The Dispatch May 15, 2020
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OC Marketing ‘Happy Days’ Ahead
See Page 2 • Photo by Nick Denny
Boardwalk Tram Service In Question
Springtime Vistas: It was a beautiful scene at Northside Park Tuesday evening with a lovely sunset and a Great Blue Heron on a hunt in shallow bay water.
Photos by Chris Parypa
See Page 4 • File Photo
County Cuts Hospital Out Of Budget
See Page 16 • File Photo
Cutest Pets Of The Month The winner of the Cutest Pet of the Month contest was last month was Hank, a 3-year-old Labrador mix owned by Tim Swift. See Page 29 for this month’s contestants.
Submitted Photo
Ocean City To Launch Welcome Back Marketing Messages
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BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY – Resort tourism officials this week discussed when to abandon the “stay away from Ocean City” marketing message and begin transitioning to a “welcome back” strategy. Back in March as the COVID-19 pandemic began to accelerate and Mayor Rick Meehan issued emergency declarations closing the beaches and Boardwalk, resort officials shifted gears from the town’s typical pre-season marketing to a non-typical “we miss you but don’t come back any time soon” message. The so-called Happy Place campaign ran in various media platforms from mid-April to the first week of May. “For so many of us, Ocean City Maryland is our happy place,” one of the ad-
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vertisements said. “It’s where we go to relax and spend a few precious days with family and friends, but right now there’s only place you should be, with the people you love, taking care of each other. Your happy place will be here when it’s time to venture out again. The sun will be shining and the sand will be warm. Until then, stay healthy, and know that you have a place in our hearts.” During Monday’s Tourism Commission meeting, Ocean City Communications Manager and Interim Tourism Director Jessica Waters said the Happy Place campaign achieved the desired results with 1.5 million digital views and another 1.3 million Youtube views. It is also credited with driving 60,000 unique visitors to the town’s website. “It was very well-received,” she said. “We got an overwhelmingly positive re-
May 15, 2020
The line for Thrasher’s French Fries is pictured Sunday on the Boardwalk. Physical distance reminders were stamped on the ground throughout the line. Photo by Nick Denny
sponse to the campaign. It was the right message. It really resonated with
people and did exactly what it was supposed to do.” With Meehan rescinding the beach and Boardwalk closure orders last week and the state entering stage one of the recovery plan Friday, Waters said the town is now working on a new marketing campaign to welcome back visitors with an emphasis on social distancing and other practices when it is safe to do so. “Now we’re trying to come across with a really positive message,” she said. “We will be here and ready for you when the time is right.” When Ocean City is ready to reopen and welcome guests, a new marketing campaign will be ready for launch. “We’re waiting for when the time is right for the welcome back message,” she said. “Right now, the ads with the mayor are on hold because there is still a lot of uncertainty. When the governor lifts the stay-at-home order, our ads will be ready almost immediately.” Meehan said it was important for the new campaign to portray portions of Ocean City that are ready to welcome back visitors. In other words, he suggested the footage show places that are open or will be open. “When we do shoot the ads, we want to make sure some of the places featured in them are open,” he said. “That’s why we’re holding back a little bit.” Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Executive Director Susan Jones said her organization has prepared guidelines for resort businesses to safely accommodate guests. “We’re trying to keep everybody informed and help them navigate through this,” she said. “We have to remember a lot of our visitors are not yet comfortable. We have to send a message that’s it’s safe to get out when the time is right.” When asked how many hotels are open or planning to reopen, Jones said the number changes almost daily. “I’m hearing from a lot of people they are getting anxious to get open,” she said. “A lot of the hotels are planning to reopen when the governor lifts the stayat-home order. We have seven open now just for essential guests and there might be another dozen reopening this weekend. Most are targeting that May 22 date.”
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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Should Boardwalk Tram Operate At All This Summer?
Page 4
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY – The Boardwalk tram may not run at all this summer or could be operated with a significantly reduced schedule, resort officials decided this week. The transportation committee on Tuesday debated the merits of operating the Boardwalk tram this summer regardless of what stage in the state’s recovery plan is reached. It was literally a nearly million-dollar question as committee members weighed balancing social distancing and public safety against significant revenue losses and the loss of a popular feature on the Boardwalk for generations. Not running the tram at all on the Boardwalk this summer was the preferred option for some on the committee. It was ultimately decided not to begin operating the tram by Memorial Day weekend, but instead to see how the current pandemic situation plays out in early summer and revisit the issue in June. Ocean City Transportation Operations Manager Steve Bartlett said it would take about two weeks to get the staff trained and the tram up and running, which could begin in midJune if the situation warrants, and put the tram service restoration on target
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for the beginning of July. Unlike the municipal bus service, the Boardwalk tram is an amenity not required for providing mass transportation, Mayor Rick Meehan pointed out. “This is a difficult time and we have to make difficult decisions,” he said. “The Boardwalk tram is actually an amusement and we’re not required to provide it as public transit. I think it might be difficult to operate it, at least in the beginning. The perception of the tram going down the Boardwalk packed with 80 people is something I’m not sure we want to do.” Councilman Tony DeLuca said the future of the Boardwalk tram was not a decision the committee had to rush into. “I think we should hold off on that decision,” he said. “We shouldn’t run it on Memorial Day weekend. Maybe we can test in June and bring it back by the Fourth of July.” Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said from a fiscal standpoint, not operating the tram at all this summer could result in a loss of revenue approaching $1 million. Councilman Dennis Dare pointed out the challenges of running the Boardwalk tram while trying to protect public health and maintain social distancing. “The tram is not public transportation and I don’t think it’s essential for
us to operate it,” he said. “If we did try social distancing, the ridership would be reduced to the point it wouldn’t be working. Also, the tram herds people on the Boardwalk together and that defeats the message of social distancing.” Dare said given his druthers, he would just suspend the Boardwalk tram operation for the season. “I’d be critical of running it at all this summer,” he said. “Unless there’s a big change in the science, all indications are this thing is still going to be around longer than the Fourth of July.” DeLuca said the tram season could be salvaged to some degree even if it was brought back in late summer. “There could be a break even,” he said. “If we could run the tram in August and September, we might be able to get back to even and minimize some of the losses.” Meehan said the tram could be an example of an acceptable level of loss in the name of public safety. “We all realize there are going to be losses,” he said. “None of us want that, but we have to do the right thing. We just have to find a way to minimize the losses.” Councilman Mark Paddack said the tough decision regarding the Boardwalk tram was symptomatic of what the entire community is and will con-
May 15, 2020
tinue to deal with in what is shaping up to be a certainly unconventional summer. “Everybody in our community is operating at a loss until we really get up and running,” he said. “Maybe we start the training in June and by July we’re ready to go. We know July, August and September are the biggest months.” Dare reiterated his point about the challenges in operating a tram on a crowded Boardwalk while trying to maintain some semblance of social distancing and other public safety guidelines. “Running the trams contradicts social distancing on the Boardwalk,” he said. “It’s going to be a financial loss. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We know we’re going to be operating a lot of these things at a loss was we try to navigate these unchartered waters.” After considerable debate, the committee voted to move up its next meeting from the scheduled June 9 to June 2. At that time, the committee will have a better understanding of where the town is in its recovery phases and will make a decision on the future of the Boardwalk tram for this summer. In a best case scenario, the training and preparation could begin by mid-June and the tram could be operating by July.
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 5
Governor Moves Maryland Into Recovery’s First Phase
Page 6
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY – Providing just a little light at the end of the tunnel, Gov. Larry Hogan this week lifted the stayat-home order in place for several weeks and moved Maryland into stage one of his three-stage recovery plan. As expected, Hogan on Wednesday announced effective at 5 p.m. on Friday, the stay-at-home order will be lifted and replaced with a “safer at home” public health advisory. Essentially, that means Marylanders will be allowed to freely move around the state and their communities while continuing to practice social distancing, wearing masks in indoor spaces and other public health advisories. Lifting the stay-at-home order is
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Local Restaurants’ Hopes To Offer Outside Dining Not Included
just one element of the governor’s “Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,” which also includes the limited reopening of the state’s economy including retail stores, manufacturing, certain personal services such as beauty salons and barber shops and religious services with strict 50% capacity limitations and other restrictions including social distancing and the wearing of masks, for example. Alas, restaurants, bars and other
food-service operations remain closed for on-premise service and will remain in carryout and delivery mode until stage two of the governor’s recovery plan is reached, or unless Hogan alters the plan in the interim, such as he did with a pre-stage one move last week opening parks and other outdoor areas. There was a push to allow restaurants and bars to provide service to guests in outdoor seating areas with distancing and capacity restric-
May 15, 2020
tions on place, but that was not included in the stage one directives announced on Wednesday. The Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) had developed a series of guidelines for a phased reopening with limited outdoor service and was part of the push to have that included in stage one of the recovery plan. Shortly after the governor’s speech on Wednesday, OCHMRA Executive Director Susan Jones sent a blitz email to the association’s members advising them restaurants were not included in stage one. “I know we were all anxiously awaiting the 5 p.m. conference, and while I’m happy to report that Governor Hogan just lifted the stay-at-home order, we did not hear any mention of ‘outdoor dining,’ which was disappointing. The governor did state a flexible, community-based approach will empower individual jurisdictions to make decisions regarding the timing of stage one re-openings.” Hogan did say the counties and local jurisdictions will have some autonomy in making decisions regarding their own re-opening plans under stage one. However, it appears that directive would allow local jurisdictions to keep their re-opening plans more restrictive, and not less restrictive. Hogan pointed out 70% of the state’s confirmed coronavirus infections were concentrated in just four counties in the densely populated center of the state including 50% in the counties surrounding the Washington, D.C., areas. Officials in those counties this week said they were not yet comfortable moving to stage one and easing restrictions, so it appears Hogan’s local flexibility directives allow for those counties to make their own decisions about moving to stage one. In general, there are essentially two main camps in Maryland and around the nation including those who believe the state is moving too quickly with its recovery plan and those who believe it is not moving fast enough. Hogan said on Wednesday the recovery plan was based on the best available data. “As we begin stage one of our recovery, I want to assure every Marylander who may feel uneasy, and anyone who is concerned that we are moving either too quickly or too slowly, that each and every decision we make is both fact-based and science-based and made only after extensive consultation with our expert Coronavirus Recovery Team,” said Hogan. “We are continually monitoring this crisis, we remain focused on the clusters, outbreaks, and hotspots, and I can assure you that we remain ready to quickly and decisively respond to any changes in the facts on the ground, and that we will continue to attack this virus with every single tool at our disposal.” The state’s recovery plan is based SEE PAGE 8
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 7
… Retail Stores, Salons Allowed To Open At Half Capacity
Page 8
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FROM PAGE 6 on two parallel courses. One is reaching the objectives in four basic building blocks including hospital surge capacity, increased testing capacity, the acquisition of sufficient personal protective equipment and a significant improvement in the state’s contact tracing ability. Hogan said on Wednesday the state has continued to check off those boxes. The other key component in the recovery plan is the stabilization of certain key indicators including the number of hospitalizations, the number of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and the number of reported deaths in Maryland. Hogan said when those key indicators plateaued and trended in the right direction for at least 14 days, the state could move to stage
one of the recovery plan, which is what happened this week. When the governor announced the recovery plan three weeks ago, he said stage two would rely those same key indicators trending in the right direction for at least another 14 days. If that happens and there are no major spikes in the numbers during stage one, stage two could presumably launched in about two weeks, or roughly Memorial Day weekend. “We made it clear if Marylanders continued staying at home and practicing physical distancing, we were hopeful that the numbers would start to plateau,” he said. “Two weeks ago, we moved to no longer playing defense and went on the offensive. Last week, with the four building blocks in place and the numbers consistently
plateauing, the team recommended revised guidelines and a move to state one in our recovery plan.” Hogan said entering stage one and re-opening certain businesses and other activities should not be taken to mean COVID-19 is simply going away and dismiss the safe practices that allowed the state to get even this far. “Lifting the stay-at-home order is a positive step forward,” he said. “It does not mean we are safe and the crisis is over. Those at risk including the elderly and others who are vulnerable are encouraged to stay at home. Marylanders should continue to wear masks inside retail stores and other indoor areas. As always, outside is better than inside.” The governor encouraged all Marylanders to continue to stay at home
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when possible, practice social distancing, wear masks in indoor public areas, sanitation and good hygiene practices and all other measures aimed at continuing to flatten the curve. “If stage one activities resume without spikes in these numbers, we will be in a position to move to stage two,” he said. “The painful truth is this virus will continue to be with us and outbreaks remain a deadly threat until there is a vaccine.” Hogan empathized with the state’s business community and the desire to reopen and get back to work, but urged Marylanders to hang in there and stay the course in order to advance the recovery plan. “I’m a lifelong small business owner and I feel for these business owners and I understand people need to get back to work,” he said. “I’m anxious to get to stage two and it depends on how everybody responds to this first phase. If everybody goes crazy and the numbers spike up, it will slow the process.” Again, stage one of the recovery plan announced on Wednesday includes reopening many businesses including retail stores, personal services operations and religious services, each with 50% capacity restrictions and other social-distancing directives in place. However, again stage one does not include opening restaurants, bars and other food service establishments other than the current allowance for carryout and delivery. “This order controls the occupancy and use of restaurants, bars and other similar establishments that sell food or beverages for consumption on-premises in Maryland,” the order reads. “All restaurants and bars shall remain closed to the general public except that, to the extent permitted by applicable law and in accordance with any social distancing recommendations of the Maryland Department of Health, food and beverages may be sold if such food or beverages are promptly taken from the premises on a carryout or drive-through basis or delivered to customers off the premises.” Under a broad category of “other recreational establishments” that must remain closed fall a number of businesses in Ocean City that might be uncertain of what the governor’s new directives mean for them. The list includes bingo halls, bowling alleys, pool halls, amusement parks, miniature golf and social and fraternal clubs such as the American Legion, VFW and Elks Clubs, for example. This week’s announcement also encouraged businesses who could open on a limited capacity to sign the “Maryland Strong: Back To Business Pledge,” which outlines safety and health promises the individual business is committed to and signed by the owner.
