

The Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group March Social included a tour of Seacrets Distilling Company, led by Rebecca and Leighton Moore.

Ringing up orders at the March Crab Cake Dinner were Diane Morris and Vina Bailey at Stevenson United Methodist Church. Come see them tonight from 4-6.

Stevenson United Methodist Church never has a problem selling out at the monthly dinner bake table, especially with Patsy Adkins, Scottie Watson, Bonnie Bunting, Pat Oltman and Linda Trimble in charge.

Kaiju Sushi and Ramen Bar Owner Nicole Lin, along with her husband Jacky Chen and daughter Harper, welcomed the Ocean Pines Chamber to the restaurant for the March Business After Hours.

New members of the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group, Hope Regalbuto and Lori Magee, got acquainted during the group’s March Social.

Showing off their Camillia at the Spring Home, Condo, and Outdoor Show were Margaret Mudron and Karen Trigger of the UMES Master Gardeners.

Locals Sue Vickers and Bill Dooley attended the 38th Annual Home, Condo, and Outdoor Show at the OC Convention Center last month.

New employee of the Nations Lending Ocean City Branch Gineth Pardo, joined fellow Advisor Terry Connors for networking at the March Business After Hours of the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce.

Electronic Welcome Sign Panels To Be Replaced

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – After being down for nearly a year, the welcoming variable message sign near the entrance to Ocean City at Route 90 is getting replacement panels.

City Manager Terry McGean explained the electronic panels on the sign at 61st Street near the Tennis Center have not functioned since last summer. McGean said the manufacturer has been out multiple times to try to repair the panels to no avail and he was recommending replacing the panels at this time.

“The variable message panels at the Tennis Center welcome sign began to fail last summer, and by the end of the summer, the sign was inoperable,” he said. “The vendor tried to repair the panels, but the electronics were so corroded that they were unable to salvage them.”

The cost of replacing the monochrome sign panels similar to what was there is about $41,000. Replacing the sign with color panels would be about $45,000. McGean said the additional expense would be worth it because of the quality of the new panels.

“We need to replace the sign panels,” he said. “They were originally installed in 2006, so we got decent life out of them. I think the $4,000 is worth it.

This is an unbudgeted item, but there is excess parking revenue over what was budgeted to cover the cost.”

McGean explained the price could be reduced because the town participates in a purchasing co-op.

“We have one bid from one vendor through the purchasing co-op. We use one manufacturer for all VMS signs, so we don’t have 50 different software packages,” he said. “The purchasing coop bids it out and we buy directly from them without going through the whole bid process.”

McGean explained how the purchasing co-op works.

“The way the co-op works is, a school or some other government entity bids out the same thing,” he said. “We can essentially purchase the same thing at the same price. I’m happy to see if we can get a better price, but typically we have not been able to do that.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca said replacing and upgrading the welcome sign at the Tennis Center at 61st Street was important because of its location.

“I think the price is reasonable,” he said. “That sign has been out for going on a year? This is one of the major entrances to Ocean City. Those reader signs should never be blank and should never be out of date. It’s an important sign at the entrance to the town.”

Council President Matt James agreed with that assessment.

“I know what it cost last year to replace something similar,” he said. “I think given the situation, we need to do the replacement.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Council Approves Parking Agreement

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A midtown restaurant and bar last week reached an agreement to lease parking spaces from the town after the public spaces it has leased for years will be displaced with a future firehouse.

For years, the Skye Bar and General’s Kitchen leased parking spaces on the northeast portion of the town’s parking lot in front of the Public Safety Building. The initial lease was for 50 spaces, but was later reduced to 32.

The town had a similar agreement with Dead Freddies on the southeast corner of the lot.

However, with the town moving forward with plans to develop a midtown Station 3 firehouse on the Public Safety Building lot, those areas of the parking lot will no longer be available for lease to the private businesses.

Public Works Director Hal Adkins told the Mayor and Council last Tuesday a new arrangement has been figured out to lease at least some parking spaces to the Skye Bar and General’s Kitchen to make up for the lost spaces and help them meet their parking needs.

“In an effort to address the needs and desire of the Skye Bar and General’s Kitchen, we have created a total of nine parking spaces directly west of the Skye Bar,” he said. “The spaces are

along the north side of 66th Street in what was a very small portion of our impound lot. These spaces were created by simply adjusting the location of our fencing on the impound lot.”

Adkins explained a few years back, the county liquor board required the Skye Bar to partially enclose the rooftop deck because of sound concerns.

“They had issues with the rooftop music and they had to enclose a portion of it,” he said. “When it became enclosed, it changed the parking requirements.”

Adkins said while the establishments are losing the 32 spaces they leased on the Public Safety Building lot, the nine provided through the new arrangement at least provides them with some relief.

“He’d love to have even more spaces,” he said. “We just don’t have the room to provide him with any more at this time.”

The council unanimously approved the proposed lease arrangement. The annual revenue from the least of the nine spaces will be $4,080.

Last April, the Mayor and Council voted to eventually replace the aging and dilapidated Station 3 firehouse at 74th Street with a new facility in front of the Public Safety Building. The midtown Station 3 firehouse was built in 1969 and expanded in 1987, but it has fallen into disrepair and no longer meets the needs of the fire department.

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April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

The Dispatch’s Pets of the Month

Pet’s Name: Molly Pet’s Age/Breed: 11-year-old golden retriever Pet’s Owners: Bonnie & Tony Curro

Pet’s Name: Marlin Pet’s Age/Breed: 11-year-old standard poodle Pet’s Owners: Tom & Judy Czop

Pet’s Name: Thor Pet’s Age/Breed: 10-month-old brussels griffon Pet’s Owner: Richard Sim

Pet’s Name: Molly Pet’s Age/Breed: 3-month-old golden retriever Pet’s Owner: Jenna McLaurin

EDITOR

STEVE GREEN

Pet’s Name: Marco Pet’s Age/Breed: 12-year-old yellow lab Pet’s Owner: Patsy Bell

The Dispatch presents the latest edition of its Pets of the Month Contest.

Each month one special animal, or two, in some cases, is picked as the cutest photo of the bunch through a private vote of our staff. Here we present this month’s pets, submitted by our readers.

On the front page is last month’s winning entry, Ruby, owned by, Lauren Presto.

Those interested in participating in future months’ contests are invited to send their lovable pet photo to us at editor@mdcoastdispatch.com (preferred) or to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 or drop it off at our office in Berlin at 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Please be sure it’s a high-quality photo suitable for reproduction and to include your mailing address, the pet’s name, age and breed and the owner’s first and last name. The next series will appear in this space on May 13.

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Pet’s Name: Oakley Pet’s Age/Breed: 1-year-old chocolate lab/Chesapeake Bay retriever Pet’s Owners: Cameron and Jill Gray

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Ocean City Knights of Columbus Council #9053 and Ocean City Lady Knights Auxiliary, Inc. held a “Bingo Luncheon” raising $1,735 and donated it to St. Mary Star of the Sea-Holy Savior Catholic Church. Pictured from left to right are Grand Knight SK Thomas Herwig, the Rev. John T. Solomon, parish administrator, and Dee Matthews, Ocean City Lady Knights Auxiliary, Inc.

The Worcester County NAACP celebrated March’s Women’s History Month’s theme, “Providing healing, promoting hope.” Key women in the community were recognized, including Linda McGean of Ocean City Elementary School. McGean was nominated by Ivory Smith, Worcester County NAACP President, for her hard work day in and day out for all the kids. McGean has served for more than 18 years as guidance counselor at Ocean City Elementary.

Submitted Photos

The paramedics and EMTs of Ocean City have been training with high fidelity manikins from Guard Scientific thanks to assistance from the Ocean City Paramedics Foundation. Here Galen Curtis, RN, NRP gives a demonstration to members of the foundation. The first purchase was the HAL 3201 Advanced Multipurpose Adult Simulator (HAL). HAL is completely wireless allowing for training in situ and rapid deployment. HAL has been a key asset in shift drills, biannual paramedic recertification, new employee testing and interdepartmental training.

The Ocean City Lioness Lions Club recently made a donation to Chamber Music by the Sea, which each August presents free concerts in Berlin and Snow Hill with world renowned artists. Pictured are Lioness Lion Jan Adamchak, Chamber Music representative Annette Radoff and Lioness Lions President Bev Topfer.

Ocean City Knights of Columbus Council #9053, Pope John Paul II Assembly #2454, and Ocean City Lady Knights Auxiliary, Inc. held “Bingo for Babies.” The event raised $5,000 that was donated to the Grace Center for Women's Health in Berlin.

The American Legion Synepuxent Post 166 honored Legionnaire Charles Spaziani for five decades of membership last month. Spaziani, left, receives a plaque from 2nd Vice Commander Bob Paul, recognizing his 50 years of continuous membership in the national veterans’ organization. Spaziani, who served in the Army, received the plaque at the March meeting of Ocean City American Legion Post 166.

April 8, 2022

Property Sold SALISBURY – The McClellan Team has sold 713 Brown Street in Salisbury.

The 85,000-square-foot wood frame warehouse originally served as a railroad depot in the late 1800’s and is currently being utilized as warehouse space. This marks the second time McClellan has sold this facility.

McClellan first sold the large historic warehouse in 1997 as warehouse space to a company whose primary operations ran nearby. Now, 25 years later, John McClellen and Kelly Jeter have sold the Brown Street warehouse, often referred to as “Big Brown,” again.

The McClellan Team realized the incredible potential of such a property and its ability to offer value to a prospective buyer with vision. The rough exterior hides an expansive property located in the heart of Salisbury, zoned light industrial, and offering potential buyers’ immense opportunity. Though many thought the property was a “tough sell,” the McClellan team was confident they would find the right buyer.

“The ‘Big Brown’ transaction is a testament that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. I was pleased to work with both the buyer and seller in this transaction and I look forward to the repurposing of a building that has sat largely vacant for an extended period of time,” said McClellan.

Stroke Center Designation SALISBURY – Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of serious long-term disability. For people suffering from a stroke, time is of the essence, and time is brain.

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional was recently re-designated a Primary Stroke Center by The Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMMS). The Salisbury hospital met all requirements following a recent and thorough survey of its systems, practices and personnel by MIEMMS. The designation is effective for a period of five years.

“By renewing its commitment and achieving re-designation as a Maryland Primary Stroke Center, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional is doing its part to ensure the people of the Eastern Shore have access to the finest care,” said Theodore R. Delbridge, MD, MPH, MIEMMS executive director. “It represents a dedication to excellence in the care of stroke patients.”

By again achieving this certification as a Primary Stroke Center, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional has proven that it has the ability to effectively provide timely care to stroke victims and can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. A-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Business And Real Estate News

Page 37 Jennifer Hurley, Tyler Pollon, Jason Fiegel, Gregory Born, Stephany Champion, Shekina Bradshaw, Shayna Fastovsky, Dianne Jensen, Michele Mulligan, Gohar Syed, Sophie Thomas and Lindsay Thomasson. They achieved the Coldwell Banker International President’s Premier Team designation, placing them in the top 4% of the approximately 3,600 Coldwell Banker sales teams in the U.S. and Canada.

Jessica Weisbecker, affiliated with the Towson office, was named Rookie of the Year for her sales achievements during 2021 as a new real estate agent.

Median Sale Price Rises

The Beebe Medical Foundation announced a three-year restricted grant of $370,000 from the Carl M. Freeman Foundation to help fund the purchase of a new Beebe Healthcare Mobile Health Clinic that will serve Sussex County. An initial gift of $145,000 was granted this year and the remaining $225,000 is a 1:1 matching gift challenge. Mobilizing Beebe’s substance use disorder, opioid use disorder and harm reduction teams of behavioral and mental health professionals will connect more patients to appropriate treatment options, and better support patients in their transition from addiction to treatment and beyond. Pictured, from left, are Kim Blanch, RN, director of community outreach for Beebe Healthcare, Kay Young, executive director of development for Beebe Medical Foundation, Patti Grimes, executive director for Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Michelle Freeman, chairman and president of Carl M. Freeman Foundation, and Tom Protack, president of Beebe Medical Foundation.

