May 19

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Worcester School System Aims To Address ‘Misinformation’

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County leaders highlighted their support of growing education spending while school system officials addressed what they categorized as misinformation this week.

In the wake of the decision by the Worcester County Commissioners to fund Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) at the maintenance of effort level, school system staff attempted to dispel what they said was misinformation regarding everything from fleet vehicles to the Disney logo used in this year’s promotional materials. Several of the commissioners, meanwhile, stressed that the county was spending more on the school system than it did last year and still hadn’t received answers to nu-

merous financial questions.

“It is not the purpose of this body to micromanage, but it is our responsibility to see how taxpayer money is being used,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said. “There is no reason all of us in elected office, all functions of government, should not be open to the public and the taxpayers to see where that money’s being spent.”

The commissioners voted 4-2 last week to approve a maintenance of effort budget for the school system. Maintenance of Effort, or MOE, is a state law that requires county governments to provide the same amount of funding on a per pupil basis next year as they did this year. At this week’s meeting of the Worcester County Board of Education, Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief financial officer, said what the MOE formula didn’t take into account was inflation or salary increases. He said the decision by the commissioners meant that the county would be providing $279,000 less next year than they provided this year to the school system. He said that left the school system $4.5 million short.

“To fund the budget the board adopted last month, to fund it fully, we’re going to have to reduce staff, resources and programs to help our children to fund the budget the way it was adopted,” he said.

According to the commissioners, however, the county is spending more on education than it did last year. Commissioner Eric Fiori said in an interview that while WCPS was being funded at the MOE level, the county was putting a significant amount of funding toward other post-employment benefits — the benefits provided to board of education retirees. Fiori said the school system only put aside $2.8 million a year for its retirees, whose benefits cost about $6.2 million a year. The county covers the remaining cost and also puts funding in an investment trust designed to cover future retiree costs.

“The county has been making up the difference to ensure retirees receive the benefits they were promised,” Fiori said. “So although on the front side we are restricting the board of education to maintenance of effort, we’re adding approximately $8 million into current and future retirement for our hardworking teachers.”

In the school system presentation this week, Dwayne Abt, assistant superintendent of human relations and safety, said WCPS had faced an unexpected health care cost increase, as the county had not approved the school system’s recommendation and had instead approved a 9.5% increase for health care. He said that had increased the school system’s costs $1.1 million.

Tolbert said he also wanted to address “misinformation that’s out there.” He said as far as WCPS being top heavy, according to the state Worcester County ranked 21st out of 24 school systems in administrative spending. He

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Board of Education President Todd Ferrante and Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor are pictured at Tuesday’s school board meeting. Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Photo by Sarah Zaia

Photo by Sarah Zaia

Photo by Sarah Zaia

Workforce Housing Code Changes Advance To OC Council

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A code amendment pertaining to non-accessory workforce housing will advance to the Mayor and Council with several recommendations.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward a code amendment relating to non-accessory employee housing to the Mayor and Council. Officials say the amendment includes changes to the tier system and what types of workforce housing projects are allowed in different zoning districts, among other things.

“I think this is a great compromise,” said Commission Chair Joe Wilson.

Last year, the commission recommended a proposed code amendment that could help address the shortage of seasonal workforce housing in Ocean City. With

several proposals from local businesses and organizations to construct employee housing, officials are now seeking ways to make those projects a reality.

As it currently exists, the town code defines employee housing as accessory use, or living quarters with a portion of a main building or an accessory building located on the same site to be used by individuals employed on the premises. But officials are looking to include employee housing as non-accessory use.

As proposed, the amendment includes new terms and definitions, as well as a tier system for approving small, medium and large standalone employee housing projects.

Resort planners this week agreed that while tier one projects, with 16 or fewer residents, would be approved through the building permit process, tier two projects, with 40 or fewer residents, and tier three

projects, with greater than 40 residents, would be approved through the conditional use process.

“It creates a public hearing in front of us, it creates an opportunity for it to go in front of the council,” Wilson said. “We don’t have to approve them, that’s why it’s a conditional use.”

The code amendment also included supplemental regulations for employee housing. Those regulations prohibit barrack-style housing, set occupancy limits for bedrooms, and prohibit employee housing in the R-1 single family and MH mobile home districts.

Commissioner Palmer Gillis, however, argued that allowing non-accessory workforce housing in all other zoning districts could impact residents.

“When you start looking at this map and start looking at statistics as far as acreage, you are looking at 76% of the is-

land that this impacts,” he said. “I, for one, think that the R-2s and the R-3s are going to have an impact to the R-1s and other neighborhoods by passing this ordinance, this code change. So I’m suggesting that we crawl, walk, run.”

Gillis said developers were allowed to seek things such as parking exceptions from the town’s board of zoning appeals. He argued if a project with no parking was approved in areas such as R-2 and R-3, it could push parking into other residential districts such as R-1.

“I hate impacting our existing residents. I’m thinking out loud here, but I’m suggesting we eliminate R-2 and R-3 in this package,” he said.

Wilson disagreed.

“There are plenty of R-2 districts that are standalone and don’t touch R-1 districts,” he said. “I think you are limiting what we are trying to create, an incentive program.”

Wilson argued that requiring a conditional use for large-scale projects would give the commission some control as to what projects are approved in various zoning districts. He said it could also send unfavorable recommendations to the Mayor and Council.

Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville said the commission could change the code amendment to restrict what types of projects go in certain districts. He said tier one projects could be limited to R-2 and R-2a districts, while tier one and tier two projects could be limited to R-3 districts.

“What that does is if you change what’s allowed in each of those two zoning districts, then the largest projects could only go in zoning districts that are higher than R-3,” he said. “If you make that change, it creates an incentive in the way the ordinance is set up.”

The suggestion ultimately received the support of the commission.

“That’s a great compromise,” Gillis said.

After further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to forward the non-accessory code amendment to the Mayor and Council with several recommendations contained in a separate report.

The commission recommended to keep parking requirements for employee housing in place and to include a statement on how supplemental regulations apply to new employee housing projects and change of use when incentives such as density and parking exceptions are based on provisions of employee housing.

Members also recommended that deed restrictions be recorded after site plan approval or before a building permit, that the age of an onsite manager be set at 21 years old or older, and that any sleeping rooms require at least one window.

They also recommended a conditional use for tier two projects, changes to the occupancy range for tier two projects, and setting restrictions on what tiers are allowed in certain residential districts.

“The city council can change whatever our recommendation is,” Gillis said. “We’re just making a recommendation for a code change. They can modify as they see fit.”

Trespassing Incident Highlights Berlin Short-Term Rental Concerns

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials are expected to discuss short-term rentals next week following issues with a Main Street property.

The Berlin Town Council is set to talk about short-term rentals during Monday’s meeting after citizens have reported issues with a short-term rental on Main Street. While the town implemented shortterm rental regulations last year, the property at the source of the complaints has not received a license but continued to rent the property. As of Wednesday, the property owner has not been subject to any fines, which is listed in the town’s ordinance as recourse for a violation.

“We had an internal staff meeting last week to review complaints the town has received regarding short-term rentals and the enforcement mechanisms outlined in the approved ordinance,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “The town encourages citizens to file complaints with the town’s planning department and/or the Berlin Police Department. All complaints filed through those departments are tracked and acted on according to the ordinance.”

Despite the town’s new regulations, residents say they’re still having problems with short-term rentals in their neighborhoods.

Citizens attended a meeting of the Berlin Planning Commission last week to express their frustration with a Main Street property used as a short-term rental. Berlin Councilman Jay Knerr, who also lives near the property, referred to as the Brew House on Main on Airbnb, said it was not licensed and was creating issues for nearby property owners.

“It’s not fair to the neighbors,” he said. “It has been brought to the town’s attention multiple times.”

Commission member Ron Cascio asked Planning Director Dave Engelhart last week what enforcement was underway related to short-term rentals. He referenced the rental property owned by Bryan Brushmiller known as the Brew House.

“It looked like a frat house,” he said as he drove by two weekends ago. “Is that place licensed?”

Engelhart said it was not licensed. He said there had been some feedback related to it but said it hadn’t risen to the level of a complaint.

Engelhart said he believed there were about a dozen short-term rentals operating in Berlin. Six of them are licensed, he said.

When asked why Brushmiller hadn’t been fined regarding the Brew House, Engelhart said the issue would be discussed at upcoming meetings.

Tyndall said this week he would not comment on a specific property but neighbors of the Brew House shared details of an incident that occurred Saturday night. They reported a fourth-degree burglary and trespassing to police when inebriated renters of the Brew House on Main entered their house. Adam Davis and Lau-

ren Georgevich were upstairs at their Main Street home with their young son when they were alerted to people inside their home from downstairs. A video shows two individuals arguing and shouting profanities and walking straight into the couple’s home.

The Davis’ said the situation last weekend has rattled their family and called the lack of respect and understanding from neighboring property owner Brushmiller disturbing and appalling. The couple wants to know why the town is allowing its shortterm rental ordinance – passed last September – to be ignored without repercussions. The Brew House has been denied a short-term rental license by the town. The Davis’ would like to see fines instituted immediately and retroactively to the ordinance implementation.

“There is a flagrant disregard going on for everyone by the property owner. Where is the human decency here?,” Georgevich said. “This is a real shame. This is a detriment to us as neighbors and it’s had a real impact on our son and our lives. It’s not what we ever thought living in Berlin would be like when we made it our forever home.”

The Davis’ have complained numerous times to police about the property but are disappointed to learn recently that the

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source of the calls have been listed as the address in the complaint.

“I understand it’s a complaint-driven system, but we have called police multiple times and somehow the complaints are not registered. The complaints are sourced to the house making the complaint, not the object of the complaint,” she said.

Davis said the couple has spent nearly $15,000 to secure their property as a result of the neighboring rental house.

“This is not going to stop, it’s all about the money to them,” Davis said of the property owner.

After the trespassing incident last Saturday night, Davis said he reached out to the Airbnb’s property manager, who informed him he goes to bed at 9 each night and that he’s not available after that to address concerns.

Complicating matters is the fact the house in question, which has been available for a nightly rent of $500-plus, is owned by Brushmiller, owner of Burley Oak Brewing Company.

Davis has worked at Burley Oak since 2016, including the last two years as chief of operations. After being told by Brushmiller he would be continuing to shortterm rent the home without a license, Davis resigned this week from Burley Oak due to the numerous incidents related to the rental house and the impact it has had on his personal life. Davis said he has brought the concerns to Brushmiller’s attention on several occasions.

The couple is hoping to see the town enforce its short-term rental ordinance. The house in question does not have a valid license and was rejected last year by Engelhart. Nonetheless, the house has been actively rented on Airbnb. When it comes to violations, the town’s ordinance states, “Renting without a license. Rental of a property as defined by this section without a license will result in a reoccurring fine of $600.00 … A violation of any requirement of this section or other sections of the Town Code, excluding renting without a license as defined in section will result in a civil violation of $100.00. Repeat or continuing violations will result in a fine of $200.00 per day and may result in revocation of the short term rental license for the remainder of the licensing period plus one year.”

Brushmiller said Wednesday he’d removed the house from Airbnb on Tuesday and would be canceling stays as of June 1. The property had a booked rental as of Thursday.

“It is only rented 70 days a year and this is all done by a third party that manages the property,” he said.

Brushmiller also provided a comment from property manager Todd Martinek.

“We were business as usual until we were denied (a license) in April,” the statement reads. “We haven’t accepted any more reservations since then and took the site down today while the town is looking over the request—Airbnb will fine us if we don’t provide property documentation … Now we just want the town to give the owners and guests to our town fair notice to find another place.”

Multiple vehicles are pictured outside a residence on Berlin that is being used as a short-term rental in town without the required license.

File Photo

Serving

Proposed Worcester Budget Now Features $400K Surplus After Cuts

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – With increased revenue projections and the decision to fund the school system at the maintenance of effort level, officials have eliminated the deficit in Worcester County’s proposed budget.

By the close of a work session last week, the county’s proposed budget, which initially faced an $11 million shortfall, featured a $400,000 surplus. For the first time in several years, the county will not need to use surplus from prior years to balance the budget. Instead, that surplus will go toward the cost of the school system’s other post employment benefits.

County officials began reviewing the proposed $241 million budget in March. At last week’s budget work session, Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said budget work sessions were held March 28 and April 11. On April 18, the commissioners heard budget requests from the Worcester County Board of Education and fire and EMS companies.

“When totaled, the budget requests exceeded projected revenues by over $11 million,” Young said. “We held a public hearing on these requests and projected revenues on the night of May 2. We heard from a variety of citizens and stakeholders. This document before you now includes efforts made by myself and our budget team to close this gap as well as updated figures

based on recent information.”

He said a committee of county staff had reviewed the proposed budget and made about $1.9 million in cuts in various areas, bringing proposed expenditures down to $239 million.

In addition, the committee increased the county’s revenue projections to $235,890,227.

“At a high level, we’ve increased our revenue projections by $5.7 million,” he said. “This is primarily tied to an updated income tax estimate as well as proposing to use some of our casino revenues to fund debt service and one-time public safety requests.”

Those changes brought the deficit to about $4 million. That shortfall, however, was eliminated when the commissioners voted 4-2 to approve not the school system’s requested budget but rather maintenance of effort level funding of $100 million.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic questioned projected room tax revenues.

“I think we’re getting a lot of pre- booking room tax in now and I’m concerned that for August and September stays we’re not going to get that room tax at that point in time,” he said.

Staff, however, said that while there could be irregularities related to timing, overall projections should hold true.

The FY 2024 budget is expected to be adopted in early June before going into effect July 1.

OC Mayor Remembers John Staley

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The passing of longtime resort commission member John Staley was recognized this week.

Staley, a 27-year member of the planning and zoning commission and fixture in the resort community, passed away May 11 at his home in Ocean City.

In a council meeting Monday, Mayor Rick Meehan recognized Staley’s contributions to the town.

“John Staley is one of the finest men I’ve ever known and a true gentleman,” he said. “John loved Ocean City, and the reason I’m acknowledging this is because he served on the planning and zoning commission, I know for over 20 years and throughout a lot of changes in Ocean City. He was a real connection with the community on that board.”

For 27 years, Staley served on the planning and zoning commission, a body charged with reviewing and approving site plans, code changes, special exceptions and the like. The commission also plays an important role in the development of long-term comprehensive plans for Ocean City.

Meehan this week said Staley served on the commission at a time of great change for Ocean City. He also recognized his involvement in various civic organizations.

“He was just one of the true gentlemen that I’ve ever known, and a true gentle-

man of Ocean City,” he said.

Born in Dundalk, Md., Staley served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was employed by C&P Telephone for 35 years and retired in 1989.

Staley served in many capacities within the resort. In addition to being a devoted member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church, he was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, an original member of the Delmarva Irish American Club, past president of the Worcester County Library, and past director of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. He also served in various organizations such as the Lions Club, Elks, American Legion and VFW.

“John was probably a member of every local organization in town and at one time or another he was probably a leader of those organizations,” Meehan said.

For his active role in municipal government and local civic organizations, Staley was named the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2007. He and his wife were also grand marshals in the 1995 and 2018 Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“We have a group of us that have lunch on Wednesdays every week, and somebody always picked John up so that he could join us,” Meehan added. “That was the highlight of his week, and we were honored that we had a gentleman like Mr. Staley join us. Thoughts and prayers with his family. God bless you, John. Thank you for everything.”

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County Code Amendment Seeks Housing In Commercial Zoning

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A text amendment that would allow multi-family housing in a commercial zoning district is headed to the Worcester County Commissioners for consideration.

Last Thursday, the Worcester County Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward a text amendment that would allow multi-family dwellings in the C-3 commercial zoning district to the commissioners with a favorable recommendation.

“Overall, staff finds that there is a high demand for housing, especially workforce and affordable housing, and this amendment is an opportunity to increase the available stock,” the staff report presented to the commission reads.

Attorney Mark Cropper submitted the proposed text amendment, which would allow multi-family dwelling units as an accessory use to commercial development. The text amendment would require 65% of the net lot area be developed with commercial structures permitted in the C3 district, leaving 35% for residential use.

Currently, multi-family units are allowed in the C-3 district but only if they are attached to the principal structure. There are also restrictions on the total amount of space that may be permitted

for residential units based upon the amount of commercial square footage.

“The proposed amendment would allow the residential component to be detached from the commercial building,” a staff report reads.

C-3 zoning is only found in one area of the county — on the south side of Route 50 along Samuel Bowen Boulevard. Cropper said there were only five properties given that zoning classification and two were already in the process of being developed.

Since those properties were designated C-3 in 2009, Cropper said shopping practices had changed. Online shopping has increased in popularity while there is less demand for big box stores. Meanwhile, there’s a need for housing.

“There exists a shortage of affordable multi-family housing in Worcester County,” Cropper wrote on the text amendment application. “Recently, mixed use projects that combine residential and commercial uses on the same or adjoining properties has gained popularity…. Locating high density residential units adjoining or in close proximity to large scale commercial projects is very successful.”

He said a similar layout already existed in West Ocean City, where Seaside Village was located just east of the Ocean City outlets.

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OC Council Plans To Discuss Next Sports Complex Steps

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials in Ocean City will soon discuss next steps related to the development of a proposed sports complex.

On May 30, the Mayor and Council will revisit a discussion on the proposed sports complex being eyed for Worcester County. Following a meeting with the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) late last month, city officials agreed to continue talks at an upcoming work session.

“As far as the sports complex goes,

we have had the briefing from the Stadium Authority, and really in my mind that leaves three basic questions the council needs to consider,” City Manager Terry McGean said in an interview this week. “One, the county is clearly not interested in the sports complex. Is the city interested in taking the lead? If so, are we looking to do an indoor complex, an outdoor complex or both? Finally, are we looking at the same property or are we looking at another potential site?”

For years, resort council members have expressed their desires to develop a sports complex somewhere near O-

cean City and tap into the growing youth sports market. And in 2019, the town commissioned the MSA to conduct a market and economic analysis for a proposed sports complex in the Ocean City area.

After the pandemic hit, however, MSA officials were tasked with revising its study – which relied heavily on pre-COVID assumptions – and producing a site-specific assessment of the Route 50 property in Berlin.

Last year, the Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3 to move forward with plans to purchase 95 acres next to Stephen Decatur High School for the development of a sports complex. After a new slate of representatives took office in November, however, the commissioners voted 4-2 to terminate the contract.

On April 27, the Mayor and Council hosted the MSA at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center to review the market and economic analysis update for a proposed sports complex next to Stephen Decatur.

Prepared by Crossroads Consulting, the study included updated market research, as well as the potential fiscal activity associated with an outdoor complex and indoor fieldhouse.

“Generally, the site was considered adequate to excellent based on these different factors, which are the physical site, vehicle and pedestrian access and

potential design issues,” Susan Sieger, president and CEO of Crossroads Consulting, told attendees. “The only areas it really ranked poor were really pedestrian access from surrounding districts.”

Sieger also highlighted estimated annual gross economic impacts. The study projected between $63 million and $75 million in direct spending, between $1.8 million and $2.2 million in local tax revenues, and between 900 and 1,060 total jobs.

“It’s important to understand that this is full-time, part-time, this is one person can have multiple jobs,” she said at the time. “And this is obviously not people working at the complex. This is jobs that are created because of the spending directly attributable to that complex.”

Following April’s presentation, state and local elected leaders were given an opportunity to comment on the updated study. But after concerns were raised about the proposed location, officials pitched the idea for a task force.