More Changes Eyed For Farmers Market
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 9
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
BERLIN – Town leaders agreed to pursue expanding the Berlin Farmers Market onto Main Street and to include downtown businesses. On Monday, the Berlin Town Council agreed to try to broaden the farmers market to include a section of Main Street and to allow downtown shops to set up their wares on the sidewalk during the Sunday market. “If that's something we can make happen I think it'd be great,” Councilman Zack Tyndall said. At the close of Monday’s meeting, Tyndall said he’d attended Sunday’s farmers market and noted how crowded it was. Because vendors are already set up on Pitts Street and Commerce Street, he suggested closing Main Street to vehicles during the hours of the market to allow space for more vendors. “It's going to provide a little bit more room for people to social distance,” Tyndall said. “Two, it'll provide more space for people to conduct commerce.” Mayor Gee Williams said it was a great idea. He said that in addition to closing Main Street during the market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays, he wanted to encourage downtown businesses — most of which have been forced to close due to the COVID19 pandemic — A to set up tables on the sidewalk if they were interested. “We've got plenty of space,” he said. “I don’t see any difference between those businesses and the businesses that are participating in the farmers market.” When Councilman Thom Gulyas asked if Williams was only inviting businesses the state had deemed essential, the mayor replied that he intended to invite all downtown businesses. “Is that going to run afoul?” Gulyas asked. Williams replied that he was determined to reopen the town in a commonsense way. “I think it's time to take some proactive reasonable strides,” Williams said. “This is a terrible thing that's happened. In reality the rural counties in this state are being severely punished because of five counties where there's a real problem … I feel for them, I’m really sorry for them, but … we're all doing what we're supposed to do and we're being punished economically and the small businesses, not large businesses, are the foundation of the economics of our community, both from a standpoint of revenues and also employment. I think it's time for small towns to stand up and be heard. I know that might not be totally popular but it's not a time to do what's popular it's time to do what's right.” The council voted 4-0, with Councilman Dean Burrell absent, to have town staff pursue extending the market. Staff said they would confer with the police chief regarding the proposal.
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Berlin Council Votes 3-1 For Flat Tax Rate In Next Budget
Page 10
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BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
BERLIN – Town officials voted to maintain Berlin’s current tax rate going into the next fiscal year. On Monday the Berlin Town Council voted 3-1, with Councilman Zack Tyndall opposed, to maintain the current tax rate of $.80 per $100 of assessed value into fiscal year 2021. Tyndall advocated for the constant yield rate, which would have represented a slight decrease in the cost to residents. “If we look at what we spent last year, nobody suffered last year,” Tyndall said. “Here at town hall, no individual or service was cut. The constant yield rate would maintain that and it would provide some relief to the people of Berlin.” Though town officials had initially planned for a modest tax hike in fiscal year 2021, Mayor Gee Williams announced at the start of the current health crisis that the concept of a tax increase this year was being abandoned. Instead, officials advertised that the town planned to maintain the rate of $.80. Even with the rate not going up, the town is set to receive roughly $150,000 more than it did last year because of the in-
The Berlin Town Council meeting, which was live streamed via Facebook Live for the public, is pictured. File Photo
crease in assessed value. When Tyndall asked about the constant yield rate — which would keep the town’s revenue at the same level it was the previous year — Finance Director Natalie Saleh said the town’s rate was 2% above the constant yield rate, which would be slightly less than $.79. She added that the town would be
receiving some of its revenue late because the state was operating with reduced staff during the pandemic. Tyndall said he’d like to see the town adopt the constant yield rate. “I talk to people and I listen in public,” he said. “Everybody says it’s high and that they’re strapped. If we can provide a little bit of economic relief at
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a time when there’s a lot of uncertainty… I’d like us to at least take a serious look at the constant yield rate.” Williams said the town had to ensure it could continue to offer the services it provided residents. He added that the town’s property tax revenues could be impacted by appeals. The mayor said holding the tax rate at $.80 was the responsible thing to do. “We have a responsibility to pay our bills and provide the services,” he said. “Nobody wants this situation but it’s our job to do our job and make sure we provide the services that people absolutely depend on.” Tyndall brought up the unemployment rate. “Look at the macroeconomic environment,” he said. “That is going to trickle down to us.” Williams said the town didn’t create the problem. “We’re not the ones who have control over the macroeconomics of what’s happening in this country,” he said, adding that the town’s job was to provide essential services to residents. “If we face a financial dilemma later, we might have to reduce the budget but right now I think it would be irresponsible to start cutting further into our potential revenues when we know there’s so many potential pitfalls that may happen.” He said Tyndall’s suggestion was a “nice thought” but maintained that cutting the rate at all would be irresponsible. “It may not be popular but I think my responsibility is to do what I think is right for the town and not continue doing something that’s a feel good type thing,” Williams said. Councilman Troy Purnell pointed out that what Tyndall proposed would amount to a roughly $60 tax credit on a $300,000 home. He added that the last time the town cut the tax rate it had been a huge mistake. Tyndall said $60 was a lot to some people. “I’m very sorry if that’s going to make or break someone,” Williams said. “If that is their life, it’s beyond our rescue.” The council voted 3-1, with Tyndall opposed, to approve the tax rate of $.80. The council will host a public hearing on the fiscal year 2021 budget May 26.
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May 15, 2020
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County To Provide OC Funds For WOC Medical Service
Page 12
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – Worcester County officials agreed to work with the Town of Ocean City regarding emergency medical service in West Ocean City. During budget deliberations on Tuesday, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 to negotiate with Ocean City regarding the cost of providing emergency medical service to the West Ocean City area and to include the necessary funding in the coming
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
year’s budget. “They provide a service and would like to be paid,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. Mitrecic told the commissioners they needed to make a decision regarding how to provide EMS service in West Ocean City. Though Ocean City has provided the service to the West Ocean City area in the past, resort officials told the commissioners in February that if that was to continue, the county would have to cover the cost. Though county staff took the roughly
$400,000 cost of the service out of the proposed budget as they made adjustments due to COVID-19 impacts, Mitrecic said it was a decision for the commissioners to make. “I think this is something that needs to be decided,” Mitrecic said. “We either need to give Ocean City the money they’re asking for or we have to come up with a way to provide services for the residents of West Ocean City.” Chief Administrative Officer Harold Higgins said he was in the process of determining the cost of having a private company provide EMS service in West Ocean City. Commissioner Jim Bunting said he thought the county should move forward with that. “I just don’t like being threatened,” he said. Mitrecic said Ocean City hadn’t threatened the county but simply couldn’t afford to continue to provide the service and saddle resort taxpayers with the expense. “They can no longer run West Ocean City with the staff that they have,” Mitrecic said. “In order to continue to run West Ocean City, they need to put on more staff. That’s what this extra money is for. They also have to buy another ambulance.” He added that the resort had been one call away from not being able to
May 15, 2020
respond to emergencies within the resort because of the demands of West Ocean City. “We’ve actually had Bethany come into town and make runs when things were close,” he said. Mitrecic said he didn’t think the county would be able to find a private company to provide ambulance service to West Ocean City for less than $400,000. He stressed that wasn’t his primary concern, however. “All I’m concerned about is residents of West Ocean City,” he said. “I don’t want to be the president that signs the letter to the residents of West Ocean City that says, ‘hey you don’t have ambulance service.’” Commissioner Josh Nordstrom asked if the county could use some of the expected $4.5 million it would be getting through the CARES Act. Staff said there were stipulations on that funding that would ensure it was used for COVID-19 related expenses. Nordstrom made a motion to provide Ocean City with the funding required to provide EMS service to West Ocean City. “I don’t want to see West Ocean City go without service,” he said. The commissioners voted 4-3, with Bunting, Commissioner Chip Bertino and Commissioner Ted Elder opposed, to approve the motion.
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High School Graduation Plans Set
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Resort Boardwalk Parade Planned
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – While they might not be walking across the stage in the traditional manner, local high school seniors will be celebrated with graduation events this month. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, school system officials were forced to create unique events to celebrate seniors. Worcester County’s graduates will be invited into school
one by one to walk across the stage and get a commencement photo. They’ll also be honored with parades in Ocean City, Snow Hill and Pocomoke. “We are giving our seniors the best we can give them right now,” said Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief operating officer and academic officer for grades 9-12. . While Superintendent Lou Taylor said from the start that traditional gradSEE PAGE 14
County Budget Mired In Unknowns Bertino: ‘We’re Going To See A Bigger Hit’
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – Revenue concerns highlighted a Worcester County budget work session this week as the long-term effects of the ongoing health crisis remain unknown. “The impact’s going to continue a lot longer than we think,” Commissioner Jim Bunting said. The commissioners held a virtual meeting Tuesday to discuss the county’s $205 million proposed budget. Several of the commissioners were quick to express their concern about the fact that revenues in the coming year were projected to be higher than they are in the current fiscal year. “I think we’re going to see a bigger hit because of the pandemic than is indicated in this budget.,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “I’d just like to see these line items scrubbed even more.” Commissioner Ted Elder agreed. “I’d rather err on the side of caution,” he said. Bertino questioned projections regarding property tax, income tax and rental license fees. He also pointed out that casino revenues would be down. Staff projections show the county bringing in $138 million in property tax revenue in the coming year, up from $134 million this year. Finance Officer Phil Thompson said he was confident regarding those figures, as the process was already underway and the county typically collected the amount it budgeted. He said if there was a variance he expected it to be less than half a percent. “Property taxes I’m probably more sure of than just about everything else on here,” Thompson said, adding that property taxes accounted for roughly 70% of the county’s revenue. “Income
taxes … we know we’re going to take hits. We know it’s been a horrible March/April. May is not looking tremendously better there however we’re hoping to salvage a reasonable summer season.” He said staff had lowered the projected income tax revenue by $3.5 million, to $26.5 million. Bertino said that in the early days of the pandemic, the commissioners had asked staff to present a flat budget aside from a maintenance of effort level budget for the school system and raises for staff. “On the revenue side that’s not what is reflected here,” he said. “What’s presented to us is not necessarily what we asked for two months ago.” Commissioner Bud Church, who’s represented District 3 since 2002, said the economy was much worse during his early years as a commissioner. “We’re the second richest county in the state of Maryland. Ocean City, even in a bad time, is going to generate income…,” he said. “I don’t have a problem with the projected budget. We will get through this … It’s not going to be a record year but it’s not going to be a disastrous year. The sky’s not falling.” Though Bunting proposed lowering projected room tax revenue and transfer tax revenue, motions to do so failed with just the support of Bunting, Bertino and Elder. The commissioners did agree that revenue associated with housing at the jail for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement currently projected at just under $5 million, should be reduced and asked Warden Donna Bounds to come back with a new figure. The commissioners are expected to approve a final budget in early June.
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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
… Graduates Will Be Honored During Boardwalk Parade
May 15, 2020
FROM PAGE 13 uation ceremonies would be held once it was safe to do so, even if it is months before large gatherings can take place, the school system also formed a committee to focus on senior celebrations. Community members made it clear they wanted the class of 2020 recognized, as more than 700 signed an online petition calling for outdoor parades or ceremonies—not a virtual graduation—to honor seniors. Wallace said this week officials understood how important it was to honor seniors now, before they embarked for positions in the military, college or workforce. She acknowledged that they’d missed so much since schools were closed in March. “A lot of things have already been ripped away from them,” she said. “We felt compelled to celebrate somehow now.” The class of 2020 commencement committee put together by Taylor, which included principals and each high school’s graduation planning committees, was broken down into smaller groups so representatives of each high school could decide what was best for their community. They’ve each made plans for seniors at Stephen Decatur, Pocomoke and Snow Hill high schools. Wallace said each school would invite seniors and their family members—in groups of less than 10—into the building so the graduate can get their diploma from the principal. “There will be an opportunity for the family to see that moment,” Wallace said. At each school, a video will be put together of the students getting their diplomas. A watch party will be held and the video will be provided to each graduate. In addition, each high school is hosting a parade to honor graduates. Stephen Decatur will host a parade on the Boardwalk May 27 at 5:30 p.m. Pocomoke will host a parade May 29 at 7 p.m. and Snow Hill will host a parade June 4 at 5 p.m. Wallace said that celebratory events would also be held in the future once it was safe to hold large gatherings. “We can’t say when that’s going to be,” she said. Wallace said she’s pleased with the committee’s efforts to honor seniors in the midst of the current health crisis. “It’s not what any of us want,” she said. “All of us want a traditional commencement ceremony.” She reminds students that the situation will eventually pass. “Just think, you’re going to have a great story to tell your kids,” she said.