Submitted Photo

vailable treatments are only effective if given promptly; as soon as possible after symptoms start.

On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, stroke percentages outpace the national average. For the U.S, according to Conduent Healthy Communities, 3.4% of the population, on average, will suffer a stroke. In Somerset County, it’s 4.5%, 4.2% in Worcester and 3.7% in Wicomico County. The prevalence of stroke regionally is clearly linked to public risk factors including tobacco use, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption.

Top Agents Named OCEAN CITY – Rich Fleischer, president of Coldwell Banker Realty in the MidAtlantic region, is pleased to announce the No. 1 agent and teams companywide for 2021 sales performance in the region.

Nancy Reither, affiliated with the Ocean City – 123rd Street office, was the No. 1 agent companywide for adjusted growth commission income and units sold in 2021. She also earned the Coldwell Banker International Society of Excellence designation, awarded to the top 345 individual sales associates out of approx-

imately 100,000 Coldwell Banker affiliated agents worldwide.

The small team achieving No. 1 companywide for adjusted growth commission income in 2021 was Marin Hagen & Sylvia Bergstrom, affiliated with the Dupont/Logan Circle office in Washington, D.C. They also earned the Coldwell Banker International President’s Premier Team designation, placing them in the top 4% of the approximately 3,600 Coldwell Banker sales teams in the U.S. and Canada.

Cain Team of OC was the No. 1 small team for units sold companywide in 2021.

Team members include Anna Spann, Stephen Cain, and principal, Suzanah Cain. They are affiliated with the Ocean City – 123rd Street office. They also earned the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Team designation, placing them in the top 18% of the approximately 3,600 Coldwell Banker sales teams in the U.S. and Canada.

The Hulsman Group, affiliated with the Ellicott City office, and led by Nancy Hulsman, was the No. 1 large team companywide for both adjusted growth commission income and units sold in 2021. Team members include Nancy Hulsman, team lead, Jay Hierholzer, Rosemary Taylor,

BERLIN – In March of 2020, at the start of the pandemic, the median home price in the lower three counties was $231,250.

Over the last two years, as inventory has dropped, home prices have risen.

The Coastal Association of REALTORS reports it has seen a few months where prices have gone down a little from the month before, but overall has seen a slow increase. However, in February of 2022, it saw over a 15% increase, bringing it to a historic high of $312,250, or $81,000 more than at the beginning of the pandemic.

The cause of this increase and the continued market conditions is the lack of housing available at all levels of the market. In March of 2020, there was a 4.2month supply of homes. There are currently 0.93 months of inventory available in the lower three counties, and it continues to drop.

The median home price is 15.6% higher than it was in January of 2022 and 21.7% higher than it was in February of 2021. There are currently only 388 active listings in the lower three counties compared to 1,353 in February 2020.

In all three counties throughout February, new settlements were down 14.9% compared to the same time last year. Individually, new settlements throughout February were up by 2.4% in Wicomico, 19% in Somerset, and down 24.7% in Worcester.

New listings in February were down 17.7% compared to the same time last year in all three counties. Individually, new listings were down by 20.9% in Worcester, 24.1% in Wicomico, and up 56.5% in Somerset from February of 2021.

Active listings in all three counties were down by 23%. Individually, there were 203 active listings in Worcester, 122 in Wicomico, and 63 in Somerset. The median days on market for February 2022 was 17, which was the same as 2021.

Page 38

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week:

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above is a look at the beach ball water tower from St. Louis Avenue. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

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Page 40

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

April 8, 2022

WITH BUNK MANN

My teen falling asleep early NCAA’s women’s tourney Tuna poke bowls

A rainy day spent working

Scanning book shelves in a house Spring-like days in the spring

Aroma of an Italian restaurant

Mail carriers who give out dog treats Burgers on a charcoal grill Edgewater Avenue sunsets

Old computers that still work great

A popular form of fishing that is affordable for the average fisherman is on a party boat or “head boat” (so-called because there is a flat charge per angler or “per head.”) These boats provide rods, reels and bait and a mate to untangle lines and help bring fish aboard.

One of the most famous was the “Question Mark,” which sailed from the dock at Wicomico Street beginning in 1951 captained by Gordon S. Patton. The “Question Mark” was formerly Navy PT-139, which had been launched in September 1942 and assigned to the Motor Torpedo Squadron in Mellville, R.I., as part of the Navy’s training squadron.

As a party boat, the 80-foot long craft made two trips daily offshore at a cost of $4 “per head” and an evening cruise along the beachfront at twilight.

The “Question Mark” sank in the West Ocean City harbor in 1973 and now rests offshore in the Atlantic Ocean as part of an artificial reef.

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

Postcard from Bunk Mann’s collection

US Wind Partnering On Marine Life Impact Research Projects

April 8, 2022

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – One of the two offshore wind companies developing projects off the Ocean City coast announced last Thursday it was partnering with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science on research projects aimed at understanding the potential effects of wind farms on commercial and recreational fishing and marine life.

US Wind, one of two companies developing first- and second-generation offshore wind farms off the Ocean City coast announced last Thursday it was partnering with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) on the research projects.

From the outset of the award of the 80,000-acre federal lease area off the coast of Ocean City for US Wind, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on marine life and commercial and recreational fishing.

US Wind’s partnership with UMCES is aimed at understanding the potential impact of offshore wind farms on the marine mammals, fish and birds.

The three research projects will take place in the federal lease area off the coast of Ocean City.

“As US Wind works to develop offshore wind off Maryland’s coast, it’s im-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

perative that we do so responsibly,” said US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski in a statement released last Thursday.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with UMCES on industry-leading environmental research that will enhance protections for marine life as we develop this clean energy resource for the region.”

US Wind has committed $11 million over a 10-year period for the three research projects off the Ocean City coast.

“Partnering with a leading environmental research institution like UMCES is an exciting building block in our efforts to collect much-needed biological information in our lease,” said US Wind Senior Director of Environmental Affairs Laurie Jodziewicz. “The planned work will go a long way in filling knowledge gaps that still exist about offshore wind’s effects on the marine environment. We’re excited to get started.”

US Wind’s funding will support three projects, all planned to kick off this year, to understand the effects of offshore wind in the mid-Atlantic region.

“We’re really pleased with this continued partnership with US Wind on important questions related to the environmental impacts of offshore wind development,” said UMCES President Peter Goodwin. “We look forward to working with them along with state and

federal agencies to help make the best decisions to minimize impacts to the environment.”

Among the collaborative US Wind and UMCES research projects is commercial and recreational fisheries monitoring.

The goal of that eight-year project is to evaluate the extent to which black sea bass change their aggregation habits before, during and after offshore wind farm construction projects. Black sea bass are structure-oriented with large aggregations occurring on artificial reefs and wrecks. Wind turbine foundations will create three-dimensional construction on the lease area where very little currently exists, according to the study plan.

That portion of the research will attempt to assess the benefits of potential fish aggregation effects. It will also test black sea bass fishing with rope-less gear, which is believed to be an important technology to reduce whale entanglements.

Another aspect of the research will include near real-time whale detection.

The research will include the deployment of a near real-time whale detection system that will provide timely alerts on the presence of north Atlantic right whales, humpbacks, fin and sei whales in the lease area for a 12-month period ranging from 2022 to 2023. The

Page 41

initiative enables continued and realtime date collection through a buoy system initially funded by the Maryland Energy Administration and deployed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the lease area.

Finally, the third research project on which US Wind and UMCES are partnering includes a passive acoustic monitoring array.

The long-term research project will include passive acoustic monitoring to detect large whales and dolphins to understand their presence and migration patterns in around the lease area and the potential effects of construction.

Working with Cornell University’s Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, two types of listening devices will be deployed to determine the occurrence and position of large whales, dolphins and even porpoises. Additionally, the project will deploy equipment to listen for passing fish, sharks, rays and turtles that have been implanted with transponders for broader scientific research.

“The department appreciates the coordinated research into safer equipment and marine wildlife monitoring,” said DNR Director of Ocean and Coastal Monitoring Catherine McCall.

“The ongoing deployment of Maryland’s whale monitoring buoy provides daily detections and helps resource managers protect sensitive species.”

Page 42

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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. .Redevelopment Includes Undergrounding Utilities

April 8, 2022

FROM PAGE 13 one block,” he said. “We would like to spread the Baltimore Avenue project over four years. That would allow us to not start the project until late October and be finished sometime in April.”

Council Secretary Tony DeLuca questioned what the debt service would be on the $20 million project.

“To summarize what you said, the budget is $1.54 million,” he said. “If you add all of this up, we’re at $1.69 million.

Unless you count the projects listed as critical, we’re over budget. When we last talked about Baltimore Avenue, it was $20 million. If it was amortized over 20 years with a bond, it would be about $1.4 million per year.”

The section of Baltimore Avenue between North Division Street and 15th Street will be just the latest section of the corridor with the undergrounding of utilities. Councilman John Gehrig questioned what the benefits are from undergrounding utilities.

“What we found is the benefit of undergrounding is aesthetics,” said McGean. “It clears up sidewalk space and it’s just a better street. Ultimately, it’s also more storm-resilient. You don’t have the issue with power lines coming down.

We’d like to do it in other places, but it’s very costly.”

Public Works Director Hal Adkins said there was also a public safety benefit.

“One of the benefits is fire apparatus accessibility,” he said. “When the poles and overhead wires go away, they have free access.”

Mayor Rick Meehan said that section of Baltimore Avenue was important from a perception standpoint.

“If you come down the Route 50 bridge, the first impression of our community you get is Baltimore Avenue,” he said. “That first impression is so important for everything we do as far as tourism is concerned.”

Meehan also pointed to the growth in the section of Baltimore Avenue north of 15th Street.

“When we undergrounded 15th Street to 33rd Street, it encouraged redevelopment,” he said. “That all of those power lines were underground was even more enticing to some of those property owners. If you look at some of the projects on Baltimore Avenue north of 15th Street, that has significantly increased the tax base.”

When a question was raised about the significant investment in the Baltimore Avenue corridor, Meehan said it was a project that would benefit the entire town.

“Every time we do something like this, there is a benefit to all property owners,” he said. “We do different things in different areas. In some cases, we’re funding canal dredging, and in other cases, we’re undergrounding utilities. In other areas, it could be bulkheading. We are one community. When you put all of that together, it benefits each and every one of us.”

Fire, EMS Seek Additional Funding

April 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – While improvements have been made, the county’s fire and EMS service continues to need more funding support.

Ocean City Fire Chief Richie Bowers outlined the challenges facing the county’s fire and EMS companies during a budget work session last week with the Worcester County Commissioners. He suggested the commissioners consider using some of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support fire and EMS in the coming year, as costs have increased over last year.

“I know you’ve committed a large amount of funds to broadband, which is certainly understandable here on the Eastern Shore, but if there’s anything that is still available that might be able to help support the fire and EMS service with equipment or staffing that would be very much appreciated for consideration there,” Bowers said.

Last year, Worcester County spent $9.3 million supporting fire and ambulance service. That figure is set to increase by 2.9% in the coming fiscal year. At last week’s budget meeting, Bowers, representing the fire and EMS service as a whole, outlined the challenges agencies face. Much of that is related to COVID-19, as the pandemic has impacted transport times, decontamination procedures and staffing levels.

“This has placed an enormous stress on staffing, the departments, the service as a whole,” he said.

He credited the county’s fire and EMS strategic planning work group with making some improvements, however.

“The return on investment has begun to address the unit availability for the first and second emergency 911 calls in that same response area, improved response times to incidents, and unit capacity in the fire and EMS service,” he said.

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

He said there were still issues, but that the work group would continue to meet to develop solutions. The group will focus on identifying the funding needed to ensure there are second crews at all stations as well how to implement an apparatus replacement program. Other areas to be studied include training and recruitment/retention programs.

“We applaud the Worcester County Commissioners for their support, their understanding, their willingness to make investments into the critical areas of the fire and EMS service to better serve the residents and visitors of Worcester County,” Bowers said.

“We stand united and we stand ready to serve and to continue to meet, plan and invest in the Worcester County fire and EMS service.”