McGean said that recommendation would also be discussed at the council’s May 30 work session. He said a work group could determine the size and placement of the proposed sports complex.

“If the council does want to pursue a sports complex, probably the recommendation is going to be to create a task force to answer the other two questions,” he said.

Corps Outlines Inlet Dredging Maintenance Decision

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A representative from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers outlined reasoning behind plans to continue maintenance dredging to address shoaling in Ocean City.

Daniel Bierly, chief of the civil project development branch for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), told the Worcester County Commissioners this week the high cost and minimal effectiveness of a structural solution to shoaling prompted the agency to abandon that plan. Instead, the channel will continue to be dredged twice a year.

“What we found is that even with that solution, we really didn’t reduce the need for dredging very much,” Bierly said. “That’s the long and short of it.”

Upon learning earlier this spring that the USACE was no longer pursuing plans for a long-term structural solution to address the navigation issues near the Inlet, the commissioners reached out to the agency to seek more information. Bierly attended this week’s meeting to elaborate on what led to the decision.

“I want to focus really on what we do going forward,” he said. “The Corps is dedicated to maintaining this channel.”

He said it was the agency’s mission to maintain its channels.

“The question is how do we do that such that the commercial and recreational users can continue to use this channel,” he said.

Bierly explained that the area was fortunate that the USACE had two dredges of its own, the Currituck and the Murden, to maintain the waterway. While that sort of work would typically be contracted out, he said the USACE had purchased the dredges because shallow water hopper dredges aren’t readily available in the private sector. The ships stay busy all year working along the East Coast and Gulf Coast.

Because concerns have been raised in recent years regarding the increasingly shallow depth of the channel, the USACE began exploring design of a structural solution that would reduce the need for dredging and address shoaling. When the Corps realized the solution that had been designed wouldn’t significantly reduce the need for dredging, officials opted not to proceed.

“The Inlet is an extremely dynamic area,” Bierly said. “The material not only comes in at the Inlet but also across the back bays. It’s very difficult to know what to do. This solution just didn’t pan out plus it’s extremely expensive. It’s over $16 million for that solution.”

Bierly reviewed annual dredging figures and suggested more dredging could be an option but would be difficult because of how busy the dredges were.

“Their schedule’s very constraining,” he said.

Rather than an increase in the frequency of the dredging, Bierly believes an increase in the volume could prove helpful.

“I think we should give it a try, see if it

works,” he said. “It can’t be worse.”

Commissioner Eric Fiori said that as a Jet Ski dealer he was familiar with local waterways and had noticed changes southeast of the Inlet.

“In the center of that shoal it’s gone from 9-12 feet to as shallow as 3 in other areas,” he said.

Bierly said that was an interesting observation and one he’d take back to his associates at USACE.

Commissioners Jim Bunting and Joe Mitrecic echoed Fiori’s concern. Mitrecic added that the concept of dredging deeper had been discussed multiple times. He wants to see the issue addressed before

it impacts boater safety. He said maybe the channel needed to be dredged deeper and the material taken farther away.

“Time is money. Distance is money,” Bierly said, adding that taking the material even a little farther would increase the cost tremendously.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked how the county could help ensure navigation improvements were made.

“The more voices you get saying something the easier it is,” Bierly said.

The commissioners agreed to send a letter to the USACE reiterating concerns and seeking more dredging to help reduce shoaling.

Fenwick Police Chief ‘Shocked’ By Termination

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials in Fenwick Island are seeking candidates to fill the position of police chief after notifying the department’s current leader they are not renewing his employment agreement.

Effective Aug. 31, the Town of Fenwick Island will terminate its employment contract with Police Chief John Devlin. After two-plus decades of service to the town, Devlin said he was surprised to receive the notice.

“I’m just shocked and appalled,” he said. “I think town residents should know why … It’s bad timing on the town’s part, going into the summer. I have served with honor and integrity. I just don’t know what’s going on.”

In a hand-delivered letter issued May 1, the town notified Devlin it would not renew his employment contract, which was extended in August 2021. To that end, Devlin’s employment with the town will terminate on Aug. 31.

“Per the terms of an employment agreement between Chief Devlin and the Town of Fenwick Island, the Chief has been notified his employment agreement will not be extended or renewed when it expires on August 31, 2023,” Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said in a statement this week. “The Town expects that Chief Devlin will finish out his term in accordance with his employment agreement. The Town Council of Fenwick Island is commencing a search for a Police Chief and the position will be advertised in the near future.”

In an interview this week, Devlin said he had returned from a training conference in late April and attended a town council meeting on April 28. He said no one had mentioned anything to him then. Three days later, he said, he received the official notice.

“At this time I’ve heard nothing from town officials as to what the reason is,” he said. “I’ve heard they have interviewed each individual officer, but I don’t know what that’s about. They say they love me, but they aren’t continuing with me.”

Devlin added that he will continue to serve the remainder of his term.

“But I have plenty of vacation time,” he said, “so I’m figuring out what I should do moving forward.”

In 1997, after attaining his Delaware Council on Police Training certification, Devlin began working for the Fenwick Island Police Department as a full-time officer. While he left the department in 2000, he returned three years later at the request of the late Councilman Edward “Buzz” Henifin.

In 2020, following the resignation of formerpolice chief William Boyden, he was sworn in as the department’s new leader.

Devlin celebrated his 20th anniversary with the town last month.

JOHN DEVLIN

MCBP Presents Jenkins Point Update

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – An update on the Jenkins Point restoration project highlighted a meeting in Ocean Pines this week.

On Monday, the Ocean Pines Association and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) held a public meeting on the Jenkins Point restoration project. Held in the clubhouse meeting room, officials presented community members with a timeline for the upcoming project, as well as design concepts of the work being performed.

“The primary goal of this project is to restore and reconnect the eroding and fragmented islands once part of the Jenkins Point peninsula to provide a nature-based buffer for the Ocean Pines Yacht Club and Marina and the Osprey Point condominium community, while also enhancing wildlife habitat,” a statement from MCBP reads. “The proposed Dynamic Living Shorelines design features breakwaters created from materials conducive to tidal marsh growth that will anchor the vegetated dune and beach. This project is being designed to account for projected sea-level rise through 2050, and it will serve as a demonstration site for nature-based climate resilience.”

In 2020, MCBP applied to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for funding to reestablish the eroding Jenkins Point Peninsula, located in the Isle of Wight Bay just offshore of the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. To that end, the local agency approached the association with plans to pursue grant funding for the project.

Ultimately, the program’s proposal was not selected for DNR funding, but officials were encouraged to reapply. And in 2022, Maryland DNR announced MCBP was successful in its grant application and was awarded funds for a restoration project at Jenkins Point.

In an update Monday, MCBP Executive Director Kevin Smith said DNR had awarded $62,000 for design work related to Jenkins Point. He said the goal of the project is to restore the fragmented peninsula, protect areas that are vulnerable to storms and sea level rise and address habitat loss.

“One of the things we want to do with this plan is not only protect Ocean Pines and the infrastructure there, but also enhance the habitat value, particularly for shore birds, terrapins, horseshoe crabs, things like that,” he said.

Smith noted that the project is currently in its design and permitting phase. While the design is expected to take roughly six months to complete, he said permitting could take more than a year.

“If everything were to fall together perfectly, we could potentially be under construction for a project like this in December of 2024,” he said.

During Monday’s meeting, Chris Becraft of Underwood & Associates, an ecosystem restoration company, pre-

sented attendees with some design concepts for the Jenkins Point restoration project. When asked if there was any downside to completing the project, he said there wasn’t.

“I think this project doesn’t scare us at all, it only excites us,” he replied.

Becraft also fielded questions about landscape design, construction length, and potential impacts to boaters and kayakers. When asked if there would be funding to maintain Jenkins Point at the conclusion of the project, Becraft said grant funding is typically set aside.

“But if you do this right, they won’t go away, even when big storms come,” he said.

Officials say funding has yet to be secured for the actual construction. They estimate the project to cost around $7 million.

The Maryland Coastal Bays Program, in partnership with the Ocean Pines Association, presented community members with an update on the Jenkins Point restoration project. Above, Underwood & Associates representative Chris Becraft is pictured during Monday’s presentation.

Photo Courtesy of Joe Reynolds

Drugs, Handgun Possession

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man is facing drug and weapons charges after an incident in Ocean City.

On May 10 around 11 p.m., Ocean City police officers were dispatched to 21st Street to assist with a traffic stop after a Ford Escape was seen running through a red light with a headlight and other lights out. The smell of marijuana was detected as police approached the vehicle. All occupants of the vehicle were asked to exit for a search.

Police found a FNP 40 caliber handgun under the front passenger seat concealed in a black bag. The handgun was loaded with a 14-round magazine with one round inside the chamber. The gun’s serial number was traced, and it was determined it had been stolen from Anne

Arundel County.

Also found inside the bag with the gun was a plastic bag with 29 light blue pills identified as oxycodone and a bag with “white-like mushroom substance,” known as psilocybin. Marijuana was also found along with a digital scale.

The vehicle’s driver, Shannon L. Yearby, Jr., 24, of Brooklyn, consented to an

interview with police on the scene. He stated he was the owner of the gun as well as the drugs and scale, offering to police, “he intended to sell schedule one and two drugs for a small profit,” according to charging documents. He said the other occupants of the vehicle had nothing to do with the weapon and drugs.

Yearby was charged with possessing a stolen handgun, possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, carrying a handgun, three counts of transporting a loaded gun, possession of CDS (oxycodone), possession of CDS (psilocybin), possession of CDS (oxycodone) with intent to distribute, and possession of CDS (psilocybin) with intent to distribute.

Sex Abuse Sentence

SNOW HILL – A Virginia man was sentenced this month to serve 25 years in the Division of Corrections for his convictions on the charges of sexual abuse of a minor and third-degree sex offense.

Wu, 32, of McLean, Va., was sentenced by Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau H. Oglesby. Oglesby suspended all

but 10 years of the sentence and placed Wu on five years of supervised probation with conditions that he register as a lifetime sex offender and have no unsupervised contact with children. The charges stem from a complaint of sexual abuse, which the victim originally reported to authorities in Montgomery County in January of 2020. Further investigation revealed that the abuse had occurred in multiple jurisdictions, including Ocean City, where the victim disclosed in a forensic interview that her cheerleading coach, Wu, had sexually abused her. The victim was 14 years old at the time.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and all multidisciplinary partners at the CRICKET Center who assisted in this investigation and thanked Assistant State's Attorney Pamela Correa who prosecuted the case. The mission of the CRICKET Center is to create a community response in which abusers are held accountable and children and families experience hope and healing. The multidisciplinary team is made up of law enforcement officers, child protective service personnel, prosecutors, advocates, mental health therapists and medical personnel.

Breaking And Entering Charges

OCEAN CITY – A home invasion resulted in the arrest of an Ocean City man last week.

On May 9 around 1 a.m., Ocean City police were alerted by a citizen to a home invasion at an apartment building on 68th

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Street. As police approached the unit in question, a white male was holding down a man, later identified as Alexandr I. Cebotari, 36, of Ocean City, who had allegedly broken into his apartment. The resident said he knew Cebotari but he was not invited into his residence. After a conversation on the porch, the victim told Cebotari he was going to bed, said goodbye and locked the door behind him. After breaking through the door and damaging a deadbolt lock, the resident found Cebotari inside his living room. Another man, who flagged down police, confirmed the story.

Cebotari was charged with two counts of breaking and entering and two counts of malicious destruction.

Home Invasion Arrest

SNOW HILL – Charges have been filed after an afternoon Snow Hill home invasion on Tuesday.

On May 16, at 4:30 p.m., the Snow Hill Police Department received a 911 call for a reported home invasion on Maple Street in Snow Hill. Information provided by the victim caller indicated that they had heard a knock on their door and observed an adult female and female juvenile attempting to sell cookies to the victim. As the victim had a conversation with the female, they observed a male, enter through the open front door of the home. The male suspect then assaulted the victim and threatened the victim with a hammer. The suspect then fled from the residence after robbing the victim of his wallet,cellphone, and money.

Officers were able to obtain a suspect description from the victim. Law enforcement then responded to a Ross Street address in Snow Hill and located the suspect, Craig Lamont Jackson, who was identified by the victim as the person who had entered his home and assaulted him.

Jackson was placed under arrest without incident and charged with home invasion, first-, third- and fourth-degree burglary, armed robbery, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and theft under $1,500.

Jackson was taken before a judicial officer and held without bond pending a bail review in District Court. The Snow Hill Police Department was assisted by the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, and Worcester County State's Attorney's Office. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information on the above referenced case is asked to contact the Snow Hill Police Department at 410-632-2444.

Major Fatal Accident

GUMBORO – Maryland State Police continue the investigation into an early morning crash last weekend that claimed the life of a Salisbury man and injured 16 others in Wicomico County.

The deceased is identified as Eliassaint Aussideu, 39, of Salisbury. EMS personnel pronounced Aussideu deceased at the scene. He was the operator of a black 2014 Kia Forte involved in the crash. There were no passengers in the Kia Forte.

Maryland State Police Aviation Command transported one patient from the

scene to Johns Hopkins Hospital. She is identified as Joseus Gerlie, 34, of Fruitland, Md. Gerlie was one of two passengers in a 2012 GMC Acadia operated by Geraldine Phauord, 37, of Salisbury.

The third passenger vehicle involved, a 2000 Chevrolet Express van, was operated by Jenise Mondestin, 43, of Salisbury. The van had 12 passengers at the time of the incident.

Fifteen people were treated at the scene by EMS personnel from multiple fire and rescue companies that responded to the scene. All fifteen were transported by ambulance to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital in Salisbury.

The driver of a 2018 Freightliner tractor trailer involved is identified as Rodney Powell, 61, of Parsonsburg. He was uninjured during the incident.

Shortly before 3:45 a.m. Saturday, troopers responded to a crash involving three passenger vehicles and one tractor trailer at 9049 Gumboro Road in Gumboro. The preliminary investigation by the

Maryland State Police Crash Team indicates three vehicles were stopped in the travel portion of southbound Route 353 when the crash occurred.

Witnesses told police that the Kia Forte was disabled and attempting a jump start from the GMC Acadia. The Chevrolet Express van had stopped ahead of the two vehicles in the travel portion of the road while they were initiating the jump start.

Investigators believe the tractor trailer, traveling in the southbound lane of Maryland Route 353, struck the rear of the Forte and the passenger side of the Acadia which caused a chain reaction.

A member of the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office was briefed by investigators. Upon completion of the crash investigation, it will be presented to the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office for review.

Police believe the drivers and passengers of all the vehicles involved were inside their respective vehicles when the incident occurred. The Maryland State

Police Crash Team continues the investigation.

Assault Charge Filed

OCEAN CITY – A Maryland man faces assault charges after a domestic incident last weekend.

On May 14, Ocean City police responded to a motel for a fight involving teenagers and adults near an arcade inside the building. Police identified a female victim who had abrasions on her neck and arm.

Darien C. Guraleczka, 19, of Belcamp, was identified as the suspect who had caused the injuries to the female victim. In what was believed to a mental crisis the man was having, the female victim approached Guraleczka in an attempt to help him calm down and stop hurting himself. Guraleczka responded by putting her into a “chokehold,” and slamming her to the ground, according to police reports.

Guraleczka was charged with seconddegree assault.

Worcester County Sheriff Launches New App

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A new smartphone app is expected to help local law enforcement with everything from communication to hiring.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging area residents to download the agency’s new app on their smartphones. The application provides the public with a variety of information and news alerts.

“This app offers quick access to items of public interest and it’s easy to use,” Deputy Jennifer DeGiovanni said. “The best part about this app is the information is out there. If people don’t have social media they can still get this information.”

According to officials with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the agency’s new app was developed by TheSheriff-

App.com, a brand of OCV LLC which specializes in mobile app development for public safety organizations across the country. The app offers quick access to items of public interest and is easy to use. Officials stress that it is not, however, for emergency calls and those experiencing an emergency still need to call 911.

The app provides users with information about Sheriff Matt Crisafulli, news and alerts, a list of the most wanted, a sex offender map and the ability to submit a tip.

The app s available for free download in the App Store and Google Play by searching “Worcester County Sheriff MD.”

At a town hall meeting in Pocomoke last week, Crisafulli encouraged citizens to download the app.

“You can get this app whether you have an Apple phone or an Android phone,” he said, outlining the array of information the public would have access

to on the app.

He added that in addition to features of public interest, there was a tab on the app dedicated to recruitment. He’s hopeful it will give prospective deputies information on available careers with the agency.

“You have to sell your product,” he said. “We’re trying to get out here to show people this is a still a very noble profession.”

Crisafulli said the app was an effort to enhance communication efforts.

“This app is the first step, where we try to push out information to you the best that we can as quickly as possible,” he said, adding that situations were often fast moving. “My office will do the best we can to keep you updated as incidents occur…. We are going to continue to build upon this app as far as submitting tips and keeping you updated.”

Digital Tram Ads Expected In Resort

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials say digital tram displays will be installed ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

Transit Manager Rob Shearman told members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee last week officials continue to work with Gateway Outdoor Advertising, the town’s new advertising contractor, on bus and tram sales. He said the company is also on track to install digital advertising signs on the back of Boardwalk trams by Memorial Day weekend.

“We’re just waiting for the boards themselves to arrive,” he said. “And we are expecting to have them installed between now and Memorial Day.”

Last fall, the Town of Ocean City hired Gateway Outdoor Advertising to replace Vector Marketing as its new advertising contractor. The company has been tasked with overseeing advertising on the town’s bus and tram fleets, as well as digital advertising that will be placed on the back of the Boardwalk trams.

In recent months, however, officials have expressed concerns over advertising sales. And in April, Gateway President and CEO Craig Heard came before the transportation committee to review the company’s progress. The meeting also included an update on digital tram advertising. While the company has ordered the signs, it has yet to push digital advertising sales.

Back on the agenda for discussion this week, Shearman said the digital displays were being shipped from overseas and would arrive in the coming weeks.

“Once they get here, we have been told it will be one to two days to get them all installed,” he told the committee.

Councilman Tony DeLuca questioned if Gateway had sold any digital advertising.

“On the digital tram [ads], how many are sold and how many are available?” he asked.

Shearman noted that the company had not started selling digital ads.

“Their take is they weren’t going to start selling until they were physically installed and ready to go,” he said.

City Manager Terry McGean agreed, noting that while the company had considered taking pre-orders it had decided against it.

“They didn’t want to sell until they had something to sell,” he said.

Mayor Rick Meehan questioned if there was a website businesses could visit to place a digital ad. Shearman replied, “Our transportation website does include in the menu board a link to the advertisers.”

Meehan encouraged the town’s tourism department to push digital advertising opportunities through its social media accounts. He also addressed officials’ concerns regarding the company’s digital advertising sales.

“That’s their job to perform, and we’ve given them everything they need to perform,” he said. “So the ball is now in their court.”

adopt your drain program launched in Oc

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Plans to implement a volunteer-led storm drain cleaning program highlighted discussions at a resort committee meeting last week.

Last week, Ocean City Environmental Engineer Jenelle Gerthoffer presented members of the Ocean City Coastal Resources Legislative Committee (Green Team) with plans for a new Adopt Your Drain program.

Similar to popular resort cleanup programs such as Adopt Your Beach and Adopt Your Street, Gerthoffer said Adopt Your Drain would task volunteers with cleaning areas around storm drains.