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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County To Cut Hospital Funding
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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May 15, 2020
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners voted not to provide funding to Atlantic General Hospital in the coming fiscal year. During a budget work session Tuesday, the commissioners voted 4-3 to eliminate the usual $175,000 contribution to the hospital from the fiscal year 2021 budget. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said he hoped the decision would encourage the hospital to seek funding from neighboring Sussex County. “Almost 40% of their emergency room visits come out of Sussex County yet Sussex County pays nothing to this hospital,” Mitrecic said. “They donate nothing to the hospital.” The budget being reviewed Tuesday included a grant of $175,000 to the hospital, which had requested $300,000. Commissioner Jim Bunting quickly made a motion to “zero out” the line item. “I don’t think we should be giving anything to any nonprofits,” Bunting said when asked about his rationale for making the cut. He added that he intended to work toward zeroing out all grants to social services. Commissioner Diana Purnell spoke out against the cut. “In this time of the pandemic … to zero out grants to Atlantic General Hospital would be detrimental to our community,” she said. “The hospital’s going to need everything they can get.” Commissioner Bud Church agreed and said he didn’t think the decision would sit well with the citizens of Worcester County. “Worcester County residents may not be happy with the $175,000 cut from their donation however they probably don’t understand how many people are coming out of Sussex County using that hospital and their taxpayers aren’t paying for it,” Mitrecic said. “To me this is more a motion to tell them that they need to pursue Sussex County and funding other places.” The commissioners voted 4-3, with Church, Purnell and Commissioner Josh Nordstrom opposed, to eliminate the contribution to Atlantic General Hospital (AGH).
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AGH President/CEO Michael Franklin called the commissioners move “a very disappointing decision” and said in a statement “we sincerely hope that the Commissioners will reconsider this decision.” “The $175,000 that was discussed during yesterday’s meeting is actually a cumulative amount combined from two separate requests,” said Franklin. “$100,000 of that amount was a continuation of the Commissioners’ 5-year pledge to support the hospital’s Campaign for the Future to update and renovate our facilities as outlined in our master facility plan to meet the needs of our expanding community. The decision to discontinue that commitment in year 4 of 5 of their pledge may set an ill-fated precedent with others that have similar pledges, and that will significantly impact our ability to continue with those plans.” During his annual presentation to the commissioners for funding support in March, Franklin was questioned by Mitrecic about the hospital’s growth pattern. Mitrecic recounted an experience he had personally, as well as others he had spoken to, when the hospital did not provide appropriate health care. “We keep expanding, we keep building, we keep moving, we keep doing all this other stuff,” Mitrecic said. “Why don’t we concentrate on making the actual hospital that we have right there the best hospital it can be instead of adding all this stuff? … As far as us winning awards for the emergency room, getting people in and out fast doesn’t do anything for me. Getting somebody out with the right diagnosis and treating them the right way, that’s what’s important. … I think you’re trying to grow way too fast and we need to concentrate on getting the health care to the people in our community that they need and then expanding.” In response to Mitrecic’s concerns at the public meeting in March, Franklin said, “If we don’t have enough physicians in our community to provide that necessary access, that creates another problem. We’ve got to have a balance between having enough providers, expanding to meet the needs by having access to health care services, as well as making sure that when they get SEE NEXT PAGE
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May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
there they’re getting the right care.” In his statement this week about the annual funding being removed from the budget, Franklin said the county’s contribution outside the campaign pledge was needed for operations. “The additional $75,000 is a separate annual grant request to the commissioners to support annual hospital operations,” said Franklin. “Each year we present to the commissioners how these funds were used in the prior year, and outline how we plan to use the funds in the upcoming year to recruit additional providers and resources, and to provide critical health care services to our community. I presented this information to our commissioners in March this year. It is unfortunate that some of the commissioners do not see the need to continue to provide our expanding community with these much needed health care services.” Franklin said the commissioners were told in March the hospital seeks funding from neighboring Sussex County each year. “We’ve reported to the commissioners that we regularly provide the same request for funding assistance to the Sussex County Commissioners,” Franklin said. “Atlantic General Hospital recently requested and received support from the state of Delaware for our critically ill patients. We would not have been able to receive this support if we had not requested it, due to the care we
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were providing for our Sussex County residents.” The commissioners went on to review funding requests from other social service organizations. Bunting, as he indicated with the hospital grant, made a motion to zero out every grant except those to the Worcester County Developmental Center, Wor-Wic Community College and Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services. While Commissioner Ted Elder seconded several of those motions, none of them earned the support of the majority. The commissioners are expected to adopt a final budget on June 2 following two additional budget work sessions this month. Franklin said this week he is hopeful the county will reconsider its position on cutting out nonprofits from annual grants. “Discontinuing funding support to all non-profits will put added stress on those citizens most at risk, and will create a disproportionate strain on the health department and hospital moving forward,” said Franklin. “As I shared in my presentation in my presentation in March, and in prior years, the management of social issues in communities has a direct effect on the overall health of a community. Worcester County has made great strides over the past five years, this way of thinking will negatively influence that process.”
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Page 18
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
OCEAN CITY – The appropriate level of municipal bus service and just how much revenue could be lost were the subject of considerable debate this week for the Ocean City Transportation Committee. The transportation committee met on Tuesday to discuss a wide variety of issues related to the town’s mass transit system. Under normal circumstances, the town’s buses would have long since transitioned to a spring schedule while ramping up toward Memorial Day weekend and the traditional start of the summer season. However, as the COVID-19 situation drags on, there has been little demand for the municipal bus system and, consequently, no reason yet to ramp up toward summer season deployments. Transportation Director Mark Rickards on Tuesday explained the municipal bus service through April and the first half of May is still operating on the winter schedule with two buses running, one in each direction, with typical
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
wait times around 40 minutes. Budget Manager Jennie Knapp said the municipal bus revenue was down in March and April, but those losses have been absorbed through the transportation enterprise fund. However, with the arrival of May and signs of life starting to return in Ocean City, the anticipated losses in revenue from the municipal bus system will be amplified and there will likely come a time when it needs to be subsidized from the town’s general fund. “Through April, we’ve been able to handle the losses in the transportation fund,” she said. “When we get into May and June, the losses start to become more substantial. We won’t be able to sustain the losses without going into the general fund.” Knapp said the committee and ultimately the Mayor and Council will have some decisions to make in terms of deployments and schedules going forward as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve. Those decisions will affect the level of revenue lost from the bus system.
“The estimates for the remainder of fiscal year 2020 will depend on some of the decisions made,” she said. “Right now, we can contain the losses in the transportation fund. We’ve already reached the match on the state grant, so any losses from here on out are ours.” Public Works Director Hal Adkins said the time was near to begin moving toward an adjusted spring schedule. “Having two buses out there right now is quite unheard of, but that’s where we are,” he said. “As we head toward Memorial Day, I’m suggesting we adjust to a hybrid spring schedule.” Operations Manager Steve Bartlett said the plan was to expand to six buses during the day and six buses at night starting around May 22. That would cut the service time from the existing 40 minutes to 20 minutes. “I could put two more out there on Friday and Saturday, for example,” he said. “We could continue like that until July 3. That’s just an arbitrary date meant only for planning purposes.” Mayor Rick Meehan said there was
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a lot of uncertainty still about the traditional senior week crowds in June although that is expected to be diminished significantly. However many recent graduates do show up, Meehan cautioned about letting the transit system become the late-night party bus as in years past. “As far as June, we don’t know what the situation will be with the high school graduates, but I don’t think we’ll see as many,” he said. “What I don’t want is to encourage the party bus late at night. There is no Play it Safe program this year and there are no wristbands. If we start to see the buses becoming that, we can cut back service and cut back ridership.” Councilman Dennis Dare pointed out there will be challenges with social distancing on the buses despite the town’s best efforts. He cautioned social distancing requirements could exacerbate the revenue drain. “I’m conflicted,” he said. “I have concerns about packing people on a bus and ignoring social distancing. If we follow social distancing, we’ll probably have to double the number of buses to meet the demand and that would double the losses.” Councilman Mark Paddack suggested keeping the municipal bus system on the same hybrid spring schedule and revisiting the issue in June when the picture becomes clearer. “I don’t want to see it operating at a loss,” he said. “We’re not going to see a Memorial Day weekend like this ever again. I just don’t know that we’ll have a lot of people riding the bus. The restaurants will still be carryout only until stage two.” There was also significant discussion about what to do with the Parkand-Ride in West Ocean City. Meehan said the tri-county transit service offered currently could fill the void if the town doesn’t offer it immediately. “I’m not sure we need to start that service on Memorial Day weekend,” he said. “Shore Transit can continue to come into town to drop off employees for our businesses.”
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Fenwick Opens Beach For Exercise, Seeks Outdoor Dining
May 15, 2020
BY BETHANY HOOPER
STAFF WRITER
FENWICK ISLAND – Officials in Fenwick Island agreed last week to reopen the town’s beaches for walking and exercising and to approach the governor about outdoor dining. Last Thursday, the Fenwick Island Town Council met in a special teleconference meeting to provide residents an update on COVID-19 and its impacts on the town and its residents and business owners. “Unfortunately, cases keep going up in Sussex County,” Mayor Gene Langan said, “and I think they went up the last couple of days because of testing in Georgetown and Seaford.” As the summer season approaches, Fenwick officials focused most of last week’s discussion on efforts to prepare for the eventual reopening of businesses and the influx of visitors. On May 8, Gov. John Carney extended his state of emergency declaration through May 31, but also announced June 1 as the target date for entering phase one of Delaware’s economic reopening. "Ultimately, our ability to move into Phase I at the beginning of next month will depend on our ability to contain COVID-19 hot spots in Sussex County, especially along the Route 113 corridor,” Carney said. “Because of the ongoing threat in Sussex County, we
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
are not in a position yet to open Delaware's beaches, or remove restrictions on short-term rentals and out-of-state travelers. We need everyone to really lean into the effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in southern Delaware.” Town Manager Terry Tieman told the council last week the situation changes with each day, but that the town continues to prepare for the summer season. She noted, for example, that the Fenwick Island Beach Patrol had ordered personal protective equipment and made plans for social distancing out on the beach and within beach patrol headquarters. “We don’t think the governor will open the beaches for full use until after Memorial Day …,” she said. “But we do think we may need some lifeguards that weekend to monitor what’s happening on the beach.” Tieman said the town must also prepare for the influx of visitors this summer once travel and short-term rental bans are lifted. She suggested the town launch an informational campaign encouraging people to social distance, wash their hands and wear their masks. “It’s very important we get and keep that word out there,” she said. Town officials also provided a business update last week. Langan said the town’s Business Development Committee Chair Tim Col-
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lins was working with Fenwick merchants to seek financial relief. While many were struggling, Langan noted the reopening of curbside pick-up for some nonessential businesses in Delaware could help. “I think the problem is people bought their inventory in January and February,” he said. “They are paying for it now and they are out of cash. They thought they would be back in businesses by now … Maybe curbside business will help.” Tieman said the town had also noticed a drop-off in revenue since March. “Our revenue from the last two months is down about $30,000 …,” she said.
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“What will be affected next fiscal year will be gross receipt tax for rentals. So we are rebuilding the budget.” The town council voted unanimously last Thursday to allow walking and exercising on the beach starting May 9 after signage is installed at each entrance. The council also voted unanimous to approach Carney about allowing restaurants to open with additional outdoor dining, which would provide for social distancing. “We want to get back to business, but we want to do it with safety in mind,” Tieman said.
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May 15, 2020
No Opposition To 34 Additional Sites
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Planning Commission approved changes at two local campgrounds. The planning commission last week approved an expansion of Island Resort Cooperative Campground and waivers to allow for construction of a storage building at Fort Whaley Campground. Connections of Island Resort Cooperative Campground, which is located at the end of Cropper Island Road, asked for approval to move forward with the addition of 34 campsites. “This request is for the next phase of the campground,” attorney Mark Cropper said. The campsites will be gravel and accessed through the existing campground entrance. No structures are proposed as part of the expansion, which the commission approved unanimously. The other campground-related request approved last week will permit Fort Whaley Campground to put up a pole building. Though the campground initially presented plans to build a recreation center, attorney Hugh Cropper said there was no longer a need be-
cause the campground had existing buildings that could serve that purpose. Instead, the campground plans to put up a pole building for storage. “This is not going to be visible from Route 50,” Cropper said. The commission also approved a landscape waiver for Assateague Life Retail, located on Route 611, and agreed to provide a positive recommendation to a text amendment related to the maximum height limitation for manufactured and mobile homes. The text amendment, which is supported by county staff, will allow for the steeper roof pitches of today’s manufactured and mobile homes. “It really makes sense,” said Ed Tudor, the county’s director of development review and permitting. Attorney Pete Cosby, representing Edward Sowers, who proposed the text amendment, said the existing ordinance was outdated and said the proposed change would allow for the type of manufactured homes being made today. “It will promote more modern construction,” he said. The text amendment will move on to the Worcester County Commissioners for consideration.