He added that West Ocean City continued to generate a growing number of calls and could use any support the county could provide.

“Our increased call load in West Ocean City and just on the island itself has risen 12% which equates to probably over 1,000-some calls,” Bowers said. “It’s really straining our resources as it relates to units being available not only in the town but also going in to West Ocean City. Any additional help there would be absolutely critical.”

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked about the status of audits the work group was expected to be setting up with the county’s fire companies.

“I don’t think we should be forgetting that those audits are a part of the request for additional funding,” Bertino said. “If the taxpayers are increasing allocations to fire companies I think we have a right to know what’s going on within those fire companies as far as their finances.”

Bowers said the companies had submitted their annual financial reports and were planning to work with the county as far as the audits once the county’s auditing firm launched the process.

Page 43

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Roland G. Paddy MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Local builder Roland G. Paddy passed away Tuesday, March 15, 2022. He was 90 years old.

Roland never had a cross word to say about anyone, and never met a stranger. He worked hard for over 70 years, first in ROLAND G. Maryland and for the past PADDY 48 years in Myrtle Beach.

Roland was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Alice Paddy; one granddaughter, Lauren Erica Oaks; and his four siblings.

He is survived by his spouse of 55 years, M. Elaine Paddy; and his children, Michele Refosco (Tony) of Myrtle Beach, Stacie Cipollaro (Joe Scimeca) of Phoenix, Stephanie Roche of Jupiter Beach, Denise Oaks of Myrtle Beach, and Richard Paddy (Mary) of Little River.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, Carly Cipollaro, Joseph Cipollaro, Casey Roche, Taylor Oaks and Ryan Paddy; and one great-grandson, Aidan Paddy.

At Roland’s request, the family will be having a wake. Planned for June 2022, arrangements will be announced once the details are set.

Roland’s favorite charity was St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, do-

April 8, 2022

OBITUARIES Deborah Lynn Archer

A private service will be held at Eastern Shore Veteran Cemetery at a later date.

BERLIN – Deborah Lynn Archer, age 65, of Berlin, passed away peacefully Monday, March 28, 2022 at home in Berlin.

Deborah was born in Baltimore and was the daughter of the late Donald Dwight and Evelyn M. (Cooley) Archer.

She was a mother, grandmother, and a homemaker. She also served in the US Army. She loved yard sales, traveling, waitressing and dancing.

She is survived by two daughters, Jamie Archer of Jacksonville, NC, and Michelle Van Hatten and husband Bob of Fairbanks, Alaska; two sons, Tristan Archer of Ocean DEBORAH LYNN ARCHER Pines and Michael Thies; one sister, Brenda Archer-Nichols and husband William; two half sisters, Stacey Archer-Strickland and Kellie Archer; and two half brothers, Robert Archer and Donald Archer all of San Diego, CA. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Landyn Archer, Dalton Archer, Kassandra Slatten and Kyle Van Hatten and niece Erin Geppi.

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – C. Robert Welsh, 89, peacefully passed away in the presence of his loving family on March 22, 2022 at home in New Port Richey, Fla. The son of the late Charles P. Welsh and Anne O’Donnell Welsh, he was born in Cumberland, Md. The family moved to Baltimore in 1940.

He attended grade school at Blessed Sacrament School, followed by high school at Baltimore City College (Class of 1950), and the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (Class of 1955). He was on the varsity swim team in high school and in college.

ROBERT WELSH After graduating from pharmacy school, he went to work for Sun Ray Drug Company. Later he bought into a partnership at Kriger’s Pharmacy in Baltimore. In 1963, he opened his own pharmacy, Welsh Drugs, in Ocean City.

Following the closure of Welsh Drugs

nations to the charity are preferred.

Robert Welsh

in 1995, he worked as a pharmacist for Rite-Aid Corporation until his retirement in 2005.

Bob “Doc” Welsh was a pillar of the community in Ocean City, MD for over 30 years. Among other ventures, the drug store sponsored a surf team during the summer of 1965 and helped out with the business end of the OC Marlins in the late 1980’s.

He and his wife Jane helped found the Ocean City branch of the International Food and Wine Society in the 1970’s.

He was a founding member of the Board of Trustees of Worcester Country School, currently Worcester Preparatory School, in Berlin, beginning in 1969.

Starting in 1958, he was part of the Knights of Columbus, attaining his 4th Degree in 2001.

A long-time lover of opera, he helped to facilitate simulcasts of performances from New York’s Metropolitan Opera Company to Ocean City. Mr. Welsh was noted for his sense of humor, always with a joke or a truly awful word pun that left his listeners groaning.

He is survived by his wife Jane, (née Erdman), children Virginia (Michael Marano), Paul, Kathleen (Philip Heldrich), Patricia, Michael, Thomas, and Nancy (Gary Ryan). He has 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren.

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... OBITUARIES Noreen Hartley Godwin SNOW HILL – Noreen Hartley Godwin, 73, died peacefully at her home in Snow Hill on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Noreen was born in Chelsea, Mass. to James P. and Ann Marie Hartley.

After the death of her faNOREEN HARTLEY ther, her mother relocatGODWIN ed Noreen and her sister Patricia ("Patsy") and brother James ("Jamie") to Towson in 1961. Noreen was a precocious student and a Francophile even in her youth. She had a French pen pal, and subscribed to a French newspaper which she read at the breakfast table every week. She graduated from Towson High School in 1966, and studied at Towson State University for several years before marrying Charles T. Godwin III ("Chuck") in 1971.

Noreen and Chuck and their two young daughters, Sarah and Gilly, moved to Snow Hill in July 1977. It was then that she met her best friends of many years, Ann and Randy Coates, when Randy was their settlement attorney. This was the beginning of two great friendships: with the

Coateses and with the town of Snow Hill, which Noreen dearly loved.

Noreen worked at Mercantile/Peninsula Bank for 8 years, in Ocean City and Princess Anne, Maryland. After deciding to leave the "corporate" world, Noreen worked at the Worcester County Library in Snow Hill as an Assistant Librarian for 20 years until her retirement in July 2016.

An avid patron of the library since moving to Snow Hill, she loved the job, and it allowed her to connect with multiple generations of Snow Hill readers. She will be remembered as a friendly face who could always suggest a great book.

Noreen had myriad interests, including books, jewelry, antiques, and especially art. She was an avid collector of beautiful things, and many of her treasured possessions had some interesting story about where and how she acquired them.

She greatly enjoyed helping her friend Ann Coates choose art for her gallery, Bishop's Stock and was also a loyal customer. Noreen also loved socializing, and could often be seen at Snow Hill's First Friday events, laughing and dancing along with her friends.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sarah Godwin of Frederick and Elizabeth ("Gilly") Godwin of Ocean City; her sister, Patsy Pollard of Towson; her brother, Jamie Hartley of Little Compton, R.I.; her former husband, Chuck Godwin, of Onancock, Va.; her sister-in-law, Ann Furr

Page 45

of Sparks; her nieces and nephews and their children; and her very special friends, Ann and Randy Coates of Snow Hill.

She was preceded in death by her father, James P. Hartley, her mother, Ann Marie Hartley, and her two much beloved dogs, Millie and Doodle.

A celebration of Noreen's life will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at Bishop's Stock, 202 W. Green St. in Snow Hill. Donations can be made in memory of Noreen to the following organizations: Kindness Matters Rescue: 295 Powell Circle, Berlin, Md. 21811 www.kindnessmattersrescue.org or Coastal Hospice: P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802 www.coastalhospice.org/make-adonation/.

Rita Teresa Achstetter Coffman BERLIN – Rita Teresa Achstetter Coffman, age 93, died on Sunday March 13 surrounded by family.

She is predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Harry Charles Coffman. Born and raised in the Mount Pleasant RITA neighborhood of Wash- COFFMAN ington, DC she was the daughter of the late Charles George Achstetter and Catherine Berner Achstetter. She was the

youngest of twelve children and is the last of this grand legacy to enter God’s Kingdom.

Rita was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy High School and Georgetown University School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse for many years providing care to those in need. In her later years of service, she worked at Randolph Hills Nursing Home in Rockville and then volunteered at Atlantic General Hospital near Ocean Pines, where she and her beloved husband Harry retired. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother who took enormous pride in her family. For those who knew Rita and Harry well, they are aware of their lifetime stewardship as volunteers in the church and extended community.

She is survived by her five children, son Charles and Colleen Coffman of Rockville, Md., daughter Catherine Coffman and Theresa Moody of Ocean Pines, son John and Sheila Coffman of Annapolis, Md., daughter Theresa and Robert Edwards of Arlington, Va. and son Thomas and Linda Coffman of Lincroft, N.J.; 10 grandchildren, Charles (Holly), Joseph (Mary-Kate), Christine (Robert), Elizabeth, Catherine, James, Caroline (Mac), Thomas, Nicholas, and Michael; seven great-grandchildren, Elisabeth, Christopher, Allison, Mia, Ava, Jude, and Arwynn; and many loving nieces and nephews.

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Who’s Where When COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 8: Dust N Bones Saturday, April 9: Full Circle Trio Wednesdays: DJ Wax

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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April 8, 2022

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Pickles Pub: Mondays Karaoke with Wood

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Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, April 9 • 9 p.m.

DJ BK Greene Turtle West Friday, April 8

FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, April 8: DJ Greg, DJ RobCee, People Playing Music Saturday, April 9: Broken Stil, Shake The Room HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, April 9: The Dunehounds, DJ Jeremy Sunday, April 10: Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T Thursdays: DJ Billy T

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, April 8

GLAMOUR KITTY Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, April 8 & 9

AARON HOWELL DUO Buxy’s Salty Dog: Saturday, April 9

BEATS BY STYLER Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, Wednesdays

OCEAN CLUB 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy. In The OC Friday & Saturday, April 8 & 9: First Class PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By Styler Saturday, April 9: The Bills Sundays: Beats By Styler Mondays: Karaoke with Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Styler Thursdays: Beats By Wax

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Friday, Sunday & Thursday

SHAKE THE ROOM Fagers Island: Saturday, April 9

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON Between Talbot & Caroline Streets On The Boardwalk 410-289-6953 Friday & Saturday, April 8 & 9: Glamour Kitty Saturdays: DJ Adam Dutch SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 8: DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Jexxa Duo, Event Horizon Saturday, April 9: DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, Triple Rail Turn, High Five Swan Dive Duo, The Way Outs, Gypsy Wisdom Thursday, April 14: Opposite Directions, DJ Bobby O

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, April 10 Seacrets: Thursday, April 14

WES DAVIS Cork Bar: Sunday, April 10

BLAKE HALEY Greene Turtle West: Tuesdays

BILENKI DUO Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, April 13

KAROAKE WITH JEREMY Harborside: Saturday, April 9 Greene Turtle West: Sundays

FULL CIRCLE TRIO Coins: Saturday, April 9

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

STUDENTS In The News

Merin Thomas, a junior at James M. Bennett High School, is representing the nearly 900,000 students in Maryland Public Schools as the 2022-2023 Student Member of the Maryland State Board of Education. Thomas has attended Wicomico County Public Schools since 2010, first at Pemberton Elementary and then at Salisbury Middle and James M. Bennett High. In addition to English, Thomas is fluent in Hindi and Malayalam, and she is endeavoring to learn American Sign Language. She was born in India, the daughter of Thomas Abraham and Reena Thomas, who immigrated to the United States with their children.

Thomas is pictured above with Senator Mary Beth Carozza in Annapolis.

Submitted Photos

Twenty-five Worcester Preparatory School students were inducted into the Pablo Picasso Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and eight students were inducted into the Societe Honoraire de Francais Chapitre Bastille at the WPS Spanish and French Honor Society Induction Ceremonies. Above, French inductees are Elizabeth Becker, Natalie Chadwell, Cooper Ludt, Moorea Phillips, Natasha Richter, Hunter Simons, Ava Nally and Morgan White. Below, Spanish inductees were Koda Bauer, Ava Conaway, Emma Crivella, Elaine Elrick, Sara Freih, Ansley Gardner, Adam Hafez, Vanesska Hall, Luke Hopkins, Isabella Huber, Mia Lovitt, Dylan McGovern, Esther Mehilli, Joan Gonzalez, Madilyn Nechay, Ashlyn Roselle, Dylan Simons, Reagan Sterrs, Summer Vent, Tristan Weinstein, Evelyn Westman, Caitlin Williams, Claire Windrow and Kathy Zhang.