“So the idea behind Adopt Your Drain would be to start this in the Montego Bay area, kind of as a case study, and see how it goes,” she said. “That’s where we get a lot of our drainage complaints, and it’s also an area of town where there’s a lot of density.”

Each fall, the town’s public works department works with a contractor to begin the task of cleaning out the resort’s storm drain system. Over a course of months, crews clean out thousands of linear feet of piping and hundreds of catch basins in multiple phases.

“As I’m sure you can expect, after a rainfall event, we get lots of calls about puddles and water sitting and water blocked up,” Gerthoffer told committee members. “Public works already does large cleanouts of the actual drain piping systems, but that’s not done on a daily basis. There’s no way they can do that.”

Gerthoffer said she had found a case study of an Adopt Your Drain program in Washington state. She said she wanted to present the idea to the Green Team first.

“I thought I would run it by everyone here to get your ideas,” she said. “From here, I want to go to public works and engineering.”

Gerthoffer said the Adopt Your Drain program would begin in Montego Bay,

where volunteers could sign up to clean areas surrounding the community’s storm drains.

“I do want to put together some sort of handout and education on how to clean out,” she said. “I don’t want people going into the drains. But the biggest thing is getting debris – whether it’s yard debris that’s on the street just upstream from the drain or trying to get plastic that’s wrapped around the grate.”

She added that volunteers can also document the amount and type of debris they collect and submit it through the town’s Survey123 app.

“This is just another way to empower residents or visitors in becoming environmental stewards, just how the dune patrol, Adopt Your Beach, Adopt Your Street does,” she said.

Councilman Peter Buas, committee liaison, said he supported the proposal. He noted the public works department spent $100,000 a year cleaning out the storm drain system.

Bunk Mann Publishes Third Book, ‘Ocean City Chronicles’

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The author of a popular book series chronicling life in Ocean City is set to release his third and final installment this month.

Available online and in stores beginning Friday, “Ocean City Chronicles” will be the final book in Bunk Mann’s three-volume series about Ocean City’s rich history. Following the success of his first two publications – “Vanishing Ocean City” and “Ghosts in the Surf” – Mann said he is eager to share photos and stories from 1868 to present.

“It covers a lot of years of Ocean City history,” he said. “And that’s the idea of Chronicles.”

In 2008, Mann began interview-

Signing Scheduled For May 28

ing Ocean City residents for a new book about the resort’s historical buildings. By the third interview, however, Mann realized there was more to the story.

“Originally it was going to be about all the old buildings that were washed down, burned down, torn down, and what replaced them …,” he said. “By the time I had done some of these interviews, I realized the story was really about the people, not the old buildings.”

In the six years that followed, Mann collected more than 170 interviews and

more than 1,000 photos and postcards. And in 2014, “Vanishing Ocean City” was published.

“The first book signing was held at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum in September of 2014, and by March all 5,000 books had been sold,” he said. “So we ordered another 5,000 … Within another year-and-ahalf, they were gone. It just started growing.”

By 2019, Mann had published his second book, “Ghosts in the Surf.” And when the COVID pandemic hit, he started collecting stories for his third

SpringInto Fenwick Island!

and final installment.

“I really thought after the first book, I might run out of stuff,” he said. “That was 10 years ago, and I’m still going.”

Since 2012, Mann has contributed a weekly column about Ocean City’s history to The Dispatch in a “Vanishing Ocean City” series that features a photo and writeup each week. He said “Ocean City Chronicles” is a collection of the 285 most popular publications, as well as several interviews and hundreds of photos. The book includes the actual columns themselves that have been printed in the newspaper.

“In this book, they are laid out in chronological order, as it makes more sense for the readers to follow the story,” he said.

Copies of “Ocean City Chronicles” can be purchased through Mann’s website, vanishingoc.com, or at select locations in Ocean City, Berlin and Salisbury.

To date, Mann has sold about 20,000 copies of his works in nearly every U.S. state. Mann said he wanted to recognize book artist Paul McGehee, publisher Sandy Phillips and the roughly 400 individuals who contributed interviews and photographs for the series.

“My gratitude to all the people that have shared pictures and shared their time,” he said.

Mann will hold his first book signing over Memorial Day weekend on Sunday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. He invites everyone to attend and purchase a copy of “Ocean City Chronicles.”

“I hope that readers will gain an appreciation for the history of Ocean City and appreciation for the people that built the town,” he said.

Photo by Bethany Hooper

Fenwick Island Officials Review $541K Budget Deficit

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Fenwick officials this week presented a draft budget projecting a $541,000 operating loss in fiscal year 2024.

On Monday, Councilman Bill Rymer, treasurer, presented members of the Fenwick Island Budget and Finance Committee with a draft spending plan for fiscal year 2024. With $2.17 million in projected revenues and $2.71 million in projected expenses, he said the town faces an operating loss of more than $541,000.

“Traditionally, the expenses for the town, the daily operating expenses, typically exceed revenues, and then the realty transfer tax funds are used to help bridge the operating loss gap and pay for capital expenditures,” he said. “The highlevel summary is we are in the same situation, where expenses exceed revenues.”

Rymer noted that the projected operating loss has increased by roughly $250,000 with most of that sum tied to increases in salaries, benefits and taxes.

“What you see in front of you is a payroll increase of roughly 11% but there’s also a health insurance rate increase, and we’ve had changes in our employee group …,” he said. “From an overall expense standpoint, the $250,000 in operating loss increases is primarily related

to salaries.”

Under projected revenues, the town has budgeted $735,000 for property taxes, $480,000 for rental receipt tax, $300,000 in building permit fees and $200,640 in trash collection fees, among other things.

Rymer noted that while building permit fees in fiscal year 2023 have exceeded projections by more than $150,000, he did not expect that trend to continue.

“I truly believe this budget is based on one change, and that’s how we anticipate building permit fees to decline,” he said.

Under projected expenses, the town has budgeted $986,805 for police, $534,021 for general government, $426,256 for lifeguards and $421,153 for administration.

Rymer noted that the police department accounted for 36% of town expenses, while general government accounted for 20% and administration accounted for more than 13%. He pointed out that salaries and benefits accounted for 74% of the overall budget.

“If pull out salaries, benefits and taxes, we are really budget neutral from a spending standpoint,” he said.

Rymer also presented the committee with a capital expenditure list totaling $1,247,249. He said the town has budgeted $110,000 for street maintenance, $49,000 for police vehicles and $36,650 for town hall improvements. The capital

budget also includes $1 million for a long-awaited dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay.

“Right now, $1 million of that is dredging, and I hope we can spend every penny of it,” Rymer said.

At the end of the current fiscal year, officials estimate the town will have roughly $4.3 million in cash balance. Subtracting the $541,000 in estimated operating loss, $1.2 million in capital expenditures and other items, Rymer said the town projects a cash balance of nearly $2.8 million at the end of fiscal year 2024.

“I’m trying to highlight where our funds are at and where they are projected to be after this budget cycle,” he said.

Officials say a second meeting of the budget and finance committee will be held June 5. From there, the committee can forward a favorable recommendation to the town council.

“If on June 5 the committee approves the budget, there will be a June town council meeting to officially approve the budget,” Rymer explained.

The fiscal year 2024 budget begins Aug. 1.

Embers Evolution Features ‘Refined Dining Experience’

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The Embers Center on 24th Street continues to evolve with the opening of a new restaurant.

Last week, the Taustin family celebrated the grand opening of The Embers Restaurant. Located on the third floor of the new 24th Street Embers Center, CEO Cole Taustin said the restaurant represents the evolution of an iconic resort establishment.

“A lot of this was taking Embers back to its roots to be a more refined dining experience …,” he said. “What we’ve done is, while staying with the times and what Ocean City is, we’ve taken a refined menu and refined plans and brought that to today’s expectations.”

The Embers was founded in the late

1950s by brothers Sam and Irv Taustin. And in the 1980s, under the leadership of Jay Taustin, the restaurant transformed into Ocean City’s first all-you-can-eat prime rib and seafood buffet. Now owned and operated by the third generation of Taustins, The Embers combines brick oven flavors, a relaxed atmosphere and hints of the restaurant’s lounge-style origins.

“The biggest thing that makes this place unique is the fact that we’ve taken painstaking efforts to make sure we combine phenomenal service, phenomenal food and phenomenal atmosphere,” Cole Taustin said.

In 2021, the Taustin family announced plans to redevelop their 24th Street property, where The Embers Restaurant had stood for more than seven decades. The new three-story complex now houses several Taustin Group enterprises, including BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar, Jay’s Café, Surf’s Up Arcade and the revamped Embers Restaurant, to name a few.

“We knew redevelopment of this property was coming,” Taustin said. “We’ve known it for years, but I feel like the pandemic accelerated the plan because, A, diversification, and, B, because of the end of the buffet … We knew this was the time for evolution.”

Located on the third floor, The Embers is an open-kitchen, rooftop concept, with seating overlooking the bay. Taustin said new menu items include a full charcuterie and cheese selection, a slow-roasted veal osso buco, and fritto misto.

“It’s basically an Italian version of a tempura platter,” he said. “So it’s fried seafood, but it’s mixed options – fried shrimp, fried calamari, etcetera.”

The Embers also features hand-crafted Fiero Forni ovens – which will be used to make the restaurant’s signatures dishes and pizzas – as well as a robust cocktail list. Taustin said menu items include a smoked Manhattan and a full martini selection.

“Our menu is certainly ambitious, but I feel people’s expectations of the restaurant business have elevated,” he said. “The common expectation in the restaurant business isn’t what it used to be. It’s time for Ocean City to meet that need. We simply wanted to be at the beginning stages of meeting that need.”

Taustin said The Embers will open daily at 5 p.m., beginning Memorial Day weekend. For more information, visit embers.com or The Embers Restaurant Facebook page.

“I highly recommend that you don’t draw any conclusions,” he said. “Come and experience it for yourself, even if it’s just for a drink and to see what we’re doing. Very few people have come up here and said, ‘This is exactly what I expected.’ Everyone has been surprised, everyone has been impressed. I’d love to give as many people as possible the opportunity to show them what we’re doing.”

Taustin Group is a family-owned collection of businesses, including BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar, Pier 23, The Embers Restaurant, Embers Island Miniature Golf, Jay’s Café & Trading Co. and The Other One Brewing Co.

The Taustin family and management representatives officially cut the ribbon on the new restaurant last Friday.

Submitted Photo

Annual Public Safety Campaign Launched In OC

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Preparations are underway for the start of the upcoming beach season, and the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration and Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office are again partnering with stakeholders to promote pedestrian, bicycle and driver safety in Ocean City.

At a press conference last Thursday, the agencies were joined by representatives of the Town of Ocean City, state officials, the Ocean City Police Department and other local businesses and agencies to officially launch the 2023 Ocean City Walk Smart, Drive Smart, Bike Smart safety campaign.

The campaign features the iconic “Cheswick the Crab” mascot and amplifies safety messages that heighten a commitment to the “four Es” – engineering, education, enforcement and emergency medical services – to save lives and prevent injuries on Coastal Highway and other heavily used roadways in Maryland’s largest beach town.

“Connecting vacationers safely to opportunities for family fun and relaxation is the cornerstone of the 2023 OC Walk Smart, Drive Smart and Bike Smart campaign,” said State Highway Administrator Tim Smith. “Ocean City becomes Maryland’s second largest city during the vacation season, bringing out hundreds of thousands of visitors who will be walking and biking along Coastal Highway during the summer season. It is up to all of us to ensure they get to a from their destination safely.”

More than 50,000 vehicles share Coastal Highway with pedestrians and bicyclists every day during the summer.

The State Highway Administration continues to implement significant engineering and safety improvements to enhance safety for vulnerable highway users.

The “Cheswick Says” beach-friendly safety messages, geared toward road users of all ages, will be seen and heard throughout Ocean City this summer on roadway billboards, transit buses, boardwalk tram, aerial banners, boat billboards, social media platforms, in print publications and digital radio.

“Our partnership with State Highway Administration and the Town of Ocean City are vital as we continue to spread the message of safe driving, walking and biking this summer,” said Maryland Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Road safety is a shared responsibility to ensure everyone makes it to their destination safely. Follow the rules of the

Annual Effort Focuses On ‘Four Es’

“Cheswick the Crab” is pictured using the crosswalk with state and local officials last week. Submitted Photo

road, avoid distractions and make a plan for a sober ride home.”

In the campaign, Cheswick reminds pedestrians to Walk Smart with the following tips: press the crosswalk button before crossing Coastal Highway; cross at and within marked crosswalks; look, pay attention and then cross; follow all traffic signal signs and lane markings; and make eye contact and be seen by drivers.

Cheswick reminds drivers to Drive Smart: drive sober; stop for pedestrians in crosswalks; watch for and yield to pedestrians, especially when turning; keep your eyes on the road; avoid all distractions; share the road with bicyclists and give 3 feet of space when passing; check your rearview and/or side mirrors for bikes in the bike lane before turning right; and avoid driving in bus lanes.

Cheswick also reminds bicyclists to Bike Smart: stop at all red lights and stop signs; ride in the direction of traffic flow; do not ride on the sidewalk, as it’s illegal and dangerous; ride sober; avoid distractions and pay attention; and use bike lights if riding after dark.

In addition to promoting safety messages, State Highway Administration has made several engineering improvements including sidewalk, curbing, crosswalk and signing upgrades, installing median

fencing, improving lighting and lengthening turn lanes.

“As Ocean City’s season ramps up and visitors fill our resort town, we are happy to continue and expand the Walk Smart campaign,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our Ocean City Police Department, public works and the strong partnership with the state and private businesses, we are keeping residents and visitors safe on our roadways.”

Ocean City Police Department Chief Ross Buzzuro added, “As we head into the busy summer season, we ask that you please put safety first. The men and women of the Ocean City Police Department will continue to focus on walking, biking and driving safety education and will remain poised to enforce as needed. We want you to have an enjoyable experience in Ocean City – but above all we want you to be safe.”

The campaign, a staple in Ocean City since 2013, originally featured the crab as a lifeguard helping vacationers safely cross and navigate busy Ocean City streets. The mascot was renamed “Cheswick” as a tribute to Matthew Cheswick, a young pedestrian who was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking along Coastal Highway in 2012.

Teal Marsh Plaza (Across From Food Lion) 9927 Stephen Decatur Hwy. Unit 5 West Ocean City, MD 21842 410-390-5383

Open 6 Days –9:30a.m.-6 p.m.

32nd Cruisin Ocean City Expects 3,000-Plus Participants

OCEAN CITY –The 32nd Annual Cruisin Ocean City began yesterday and will continue through Sunday.

The nationally recognized event attracts more than 3,000 customs, hot rods, street machines, classics and more. While the main events take place at the beachside Inlet Parking Lot and the Ocean City Convention Center, there will be various citywide locations.

Scheduled to appear at this year's Cruisin will be Joe and Amanda Martin from the hit show Iron Resurrection. Joe and Amanda Martin will be at the Inlet on Friday and inside the convention center on Saturday meeting fans. Also, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic movie American Graffiti, Mackenzie Phillips and Candy Clark will be inside the convention center on Thursday and Friday and at the Inlet on Saturday. Plus make sure to check out the movie show cars display inside the convention center on Thursday and Friday. Additional entertainment includes Deejay Seaside Jimmy, Cruisin Gold Deejay, the 8th Annual Pin Up Contest, a Neon and LED light car show, a pedal car show, drive-in movies, bingo, live music and much more. New this year there will also be a Husband Calling Contest Friday afternoon on the Inlet stage.

Some of the country’s top national names will be showcasing their prod-

ucts in manufacturers midway at the Inlet Parking Lot. Plus, at the convention center, there will be Gateway Classic Cars and vendors both inside and outside selling automotive merchandise along with arts & crafts, jewelry, T-shirts and many other specialty items. There will also be a Car Corral, Swap Meet

and Artwork Contender Showcase inside the Convention Center.

Additional Cruisin Ocean City highlights are the special Boardwalk parades that will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. from 27th Street to the Inlet lot.

On Sunday, the Grand Finale Aw-

ards will take place at the Inlet. Before Cruisin comes to an end there will be more than 500 trophies, plaques and awards presented plus over 3,000 giveaways.

Spectator tickets are $15 a day for Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, and $10 a day for Sunday, May 21, good at the Inlet and Convention Center. Children under 14 are free with an adult. Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday with the Grand Finale Awards starting at 2 p.m. For additional information visit www.cruisinoceancity.com or call 410-798-6304.

Cruisin Ocean City promoters issued a statement this week calling safety “our number one priority.” The statement added, “The event does not tolerate unlawful activities or the disrespect of Ocean City. During Cruisin the town of Ocean City will be classified as a Special Event Zone where there will be increased fines for speeding, negligent/reckless driving, spinning wheels and alcohol related offenses. We encourage everyone that comes to Ocean City for Cruisin, both participants and spectators, to respect the town and abide by the rules. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to a wonderful and safe Cruisin Ocean City for 2023 and years to come.”

The morning Boardwalk parades are a highlight for the participants as well as the spectators.

File photo by Chris Parypa

Fenwick Beach Pumping Begins

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – A beach replenishment project kicked off in Fenwick Island this week.

After working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the span of weeks, a long-awaited beach replenishment project kicked off in Fenwick Island Monday. While crews were anticipated to arrive in July, at the height of the town’s summer season, officials with USACE announced it had secured a second dredge company to complete work in Delaware’s coastal communities ahead of Memorial Day, beginning in Fenwick.

“They are actually going to be mobilizing at the Fenwick Island State Park starting next week …,” Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said in an April 28 council meeting. “God willing, and no more storms, they’re going to start throwing sand on our beaches on May 15. The best news of all is they estimated they will be out of here by May 29.”

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

The federal agency has developed a design that includes periodic nourishment at an interval between three and six years. And in December, USACE announced it had awarded a $23 million contract to Weeks Marine to conduct periodic nourishment along the Delaware coast.

The contract calls for dredging sand from offshore borrow sites, pumping it onto the beaches through a series of pipes, and grading it into an engineered dune and berm template, which is designed to reduce damages from coastal storms.

The dredge company was scheduled to begin in Rehoboth Beach and work south toward Fenwick Island, where 207,000 cubic yards of sand will be pumped onto the town’s beaches. In recent months, however, Fenwick officials have expressed concerns that the project would interfere with the town’s sum-

mer season, as well as its 70th birthday celebration and annual beach bonfire. Beach replenishment was scheduled to start in Fenwick in July. Working with USACE Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Ramon Brigantti, however, the agency was able to hire a second dredge company.

“Hopefully by Memorial Day it will be done,” Town Manager Pat Schuchman said. “This is great for us. It’s never happened to us before.”

Officials say updates on beach replenishment and beach closures will be posted on the town’s website and Facebook page.

Beach replenishment work is pictured between Cannon and Dagsboro streets. File Photo

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Deshon Purnell, Erica Matlock and LaVerne Cray are pictured at the Kentucky Derby party benefiting the Worcester County Education Foundation.

Evelyn Eade, Opal Hambury and Sara Hambury volunteered at the Worcester County Education Foundation event.

Susan Trimble and Olivia Momme welcomed guests to the derby party for the Worcester County Education Foundation.

Katie Hammond and Kerri Lenker are pictured at Oaked in Snow Hill during the Worcester County Education Foundation event.

Jessica Meehan and Bill Thompson paused for a photo at a Kentucky Derby Party benefitting the Worcester County Education Foundation.

Mike and Debbie Levy attended a derby party benefitting the Worcester County Education Foundation.