May 15, 2020
Obituaries
John G. Widgeon, Sr. BISHOPVILLE – John G. Widgeon, Sr., age 69, of Bishopville, died Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at home. John was born in Salisbury and was the son of the late John Vincent and Hilda L. (Pusey) Widgeon. A graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, he was a self-employed, highly skilled carpenter whose talents can be visually seen throughout Ocean City today. Among his numerous creations were the original Fager’s Island and the many wonderful additions and improvements over the years including the dining room, the bridge and deck. He JOHN G. also built the Lighthouse WIDGEON, SR. Club Hotel, The Edge Hotel, The Coconut Malorie Resort, Duplex Daybreak, Bogart’s Restaurant in Salisbury and numerous elevator shafts in Ocean City buildings. He is survived by his wife, Linda E. Widgeon; two sons, John G. Widgeon Jr. and Matthew V. Widgeon both of Berlin; one daughter, Candace Marie Widgeon of Marathon, Fla.; four stepchildren, Jerry A. Bowden (Kelly Nock) of Bishopville, Timothy J. Bowden of Ocean Pines, William A. Bowden Jr. of Ocean View and Amy M. Bowden; two brothers, David P. Widgeon (Faye) of Parsonsburg and Robert E. Widgeon (Taffy) of Spokane, Wash.; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Judy Widgeon, and a sister, Anita K. Dennis. Memorial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.
Barbara Ann Parrish OCEAN CITY – Barbara Ann Parrish, age 77, died on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Born in Whiteville, N.C. she was the daughter of the late Pauline and Captain Reaves. She is survived by her beloved husband, Darrell (Bud) Mason Parrish, and children, Donna Reeder and her husband Leonard of Glen Burnie, and Keith Parrish and his wife Deana of Sykesville, Md. She has five beloved grandchildren, Brandon, Nicole, Benjamin, Anna, and Luke. BARBARA ANN PARRISH She is also survived by her twin sister, Sally (Peggy) Garber, and many nieces and nephews. Barbara or Pat as she was known to friends had worked for the Southland Corporation (7-Eleven) for 27 years prior to her retirement and move to Ocean City. She enjoyed spending
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
time with her grandchildren and was always ready for a game of putt putt or cards. She also enjoyed shopping for her children and grandchildren. She was always the most gracious hostess when anyone visited her and Bud in Ocean City, she really enjoyed having friends and family visit. Though Pat’s health was failing for years, few people knew the extent to which she struggled. Her joy for life, love for her children and grandchildren and indomitable spirit kept her pushing through the pain. Her and her husband Bud would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this October. She will be missed by all who knew her. A memorial service and celebration of her life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Letters of condolences may be sent via www.burbagefuneralhome.com A donation in her memory can be made to Coastal Hospice at: https://coastalhospice.org/make-a-donation/
Obituaries cost $50 to appear in The Dispatch and photos are no extra charge. Direct all inquiries to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com, fax to 410-641-0966 or mail to P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811.
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Ways Pandemic Could Change Future Of Employment
Page 22
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
May 15, 2020
Wealth Of Knowledge
BY COLLIN MACOMBER
SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH
BERLIN – About 8.5% of U.S. households are headed by a self-employed person. While self-employed households tend to earn higher income than salaried households, research shows they also tend to take the biggest hit during an economic downturn. The emergence of independent contractors and the gig economy helped make self-employment a more viable option for Americans after the 2008 recession. Now, steps are being taken to help self-employed workers weather another economic struggle. For the first time, Congress passed legislation providing unemployment benefits for selfemployed workers, including up to 39 weeks of coverage and an extra $600 a week through the end of July. The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects have been a difficult experience for everyone. Let us know if you need help creating a household budget during this unprecedented time.
One of the biggest detriments of losing a job is the possibility of losing health insurance, or at least being unable to afford higher premiums charged by COBRA. Because this recent crisis is a health care issue, the nation may consider the idea of decoupling health insurance from employers. This would enable more workers to start their own businesses and generate significant overhead savings COLLIN for companies. At the MACOMBER very least, loss of income would not mean loss of health care coverage for the millions of Americans who receive employer-sponsored insurance. Many companies have resisted allowing employees to work from home because of questions about productivity, logistics and technology challenges. However, the COVID-19 requirements for social distancing may push businesses to fully embrace the concept of off-site workers long term. According to
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Global Workplace Analytics, an employer can save about $11,000 a year per worker who telecommutes 50% of the time. Unfortunately, the 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated the unreimbursed employee expense deduction for those now working from home. Therefore, even if your employer requires that you work from home for the rest of the year, you are currently unable to claim this tax deduction. Only the self-employed who work from home will be able to write off qualified expenses from their business income. However, working from home may be able to generate savings on some of your household expenses, such as work clothes, dry cleaning, lunches out and commuting to work. According to a study by FlexJobs, remote workers can save as much as $4,000 a year by working at home. There are other benefits, as well. For example, the average employee’s commute to work takes 26 minutes each day, adding up to four and a half
hours in the car each week. If Americans reduced their commute by just one day a week, that would result in a 16% reduction in the U.S. carbon footprint. Plus, imagine how that newfound time could be put to better use. A month or two ago, working from home may have appeared to be a dream job, but many now forced into this arrangement may recognize its challenges, such as working longer hours; more distractions; and having a tougher time focusing on productivity, technology challenges, and juggling work and family life. The key is to find productivity during breaks from work, doing things like laundry, getting meals started, and taking time to exercise, all without even having to shower to go back to work. America, and the world, will get through this pandemic, but in the meantime, we might as well learn from the experience and take away as many lessons as we can going forward. (The writer is an investment advisor with Key Financial Services. The entire KFS team can be reached at 410-629-0357.)
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Emergency Homeless Encampment Relocated After Storm May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
BY BETHANY HOOPER
STAFF WRITER
SALISBURY – Guests of an emergency homeless encampment were relocated indoors earlier this month after a late April storm destroyed the Lake Street site. Last month, the City of Salisbury – in partnership with several agencies – opened Camp Hope, an emergency encampment for homeless individuals over the age of 18 during the COVID19 outbreak. For less than two weeks, the site provided the community’s homeless population a way to safely stay in place and avoid the risk of contracting COVID-19. Located at the Lake Street Playground, the camp included tents, cots, sleeping bags, bathrooms and other temporary accommodations. On May 1, however, officials announced Camp Hope guests would be relocated after a late April storm destroyed the campsite. “As most of you know, yesterday’s storm destroyed the tents at Camp Hope,” Housing and Homelessness
Manager Christine Chestnutt said. “We placed our guests indoors overnight so they didn’t have to be out in the weather. Due to the collaborations and partnerships developed within our Continuum of Care, the Somerset County Health Department and Seton Center have graciously offered to place our guests into temporary hotel rooms and will offer more permanent housing options through rapid rehousing and other resources.” Salisbury Mayor Jake Day praised the community partners for their support.
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“For our homeless population, there really was no viable way to shelter-inplace, and that’s what Camp Hope provided,” he said. “While it’s unfortunate that we had to see this outcome brought about by such drastic events, it is a wonderful outcome.” By and large, Camp Hope used community donations and meal deliveries to provide for its guests and volunteers to man the encampment. Volunteers will no longer be needed, but camp organizers will continue to need food through May 15. After that time, guests will be
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placed in housing or shelters. “We will still need meals,” Chestnutt said in a statement. “We are still looking for breakfast items like juice, granola bars, pop tarts and fruit. No hot breakfasts going forward. We will still be looking for hot lunches and dinner. We are no longer at Lake Street.” Those wishing to sign up for meal donations can do so by visiting the “Housing First Salisbury, Maryland” Facebook page, or by contacting Christine Chestnutt at 443-397-2149. All meals must be individually packed or wrapped.
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Two Detainees Ordered Released Over COVID-19 Concerns
Page 24
BY STEVE GREEN
EDITOR
SNOW HILL – Two immigrants were released from the Worcester County Detention Center (WCDC) this month amid fears officials did not take COVID19 concerns serious enough. In a media statement, the American Civil Liberties Union celebrated the ruling of U.S. District Court Judge Theodore D. Chuang, who found the WCDC and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should have done more to maintain the “health and safety of high-risk detainees.” Angel Guzman Cedillo and William Kemcha were represented by the ACLU of Maryland, the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights
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Coalition and the National ACLU. Chuang was critical of the WCDC and ICE’s handling of the situation in his order. He wrote, “The ICE Deputy Assistant Director for Healthcare Compliance attested to the fact that as of March 27, 2020, ‘[t]here are zero suspected cases of COVID-19 in... the Worcester County Jail.’ … had the Court not been misled by Respondents’ claim that there were no suspected COVID-19 cases at WCDC, and had it known that such a detainee existed but would not be tested, it likely would have reached a different conclusion on the First Motion.” The judge found, “the Court now knows that WCDC was aware of at least one detainee, and possibly two more, with suspected COVID-19 but failed to test him without good reason.
Thus, the Court finds that where the identified deficiencies in mitigation measures remain, but the record now reflects that WCDC has been unwilling to test for the Coronavirus even when detainees are suspected of having COVID-19, this combination of facts reveals likely deliberate indifference to inmate health and safety. Moreover, the Court separately concludes that its prior finding that the detention of a civil detainee with a high-risk health condition in a facility without any testing for COVID-19 likely imposes unconstitutional punishment because the conditions bear no reasonable relationship to the purpose of the detention, …” In the order, the judge said, “Petitioners shall self-quarantine at their respective addresses for the first 14 days following their release. Thereafter, they
May 15, 2020
may not travel outside of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. without the advanced permission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”). …“ Nick Taichi Steiner, Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Maryland, applauded the decision. “We are ecstatic that all of our petitioners have been released and safe from the serious risk of contracting COVID-19 in a detention center,” said Steiner. “ICE has no concern for the health and safety of immigrants in their custody, and their misrepresentations to the Court illustrate the lengths to which they will go to abandon the human dignity of immigrants. Thankfully, Mr. Guzman Cedillo and Mr. Kemcha will be released, and can avoid the serious risk of contracting COVID-19 that exists for people in detention.” Worcester County Public Information Officer Kim Moses offered this statement in defense of the WCDC. “The judge’s decision was based almost entirely on the fact that one detainee (who is not being released), had a cough and slight fever in early April and was not tested for COVID-19,” she said. “However, that detainee was completely isolated in accordance with the jail’s procedures and his symptoms resolved. The decision to test or not test is made by the jail’s healthcare provider in consultation with the Worcester County Health Department. The jail takes the health and safety of inmates, detainees, and staff very seriously. It is unfortunate that this ruling does not reflect that care.” Moses detailed the following procedures have taken place at the detention center since mid-March. “All new arrival inmates and detainees receive a temperature check, are issued a mask, complete a medical screening, and are housed in a single cell for a 14-day period until cleared by the medical provider; Extra cleaning practices for the facility and housing units, which includes the installation of soap dispensers and hand air dryers in housing unit common areas; Any inmate or detainee with an elevated temperature is moved to the medical housing area for monitoring by medical staff until cleared by medical provider; No visitation for the entire population, except for attorneys who must be screened prior to entering the building; Four small housing units have been dedicated for the isolation of inmates and detainees upon arrival and for continued isolation per medical provider; All staff including medical personnel receive a temperature check and screening prior to entering the facility; and Testing availability for individuals based on the recommendation of our health care provider and the Worcester County Health Department.” For several years, the WCDC in Snow Hill has been a designated holding site by ICE for immigrants who may or may not be in the country illegally. The individuals stay at the WCDC until their fate is decided.
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 25
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Cops & Courts The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
First-Degree Assault Charge For Knife Threat OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City woman was arrested on first-degree assault charges for an alleged knife threat on her husband who had to barricade himself and his children in a room to avoid the attack. Around 8:30 p.m. last Sunday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a residence on South Heron Drive for a reported domestic incident involving a knife. Upon arrival, the officers met with a female suspect later identified as Iryna Rusanova, 38, of Ocean City, who reportedly told police everything was okay and that the occupants were fine. The officers met with Rusanova’s husband, who told police he had gotten back from a walk with his children and told her he was going to lie down to take a nap. Rusanova became irate and screamed at the victim, telling him all he wants to do is sleep, according to police reports. The victim told police he watched as Rusanova grabbed a knife from the kitchen and went into the bathroom where she filled the tub and acted as if she was going to take her own life. The victim went into the bathroom to prevent that from possibly happening, which only incensed Rusanova more, according to police reports. Instead, she allegedly turned the knife on the
victim and backed him out of the bathroom. Rusanova allegedly walked aggressively toward the victim with the knife pointed at him. Fearing for his life, the victim reportedly grabbed his children and locked them in a bedroom with him, according to police reports. The victim told police Rusanova attempted multiple times to break down the bedroom door and was only prevented from doing so because he barricaded it with his own body weight, according to police reports. The victim told police he was uncertain what Rusanova would have done if she had been successful in breaking down the door. OCPD officers interviewed the children separately and each corroborated the victim’s version of the events and each told police they
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believed Rusanova intended to harm the victim. Rusanova was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree assault.