Worcester Preparatory School hosted students’ grandparents and guests for a special day on campus. Lower School students had been looking forward to Grandparents Day, as they had been busy preparing class projects and performances for the celebration. The day started with coffee and breakfast, followed by an Olympic performance by each grade. The students then met their grandparents and special guests in the Field House to present their projects, followed by a tour of their classrooms and a trip to the annual Book Fair. Above, pre-kindergarten student Christian Williams is pictured with his grandparents, Roland Williams, Roxanne Williams and Jim Mathias. Below, siblings Parker Moreland and Landon Moreland are pictured with Karyn and Ken Moreland, Beth and John Sharpley and Laura Erlandson.

Second from bottom, third grader Darius Jones was joined by grandparents Pamela Grosz, Vicky Chandler, Ursula Dickerson and Willis Dickerson. Bottom, brothers Cullen and Evan Kaufman are pictured with grandparents Maira Dehn, Pat Kaufman and Scot Kaufman.

Fire Department To Host Open House

April 8, 2022

BY BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITER

OCEAN PINES – Members of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department are inviting community members of all ages to participate in an open house later this month.

On Saturday, April 23, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Company (OPVFD) will host an open house and recruitment event at its South Station, located at 911 Ocean Parkway.

The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature a variety of activities, including a Maryland State Police (MSP) aviation demonstration, games, a coloring contest and opportunities to tour fire trucks and the MSP Trooper 4 helicopter.

“This is a great opportunity for kids, families, and adults to see some of the state-of-the-art vehicles and tools that our members are trained to operate firsthand via live demos as well as interact with the first responders who are always on call, ready, and waiting to assist the community,” said Lt. Joe Enste, community outreach specialist for OPVFD. “Additionally, this will be a unique chance to see Maryland State Police Aviation conduct a hoist demo with Trooper 4 over the South Gate pond and tour the helicopter once it lands.”

Officials say the department will also have opportunities for the community to learn more about volunteering.

“We want additional volunteers because our emergency responses are up

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

and there are more jobs to do – creating more opportunities to volunteer,” Enste said. “We have a great team and are working to build a bigger, better team.”

Enste noted the OPVFD is a combination department, meaning it is comprised of both career and volunteer members.

“We have found that most residents do not realize that volunteers are a large part of our department,” he said, “and we felt that this open house was a great opportunity to not only educate the community but also share more about volunteering with our department.”

Enste said volunteer opportunities include firefighters, EMTs, fire police, fire cadets – a youth program – and administrative members. Volunteers are not required to have any prior experience to join, and the department provides free professionally accredited training to all members.

Officials encouraged everyone to come out and participate in the open house.

“We recognized that with the world opening back up, it was time to open our doors and invite the community back to the fire station,” Enste said. “While we have received tremendous support from the community over the last two years, we know that there are many new faces to the area that we would like to meet and educate about the services our department provides, the volunteer opportunities available and how, with their help, we can continue to reduce risks in our community.”

Page 49

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Page 50

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 443-880-8444.

Every Tuesday: Dancing The Delmarva Hand Dance Club holds dancing at the Selbyville Elks Lodge 2173 from 5:30-9 p.m. delmarvahanddancing.com.

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.

Every Friday: Bingo Knights of Columbus will host with doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Held at the Columbus Hall at 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke's Church. Play every game for just $24. Light refreshments available.

Call 410-524-7994 with any questions.

April 8: Annual Cash Bingo The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding their annual cash bingo at the main station on Friday, April 8. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Doors open at 5 p.m. and early birds begin at 5:45 p.m. Regular games begin at 7 p.m. There will be 20 regular games, two specials and jackpot and a 50/50 raffle. Food and beverages available for purchase. Call 619922-9950 to reserve your limited tickets.

April 8: Crab Cake Dinner Stevenson United Methodist Church will hold a carryout only crab cake dinner 46:30 p.m. Cost is $14, crab cake sandwich with green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; $24, two crab cake sandwiches with green beans, baked potato and cole slaw; and $10, crab cake sandwich.

April 9: Anglers Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at the Ocean Pines Library at 9:30 a.m.

The club will present flounder fishing videos followed by discussions by expert club flounder fishermen Budd Heim and

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022

Things To Do

scheduled for Saturday April 30. Proceeds from the event will directly support children that have witnessed or experienced abuse in Worcester County. Registration is $25 per person and includes the walk, admission to a reception following the walk with refreshments, swag bag, and other kid-friendly activities. Trophies will be awarded during the reception for both the top individual fundraiser and team fundraiser. www.thecricketcenter.com to register or call 410-641-0097 or on the day of the event beginning at 11 a.m. at Hooters Restaurant, 5th Street and the Boardwalk.

Frank Tortella. In addition, Allison Barton from the Worcester County Developmental Center will discuss a request for support for a program to teach fishing to their clients.

April 9: Spring Bazaar Homemade chicken salad, soups, oyster sandwiches and baked goods are on the menu for the Mostly Drive-Thru Spring Bazaar of Allen Asbury United Methodist Church in Allen from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Allen Community Hall. The church’s popular chicken salad and savory soups (vegetable beef soup, bean soup, chicken noodle soup) will be available by quart or pint for take-out. Pre-orders for chicken salad and soup are due by April 8 by calling 410-546-2043 or 410-430-2984. A limited amount of soup and chicken salad will be available for purchase without preorder, so plan to come early in the day for best selection. Oyster sandwiches and fried hot dogs will be sold inside and at the drive-thru window.

April 10: Special Church Service The Right Reverend Santosh Marray, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Easton will be celebrating services at St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Church in downtown Ocean City on Palm Sunday. Bishop Marray will be joined by the Reverend Carl Mosley in celebrating the Holy Eucharist and commencing Holy Week observances in the parish. A reception will follow.

April 12: Sportfishing Meeting The Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association is having its next meeting at the American Legion of Berlin Post #123 at 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Capt. Ron Callas, who will be speaking and sharing tips on fishing offshore.

April 15: Good Friday Fish Fry The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 166 will hold at noon till it’s all gone including fried shrimp, fried oysters, fried flounder, hush puppies, fries, cole slaw and dessert. $15 eat in or carry out. Post 166, 23rd Street, OC. April 15: Oyster Fritter Sandwiches American Legion Post 123 will hold from 2 p.m. until for $9 each. Public is welcome.

April 21: OP Boat Club Meeting The Ocean Pines Boat Club's annual Spring General Meeting in the Ocean Pines Community Center's Assateague Room. Doors open at 6 p.m. for socializing and light refreshments. Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Speaker is Michael Castoro and his subject is “The History of the Pride of Baltimore.” Public invited.

April 23: Bikers For Autism Join the Bikers Without Borders Foundation for the Inaugural Bikers for Autism ride. This premier event will 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 St.) 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 noon to 3 p.m. for a block party sponsored by The Cork Bar, The Bearded Clam and Crawl Street Tavern with live music from The Chest Pains. The $25 registration fee 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.

April 23: Drive Thru Church Lunch From 10 a.m. until sold out at the Powellville UM Church located at 35606 Mount Hermon Road, Powellville. Drive thru luncheon features oyster fritter sandwiches, homemade chicken salad, home-made 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 23: Fenwick Cleanup Fenwick Island Environmental Committee to sponsor Bay to Beach Cleanup in celebration of Earth Day. Event begins at 8:30 a.m. Gather at Town Hall for refreshments, assignments, supplies and a commemorative token.

April 24: CRICKET Center Walk The CRICKET Center, Worcester County’s only Child Advocacy Center, will hold the 9th annual “5K Fun Walk for Kids” event on the Ocean City Boardwalk from noon until 3 p.m. A rain date has been

May 7: Native Plant Sale Assateague Coastal Trust’s 23rd Annual Native Plant Sale will be held at its office at 10959 Worcester Hwy. in Berlin from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Online orders encouraged.

Explore ActForBays.org/PlantSale to view a wide selection of native sun and shade plants. New for this year, Assateague Coastal Trust is offering a few native grasses and sedges for those looking to ascent their property.

May 6: Spring Dinner Meeting The Worcester County Historical Society will hold its annual spring dinner meeting at the Pocomoke Community Center on Market Street. Dinner guests will learn about Worcester County’s past from Dr. Ray Thompson, retired history professor at Salisbury University while enjoying a delicious meal of chicken and dumplings with all the fixings prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary. Doors will open for the event at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by sending a check to Robert Fisher, WCHS Treasurer, 230 South Washington St., Snow Hill, Md. 21863. The deadline for reservations for the dinner, which is open to the public, is April 29.

May 11: Hospice Fundraiser Coastal Hospice will be hosting its annual signature event, Taste of Finer Things! featuring a pairing of fine wine and delectable food from local restaurants. This spectacular evening is a chance to sample some of the best that the Ocean City area has to offer. Reservations for this sell out event are $100/person and includes open bar, wine and food pairings, live entertainment and dancing by “On the Edge” Band, free play, and so much more at the Ocean Downs Casino 6-9 p.m. To learn more about Taste of Finer Things, sponsor or attend, www.coastalhospice.org/taste/.

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Worcester’s Baeurle Commits To Ursinus

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

SPORTS

Decatur Girls Rout Worcester Prep, 16-4

April 8, 2022

In The News

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team got the better of Worcester Prep, 16-4, in the annual neighborhood rivalry game.

The Seahawks and the Mallards faced off in the Pink Game at Decat-

ur last Wednesday in a game played for the benefit of a local child facing illness. It’s always special when the Seahawks and Mallards face off and last week, it was the Seahawks coming out on top, 16-4. Worcester rallied with a 12-5 win over Gunston last Friday, their first win of the young season.

Worcester Boys Get Past Sabres, 12-9

Worcester Prep’s Lily Baeurle this week signed a national letter of intent to commit to Ursinus College in Pennsylvania to continue her academic and athletic career. With the signing, Baeurle becomes the first female Mallard ever to commit to playing basketball at the college level. Pictured above is Lily (center) flanked by dad Jim and mom Courtney.

Submitted Photo

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s standout student-athlete Lily Baeurle this week signed a national letter of intent to continue her athletic career next year at Ursinus College, becoming the firstever female Mallard to commit to playing basketball on the collegiate level.

Baeurle was honored with a special signing ceremony at Worcester Prep

Seahawks Hold Off Rams, Improve To 4-0

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

Worcester Prep freshman Ryan Mann dodges a Saints Peter and Paul defender during Monday’s game at home. Mann had two goals in the Mallards’ 12-9 win over the Sabres.

Photo by Chris Hoen

BY SHAWN J. SOPER

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team beat old rival Saints Peter and Paul, 12-9, on Monday to improve to 2-1 on the season.

Last week, the Worcester boys were hit with the injury and illness bug and

had two games postponed, including the typical backyard brawl with crosstown Stephen Decatur. Back in action on Monday, the Mallards took care of old rival Saints Peter and Paul, 12-9, to improve to 2-1 on the season. The postponed game against Decatur from last week has been rescheduled for Monday, April 25, on the road.

surrounded by family, friends, coaches and administrators. She started playing basketball at Worcester in the seventh grade and played on the varsity team all four years of high school while also being elected to serve as captain in her junior and senior years. She was named Most Valuable Player in five of the six seasons she played at Worcester and made the All-ESIAC team three out of the four years on the varsity team.

MANAGING EDITOR

BERLIN – Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team withstood Parkside, 5-2, on Monday to improve to a perfect 4-0 on the early season.

The Seahawks have been dominating out of the gates, outscoring their first three opponents by a combined 33-3. On Monday, the Seahawks hit the road for a highly-anticipated game with Parkside for the early upper-hand in the Bayside South and the game did not disappoint.

Decatur starter Logan Tapman was

strong early, shutting out the Rams through four innings. Meanwhile, the Seahawks scored a couple early and led, 2-0, heading into the fifth. However, Decatur gave up a couple of unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth and the game was tied heading into the late innings.