Traci Record, Belinda Gulyas and Thom Gulyas are pictured at the Worcester County Education Foundation’s Kentucky Derby party.

School system officials are pictured at a benefit for the Worcester County Education Foundation in Snow Hill.

Attendees are pictured enjoying a derby party at Oaked in support of WCEF.

Sara and David Hambury are pictured at the WCEF Kentucky Derby party.

Berlin HDC Signs Off On Mixed Use Project’s Windows

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – The town’s historic district commission approved plans for changes to a mixed-use property on Jefferson Street.

The Berlin Historic District Commission earlier this month approved plans for a new door and windows at Wooden Octopus on Jefferson Street.

“I look forward to seeing it,” commission member Laura Stearns said.

Matt Amey of Wooden Octopus initially approached the commission in April seeking approval for a new door and windows at his gallery on Jefferson Street. Amey said he hadn’t been able to relay to the commission exactly what his intentions were, however, so a vote on his proposal was tabled. He returned to the commission at May’s meeting with an updated drawing depicting both the changes he planned to make as well as the materials involved.

“The only thing I don’t have approval for currently is the windows,” he said, adding that he already had approval for the proposed entrance ramp, doors, brickwork and siding.

He shared with the commission a drawing done by Dhiru Thadani, the urbanist and planner who visited Berlin in April. He pointed out that during the last meeting, the commission had suggested he consult with a professional regarding his plans for the property.

“It fell right in my lap,” he said.

Amey said there would be tall plate glass windows on the front of the building as well as smaller windows on the side of the porch.

“On the sides of the porch, those will have windows that can open for airflow,” he said.

Amey added that he was hoping for approval of the windows, as he’d just been advised he had received a façade grant to help with the project but that it had to be done within 12 months.

Commission members said the drawing provided a clearer image of what he intended for the structure.

“It’s easier to visualize,” Stearns said.

Commission member Carol Rose praised the proposal and said she felt the project had benefited from last month’s delay of a decision.

“That’s why we ask people to rethink and come back,” she said. “It’s not that we want to turn anybody down.”

Amey said he was grateful for the insight Thadani had provided on the project. He also thanked commission members, particularly Brian Robertson, for their input into his plans.

He said siding was currently being installed on the first floor and the second floor would be targeted next.

“Little by little it’s coming together,” he said.

The commission voted unanimously to approve new windows for the property.

A sketch of the proposed changes for the Wooden Octopus in Berlin is shown. Submitted Image

Armory Site Ruled Out For Pocomoke Library

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

POCOMOKE – Planning continues for the replacement of the Pocomoke branch of the Worcester County Library.

Following the news last month that a new library would not be built at the former armory property, officials say that planning is now underway for a new library on Market Street, where the existing facility is.

“Staying on this site just makes it a whole lot easier,” said Weston Young, Worcester County’s chief administrative officer.

In April, Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck said plans for a new library on the armory site in partnership with Pocomoke City were no longer

being pursued. She addressed the issue at a town hall meeting hosted May 11 by Worcester County Commissioner Caryn Abbott in Pocomoke.

“We’re now going to plan what’s possible on this site,” she said.

Ranck told the crowd in attendance that she was working with the Maryland State Library Agency to see if the county could keep the $2.2 million grant that had already been received toward library construction. She’s also applying for more capital funds from the state.

She said that while the site has changed, a new library at the Market Street location would be similar to what was plan-

ned for the armory site.

“The concept would be very similar to that,” she said. “We’ll have a larger meeting space, an expanded children’s area, a lovely gallery when you walk in, a separate space for teenagers.”

The existing library, which is on about a one-acre site, would not be able to stay open during construction of the new facility.

“The construction company would need some space to stage their materials…,” she said. “We’re probably going to need to look at an alternate site, possibly a trailer, something to keep books available, computers available.”

When asked exactly why the armory plan had been abandoned, Ranck said the library was anxious to keep the project moving forward.

“It takes another player out of the equation for us,” she said. “This way we already had the space.”

She stressed that the Pocomoke community had been waiting a long time for a new library, as the existing one was more than 50 years old.

Young recapped the history of the project. He said that initially, officials were looking at a riverfront site in Pocomoke but environmental issues with the property had led them to abandon that plan. They’d next agreed to work with the municipality to develop a new library on the armory property. Planning slowed, however, when the city wasn’t successful in getting a grant to help with demolition costs. Young noted that even if the building was demolished, there was a chance the site could have environmental issues related to its former uses.

“Even if the town cleaned up the site I think the county would be hesitant to take it over if we weren’t able to immediately build on it,” Young said. “By keeping it on a site we know and already own it’s going to be a smoother process. We’ve lost probably two years since the riverfront site. We could possibly have a new library by now if we’d just stuck with this site.”

Grant Award

BERLIN – Unstoppable Joy is pleased to announce that it has received a community grant of $750 from the Coastal Association of REALTORS.

The grant will help fund the self-care services and healing bags that Unstoppable Joy provides to cancer warriors and their caregivers.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Coastal Association of REALTORS for their generous support,” said Tonya Agostino, founder of Unstoppable Joy. “Their grant will go a long way in helping us provide natural and positive self-care services to those who need it most during their cancer journey.”

The Coastal Association of REALTORS Community Grant Program supports organizations that are making a positive impact in their local communities. Unstoppable Joy was selected as a recipient of this grant due to its commitment to providing cancer warriors and their caregivers with access to natural and positive selfcare services.

Candidates Announced

SALISBURY – The Wor-Wic Community College board of trustees has announced three finalists for the next college president.

The candidates, in alphabetical order, are, Dr. Deborah Casey, Dr. Dreand Johnson and Dr. Bryan Newton.

The three finalists had the opportunity to introduce themselves to staff, students, faculty and the community at public forums, held this week at Guerrieri Hall on the Wor-Wic campus.

Casey is vice president of student affairs at Green River College in Auburn, Wash. She has 25 years of experience in higher education and has also worked in various administrative positions as interim vice president of human resources and instruction, dean, and in teaching roles at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and the University of Florida in Gainesville. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership and research methodology from Florida Atlantic University.

Johnson is currently provost of Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas. He previously worked at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Mo., as the associate vice chancellor of academic affairs and associate vice chancellor. He also served in administrative roles as vice president of instruction, chief

Cambria Ocean City Bayfront Hotel recently invited Diakonia’s transitional families to its facility for a pool and pizza party and check presentation. The $5,000 grant will go toward the hotel’s continued efforts to provide those without homes a Christmas Eve dinner and free night stay, as well as ensure there are gifts under the hotel Christmas tree. Pictured, from left to right, are Diakonia Executive Director Ken Argot, Diakonia Program Coordinator Tory Stone and Cambria Ocean City Bayfront Hotel Sales Director Marge Steele. Submitted Image

academic officer, dean and professor at colleges in Iowa and Texas. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Texas Southern University in Houston, a master’s degree from Houston Baptist University and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

Newton is vice president for enrollment management and student services at Wor-Wic. He has served in that role since 2015. He previously served as vice president for enrollment management and student experience at Aiken Technical College in South Carolina, and as vice chancellor for student affairs at Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington, Ind. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, a juris doctorate from the Ohio State University College of Law in Columbus and a doctorate in education and human resource studies from Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

Those who attended public forums or other meetings with candidates will have the opportunity to provide feedback that will be shared with the board of trustees. The board will select one candidate to fill the role of president currently held by Dr. Ray Hoy, who is retiring June 30 after 23 years at Wor-Wic.

The board will announce its selection on June 1.

Ribbon Cutting

MILLSBORO – CFS, Inc. (Comprehensive Financial Solutions) recently announced the ribbon cutting for its second location in Millsboro, Del.

“Helping Delmarva Retire for Over 35 Years,” CFS is excited about the expansion in a thriving town such as Millsboro. Located on Route 113, the firm will increase its reach in the region, for existing clients, business professionals throughout Sussex County, and retirees making Southern Delaware their home.

Spearheading the Delaware launch is Practice Manager and Director of Marketing Katie Brittingham. Hired in 2021 with a Delaware office as a primary goal, Brittingham is excited to see it come to fruition, saying, “After conducting our own research, joining local committees, and leveraging resources from Sussex County, CFS chose Millsboro, Delaware. We became involved with the county and town well before we leased an office, allowing us to hit the ground running once renovations were complete.”

Millsboro Town Manager Jamie Burk shared the excitement, expressing, “The Town of Millsboro would like to welcome Comprehensive Financial Solutions to Millsboro. We appreciate CFS choosing Millsboro for their expansion into Delaware and appreciate their team’s involve-

ment in our community right out of the gate.”

He continued, “From attending Council meetings to serving on the Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Brittingham has embraced Millsboro and we thoroughly appreciate her efforts.”

President JD Schroen added, “To say we are excited about the growth we’ve seen would be an understatement. We have had key new hires over the past few years who have been instrumental in our firm’s growth, culture and vision. In addition to what our founders started over 35 years ago, and this second location on Delmarva, I cannot wait to see what the next 35 years bring to our team and clients!”

Scholarships Available

MILLSBORO – Mountaire Farms, the country’s fourth largest chicken processer, has dozens of $2,500 scholarships available for the children and grandchildren of employees, poultry growers, and grain producers.

The deadline to apply is June 5, 2023.

“This is another great benefit of working for or with Mountaire Farms,” said Phillip Plylar, president of Mountaire Farms. “It’s an honor to meet these families and see the commitment these students have to their education. We are blessed to be able to help them succeed.”

To be eligible, a student’s parent or grandparent must be employed by Mountaire Farms, or grow broilers, breeders, or grain (10,000-bushel minimum) for Mountaire.

Applicants must enroll as a full-time college student carrying a minimum of 12 credits per semester in the current school year.

Successful applicants must be involved in extracurricular activities at school and in their community. Preference will be given to an industry-related course of study. A copy of the student’s transcript must be attached to the application.

Students can apply online at the company website.

The company will be announcing scholarship winners on July 3, 2023, and winners will be invited to an event in August where they will be recognized.

On Delmarva, scholarship winners will be invited to a Delmarva Shorebirds game where they will be brought on field and announced to the audience in attendance that evening.

Local Student Wins Top Honors In Annual Essay Contest

BERLIN – Congratulations were recently extended to Worcester Preparatory School fourth grade students who placed as semi-finalists and the district winner in the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League (MML).

Eli Parker of Snow Hill was named District 1 winner (Somerset, Worcester, Wicomico and Dorchester counties) in the statewide essay contest comprised of 11 districts. He is a student of Erin Shimko’s fourth grade class.

Parker was honored with the 10 other district finalists at the Maryland State House in Annapolis on May 9. The 11 winning essays were chosen from thousands of student essay submissions this year. As part of the celebration, each of the winners received a commemorative plaque, a personalized governor’s citation and a monetary prize.

Fourth graders Bryan Anderson of Milton, Del., Ramaiya Boopathi of Millsboro, Del., and Tejal Pillai of Lewes, Del., also placed as semi-finalists in District 1. These students are part of Kimberly Jankowski’s fourth grade class at WPS.

This year’s essay theme was “Preserving the Past to Power the Future.” The essay contest has educated 50,000 students about municipal government and the role of the mayor, over its 23 years. The contest remains digital to ensure one of our longest-running programs is accessible to any classroom environment.

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

NOW HIRING PLANT CARE TECHNICIANS

Worcester Prep fourth grader Eli Parker, second from left, is pictured holding his governor’s citation. He is District 1 winner of this year’s “If I Were Mayor” essay contest. With Parker are, from left, District 1 semi-finalists Tajal Pillai, Ramaiya Boopathi and Bryan Anderson. Above right, Parker is pictured in Annapolis with officials including Mayor Zack Tyndall and Gov. Wes Moore. Bottom, Parker is pictured after a conversation with Moore.

Submitted Photos

Mary Mac Foundation Donates To Ocean Pines Rec, Parks

BERLIN – Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks recently received a $1,200 donation from the Mary Mac Foundation. The foundation each year supports local and regional youth programs to honor Mary McMullen (1948-2012), a special education instructor at Severna Park High School and Ruth Eason School in Millersville, Md.

During the 1970s, she also helped establish the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department.

Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said the funds would go toward expenses related to Ocean Pines summer camps.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Mary Mac Foundation,” Donahue said. “Our summer camps benefit so many in our community, and it’s wonderful to have that community support – especially from a foundation and a family who have helped local children for so many decades.”

Mary Mac Foundation cofounder Tim McMullen said the money was raised through a grant from Choptank Electric Cooperative. He credited former Ocean

Pines Board member and current Choptank board member Tom Terry with helping to secure the grant.

“Supporting the summer camps in Ocean Pines is important to us for a couple of reasons,” McMullen said. “Mary and I started the youth program back in 1973. And I surely see how important it is for young people to have peer groups during the summer with constructive activities.”

Coming up, the Mary Mac Foundation will host its annual Family Jam at Manor Hill Brewery in Ellicott City on Saturday, Sept. 30, starting at noon. Donations are welcome, but the event is free to attend.

The event will include a cash bar and a food truck vendor. Outside food is welcome. To RSVP, email tim.p.mcmullen@gmail.com or call 410-2943625.

Tax-deductible donations may be made to the Mary Mac Foundation at www.paypal.me/marymacfoundation or by sending a check payable to the Mary Mac Foundation, 174 Nottingham Lane, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Tim McMullen, representing the Mary Mac Foundation, is pictured presenting the financial gift to Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue. Submitted

Worcester county Veterans memorial Will Host memorial Day ceremony

BERLIN – The largest Memorial Day ceremony in the region returns to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines on Monday, May 29, starting at 11 a.m.

The event each year draws thousands of people to the memorial grounds and features music, demonstrations, and public speakers honoring U.S. Military men and women who gave their lives in service.

“Memorial Day honors all who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our county,” Veterans Memorial Foundation President Marie Gilmore said. “This year’s ceremony, as those before it, will honor the brave men and women who served our country and lost their lives in doing so.”

Gilmore said the keynote speaker this year will be retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Al Soto.

The ceremony will also honor local Gold Star families. During World War I, families would fly flags or banners with a blue star for every immediate family member serving in combat. If one of

them died, a gold star replaced the blue star.

Walter Webster, a member of the Maryland East Chapter of Ex-POWs, will place a wreath in honor of all current and former prisoners of war.

The program will also include patriotic music performed by Randy Lee Ashcraft, The Delmarva Chorus, and Glen Mohr with the St. Luke’s Contemporary Choir.

The program is scheduled to run for one hour.

Public parking will be available at Veterans Memorial Park on Route 589 and Cathell Road in Ocean Pines. Limited seating will be available during the Memorial Day ceremony and guests are encouraged to bring chairs. No seating will be supplied for the special dedication ceremony.

In case of inclement weather, the Memorial Day ceremony will move to the Ocean Pines Community Center and be announced on the www.oceanpines.org and www.opvets.org websites and on social media.

Three veterans are pictured making their way to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines during last year’s ceremony. File photo by Campos Media

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The Ocean City Lioness Lions Club recently presented scholarships to five Stephen Decatur High School seniors. Receiving those were, from left, Sarah Smith, Emily Sandt, Sophia Krasner, Kai Ross and Kameron Harris. Pictured also are Lioness Lions Ashley Furbay, Linda Oliver and President Bev Topfer.

Submitted Photos

Maryland State Senator Mary Beth Carozza and Former Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan presented Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, with a Senate of Maryland Resolution during First Friday, May 5, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. The resolution recognized Thaler as the first Eastern Shore resident and artist to be named as the 2023 Sue Hess Arts Advocate of the Year by the Maryland Citizens for the Arts.

The Worcester County Garden Club recently recognized member Pat Arata as its 2023 Mary Ann Royal Award recipient. Established by the club’s first president in honor of her friend, Mary Ann Royal, the award is given to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the club. First Vice President Joan LaHayne presented the flower-filled trophy bowl to Arata.

The Ocean City Knights of Columbus #9053 raised $4,938 through a Bingo For Babies fundraiser for the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health in Berlin. The Lady Knights Auxiliary Council #9053 raised $3,500 with a Bingo For Babies Luncheon. Members of the groups are pictured presenting their checks to Joann Manole, executive director of the Grace Center.

Aubrey Sizemore, volunteer and event coordinator for the Art League of Ocean City, received a $1,000 sponsorship for Arts Day in the Pines from Sharon Sorrentino of the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club. Arts Day in the Pines, a free event hosted by the Art League of Ocean City, will bring more than 50 artisans and art activities to Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines on June 24.

On Tuesday, April 24, Wor-Wic Community College's Radiologic Technology Class of 2023 presented the Golden Apple Award to Emily Dinardo, radiologic technologist at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. Dinardo was selected for this year's award because of her exceptional guidance, encouragement and overall interest in training the next generation of radiologic technologists. Pictured from left to right are Sangita Silwal, Samantha Hurley, Caitlyn Vessey, Katelyn Hernandez, Emily Dinardo, Danielle Nester, Chloe Abresch and Chelsea Ward.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS

ON PAGE

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Single Lambs looking for love could find Cupid aiming at someone you thought (wrongly) was uninterested. Paired Sheep could soon make plans to move into new pastures.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Level that sharp Bull's eye of yours directly at the target you're after. Don't let yourself get sidetracked by any misleading or deceptive attempts to distract you.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Early enthusiasm gives way to a more reflective attitude, as you assess the potential of a new job. Avoid questionable advice. The ultimate decision should be yours.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You might need to reassess the responsibility you've taken on. Consider delegating some of the tasks to people you trust and focus on those things you do best.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): Don't be shy about sharing new ideas with your workplace colleagues. Their warm reception and trusted support will soon have you purring with satisfaction.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): That uneasiness over a potential commitment should be confronted and dealt with realistically. Find out why you're delaying an important decision.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): Your business venture gets back into high

gear after a brief period of sputtering. Don't be discouraged. Stay with it. Your hard work and patience will pay off.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): Watch out for a tendency to let things slide in hopes that a problem will correct itself. You need to be more proactive than reactive if you want to see change.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): A wilting relationship could recover and be coaxed back into full bloom, as long as there is a strong commitment to your partner to make the relationship your priority.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Before you accept a new job offer, check on the status of a promotion you were promised in your current workplace. Then, make a decision.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Expect to find yourself in a teaching situation on the job, which you will no doubt enjoy. Don't be surprised if you get to learn a few things as well.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You'd love to make a big splash with your new project. But you'd be wiser to introduce it to your colleagues in a more restrained way and let it speak for itself.

BORN THIS WEEK: You're a practical person who also has a sense of adventure. You have a capacity for leadership that others often tap in to.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

The peace of the night after a kids’ sleepover

Bunk Mann’s love of local history

The ease of a pizza night dinner

Being the first awake in the house

Biking on a freshly paved road

Events celebrating volunteers

No traffic days on Route 50

Young athletes celebrating together

A smart phone with a long battery

Not seeing wires on a flatscreen TV

A rice bowl for lunch

The Miami Court was the first motel in Ocean City. Built in 1948 by Ridge Harman Sr. on 22nd Street and Philadelphia Avenue, the site is now the parking lot for Fish Tales and Bahia Marina.

The term motel comes from “motor-hotel.” A motel offered lowerpriced accommodations in a less formal setting with “drive up to the doorstep parking.” This appealed to families with young children in the post-World War II “baby boom” era.

Within a decade, motels had sprung up all over Ocean City and the area from 15th to 33rd streets became known as “motel row.”

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

Photo courtesy of Kathleen Harman

The Dispatch Classifieds

HELP WANTED

FRONT GATE ATTENDANT:Parttime and Year-round. Fridays and Saturdays 5p.m.-1a.m. Assateague Pointe Rt. 611. 410-641-1671.