Squatters Charged OCEAN CITY – An Ocean City man was charged with assault for allegedly beating up his ex-girlfriend last week and both were charged with burglary for allegedly squatting at a downtown residence. Around 6:30 p.m. last Tuesday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officers were dispatched to a convenience store and 2nd Street for a reported domestic assault. Officers met with a female victim, who had multiple bruises on her head and face along with dried blood on her disheveled
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clothes, according to police reports. The victim reportedly told the officer her ex-boyfriend, identified as Walter Everett, 57, of Ocean City, with whom the OCPD is very familiar because of previous incidents, was the individual who had assaulted her. The female told police the couple had been in a residence on 2nd Street where the assault occurred and that Everett was likely still in the residence. The victim told police Everett had punched her in the head and face multiple times and grabbed and bent back her arm in an attempt to break it, according to police reports. OCPD officers responded to the residence and found the back door unlocked. According to police reports, the officers loudly announced their presence and asked if anyone was inside, to no avail. Uncertain if Everett was in the residence, OCPD officers released a K9 into the unit to clear it, according to police reports. OCPD officers observed Everett inside and told him to come out while showing them his hands. Everett did not come out, so officers entered the unit and found him sitting on a couch wearing only shorts and one shoe, according to police reports. One OCPD reportedly held Everett and gunpoint and ordered him to put his hands up before he was handcuffed. Everett reportedly told police he wanted to be treated by paramedics, so he was allowed to go with EMS to Atlantic General Hospital. OCPD officers also went to AGH to follow up on the investigation. While in the emergency room, Everett allegedly got out of his wheelchair and approached the victim again and attempted to intimidate her to the point hospital security had to remove her from the general emergency room waiting area. While at the hospital, the victim told police the couple had been squatting at the residence on 2nd Street and that they did not have permission to be in the unit. OCPD officers contacted the unit’s owner who confirmed nobody had permission to be in it. The owner reportedly told police the unit was locked, but there was a spare key inside, indicating the couple had broken in and retrieved the key. As a result, Everett was charged with second-degree assault for the alleged attack. Both were charged with fourth-degree burglary for allegedly breaking into the downtown unit.
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Berlin Discusses Utility Fee Increases
May 15, 2020
BY CHARLENE SHARPE
STAFF WRITER
BERLIN – Town officials discussed the need for stormwater fee increases to fund further improvements this week. During Monday’s meeting of the town council, officials discussed the stormwater improvements still needed in Berlin and the cost of funding those improvements. Mayor Gee Williams said stormwater fees would need to increase going forward. “Between now and the end of the year we need to make some decisions,” he said. “We’ll know the economic environment we’re in much better by fall.” Darl Kolar of EA Engineering, Science and Technology outlined the nearly $3 million in stormwater projects the town has completed since its stormwater utility was created in 2013. Though the town collects stormwater fees paid by residents and businesses, grants funded many of the improvements made so far. Kolar said additional improvements, totaling $3.7 million, were still needed in Berlin. Williams said to get grants to help with upcoming projects, the town would have to raise its stormwater fees. “We’ve got some big projects ahead of us and we’re going to have to put up our fair share,” he said. Councilman Zack Tyndall pointed out the stormwater utility was not meeting revenue projections since the commercial fee approved was less than the one initially recommended. “I think there was a lot more fear when this was implemented,” Williams said. He stressed that the town in 2021 would need to raise rates to generate more income because agencies wouldn’t provide grants to municipalities that couldn’t put up some money themselves. He added that even once the town’s major stormwater projects were complete, an annual charge would still be needed to allow for maintenance costs. In his presentation, Kolar said stormwater revenue was $169,550 while expenses totaled $129,550, leaving $40,000 in available capital funds. He said doubling the residential stormwater fee, which is currently $50, would bring the town an additional $75,200 in revenue. He said that as far as increasing the non-residential fee, there were various options. He said increasing the $25 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) fee that businesses paid would bring in an additional $41,000. Raising the fee to $40 per ERU for non-residences would generate an additional $61,500. Tyndall said the fees approved in 2013 had been adjusted because the town recognized the burden on businesses. “I think we have to weigh the same economic hardship on the residential customer,” he said. Williams responded, “We can’t get those projects without our share going up. This is a beginning.”
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 27
Wicomico County Schools Decide On Virtual Graduations
Page 28
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
BY BETHANY HOOPER
STAFF WRITER
SALISBURY – Wicomico County Public Schools announced it will hold virtual graduations this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The school system will prepare to air virtual commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020 this spring. “We wish the Class of 2020 could graduate with the usual pomp and circumstance, but current health restrictions do not allow for a large gathering like traditional commencement,” Superintendent Donna Hanlin said in a mes-
sage last week. “The photos taken when students walk in cap and gown will be available to families and will become part of a virtual commencement ceremony that will air on PAC 14 and YouTube at each high school’s scheduled graduation time. This, along with other special celebrations being done by each high school, are part of our sincere effort to give the class of 2020 the sendoff its graduates and families deserve.” In preparation for the virtual commencement ceremonies, schools spent the beginning of this week distributing caps, gowns, cords and hoods to seniors using drive-by visits. And starting
May 15, 2020
next week, students and adults giving speeches will record them in the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Seniors will walk in cap and gown for traditional diploma cover photos at an assigned time between May 19-22 with up to four parents present, according to the school system. Photos from this day will be included in each school’s virtual commencement ceremony. “All of the tasks that are part of virtual commencement ceremonies will be done while maintaining social distancing and practicing federal- and state-recommended cleaning procedures to protect the health and safety of all involved,” a
statement reads. “Participation in these activities is optional. If a student or parent does not feel comfortable participating, the senior will still be included in the virtual commencement ceremony through the senior yearbook photo.” Virtual commencement ceremonies will air on PAC 14 and will be available on YouTube to view and download. Although the school system will capture graduation-style photos May 19-22, school will continue for seniors through their last day on Friday, May 22. Diplomas, commencement programs and any other senior awards or paperwork will be mailed at a later date.
ADOPT A PET FROM THE SHELTER These Loving Animals, Sponsored Each Month By Local Businesses, Are Available For Adoption At The Ocean City Humane Society: 410-213-0146.
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THE DISPATCH’S PETS OF THE MONTH
May 15, 2020
Pet’s Name: Cheyenne Pet’s Age/Breed: 5-year-old Saarloos wolfdog Pet’s Owner: Kristen Seyfert
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Pet’s Name: Razzmatazz Pet’s Age/Breed: 1-year-old Newfoundland/poodle mix Pet’s Owners: Dave & Chatham Barnett
Pet’s Name: Trevor Pet’s Age/Breed: 2-year-old rescue mix Pet’s Owners: Rodger Rudolph & Theresa Rohrs
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Pet’s Name: Hercules Pet’s Age/Breed: 8-year-old pit bull Pet’s Owner: Meggin Nicholson
EDITOR
STEVE GREEN
Pet’s Name: Katie Pet’s Age/Breed: 10-year-old cocker Pet’s Owner: Sandi Fleischer
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, Hank, owned by Tim Swift. 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 June 12.
Pet’s Name: Mr. Ren Pet’s Age/Breed: 14-year-old Jack Russell Chihuahua Pet’s Owners: Rodger Rudolph & Theresa Rohrs
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The Adventures Of Fatherhood By STEVE GREEN
hen is it okay for kids to hang out with other kids? I’m not talking sleepovers and participating in contact youth sports here, although I look forward to those days in the future. I’m simply seeing some negatives associated with nine weeks of social isolation for my kids for different reasons. As an introvert with Autism, Carson, 10, seems to be relishing the home school life. He likes the one-onattention from his mother who helps him in a fun, productive way through his class work. He enjoys having his brother around and showing off his math prowess to him. However, we know this extended school closure will come with major consequences for Carson in the long term. Returning to school in the fall is going to come with incredible challenges. He’s going to struggle immensely with the change in his routine and adapting to his new school surroundings. The return to school is months away so we have time to prepare him for this transition, but my expectations for how well he functions initially will be low. When September rolls around, it will be almost six months since he’s been in a school environment. Neuro typical kids will need time to adjust as well to the rules and structure of school. Though I know it’s not a definite schools will reopen on time in September, it’s better for my psyche to think all will be safe by then. For Beckett, he enjoyed the lax lifestyle associated with homeschool the first month or so. He liked participating in Zoom class lessons in his pajamas and in the comfort of his bedroom. While he still enjoys these aspects, it’s clear he’s starting to feel lonely and misses the social interactions. The toll of social isolation is real on mental health and I’m concerned about it.
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Over the last week or so, Beckett has been saying he’s bored a lot more often. I go outside with him and play sports. We go for walks. We conquer yard projects. We play soccer with his brother. It’s just not the same. He needs to be with kids his own age. It’s crucial for his social development and mental wellbeing. Beckett turned 12 years old this week. Pam and I had been commiserating over not being able to go to the beach and do something special for him until I had an idea that I thought might work. I have been seeing the Kona Ice truck around Berlin recently and wandered if we could have it come to our house to surprise him on his birthday. I initially worried about how many snow balls we were going to have to order to make it worth his while. I even started contemplating how they would keep in the freezer if a certain minimum was needed. What unfolded next was an interesting conversation I bet a lot of parents are having right now. Would it be wrong to invite some friends to come have a snow ball outside on us and wish him happy birthday from afar? Would parents be upset at the mere notion? Is it silly of us to even think about getting kids together again? After overthinking it, we decided we were going to book the snow ball truck and invite a dozen or so friends to come to our house, have a cold treat outside and surprise him with some birthday love. As the truck pulled up, he said, “you guys got this for me.” We told him not just for you as some friends walked up the driveway. He asked what about quarantine and we told him it’s okay we are outside and just keep your distance. The result was incredibly exciting. It turns out many parents are ready to get back into society slowly. The majority of those invited came. Those who did not respond might have been offended. We
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wouldn’t know because we never heard back. Beckett did hear from one friend who said he couldn’t come because his mom was scared of the coronavirus. It was an interesting test to see where we are in society right now. As a couple of Beckett’s friends came toward the Kona truck, I observed Beckett take a few steps back and say, “six feet.” A few minutes later, a friend came right up close to him and Beckett repeated it. While it was probably the responsible thing to say, it was an image that really stuck with me days later. He’s spooked. We are fooling ourselves if don’t assume there are serious consequences from this social isolation. I don’t think my son’s friend was coming close to give him a hug or high five. He was just walking up to him instinctually and Beckett cautioned him not to come closer. This was at the beginning of our little get together. By the end, he was running around the yard with friends and having conversations about school and the summer. It did my soul good to hear some giggles, random screams and weird inside kid talk about something stemming from school. It was confirmation to me kids are resilient and there will be some normalcy again. These kids have adapted to this new world and they will do what’s needed to be done. As we were looking through the posters later his friends made for him, Beckett hugged Pam and me. The surprise meant a lot to him and he was grateful. He needs to be around people in his own age and to socialize. I think we all are needing some of that. (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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May 15, 2020
Monthly Top Producers OCEAN CITY – Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva has announced April’s top producers. Top listing volume for individual agents went to Sheri Smith of the Ocean City office and Michael Dunn of the Salisbury office. Top listing volumes for teams went to the Fritschle Barker Group (Grant Fritschle, Jon Barker, Clint Bickford, Bryan Coates and Mark Barker) of the Ocean City office and the Sell Delmarva Group of the Salisbury office (Kate Deckenback, Chris Lane, Wendy Stever, Gillian Walsh and Katrilla Giddens). Top written volume for individual agents went to Sheri Smith for the Ocean City office and Michael Dunn of the Salisbury office. Top written volume for teams went to the Fritschle Barker Group of the Ocean City Office and the Sell Delmarva of the Salisbury office. Top sales volume awards for individuals went to Sheri Smith in the Ocean City office and Michael Dunn of the Salisbury office. Top sales volume for teams went to the Fritschle Barker Group of the Ocean City Office and the Sell Delmarva Group of the Salisbury office. Individual agents and teams also were recognized for highest units of the month of April. Sheri Smith won for the most listings and the most closing for the month; Michael Dunn won for the most contracts written. The Fritschle Barker Group won for the highest number of new listings and most ratified contracts, plus the most closings for the month.
OCDC Elects New Board OCEAN CITY – At its May 6 meeting, Ocean City Development Corporation announced membership to the OCDC Board of Directors. Elected to a three-year term were Nancy Bradford, Bank of Ocean City; Spiro Buas, OC Rooms; Kevin Gibbs, Dough Roller Restaurants; Danny Robinson, Hammerheads Bar & Grille, Backshore Brewing Co./Hoop Tea; and Joe Wilson, Coastal Life Realty Group. Elected to a two-year term was Michael Nolen, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage/Nolen Investments LLC. Long time OCDC Board member Reid Tingle (Bank of Ocean City) will be stepping off the board as well as current OCDC Board President, Blaine Smith. Both of these board members will be greatly missed and made a significant impact on OCDC’s downtown revitalization efforts.