Decatur came right back in the top of the sixth with three runs on a couple of hits and a couple of miscues by the Rams to take a 5-2 lead. Tapman shut down the Rams the rest of the way to finish with a complete game as the Seahawks improved to 4-0.

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 53

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443-754-1047.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

LANDSCAPE WORKERS NEEDED: Must have reliable transportation to work. Call 410641-2177. The Moore Companies, Berlin, MD. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SECURITY: F/T & P/T year-round positions available in OC. Great opportunity. If interested, please call 443-513-4198.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: For busy Landscape Contractors office in Berlin. This is a multi-tasking position for detail oriented individual including customer scheduling & routing crews. Must have strong computer skills and a pleasant personality. Call The Moore Companies, 410-641-2177.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– WHISKERS PUB: Now Hiring Cook and Server. Apply in Person.

118th Street, Whiskers Pub. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BARBER/HAIR STYLIST: Full or Part Time. Great Working Environment in Downtown, Ocean City.

Call Tammy 410-251-0200.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GATE ATTENDANT: Assateague Point Community, Route 611. 1am9am, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. Call 410-641-1671.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CLEANING POSITIONS: Full Time, Part Time, Saturdays. Must have car, drivers license, and pass a background check. Call 410-6411500.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– COMMANDER HOTEL: Now Hiring! Front Desk, Housekeeping, Maintenance. Competitive wages.

Apply now at bwdc.com or call 410-289-6166.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– HOUSE CLEANER: Wanted in Ocean Pines. 3 hours bi-weekly, $20 per hour. Call Linda at 443904-5373.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CONDO CLEANERS: For Summer Seasonal 1BR/1BA Condos in Ocean City, Maryland. $65 per unit.

Call 267-254-0111.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Beautiful Community in Ocean View, DE is seeking part-time seasonal staff to work in our clubhouse and pool areas, May through Mid-September.

Availability to include days, nights, weekends & holidays.

Excellent people skills a must! Some computer skills preferred. Competitive salary offered.

Perfect position for individuals looking for extra income.

Send resume to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz

EOE

Office Coordinator for Specialty Contracting Company Looking for motivated, energetic individual to help with the organization and running of the daily administrative operations of the company. The ideal candidate will be a hard-working professional able to undertake a variety of office support tasks and work diligently under pressure, including answering phones and working closely with customers. Must be self starter with high work ethics, and have working knowledge of office equipment; excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills; analytical and problem solving abilities; and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Outlook.

Please forward resume to: paola@masterjackwindows.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE/CASHIER Looking for Fun, Energetic, Fun-Spirited Person to work Day or Night.

Cool Company to work for.

Competitive Wages.

Serious Inquires Only. 410-250-5678

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 NOW HIRING - ALL SHIFTS FRONT DESK AGENTS, NIGHT AUDITOR, HOUSEKEEPING, LAUNDRY We require satisfactory background check by all applicants.

Must work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Apply On Site - Safari Motel 13th Street & Boardwalk | 410-289-6411

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT For Beautiful Award Winning Master Planned Community in Ocean View, DE Administrative Assistant/Front Desk Help Needed.

Year-Round, Full Time Employment. Excellent people skills and Microsoft Office a must! Experience taking meeting minutes and website knowledge a plus.

Holidays, vacation, and personal time offered along with a competitive salary.

Please send resume with salary history to: Susan.Brewer@casinc.biz EOE

Associa is currently hiring a Maintenance and Contract Sales Specialist in the Ocean City, MD Area!

This position will be instrumental in helping us grow our sub-contracting business and ensure tasks are completed on schedule.

If interested please apply on-line at Associaonline.com or Email your resume to msmith@associaonline.com Associa is currently hiring for an Experienced Community Association Portfolio Manager in the Ocean City, MD Area!

This position will be responsible for providing the overall supervision of assigned community association(s). The Community Manager interacts with internal and external customers including homeowners, vendors, board members and committee members, as well as staff. This position is a fulltime salaried position with benefits.

If interested please apply on-line at Associaonline.com or Email your resume to msmith@associaonline.com

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING! •FUEL DOCK •DOCK HANDS •RAMP ATTENDANTS •BOATYARD •NIGHTWATCH •MAINTENANCE •SHIP STORE CLERK •GENERAL CLERICAL (SEASONAL YEAR ROUND)

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS Retail and Manufacturing $15 and Up! Apply Online at Dolles.com

THE SPINNAKER NOW HIRING FULL-TIME: ALL SHIFTS MAINTENANCE/ HOUSEMAN DAYTIME HOUSEKEEPING STAFF APPLY IN PERSON 1800 Baltimore Avenue Monday-Friday 10am-3pm

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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

SECRETARY (FULL-TIME) Looking for experienced help for an office in Ocean City. Must have good computer and organizational skills.

Call 443-754-1928 to schedule an interview.

B.E.S.T. Motels Now Hiring

B.E.S.T. Motels

Desk Clerks

Housekeepers

for 2022 Season

for 2022 Season

All Shifts Available

Apply In Person, ONLY

Apply In Person, ONLY 12 noon-3pm Tuesday –Friday ONLY Executive Motel 3001 N. Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

12 noon-3pm Tuesday-Friday ONLY

Now Hiring

Executive Motel 3001 N. Baltimore Ave Ocean City, MD

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Come Join Our Winning Team!

Now accepting applications for the following positions!

Front Desk Room Attendant Houseperson Laundry Attendant Room Inspectors Maintenance Server Cashier Barista Line Cook Kitchen Utility Looking for experienced personnel with customer service skills. Must be flexible with hours. Email resume to jobs@carouselhotel.com or stop by and complete an application at the Front Desk.

We require satisfactory pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 11700 Coastal Highway Ocean City, MD 21842 EOE

April 8, 2022

WORCESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFICE SECRETARY II- Full Time, State Benefits. This position provides secretarial support for the Reproductive Health program within the Nursing Department.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, considerable organizing and filing of both electronic and paper documents, scheduling, and drafting correspondence, compiling and summarizing data into concise form, billing for services, preparation of technical and confidential reports, as well as taking and typing meeting minutes.

Background check required.

APPLY ONLINE at www.jobapscloud.com/md by April 13, 2022.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling 410-632-1100 ext. 1221.

CARPENTERS & CARPENTERS HELPERS Must have:

Tools, Transportation, Driver’s License Exp. Required!

PATTERSON & SONS BUILDERS

Call 410-641-9530

EDEN ROC MOTEL NOW HIRING DAY-TIME FRONT DESK CLERK

**** TOP PAY **** 443-373-9561

Associa is currently hiring for a Custodial/Maintenance role in the Ocean City, MD Area!

This position will assist the Manager in ensuring the community’s grounds and buildings are clean and in working order.

Full-time position with a great hourly rate and benefits.

If interested please apply on-line at Associaonline.com or Email your resume to msmith@associaonline.com

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER FLOATER

Now Hiring For: Kitchen Expeditor & Kitchen Help

Call Matt at 302-593-4141 or email thesterlingtavern@gmail.com

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING NIGHT SHIFT FRONT DESK CLERKS NIGHT AUDITOR DAY SHIFT HOUSEKEEPING APPLY IN PERSON Monday-Friday 9am-3pm Thunderbird Beach Motel 32nd Street, Ocean City

COMMERCIAL Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker/Floater position available for our North Ocean City and Millsboro locations.

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

Please email resume to kelly.drexel@fbwbank.com or call Kelly at 410-250-1512 Application cut off is 4-18-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker position available at our West Ocean City location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to 12641 Ocean Gateway, OC, MD 21842 or email: jennie.rice@fbwbank.com Application cut off is 4-18-2022 “Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 2 Office/Retail Spaces for Lease.

Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NOW HIRING FULL TIME COOK, DRIVER, & BARTENDER Call Pam at 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street HOUSING NEEDS SEEKING HOUSING: I am looking for a small apartment in Ocean City, Ocean Pines, or Berlin. Need ASAP. Please call 443-754-7054.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RENTALS

WEEKLY RENTALS Rooms-SuitesApartments Utilities & Internet Included

Burgundy Inn 1210 Philadelphia Ave.

410-289-8581

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 Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19137 To all persons interested in the estate of BENJAMIN ALEXANDER COLEMANRAMMER, ESTATE NO. 19137. Notice is given that ALANNA CRAWFORD, 105 THOMAS COURT, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, MARCH 17, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BENJAMIN ALEXANDER COLEMAN-

RAMMER, who died on MARCH 04, 2022, without a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

Any person having a claim

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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. against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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 25, 2022 ALANNA CRAWFORD Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-25, 04-01, 04-08

Third Insertion MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19140 To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL MARIE HOLDER, ESTATE NO. 19140. Notice is given that JULIE MARIE ALLEN, 13209 MANOR DRIVE S., MOUNT AIRY, MD 21771, was on, MARCH 17, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL MARIE HOLDER, who died on FEBRUARY 24, 2022, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by con-

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 17TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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 25, 2022 JULIE MARIE ALLEN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 03-25, 04-01, 04-08

Second Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19144 To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERTA V. BOWEN, ESTATE NO. 19144.

Notice is given that CHARLES E. BOWEN JR., 1142 BERKLEY STREET, HANOVER, PA 29410, and JAMES RUSSELL BOWEN, 6054 WORCESTER HIGHWAY, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on, MARCH 18, 2022,

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

appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERTA V. BOWEN, who died on MARCH 14, 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 18TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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 01, 2022 CHARLES E. BOWEN JR. Personal Representative JAMES RUSSELL BOWEN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-01, 04-08, 04-15

Second Insertion RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY

SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19152 Notice is given that the ORPHANS’ COURT of FAYETTE COUNTY, PA, appointed CORTNEY PATEK KEZMARSKY, 45 RUBLE DRIVE, UNIONTOWN, PA 15401, as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of ELIZABETH M. GUZY, who died on APRIL 09, 2019, domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is RAYMOND D. COATES JR., whose address is 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 01, 2022 CORTNEY PATEK KEZMARSKY Foreign Personal Representative

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Second Insertion

Second Insertion

A GILLIS ALLEN II, ESQ ALLEN & ASSOCIATES, CHTD 207 DOWNTOWN PLAZA PO BOX 990 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0990

J. SCOTT MORSE, ESQ. 9 NEWBURG AVENUE SUITE 201 CATONSVILLE, MD 21228

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

KEVIN BURIAN Plaintiff

ESTATE NO. 19156

vs.

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIS DAN REDDEN, ESTATE NO. 19156. Notice is given that WILLIS E. REDDEN SR., 3218 STOCKTON ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851 was on, MARCH 24, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIS DAN REDDEN, who died on JANUARY 29, 2022, with a will.

DONALD DAVIDSON; FANNIE DAVIDSON; WORCESTER COUNTY, STATE OF MARYLAND;

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 24TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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 01, 2022 WILLIS E. REDDEN SR. Personal Representative True Test Copy

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-01, 04-08, 04-15

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000067

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-01, 04-08, 04-15

AND ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN THE TAX ROLLS OF THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE COLLECTOR OF STATE AND COUNTY TAXES FOR WORCESTER COUNTY AS FOLLOWS: 38’X100’ E SIDE 723 SIXTH ST & FIFTH AVENUE ACCOUNT NUMBER 01021028 Defendants ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Baltimore and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: 38’X100’ E SIDE 723 SIXTH ST & FIFTH AVENUE ACCOUNT NUMBER 01021028 The complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon this 23RD OF MARCH, 2022 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, that this notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some daily newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three successive weeks, before the 18th day of April, 2022, warning all persons interested in said property to be and appear in this Court by the 22nd day of May, 2022, and redeem these property, and answer the Complaint, or thereafter a final judgment will be rendered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the said property and vesting in the Plaintiff a fee simple title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 01, 2022 BEAU H. OGLESBY JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY TRUE TEST COPY

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

The Dispatch Legal Notices

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 08, 2022

provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

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

DEBORAH J MILES Personal Representative

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 08, 2022

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 08, 2022

DIANNE DENMARK Personal Representative

NICOLE GROFT Personal Representative

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-08, 04-15, 04-22

SARAH LOY Personal Representative

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 email classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com SUSAN R. BRANIECKI Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD 3x 04-01, 04-08, 04-15

First Insertion DON E. RICHARDSON ESQ. P.O. BOX 258 SALISBURY, MD 21803 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-08, 04-15, 04-22

ESTATE NO. 11729

First Insertion

To all persons interested in the estate of ANNA MARY COARD AYRES, ESTATE NO. 11729. Notice is given that DEBORAH J MILES, 29994 GREENSPRING DRIVE, PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853, was on, MARCH 31, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANNA MARY COARD AYRES, who died on DECEMBER 18, 2004, with a will.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19088

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, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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.