BUILDING ATTENDANT: PT/FT summer season. Monitor pool, parking lot and buildings. Report to property manager. Good pay. call 410-250-1111 or send resume to fred@paradiseoc.com

OFFICE CLERICAL POSITION

Part Time, Small Local Established Company looking for person to assist our office staff. Flexible schedule and hours, no wknds. General Office skills required. Great for retirees. Call 410-641-4411.

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

410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

OFFICE CLERICAL: position full time, small local established company seeking motivated person to assist our growing office. Salary with benefits, general office skills required. Call 410-641-4411

CLEANERS/VACATION

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

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

NOW HIRING!

• BARTENDER

•COOK

•DELIVERY DRIVERS

•SERVERS Call Pam 410-726-7061 or apply within 56th Street

HYGIENIST/ASSISTANT

Friendly boutique dental practice, with great patients, looking for a PART TIME HYGIENIST and a PART TIME ASSISTANT.

Please send resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com

COOKS AND CLEANING HELP WANTED

Flexible schedule, clean kitchen, new equipment. Weekly pay checks. Friendly work environment. If interested apply in person. Open daily 12:00 p.m. American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, MD.

CLASS A OR B CDL DRIVER

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

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

www.smicompanies.net

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Maryland Paramedic/Firefighter I

Berlin Fire Company/EMS

Berlin Fire Company/EMS is accepting application packets for one full time with benefits Maryland Paramedic/Firefighter I position. Requires Class B noncommercial drivers license or ability to obtain within six months from date of hire. Starting salary $46,956. with additional potential for overtime shifts. 24/72 shifts. Submit resume, copy of driver's license, three year noncertified driving record, copies of all fire and EMS certifications and training by Friday, May 26 at 2:00 pm to: Berlin Fire Company EMS

ATTN: Employment, P.O. Box 382, Berlin, MD 21811 No phone calls or visits to the station. All questions will be answered during the interview process. Also accepting resumes with copies of certifications to update our part-time/on-call/as-needed paramedic and EMT lists. Please mail to same address as above. Please use USPS Express or Priority Mail so you can track your application packet to ensure timely delivery.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ADVISOR

Nutrient management advisor needed for Worcester office of University of Maryland Extension. Individual will develop nutrient management plans for agricultural producers; BS in an agricultural, environmental or natural resource science or an equivalent combination of education & experience required along with knowledge of agricultural production practices and cropping systems. Other basic knowledge and skills required include the ability to use personal computers, ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, ability to use simple analytical equipment, ability to perform basic mathematical and algebraic calculations, and ability to complete reports and records correctly. Individual must pass nutrient management certification exam within one year of employment. Preference given to certified nutrient management consultants. Background check required. This is a contractual position which includes benefits.

For a detailed position announcement and to apply, go to https://ejobs.umd.edu, position number is 127964

Position is open until filled. Please apply ASAP for best consideration. EEO/AA

Painters

Mechanics

Concrete Work

o Experience preferred.

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

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

NOW HIRING!

HOLIDAY INN POOL BAR

•COOKS •SERVERS

Daytime hours, 10-4 Mon-Fri

Serious inquiries only

Please Apply in person, 6600 Coastal Highway, OC, MD

INDIAN

•MAINTENANCE

•GENERAL CLERICAL

•FUEL DOCK ATTENDANTS

•DOMESTIC

•RAMP ATTENDANTS

•DOCK HANDS

•BOAT YARD ATTENDANT

•NIGHTWATCH

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071

AA/EOE

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

SEASONAL

STAFF

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

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

Perfect position for individuals looking for extra income.

Send resume to: susan.brewer@casinc.biz

•COOKS

RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING!

Housekeeper Full Time

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

Call 410-803-4135, fax resume to 410-272-2249 or e-mail: tgreaver@bscamerica.com.

Cleaning services need not apply. CARPENTERS

Must have

NOW HIRING!

CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS

Ocean Pines Aquatics

Call 443-299-9949 Or apply in person at the Sports Core Pool on Cathell Road

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING

PM FRONT DESK NIGHT AUDITOR MIDNIGHT-8AM COMPETITIVE PAY, OVERTIME HOURS AVAILABLE!

APPLY IN PERSON

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

Fountainhead Tower

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

Hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm

Custodians - 40 Hrs

Clean lobby, elevators, hallways and maintain grounds in common areas and parking lot. Hours are 8:00am – 4:00pm

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

All shifts available

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

OC HOTEL NOW HIRING FOR: Seasonal ~MAINTENANCE ~HOUSEKEEPING ~DAY LAUNDRY

Experienced Only Need Apply.

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

NOW HIRING

Maintenance Technician

Needed Immediately

Great Pay & Benefits based on experience

•Work with a well-established OC Hotel/Restaurant Group

•Perform preventative, routine, & emergency maintenance

•Repairs on restaurant equipment with emphasis on refrigeration

•Provided a company vehicle – with valid driver’s license

•Prior experience with diagnostic abilities, electrical, major plumbing & troubleshooting

Health Insurance, 401K, sick leave, and vacations included.

Forward resume to :

Restaurant Maintenance, PO Box 160, Ocean City, MD 21843 or email: jeb@harrisongp.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Glenriddle Community

Full time 8:30am-5:00pm

Send resume to: tmacintosh@legumnorman.com

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

FULL TIME/SEASONAL

$17/Hr. Paid weekly Company Truck

End of Season Bonus

Call and leave messge 410-641-9512

RENTALS

SEASONAL SUMMER, WEST OC, HOME RENTAL: 3BR/2BA. Waterfront, Central Air, W/D, Furn. Plenty of parking. Call for more details443-373-8147.

WEEKLY RENTALS: Oceanfront Home 5BR/3BA, Private beach, huge decks, rent by the week. Bethany Bch. DE. Avail: 5/26-6/2, 6/2-6/9, 9/1-9/8, 9/8-9/15 Starting at $5,000. Call Holly 586-242-8824

ROOMMATE

ROOM FOR RENT: Luxury home, Ocean Pines. $700/mo. Includes Utill.’s. $300 sec. dep. No pets, no smoking. Call 443-880-2317.

LARGE ROOM FOR RENT: J-1

Visa students welcome! Only $2,500 for season. 3 spots available. Ocean City. Call 443-880-2486.

SUMMER SEASONAL ROOMMATES: Looking for 2 college age females to share North OC Condo for the summer season. Call 443610-4665 or 443-610-4644.

AUTOMOBILE

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

YARD SALE

TOWN OF BERLIN YARD SALE: Community Wide! Sat. 5/20 7:30am-’til. Check participating addresses on the town website. www.berlinmd.gov

GLENRIDDLE COMMUNITY YARD SALE : Open to the Public Saturday, 5/20, 8 AM – 1 PM MAIN STREET STORAGE, LLC: COMMUNITY YARD SALE. Sat. 5/27. 8am-1pm. 9842 Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811

ASSATEAGUE POINTE FLEA MARKET: Sat. 5/27 at 8 a.m. Rt. 611, Assateague Pointe.

COMMERCIAL

WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 Office or Retail Space for Lease. 1,656. Sq. feet. Plenty of Parking. 443-4974200.

INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE SPACE: 2,100 Sq. Ft., 1,500 Sq. Ft., and 1,867 Sq. Ft. Masonry construction. 18’ high ceilings, large garage door & bathroom. Rt. 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.

Set in flowing peach, Smiling as she takes the stage Now brushed with speckles!

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

NOTICE TO MERCHANTS

Have you forgotten to renew your State of Maryland business license? In order to avoid paying the mandatory penalty, please renew your license by May 31, 2023 . Note: The office will be closed on Monday, May 29, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day under State Law.

Third Insertion

SUSAN HUESMAN MITCHELL, ESQ.

STEEN, WAEHLER & SCHRIDER-FOX, LLC

92 ATLANTIC AVENUE UNIT B PO BOX 1398

OCEAN VIEW, DE 19970

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19698

To all persons interested in the estate of RUTH INGEBORG BRITTINGHAM, Estate No. 19698. Notice is given that R. JORDAN BAYLY, 12506 WHITESVILLE ROAD, LAUREL, DE 19956, was on APRIL 26, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of RUTH INGEBORG BRITTINGHAM, who died on MARCH 25, 2023, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26TH day of OCTOBER 2023.

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

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other writ-

ten 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 5, 2023

R. JORDAN BAYLY Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

Third Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ.

LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19702

To all persons interested in the estate of BETTY J. HEIMRICH, Estate No. 19702. Notice is given that ROBERT A. HEIMRICH, 12512 DEER POINT CIRCLE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 1, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of BETTY J. HEIMRICH, who

died on APRIL 24, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 5, 2023

ROBERT A. HEIMRICH Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

Third Insertion

MICHAEL B. MATHERS, ESQ.

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

APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19703

To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE C. VAN NOSTRAND, Estate No. 19703. Notice is given that GEORGE G. VAN NOSTRAND, 4613 NW 20TH STREET, OCALA, FL 34482, was on MAY 1, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of GEORGE C. VAN NOSTRAND, who died on APRIL 4, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of NOVEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MAY 5, 2023

GEORGE G. VAN NOSTRAND

Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI

Third Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B

SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19701

To all persons interested in the estate of MARY K. GOECKEL, Estate No. 19701. Notice is given that LYNNE RUSKOSKI, 106 DAVIS COURT, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 1, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARY K. GOECKEL, who died on MARCH 4, 2023, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1ST day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 5, 2023

LYNNE RUSKOSKI

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

Third Insertion

TIMOTHY S. BARKLEY, SR. BARKLEY LAW OFFICE, PC PO BOX 1136 MT. AIRY, MD 21771

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19699

To all persons interested in the estate of RUSSELL J. EGELAND, Estate No. 19699. Notice is given that EMILY SCHULTZ, 2226 133RD PLACE, SE, BOTHELL, WA 98012, was on APRIL 27, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of RUSSELL J. EGELAND, who died on MARCH 24, 2023, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of OCTOBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper:

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland 2x 5-19, 5-26

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication

MAY 5, 2023

EMILY SCHULTZ

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

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

3x 5-05, 5-12, 5-19

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ.

LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE

1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19713

To all persons interested in the estate of SIMONE PAULETTE LOUISE SMITH, Estate No. 19713. Notice is given that HELEN ST. JOHN MALONE, 11733 GRAY'S CORNER ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 05, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of SIMONE PAULETTE LOUISE SMITH, who died on MARCH 19, 2023, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of NOVEMBER 2023.

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 12, 2023

HELEN ST. JOHN MALONE

Personal Representative True Test Copy

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

COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

3x 5-12, 5-19, 5-26

Second Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ.

LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19605

To all persons interested in the estate of MARIA F JOHANSEN, Estate No. 19605. Notice is given that CHARLES STELLA, 31684 COOK ROAD, NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH 44039, was on MAY 05, 2023, appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of MARIA F JOHANSEN, who died on FEBRUARY 21, 2023, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 5TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 12, 2023

CHARLES STELLA Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-12, 5-19, 5-26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 19715

Notice is given that the REGISTER OF WILLS COURT of MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA, appointed(state) JOHN H. BROCKWELL JR., C/O HOWLAND HESS BIRNBAUM, 2444 HUNTINGDON PIKE, HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA 19006 as the EXECUTOR of the Estate of LINDA J BOETTCHER, who died on OCTOBER 8, 2022, domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA. The Maryland resident agent for service of process is BARRY JACKSON, whose address is 23 WEST STREET, 2ND FLOOR, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following MARYLAND counties: WORCESTER.

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 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. 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 12, 2023

JOHN H. BROCKWELL, JR. 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 5-12, 5-19, 5-26

ABANDONED VESSEL

Notice is hereby given that the following vessel has apparantly been abandoned for more than 180 days. The vessel is described as: 1976 CATALINA YACHTS, 27’, WHITE IN COLOR, HULLED FIBERGLASS SAILBOAT. MD Vessel #4985 DB. HULL IDENTIFICATION:#CTYL259M76G. Located at 110504 SUSSEX ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, TRUDY STOCK, 443880-7453.

Application for Title will be made in accordance with Section 8-722 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resoures Article, if this vessel is not claimed and removed from the above property within 30 days of notice.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication

CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19258

To all persons interested in the estate of ANNA REED, AKA: ANNA CASSANDRA REED, Estate No. 19258. Notice is given that VIRGINIA PAIGE WILDMANN, 10316 NORTH ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on MAY 11, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of ANNA REED, who died on APRIL 11, 2022, with a will.

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

VIRGINIA PAIGE WILDMANN

Personal Representative True Test Copy

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19721

To all persons interested in the estate of AUDREY ELAINE HALLETT, AKA: AUDREY LAMB HALLETT, Estate No. 19721. Notice is given that WINONA COLEMAN, 6068 SILVERADO TRAIL, MCKINNEY, TX 75070, was on MAY 12, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of AUDREY ELAINE HALLETT, who died on MARCH 30, 2023, with a will.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

WINONA COLEMAN Personal Representative True Test Copy

The Dispatch Legal Notices

LEGAL RATES

Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon. For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

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

3x 5-19, 5-26, 6-02

First Insertion

MELVIN J. CALDWELL, JR, ESQ. CALDWELL & WHITEHEAD, PA 109 CAMDEN STREET PO BOX 4520 SALISBURY, MD 218034520

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19720

To all persons interested in the estate of MARIE MACHEN, Estate No. 19720. Notice is given that GARY M. CHASE, 3 EVERGREEN COURT, OCEAN PINES, MD 21811, was on MAY 11, 2023, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARIE MACHEN, who died on APRIL 10, 2023, with a will.

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

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

GARY M. CHASE Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 218631074

3x 5-19, 5-26, 6-02

First Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19717

To all persons interested in the estate of EDITH A. EVANS, Estate No. 19717.

Notice is given that DENNIS EVANS, 10321 HAYES LANDING ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on MAY 10, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EDITH A. EVANS, who died on SEPTEMBER 28, 2022, with a will.

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

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

DENNIS EVANS Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 5-19, 5-26, 6-02

First Insertion

REENA J. PATEL, ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD SUITE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19718

To all persons interested in the estate of JACQUELYN EVANS COOK, Estate No. 19718. Notice is given that SCOTT NOYLE, 3001 G ATLANTIC AVE., APT 1, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842, was on MAY 10, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JACQUELYN EVANS COOK, who died on FEBRUARY 02, 2022, without a will.

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

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

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 10TH day of NOVEMBER, 2023.

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

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

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

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication MAY 19, 2023

2022 Town Of Berlin Annual Drinking Water Quality Report

IS MY WATER SAFE?

We are pleased to present this year's Annual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This report is designed to provide details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. This report is a snapshot of last year's water quality. We are committed to providing you with information because informed customers are our best allies

DO I NEED TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS?

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline (800-426-4791).

WHERE DOES MY WATER COME FROM?

The Town of Berlin pumps your drinking water from three separate wells in town, the source of this water is the Pocomoke aquifer, which is ground water drawn from about 125 feet below the earth's surface. An aquifer is somewhat like an underground sponge composed of rocks, sand and of course water. The area between the surface and the water helps to filter and purify the water before it actually reaches the aquifer and pumped into our system.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT AND ITS AVAILABILITY

The Town of Berlin has completed its well head protection report and passed an ordinance establishing protection areas and criteria. A copy of the well head protection program and ordinance is available at town hall. Results of the assessment can be found on the MDE website: https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Water/water_supply/Source_Water _Assessment_Program/Pages/by_county.aspx

WHY ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN MY DRINKING WATER?

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity: microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, that may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife; inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial, or

domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming; pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses; organic Chemical Contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems; and radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility. If you want to learn more, please feel free to contact Jamie Latchum, Superintendent of Water at 410-641-3845 or email him at jlatchum@berlinmd.gov.

SOURCE WATER PROTECTION TIPS

Protection of drinking water is everyone’s responsibility. You can help protect your community’s drinking water source in several ways:

•Eliminate excess use of lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides – they contain hazardous chemicals that can reach your drinking water source.

•Pick up after your pets.

•If you have your own septic system, properly maintain your system to reduce leaching to water sources or consider connecting to a public water system.

•Dispose of chemicals properly; take used motor oil to a recycling center.

•Volunteer in your community. Find a watershed or wellhead protection organization in your community and volunteer to help. If there are no active groups, consider starting one. Use EPA’s Adopt Your Watershed to locate groups in your community, or visit the Watershed Information Network’s How to Start a Watershed Team.

•Organize a storm drain stenciling project with your local government or water supplier.

Stencil a message next to the street drain reminding people “Dump No Waste - Drains to River” or “Protect Your Water.” Produce and distribute a flyer for households to remind residents that storm drains dump directly into your local water body.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR LEAD

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Berlin is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials within your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have your water

tested, contact Berlin at 410-641-3845. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR NITRATE

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider.

PFAS – or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – refers to a large group of more than 4,000 human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a range of products, including stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, cookware, food packaging and fire-fighting foams. These uses of PFAS have led to PFAS entering our environment, where they have been measured by several states in soil, surface water, groundwater, and seafood. Some PFAS can last a long time in the environment and in the human body and can accumulate in the food chain.

Beginning in 2020, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) initiated a PFAS monitoring program. PFOA and PFOS are two of the most prevalent PFAS compounds. PFOA concentrations from samples taken from our water system in 2022 ranged from 1.98-2.74 parts per trillion (ppt); PFOS concentrations from samples taken from our water system in 2022 ranged from 1.25-1.89 ppt. In March 2023, EPA announced proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for PFOA and 4 ppt for PFOS, and a Group Hazard Index for four additional PFAS compounds. Future regulations would require additional monitoring as well as certain actions for systems above the MCLs. EPA will publish the final MCLs and requirements by the end of 2023 or beginning of 2024. Additional information about PFAS can be found on the MDE website: mde.maryland.gov/PublicHealth/Pages/PFASLanding-Page.aspx

The Maryland Rural Water Association’s State Circuit Rider assisted with the completion of this report.

WATER QUALITY DATA TABLE

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The table below lists all of the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the calendar year of this report. Although many more contaminants were tested, only those substances listed below were found in your water. All sources of drinking water contain some naturally occurring contaminants. At low levels, these substances are generally not harmful in our drinking water. Removing all contaminants would be extremely expensive, and in most cases, would not provide increased protection of public health. A few naturally occurring minerals may actually improve the taste of drinking water and have nutritional value at low levels. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this table is from testing done in the calendar year of the report. The EPA or the State requires us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not vary significantly from year to year, or the system is not considered vulnerable to this type of contamination. As such, some of our data, though representative, may be more than one year old. In this table you will find terms and abbreviations that might not be familiar to you. To help you better understand these terms, we have provided the definitions next to the table.

Sibony Looks Forward To Bringing ‘Taphouse Flair’ To Pines

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – A popular Ocean City establishment now has a location in Ocean Pines.

The connections of the 45th Street Taphouse this week purchased Taylor’s Neighborhood Restaurant. New owner Zev Sibony said he’s looking forward to bringing some of the “Taphouse flair” to the Pines while retaining Taylor’s favorites that have kept people visiting the restaurant for decades.

“I’m excited to get out to the Pines,” he said. “I’ve got to win over a new branch of locals.”

Sibony said he’d been looking for a location outside the resort, either in West Ocean City or Ocean Pines, when he found out about the opportunity to purchase Taylor’s Neighborhood Restaurant.