Assistant Finance Officer Named SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners named Jessica Wilson as the new assistant finance officer. Wilson, a certified public accountant (CPA), joined the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office in 2013, where she served as the enterprise fund controller until her promotion to assistant finance officer on March 23. “Jessica’s attention to detail, professional demeanor, and customer-friendly attitude has served the citizens and taxpayers of Worcester County well over the last six years,” Finance Officer Phil Thompson said. “The Treasurer’s Office is looking forward to continuing that
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And Real Estate News trend while expanding her role in the county’s financial management and reporting.” Wilson brings 14 years of accounting experience to this position. Prior to joining Worcester County Government (WCG), she was an auditor for E. Cohen and Company, CPAs in Rockville and Ernst & Young LLP in Baltimore. JESSICA WILSON “I would like to thank the County Commissioners for the op-
portunity to serve as the new assistant finance officer,” Wilson said. “I look forward to gaining additional governmental accounting experience in my new role.”
Commercial Deals Closed SALISBURY – Tonney Insley, advisor with SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate has participated in 10 transactions, in the past 28 months in downtown Salisbury. These sales total almost 100,000 square feet and over $4 million in value. Some of these 10 deals have spur-
Page 31 red major change towards the progressive image Salisbury is pursuing and Insley brokered each of them. The most notable would be 119, 132 and 144 E. Main Street, which is the expected site of “The Ross,” potentially Salisbury’s tallest building. Insley represented the sellers of these properties, The Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce and George White. 212 E. Main is another example of private investment in a historic downtown property. Purchased by Green Street Housing, LLC and renovated to modernize and extend the life of the historic building, Insley represented both the sellers and the buyers. Green Street Housing also installed a 56kW rooftop solar array to offset 70% of the energy consumed by the 18,000-square-foot building. Insley also recently sold 107 W. Main, the former Kuhn’s Building, as well as 146 W. Market Street, the former “Market Street Books,” to investors looking to grab some of the downtown action.
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The Dispatch
Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd. Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 WEBSITES: www.mdcoastdispatch.com www.facebook.com/thedispatchoc J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com
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The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $75 per year, $55 for six months. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.
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May 15, 2020
Tram Service Cut A Chance To Be Responsible HOW WE SEE IT
With physical distancing likely to remain the norm for months, Ocean City’s summer will be different. The crowds are not going to be the same and the city must prepare for that eventuality with a responsible budget. One modification Ocean City can and should make is eliminating the Boardwalk tram service for this summer. It’s an opportunity for the Ocean City Mayor and Council to err on the side of caution and make a responsible decision. An argument could be made people should be able to decide whether to ride the tram. It’s a matter of choice. However, concessions will surely need to be made in the name of safety. Certain rows on the tram will need to be closed and rules will need to be in place as far as groups and overall occupancy numbers. A responsible leadership move for Ocean City would be to eliminate the tram because it will be nearly impossible to institute physical distancing while
not taking a financial loss. In this case, it doesn’t make sense from a financial perspective to offer a service that can’t be profitable because ridership will need to be curtailed. It’s a decision driven by health and economic concerns. Members of the town’s transportation committee seemed to be leaning that way, but it’s a decision for the full Mayor and Council in the coming weeks. Full capacity service will not be happening in Ocean City this summer on any level. Restaurants will not be able to function at full capacity most likely unless the state’s phasing out of restrictions hits an unexpected rate. Bars may not anytime soon be able to have people sitting next to each other unless they are part of the same party. There will be new guidelines, which either cost more money to adhere to or prevent the same level of revenue from being recorded. In some cases, the mandatory changes forced on restaurants may do both.
For restaurants, many operators are currently constructing safety measures in their businesses. Plexiglass barriers between tables are being built in at least a few places, while others are investing in high-tech cleaning systems that ensure efficient turnover when the crowds return. It’s an impossible situation to navigate through for business owners as well as government decision makers. We must make the best of it amid an ocean of uncertainty. All decisions need to represent a balance between financial well-being and safe operations. The Boardwalk tram falls into the category of not worth offering at this time. To safely offer the service will require restrictions on ridership, resulting in less revenue coming in with most likely similar expenses. It will likely be a financial loss this summer. We think it should be sidelined for this summer out of an abundance of safety as well as financial sense.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Unemployment Chaos Editor: I’m writing to you in desperation as I sit on hold with Maryland Unemployment to implore anyone’s help. It has been six hours and 15 minutes thus far since I was placed on hold at 7:12 a.m. this morning when I was informed that I was 40th in line. It’s now been over six hours and they still haven’t cleared 40 phone calls. No wonder no one can ever speak with a person. If DLLR cannot process thousands of calls a day, there will never be any resolution for Marylanders. I guess I should consider myself fortunate to have gotten in a hold queue. Yesterday, I spent over six hours placing literally thousands of calls attempting to reach a real human being. Almost every one of those calls was met with the perpetually busy signal, with the rare occasion when an automated male voice would come on to provoke the Pavlovian response of hope, only to further aggravate with the incessant promotion of the “ease” of use of the online Beacon system. Obviously if I could resolve my need online with the “easy” Beacon system, I would, and I would not be spending days trying to reach a person. Then the final coup de grace, the most sadistic action in this outrageously frustrating and cruel scenario is the female voice that takes the line to inform that all agents are busy (as if I hadn’t already figured that out) and to “try your call again later”, and then you are hung up on. This warped, frustrating, soul crushing and time-wasting system is the salt
in all of our wounds right now. My unemployment claim had been settled and functioning (filed March 16) and now, without warning, explanation, or recourse, it’s clearly been ended. No explanation, no justification, no notification, and there is no one I can confer with to resolve whatever the issue may be. And the ultimate slap in the face is Limelight Larry Hogan every day on TV singing the praises of the new Beacon system like Pollyanna, and how “we are all in this together.” We aren’t all in this together. We are completely on our own, and we are being restricted by “law” from making a living, and providing for ourselves, while simultaneously government dangles the carrot in our faces of unemployment benefits without delivering them, and without providing any recourse. Sadists. I really cannot think of any other recourse here, nor anyone else who can help. I am (was) a waitress in a high-volume restaurant/bar. When I filed my unemployment claim on March 16, I (stupidly) listed my return to work date as May 1, as that is what my employer expected and advised. We now have no known return to work date, and I need Maryland Unemployment to recognize this, and restart my benefits. If we could simply take a number, like at the MVA, and wait for Maryland Unemployment to call us back, even if it is weeks later, we could ultimately speak with an actual agent. I’ve written our local delegates, I really do not know what else to do. Helen Theresa Ferguson Berlin
Food Program Critical Editor: The coronavirus has caused both a health crisis and an economic one, pushing families into poverty and hunger across Maryland. Our schools and nonprofits have been working hard to make sure children are fed and nearly eight million meals have been served since the start of the pandemic. One tool that has helped are waivers that allow families to pick up pre-packaged meals to take home. These waivers help slow the spread by reducing contact with the workers and volunteers distributing meals. I urge USDA to help us feed kids safely this summer by extending the child nutrition waivers through September. I also urge Senators Van Hollen and Cardin to extend the new P-EBT benefits that will soon be issued to more than 400,000 low-income students across Maryland. About $114 per month in PEBT will help families purchase food while schools are closed and all students that qualify for free or reducedprice school meals are eligible for this critically important new resource. PEBT benefits are currently approved for March thru June and need to be extended through September. To participate in the new P-EBT program, families should make sure they are signed-up for free or reduced-price school meals or SNAP. The SNAP program provides benefits for food on a debit-style card and the best way to apply is to go online to “My DHR.” SEE NEXT PAGE
May 15, 2020
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The road to recovery requires that families in Maryland have the food they need for kids to thrive. Tam Lynne Kelley Baltimore (The writer is the director of the No Kid Hungry Maryland organization.)
The Silent Killer Editor: After reading an article published by Dr. Richard Levitan at Bellevue hospital in New York City, about his disturbing treatment experience, over a 10-day period, fighting COVID-19, I thought I should write this letter. But before we talk about Levitan’s experience and his advice see what a couple of other infectious disease specialists are saying that you may not have heard. Sweden’s Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Anders Tegnell says he is pushing for “herd immunity.” When 60% to 80% of the population is immune to the virus it will not have sufficient hosts and will disappear. To accomplish this Sweden has imposed no shutdowns. Dr. Tengnell takes the percent of positives tested and extrapolates to the whole Swedish population instead of only talking about those tested. Dr. Tegnell estimates 20% or 2 million out of 10 million Swedes have caught and recovered from COVID-19 and last week Sweden had only 1,900 deaths. That is less than .01%. What is Sweden doing? There schools are open their businesses are open as usual. There death rate is arguably better than ours and they are not facing the secondary affects of a closed economy, increased suicide, wife and child beatings, and increased drug and alcohol abuse. Jason Farley, a professor of infectious disease and a trained epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins, like Dr. Tegnell, extrapolates the percent infected from those tested to the whole US population. He says that probably 16,500,000 Americans have caught the Wuhan Flu and recovered. So as a percentage that reduces our death rate to .3% (one third of one percent). Comparable to the flu and considerably less than the daily number on the Fauci/Birx televised daily, fear show. Deaths associated to the Wuhan virus are most likely overstated because doctors have been instructed by Fauci to doctor up their death certificates, and if they were infected by COVID-19 to put it as the cause of death even if it wasn’t. Fauci has also been silent regarding the bat scientist, Shi Zhengli, in the Wuhan infectious disease lab he helped to set up. I suggest you should go to the CDC website and check it out. In 2018 our worse flu year in 40 years 80 million died from the flu, 188 were children. This flu season we have lost 166 children, only three children died from the Wuhan Flu. Yes, the kids should be in school. The takeaway from Dr. Tegnell and Professor Farley is that if you are healthy Wuhan virus is most likely no worse than the flu and that uncounted millions have had it, and recovered. The
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fact remains, since 1965 we are not as healthy as we used to be, even though we live longer, conditions such as heart, lung, diabetes, obesity and cancer have dramatically increased, and are compounded in an older population. It is estimated that 65% of those over 60 have a compromised immune system and in those cases COVID-19 could be deadly. As a person with mild COPD I know the feeling well when your breathing is labored. COPD does reduce oxygen/CO2 exchange making it harder to breath. But the Wuhan virus is trickier. Pneumonia caused by Wuhan allows Oxygen/CO2 exchange to occur, so you think you’re breathing but you aren’t. The lung vestibules are being blocked by the COVID-19 pneumonia and restrict oxygen from entering the bloodstream. For the old and immune deficient it is worse. Dr. Levitan says by the time patients come to the hospital their oxygen level is so low it requires an immediate oxygen mask or a ventilator. . . He says by the time they get to the crowded hall ways at Bellevue waiting to register, they are in bad shape but still playing with their cell phones, unaware that their oxygen levels are so low. Many immediately need an oxygen mask or ventilator. Sadly, within a day or two many of them are dead. They were too late to arrest the pneumonia. COVID-19 doesn’t reduce your Oxygen CO2 interchange enough to be noticeable however as it worsens it is increasingly reducing oxygen to your body. Yet patients are sitting in the hallways playing on their cell phones waiting for admission and don’t realize they are so far along with the disease they don’t respond well to treatment. Dr. Levitan notes that two doctor friends of his used a pulse oximeter to get an early warning that their oxygen levels were dropping, tested positive, then took the malaria drug and quickly recovered. What is a pulse oximeter? That little thing the doctor puts on your finger to measure your oxygen level is a pulse oximeter. The pulse oximeter should read 95 or higher. Also my daughter who has 50 COVID-19 patients in Laudon Va. says to use the oximeter while walking around. With infected people it drops off if you walk while you’re checking. If it drops to the 80’s call the doctor, particularly if you are obese, diabetic or old. COVID-19 tricks you, you think your breathing but you’re not getting enough oxygen. By the time you get to the hospital, it may be too late, particularly for the immune compromised, you’re like the walking dead. I went to Amazon and bought a pulse oximeter. Pulse oximeters on Amazon are priced from $18-up. Remember this infection it tricks you. You think you’re breathing but aren’t. So, buy a pulse oximeter and tell the governor to put the kids back in school. Don’t pay much attention to the daily, nationally televised Fauci/Birx fear show. Tony Christ Falls Church, Va.