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

To all persons interested in the estate of MICHAEL LOJEWSKI, ESTATE NO. 19088.

Notice is given that DIANNE DENMARK, 508 BAYSHORE DRIVE #3, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on, MARCH 28, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MICHAEL LOJEWSKI, who died on DECEMBER 27, 2021, 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, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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

First Insertion ARLETTE K BRIGHT ESQ. THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B SALISBURY, MD 21804 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19111 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN YODER JR., ESTATE NO. 19111. Notice is given that NICOLE GROFT, 31784 SCHOONER DRIVE, MILLSBORO, DE 19966, and SARAH LOY, 146 JAMES STREET, LANDISVILLE, PA 17538 and DANA MOORE, 4090 COLUMBIA AVENUE, COLUMBIA, PA 17512 was on, MARCH 30, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN YODER JR., who died on DECEMBER 8, 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 30TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

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:

DANA MOORE Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-08, 04-15, 04-22

First Insertion BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN L COSTON, ESTATE NO. 19128 NOTICE OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all persons interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by YALONDA SHERESE WHITE, 721 BISHOP ISSAC JENKIN STREET, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, for judicial probate of the will dated JULY 14, 2014 and for the appointment of a personal representative.

A hearing will be held at ONE W MARKET STREET, COURT ROOM 4, COURT HOUSE, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 on MAY 10, 2022 AT 10:00 AM.

April 8, 2022

First Insertion

First Insertion

PATRICIA CLEARY, ESQ. LAW OFFICES OF PATRICIA CLEARY, LLC 10294 ERIE WAY NEW MARKET, MD 21774

NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 22-8 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19160

Take Notice that Bill 22-8 entitled TO AUTHORIZE AND EMPOWER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND TO BORROW ON ITS FULL FAITH AND CREDIT, AND TO ISSUE AND SELL (1) ITS GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND ITS BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES THEREFOR, AT ONE TIME OR FROM TIME TO TIME WITHIN FOUR YEARS FROM THE DATE THIS BILL BECOMES EFFECTIVE, IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING $11,198,830, TO PROVIDE FINANCING FOR A PORTION OF THE COST OF ENGINEERING, DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTING, EQUIPPING, FURNISHING AND UNDERTAKING SITE WORK FOR THE WORCESTER COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX, INCLUDING PAYMENT OF RELATED COSTS AND COSTS OF ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS, AND (2) ITS GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, AT ONE TIME OR FROM TIME TO TIME, IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING $14,560,000, TO PROVIDE FINANCING FOR THE COST OF REFUNDING IN WHOLE OR IN PART ANY OF THE BONDS ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS LOCAL LAW, INCLUDING PAYMENT OF RELATED COSTS AND COSTS OF ISSUANCE was introduced by Commissioners Church, Mitrecic, Nordstrom, and Purnell on February 15th, 2022.

To all persons interested in the estate of MARGARET P. TRESSA, ESTATE NO. 19160.

Notice is given that LAWRENCE FINERAN,3740A MADISON LANE, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22041, and ANNA MARY FREEMAN, 205 SENATORS WAY, BERLIN, MD 21811 was on, MARCH 30, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARGARET P. TRESSA, who died on DECEMBER 6, 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 30TH day of SEPTEMBER, 2022.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; 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.

This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 08, 2022

ANNA MARY FREEMAN Personal Representative

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 2x 04-08, 04-15

TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-08, 04-15, 04-22

Date of Publication APRIL 08, 2022 LAWRENCE FINERAN Personal Representative

A fair summary of the bill is as follows: APPENDIX “SS” BOND AUTHORIZATION FOR FINANCING A PORTION OF THE COST OF ENGINEERING, DESIGNING, CONSTRUCTING, EQUIPPING, FURNISHING AND UNDERTAKING SITE WORK FOR THE WORCESTER COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX, AND BOND AUTHORIZATION FOR REFUNDING BONDS § 1. Financing a portion of the cost of engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Worcester County Sports Complex, and financing the cost of refunding in whole or in part any of the bonds issued for such purpose. (a) Recitals

True Test Copy (1) Pursuant to Sections 19501 to 19-510, inclusive, of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as replaced, supplemented or amended (the “Act”), County Commissioners of Worcester County,

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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 Maryland (the “County”) may borrow money for any public purpose and may evidence the borrowing by the issuance and sale of its general obligation bonds.

(2) By and through Resolution No. 21-26, adopted by the Board of County Commissioners of Worcester County (the “Board”) on December 7, 2021, the County has approved and adopted the Worcester County 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan FY 2023 to FY 2027 which includes engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Worcester County Sports Complex.

(3) The Board has determined to borrow up to $11,198,830 and to evidence such borrowing by the issuance, sale and delivery of its general obligation bonds (the “Bonds”) pursuant to the provisions of the Act, and to apply the proceeds of the Bonds to finance costs of engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Worcester County Sports Complex.

(4) Pursuant to Section 19207 of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as replaced, supplemented or amended (the “Refunding Act”), the County may borrow money to refund its outstanding bonds.

(5) The Board has determined to authorize the County to borrow up to $14,560,000 by the issuance of refunding bonds pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the Refunding Act, and to apply the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds to finance the cost of refunding in whole or in part the then-outstanding Bonds.

(6) References in this Local Law to “finance” shall be construed to mean “finance, refinance and/or reimburse,” as applicable, and references in this Local Law to “financing” shall be construed to mean “financing, refinancing and/or reimbursing,” as applicable. (b) The Board, acting pursuant to the Act and the Refunding Act, as applicable, hereby determines and declares that: (1) There is a public need for

engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Worcester County Sports Complex.

(2) The estimated cost for engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Worcester County Sports Complex, including activities not funded from proceeds of the Bonds, is approximately $15,584,381.

(3) The funds proposed to be borrowed for engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Worcester County Sports Complex can be provided at the lowest annual interest cost and costs of issuance by the issuance of general obligation bonds by the County.

(4) Use of the proceeds of the Bonds by the County to finance a portion of the cost of engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Worcester County Sports Complex is a proper public purpose which may be financed by the issuance of the Bonds pursuant to the Act. (5) Between the date of issuance of the first series of the Bonds and the date of final maturity of any series of the Bonds, the County may have an opportunity or a need to refund in whole or in part the then-outstanding Bonds and to thereby achieve one or more purposes of the Refunding Act. The funds authorized to be borrowed for the purpose of refunding in whole or in part the then-outstanding Bonds can be provided at the lowest annual interest cost and costs of issuance by the issuance of general obligation refunding bonds by the County.

(6) Use of the proceeds of the Refunding Bonds by the County to finance the cost of refunding in whole or in part the then-outstanding Bonds is a proper public purpose that may be financed by the issuance of the Refunding Bonds pursuant to the Act and the Refunding Act. (c) Authorizes the County to borrow up to $11,198,830 by issuance of bonds. (d) The proceeds from the sale of the Bonds shall be

applied for the public purpose of financing a portion of the cost of engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Public Safety Logistical Storage Facility as identified in the Worcester County 5 Year Capital Improvement Plan - FY 2023 to FY 2027 by and through Resolution No. 21-26, adopted by the Board on December 7, 2021. (e) As permitted by Sections 19-211 to 19-223, inclusive, of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, as replaced, supplemented or amended, the provisions set forth in this Local Law for the issuance and sale of the Bonds are intended and shall be deemed to include provisions for the issuance and sale of bond anticipation notes in one or more series from time to time in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $11,198,830 without the adoption of any other local law or other action by the legislative body of the County. (f) Pursuant to the Act and the Refunding Act, the County is hereby authorized to borrow upon its full faith and credit an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $14,560,000 and to evidence such borrowing by issuing, selling and delivering its Refunding Bonds, at any time or from time to time and in one or more series, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $14,560,000, subject to the provisions and conditions of this Local Law. (g) The proceeds from the sale of any Refunding Bonds shall be applied for the public purpose of financing the cost of refunding in whole or in part the then-outstanding Bonds, including payment of related costs and costs of issuance of the Refunding Bonds. (h) Provides that the County shall levy annual property taxes sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bonds due each year. (i) Provides that prior to the issuance and sale of any of the Bonds, the County shall adopt one or more resolutions in accordance with Section 19-504 of the Act. (j) Provides that the bonds shall constitute a pledge of the full faith and credit of the county. (k) Provides the bonds may be sold in one or more series and either at private sale or at public sale as determined by the County Commissioners. (l) Provides the bonds and shall be exempt from certain provisions of Sections 19205 and 19-206 of the Local Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

(m) Provides the County may enter into agreements to enhance the marketability of the bonds. (n) Provides the signature of any officer whose signature appears on any Bond is still valid even if that officer ceases to be such officer before delivery. (o) Provides that upon delivery of the bonds to the purchaser, payment shall be made to the Finance Officer of the County (p) Authorizes the issuance of interim certificates or temporary bonds (q) Provides that the authorities set forth in this law are supplemental to existing authorities. (r) The County shall seek funds for engineering, designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and undertaking site work for the new Public Safety Logistical Storage Facility or repayment of the Bonds through such grant sources as the Board may, from time to time, deem desirable and appropriate. (s) Provides severability provisions.

A Public Hearing will be held on Bill 22-8 Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in the Stephen Decatur High School Auditorium 9913 Seahawk Road Berlin, Maryland 21811 This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103, is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center.

A full copy of the bill is also available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 08, 2022 2x 04-08, 04-15

First Insertion NOTICE OF PROPOSED PURCHASE OF PROPERTY FOR WORCESTER COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND The Worcester County Commissioners will host a public hearing on a proposal to purchase property to develop a sports complex using a portion of the proceeds from general obligation bond funds of $11,198,830 in FY23 to fund acquisition, design, and development costs. The main purpose for the sports complex, which is included in

Page 57 the FY23-FY27 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), is to provide county residents and guests with more recreational programming and event opportunities by providing additional field space.

Conceptual plans for this project include multi-purpose fields, with restrooms, parking, and concessions for recreation and travel sports. Additional park amenities would include walking trails, ponds, and a playground. The County Commissioners will hold a

MARCH 19, 2022, with a will.

Public Hearing on the proposed purchase of property for the Worcester County Sports Complex Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in the Stephen Decatur High School Auditorium 9913 Seahawk Road Berlin, Maryland 21811

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:

For additional information, please contact the County Administration Office at (410)-632-1194 or visit the County website at: online at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication APRIL 08, 2022 2x 04-08, 04-15

First Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19172 To all persons interested in the estate of COLLEEN LAWSON HEARN, ESTATE NO. 19172. Notice is given that MARCIA LYNN DAYTON, 8077 FARM HOUSE DRIVE, HEBRON, MD 21830, was on, APRIL 04, 2022, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of COLLEEN LAWSON HEARN, who died on

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4TH day of OCTOBER, 2022.

(1) 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 08, 2022 MARCIA LYNN DAYTON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 04-08, 04-15, 04-22

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… Council Approves Funding For OCDC Housing Project Page 58

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FROM PAGE 12 that was in line with what seasonal officers were currently paying for housing.

“We believe so,” he said. “Right now, an officer will pay about $400-plus. We would typically have six officers, so that’s around $2,400, so that gives you an idea of what they’re paying currently. We believe this would be the ideal location.”

Buzzuro said the proposed project could help recruit more seasonal police officers.