“There’s a big migration of restaurant owners and operators going out west,” he said. “More and more people are living in West Ocean City and the Pines.”

He was familiar with the Taylor’s location and felt the Taphouse would be a good addition to the neighborhood. Sibony purchased the property this week after the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners approved the transfer of the establishment’s liquor license.

While the restaurant will operate as is this weekend, when it’s closed on Monday and Tuesday Sibony’s team will bring in a new logo, a new menu and some additional beer taps.

Sibony, who’s been planning this for a couple months, said he met with the staff at Taylor’s to talk about his plans to take over. He said they cared about the restaurant and had operated it successfully for years so he wanted them on board for the transition.

“That was big for me, to retain everybody,” he said, adding that the restaurant had several longtime staff members who’d been there more than a decade. “I feel a happy staff is monumental to this industry and the culture of a restaurant.”

He worked with the kitchen team and chef to review the menu. While they kept customer favorites, they removed items that didn’t sell well and replaced them with some of the Taphouse’s best sellers, including the pretzels. About a third of the menu will be new to Taylor’s.

“We’re adding in enough ‘Taphouse flair’ to attract new people,” Sibony said.

He’s also adjusting operations. The restaurant, which used to open at 3 p.m., will be open for lunch starting May 24th. In addition, there will be two happy hours and a new happy hour food menu.

“That’s going to be available seven days a week,” Sibony said, adding that while the restaurant had previously offered happy hour there had been no food menu associated with it.

He’s aware that regular customers are worried about the changes a new operator will bring to a restaurant that’s long been a local favorite but says he’s not going to drastically change a place that’s been successful for the past 25 years.

“Other than being the neighborhood ‘Cheers’ type bar it’s just going to be invigorated with new life,” he said.

He noted that patrons in north Ocean City hadn’t been sure what he’d bring to the former Kirby’s Red Onion space on 137th Street when he took it over but had soon been convinced that he was a dedicated restaurant operator.

“Everyone’s been so worried everything’s going to be different,” he said. “We’re here to feed people good food, serve cold beer and great drinks. At the end of the day that’s what it is.”

Zev Sibony expects to keep the same staff and some of the restaurant’s menu favorites upon taking over Taylor’s.

Photo by Charlene Sharpe

Who’s Where When

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays:

Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH

BAR & GRILL

410-289-6846

37th & 38th St. Oceanside at Castle In The Sand Hotel

Friday, May 19:

Darin Engh, Beg To Differ Band

Saturday, May 20:

Endless Ember, Monkee Paw

Sunday, May 21:

Aaron Howell Duo, Tonight’s Crush

Monday, May 22:

Sean Loomis, Remy & Lyons

Tuesday, May 23:

Jack Bannon, Lime Green Band

Wednesday, May 24:

Ben Davis,

Josh Pryor Trio

Thursday, May 25:

Kevin Poole, One Night Stand

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 19:

Beach Bandits

Saturday, May 20:

Billy Z’s Dueling Piano Show

Tuesdays: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy

CORK BAR

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Saturday, May 20:

Wes Davis

Sunday, May 21:

Loop Of Boom Duo

CRABCAKE FACTORY

BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE

Sunday, May 21:

Monkee Paw

Wednesday, May 24:

Chris Diller

CRAWL STREET

TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, May 19:

Lennon & The Leftovers

Saturday, May 20:

Caleb Folks

Who’s Where When

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay

Friday, May 19: DJ RobCee, Great Train Robbery, Bad w/Names

Saturday, May 20: DJ Hook, Other Brother Darryl, HydraFx

Monday, May 22: DJ Wax, Animal House

Tuesday, May 23: Bryan Clark

Wednesday, May 24: Latin Night

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C.

Tuesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Thursdays & Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, May 20:

Rogue Citizens, DJ Jeremy

Sunday, May 21:

Opposite Directions, DJ Billy T

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, May 20: The Dunehounds

Sunday, May 21: Beats By Deogee

Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PIER 23

410-289-3323

12817 Harbor Rd. West O.C.

Friday, May 19: Shortcut Sunny

Saturday, May 20: Rick & Regina

Sunday, May 21: No More Whiskey

Tuesday, May 23: The Dueling Pianos

Thursday, May 25: Shortcut Sunny

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, May 19 & 20: Surreal

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, May 19: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz Full Circle, Jah Works, Steal The Sky

Saturday, May 20: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, DJ Connair, Jah Works, Dear Zoe, Fish Out Of Water

Sunday, May 21: DJ Davie, John McNutt Band, The Way Outs

Monday, May 22: DJ Davie, The Way Outs

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 23 & 24: DJ Davie, The Benderz,

Thursday, May 25: DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, DJ Davie, John McNutt Band, The Way Outs, GoGo Gadjet

HOWELL DUO

LENNON & THE LEFTOVERS Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, May 19

LOOP OF BOOM (DUO) Cork Bar: Sunday, May 21 FULL CIRCLE Seacrets: Friday, May 19

PAW

THE DUELING PAINOS Pier 23: Tuesday, May 23

HYDRAFX Fager’s Island: Saturday, May 20

NO MORE WHISKEY Pier 23: Sunday, May 21

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Harborside: Sunday, May 21 BEACH BANDITS Coins Pub: Friday, May 19

Ocean Pines Farmers, Artisans Market Continues To Evolve

BERLIN – With more vendors joining each week, there’s so much to do, see and taste this summer at the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market, which is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in White Horse Park.

Tapped are suppliers of fresh, local produce, meats, seafood and baked goods, along with scores of unique artists and artisans, and nonprofits and community groups. There are also many vegan and gluten-free options at the marketplace, plus a special Kids’ Market Zone filled with activities for children.

Market Manager David Bean said several new merchants entered the market this spring and will stay on through the summer.

One such newcomer is Roger Dize Seafood, which offers fresh, locally caught seafood, including live blue crabs.

“With customer lines growing each

week, Dize continues to stock plenty of hard- and soft-shell crabs, scallops, and more,” Bean said. “The stand also accepts special orders, so customers can guarantee the products they’re looking for are ready for pickup at the market on Saturday morning.”

Foxhound Farm of Bishopville brings locally raised heritage Berkshire pork, lamb and goat products. Additionally, the stand has a selection of artisan products to go with the meats, including seasoning blends and sauces.

“Owner Dante Locona is a young and energetic farmer who is passionate about what he raises and produces,” Bean said. “His love of good food translates into a wonderful experience for those who shop with him. We are so excited to have Dante's Foxhound Farm at the market and are looking forward to seeing how his business grows over the years.”

Microgreen grower Elf Enchanted Garden also recently arrived and features an ever-changing selection of sprouts.

“Ericka Forsythe and her husband operate their local 23-acre African American owned farm and are at the Ocean Pines market each week,” Bean said. “Ericka loves to talk about her sprouts and has a wealth of ideas on how they can be sprinkled into meals. She's got a lot of knowledge to share with her shoppers.”

Bean said there are also plenty of bakery options at the Ocean Pines marketplace.

“Our newest bakery is the Ugly Pie from Salisbury,” he said. “These award-winning bakers offer a wide variety of pies and flavor options. Pies are sold in whole or mini sizes, or by individual slices.”

Another new addition, Vivian's House offers a selection of baked goods for special dietary requirements, including glu-

ten free, dairy free, and even sweets for those who cannot have eggs in their diet.

“Vivian Manion is a soft-spoken individual who cares deeply about her customers, and she spends hours planning, researching and baking to create the items she sells each Saturday,” Bean said. “The apple cider cupcakes are unbelievably delicious, and don't miss the pop tarts too. Vivian's husband, James, often accompanies her to the market and can be seen playing his acoustic guitar at her side, much to the enjoyment of her market customers.”

For those looking for a snack while shopping, the popular Pretzel Trolley will be back at the market this summer.

“The food truck offers a selection of stuffed pretzels for fulfilling breakfast or lunchtime cravings,” Bean said. “And, to keep all those knives, tools and gardening items sharp, Sharper Edge is back weekly. Both the trolley and sharpening truck can be found on the parking lot next to the administration building.”

Bean said selections at the artisan market also continue to flourish. Macrame artisan Ivana Stuart recently opened the Beautiful Honua boutique at the market.

“Her artwork, displayed under a crisp, white canopy, is very attractive,” Bean said. “She's looking forward to offering her handmade artwork to shoppers throughout this year.”

Other notable artisans include Lisa Chambers of Delaware Bay Clay, who designs and creates nautical themed pottery pieces for her customers. Shoppers can also enroll in hands-on pottery classes at her studio in Lewes, Delaware.

Donna Lloyd, owner of Artisan's Aroma, is back at the market with her line of hand-poured candles. Bean said Lloyd has greeted Ocean Pines customers at the marketplace with her candle collections for many years.

For children, a popular face painting vendor will return, starting on Memorial Day weekend.

“Tory Hall, the owner of Poppytail Art, will be setting up weekly,” Bean said. “Hall has worked as a face painter at Dolly Parton's Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee, and locally at the Rehoboth Sea Witch festival, Bridgeville's Apple Scrapple, and Dover Days.”

Hall will be at the market each Saturday, except when Amberlina's Adventures and Pearl Moon Face Painting are in the Kids’ Market Zone.

Many local community and nonprofit groups are also represented at the market.

“Our community partners are a big asset and add so much to the Ocean Pines market,” Bean said. “Neighbors and friends greeting each other, sharing and building support is part of what makes our Community Corner so special and unique. I could not be prouder of what these organizations add to the market.”

“We are also always looking for volunteers to help with the day-to-day task at the Ocean Pines market,” Bean said. “Hours and participation schedules are flexible. For those that enjoy being outdoors, with people and rubbing elbows with our merchants, this is a fantastic opportunity to become a part of the market team.”

Every Sunday: Farmers Market Berlin will host along Main Street with 35plus vendors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rain or shine. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com.

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting

5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443880-8444.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus

All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410629-9383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

Every Monday: Bridge Games

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

Every Monday: Overeaters Anonymous

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

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting

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

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

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

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

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

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting

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

May 19: Flounder Dinner

Bowen United Methodist Church in Newark will host from 4:30 p.m. until sold out. Dinner includes fried flounder, green beans, mac ‘n cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Cost is $10. Carryout available.

May 19-21: Cruisin OC

The nationally recognized event attracts more than 3,000 customs, hot rods, street machines, classics and more. While the main events take place at the beachside Inlet Parking Lot and the Ocean City Convention Center, there will be various citywide locations. Spectator tickets are $15 a day for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 18-20, and $10 a day for Sunday, May

Things To Do

21, good at the Inlet and Convention Center. Children under 14 are free with an adult. Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday with the Grand Finale Awards starting at 2 p.m. For additional information visit www.cruisinoceancity.com or call 410-798-6304.

May 20: Chicken Platters

Fried and baked chicken platters to go for $10 at Calvary United Methodist Church at 8607 Ironshire Station Road in Berlin. Platters sold with two sides and a roll. Potato salad, mac n’ cheese and green beans. Also, a dessert table and drinks for sale. From 10:30 a.m. until sold out.

May 20: Old Pro Open

It's Par-Tee Time at the 6th Annual Old Pro Open. Get ready to swing into the largest mini-golf tournament on the East Coast on 68th Street, OC. www.oldprogolf.com.

May 27: Auto Wash Event

Berlin Auto Wash will donate $5 from every wash to the Worcester County Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics lower shore programs. Pulled pork sandwiches and refreshments will be offered. Torch Run merchandise will be available. Raffle for an Ultimate Wash Card will be available. Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Rain date will be June 3.

June 3: Community Yard Sale

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

June 3: Car Show

From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Kiwanis Club of Ocean Pines-Ocean City will host the third annual event at the Ocean Pines Veterans Memorial Park. Rain date for June 10. Judged classes, trophies and awards. Food concessions provided by the Kiwanis Cafe'. Registration 9-11 a.m. Pay online, avoid the line. Registration fee of $15 (bring receipt to show). Avoid standing in line at the registration desk. Download, print and complete the registration form on the website: kiwanisofopoc.org. Click events and then car show for the form. Pay at the event for $20. Funds benefit the local children and community.

June 5: Author Panel

The Friends of the Ocean Pines Library (FOPL) will present its Delmarva Author Panel during the group’s semi-annual membership meeting. The Friends’ efforts to support the Ocean Pines Branch of the Worcester County Library will be discussed at the 10 a.m. membership meeting, and the Delmarva Author Panel begins at 11 a.m. The event is free and all are wel-

come. The five authors have all featured Delmarva as the setting or the historical backdrop for their books, which will be available for purchase. They will discuss their books, their inspirations, and the writing process. The author panelists will be Stephanie Fowler, Chasing Alice; Don Parks, Islander’s War; Susan Ayres Wimbrow, Death is My Life; Chip Bertino, It’s All About … Some of My Favorites; and B.B. Shamp, A Wife in Watercolor.

June 5: Storytime

Stop by the Ocean City Library at 10:30 a.m. for a fun storytime with the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. Enjoy stories, songs, and games as we learn all about how the fire department serves our community. OCVFC President Frederick Senger will be there to pass out goodie bags. Children will also be able to see a firetruck up close. “This partnership was planned for the children in the community to get a better understanding of all the important things our local firefighters do. We also want to help children and families continue learning about the importance of fire safety,” Ocean City Branch Manager Alec Staley said.

June 8: Meet & Greet

Republican Women of Worcester County invite you to come meet and socialize with other members and Republicans. Bring a friend. All are welcome. Cash bar from 57 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club.

June 10: Furnace Town Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 10: Just Walk Event

In celebration of Men’s Health Month, the Worcester County Health Department in collaboration with the City of Pocomoke will be hosting their first Just Walk for Men’s Health event at Cypress Park in Pocomoke City. It will include a walk, no-cost health screenings, health education, and more. This family and pet-friendly event is open to all county residents. Registration and check-in will start at 8:30 a.m. followed by opening remarks at 9:00 a.m. by special guests Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock and Al “Hondo” Handy. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a prewalk warm-up with Gary Press, owner of G Fit Boot Camp, followed by a walk through the park. After the walk, partici-

pants are encouraged to visit health vendors and participate in free health screenings, including blood pressure and a diabetes risk assessment. Pre-registration is encouraged and can be found at Eventbrite.com. The first 100 individuals to register will receive a commemorative T-shirt. For more information, please call 410-6321100 extension 1108.

June 13: Kid’s Carnival

Fish Tales, located on 22nd Street bayside in Ocean City, will be hosting from noon-3 p.m. To celebrate the end of the school year, Fish Tales decided to have this fun family event for children. This day will be filled with carnival games, face painting, inflatables, children’s vendors, kid’s crafts, pony rides and food and drinks. A commemorative T-shirt will be available for purchase. All proceeds from the day will be donated to the Lower Shore Special Olympics. If anyone would like to be a vendor, contact India Bandorick at 410-289-0990 or email her at india@ocfishtales.com.

June 14: AARP Meeting

Ocean City AARP Chapter 1917 will meet at 10 a.m. in the Ocean City 50 Plus Center located on 41st St. and Coastal Highway. Please arrive early at 9:30 for a social half-hour and refreshments. Guest speaker will be from the Burbage Funeral Home. New members are welcome. 410250-0980.

June 16-18: OP Players Show

Theater-goers should make note that the Ocean Pines Players (OPP) production of the Pulitzer nominated play, Love Letters, now has a different performance schedule and venue. There will be no performances in May. The play will be offered on Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, June 18 at 2:30 p.m. All shows will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. The ticket-holders from the May performance dates have been contacted and offered their choice of a transfer of their tickets to the new dates or a full refund. Any ticketholder who has not yet received notification should email info@oceanpinesplayer.org to make their preferred arrangements. OPP regrets any inconvenience to its audience but feels confident that these changes will result in a satisfying theater experience. Ticket buyers are reminded of the benefits of OPP memberships such as a 20% discount on performance tickets, priority seating and early bird access when there’s reserved seating. It’s recommended that patrons go to: https://oceanpinesplayers.org to become a member and then buy tickets to the show.

June 17: Learn To Fish

Teach A Kid to Fish Day will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the South Gate Pond near the Sports Core Pool. The event includes a drawing for a free rod and reel. For more information, call John McFalls at 610-5051697.

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

School Board, Commissioners Continue Debate Over Funding

FROM PAGE 4

said 1.49% of the proposed budget was administrative spending. As far as the school system not being transparent, Tolbert said WCPS was a separate entity and had its own elected school board.

“We do want to be transparent with our county commissioners. As I said earlier we did meet with the county administrator and his assistant,” Tolbert said, adding that they’d provided an additional 21 pages of budget detail.

County officials, however, noted that 21 pages of detail only accounted for 4% of the school system’s budget. That amounts to detail on about $5.6 million of a $130 million operating budget.

School system officials on Tuesday went on to refute the allegation that they’d spent money on using the Disney logo in promotional materials.

“Because we are a nonprofit agency and we were not using the designs commercially we were not subject to any fees,” said Carrie Sterrs, the school system’s coordinator of public relations and special programs.

WCPS leadership also addressed the issue of vehicles.

“Providing those vehicles to those employees saves us money as opposed to if we were paying them the IRS reimbursement rate of 65.5 cents per mile,” Tolbert said. “It results in annual savings of $21,900 and that does not include the payroll deduction that is withheld from our employees for having the benefit of that car, which is about $8,100 per year.”

Tolbert reiterated that with the MOE budget, the board would not be able to fund everything that was outlined in its budget, including raises.

“We don’t have money to do those increases that we negotiated and we agreed to,” he said. “It’s not there.”

Fiori said the school system’s proposed budget was up 4.7% when other county departments had been held at or below 2%.

“The ball is in the court of the board of education,” he said. “They have more than adequate funding to balance the budget. All of our hardworking teachers, support staff and bus drivers should be given the raises they were promised.”

County officials believe the school system could be using its roughly $9 million in remaining ESSER grants to help with the budget. School system officials, however, have said that there are significant restrictions on that funding. School board member Katie Addis, who has been asking for more transparency from the school system since March, suggested that money could fund raises. Officials were quick to respond that it could not but went on to acknowledge it could be used to provide one-time bonuses. They stressed that spending ESSER funds required state approval.

“There’s definitely a process we’d have to go through to be shifting any of

that funding,” said Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief operating and academics officer grades 9-12.

Addis said at the end of the day, the school system still had to figure out how to deal with the reduced budget. She said pay had already been negotiated with teachers and support staff.

Todd Ferrante, president of the school board, said a community-based school system couldn’t function properly with a $4.5 million shortfall. He said the county had started the budget process with an $11 million shortfall of its own but had somehow created a budget that featured a $400,000 surplus.

“… and we haven’t even recognized what’s going to come from assessments in July,” he said. “The county will have money. They could support everything we’ve asked for. We’d be happy to sit down with them and be happy to discuss whatever they’d like to discuss.”

When Addis asked why the school system hadn’t been able to provide the financial information county officials asked for, Superintendent Lou Taylor said WCPS had provided additional information. He said he and Tolbert had met with Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Candace Savage.

“If the administrator would call us back and say we need additional things we’ll try to produce it,” he said.

Young, however, said a detailed request was submitted to Taylor and Tolbert on April 24 immediately following their meeting.

“This request was conveyed earlier from the county attorney to their board attorney,” he said. “What has been provided to us thus far only accounts for 4% of their budget, so hardly comprehensive. Further, we have been told that the amounts in each category are only estimates and no reflection of actual spending, so arbitrarily made up. We are confident our email request is clear and concise. They should consider it a Public Information Act request as this point.”