Page 33
By Publisher/Editor Steve Green
Worcester County is wrong to yank all funding support of Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) from its next budget. I hope the four commissioners who supported the move get ripped by their constituents. The decision was led by Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who used a poor experience he had at the hospital to drive his motivation to kill funding for the hospital. Mitrecic was not alone with his opposition to exclude AGH from the budget with Commissioners Chip Bertino, Jim Bunting and Ted Elder believing nonprofits should not receive funding support from the government. The county’s decision to renege on its capital campaign pledge of $100,000 annually in year four of five is appalling. Those funds are needed to support the projects outlined in the hospital’s capital campaign. I believe the county should provide an annual funding contribution – $75,000 in the current budget -- to support community health care. However, it’s egregious to think the county would not fulfill its campaign pledge like hundreds of other private citizens and businesses are working through themselves. To make matters worse the county indicated the hospital should go to Sussex County for funding help, pointing to more than 40% of patients stemming from our northern neighbor. This is an embarrassing decision amid a global pandemic. I admit this is a bit personal to me. I am a member of the board of directors of the AGH Foundation, which raises money for the hospital each year. I volunteer my time because I have first-hand experience of how important the hospital is to the community. In September of 2018, my family had the scare of a lifetime when our then-8-year-old special needs son had an acute dystonic reaction to a new medicine introduced to curb some concerning behavioral changes that had been occurring. It was a beautiful day when suddenly it looked like he was having a stroke. We were worried he was about to have a seizure. He was completely out of it, and we knew we had to get him to the hospital immediately. It was unlike anything either of us had ever witnessed. Within 10 minutes of noticing his symptoms, we were at AGH and being seen by a nurse named Rachel and doctor (Dr. Greenwood). Having a hospital a mile away reduced our time of pure panic and fear from more than an hour most likely if we had to go to Salisbury to minutes. It was a huge deal. The drive, or ride in an ambulance, to Salisbury would have been torturous as we worried about long-term paralysis or worse. Those negative thoughts were wiped out in short order because AGH was so close, and we were assured they could get our guy back to baseline in short order. Sure, there are stories of mistakes made by health care practitioners like Mitrecic reported in March after the hospital’s presentation. He himself was misguided evidently during his own health scare. It’s understandable to have concerns about quality health care, but it’s an overreaction to use it as a basis to pull funding support to the tune of $175,000 -- $100,000 of which was pledged in a capital campaign. For every bad experience, which can happen at any hospital, there are numerous other positive outcomes. Concerns about Sussex County’s decision to not send funds directly to the hospital should have no bearing on whether the hospital’s home county should financially support. At a minimum, the commissioners must fulfill their capital campaign pledge. It’s shameful and sets a terrible example for many of us in private industry who have similar ongoing pledges. In recent weeks, there was hope among Ocean City area restaurants Gov. Larry Hogan’s first recovery phase would allow for outside dining with social distancing. Restaurants were completely left out of Wednesday’s announcement and are listed in the second phase of the governor’s plan with safety restrictions. It’s appearing more likely a gradual phasing of capacity will be part of the plan for reopening restaurants. In a desperate letter to elected officials, the health department and the Board of License Commissioners, Ocean 13 Restaurant owner Jeremy Brink outlined requests on behalf of himself and other operators. Three main points were highlighted in his letter. First, it was requested the open container ordinance be amended to allow “adults the ability to stop in, order a drink and go relax on the beach or stroll through town … much of our profit is made on alcohol sales and with all phases of re-opening our capacity will be greatly reduced for the entire 2020 season.” The second request was “the use of sidewalk space and parking lots for table service will allow us to follow physical distancing measures while providing an outdoor environment we feel manycustomers will be looking for as an option for ‘eating out’ in the ‘new normal.’” The final point was amending noise ordinance restrictions to allow for live music in areas previously prohibited as well as extending the hours permitted. In the letter, Brink summed up what many operators are feeling right now. “This pandemic has shifted a lot of businesses into survival mode. We are fighting to make it. All of our business models are shattered. These next few phases of recovery require certain restrictions to be eased so that we may make a real attempt at saving our businesses,” he writes.
The Dispatch Classifieds
Page 34
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
$15/Week For Minimum Of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available)
OCEAN CITY CONDOMINIUM: Seasonal Buidling Attendant, Day Shifts, Monday-Friday. Call 410524-1331. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
HELP WANTED SOUTHSIDE GRILL WOC: Hiring Line Cooks, Kitchen Help, Dishwashers. YR, FT or PT. Ambitious, willing to work individuals only. Pay neg. based on performance. 9923 Stephen Decatur Hy. 410-2131572. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SUMMER CLEANERS: Now hiring Summer cleaners for 2 condo’s. 2x wk or more, min. Must be dependale & have own trans. 267-254-0111. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CLEANERS: Looking for weekend help for condo cleaning. Friday-Sunday. Must have own transportation. 410-7232610/410-463-1541. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– LOCAL PLUMBING COMPANY: Seeking experienced plumbers. Paid vacation, benefits, holidays. Must be able to work some weekends & holidays while on call. Call 443-727-3091 bet. 8am-5pm. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FT DENTAL ASSISTANT: For family dental practice. X-ray certification preferred, will consider new graduates. Please fax resume to 410-208-9009 or email: dentistryinthepines@gmail.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GENERAL MAINTENACE: YearRound, Full Time, $15-$17/hour depending on experience. Email: mailmanager@fountainheadtowers.com or call 410-524-2378. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– GENERAL CLEANING: YearRound, Full Time, $13-$15/hour depending on experience. Email: mailmanager@fountainheadtowers.com or call 410-524-2378. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– P/T ASSISTANT: for Association Site Office in OC. 2-3 days per week during off season. In season Saturdays & Sundays are mandatory with additional 2 days during week. Will also need to be able to cover office when Manager is off. Starting pay depends on experience. Send resumes to: dwilson@legumnorman.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Upcoming Yard Sale? The Dispatchis the best way to get the word out! Print & Online
Storm Shutter & Window Installers
IN DIA N RIVER MA R INA N OW H IRING!
•RAMP ATTENDANT •CUSTODIAL/GROUNDS •FUEL DOCK •BOATYARD For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE
Local specialty contractor seeking individuals for our storm shutter division and window division. Experience in storm shutters, windows & doors, and garage doors is a plus, but training is available. Driver’s license and transportation required. Please forward resume to: paola@masterjackwindows.com. Applications available on site at 11935 Hammer Road, Bishopville, MD
Currently hiring manpower for
Experience Preferred. Tools, transportation & a valid driver’s license are a plus.Competitive benefit package available. Please apply in person at 11935 Hammer Rd, Bishopville, MD, or apply online: http://allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers
$1000 SIGNING BONUS FOR PLUMBERS with POSEIDON PLUMBING HOME SERVICES! We offer paid training, vacation and personal days. We also offer a quality benefits package including health, dental, vision and life ins. Wage is BOE from $15-$30. Based in the Berlin/OC area. What we require: -Min. 4 years experience -Valid Driver's License -Reliable form of contact -Background Check -Ability to pass a drug test -Positive attitude and willingness to learn If you feel that you can fill this position call us to set up an interview. We can be reached at 410-251-1096.
POSEIDON PLUMBING & HOME SERVICES
Worcester County Government
Is Currently Hiring For The Following Full-Time Postions:
Correctional Officer Trainee
Transfer Station Attendant
Plant Operator
Building Maintenance
Roads Worker
Vehicle & Equipment Mechanic EOE/AA
Maintenance Mechanic Landfill Operator
Job descriptions and application available: http://www.co.worcester.md.us/departments/hr/jobs Excellent Benefits. Call 410-632-0090 or fax applications to 410-632-5614. e-mail to Ann Hankins- ahankins@co.worcester.md.us
SERVICES HANDYMAN SPECIALIST: General maintenance of all types, All powerwashing. Build/Stain/PWash Decks. Drywall repair. Painting. Property Management. Call for any other odd jobs! Joe 443-610-4644. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Ceja’s Landscaping & More!
RENTALS
•STUCCO & EIFS MECHANICS • CARPENTERS •CONCRETE BLOCK •COATINGS SPECIALISTS •FLAT CONCRETE •CONCRETE REPAIRS •PT WELDER •COMMERCIAL CAULKING •WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLERS
PUT YOUR LOGO IN COLOR FOR JUST $10
CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811
Deadline For Insertions, Cancellations And Payment Is 3 p.m. Tuesday. Pre-Payment Is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard. GENERAL’S KITCHEN: Now Hiring Cook, Bussers, Dishwasher. Call 443-859-7790. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
May 15, 2020
YEAR-ROUND RENTAL: Unfurnished 3BR/2BA home. Downtown Bishopville. New condition. NO PETS! $1400/month + utilities. Howard Martin Realty. 410-352-5555. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SEASONAL BAYSIDE RENTAL, Sleeps 4-6, 2BR 2BA W/D/ fully furn. 13,500. +sec.dep & util's Call Mike 410-603-6120 avail May-Sept 12th www.mbjcproperties.com ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
COMMERCIAL WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 OfficeRetail and 1 Warehouses. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 12X24 SHOP FOR RENT: Near Ocean Pines. Includes electric. $150/month. Call Steve and leave message. 410-251-3412. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––
•YARD MAINTENANCE •PAINTING •POWER WASHING 410-251-3425 410-202-2545
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Legal Notices LEGAL RATES
Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.
THIRD INSERTION
VICTORIA L. O’NEILL, ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 16845 To all persons interested in the estate of HOLDEN L. BECKER, ESTATE NO. 16845. Notice is given that PEGGY DANIELS BECKER, 74
CAMELOT CIRCLE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on, APRIL 22, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of HOLDEN L. BECKER, who died on FEBRUARY 10, 2017, 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 22nd day of OCTOBER, 2020.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will
The Dispatch
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Legal Notices LEGAL RATES
Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.
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 MAY 1, 2020 PEGGY DANIELS BECKER 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, 5-1, 5-8, 5-15
THIRD INSERTION
B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18261 To all persons interested in the estate of LURA GORDY ADKINS, ESTATE NO. 18261. Notice is given that CHERYL J. ADKINS, 3821 DOGWOOD DRIVE, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was on APRIL 28, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LURA GORDY ADKINS, who died on MARCH 26, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of OCTOBER, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy
to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 1, 2020 CHERYL J. ADKINS 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, 5-1, 5-8, 5-15
THIRD INSERTION
JOHN B. ROBINS IV,, ESQ. ROBINS & ROBINS, P.A. 128 EAST MAIN STREET PO BOX 506 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0506 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18262 To all persons interested in the estate of BETTY-LOU L. BOWMAN, ESTATE NO. 18262. Notice is given that ALAN L BOWMAN, 2975 SUMMER DRIVE, WESTMINSTER, MD 21157, AND WENDY B SEVIER, 13 KITZBUHEL ROAD, PARKTON, MD 21120 was on, APRIL 22, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BETTY-LOU L. BOWMAN, who died on APRIL 18, 2020, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of OCTOBER, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 1, 2020
PO BOX 910 115 BROAD STREET SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18264 To all persons interested in the estate of DONNA LEE ABBOTT, ESTATE NO. 18264. Notice is given that RYAN MICHAEL ABBOTT, 125 CHESTER AVENUE, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21403, was on, APRIL 23, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DONNA LEE ABBOTT, who died on APRIL 1, 2020 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of OCTOBER, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
ALAN L BOWMAN Personal Representative
Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 1, 2020
WENDY B SEVIER Personal Representative
RYAN MICHAEL ABBOTT 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, 5-1, 5-8, 5-15
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, 5-1, 5-8, 5-15
THIRD INSERTION
MICHAEL B MATHERS, ESQ. WEBB, CORNBROOKS, WILBER, VORHIS, DOUSE & LESLIE, LLP
THIRD INSERTION
B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863
Page 35 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 18271
ESTATE NO. 18267
Notice is given that the CIRCUIT COURT OF PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA, appointed ISABEL CRISTINA SILVA, 12088 WINONA DRIVE, WOODBRIDGE, VA, 22192 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of ZITA DOS ANJOS PENA SILVA, who died on FEBRUARY 03, 2020, domiciled in VIRGINIA, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is MARIANNA BATIE, whose address is 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY #112, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.
To all persons interested in the estate of CAROLYN C JONES, ESTATE NO. 18267. Notice is given that MICHELE LINNETTE JESTER, 644 HICKORY POINT ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on, APRIL 28, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROLYN C JONES, who died on MARCH 30, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of OCTOBER, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills. Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 1, 2020 MICHELE LINNETTE JESTER 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, 5-1, 5-8, 5-15
SECOND INSERTION
LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred. Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 08, 2020 ISABEL CRISTINA SILVA Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTOCTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 - Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-8, 5-15, 5-22
FIRST INSERTION
MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18269 To all persons interested in the estate of DENNY DEAN RAYNE, ESTATE NO. 18269. Notice is given that DENEEN DEE RAYNE, 11581 S. DOLLY CIRCLE,
The Dispatch
Page 36
LEGAL RATES: Legal advertising rate is $7 per column
inch. Deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information, call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.
BERLIN, MD 21811, AND DEBRA RAYNE WEBER, 4203 SUTTON DRIVE, MONKTON, MD 21111 was on, MAY 5, 2020 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DENNY DEAN RAYNE, who died on MARCH 27, 2020, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of NOVEMBER, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must
present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not pre-
Legal Notices The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
sented 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 MAY 15, 2020 DENEEN DEAN RAYNE Personal Representative DEBRA RAYNE WEBER 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, 5-15, 5-22, 5-29
FIRST INSERTION MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HIGHWAY, SUITE 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 18272 To all persons interested in the estate of ARTHUR ROBERT PERRY, ESTATE NO. 18272. Notice is given that ANDREW WALTER PERRY, 5117 MARYLN DRIVE, BETHESDA, MD 20816, was on, MAY 11, 2020 appointed Personal Repre-
May 15, 2020 fore the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or
sentative of the estate of ARTHUR ROBERT PERRY, who died on JANUARY 27, 2020, with a will.