“Recruitment has its challenges as you know,” he said. “Generally speaking, they live quite a distance away, so housing is a big factor. This would help us greatly.”

When the Somerset project was presented last week, concerns were raised about the potential loss of public parking spaces in the already parking-chal-

lenged downtown area. Those concerns were raised again this week by Councilman John Gehrig.

“These are all pieces of the puzzle,” he said. “We can’t just look at every individual piece. We need to look at the whole thing. I support the project and it’s not a deal-breaker at all. The public just needs to know what’s going to happen with parking ...”

Last year, the town heard a proposal from the private sector Holtz Builders to develop one or more significant seasonal housing projects in the resort.

Holtz Builders, which has a history of developing seasonal housing projects in resort areas, has looked at multiple locations, including the OCDC properties.

“This seems like it came up pretty fast,” he said. “Holtz Builders has $20

million ready to invest in housing in Ocean City. They looked at a lot of locations and the model block was one of those. They had $20 million to invest without asking the city for any money.”

Gehrig seemed to be suggesting the town should consider the private sector investment in seasonal housing projects before leaping in with city investments.

“Then, this whole Somerset Street project and the model block project came out after that,” he said. “My concern really is what is the precedent we’re setting here. Are we financing developers? Will this impact what we’re trying to do with Holtz?”

Gehrig said he was not opposed to the OCDC’s proposed Somerset Street project, but said it would be prudent to do due diligence on behalf of the taxpayers.

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April 8, 2022

port it,” he said. “I also represent the taxpayers. When someone is offering to pay us for a project and manage it, so we don’t have management fees and we don’t have that $1.4 million or whatever it’s going to be, I just think it’s our responsibility to hear them out.”

OCDC Board President Kevin Gibbs somewhat disputed the notion.

“I am seeing way more pros than cons,” he said. “We’re here to put this money to work for the betterment of downtown. We have so many things going on.”

Gehrig replied, “You’re absolutely right. I’m 100% in. Asking the city to fund the $2.4 million and the management and all of this other stuff. That’s fine. I get it.”

A question was raised about paying for the proposed project entirely with the OCDC’s Inlet lot revenue over time.

However, Gibbs said he was reluctant to put the entire Inlet lot fund revenue into the Somerset Street project.

“I don’t want to put the full weight of that fund behind it,” he said. “We also want to have the flexibility to get a parking lot if one becomes available. I don’t know if we want to lose that flexibility.

We don’t want to completely drain our resources.”

Councilman Lloyd Martin said the council could approve the $25,000 in pre-construction funds for the project and then review how to fund it.

“We need to work through the details,” he said. “We need to move it forward. They are willing to work with us and they’re a great partner.”

Councilman Rick Meehan asked for clarification on the overall funding plan for the project.

“I’m not afraid to ask this question, just for the record,” he said. “The funding will come from the Inlet parking lot to cover your portion of the cost? That’s what you’re proposing. I think what you need to do as a result of this conversation is to work with the city manager to see what portion of that cost you can really pay out of that fund amortized over 20 years and still leave you a balance of funds that you know you’re going to have on hand to do the other projects you possibly have on the table.”

Martin said the growing seasonal housing issues in the resort made the Somerset Street project a necessity.

“I’m all for this OCDC police project,” he said. “We have a funding source of $1 million per year. We have a town that is clean and safe. Downtown has been a problem for us for a while and the OCDC has done a good job with it. I think it a good idea to move forward with the design service so at least we know where we are. Every department has manpower issues. Part of the problem is they can’t find housing. If we can provide some housing for our people, we’ve done a good job.”

After considerable debate, the council voted unanimously to approve the $25,000 initial contribution to the OCDC project. The next step will be a discussion of the overall funding formula.

Seasonal Housing Project Supported

April 8, 2022

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

STAFF WRITER

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed to send a letter to the state in support of a seasonal housing project proposed in West Ocean City.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted 5-2 this week to write a letter in support of a proposal from Holtz Companies for seasonal workforce housing in West Ocean City. The company is seeking long-term, low-interest financing from the state in order to develop the project, which could house more than 2,400 workers.

“If ever there was a need for something like this it’s now,” Commissioner Bud Church said.

James Bergey, joined by Holtz Companies’ Dan Bullock, approached the commissioners Tuesday to outline plans for a dormitory-style workforce housing project in West Ocean City.

Bergey said the businesses in Ocean City were dealing with a severe labor shortage. During the pandemic they struggled to afford the high cost of labor as well as with finding housing for workers.

“Why is this important to Worcester County?” Bergey said. “To keep the businesses viable and profitable and paying real estate taxes it’s very important.”

He said hotels in Ocean City last year not only had to pay their workers more but had to set aside rooms for them to stay in.

“You can imagine it was a traumatic cost and a very difficult time,” he said.

In recent years, older properties that were historically used to provide student housing during the summer have been redeveloped. While that has increased the tax base, it means there’s insufficient affordable housing for seasonal workers.

“The minimal housing stock that’s left for students, the people that have those see the opportunity to keep raising the price,” he said. “So a typical student that’s coming…instead of paying a reasonable $150 a week they’re paying over $200 a week.”

He added that because properties were reassessed, many Ocean City business owners would be paying more in property taxes.

“A $10 million hotel was paying the county $85,000 in real estate taxes,” he said. “With a 12% increase, they now have to pay this year $95,000. So as you can imagine, to keep Ocean City viable … the county and the city need to step up and help with this critical issue of student housing.”

Bergey said the only properties large enough for the kind of project Holtz Companies wanted to pursue were in West Ocean City. Bergey said they’d identified two potential properties. In order to do the project, the company is going to ask the state for a bond, as low-cost financing is the only way to accomplish what is expected to be at least a $60 million project, according to Bergey. He described it

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

as similar to the process used to build Atlantic General Hospital. A nonprofit would be created that would be responsible for holding the property and paying back the bond.

Bullock said the company had done similar projects elsewhere successfully. He noted that onsite security and staffing ensured that there were no issues.

When asked if Ocean City would be handling the EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) and sewer capacity for the project, Bergey said the resort would handle that as well as bus service.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if the property would seek a tax waiver.

“It’s something that is going to unfortunately probably be necessary to make it affordable,” Bergey said, adding that the taxes on a project this size would be $500,000 to $600,000 annually.

Bertino said he liked the concept but not the fact that the county would lose tax revenue.

Bergey said the county had benefited when old seasonal housing properties were redeveloped.

“There’s just no housing left,” he said. “I know clients that I’ve had that bought old hotels that were specifically housing kids. When they redeveloped them, Ocean City, the county, the state, everybody made out because the property taxes more than quadrupled but there was no more housing. There is a severe lack of housing stock in Ocean City.”

Commissioner Jim Bunting said the property being considered was near residential property and he wasn’t comfortable supporting the project without hearing from those residents. He added that Holtz Companies was going to make money on the project.

“I’ve got a lot of questions on this one,” he said.

Bertino agreed.

“I like this project, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t like the fact an outof-area company is going to benefit with profit on the backs of taxpayers,” he said.

Bergey said that like with the hospital project, in this scenario dollars spent building the project could be tracked to ensure they went to Maryland companies. He said Holtz Companies would just manage construction.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said there would not really be a cost to taxpayers.

“The tax on the property right now is $1,350, something like that,” he said. “If it’s never developed it stays at $1,350 forever. So it’s really not a cost to the taxpayers, it’s tax money that would not come in in the future if we went down that road. When people hear it’s a cost to the taxpayers they think the taxpayers are subsidizing when they’re really not.”

The commissioners voted 5-2, with Bertino and Bunting opposed, to send the state a letter of support for the project as proposed.

Page 59

Page 60

Partnerships Needed On Seasonal Housing Crisis The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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April 8, 2022

How We See It

One of the first things prospective business owners once considered in Ocean City was parking. While it’s still a concern with new businesses looking to open in certain areas in town, parking has been replaced by manpower as the chief concern, specifically housing for employees.

One restaurant operator recently summed up the problem, saying it’s not just hiring and recruiting employees that’s challenging. Prospective employees cannot become current workers without a place to live. In fact, more than half of the restaurant owner’s employees – believed to be returning from last summer with a hiring bonus offered for Memorial Day weekend – have rescinded their commitments and are looking for work elsewhere due to available housing costs. The rental housing supply is down, due to numerous factors, and the demand is great.

Viewing it as a long-term problem, this operator is now building a dorm on a parking lot capable of accommodating about 24 employees. It’s a sign of the times.

Though this owner is successful enough to address his own needs, hundreds of other businesses in the resort region are not as fortunate. Publicprivate partnerships are going to be a key to truly addressing the seasonal

housing crisis in the resort area through large-scale projects.

It’s not hyperbole to call it a crisis.

This is now a tourism retention issue.

Ocean City is attracting plenty of tourists during the summer months. Over the last two years, there have been little complaints from business owners about their sales. There is no dearth of customers, as the pandemic boosted tourism for Ocean City in several arenas due to our beach’s proximity to metropolitan areas. To continue to be a viable destination, however, private operators as well as government service providers must ensure a high quality of customer service. Without a reliable base of employees, restaurants, hotels, retail stores and amusement parks will struggle to meet consumer expectations, resulting in a loss of return business.

With this retention aspect as a major concern, it’s good news to see the Town of Ocean City and OCDC working together on a mixed-use facility on Somerset Street to include at least 25 beds of seasonal housing for the police department. This project is a year out at best, but a sound project on a small scale. More of these opportunities are needed for the private sector.

It’s why word of a large dormitory project – estimated to house about

2,400 workers – in West Ocean City requiring state legislative action as well as local government support deserves a close watch. Two potential properties have been identified and the key in the early stages to moving forward will be a request to the state for a bond to provide low-interest financing for an estimated $60 million project. Local government backing for this request was sought and received from five of the seven Worcester County Commissioners this week.

It’s going to take a major project (probably a couple actually) to remove the hurt associated with short-term employee housing. Once all the details are vetted, we hope the project planned in West Ocean City will move forward because it will be a game changer for local businesses needing a place to direct their employees. Operators should not be charged with securing employee housing for college students while also running their businesses.

Creative financing opportunities and a public/private willingness to partner on addressing this crisis will be critical for these housing projects to come to fruition. There is no easy solution but without drastic action the consequences will be felt throughout the resort economy. Government support must be part of the solution.

Letters To The Editor Heartfelt Appreciation Editor: The Bikers Without Borders Foundation (BWOB) was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support from the community at the 2nd Annual Food Drive, held April 2 at Food Lion, Ocean Pines. Food and monetary donations were received from many local residents as well as several friends of the foundation living on the western shore.

The organizations supported by this event include St. Mary’s/Holy Savior Church and St. Vincent de Paul Society (Ocean City), Sarah’s Pantry & Community Church (Berlin), Delmarva’s Homeless Helpers (Salisbury), Chincoteague Island Food Closet (Accomack, Va.), and Shepherd’s Office (Georgetown, Del.). A motorcycle escort assisted BWOB members with the deliveries to each of the recipients.

BWOB was proud to partner with Food Lion in Ocean Pines as well as the Northern Division who donated gift cards which were distributed to the Shepherd’s Office and Chincoteague Island Food Closet which provide healthy meals to the surrounding community. Additional appreciation is extended to the Food Lion in Selbyville (Del.) for donating boxes for the event, Ocean 98.1 for hosting us on the morning show as well as 47ABC-WMDT

News for their interview. In addition to approximately $6,000 in food collections, $2,300 in monetary donations were used to fulfill the wish lists of the organizations.

BWOB will be holding a monthly meeting on April 21st at 6 p.m. at the Powellville Fire Department (5085 Powellville Road); all meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend. The next event hosted by BWOB is the Bikers for Autism ride on April 23 supporting the Autistic Support Group of Worcester County; registration begins at 9 a.m. at Wicomico & S. Baltimore Street, an escorted ride will begin at 11 a.m. and the day will conclude with a block party at The Cork Bar and Bearded Clam with buffet and live music by The Chest Pains.