In a town hall meeting in Pocomoke last week, Commissioner Caryn Abbott told attendees that the commissioners fully supported teachers, support staff and bus drivers. She added, however, that all county departments presented line-item budgets.

“Without more information, it’s impossible to just give more money over,” she said.

Virgil Shockley, a long-time former commissioner in attendance, said he wanted people to know that while there were some who said the commissioners were asking for an unprecedented amount of detail, that was not the case. He said that while he hadn’t received it, he'd asked for that same information when he was a commissioner.

“When the commissioners tell you they’re working with tight numbers, listen to them,” he said.

WPS Loses In Finals:

50th Anniversary White Marlin Open Eyes $10M In Prize Money

OCEAN CITY – The White Marlin Open (WMO), the world’s largest offshore billfish tournament held annually in Ocean City, recently announced plans for its 50th anniversary tournament week, presented by Pure Lure.

Held from Aug. 7-11, anglers will have the opportunity to hook a record-breaking white and blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, swordfish, or dolphin. Tournament directors expect the purse for this year’s event to be over $10 million and have added a new $50,000 entry category for the 50th anniversary event.

Additionally, for the third year in a row, Marlin Fest will coincide with the tournament – a free viewing event located on the beach at the Inlet featuring a festival-like atmosphere as well as real-time, unobstructed views of the live stream of the tournament weigh-ins via large screens.

“We’re thrilled to honor 50 years of hosting one of the most exciting and competitive fishing experiences in the world, right here in Ocean City, Maryland,” said Madelyne Rowan, tournament director. “Following this year’s tournament, we expect to surpass more than $100 million in cash rewards to our anglers, who we cannot thank enough for their continued support. We also want to recognize our long-term sponsors, partners, and most importantly, the amazing community of die-hard fans who show up year after year and make this a truly unforgettable experience.”

In celebration of the anniversary, a new white marlin “winner take all” entry category has been added. The $50,000 category, also known as the “Anniversary Level,” will add to the millions of dollars already at stake for the heaviest white marlin.

“It’s remarkable to reflect on 50 years of tournaments, especially back to our first event held in 1974. We drew 57 boats, and 150 anglers, and paid $20,000 in prize money,” stated Jim Motsko, founder of the White Marlin Open. “Fast-forward to today

and we continue to stay true to our mission of world-class fishing, with our added

408 boats, over 3,500 contestants, and awarded over $8.6 million in prize money, including the top individual prize of $4.53 million – a new world record award for the catch of a fish.”

Held at the Inlet from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the tournament, the free Marlin Fest event welcomes families to bring beach chairs and blankets to spread out and enjoy live music and views of the anglers as they bring in their daily catches to nearby Harbour Island. Vendors will be onsite selling a variety of items including official Marlin Fest merchandise and White Marlin Open gear, as well as food and alcohol.

entry categories

more than doubling that initial payout in 1974. Last year, we drew

This year, Marlin Fest will support the Ocean City Reef Foundation, an organization committed to the enhancement, and restoration, of Maryland’s seafloor by deploying reef substrates and monitoring coral coverage. The foundation’s goal is to build living reefs that will help bring back species of fish, lobsters, crab, and shrimp closer to shore.

Eastern Nationals Inked For 3 More Years

SALISBURY – The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) announced its intent to return to Maryland’s Eastern Shore for the next three years during a presentation last month at the Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

The Eastern Nationals has been hosted on the shore since 2007 and has grown to be one of the largest fast-pitch softball tournaments in one location in the nation.

The growth of the tournament is due in part to the Mid-Atlantic Amateur Sports Alliance (MAASA), a formal sports marketing partnership between Ocean City, Wicomico County and Worcester County. MAASA was formed in 2014 to accommo-

date the growth of the Eastern National, which had expanded beyond Wicomico County’s borders.

Since 2007, the Eastern Nationals has drawn over 4,200 teams, generating an estimated economic impact of over $200 Million.

“That’s not possible without the partnership that was forged when MAASA was started,” said Andy Wisk, program operations director of USSSA East Coast Events. “It doesn’t happen without all the host communities, with all their oars in the water, rowing together.”

USSSA announced its intent to return to the shore for the next three years and extended the gratitude to MAASA and its

surrounding communities for their dedication to the event.

“Without so many people doing what you do -- the experience, the sustainability, people wanting to come back year after year -- that wouldn’t exist. It’s very special,” said Don DeDonatis III, chief executive officer at USSSA. “It’s about the experience, it’s about showing off what is in the community to have people want to come back. They come back not just for the softball tournament; they come back because this is a great place with so many amenities.”

This year’s Eastern Nationals is set for July 11-29. The three-week event will bring over 350 girls softball teams to the shore.

The Worcester Prep girls lacrosse team lost in the ESIAC Championship game last week to a powerful Saints Peter and Paul team. The 18-5 loss marked the third time this season the Mallards lost to the Sabres. In a losing cause, Senior Caitlyn Hoen and freshman Caitlin Shimko each had two goals. Junior goalie Caitlin Williams had 12 saves on the day. The Mallards varsity team, which ended the season with a 7-6 record, are pictured above. The squad was coached by Head Coach Chris Williams and assistant coaches Joe Lavin, Caroline Engle and Madison Buas.

Photo by Chris Hoen

Vessels are pictured making their way through the Route 50 Bridge to the Harbour Island Marina during last year’s White Marlin Open. Photo by OCYachtShots.com

SPORTS In The News

Decatur Teams Win Regionals

BERLIN –It was a big week for Stephen Decatur High School spring sports with three teams winning regional titles.

•Decatur girls lacrosse won its first Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) 2A regional title since 2019 on Monday, defeating Parkside, 19-6.

The goals came early and often in the rout. Leading the way with five goals was sophomore Lilly Carson. Three goals each were added by Sadie Kauffman and Alina Bernal-Clark. Seniors Mia Kemp and Kayla Brady added two goals each. Senior Kora Ketner had four assists on the day.

On Wednesday, in the state quarterfinals, Decatur’s season came to a close with a 9-6 loss to C. Milton Wright High School.

•A dramatic extra inning 4-3 win secured Stephen Decatur’s girls softball team’s regional championship in the 3A tournament Wednesday.

Hot off her no-hitter earlier in the week over Arundel, Madison McGinnis was again solid in the win over Crofton Wednesday. However, it was her clutch walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth that broke up the 3-3 tie for the win. Kiara Taylor homered in the game. Contributing multiple hits for the Seahawks were McGinnis, Taylor and Sarah Smith.

Decatur will host the state quarterfinals Friday at 4 p.m.

•Stephen Decatur’s boys baseball team advanced in the state playoffs Tuesday, knocking off defending champs Chesapeake in the 3A South Region II playoffs on Wednesday. After falling behind early, the Seahawks stormed back to score a 10-4 win in the region finals behind an eight-run fifth inning.

Junior Lukas Loring came up big for

the Seahawks with the mound win and two hits and two RBIs at the plate. Senior Ryan McLaughlin had two hits, an RBI and scored two runs. Senior AJ Kolb had two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. No. 1 seeded Decatur will now host No. 8 seed Marriotts Ridge of Marriottsville on Friday in the state quarterfinals.

•On Monday, Easton defeated Decatur’s boys lacrosse team, 10-8, to win the 2A region title in the MPSSAA Class 2A postseason. For the Seahawks, it was third loss this year against a strong Easton squad but much closer than the previous losses by seven goals and six goals, respectively. The loss ended Decatur’s season with a 9-5 record.

In the losing cause, Decatur was led by freshman attackman John Fohner with three goals. Senior Gabe Geiser added two goals.

In other team news, Decatur boys swept the Bayside South Conference awards with Coach Hoffy Hoffman winning coach of the year for the second straight year, sophomore Owen Sperry winning defender of the year and senior Gabe Geiser taking home offensive player of the year.

Named to the first team Bayside South from Decatur were Geiser at midfield; freshmen Ashton March and John Fohner on attack; Sperry and freshman Tre Strickler on defense; sophomore Ashton Clarke on defensive midfield.

Named to the second team Bayside South from Decatur were sophomore Luke Popielaski at midfield; sophomore Graham Geiser on attack; sophomore Frankie Buxbaum on defense; freshman Parker Mason at defensive midfielder; and freshman Declan Horan at goalie. Earning honorable mention was junior Evan Oglesby.

The Stephen Decatur’s girls lacrosse team is pictured after winning the regional championship Monday. Submitted Photo

Decatur freshman attackman Ashton March, pictured in a game against Worcester Prep this spring, was one of six Seahawks named to the Bayside South first team this week. File Photo

An extra-inning victory on the homefield was something for the Stephen Decatur’s girls softball team to celebrate Wednesday. Submitted Photo

Senior Kayla Brady is pictured following through on one of her two goals in Monday’s win over Easton.

Photo by JP Cathell Photography

Members of the Stephen Decatur and Chesapeake High baseball teams are pictured in a prayer moment this week to recognize a recent tragedy the Chesapeake school community experienced. File Photo

Lorna B. Pearre

BERLIN – Lorna B Pearre of Berlin passed away on May 7, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones. She was 81.

Lorna was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, James Pearre, Sr. She is survived by her daughter, Stacy Shaw (David) of Middletown, Del., and her three grandchildren.

Burial services will be private. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

John Charles Staley

OCEAN CITY – John Charles Staley, age 96, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at his home in Ocean City.

Born in Dundalk, Md., he was the son of the late John Leo Staley and Irene Allen Staley.

He was preceeded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Mary Patricia Staley (Crowley).

He is survived by three sons, John “Jack” Staley (Jody), Brian Staley, and Gregory Staley (Lynette), and two daughters, Mary Ball (Jerry) and Valerie Staley. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren, Jason, Mary Beth, Michelle, Johnny, Christopher, Meghan, Daniel, Corey and Jesse; seven greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

OBITUARIES

He was the last survivor of his large family of eight children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, William, and six sisters, Mary, Catherine, Irene, Margaret, Geraldine, and Helen Anne.

John proudly served in the Navy during World War II. After he returned from the Navy, he returned to Mount Saint Joseph High School and went onto Villa Nova University to receive his Bachelor’s Degree. He was employed by C&P Telephone company for 35 years and retired in 1989.

He was a devoted member of St. Luke’s Catholic Church where he served as head usher and was on the Parish Council. He was Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus where he achieved 4th Degree Knight. John was one of the original members of the Delmarva Irish American Club. He and Pat where Grand Marshalls in 1995, and he served again as Grand Marshal in 2018. He was a past president of the Worcester County Library, a longtime planning and zoning Commissioner, and named Citizen of the Year in 2007. John was a past Board of Director for the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, and member of various organizations including The Lions Club, Elks, American Legion and VFW.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday,

May 24, 2023, 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ocean City. Friends may call one hour prior to the mass. Internment will take place at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, Md. at a later date. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Coastal Hospice or Worcester County Library.

Robert J. Chapman Sr.

OCEAN CITY – Robert J. Chapman Sr. 95, passed away on May 7. He joins his forever loving wife of 68 years Rita who passed away during covid in 2020. “Bob” was born in Baltimore to Dewey and Mary Chapman (Kolarik).

Bob was a WWII Navy veteran, who served on the carrier USS Boxer. Bob retired after 28 years of service with the USPS, a job he loved. Together Bob and Rita loved their family, OC friends, St. Andrews, Montego Bay, gardening, the Elks, Democratic Club, the Polish Club, watching the O’s, and traveling with clubs and associations. Bob and Rita spent many years in the Hamilton area in Baltimore before moving to OC MD in 1998.

He is survived by his two sons, Dennis

(Patricia) and Robert J. Jr. (Glenda). He was the proud “pop” of his two grandchildren Denny Chapman Jr. (Bethany) and Lisa Marie Gaskin (Kevin). He is also survived by his three great-grandsons Tyler, Cody, and Hayden Gaskin.

The family is planning a late summer celebration of his life at a time and place to be determined.

The family request donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or Coastal Hospice, Stansell House, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

Dolores E. Rothermel

OCEAN CITY – Dolores E. Rothermel, nee Bechtold, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, in Atlantic General Hospital following a fall in her home.

Born near Fairmont, W.Va. and raised in Lebanon, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Loretta Brock. Dolores, or Dolly to most, was predeceased by her husband George W. Sherk and her very special Aunt, Evelyn Light. She is survived by her son, Robert A. Rothermel, Jr and his wife Amy of Ocean City, and her niece Melody Cedarstrom of Berlin. The light of her life were her grandsons Jonathan B. Rothermel and his partner Olya also of Berlin, and William B. Rothermel of Ocean City. Her special joy was her great grandson, Theodore B. Rothermel, son of Jonathan and Olya. She is also survived by her wonderful lifelong high school friend Fran Douple of Manheim, Pa.

Before retiring to live in Ocean City, among the many jobs she held since graduating from Lebanon Senior High School, Dolores had worked at the Lebanon Chemical Company, the Lebanon County Workshop, HERCO, and Three Mile Island. The skills she learned in high school served her well throughout her career as she was known to be able to flawlessly type 200 words a minute. Although she had many fond memories and made great friends at each of her employers, her life's passion was for her family. Living close to her family was the ultimate gift as she could also watch the ocean and listen to the seagulls. She was a voracious reader and always had a book or, later in life, her Nook at arm's reach. Dolores was an animal lover, especially dogs, and spoke lovingly of all of the dogs that had been in her life.

She lived a long life due in part to the extraordinary care she received from Dr. William Greer and the staff at Greer Family Practice. Her final days were made much more comfortable because of the compassionate care she experienced at the hands of the doctors, nurses and staff at Atlantic General Hospital. Her special friend and frequent caregiver Sabrina Wallace of Ocean City kept her life full and comfortable in her final years.

A private graveside service will be officiated by Pastor Jill Williams of St. Paul's by the Sea at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Kenille's Kupboard Pet Pantry & Rescue, Inc., P.O. Box 598, Ocean City, MD 21843 or the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, www.humanesoicietyhbg.org.

LORNA PEARRE

JOHN STALEY

ROTHERMEL

ROBERT CHAPMAN SR.

OC Mobile Business Scores $40K

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – The owners of an Ocean City-based business say a $40,000 award from the Salisbury University Shore Hatchery competition will allow them to expand mobile health care services on the Eastern Shore.

Earlier this month, Atlantic Portable X-Ray owners Gavin Aquino and Sara Noyes Aquino competed in the 20th round of Salisbury University’s Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery competition, securing one of the largest single-year funding amounts in the program’s history –$40,000. The entrepreneurs say the funding will allow the company to add ultrasound machines to its mobile imaging fleet.

“It’s cool to see our hard work pay off,” said Sara. “And the judges could see it’s a needed service in our area.”

In 2021, following the COVID-19 outbreak, the husband-and-wife team partnered with Sara’s father, Mike Noyes, to launch Atlantic Portable X-Ray, a mobile X-ray service for residents and facilities on the Eastern Shore. Seeing the need for accessible health care in a community with aging residents, the Aquinos decided to start their own business.

Simply put, Atlantic Portable X-Ray provides X-ray services to patients who prefer or require bedside or home health care. Sara said X-rays are then sent to a radiologist, read and returned in less than two hours.

“It’s more convenient, it’s a timesaver and it’s great for an aging population,” she said.

Atlantic Portable X-Ray not only provides services to private residences, but also nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health care agencies, private doctor practices, Coastal Hospice and more.

“We went from doing one X-ray a week, then we partnered with Coastal Hospice and they’ve become a wonderful partner to us,” Sara explained. “Other home health agencies also hopped on board … It’s been a steady growth.”

Last year, Atlantic Portable X-Ray was named the 2022 Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year award winner. And this year, the Aquinos were selected to compete in the 20th round of the Shore Hatchery, bi-annual business competition for mid-Atlantic startups.

Over the course of five months, the Aquinos spent hours developing a business plan, gathering financials and preparing exhibits, in the hopes of securing money for the company’s expansion efforts. On May 5, they made their pitch to Shore Hatchery judges.

“It’s just like the show ‘Shark Tank’ …,” Sara explained. “It was very nervewracking. Five months of work came down to 60 seconds.”

But the Aquinos’ hard work paid off.

The $40,000 award to Atlantic Portable X-Ray represented nearly half of the prize pool for this spring’s competition.

“I was definitely surprised,” she said. “I thought if anything we would get half of our ask … It was a gift pretty much.”

Sara said she and her husband will use their $40,000 to purchase an ultrasound machine for the company’s mobile fleet. While the Aquinos are still in the preliminary stages of their expansion, they said they have plans to add more mobile imaging services to their business in the future.

“The Eastern Shore has historically needed more medical options,” Sara said. “We’re just happy to provide a service like this.”

More information on Atlantic Portable X-Ray can be found on the company’s website, www.apxray.com or by visiting the company’s social media pages.

Christmas Trip

BRIDGE

Paddle Wheel Boat

JUNE 30 • $125

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT HOT STEAMED CRABS With Fried Chicken, Fried Clams, Corn On The cob, MD Crab Soup, Cole Slaw, Tea, Sodas & Dessert. $125 Includes Bus Ride & Boat Ride. Call Blondee For A Seat

DECEMBER 6 & 7 • $355

Includes: Coach, 1 Night Lodging @ Lancaster Fairfield Inn, 2 Main Shows, Sight & Sound And American Music Theatre, The Old Christmas Town Of Koziar’s, Shopping @ Shady Maple & A Fabulous ‘Linner” Theatre. And Finally, A Ride On The Old Steam Engine Train With Santa Before Heading Home.

BBlondee’s Specktacular WHOLE HOUSE

• Check the electrical service panel and wiring

• Tighten screws and lugs on circuit breakers to ensure proper functioning

• Apply Noalox on branch circuits’ aluminum wires

• Check all outlets with tester for loose connections, open grounds, neutral wires, proper polarity

• Test/inspect GFCI outlets and breakers

• Check for double tapped breakers to eliminate overloading a circuit breaker

• Survey for proper surge protection

A $249 VALUE FOR ONLY $99 Call 410-641-1434

• Check smoke detectors and make recommendations for compliance with local electrical codes

Gavin Aquino and Sara Noyes Aquino of Atlantic Portable X-Ray earned $40,000 in the 20th round of Salisbury University's Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition. Submitted Photo

Worcester Preparatory School teachers Annie Seipp and Hannah Showell and their students, pictured above, hosted this year’s third grade Bread Sale as part of a handson learning lesson combining English, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics and Philanthropy. The project is modeled like a small business, with the young entrepreneurs baking bread, selling it to Lower School classmates in “The Surfing Café,” and donating the proceeds to charity. The project involved researching ingredients, creating posters, oral reports, and rotating jobs - from baker to cashier - to learn all the facets of running a business. The class partnered with Bad Monkey West in Ocean City where they learned how to make and bake the bread. At the end of the Bread Sale, students counted the money and donated the proceeds to Atlantic General Hospital. Below, kindergartner Anna Harrison stopped by the café to enjoy freshly made bread with her brother, Carter Harrison. Second from bottom, working the cash register were Madelyn Tull, Bianca Prosekova and Tobi Blaska. Bottom are third graders Joey Kraeuter, Priya Garg, Jaanvi Pandher, Peter Van Dalen and Jace Zervakos.

STUDENTS IN THE NEWS

Submitted Photos

Students in Wendy

classes at Ocean City Elementary used cardboard, paper and string to create "robot" fingers. After exploring how individual human fingers use joints, muscles, bones, and tendons to move and bend, students worked together in groups to engineer models of entire hands that could grasp objects.