(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.
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.
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.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 11th day of NOVEMBER, 2020. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or be-
Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 15, 2020 ANDREW WALTER PERRY 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, 5-15, 5-22, 5-29
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May 15, 2020
Sports
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 37
In The News A Look At Local Sports This Week In Years Past
BY SHAWN J. SOPER
MANAGING EDITOR
With spring high school sports seasons on indefinite hiatus, The Dispatch thought it might be interesting and fun to take a look back at what was making local sports headlines this same week in years past. Many of the players went on to do great things in college both athletically and academically and some now even have kids of their own in local youth sports programs. The following is a look back at the last five, 10 and 20 years. The following is a brief glimpse of what was making headlines on the sports pages of The Dispatch this week five years ago: •Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team regrouped after a sluggish first half and pulled away from host Calvert, 10-4, on Wednesday to win the state 3A-East Region title and remain unbeaten. The Seahawks entered the state tournament as the top seed in the 3AEast Section I and cruised past visiting Kent Island, 17-6, in their tournament opener and advanced to face Calvert in the region championship. The two teams sparred for much of the first half with neither gaining an advantage. The score was tied at 2-2 at the break, but Decatur would get its offensive machine cranked up. The Seahawks outscored Calvert, 8-2, in the second half to cruise to the 10-4 win in the regional championship and remain unbeaten at 15-0 on the season. Payton VanKirk scored three goals and dished out an assist. Claire Porter had two goals and three assists, while Elle Bargar and Brigitte Ardis each scored two goals. •Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team jumped out to a com-
manding early lead in last Friday’s Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) championship game and never looked back for their third win of the year over old rival Saints Peter and Paul. Worcester came out firing and went on an 8-0 run over a 15-minute stretch in the first half. The Sabres pulled closer at 8-3 with a run of their own with just around a minute left in the first. However, Worcester scored twice in the final 33 seconds of the half to extend the lead to 10-3. Amy Lizas scored on an assist by Sophie Brennan and Julie Talbert scored on an assist from Sarah Savage in the final minute of the half. The Sabres scored the first three goals of the second half to cut the lead to 10-6. Brennan stopped the run with goal near the 16-minute mark to push the lead back to 11-6. Worcester then got goals from Caroline Lindsay, Molly Soule and Savage to extend the lead to 14-6 with 11 minutes left. Saints Peter and Paul made another late run and cut the lead to 14-9. A goal by Soule pushed it back to 15-9 and Brennan closed it out with an extra-man goal with just under two minutes left for the 16-9 win and the ESIAC title. •Stephen Decatur’s varsity baseball team ran out of gas this week and fell to fellow Bayside Conference rival Bennett, 5-3, in the state 3A South Section I title game. The Seahawks were the top seed in the sectional and earned a first-round bye. The game started well for the Seahawks, who led 3-1 after three innings, but in the top of the fourth, Bennett rallied for three runs to take the lead. Decatur had at least two runners on in each of the final three innings, but couldn’t break through. In the fourth,
Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team this week five years ago beat rival Saints Peter and Paul, 16-9, to capture the ESIAC championship. Submitted photo
Four Seahawks were key parts of three conference championship teams in the same school year including soccer, basketball and lacrosse, and were recognized this week five years ago. Pictured above are the four three-time champs from left, Payton VanKirk, Ally Beck, Jillian Petito and Lexie VanKirk. Submitted photo
Ryan Bennett drew a two-out walk and Brooks Holloway followed with a single, but the runners were stranded. In the bottom of the fifth, the first two batters reached after getting hit by pitches, but on a sacrifice bunt by the next batter, the Bennett pitcher got the force at third. Runners were stranded on first and second in the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, Ryan Bennett was hit by a pitch with one out and Holloway followed with a single. Again, the runners were stranded on first and second. Bennett added an insurance run in the top of the seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, Justin Meekins started with a leadoff single and Tristan McDonough reached based on a misplayed pop-up to shallow left, but the runners were left stranded as Bennett celebrated. The following are some of the highlights of The Dispatch sports pages from this week 10 years ago: •Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team fell to old rival Saints Peter and Paul in the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship game in the latest installment of one of the classic rivalries on the shore. Something had to give when the Mallards faced the Sabres in the conference championship game for the seventh year in a row. Worcester won the previous two championship games, each time by a single goal. This week, the Sabres exacted a little revenge, edging the Mallards, 9-8, in the title game. Molly Dickerson led Worcester with three goals, while Sara Noyes, Mary Clare Regan, Ragen Doyle, Teresa Ciletti and Mary Hudson added single tallies. Skylar Seigfried was strong on the goal all day, recording 13 saves. •Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team capped off a remarkable season with a 16-5 win over Gunston in the ESIAC championship game. Playing at home in front of big crowd, Worcester scored first on a goal by Ryan McGuire just 44 seconds into the game to take a 1-0 lead. About 25 seconds later, the Mallards’ Brad Regan scored Worcester’s second goal of the game and the rout was on. Worcester scored three more goals in the first quarter and led 12-0 at the half.
With the outcome pretty much no longer in question, Worcester Coach Kevin Gates cleared the bench for much of the second half in the 16-5 win. Worcester’s record now stands at 14-1 with one game remaining. The following is a little snippet of the top sports stories in The Dispatch this week 20 years ago: •Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team beat Gunston to advance to the ESIAC championship game. Worcester scored early and often on their way to the 20-3 win over the Herons in the conference semifinals. The Mallards started the game with 10 unanswered goals led by Lacey Kenworthy, Liz Raskauskas and Keemia Khazeh. Kenworthy scored two goals and dished out seven assists, Raskauskas scored four goals and two assists, Khazeh scored three goals and handed out two assists, Katherine Johnson scored three goals, while Ashlee Reed, Jamie Schneider, Michelle Sawyer, Meredith Feist, Hannah Gilbert and Kate Dashiell each scored single goals. Jessica Beckstead, Blair Falck and Abby Wharton combined for eight saves in the net. With the win, Worcester improved to 15-2 on the season. •Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity lacrosse team beat Salisbury School, 115, to close out the regular season on a remarkable nine-game winning streak. Mike Heiderman, Chris Mancini and Mike Otway led the Mallards’ attack with three goals each. With the win, Worcester closed out the regular season with a 15-4 record including nine straight down the stretch. The nine-game win streak came after Worcester had a two-week layoff because of spring break and the annual senior trip. Following the win over Gunston in the finale, Otway was named MVP, the Coach’s Award went to Mancini and Brad Martelo was named Most Improved. •Ocean City’s offshore fishing season officially got underway this week with the first mako shark of the season. The May 9 date for the first mako of the season was one of the earliest in recent memory. Angler A.J. Thomas finishing aboard the MoJo with Captain Joe O’Boyle caught the 246-pounder about 30 miles offshore near the Jackspot.
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Horoscopes
ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You might be a bit shaken by a friend's request. But before the Lamb leaps to conclusions, insist on a full explanation. You still might say no, but at least you'll know what you're saying no to. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Seeing red over those nasty remarks by someone with an ax to grind? Of course you are. So get out there and give your supporters the facts they need to get the truth out. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A changing situation should get you to reassess your vacation plans and make any adjustments as soon as possible. And don't fret -- the change most likely will turn out for the better. CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Don't put off dealing with any negative feelings that might be left over from a recent confrontation. The sooner all is resolved, the sooner you can move forward with fewer complications. LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Leos and Leonas might feel the urge to redecorate their dens, and that can turn into a good opportunity to strengthen family ties by putting the whole pride to work to make it happen. VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Look for the most efficient way to get a job done quickly and well. Taking more time than you need to make it look more challenging is a short-sight-ed move you might regret later on. LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A pesky problem should be dealt with
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
immediately so you can put your time and effort into something more important. Someone from your past could have significant news for you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A workplace situation becomes a lot more bothersome than you'd expected. Be careful not to be pulled into all that anger. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Cheer up, lonely lovers, wherever you are. Just when you thought you'd been deleted from Cupid's database, the chubby cherub proves that's just not so. Congratulations. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): A casual relationship could take a more serious turn. Are you ready for it? Your stars say you are. Paired Sea Goats also will find a renewed richness in their relationships. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Meeting a collaborator with new ideas seems to be a dream come true. But for both your sakes, be sure all your legal i's are dotted and t's are crossed before you start working together. PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 21): A romantic overture flatters the usually unflappable Fish. But since it's a sincere from-the-heart gesture, go ahead and enjoy it. A minor health problem responds well to treatment. BORN THIS WEEK: You have the warm heart of a Taurean and the sensitivity of a Gemini. You would make a wonderful leader. So go ahead: Run for office. © 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
Things I Like ...
OCEAN CITY vanishing
May 15, 2020
WITH BUNK MANN
The Maryland State Fireman’s Convention has been a signature event for over 70 years in Ocean City. For several decades, it was the largest held all summer and ushered in the true beginning of the summer season. Prior to 1970, meetings and exhibits took place at the former high school/elementary school (today’s City Hall) at 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue. Nearby hotels of that era such as the Hamilton, the Breakers, the Monticello, and others were full of visiting firemen and their families for the entire week. Following the opening of the convention center in 1970, the scene shifted to 40th Street where the parking lot was filled with displays of modern fire apparatus. The highlight of the week was the parade up Baltimore Avenue featuring a seemingly endless stream of fire engines, bands, floats and marching units; some years the parade would last almost three hours. For the first time since World War II, there will be no firemen’s parade in Ocean City as the coronavirus has forced a one-year hiatus on it. Current plans are for the Maryland State Firemen’s Convention to return in 2021 from June 19-24. To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo from an early parade courtesy of the OC Life Saving Station Museum
The Dispatch Crossword Puzzle
By Steve Green
Seeing people be responsible on the Boardwalk The show, “Dead To Me”
Smell of food hot off the grill A day with no appointments Clever masks
Sleeping in a cold bedroom
Hearing birds singing from bed Newly mulched flower beds Good news in the mail
Watching my kids fool around Road trips with no traffic
ANSWERS ON PAGE 30
April Service Calls Soar For OC Police
May 15, 2020
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
Page 39
BY BETHANY HOOPER
STAFF WRITER
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City’s police chief this week said location checks and addressing potential executive order violations contributed to a significant increase in officer calls for service last month. On Monday, Ocean City Police Department Chief Ross Buzzuro briefed the Ocean City Police Commission on police activity for the month of April. Last month, officer calls for service increased from 1,095 calls in April 2019 to 3,904 calls in April 2020, marking a 256% increase. “A majority of the calls for service on the officer side were for public health concern …,” Buzzuro said. In the top 25 calls for service, the department reported 2,149 calls related to “public health concern,” a new designation code created by the department this year to address location checks and potential violations related to Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive orders on COVID-19. “That’s the officers being diligent in their duties, going business to business and checking to make sure they were in compliance with the governor’s orders and with the mayor’s orders in the month of April,” Buzzuro said. In April, citizen calls for service decreased from 935 in 2019 to 521 in 2020. In the top 25 calls for service, citizen assists decreased from 153 to 99, suspicious person or activity decreased from 89 to 72, and 911 hang ups decreased from 163 to 54. However, city ordinance violations increased from 25 to 81. “Most of the calls for service were considerably lower this year,” Buzzuro said. Buzzuro also noted that custodial arrests during the month of April decreased from 100 in 2019 to 19 in 2020. Additionally, drug citations for marijuana decreased from 29 to 2 and DUI arrests decreased from 23 to 0. “Everything is related to COVID-19, so that’s what we are attributing all of these decreases across the board to …,” he said. Council President Lloyd Martin, chair of the commission, commended the police officers for their work in making sure businesses were compliant with the executive orders. “It shows the officers are being proactive, and we appreciate that,” he said. The police chief on Monday also provided the Police Commission with an update on seasonal recruitment. As of April 29, the department reported having 51 sworn seasonal officers and 68 public safety aides for the coming summer. “Although we will be down about 30%, we will still have a number of seasonal police officers and public safety aides this summer,” Buzzuro said. Buzzuro noted the department faced hiring challenges this spring. He explained the department lost some can-
Mother’s Day Surprise: An abnormally low tide, caused by the moon cycle and wind direction, is pictured Photo by Chris Eschenburg
off Talbot Street bayside Sunday.
didates from New York and New Jersey as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “At the end, signing on the dotted line was difficult and problematic,” he said, “so we did lose some of the applicants for reasons we can attribute to
the pandemic.” However, Buzzuro said the department still managed to find enough seasonal officers and public safety aides. “Having close to 120 people giving us a helping hand during the summer
is nothing short of miraculous,” he said. Mayor Rick Meehan applauded Buzzuro and his department for their efforts. “I think they did a tremendous job …,” he said. “I think we will be in good shape this summer season.”
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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
May 15, 2020