Bikers Without Borders Foundation is comprised of men and women who believe giving back to the community is a civic duty. Members are motorcycle riders and non-riders who participate in charitable and volunteer activities which support local communities. The foundation focuses on supporting and serving veterans and active military, first responders, children and youth, and those who are most vulnerable in our communities.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/bikerswithoutborders-

foundation or email us at bikerswithoutbordersfoundation@gmail.com.

Kathy Winte, Lacey Egerton and Anne Marie Pollack (The writers are members of the BWOB Food Drive Committee.)

New Events Bolster Party Town Image Editor: Here is a striking example of the current Ocean City Mayor and Council’s mind set for two new events: a bull rodeo on the beach parking lot to kick off the summer season and a motor cycle event with a gun show at the end of the season.

This doesn’t showcase the town’s family image, it only reinforces “boys toys party town.”

Margaret Pillas Ocean City

Ignore CRT Scare Tactics Editor: Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the night Worcester County Board of Education March meeting. There was a large group of concerned parents, teachers, students and staff who were in attendance.

CRT was one of the concepts that was mentioned during the dialog. The SEE NEXT PAGE

April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Letters To The Editor CRT acronym has been distorted by some, rather than used as a tool for promoting racial justice. Although I am not an expert on “Critical Race Theory,” as a retired teacher, parent and grandparent I have a strong desire for students to appreciate others’ diversity. There is no CRT curriculum available for public schools, but rather as a course offered in American Law Schools.

After reviewing the State Social Studies Standards, I learned that the standards are broad, flexible and multi-perspective. Students are no longer limited to February’s Black History month to learn about the contributions of African Americans. Native Americans Indians are studied using a timeline basis to accurately understand the significance of the indigenous people. Emphasis is on engagement, collaboration, reliable sources and background knowledge to access the curriculum.

Our students will be living in a global world and shouldn’t be limited by stereotypes, unhealthy attitudes or fear as they grow and become 21st century citizens. Appreciation of diversity is a key skill necessary to respect others’ backgrounds and life experiences. Keeping our kids in a “bubble” is not conducive to promoting diversity or preparing them for a more worldly, balanced perspective. Don’t fall for the CRT scare; it is a theory taught only at the college level, not in our K12 schools, that is beneficial to our society.

Judy Davis Ocean City

Evaluate Election Hopefuls Editor: Since many people seem to be so concerned about global warming, then why is it okay that our government is asking foreign governments, especially ones that hate American and want to destroy us, to ramp up their oil drilling for our needs when we were energy independent just a short two years ago and we provide much cleaner energy due to regulations. This at a time when our energy needs are costing us on the northern side of possibly $4 to $6 a gallon when we were paying less than $2. These higher costs reflect our heating, cooling, food and all forms of products we purchase. If individuals are so concerned with global warming, what difference is it that we drill here in American or on foreign land. It seems with our stringent regulations that it

would be better to drill here and give hard working Americans jobs than give tax payer money to enrich foreign countries.

With a little research you will find that there are more than 6,000 products that are manufactured with petroleum oil that we will have to give up and try to find another way to produce these items. One being the parts on automobiles, glasses we wear etc. It is easy to answer poll questions that are framed in such a way to get a certain answer without the background information to make an informative response. I keep hearing politicians who get paid by the American taxpayer, and elite rich telling us that we just need to buckle down and purchase an electric vehicle and stop driving those nasty trucks.

Last time I checked the money tree in my back yard it was not blooming was because it was dead. Most Americans try to keep their automobiles at least five to 10 years, many 15 years.

Where are we supposed to get the additional money to set up our homes to charge these vehicles and how much will it cost for Americans to have solar or wind power on their properties instead of using what they already have.

By the way, in Maryland when you do add solar panels on your property your property taxes go up. What happens to people who live in rural areas and need vehicles for work or farming or just going to the store or doctor? Last time I looked I don't see buses other than school buses going past my house. I scratch my head every morning when I hear these socalled intelligent news media and politicians speak. What world are they living in, do they even know where they food and products come from and who makes them, do they even care? I thought news media was suppose to be apolitical and question government practices for all the American people, not just disparage one side and what happen to all the truly investigative reporter.

It gets back to who you put in charge of your life by who you vote for at every level of government. Listen carefully to what they say and then look at what they actually do and have done. We are not a country of stupid Americans.

We need to make sure we are not going backward but forward. We need to start thinking about us because it appears we are the only ones who seem to care about us.

Jo Ann Roland Berlin

TO OUR READERS: The Dispatch welcomes any and all letters from our readers. All letters are encouraged typed, but not required, and we reserve the right to edit each letter for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Letters should include writer’s name, address and day and even-ing telephone numbers. If we are unable to reach the writer, we will have to withhold the letter. Due to space restraints, letters under 500 words in length will be given top priority.

Letters can be mailed to The Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811, emailed to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com or faxed to 410-641-0966.

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Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green It’s no secret local real estate has hit new heights, as the seller’s market trends continue. Nonetheless, some of the statistics provided in the Coastal Association of Realtors’ monthly report continue to amaze. A look inside some of the data for the month of February, which is not typically a busy real estate month: •17: Median days properties are remaining on the market for February, the same as last February.

•$312,250: The median sale price for properties closed in February – up 22% over February 2021 and 16% since January. Comparatively, the median home price in the pre-pandemic 2020 month was $231,250.

•388: Active current listings in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties – down 23% from last February. New listings were down 21% in Worcester this February compared to 2021’s February.

•275: Settlements this February were down 15% over same month last year. For Worcester alone, settlements dropped 25% this February compared to last February.

Coastal Association of REALTORS® President Grace Masten had this to say about the local real estate market. “Prices are on the rise and although that is good news for homeowners in the area is not good news for people looking to become homeowners. Over the last 20 years home building has not kept up with the needs of the area and we are now seeing the results. Low inventory and rising home costs. Now is the time to incentivize home building for all levels of the market. Salisbury’s “Here is Home” incentive program is a great example of what government can do to incentivize developments.”

Greed comes to mind with Ocean City’s direction to increase the bonfire permit fees by 13%, from $75 to $85. Just because the rate has been in place for many years doesn’t mean it needs to increase. It’s an unnecessary money grab.

People in all facets of life, from the grocery store and gas pumps to utilities and rising tax rates from booming assessments, are facing rising costs. Inflation fatigue is a real thing with no signs of a change near. The case has not been made to increase the bonfire permit fees. If the city sees the need to proceed with buying new equipment due to the soaring popularity, the fee increase could be justified. Back in 2010, there were just 67 permits issued. In 2016, there were 233. Last year there about 3,300, resulting in $247,500 in revenue for the city.

A regional comparison finds Ocean City’s bonfire permit fee is slightly above average when pitted against other municipalities. Ocean City needs to be aware of its perception in some sectors of the marketplace – it’s all about the money. This is just an unnecessary upcharge at a time when inflation is being used as a crutch to charge more for just about every service consumers want or need.

At a recent meeting, Ocean City officials expressed a need for a public show of support for the current sports complex process playing out along Route 50. At last week’s meeting, Mayor Rick Meehan said, “I’m asking the council to take some action. The Town of Ocean City is interested in being a partner with the county on this. I’m asking the council to vote to support this project and the purchase of this property.”

Last month the Worcester County Commissioners announced a public hearing for Tuesday, April 19 at 6 p.m. to gather sentiments on the county bonding $11.2 million to acquire 95 acres of property west of Stephen Decatur High School for a sports complex development to provide more opportunities for locals as well as attract large tournaments for tourism purposes.

The resort’s early display of support came in part last week with the creation of an event page on Facebook, “Worcester Families For Sports,” encouraging citizens to support the acquisition, which could run through the state’s Program Open Space funding mechanism if approved by the commissioners. Ocean City’s positive position was clearly stated on the page, saying, “This new sports complex will provide county residents and guests with more recreational programming and event opportunities by providing additional field space. Conceptual plans for this project include multi-purpose fields, with restrooms, parking, and concessions for recreation and travel sports. Additional park amenities include walking trails, ponds, and a playground. In addition to the recreational benefit the project brings to Worcester County families, this project would put Worcester County "on the map" for youth and adult competitions, providing growing economic development opportunities. The complex will be an investment with a farreaching local impact on vast school and recreation activities, making Maryland's Coast the amateur sports capital of the Mid-Atlantic.”

It’s hard to draw conclusions on stories this paper posts to Facebook, but the community seems divided on this effort. The public hearing will shed some light on whether the entire concept of the county/city getting into the sports complex business is the concern or if it’s the specific site.

There have been legitimate reservations expressed over the site because of Seahawk Road’s legendary traffic woes. Questions at the public hearing will certainly dive into traffic concerns, but the problem is it’s most likely too early in the process to even talk about ingress and egress issues and whether vehicles would be able to access the complex from Route 50, Seahawk Road or Flower Street. The answer could be all three.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

O

April 8, 2022

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

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n 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.”

Although she doesn’t claim to be the writer in the family, her words were incredibly poignant.

Through a display of the color blue, whether it’s donning clothing or lighting up the Empire State Building in New York City, the concept through Autism Awareness Month is to recognize people living with Autism and those impacted by it. The goal is to increase understanding and acceptance through education.

The ironic part is the last thing most individuals with Autism have any interest in is the limelight. Nonetheless, it’s important for neuro-typical people to be aware and realize there are many different types of individuals in this world.

Prior to becoming a parent to a special needs child, I admit to knowing little about Autism. I hadn’t invested time in researching because I had no connection to it in my life.

Soon after Carson 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 resulting in major developmental delays, anxiety, 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 seek an Autism diagnosis. I remember it like it was yesterday. The doctor walked into the room, observed Carson and tried to connect with him, summing up in 10 minutes the diagnosis was warranted.

It’s oftentimes easier to explain our child as autistic. It doesn’t matter to me.

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I could care less about labels. I just want the best for him. If having a diagnosis of Autism will allow him access to more services, it’s fine.

All I know is our family is on an uncomfortable roller coaster ride of a journey. We have incredible highs and disturbing lows. We have tremendous anxiety caused by hourly distractions over doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, insurance conference calls to ensure a service gets covered and random behaviors only special needs parents can fathom.

National Autism Association posted on its social media this message, “Even if a person with Autism cannot speak or respond, they still hear your words and feel your attitude. So be kind, compassionate and uplifting … always.”

In my world, thanks largely to the school system, Carson faces much more acceptance than ignorance. It’s not something to be taken for granted.

It might not always be that way. He is different. Though he never wants to be the center of attention, he often makes himself so because of his own actions and uniqueness.

On one hand, I admire him for doing his own thing. Though I wish he didn’t need them to feel secure and manage his anxiety, I am impressed he is comfortable enough to carry in three stuffed animals from home every day to school.

He gets a few looks from schoolmates, and I understand why. He’s 12 years old after all.

Most of all I worry about his future as well as our own. I hope we are on a path of eventual independence for him.

It will look much different than his big brother’s life, but my dream is for him one day to be able to manage his own life. He will realistically always need his parents and assistance. We read stories of special needs kids being able to live in assisted facilities and in apartments near their families while holding down jobs. We hear other accounts

where the kids remain always with their parents.

The key to life is patience. It’s difficult, but critical to wading through the daily challenges with our guy. Accepting and having an awareness of our reality – rather than trying to change and fix him -- is important because it’s the only way to ensure he lives his best life today and tomorrow. He’s awesome in many ways, but struggles to get through life without a ton of help.

There have been many incredible online posts and graphics about Autism this month. Many are worthy of sharing, but here’s one I found online that hits home.

Why Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is more than just a term – it’s both a fact and a movement.

It’s the concept that all “brain wiring” – or neurological difference – is, and should be recognized, respected and celebrated as part of what is considered a normal variation in humanity.

Labels such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, Autism, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome and many more neurodevelopmental differences would come under this banner, helping us understand their individuality and overlap, but removing the stigma of deficits and disorders and with it the notion that such things can or should be cured.

Embracing neurodiversity is a journey towards finding new language, new understanding and new acceptance for thousands of people in our region and millions more across the globe. It’s a movement that will nurture, celebrate and advocate for all forms of communication and expression, promoting any support that allows autistic people – and any others – to live life fulfilled, happy and on their own terms.”

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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April 8, 2022

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

April 8, 2022