Advanced placement studio class from Delmar High School stopped by the Ocean City Center for the Arts on May 17 to view the "Gather" exhibition that celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The show will be up through May 27 with free admission.

Macrides'

Berlin Comp Plan Talk Likely Near

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Planning officials say a discussion of the town’s comprehensive plan will follow last month’s growth presentation.

The Berlin Planning Commission is expected to begin reviewing the town’s comprehensive plan in the coming months.

Ron Cascio, a member of the town’s planning commission, says he’s hopeful the presentation last month from urbanist and planner Dhiru Thadani has provided citizens with some ideas on smart growth so they can contribute to the comprehensive plan discussions.

“We wanted Dhiru to come and talk to us and help us understand how to maintain the quality of life in an actual small town before we begin discussing the comp plan,” Cascio said.

In April, Thadani visited Berlin and toured the town before developing a presentation for the community. In front of a standing-room-only crowd at the library, he talked about the benefits of form-based codes—which support walkable, mixed-use development—and how a mix of public, civic and private property needed to coexist for a town to thrive. Thadani also spoke in favor of accessory dwelling units, concepts like apartments above garages as well as cottage courts, where a cluster of homes is built together.

“He did a good job explaining conditions that foster the livability of a small town,” Cascio said.

He added that the town could hire Thadani for additional assistance as the comprehensive plan is under review.

While other planning commission members are interested in reviewing the comprehensive plan, they didn’t all appreciate Thadani’s observations. Commission member Pete Cosby said he was disappointed in the presentation, as it hadn’t led to an open discussion. Commission member Newt Chandler objected to Thadani’s support of significant infill, particularly accessory dwelling units.

“I can’t think of anything that would ruin our quality of life more than the infill he wants us to do, stacking people in like cordwood,” Chandler said. “Why do you think Berlin is such a great place if we’re not doing it right? Property values are up because people are fleeing the exact thing Thadani is proposing.”

Commission member Matt Stoehr said he felt Thadani’s presentation was helpful and reinforced some existing ideas.

“We need to grow internally versus continuing to extend/grow Berlin via annexing,” he said. “Sometimes it’s useful to have an outsider come in, take stock and confirm what you already know. It is very unfortunate, and a little perplexing, as to why Heron Park wasn’t discussed. It’s a huge potential growth area within the existing city of Berlin and large piece or property, both physically and financially, that may or may not be sold. Berlin as a whole could have greatly benefited from an outsider’s perspective on the potential usage/future value of that property.”

Speeding On Main Street: A Salisbury woman was charged with seven traffic citations last Friday night after crashing into a concrete wall at Main and Tripoli streets in Berlin. Tyneshia Wallace, 23, was clocked driving her Toyota RAV4 at 92 mph down Main Street before the crash. An 8-year-old passenger was injured.

Submitted Photo

How We See It

Forever In Memory

Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005)

“Iron Man” Shawn Soper (July 24, 1963-February 15, 2023)

The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings

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More Frequent Inlet Dredging Best Solution

Though they do not appear united on much these days, the Worcester County Commissioners were all on the same page when it came to letting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers know how important routine dredging of the Inlet channel continues to be to the area.

Back in March, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers informed Worcester County a $16 million project that has been in the works since 2019 to address chronic Inlet shoaling has been abandoned. The reasoning was the extreme cost as well as the Corps’ belief the project would not eliminate the need for routine maintenance dredging to ensure proper depth for vessel navigation.

In fact, it was reported if and when completed the project would only reduce dredging needs by 50% when it comes to suitable navigation. “Going forward with a $16 million project with close to $8.5 million of the project costs that will need to be covered by the local partners (Worcester and Md. DNR) was not something the Corps was willing to commit, especially in light of the updated modeling and the results from their economic analysis,” wrote Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs, in March.

City’s Budget Practices Result In Annual Surplus

Editor:

Based on data from Ocean City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports for the last eight fiscal years, the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) consistently underestimate revenues and overestimate expenses. From FY15 to FY22, the combined underestimated revenue totaled over $19.8 million, averaging over $2.4 million per year. During that same period, the combined overestimated expenses totaled over $27 million, for an average of nearly $3.4 million per year. When these two categories are added together, it results in an average favorable variance or surplus of over $5.8 million per year.

In FY22 alone, underestimated revenue exceeded $5.7 million and overestimated expenses amounted to over $7.7 million. The combined surplus in these two categories topped $13.4 million. In retrospect, the property tax rate for FY22 could have been lowered by 14.5 cents and the town would have still had a balanced budget. Over several years, repeated attempts to encourage the M&CC for even a modest reduction in the property tax rate have been ignored. When are our elected officials going to adopt fiscal responsibility?

Expressing their disappointment, the commissioners asked to meet with the Corps to learn more about the decision. Additionally, State Senator Mary Beth Carozza chimed in with her commitment continue to work on the matter, saying, “We have had both a shortterm immediate dredging approach and a long-term plan supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” she said. “The recent announcement by USACE officials to reverse course and not move forward with the long-term OC Inlet shoaling plans means that we need to regroup with all our partners to ensure that we keep our Inlet open for our commercial fishing industry, recreational boating and the White Marlin Open, which brings in $10 million in our local economy on this one event alone.”

This week, Daniel Bierly, chief of the civil project development branch for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, explained the decision to terminate a project four years in the works, reiterating the basis was financial as well as practical. Despite the decision, which is final, Bierly said, “I want to focus really on what we do going forward. The Corps is dedicated to maintaining this channel. … The question is how do we

The Dispatch Letters To The Editor

Vincent dePaul Gisriel, Jr.

Ocean City Couple Shares Pet Experience To Educate

Editor:

(The following is an open letter to Ocean City area pet owners.)

I am writing this letter to tell you about our horrific puppy story that happened last week. We owned a 6-monthold puppy named Bunker. Bunker was a rescue with Beagle, Husky and Terrier in him. He was super cute and very smart and just brought so much love to our hearts it was amazing. Bunker was healthy and happy last Thursday May 11 while at Coconuts dancing to the Dune Hounds. We have a video. The day was beautiful and afterwards we headed home for dinner. This is when the nightmare begins.

My wife and I fell asleep on the couch and woke around 11 p.m. Bunker was nowhere to be found. We finally found him curled up in a little ball on our shower floor. We could tell he was sick and found some throw up outside. We had him in our bedroom and gave him some water. He looked to be doing a little better. As dog parents we thought maybe he had eaten something at Coconuts that made him sick. Bunker was fine until around 2:30 in

do that such that the commercial and recreational users can continue to use this channel.”

While making it clear the structural solution long envisioned is off the table, the Corps is proposing dredging more silt out of the Inlet when it comes to the area twice a year. The concept being to dig deeper and take out more dredged material during the two visits from the Inlet to deepen the channel, which will inevitably fill back in over time.

The Inlet channel depth is an unwinnable fight against the tides and currents. Whether the structural solution proposed by the Corps back in 2019 would have worked is unknown. It was this uncertainty weighed against the $16 million price tag that led to the project being abandoned. We understand this approach considering the amount of dollars at play.

More frequent dredging visits by the Corps is a better approach though than the one pitched this week. Digging deeper and removing more silted material will help in the short term but the natural process will repeat itself. Though it’s a money thing, the best outcome would be at least doubling the maintenance dredging visits.

the morning. Then it got really bad. Bunker was throwing up yellow bile, then it switched over to blood bile. It was around 3 a.m. now and we jumped in the car and drove to PetER in Salisbury.

When we got there, they took x-rays and told us he had an object stuck in his intestine. They thought maybe a rock. But then they said they could not operate on him because he was too dehydrated and could not give him any anesthesia, so they put an IV in him and told us to wait in our car. And this is why I am writing this letter, because the next two hours no one should have to experience what we went through. PetER called my phone at 6 am. and said they still can’t operate on him because he’s dehydrated and the close at 7 a.m. I was like what? Aren’t you an ER hospital? They handed me back my dying dog at 6:55 a.m. with blood shooting out of his ass and blood vomit all over him and said good luck at Precious Paws Animal Hospital, and by the way, they don’t open up until 8 a.m. How in the world does this vet at PetER not call the vet on her cell phone over at Precious Paws and tell them they have a dying dog coming their way? It truly felt like no one wanted to help.

Letters To The Editor

We arrive at Precious Paws at 7:30 a.m. and had to wait for them to open. At this point Bunker was fighting for his life big time. We finally get in to see the vet and still no one saw the dog until 8:35 a.m. Bunker was in critical condition. The vet said we should say good bye to him. I lost it. I told them to perform emergency surgery on my dog and get that rock out. They did the operation and got the rock out. Bunker was in stable but critical condition. We went home after the operation thinking we were going back at 6 p.m. to take Bunker back to PetER because Precious Paws does not keep animals overnight. But 25 minutes after the operation Bunker’s heart just could not keep going. They called us, we drive back and got to him for them to let him die in our arms.

I’ve never seen my wife of 22 years in so much pain. I crumbled to the floor like a wet rag. I’m writing this letter not trying to put blame on anyone, but want all pet owners around here to understand that we are in a dire need of a real 24-hour PetER hospital in West Ocean City. I just find it so hard to swallow they handed me back my dying dog and damn well knew Precious Paws was not open for another hour. Amazed by the lack of concern from this vet. Bunker was our baby. We have no kids. We are trying to heal and move forward but it’s not very easy. I hope someone who reads this and has some connections in this town, we can try and get a group together and raise money for a proper PetER where the vets actually care about saving your pets. I am going to go cry some more but thank you for taking the time to read this. RIP Bunker.

Rob and Anne-Marie Bouse Ocean City

No Sense Of Urgency

Editor:

For a Maintenance of Effort vote taking place last Tuesday, May 9, 2023, I am having an extremely hard time understanding why it took the school system’s executive team six days to have a meeting on the budget. They didn’t call an “Emergency Executive Meeting” until Monday, May 15th. If the budget is of such high importance to the superintendent of schools and executive team, why was a meeting on the budget not called the very next day?

That’s a situation you move schedules for. That’s a situation you come in early or stay late for to determine next steps. Instead, the leaders of Worcester County Public Schools decided to go the route of blaming the Commissioners for all their hardships, not taking blame for any issues that continue to arise: lack of transparency and com-

munication.

As a Board member, I have certain expectations. In order to do my due diligence for the citizens I represent, I am tasked to review and understand the agenda set forth for board meetings. I cannot do this task when I am given pertinent information less than an hour before Open Session starts. In my few short months of being sworn in to serve District 6, this is not the first time this has happened. I am struggling with the notion that this is not by happen stance.

Could the board president and superintendent who oversee setting the agenda have miscommunication? Maybe.

Could the executive staff, whom are all making six figure salaries, have dropped the ball on uploading the agenda? Maybe.

Could the last-minute information being presented at the 11th hour be on purpose? Maybe.

No matter what the excuse is for providing last minute, important documentation for review, it’s not acceptable.

In the name of transparency:

Tuesday, May 9: Commissioners voted for Board of Education- Maintenance of Effort

Thursday, May 11: I was told the Superintendent would be reaching out to set up meetings to talk to board members about the Budget

Friday, May 12: I received an email stating the budget meetings would no longer be needed. We would all speak at the Board meeting the following Tuesday.

Saturday, May 13: Agenda received in the morning (typically is received Friday afternoon). Budget discussion was not on agenda.

Monday, May 15: Phone call made to Dr. Wallace for her to inform me that an “Emergency Executive Meeting” occurred that morning and they decided to add a budget discussion to the agenda. I was informed slides were being made and I would receive them when they were completed.

Tuesday, May 16: Received slides between 11:30 a.m.-noon. Board meeting started at 12:30 p.m.

Like they always say, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I will have public comments to say the next time I receive last minute, significant information that is crucial to review ahead of time. The taxpayers deserve to have board members prepared to represent them.

Katie Addis Bishopville

(The writer is a member of Board of Education District 6 Worcester County

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

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

As happens every year, the Worcester County Commissioners turned a deficit into a surplus. This year it was an approximately $11 million deficit that became a $400,000 surplus through a series of cuts and revenue increases. It happens every year, and it’s why exception has been taken to the word “unprecedented” being thrown around so much this budget cycle.

While it’s true supply chain issues and soaring inflation are more difficult than ever, the concept of the county’s requested expenditures exceeding projected revenues is not new. The budget was always going to be balanced. It was just about the process. What has made this year’s county budget process unique has been the strained relationship between the commissioners and the Worcester County Board of Education. A war of words has ensued between the two bodies publicly (and especially privately), and mediation may be needed to address these issues moving forward in future years. I think both sides may be guilty of using some scare tactics to prove their point, but in their defense emotions are running high and agitation seems to be surfacing amongst elected and appointed leaders.

After comments made last week during a budget meeting when the commissioners voted to fund the schools at the same per-pupil funding as last year – which is about $4.5 million less than the county school system requested – the school board this week set out to address “misinformation that’s out there,” according to Vince Tolbert, the school system’s chief financial officer. The school board meeting then delved into refuting specific points, like the Disney logo in an opening school year event and take-home vehicles, raised by the commissioners in recent meetings. The journalist in me finds all this entertaining to be honest, but the resident and parent of a public school system student in me is concerned about the fractured relationship.

It has been widely speculated by school system proponents and others on the sidelines the call for transparency by the commissioners is simply a ruse for a plan all along to reduce the county’s spending on education. Commission President Chip Bertino said the call for transparency is real, saying, “It is not the purpose of this body to micromanage but it is our responsibility to see how taxpayer money is being used. There is no reason all of us in elected office, all functions of government, should not be open to the public and the taxpayers to see where that money’s being spent.”

Putting the politics and allegations aside, what’s clear is the county wants more details from the school system. This is a request that will not be going away during the current commissioners’ four-year terms. Some of the sharpest comments on the matter surprisingly came this week from the typically reserved Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young. He said, “What has been provided to us thus far only accounts for 4% of their budget, so hardly comprehensive. Further, we have been told that the amounts in each category are only estimates and no reflection of actual spending, so arbitrarily made up. We are confident our email request is clear and concise. They should consider it a Public Information Act request as this point.”

On the flip side, Board of Education President Todd Ferrante finds it irresponsible for the county to cut the school system’s budget by $4.5 million when the county now has a surplus. He said, “The county will have money. They could support everything we’ve asked for. We’d be happy to sit down with them and be happy to discuss whatever they’d like to discuss.” On the contrary, County Commissioner Eric Fiori, whose wife is an elementary school teacher, said, “The ball is in the court of the board of education. They have more than adequate funding to balance the budget. All of our hardworking teachers, support staff and bus drivers should be given the raises they were promised.” CFO Vince Tolbert says, “We don’t have money to do those increases that we negotiated and we agreed to. It’s not there.”

It’s a pet peeve of mine each spring for major road work to take place around here this time of year. Route 50 and Coastal Highway in Ocean City in years past have under construction during Cruisin week. It seemed this year the area was in the clear until yesterday. It’s just going to start a little later.

Beginning Monday, May 22, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration announced a paving project for Route 611 between the Verrazano Bridge over the Sinepuxent Bay and Route 376 (Assateague Road) in Worcester County. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June, depending on the weather. The road work will take between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The press release with the announcement addressed the obvious, saying, “The State Highway Administration understands roadwork can be an inconvenience, but is necessary to maintain a safe and reliable transportation system. Drivers are asked to stay alert, stay focused, look for reduced speed limits as well as driving pattern changes and slowdown in construction zones.”

Puzzle Answers

by Steve Green

Mother’s Day was last weekend.

I am blessed to have been raised by a wonderful, caring mother, and my sons – 15 and 13 years old, respectively – are beyond fortunate to have Pam as their mom as she is their greatest advocate and will do anything for them. She on a daily basis puts them first in our lives while teaching them everything they need to know about life. On most days, I think they appreciate her, but inevitably there are instances when it’s not so evident. This seems normal, albeit unfortunate.

We tried our best to make Mother’s Day special for Pam last weekend. The Mother’s Day card selection process is still very much a work in progress on our end for my sons. There will come a day when I no longer pick out the cards for them. When that day comes, I think I will refer them to this post on raisingteenstoday.com about Mother’s Day. It was titled, “Hey Teens, Here’s 35 Funny Things To Write In A Mother’s Day Card.”

1. Mom? Mom?? Mommmm??? Mom! Moooommm!? Hey, MOM!!! Happy Mother’s Day!

2. Dear Mom, thanks for giving me life. Oh, and thanks for not taking it back in my teen years.

3. I love all your texts, Mom, even though they do have way too much punctuation.

4. I love ya, Mom. By the way, you were right about almost freaking everything.

5. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Love, your favorite child.

6. Dear Mom, I’m sorry you had to have 3 children to finally get it right. Love your youngest (and favorite) child.

7. Happy Mother’s Day to my best friend, my greatest teacher, and my cheapest therapist.

8. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thanks for teaching me how to fold a fitted

sheet. (Just one more useless thing you taught me that I’ll never do.)

9. Hey, at least you don’t have ugly kids. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

10. Thank you for teaching me SO much, Mom. By the way, can you repeat it? I wasn’t listening.

11. I know it cost you a fortune to raise me, but just think how much money I saved you because you didn’t have a social life.

12. You should be really proud, Mom. I turned out awesome!

13. Mom, I love you loads and loads. (By the way, can you do my laundry?)

14. This card is good for one free “I will clean my bedroom when you ask,” pass. (Just so you know, I’ll probably shove everything under my bed.)

15. Things I love about you, Mom… your unsolicited advice, your weird random texts, and the way you freak out when I toss my clothes one foot from the hamper.

16. Happy Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day. (I’m just letting you know how annoying it is when someone constantly repeats themselves.) Happy Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day.

17. Dear Mom, can we agree I am 100% your favorite child? (Come, on. Admit it…)

18. Happy Mother’s Day. (By the way, can you reimburse me for this card? I’m broke.)

19. Dear Mom, You’re the BEST Mom I ever had.

20. Thanks for helping me with my homework. Now I know you’re definitely not smarter than a fifth grader.

21. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Sorry I make you drink.

22. In honor of Mother’s Day I just want you to know that I changed the toilet paper roll. You’re welcome.

23. Happy Mother’s Day. You might have failed miserably with (brother/sister), but at least you got it right with me! Well done!

24. Mom, you know I would do ANY-

THING for you this Mother’s Day. Except clean my room. (Please don’t make me do that.)

25. You did everything for me, Mom. You cooked, cleaned, drove me everywhere, put up with me, and lost years of sleep over me. I figure this $5 card means we’re squared up, right?

26. You’re not like all the other moms… you’re a cool mom. (Except when you wear your ugly mom jeans.)

27. Thanks for letting me invite all my friends over and eating you out of house and home. You’re the BEST.

28. Mom, I know I’m not perfect, but hey, at least I turned out better than (brother/sister).

29. In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m going to make you my signature specialty dinner. I hope you like Ramen Noodles.

30. Thank you for putting up with my moody, ungrateful, sassy years. Whew! You made it!

31. So yeah… I just wanted to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day from your child who has no idea what to write in your Mother’s Day card. (I love ya, Mom.)

32. You really ARE awesome, Mom. Except when you freak out when I wake you up to tell you I’m home. (That scares the sh#t out of me.)

33. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thanks for being nice to me and stocking the fridge with all my favorite foods. (By the way, here’s my grocery list.)

34. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. In honor of your special day, I’m returning all your forks, spoons, bowls, and cups from my bedroom. (I wanted to get you something I KNEW you’d use every day.)

35. Mom…in all seriousness, you really ARE the BEST! (Most of the time…)

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

PUZZLE ON PAGE 46